Rating: NNNN
Vol. 4 of the always-quality Up North Trip comp dropped by Under Pressure magazine and Dave 1 and his bro DJ A-Trak’s label, Audio Research, doesn’t disappoint. It’s not rocket science this is traditional, Preemo-influenced, vocal-snip-laden Ca-nadian backpacker/indie rap. But the production throughout is exceptionally dope. I’m counting zero dud beats. Moka Only’s razor-sharp funk stabs, Classified’s dub horn loops, DJ Serious’s synth-overlayed soul and Nish Raawks Woo-Hah!!-sampled Headnodish, with its thick, gritty bass line, should all be bumped loudly. And DJ Furious’s Vagabond’s Theme, an incredible 90-second instrumental with a classical guitar sample drop at the climax, will really tickle your Elmo.
