If there’s one thing I love, it’s hearing new up and coming artists. I introduce to you A.L., a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from East London who’s just put out a 16 track EP. Titled ‘A.L. Vs. J Dilla: The LB EP (The Laid Back EP)’. The young singer is not going round for round on verses with the late legendary producer, what she is doing though is singing and rapping over 16 produced beats by Mr Dilla. A brave move you might say, but one, which triumphs here.
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Think Floetry, think Erykah Badu, you see where I’m going with this. Here we have a very unique mixtape to come out of the UK as we have a very promising artist like none of her peers. There’s no hint of pop or Euro dance, nor the mainstream’s latest flavour, dubstep. Yes your right to cheer, because what we have here is an EP full of soul and r&b cuts with a highly impressive end result.
A.L.s covers Meek Mill’s ‘I’m A Boss’ over J Dilla’s ‘Timeless’ beat.
It’s rare you find such a CD coming out of the UK nowadays so this is one that should be cherished, listened to, shared, talked about and praised amongst other things. You might think I have an affiliation with the artist, so high is my praise, however I don’t, it’s just what she’s delivered here will be one of the best mixtapes to come out in the UK, as well as the US.
To pick a favourite track here is hard, but if I had to pick one then it would be track number two ‘123456789’, that beat was from Q-Tip’s ‘Let’s Ride’ song. The main reasons being the balance of the rapping and the singing, as well as showing off A.L.’s soulful voice. Other stand out tracks include ‘The Urge’, ‘I’m A Boss’ and ‘Get To Know Ya’.
The mixtape reminds me of Jhene Aiko’s much-praised mixtape from 2011, ‘Sailing Soul(s)’. On both sets the music is the most important thing, rather than the commercial value. If like me you feel every radio just seems to be churning out the same tunes where the machine, rather than the DJ is in control then have a listen to A.L.’s mixtape, I can assure you this one will be on repeat for some time yet.
I’m sure A.L. won’t be unsigned for much longer, I just hope the UK shows support to such a promising talent who the US labels would be happy to snap up I’m sure. Download the EP for free here.
A.L.covers Erykah Badu’s ‘On & On’