I am a big fan of Blu Rum 13, this is his first solo effort from 2002. For those of you that are not familiar (or only Vaguely Familiar), he was the MC for Kid Koala’s funk group Bullfrog under the moniker Killer Platypus, and also a third of the supergroup One Self with DJ Vadim and Yarah Bravo. This record has a really abstract jazzy vibe. I highly recommend it.

 “The Canadian/European emcee equivalent of Mos Def has been located. He goes by the name of Blu Rum 13 and stands as the front man for Kid Koala’s band ‘Bullfrog’ and the European renown, Russian Percussion. Despite a hectic touring schedule with more than 100 shows per year, Blu Rum 13 has managed to release his debut solo album, Vaguely Familiar, on DJ Vadim’s record label, Jazz Fudge.

 The album features timeless production by DJ Vadim, Mr. Thing and G. Theft, with cuts and samples by Kid Koala and the above mentioned producers. As a result, Blu Rum 13 can’t help but shine on the impressively produced tracks. Most striking is his constant ability to drop a catchy chorus. However, his delivery seems to lack flow at times, but his perceptive and mind-stimulating lyrics make up for this weakness.

The first single, ‘It Is’ stands as one of the best tracks. Its chorus is plain and simple and will get caught in your mind - “if it sounds like / looks like / smells like / it is.” ‘N.O.R.M.A.L.’ is a sick track well contrasted by the album’s only featured vocals by Chance 1 and D Shade. ‘Letter Twenty-Five’ presents yet another catchy chorus over a funky beat at the hands of Mr. Thing. As well, DJ Vadim’s production on ‘Open Shutters’ sounds eerily similar to that of DJ Muggs.

Blu Rum 13, with the help of DJ Vadim & company, has managed to put together a solid album with only one downfall - occasional lack of verbal flow. The underground production is nothing short of amazing and Blu Rum 13’s raspy vocals will no doubt have you seeing visions of Mos Def. If you’re into conscious underground hip hop, then this album is well worth checking out.”

Tracklist:

1. Vaguely Familiar

2. Yeast Confection

3. Open Shutters

4. It Is

5. Basically

6. Spectrums

7. Bwimp?

8. Figure It Out

9. A Point Named What

10. Letter Twenty Five

11. Did You? (Fat to Gristle)

12. Wait Four

13. N.O.R.M.A.L.  (feat. Chance 1 and D. Shade)

Support the artists! Make sure to cop this here.

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