Hyp 173: Al Dobson Jr

Following a few weeks of heads-down business in our mixtape series we bring you a ray of sunshine by the name of Al Dobson Jr. We were first introduced to his global sounds via the ‘Japan Project’ beat tape, released on One-Handed Music alongside fellow South Londoner Creole+ last year. However, it was a few months later with the debut 22a white label that ADJr really stopped us in our tracks. His 4 track contribution to the split 12″ literally oozes lo-fi Soul; his instrumental sketches effortlessly touch on Jazz, Broken Beat, Hip-Hop and African rhythms, with an undercurrent of warmth running throughout. It was well worth noting that he has a whole group of musical friends you should keep an eye on this year; people like Reginald Omas Mammode IV and Jeen Bassa (younger brothers of Mo Kolours), Henry Wu, Tenderlonious and Mo Kolours are a crew of djs, producers, musicians, vocalists and label heads that are destined for a higher place.

After catching Al Dobson Jr play a white-hot set at the comm•une club night at Dance Tunnel in London recently, and hearing the news of his album for Bradley Zero’s party-cum-label Rhythm Section (forthcoming this Summer), plus another record called ‘Sounds From The Village Vol 1’ for Kutmah’s IZWID imprint this May, it felt like a prime time to give the man a shout. His Hyp Mix is typically varied and consists of old and new music currently sitting in his record bag, new test presses and some of his people’s CDs…

Artwork: Elyn Kazarian

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