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Story: Jack Foley
HOT on the heels of their critically acclaimed debut album, Ghetto
Pop Life, fabled New York emcee, Jemini, and DJ/super-producer,
Danger Mouse, hit UK shores in August for some unmissable live
shows.
First stop will be the dance stage of the Reading and Leeds festivals,
then onto London for a Lex Records night at the Scala, alongside
J-Zone, and, finally, calling in at the main room of one of London’s
best club nights, Fabric Live. Tickets for all dates are on sale
now.
In addition to the live dates, there will also be a Ghetto
Pop Life Remix EP release on which producer, DM, serves up
fresh material in the form of new versions of two of the hottest
album tracks – Ghetto Pop Life and What U Sittin
On?
Lead track, Ghetto Pop Life, appears twice; once as a
DM remix, and as a further mix featuring Slim Kid Tre from The
Pharcyde.
What U Sittin On? sees Jemini sharing vocal duties with
Tha Liks (formerly Tha Alkaholiks) and Cee Lo (founding member
of Goodie Mob).
Ghetto Pop Life saw one of New York’s most skilled
emcees, Jemini (aka Jemini the Gifted One, aka The Funk Soul Sensation),
team up with DJ Danger Mouse for their first ever full-length
partnership.
It was recorded at the legendary D&D studios New York (studio
of choice for DJ Premier and also the lab for Nas, The Notorious
BIG, KRS-One, Gangstarr, Jay-Z, and others); as well as at sessions
in J-Zone’s own Pimp Palace East, London, Atlanta and LA.
Reflecting the diversity of recording locations, the album draws
on the rich heritage and vein of talent synonymous with the New
York hip-hop scene, while also incorporating influences and guests
from other regions on the musical map.
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Danger Mouse and Jemini’s aim of 'making great songs no
matter what category they would eventually fit in' ensures that
Ghetto Pop Life defies all the usual sub-genre classifications.
Jemini comes to the mic stronger than ever, delivering a smooth
yet intense lyrical flow that covers everything from women, parties
and his own skills, through to war, poverty, and the American
government.
Injected with sharp wit and humour, his lyrics are as powerful,
fresh, relevant, and, most importantly, as exciting as those of
any artist on the scene past or present.
This lyrical dexterity comes from experience – Jemini is
no stranger to the game and played a hand in establishing the
New York hip-hop landscape through his highly acclaimed major
label release – Brooklyn Kids/Funk Soul Sensation
and the much sought after rare Jem, the Scars and Pain
EP.
Danger Mouse’s own brand of original and innovative production,
meanwhile, provides Jemini with the perfect backdrop.
His highly crafted bounce-filled beats are backed by humorous
vocal samples, strings, guitar loops, and even a church choir
(check out the intro to the title track), which all blend together
to create an intoxicating funk and soul-fuelled soundscape.
Ghetto Pop Life sees DM reference a wide variety of sources.
Musical influences range from Prince Paul and Isaac Hayes through
to Portishead and Pink Floyd; and time spent living in the epicentre
of college indie rock – Athens, Georgia, manifests itself
in the album’s subtle incorporation of guitar elements.
There’s also a cinematic aspect to Danger Mouse’s music
– he cites the work of film scorers such as Ennio Morricone
and Lalo Schifrin as inspiration and readily admits he wants to
be 'the hip hop Woody Allen by doing some funny silly shit as
well as some serious heavy stuff'.
Full UK tour schedule
August 22 - Reading Festival
August 23 - Leeds Festival
August 27 - Scala, London
August 29 - Fabric Live, London
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