Dj Bubas & Nidia Minaj - untitiled

Two is greater than three.

So the new age philosopher Don Knotts said, and so it shall be.

The idea of solitude predates the television of course. From Rilke to Thoreau the idea of self-discovery hinged upon the very idea of limited social interaction. Other folks are said to be the downfall. Even the Dhammapada suggests its reader, "Be not a friend of the world."

But Dj Bubas has taken it upon himself to challenge such time honored notions

In true John Ritter fashion, though, the good Dj has outsourced for some assistance. Bubas tracks typically lean heavily on percussion. The song below is no exception. What makes it different is the sheer amount of auxiliary sounds put into the run.  A mid-tempo batida, the hi-hat/snare kuduro beat is heard throughout while the backline percussion swings. The bass carries a deep groove that's cozier than the Friends were with each other. No elaborate structure is used, the track simply progresses Intro-A-interlude-B-C-reprise and crash is used for all the transitions. But what matters is content. In addition to the three synths and syncopated vocals, the airhorn is given new life. On the Bubas/Minaj collaboration the sound is more than an effect as the reggaeton staple is looped and folded into the melody.

Since his last appearance on these pages Dj Bubas has been diligently working at his style, and a track such as this presents a possibility for his many rhythms.


Notable Mention: Dj Edý [BnPB] - "Africa Beat"

If nothing else, the second feature represents the virtue of solo creation.

The author, for whatever it might be worth, is very partial to the song below.

Impartiality will not even be feigned. Truth be told, Edý has put together a banger. The structure, extra verse notwithstanding is similar to the Bubas track: Introduction-A-B-C-bridge-D. Similar afro-centric elements can be heard as well; including but not limited to djembe. But Black 'n' Power Beats is an ever suprising crew, and "Africa Beat" is an exercise in excess. Twelve unique sounds are heard over the course of the two-minute afro-house track that rests on the edge of a mid-tempo to quicker paced track. Like an older BNM track, Edý meticulously develops the beat. While a kick snare inititially establishes the rhythm it comes to change and include a hi-hat as well. Gasps syncopate while the djembe swings; the latter ultimately switched out with wood blocks. The melody may begin with humble whistle and guitar but comes to include MIDI trumpet, two different flutes. Nothing can be said about the bass that JJ did not already say repeatedly throughout the run of Good Times.

The effort is really excellent and the download is highly recommended.


- J.N.

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