June 26, 2010
StillMuzik
Here is the first album from Canadian exceptional beatmaker Elaquent, who has gained strong support from the international blogospace for the past few years. Ela has multiple influences: Like many of us J Dilla changed his life, but as did Madlib, Moka Only, or DJ Premier, and he is equally inspired by Herbie Hancock and Marvin Gaye amongst other. After several acclaimed free digital projects and a few collabs with his Canadian colleagues Moka Only or Factor, 'Persona' is his first solo album. Successful, definitely original, irresistibly head nodding, it gives us an overview of the melodic and rhythmic skills of Ela: Crushed samples, non-quantized beats, vibraphones, millimetered bass played to perfection, lo-fi sounds, a deeply hip-hop and soulful atmosphere, these are the terribly effective ingredients of 'Persona' recipe, an album not to be missed under any pretext. Ela says: "Upbeat. Smooth. Laidback. Eclectic. Off Kilter. 8 Bit. Swinging. Music is an experience. Music is not that serious. 'Persona' is a representation of influences, inspiration and my past. 'Persona' is a collection of my previously recognized styles and personality. 'Persona' is not 'After Midnight 2'. 'Persona' is not 'In Colour vol.4'. Persona is not the album I haven't released yet. Simply put, Persona is all of the above." PROMO: Laid Back Radio, The Find Magazine, Elevator Music, Bama Love Soul, Stereotree, Wedidit Collective, The Soul Dojo, Abnormal Is Dope and many more... www.myspace.com/elaquenthiphop www.stillmuzik.com