Funk filled beats for the people! Potatohead People, the hip hop production duo of Nick Wisdom and AstroLogical, draw influence from across the musical map. However, guiding line seems to be the soul filled productions of Dilla and much of the output of the Soulquarians. Sure they grab pieces of disco and jazz fusion, take a slice of early DJ Shadow and mix in a little boom bap for good measure. Instrumental excursions like "Blue Charms" showcase the duos flexibility, but they truly shine on the more hip hop leaning tracks. "Explosives" featuring Illa J and Moka Only is a fantastic example. It's funky and soulful, and the beat matches the MCs to a t. Elsewhere, when the duo teams up with Sorceress, they evoke Erykah Badu in her more sultry moments. Big Luxury goes the distance to prove that the funk is alive and well up north.

• music label: Bastard Jazz Recordings 2015

reviewed by Kool Moby 05/2015