Tone Def Systems | This Is Tea | Urban, Trueschool, Hip Hop Music
ATARILOGIC & ALASKA WESTWIND
This Is Tea (Enhanced CD) - 2007
TDS1001
$9.99 USD
UPC - 606041237728
BUY IT AT CD BABY (CD)
BUY IT AT ITUNES(MP3)
The first incendiary release from Lay Flat's finest, Atarilogic & Alaska Westwind. Alliance in defiance in hi-fidelity stereo sound!
"Girl won't you buy me this CD?"
"MC and DJ. Acronyms of power. The early formula of the Eric B’s, Rakim’s, Pete Rock’s and CL Smooth’s remains, and that potential for greatness is ever-looming. Enter Atarilogic and Alaska Westwind, an Indiana scratch+rap duo uniting disparate views of funky break, soul, pop, under the banner of timeless boom-baptastic hip-hop. Alaska Westwind’s style is a throwback to straightforward, enunciated rhyme-types, a 2000’s transplant of yesteryear’s rap-masters. A bit bass, forceful presence, a beat-centric cadence, even some humor on the hook, Westwind is the voice of the duo. Still, his support man Atarilogic has got his own vision, a progressive mental with noticeable homage to older music types. Beats go boom-bap, quick and drum-centric breaks, menacing heavy rock, even some synth-prance ala Sheila E. singles, their most recent album This is Tea is varied to say the least. Atarilogic is no “yes man” behind-the-coffin dweller, but an artist in his own right. Add the soul of a Miss Kailey Joy’s vocals, and this layer-cake is ready to bake at 400. The compromise between these styles is a unique journey with an undeniable familiarity, that “I’ve been here before” feeling, though something different this time around. Crisp, clean, energetic, and respectful of pioneers past, what’s in store for the dynamic duo? Tune in next time…"
"The use of tea as a metaphor is an unlikely one in hip hop, but for these guys, it works well in its abstract simplicity. The most pertinent example here: The longer you steep the brew, the stronger the resulting beverage will be. On their first full length, this duo proves that they have certainly taken their time, yielding a sound that is dense and mellow, with very little filler. While trends in hip hop continue to lean towards the use of multiple producers to fill an album, it has become a rare treat to hear a record that relies on one beatsmith. Instead of what seems like a collection of singles, you get the cohesion of a real album, with each track retaining its own identity but also being distinctly branded with the mark of its maker. Atarilogic knows this all too well, and he skillfully uses his command and vision to his advantage. Taking a true school sound and beefing it up when need be, his tracks flow seamlessly in and out of one another, blending soul with hints of jazz and funk. The beats hit hard, but also know when to lay back and ride a groove, giving the cut a chance to find its flow. It's a perfect compliment for Alaska's vocal style, which takes the same approach, making his complex streetwise sparring sessions seem effortless. While this record will no doubt appeal to the real hip hop heads, it's a sure shot for any fan of intelligent music who's looking for songs to spin again and again."
"The enigmatic duo come strong from the gate with this, their first full length, steeped in versatile stylistics and a true-school party ethic that makes this a must have. Chock full of anthemic flavors, this 'Tea' is hot!"
"Speaking of the fabled Midwest Funkzone, producer Atari & MC Alaska present a full platter of heavy beats and solid rhymes to represent Indiana to the world...you will be hooked."
"Warm up to hot beats, sweet lyrics and quenching rhymes with This Is Tea"
"...vibrant tracks which bustle with groove and are as conscientious as they are club-banging."
"This hasn't left the cd player...has all types of fresh stylings & is a banger thru & thru."
