DJ VADIM – ‘COMBUSTIBLE’ feat. GIFT OF GAB

When DJ Vadim hooks up a beat, the international hip hop underground listens. His reputation spans seven years and as many continents, he has worked with the most credible, most exciting MCS the world over and has probably DJed in more clubs than you have picked your nose and wiped it on the back of your trousers. So it should come as no surprise to find him working with Gift of Gab.

The Blackalicious MC is renowned as one of the most technically gifted, soulful and conscious rappers around, with a track record which goes right back to the classic "Melodica" LP. If you’re working with him you need to cook up something special and Vadim doesn’t disappoint.

Taking thumping electric bass and heartfelt soul vox as a starting point, Vads throws in electronic blips, squiggles of found sound and then twists Gab’s vocals out in a dub style. Utterly compelling, strange and off-centre but soulful, it’s a fitting way for the Russian Percussionist to re-introduce his unique production smarts.

But it’s not over till it’s over – "Harp Song," an instrumental number, both nods back to Vadim’s earliest production work while hinting at what’s to come on the new album, particularly his new found bass-obsession. It also forms a mini-suite of music with the Gab track.

The package is completed by the more in-ya-face drive of Phi Life Cipher on "Ghetto Rebels," where Vadim bashes cool keys and strings up against stupid sub-bass and the boys from PLC spit rhymes like only they know how.

He’s back! Hold tight. Album to follow…