What happens when a British acid jazz band teams up with some of the best American emcees in the game? The answer: an immaculate project titled Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1.
After finding success in the U.S. with the revamped version of their self-titled debut album The Brand New Heavies on Delicious Vinyl, featuring the powerhouse vocals of N’Dea Davenport, the band returned with a strictly hip-hop affair. With appearances from some of the era’s finest, including The Pharcyde, Gang Starr, Masta Ace, Grand Puba and Main Source, layered over funky production by Simon Bartholomew and Andrew Levy, the LP quickly became an underground classic.
The only regret? The absence of N’Dea Davenport. Her presence on a few hooks would have been the cherry on top. But perhaps the biggest shame is that they never gave us a Volume 2.
If you’re a fan of the organic sound of The Roots and haven’t heard this album yet, press play now!
Full album on YouTube:
Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer & Tidal.
Videos:
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Heavy Rhyme Experience Theme feat. Grand Puba, Masta Ace & Main Source (Medley)
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Bonafied Funk feat. Main Source
