Apollo Brown
& Friends @ The Jazz Café
Another day, another visit to The Jazz Café.
For this one, it was an All-Star Hip-Hop cast if I do say so myself; and I want to give love to each as they came.
So let's begin with the namesake:
Apollo Brown
One of the greatest Hip-Hop producers this Century; Detroit's own Apollo Brown has cultivated his sound to be soulful, with the fattest bass.
A lot of people put him in the same camp as a 9th Wonder & DJ Premier, and I think it's deserved. When you hear an Apollo beat, you know it's an Apollo beat. Not many producers have that.
I recommend his album "Sincerely, Detroit" that made my Top 20 Albums list in 2019.
He kicked off the night with a little instrumental set, laced with samples to lure you in and then assault you with bass. Classic Apollo…
Next up, a fellow Detroit stalwart:
Guilty Simpson
Guilty Simpson, now with some grey in the beard, has been consistently dropping witty and thoughtful bars for over 20 years. Maybe known more for his collaborative projects, he's always an interesting voice on a track.
I recommend his "LSD" album with producer Leonard Charles (which made my Top 20 Albums that year) and of course "Dice Game" with Apollo.
There were plenty of Guilty Simpson fans in the room, which was very refreshing to see.
Next, half (or third, depending on who you ask) of one of the best groups in the 00s:
Rapper Big Pooh
It came to my attention during Pooh’s time on stage that he’s recently dropped an album! I obviously spun it soon after and I highly recommend it. It’s called “To Dream In Colour” and it really exemplifies Pooh’s storytelling and sensitivity as a rapper. And refreshing since until now I only spin his Little Brother work. Was nice to have just his angle on life.
Full of heart and his performance on stage was engaging.
Lastly – as you’ll gather by the shirt – made in Bed Stuy, NY…
Skyzoo
The respect Skyzoo and the others gave to not just London, but The Jazz Café specifically was really cool. (Pooh even said he met his wife in London)
According to Skyzoo, it took him 15 years to get on that stage; tapping the wood beneath him as sacred ground.
I don’t know how it took 15 years to get such a powerful voice, with such an affinity for Jazz, to get on that stage, but I for one was gassed to be there for what was clearly a big moment for him.
I recommend "All The Beautiful Things" (Top 5 Album of '21) and if you want a shorter taste: "Milestones" & "The Bluest Note" will get you in.
The first & last Skyzoo picks in that bunch are my favourites of the night.
Hope you enjoyed this one. I thought it’d be cool to add some recommendations on top of everything in case you were interested.
Till the next time.
Charlie Taylor
chillicharlie.taylor@gmail.com
Born in Camden, North London.
Bred in Leigh-On-Sea, Essex.
Screenwriter/Podcaster/Photographer/
Hip-Hop Student.