Daddy G
DJ Kicks

Let's start immediately with two small clarifications:

- Daddy G is none other than Grant Marshall, MC and DJ, and a founding member of the Massive Attack.

- The DJ Kicks series is a series of productions for the German label K7 that gives various DJs the opportunity to create true mixed albums.

Having said that, I want to highlight this chapter of the series for several reasons, all equally important. Trip/Hop and Bristol Sound draw influences and inspirations with full hands from other genres such as soul, funk, reggae-dub, logically hip-hop and why not also dance music. And this is yet another confirmation. I would add that I believe the approach of the artist in question is important, giving enthusiasts and listeners the opportunity to discover new music, new and old sounds, and to recognize and confirm the various influences hidden behind the music, which in this specific case has become attributable to one of the most influential groups of the entire electronic scene of the last 15 years, namely Massive Attack.

Daddy G started as a DJ and MC in the early '80s with the "Wild Bunch SoundSystem," almost a primordial branch of what would later become Massive Attack. In an album like this, the soul&funky influences of our DJ clearly emerge, drawing from his cases to pull out real gems. Thus, we find a splendid "Just Kissed My Baby" by the Meters and two captivating remixes by Danny Krivit (Rock Steady by Aretha Franklin) and Paul Oakenfold, who "commits" and delivers a perfect mix of "Unfinished Sympathy", a piece that, in my opinion, is beautiful, you have to hear it to believe. It ranges from the blacker and melodic influences to those always very black and lighter and more fun of the reggae/dub/dancehall of Barryngton Levy, Johnny Osbourne, and Willie Wilson.

Notable in my opinion are "Armagideon Time" and "Here I Come" which demonstrate, if there was still any need, how reggae and related genres, even if ghettoized, represent a source of inspiration for countless entertainers with turntables. And if that's not enough, there's still the dark and magnetic allure of "Aftermath" by Tricky and a very particular version of "Karmacoma" sung by Ràis, the voice of AlmaMegretta, which takes the name "The Napoli Trip". This very good CD is rich in little gems that I invite you to discover, guaranteeing that you will not be disappointed at all by this mix of sounds that go from the Caribbean, through Mos Def's Hip/Hop and reach the more European albeit gypsy sounds of Les Negresses Vertes, also including stops in Arabic music.

In short, from the beaches, to the sidewalks, to the desert, to the bars and up to the clubs... always with the mind accompanying every single beat until you open your eyes and find yourself on the sofa at home or in front of the PC.

Enjoy listening.