Good, New Hip Hop!
Yes, it exists. I’m not going to go on a State Of Hip Hop rant, but I’ve been meaning to do a Tres Records post ever since I launched this site. Tres (not actually run by Thes of PUTS as everyone seems to think) is putting out some great stuff! This is a label to watch. These two 12″s in particular have never left my crates since I got them. So, I figure this will help me rotate them out to keep myself from playing them to death.
The first record is by Giant Panda. Initially when I heard these guys I really thought they were too much on the modern throwback tip - the same tone set earlier by Ugly Duckling (not a dis, just an observation and a weak grab at a classification). The more I listened to them, the more I really started to dig them. This cut, 90’s, is only one of quite a few play worthy cuts - and an homage to Tribe. The album itself is crazy solid and even has a few tracks produced by Thes One. Grab it y’all!
The next is by Lightheaded. This is the group Ohmega Watts is from. I have to say his solo album (out on Ubiquity in 05) really set the bar highfor me, but this 12″ really impressed me with the B-side. What’s this, another homage to a Tribe cut? Regardless, this track is still a banger even though it does indeed re-flips a classic.
All in all, a big shout out to Tres! And if y’all are listening, send some promos! There are some DJs out there hearing, AND playing your records!
Lightheaded - Sunrise Cypher (Timeless 12″ b-Side)
