12"

The Mexican platform Comunité returns with its second outpost in the form of a Various Artist package showcasing some of the core players featured on the 2018 bill of the festival. Through a heap of selected works of both regulars and newcomers – COM002 offers a glimpse of the festival’s signature curation of eclectic tastes, from prime-time floor fillers blended in with experimental acoustic sorcery.The 12” kicks off with a notorious collaboration between two regulars of the Tulum-based event: Tijuana’s Soul of Hex mind-bending classic approach to house music amalgamated with Mule Musiq’s Kuniyuki and his complex synth work – culminating in Dampe, a 7 minute joint-effort between Mexico and Japan. A2 continues in the vein of Cuba’s Alpha 606 – a fresh artist debut on the label. Through staggering hi-hat work and filtered synth pad beds, the Miami based artist showcases his signature electro style that blends An undoubtable latin rhythmic influence with drum machines and LFO-grooved melodies forming “Shadow”.On the flip side, Mexico City’s techno veteran Itzone takes the floor with an introductory ambient piece featuring a vocal narrative that highlights inspirational and mystic concepts–serving as both an interlude as well as a commencement to the rest of the package. Comunités regular JoSep takes on the torch afterwards, providing his always floor-ready 4/4 hypnotic debauchery and shining a light On one of the festival’s core aesthetics. Closing off the second instalment of the label, Mexico City’s AAAA offers his signature plate of modular synthesis-based experiments, welcoming into his realm of apocalyptic concepts simultaneously to a soothing closure of the record; a magnifying glass into one of Mexico’s front-running creational platforms.

Fresh off the heels of his groundbreaking album “The Reflecting Sea” with MC, Raw Poetic, Damu the Fudgemunk’s latest collaboration is with longtime friend and fan favorite, Flex Mathews. Preparing to drop their album in the coming months, the 2 have assembled a hearty EP consisting of 2 cuts and specially arranged instrumentals from the upcoming full length entitled, “Vibrations & Dreams”. Featuring the lead singles Burners and The Answer is Yes, the EP is sure to reel in hip hop fans and music aficionados alike. Some may remember Flex Mathews from the Damu produced cult classics, The Handsome Grandson EP (self released) and Live from Wonka Beats (Redef). Others may have encountered him on the road during his busy tour schedule or his recent debut solo album, “Hi, I’m Flex Mathews” with Unown (Oddisee’s Good Company). Both Flex and Damu have found ways to individually and collectively garner interests in their talents. With a running time of over 35 minutes, it was only fitting to call this release an EP. Launching the A-side is, “Burners” featuring California rap pillar, Blu of Blu & Exile fame and Boston’s finest himself, Insight (Y Society). The three MC’s spark the mic in a charismatic lyrical exhibition showcasing distinct styles from each personality. Providing the track, Damu the Fudgemunk locks a tight groove fusing ambient atmospheric noises and worldly textures for 10 mins and counting with extended DJ solos. All 4 parties reach the top of their games on Burners and create a one of a kind sound for hip hop in 2018. The posse cut is complimented, by the crowd pleasing call & response anthem, “The Answer is Yes”. This time, Flex is joined on the mic by his DJ, Damu. The duo presents a confident and fun perspective into staying positive and living the good life. If the lyrics aren’t enough to captivate the audience, the chorus is sure to catch the listener by storm to prevail that “Yes” is the answer. Musically this selection covers all bases of a hit record. The beat combines flavors from the West coast G-Funk, jazz, East coast hip hop and Go-Go which has the power to appeal to many audiences. The two hope that the songs message will inspire the masses to do their best and have a great lifetime. Side B of the EP continues with full instrumental versions. Fans of Damu’s last solo album, Vignettes will recognize how the lengthy production and arrangements of these 2 tracks pick up where the style of Vignettes left off. Whether you want good good hip hop songs or craving an extended program of instrumentals, Flex Mathews and Damu the Fudgemunk’s EP is built to satisfy.- Limited edition of 500 units- 36 Minutes of music, entirely produced by Damu The Fudgemunk- Features Blu of Blu & Exile and Insight (Y Society)- EP to be followed up with a 2LP later this spring

Elevate Melodies are back with four toe-tapping, finger-snapping, dancefloor slaying heaters, all on wax. Side 1 takes off with the Griffes’ remix of Jay Airness’ “She Staying”, all sumptuous keys, sun dappled strings and peak-time beats propelling the track ever forward. Venice Beach then takes on Sly Moore's seismic “Muoosic”, dropping the tempo and creating a super low-slung slab of electro funk, one for the 100bpm crew. On the B side, Lord Funk takes on “Black Les Grues De Nantes” from Victorius, turning it into a jazzy workout with slap-bass, chopped up vocals and dusty vinyl crackles giving it a classy 90s feel. And rounding out the selection is New York DJ and producer P-Sol who applies his midtempo skills to “Law and Theory” from label boss Jay Airness, creating an atmospheric groove with some real funk and jazz flourishes.Limited to 500 copies.

French outfit Soul Sugar deliver yet another soulful reggae 12”, this time a cover version of Marvin Gaye’s 1976 classic "I Want You". Jamaicain native Leonardo Carmichael sings lead vocals and legendary drums and bass duo Sly & Robbie add their flavor to the mix, with two versions on side B. Soul Sugar's Discomix version combines a smooth mixture of reggae, soul and funk over beefy bass lines, designed for heavyweight sound systems. Sly & Robbie, rhythm duo known for their studio work on countless reggae classics since the 1960s deliver their version, taking us back to the golden age of Reggae, the days when it was typical for Jamaican musicians to record their own versions of American soul tunes ... Ace producer Jahno dubs the mix live and direct to tape, from his very own ' N.O.F Studio'.

Founded in 2018 by DJ and producer Deni-Shain – the man behind acclaimed compilations Space Echo and Pop Makossa -, Atangana Records is the logical follow-up to more than 20 years of travels. As a “tropicalist globetrotter”, in this new project Deni-Shain, in partnership with Thomas Vicente, co-owner of the French restaurant “Le Verre Volé”, aims to dig, reproduce & transmit cross-cultural music, usually unreachable and/or less known by the public. Atangana’s first releases will be looking at the Caribbean’s Islands, especially into Haiti with the reissue – highly expected by various diggers – of the acclaimed single « Divizion » by singer Fedia Laguerre. Originally released in 1981, this first 12" comes with a remix by Voilaaa and an instrumental cut exclusively based on the additional work by the French afro-collective.