Soul Mates US Vinyl & CDs

Review: Amerigo Gazaway is something of a master of the mash-up and has been turning out his carefully considered collisions of popular beats for some time. Now he digs into his archives to unearth - what he sees as the best and most sought-after gems for Soul Mates B Sides Remixes & Rarities Vol 1 & 2. This superb double album features choice cuts from very hard-to-find if not entirely out-of-print vinyl as well as some firm favourites and a couple of formerly digital-only tracks that now make their way exclusively to wax for the first time.

Review: B-sides, Remixes, Rarities: Volume 3 & 4 is the second double LP in Amerigo's Soul Mates series and this one showcases 15 more superb tracks from his extensive catalogue. This compilation includes exciting mash-ups like Kendrick Lamar vs. Marvin Gaye, Dr. Dre vs. Curtis Mayfield, and Black Star vs. Aretha Franklin, among others. Each track highlights a masterful blending of iconic artists to create a unique listening experience that celebrates the intersections of hip-hop and soul and brings plenty of good times.

Review: The Big Payback series hits third volume and again bangs together classic soul and funk artists with hip hop giants. This JB & The Soul Mates take on Busta Rhymes. They layer up jazz-funk drums and synths into lively arrangements that are topped with sick verses from the master and plenty of James Brown ad libs also colour the groove. It's a high energy party starter, but if you need something a little less busy, the instrumental on the flip has you covered with its big horns and sax lines getting hands in the air.