The formula: a hearty helping of expertly crafted beats – one-part classic Hip Hop, one part Broken Beat – with a sprinkling of highly talented vocalists. How could the man go wrong? Well, he doesn’t! Japan’s Grooveman Spot is on top of his game here, layering squelching synths and soulful keys over crisp, snapping beats that vary in tempo and form, but never in quality. Some are head-nodding instrumentals, some are full-on fodder for a discerning dance floor (‘Rude Fantastic’), and others are graced by star turns from the likes of Count Bass D, Grap Luva, O.C., Jack Davey and Capital A. Of particular note, is the Dilla-esque ‘Turn It Up’ featuring M.E.D. and ‘My Mind’, which introduces – to me at least – skilled Japanese rappers, Hunger, Raythought and U-Zipplain. Overall result: an album that I can’t recommend highly enough!
