Dj N*gga fox [L.X.M.B.] - " Um Ano"

J.K. Rowling was the real wizard.

The ability to regularly address that which can never be named cannot be discounted.

It is for this reason precisely that the following artist has not yet been featured on these pages. After all, talent is not lacking. The body of work in question is both ample and regularly updated. But as a decidedly light-skinned human of a dual Hispanic/Semitic persuasion, the artist's name is difficult for the author to address. Alas, the beatmaker's exceptionalism cannot be denied. In terms of tiers - alongside the CDM crew, Alto Nivel, Black$ea Nao Maya, and Firmeza - N*gga fox lounges between two pillars of ivory.

The following song, however, seems to be as good a reason as any to introduce Dj N*gga fox to these pages. Released on the Principe SoundCloud yesterday, what follows is the first single off a new 12'' record set to be released 24 March. Titled, "Um Ano," the track is a highly percussive, mid-tempo afro-house number; none of which does the song justice. The bars are extended - sixteen beats as opposed to eight - and while a song head is present, it only takes proper form after a layered introduction. Following the interlude, two melodic sections appear: one led by a high pitched instrument (akin to a cuica, but not quite) and the other by vocals. But the main event, oddly enough occurs after the midway-point. The swing suddenly becomes heavier. The melodic phrasing becomes shorter and the potential of hypertension rises. Rather than use a synth to provide harmony, a steady industrial hum creates the ambiance.

As with the best dance songs, the ability to become lost within the track comes effortlessly to the listener. A further exploration of the man's work is highly recommended.


Notable Mention: Black Starz Dj's - "Nosso 2015"

The quality of music is not declining. Much to the contrary, it seems that there has rapidly become a niche audience for any sort of creation. The real question music industry critics should be asking is whether the extensive talent pool is simply diluting the ability to appreciate a good, or even great, musician.

Lofty questions aside, it seems that for every Tier 1 beatmaker their is an altogether unknown slowly gaining the chops to crash the party. Black Starz Dj's - a pan European crew of producers - is just one such example. The song below is also a mid-tempo afro-house song. Transitions consistently marked by a crash cymbal. A four to the floor kick drum maintain the underlying melody. The overall idea, though, is very much present. More than just auxilliary syncopation, the woodblocks find a heavy grove. Snares of some variety are present throughout. But like, "Um Ano," the showstopper appears after the loop in the form of a second whistle and a vocal sample.

Far from mundane, the real travesty is the lack of a download because "Nosso-2015" would make fertile grounds for remixes.


- J.N.

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