When I first heard that the good people at Stones Throw Records decided to release a collection of West Coast pioneer Arabian Prince’s music from the 1980’s, I was ecstatic.
Having worked with the likes of the Egyptian Lover, N.W.A., & The World Class Wreckin’ Crew (In which Dr. Dre was involved), it’s no surprise that the Stones Throw crew wanted to shed some light on an important figure in the electro-rap game. This is groundbreaking and inspiring music- and if you’re not familiar with the Arabian Prince or ‘electro-rap/funk/bass’ for that matter, get with it!
Here’s the title track taken from ‘Innovative Life’.
MP3: Arabian Prince- Innovative Life
This was the sort of stuff I grew up on. This was the music me and my childhood friends used to breakdance and battle to. This sort of music has been highly influential to me, and still, when I hear tracks like Arabian Prince’s ‘Innovator’ and ‘Freak City’, I seriously have an urge to dust off my old Adidas shelltops and ROCK SHIT! This is a solid collection of work from an equally solid and ‘Innovative’ musician.
Here are a few more gems in the electro-rap/funk/bass vein for that ass.
MP3: Jamie Jupiter- Computer Power
MP3: Egyptian Lover- I Need A Freak
MP3: World Class Wreckin’ Crew- Surgery
MP3: Megatrons- Rock The Planet
Gucci Crew’s classic track, ‘Sally That Girl’ isn’t exactly electro-funk- more Miami Bass rather, but it definitely has its place in this feature…
MP3: Gucci Crew- Sally That Girl
DBS’ track ‘Arabian Dreams’ isn’t from the 80’s, but is highly influenced from the West Coast electro-funk/Miami Bass sound…
MP3: Dynamic Bass System- Arabian Dreams
Earlier this year, Kittens also did a familiar post about electro-rap/funk/bass. You should definitely get more knowledge on HERE.
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