After releasing the stunning Uncut Gems instrumental project last year, Swedish beatsmith Max I Million is back at it with a new single, “A Vibe Called Blessed” taken from his forthcoming follow-up LP.
As you may have guessed from the track’s title, this is a loving homage to the legendary A Tribe Called Quest. In particular, “A Vibe…” takes the sound and style of Tribe’s classic third album, Midnight Marauders, and synthesizes it into one track. Max’s instrumental is full of the warmth and jazz-influenced grooves heard throughout MM.
“A Vibe Called Blessed” is the lead focus track taken from Max’s upcoming album, Shine On…, which serves as a sequel of sorts to his Coalmine debut, Uncut Gems. The 12 track LP is set to drop this summer both digitally and on vinyl in multiple configurations. And if “A Vibe…” is any indication, we’re in for something special once the warmer months roll around.”
“A Vibe Called Blessed” is an obvious homage to the legendary group A Tribe Called Quest. Can you tell us a little about that?”
Max I Million: I´ve always done tributes and paid homage to my musical predecessors and influences. I think it´s important to acknowledge the roots of the music I´m making, whether it´s Jazz, Soul, Funk or Hip Hop, what I make is not entirely new – It´s channeled through the ones who came before me. In the case of A Tribe Called Quest, that´s one of the first Hip Hop groups I listened to and that sound has shaped me both as a musician and a human – and in a broader sense, ATCQ has shaped the sound of Hip Hop overall.
The single is the first taste of your upcoming Coalmine Records album “Shine On”. What can we expect in regards to that?
Max I Million: “Shine On” is the unofficial sequel to Uncut Gems and you will find similarities, especially in the sense of going back to my Boom Bap roots, loop-based beat made on the MPC2000XL, but vividly shapeshifting when you least expect it.
But also elements of live instruments and using household objects such as bottles and such as percussion. A think-outside-the-box approach to classical beatmaking. But put short: Hard hitting, swinging drums and silky smooth jazz vibes.
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