[EP] EL DA SENSEI - "Try Again"

Redefinition Records is getting bigger all the time, churning out quality release after quality release. El Da Sensei has been featured on some of the releases but it's first now that the once Artifacts member is actually signed as a full blown solo artist and the starting blast is an EP entitled "Try Again". Only featuring three cuts, the EP's running times strictly flies away and once you know it's over but oh what powerful joints the three tracks are and is a promise of good things to come. El Da Sensei flows right on spot on whatever beat he's given although the production range from straight up boom bap to atmospheric and reflective joints like the title track - but it's always straight up hip-hop, no question about that. 

The aforementioned joint is produced by one of the most underrated producers in the game, long-time DJ Spinna collaborator Joc Max, who does a wonderful job here with the low-key production, complete with cuts from Damu The Fudgemunk. "Smoke to Me" is another relatively laid back joint with El in fine form, inspired by the lesser known D-Smooth, whose blend of haunting piano samples, progressive drum and bass, and some minor changes throughout the beat. The final vocal track is produced by House Shoes, a Detroit legend yet another underrated producer, and here he really shines on what might very well be the best song on the entire 10" sigle. Shoes give Sensei some real true school shit that formally screams boom bap and is sure to have your nodding your head more than the previous two joints as it's simply irrestible. Redefinition has put up the entire EP for stream below (or at least the vocal tracks) - and you can order the physical from Redefinition's Web Shop. Don't sleep on this and pump that volume up!

[Album] GRAP LUVA - "Neva Done EP"

There's no question that JNOTA and Damu Tha Fudgemunk's Redefinition imprint in a relatively short time has grown into one of the absolute strongest and most original underground hip-hop labels of our time. The label features both legendary producers and emcees that since their move to Redef has gotten the chance to release more music than probably ever before (K-Def, Damu, Grap Luva, Kev Brown, etc) as well as giving a chance to up-and-coming artost that based on their output have a very bright future (think Quartermaine, Klaus Layer, and Raw Poetic). Few labels in the last few years have been so hard on my wallet but I'm sure as hell ain't complaining cosidering the qualitythese guys bring to the table. 

In 2011, former InI member Grap Luva released his first real solo endeavour - the solid "Neva Done EP", featuring nine songs (plus instrumental versions of the two main tracks). The mini album clocked in at about 30 minutes and is a very interesting listen from Soul Brother #2. His influences range from his brother Pete Rock, but his work with other great producers like DJ Spinna, Oddisse, Kev Brown, Joc Max and Damu  (the two latter who also features with beats on the project) has definitely helped in molding Grap's own unique sound which makes "Neva Done" a superb listen. If you missed it the first time it dropped some three and a half years ago, Redef has now, like with several other releases from the label recently, put up a one track rip of the entire cassette of the album which you can both download and stream for free. If you like what you hear, make sure to grab the cassette ASAP @ RedefinitionRecords.com. TURN IT UP!!