Description
ONE OF THE MOST ESSENTIAL JAZZ RAP ALBUMS OF ALL TIME IS NOW ON VINYL
Superstar Quamallah's Invisible Man was never released on wax so, to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this astounding record, Be With presents the first-ever vinyl edition, limited to 500 copies. A stunning record that gained accolades upon its initial release, such as a prominent feature on Gilles Peterson's renowned Best Of 2009 show, it's one of the most essential jazz rap albums of all time. Deep jazz rap on that mellow-melodic tip, Invisible Man is an unforgettable album with nothing but dope beats and dope bars. It supremely captures the essence of a golden age classic without being slavish to the past.
Perfect to chill to, Invisible Man is profoundly jazz-oriented and captures with simplicity and sincerity the essence of hip-hop circa 1983-1994. Brooklyn-born, California-based emcee, DJ, and producer Superstar Quamallah was active in the West Coast underground scene throughout the '90s and recorded extensively with such revered names as Defari and Tajai. His parents were some serious artistic heavyweights, too; his father was soul organist Big John Patton, a giant in the jazz world known for his releases on Blue Note whilst his mother was an active designer. However, he remains relatively unknown. Invisible Man, named ostensibly after the classic Ralph Ellison novel, could also refer to how he is viewed by the public at large.
With a laidback flow and deep, relaxing presence on the mic, Superstar Quamallah is equal parts Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, and Guru. Invisible Man is refined, soulful, feel-good hip-hop of the old school. Its wise, spiritual and literate sound, combined with the summertime vibes projected by the smooth beats and the nostalgia-inducing samples and vocal scratches, created jazzy boom-bap rap reminiscent of prime De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, and Gang Starr. This album was mastered for vinyl by Simon Francis, cut by Cicely Balston, and pressed at Record Industry. Finally available on the format it should always have been on, it must never be rendered invisible again.
Tracklist:
A1. Mr. Righteous (Intro)
A2. You Need Knowledge
A3. 88 Soul
A4. Black Shakespeare
B1. For My People... It's Spiritual
B2. Lonely At The Top
B3. Just Listen
B4. California Dreamin'
C1. Purity
C2. Kunta Kente
C3. 1993 Shit
D1. We Got Plots
D2. Do Win-Dis
D3. Hope She Remembers Me
