Earlier this year saw the release of an amazing single, both visually and musically speaking. Clearly based on the dramatic, sleek aesthetics of Ian Fleming’s legendary James Bond extravaganza (later adapted for screen by Albert R. Broccoli), the Shark EP by Lewis Parker was one hell of a bass heavy, slick hip hop project (his Twitter bio says it all; ‘The Man With The Golden Sound’). Read about that here. An instant reminder:

Well, my point is, we’re in for more delights! Courtesy of King Underground Records / The World Of Dusty Vinyl and in advance of the (ex-London) NYC producer’s forthcoming album ‘The Glass Ceiling’, we are now presented with a collection of new smooth beats formed on wax; namely this; the ‘Walking On A Razor’ 12’:  

Forget about Kanye’s Air Yeezy, this is where hip hop’s at! 

Just as the K.U.R website states, expect ‘hard beats and classic drums’, not forgetting the lounge-style vibraphones (makes me think of Bobby Hutcherson pon Blue Note) accompanied by rich n warm bassline sounds, and voila; Bob’s your uncle, fanny’s yer aunt - a genuine, raw, expressive, deep joint - boomting!

Remember this? - Above: ‘The Man With The Golden Gun’ poster (1974)

Vocals by Sadat X (Brand Nubian) and Shabaam Sahdeeq. 

For me, ‘Part 1 Instrumental’ (see widget further down) is the jam - more subdued, deeper, still cunning though! Check out the audio excerpts…

and here…

…and the bare orchestrations (tracks 3 & 4) amongst others:

…plus the remaining artwork:

…and hopefully you’ll agree that both carry a retro flavour, without crossing that ever so fine line between being pleasing and just outright pretentious or contrived. 

But don’t sleep, cos the red (‘Deluxe Edition’) vinyl is a 200 copy deal and the last EP went like hotcakes (or hoecakes, as Doom would put it). £10.99 for such a bundle of joy ain’t nuttin! (Logo sticker included, for the enthusiasts).