There has been an influx of good music coming out in past few moths but the most exciting album that I can’t stop listening to is “Shafiq En A-Free-Ka”, by Sa-Ra Creative Partners member Shafiq Husayn. I would say that listening to this album is an esoteric experience, Shafiq is the alchemist behind the MPC and he is able to blend rhythms and patterns like no other right now. The title of the record draws its inspiration from the movie “Shaft in Africa”, thanks to LA-based DJ and photographer Eric Coleman’s suggestion. But Shafiq takes you to another level, he wants you to experience a new mental and spiritual condition; since the word Ka has multiple meanings in Kemetic: soul, vital energy or spirit, he aims to connect you with your inner self to enjoy a free state of mind.
After more than twenty years in the music business and producing artists such as Ice T (he co-produced “New Jack Hustla” with DJ Aladdin), Jurassic 5, Erykah Badu, and of course Sa-Ra, he decided to go solo and drew inspiration from the sounds of Fela Kuti and Sun-Ra. The highlights of the record are: “Cheeba” featuring the smooth voice of Bilal; “Lil Girl” with its complex rhythms and the wonderful melody of Fatima; another great tune is “Lost and Found” with Jimetta Jones and Bilal. Also “Major Heavy” is an intriguing track with the hypnotizing lyrics of Count Bass D and Sonny Coates.  In the end none of the songs disappoint. A completely solid album, each time you listen to Shafiq En A-Free-Ka is like discovering a new path toward a new world, it only takes a little time to appreciate the sophisticated productions.

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