Kaytranada’s vast knowledge of Funk, Soul, Disco and R&B shines through on his latest release BUBBA. Abruptly starting with a 70’s style drum break coupled with tambourine and bongos, ‘DO IT’ the album opener sets the tone. His signature basslines, funky drums and lush chords are all in effect while sample stabs chime in and out on this instrumental opener. ‘DO IT’ ends with a Pete Rock-like surprise interlude fading in and out giving a glimpse of rare Funk and a hint at Kaytranada’s deep crates. ‘Gray Area’ featuring Mick Jenkins takes the album to the late night dance floor vibe, with mysterious chords tucked back into the mix and another epic bassline groove with space age synths floating above everything else. The entire atmosphere of BUBBA is subtle and funky, the mix seems to give everything the feel of being in the background, a sort of hazy party with a discreet, or entirely invisible DJ. ‘10%’ featuring Kali Uchis teases the ear of anyone raised on Disco and Funk with a split second nod to First Choice’s ‘Love Thang’ s rollerskating percussion breakdown in the opening moments with the open break left unaltered. Moments like this showcase Kaytranada’s proficiency in crate digging and sampling, a skill equal to his knack for original melodies and chords. The list of amazing features continue as the album progresses, Masego, VanJess, Estelle, Goldlink and more all contribute to the LP. ‘Scared To Death’ is another instrumental track that boasts Kaytranada’s DJ skills, playing out almost as a DJ set with filtered loops mixing in and out throughout it’s entirety. BUBBA is everything a fan can expect, space age R&B fused with Disco, House, Funk, Hip-Hop and Soul. Another stellar release from one of music’s top producers.
Pharrel Williams
See Bono and Pharrell Williams Perform The Bee Gees’ ‘Stayin Alive’
Bono and Pharrell Williams along with Snoop Dogg and Will Ferell were joined on the ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live (RED)’ benefit special. Williams and the U2 frontman teamed up to perform their version of The Bee Gees’ ‘Stayin Alive’, see video below. The benefit show was aired to raise funds for the HIV/AIDS charity, RED. Also, part of the charity drive, artists including Snoop Dogg, Drake, Sacha Baron Cohen and Phoebe Robinson are offering celebrity experiences. Bono recently suggested the ending of U2 at the final date of their Experience+Innocence tour in Berlin and was quoted saying: “We’ve been on the road for quite some time, just going on 40 years, and these last four years have been really something very special for us. We’re going away now.”