ListenUp
Previously unreleased Prince, new music by Bibio, a rager from MC Bin Laden and more in our musical wrap-up
MC Bin Laden: É Grau Olha pra Traz e da Tchau
An incredibly catchy vocal sample sets up the simple rhythmic structure in “É Grau Olha pra Traz e da Tchau,” a vrooming track from Sao Paolo sensation MC Bin Laden, and it’s a great introduction to the uniquely percussive, aggressive style born out of the favelas that’s quickly becoming the beating heart of dance parties around the world. For more: MC Bin Laden’s É Grau EP releases 12 May and it’s available for pre-order in limited edition vinyl, coming out in June. He made his debut US performance Saturday at RBMA Festival New York’s “Fluxo: Funk Proibidão” at Villain, along with a mix of equally brash Brazilian and stateside MCs, producers and DJs.
Prince: Electric Intercourse
As if we needed any more evidence of Prince’s talent, previously unreleased track “Electric Intercourse” (initially intended for Purple Rain) has surfaced, and it’s quintessentially early/mid 1980s Prince—electric piano, falsetto and a super sexy narrative. The song will appear on the reissue of Purple Rain (set for release 23 June) on which 11 previously unreleased songs will appear—six of which apparently haven’t even been distributed as bootlegs. Long live His Royal Badness.
Bibio: Beyond My Eyes
Last year, prolific British producer Bibio (aka Stephen Wilkinson) released the gorgeous A Mineral Love (his seventh studio LP) as well as The Serious EP, and now he’s already set to unveil his next record. Due out 5 May, the EP Beyond Serious will feature the just-released track “Beyond My Eyes” which is a shimmering synth-heavy song that is atmospheric and warm. The track is kind of a pastiche, but immediately recognizable as Bibio—luminous.
Celebration: Rolling On
Bright and exciting from start to finish, “Rolling On” will be the opening track of Celebration’s forthcoming Wounded Healer album. A chugging bass line, peppy organ work and singer Katrina Ford’s dynamic vocals drive the song forward with joy and fervor. The LP will be the Baltimore trio’s fifth and, from the early teases, vibrance seems to be a through-line.
Shabazz Palaces feat. Thaddillac: Shine a Light
From their upcoming record Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star (out 14 July), Shabazz Palaces has released “Shine a Light” featuring Thaddillac and it’s buzzing with energy, darkness and fire. With an almost muttered intro (“It’s heaven / It’s heavy / It’s heaven / It’s heavy”) and a dreamy string loop, the tune is immediately cast in a haunting mood. Shabazz Palaces—Ishmael Butler aka Palaceer Lazaro (who was formerly part of Digable Planets) and Tendai “Baba” Maraire—is known for their cinematic sound. Their upcoming third album is shaping up to deliver much of the same. The duo will also embark on a summer tour this year.
ListenUp is a Cool Hunting series published every Sunday that rounds up the music we tweeted throughout the week, also found in Listen. Hear the year so far via Cool Hunting Spotify.
