NEF112: We are so pleased to present the third installment of the Neferiu Free Download Series. This month, all of the executives at Neferiu Corporate Headquarters are suffering from sore necks, after head-nodding to the instrumental magic of Metawon’s ‘Electric Dyslexic’.
Metawon, an eclectic DJ and producer, presents a sample-heavy offering here, an intentional homage to his musical roots. Says Metawon, “This album came out of a conscious decision to make something that would give back to the music that I listened to, and drew so much inspiration from, when I was younger -– that classic style of hip-hop beats.” The result is a fantastic ride through a rapid-fire barrage of that head nod shit that will make your iPod smile and say ‘thank you’.
ALBUM REVIEWS
http://freealbums.blogsome.com/2008/06/26/metawon-electric-dyslexic/
Metawon’s brand of instrumental hip-hop reminds me a bit of those great soundtracks from classic Blaxploitations films like Shaft and Foxy Brown. The free online Electric Dyslexic from new and promising Neferiu netlabel has that same urbane gritty feel. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the samples came from similar 70s soundtracks. However there is a definite turn to the 21th century with its hip-hop beats and deft sampling. The first track “Unite Them” grabbed me with the soulful vocal sample and soaring guitar while “Metasoul” blends pulsing percussion with teasing rap refrains. Throughout the 31 tracks Metawon creatively combines samples and beats to make each tune an unique musical environment. My only gripe is that the tracks are too short, usually under 2 minutes, As soon as I start to get into the groove the plot changes. Standout tracks include “Tear Shit Up”, “Psalm 23″, and a dreamy “The Ecstacy”. This album get a major fist bump from me…or is that a “terrorist fist jab”? Fox News gets me so confused sometimes…
http://www.herohill.com/2008/02/news-metawon-neferiu-free-music-for-me.htm
Free music is nice. That’s not exactly a newsflash to most of you dirty leeches (I keeed, I keeed, anyone reading this is top shelf in my humble), but it still bears being said. Free music is also smart business in my opinion. Take Calgary-based hip-hop/electronic label, Neferiu for example. I heard from them a couple of months ago, and although I thought they had some interesting releases, I was absolutely rammed at the time and didn’t have the time to check them out. I made a note to go back and check on them, but never got around to it.
This is a story with a happy ending though, as the other day I got another email from the label discussing the latest entry in their free download series, Metawon’s Electric Dyslexic. Metawon is a DJ and producer who also represents Calgary, and his latest release is a sample-filled tribute to classic hip hop beats. And I have to say, it’s really good stuff, full of thick, snapping drums layered with loops aplenty, soul, movie and hip hop samples, along with some scratches thrown in for good measure. It reminds me a bit of Shadow or RJD2 when they aren’t worrying about being artistes. Also, in a wise move that follows other similar albums like Babu’s Beat Tape or Madlib’s Movie Scenes, he keeps everything under three minutes so the listener doesn’t get worn out.
This isn’t a half-assed effort either, it’s 32 tracks, and although you’re better off downloading it yourself I can give you some reviewer guy two cents on a few songs. Randumb skitters back and forth between spacey, off-kilter sounds and classic hip hop with hard drums, piano loop, and vocal samples. Tear Shit Up is a beat simply waiting to be spit over, so download it and do it in the comfort of your own home! Can you go wrong with a dope beat and a Rakim sample? You cannot. Codename Who manages to pair the Biz’s Just A Friend with some horns and twinkly synths without sounding the least bit cheesy, an impressive feat. Videogame sound effects are mixed with old-school soul grunts and the sitar on the excellent Psalm 23. Snoopin has the kind of drum loop that just makes you feel good.
Overall Metawon has done some good work here, it’s the kind of album you can put on no matter what you’re doing and you’ll find yourself nodding along without realizing it. So kudos to him, and kudos to the good people at Neferiu for making it available to the masses. Don’t delay, get on over to their site and get yourself a copy.
