various Well Deep LP
There are certain record labels that transcends the music it releases – standing for something far greater – a sound, a scene or better still, a movement. And ‘Movements’ is the perfect starting point for ‘Well Deep’, Big Dada’s celebration of 10 years on the job.
The production and vocals on ‘Movements’ would work competently as separate components but combined there is alchemy in effect. Where Rodney Manuva creates the sublime, it’s music to marry, divorce and pop your clogs to, leaving the hairs standing on the back of your neck. And yes, that Roots Manuva song is included, and despite being played to high heaven it is still a banger that provided the platform, via it’s platinum-selling status, for Big Dada to experiment with other artists. And like a fiend in a pharmacy stock room, experiment they did!
Prior to the deification of MF Doom it was Big Dada who brought us the metal face villains intriguing alter ego in the shape of the King Geedorah project. The ‘Anti – Matter’ single applies a scuzzy lo-fi funk with Doom and Mr Fantastik dropping science. Further left there are inclusions from punk-rap hybrid Mike Ladd’s and his hyper-reality concept excursions via the Infesticons and Majesticons trilogy. As well as the Hipster Hop chief Diplo and his Baltimore bass buddies Span Rock’s ‘Sweet Talk’, ‘Diplo Rhythm’, ‘Super Pretzel’ tracks that have also been selected. TTC’s ‘Dans Le Club’ is all electronic synths, Gaelic swagger and dance floor friendly vibes.
Even the more abstract acts such as Big Jus, Busdriver and cLOUDDEAD fit congruously alongside UK rap stalwarts TY, New Flesh, Infinite Livez and grime-minister, Wiley, for this must have compilation and overview of Hip hops finest underground label.
The genealogy of Big Dada should be a familiar tale by now; music journalist
Will Ashon met Ninja Tune boss Peter Quicke, they share ideas and Peter agrees to fund a Hip Hop label ran by Will. But how many people are now only aware of Ninja Tune through Big Dada’s exploits?
No other label has quite embraced the spirit, diversity and mischief of Hip Hop quite like this South London based imprint, and for that Big Dada, we salute you!
There are certain record labels that transcends the music it releases – standing for something far greater – a sound, a scene or better still, a movement.
- Kane
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