DJ Vadim returns with a whole new project and, yes, it could be his best work yet. One Self is a group comprised of DJ Vadim, and MCs Blu Rum 13 (based in the U.S) and up-and-coming female MC Yarah Bravo. Together, unexpectedly, they make a kind of sparse, utterly contemporary soul music.
'Be Your Own' is the first single from forthcoming debut album 'Children Of Possibility' (out June 6th). Vadim hooks up a haunting, spare and rhythmically driving indo-arabic beat whilst Blu Rum and Yarah trade lines and twist their voices round one another's, creating something between a love song and a battle of the sexes - just about as subtle as hip-hop lyrics can get.
Then there are the mixes. First Vadim throws in a roots-drenched remix that takes re - recorded vocals and dubbed out drums to twist the original into a more tribal roll out... Next up the mighty Amp Fiddler comes through with two funk shufflers, making it very hard to choose a favourite. Whether you go for the smoothed out piano chill or the more P-Funkish synth squelch, you have to admire the sheer musicality and effortless style.
DJ Vadim has long been a well-known producer, effortlessly able to straddle the independent hip-hop scene and the more leftfield instrumental music scene. Swedish-Brazilian Yarah Bravo and American Blu Rum have been long-term collaborators, but this is the first time that Vadim has sat down with two equals and made a record as a group. The results are sensational, a revelation.
And this is just the first taste…
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