The ‘name’ rapper guest on this 12” is Lyrics Born (Tokyo exile Tom Shimura). Mr. Born is best known for working with Lateef the Truth Speaker (who, I can report was right on form last week on DJ Shadow’s UK tour) and his releases on the seminal Mo Wax label, Ninja Tune, Quannum, DJ Spinna remixes, KRS-1 collaborations. He’s a name all right and he’s rockin’ the spot on the appropriately named, ‘On The Scene’ where he shares the mic with Rashaan Ahmad.

‘On The Scene’ is a must for any party as DJ Enki mixes it up the funky disco beats. And you get the instrumental so you can really get down.

What’s particularly up Fly’s street style is the Afro-funk of ‘Kun Fu Kwaka’ with the bonus beats track. This is so cool, sounding very sixties on the organ, you know Natural Self would fancy a remix and DJ Kam wants it on his decks.

Now, if you wanted to get my attention (and approval), any track that starts with King Stitt intro “These sounds lead the way” is the right way to start (DJ Andy Smith feels the same!) Then ‘Don’t Sleep’ featuring Bicasso betrays its reggae roots with a laid-back rap theme soundtrack for Slept On Records. It’s hypnotic but it won’t send you to sleep.

Smart move to get Jern (Authentic Vintage Eye on board who puts out shouts for all Bay Area b-boys worldwide. This would have fitted in great at that DJ Shadow gig on the sound system between the warm-up rock band (!), Stateless and the main man himself. Old skool beats still doing the biz.

And you can’t fault ‘Things Change’ as Nebulus hit the anti-bling gang rap vibe that’s now the thing. There’s some great lines, like “Limousines are so eighties and don’t get the ladies.”

This is a great 12” as all the tracks are just first class funky breaks. All are worthy ‘Singles’ and while you’re in party mood, also check DJ Platurn’s busy compilation, The Catolog — also on Slept On Records.

Hectic Mix nominations: All sounding great, especially ‘On The Scene’ and ‘Kun Fu Kwaka’.

Reviewed: Nick Andre / E Da Boss & DJ Enki — The Singles (Slept On Records) Cat. No. SOR 001 Vinyl, 12” Release date: 2006

Tracklisting:
A1. Don’t Sleep featuring Bicasso
A2. Power Animal featuring Jern Eye & scratches by Nick Andre
A3. Things Change featuring Nebulus
B1. On The Scene featuring Lyrics Born & Rashaan Ahmad & DJ Platurn
B2. On The Scene (Instrumental) Scatches DJ Platurn
B3. Kun Fu Kwaka
B4. Judo Chop (Kun Fu Kwaka Bonus Beats)

Links:
www.slepton.net
The Catalog Mixed by DJ Platurn — Produced by Nick Andre & E Da Bank available at www.sofarwest.com
www.lyricsborn.com