[Album] P.So The Earth Tone King - "Gateway to Greatness / "Constellations"

HiPNOTT Records returns with another souulful project called "Gateway to Greatness" / "Constellations" which is a reissue of P.So's 2013 album; taking 12 of the artists favorites from "Gateway to Greatness", four completely new cuts and three exclusive remixes which forms the "Constellation" part of the project. P.So's moniker The Earth Tone King is really making his sound justice as he's aiming for a real earthy, atmospheric vibe that's heavy on the bottom. The album takes a stamp in dark jazz, soul, indie rock and gritty hip-hop, with P.So aiming to create something fresh lyrical and different - his mission with the project is to encompass music, creating a cinematic journey that plays out like a graphic novel and will endure the test of time. Pretty big words, and on my first listen I wasn't that impressed but more and more the set is starting to grow on me. Strong writing, ill guests (8thW1, Homeboy Sandman, Outasight), impressive live instrumentation over funky beats (P.So himself, 2 Hungry Bros., The Other Guys, etc.). You can stream the album below via Bandcamp or cop the CD from UGHH or Fat Beats. Give this one a chance, an early favorite of mine is the 8hW1 collaboration.

"Gateway to Greatness" also comes with a graphic novel tie-in of the same title, the first volume bearing the subtitle "I've Had Better Days". You can read a pretty large preview of the novell and order it right away @ EarthToneKing.com.

[EP] LUX DE VILLE - "Live @ The Loft EP"

Elementality comes through with another high quality release, seemingly out of nowhere, as they pack one of the most interesting underground rosters of any label at the moment. If you follow The Lost Tapes you can't have missed out that the duo (then known as 8thW1 & PVD) released the "Lux De Ville" LP, and more recently producer/instrumentalists PVD released his own solo album "Technicolor in Hi-Fi". Shortly after the release of their collaborative LP they rocked a few shows, including a set at the intimate club The LOFT in New Jersey and the recording of that night presented here is very reminiscent of many classic jazz live albums which fit right with their jazz-infused style. Lay back, close your eyes and enjoy this 7 track live EP of Elementality's most laid back act.

[EP] 8thW1 w., PVD - "One Two, Two Old"

Back in Spring sometime, DJ K.O. sent me an advance of the latest addition to the EMPB team which was 8thW1 and PVD. 8th is the Jersey based emcee while PBD is the producer and for me it took a few listens before I started to really realize how well-crafted and uplifting the chemistry between this duo not only resulted in impressive jam sessions, but actually made for great records that incorporated many of the best elements of hip-hop and jazz. Lots of live instruments, lengthy instrumental sections, experimental samples and instrumental melodies. Not to mention 8thW1's smooth life lessons who's a great fit over live drums, blowing trumpets, low-key piano and an occurring vibraphone motif ("Too Old").

The four track EP continues in much the same vein as the earlier songs, with much of the same lengthy instrumental part soothing the listener into a dreamlike state that's both meditative and soothing. Check it out for yourself, and if you missed out on the previous full-length click here.

[Video] 8thW1 & PVD - "Happy"

The smooth jazz-oozing lead single from 8thW1 & PVD's Elementality debut "Lux deVille" which, if for nothing else, you might remember from previous posts on the site. "Happy" might just be my favorite on the entire LP, PVD and 8thW1 displays a great Chemistry and I love the layered use of instrumentals that PVD incorporates here, not least on the extended instrumental outro which is absolutely top class. "Lux deVille" is out on CD and in digital - read more and purchase @ Elementality-
 

[Album] 8thW1 & PVD - "Lux DeVille"

"Lux DeVille" is the proper debut album from the emcee/producer duo 8thW1 & PVD which is out on May 21 via Elementality Records. 8thW1 has previously released several projects, but this serves as the first time he's hooked up with long-time friend PVD who has produced the entirety of the project. The 11 track set forms a smooth journey through the mind of 8 set over a backdrop of knocking drums and a whole lot of jazz vibes. Elementality has choosen to let fans stream the entire LP in advance via their Soundcloud page, a few days ahead of the CD and digital downloads. Enjoy!

[Single] 8thW1 - "Happy" / "Take it Light"

A couple of weeks back Elementality released the song "Happy" from 8thW1's jazz-influenced album "Lux DeVille" which is out on this May. Today we get the first official single from the project, labeled as a digital 12", and the first in a series of such from the EMP label, featuring the tracks "Happy" backed with "Take it Light" and instrumentals to both joints. Real mellow, feel good ish, produced by PVD. Direct download here or stream via Soundcloud below.

8thW1 - "Happy"

"Lux de Ville" is the title of NYC emcee 8thW1's debut release on the Elementality label which has really started their underground take over with ill drop after ill drop. With this album 8thW1, and producer PVD, adds further balance to the team with a smoother, jazzier take on music and life than, say, Silent Knight or MadKem. Watch out for the LP on May 13 and check out more music @ his official page.