CONNOISSEURS“UV” b/w “R&B” Record label: Dis-Joint Format: 12” Release date: summer 2004 The Dis-Joint label was founded four years ago by Vinnie Esparanza and Chris Veltri, two guys who just wanted to release music that they liked. Over the years, they’ve built up a modest discography that includes a handful of singles, largely focusing on funk, dub, and Latin jazz reissues. The Connoisseurs 12-inch marks the label’s first foray into hip-hop and, man, did they set the bar high. This is the type of stuff that could only come out of the Bay Area. Produced by No, the sonic makeup of these songs are vastly different from anything else out there. At times, “UV” sounds like a psychedelic take on The Bomb Squad’s best work, but around the tempo of booty bass. So much is going on in the instrumental version alone; with the vocals on top, it’s just insane. First out the gate is P.E.A.C.E. of Freestyle Fellowship, setting the tone with a rapid fire delivery. Deranged and Mawnstr follow right in step with a Dirty South lean in their diction. The flip side features “R&B,” but ain’t nothin’ goin’ on but real hip-hop up in here. The midtempo flow of the shuffling beats set the stage for more head-turning performances from the MCs, and they make good on the challenge. Topped off with a flurry of turntable tactics to conclude the selection, the B-side wins again. This 12-inch leaves you wanting – I’ve GOTTA hear more. Can you imagine a whole album’s worth of material of this caliber?!? Please note: The single comes with vocal and instrumental versions of both tracks (thank you!!) as well as a clean version of “UV.” {chloe knuckles}
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