Chris Read - Colo(u)rs of the World (2017)

“Respected producer, renowned digger, and prolific DJ, Chris Read has been releasing and compiling music on BBE for many years now, both as a solo artist and as producer of electronic soul outfit Maylight. Created in collaboration with Chicago rapper and vocalist Pugs Atomz, ‘Colours Of The World’, started life when the latter was in London recording and touring with BBE label-mate and mutual friend DJ Vadim’s group The Electric. Having recorded a small collection of tracks during Pugs’ time in London town, two of which appeared Chris Read’s 2015 producer collection ‘All Night’, the duo continued to exchange ideas and recordings across the pond after Pugs’ return to his native Chicago, completing the album with the addition of several guest vocalists and musicians from both Chicago and London.

A true hip hop renaissance man, Pugs Atomz has travelled the world several times over, always making a lasting impression thanks to his energetic stage performances, forward-thinking attitude and highly relatable lyrics. Mix-tape maestro and sample head, Chris Read’s beat-making credentials simply cannot be overstated. ‘Colours Of The World’ bridges the gap between traditional boom-bap sonics and future soul, utilizing obscure jazz fragments to create dazzling sonic mosaics; smooth, sumptuous and soulful throughout. Pugs’ dextrous flow switches seamlessly between classic rap styles and more abstract, ‘OutKast-esque’ vocal acrobatics. An unmistakably contemporary LP made in the image of progressive, life-affirming 90s hip hop and containing a unique blend of UK/US influences, ‘Colours Of The World’ is almost as nostalgic as it is original.”

Tracklist:

01. Chris Read, Pugs Atomz - Colo(u)rs of the World
02. Chris Read, Pugs Atomz, Junior P Williams - She Said
03. Chris Read, Pugs Atomz - Dedication
04. Chris Read, Pugs Atomz, Wes Restless, Juice Aleem - Nice and Easy
05. Chris Read, Pugs Atomz, Simeon Viltz, THAIONE DAVIS - You
06. Chris Read, Pugs Atomz, Awdazcate, Inari Gold - Black Nite
07. Chris Read, Pugs Atomz, Wes Restless - Drum Roll
08. Chris Read, Pugs Atomz - Baby Don't Go
09. Chris Read, Pugs Atomz, Simeon Viltz - Be Strong
10. Chris Read, Pugs Atomz, Neak, Mojo Green - Chocolate Milk
11. Chris Read, Pugs Atomz - For The Paper