When two of hip-hop’s most amazing composers get together to craft an album, you know the results are going to be very special. Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest) & Adrian Younge began their music journey together in 2013, on the critically acclaimed album “There Is Only Now” and their partnership was solidified on their score work for Marvels’ Luke Cage. The album that these musical geniuses delivered is beyond beautiful. The release of this well constructed, and vibrant work is known as “The Midnight Hour.” This was the duo’s long awaited album, showcasing their songwriting ability alongside their musical talents.
I’m going to touch on three tracks, for now. I will definitely revisit this timeless classic, in the near future. Let’s begin with “Questions” featuring CeeLo Green (Goodie Mob). This song has CeeLo stepping into a different vibe, and is truly a stand-out track from the release. There is definitely some history behind the song, as it was discussed some years earlier, as the sample was tied in with Kendrick Lamar. The bossa nova touch is definitely a wonderful treat. I am a fan of vintage Brazilian sounds, so this definitely has my ears.
Another track I thoroughly enjoyed from this album is “Do it Together” featuring Bilal, and let me tell you… This powerful. The eccentric, yet soulful vibe of live retro sounds are delivered on this wonderful work. The vocals are both high and low, blending well with this up-tempo track. There’s a great deal going on, and it all pairs well.
For the third, and final track I will touch on…Angela Muñoz delivers! “Bitches do Voodoo” is quite the song, bringing forth the powerful voice and feeling of this extremely talented young singer. The song is short, sweet, and heartfelt. I definitely wouldn’t mind hearing an extended version of “Bitches do Voodoo” sometime in the future. This one is definitely on repeat.
I had the pleasure of watching The Midnight Hour’s live performance at The New Parish in Oakland, CA. Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Adrian Younge, Angela Muñoz, and the rest of the Linear Labs musicians did a wonderful job performing. This was a performance that needed to be recorded, as it was definitely on another level. I look forward to reviewing these great artists full catalogue, in the near future.
The 20 track, 61 minute, full length double album, was released on Linear Labs 06/08/2018.
Tracks:
Black Beacon
Mare feat. LadyBug Mecca
It’s You feat. Raphael Saadiq
Questions feat. CeeLo Green
So Amazing feat. Luther Vandross
Gate 54
Do It Together feat. Bilal
Redneph In B Minor
Better Endeavor
Smiling For Me feat. Karolina
Don’t Keep Me Waiting feat. Marsha Ambrosius
Bitches Do Voodoo feat. Angela Munoz
Possibilities feat. Eryn Allen Kane
Mission
Dans Un Moment D’errance feat. Laetitia Sadier Questlove and Keyon Harrold
Love Is Free feat. Eryn Allen Kane
Together Again feat. No I.D. and James Poyser
Feel Alive feat. Karolina and Loren Oden
There Is No Greater Love feat. Loren Oden and Saudia Yasmein
Ravens
Please remember, there is no expiration date for great music!
- M. Aundre
