/images/i_rss.png)
/images/i_twitter.png)
/images/i_facebook.png)
Benga: Phaze One
By dizzurt at June 10, 2010 | 6:33 am | Print
ATTENTION: Calling all soldiers of the Dubstep army, your captain needs YOU! The self proclaimed Afro-Warrior a.k.a Adegbenga Adejumo a.k.a Beni Uthman a.k.a BENGA has just unleashed his newest EP, entitled Phaze One (2010, Tempa Records). Hailing from Croydon, South London, the unofficial Don of Dubstep has been one of the most influential and prolific artists in the genre since the early Noughties (London-speak for the 2000’s). He achieved legendary status after dropping his critically acclaimed second album, Diary of an Afro Warrior (2008, Tempa Records), which made Resident Advisor’s list of top 100 albums of the 00’s. Not bad, considering the relative newness of the genre and its hyper-local beginnings. Not to mention Benga’s 2008 BBC1 Essential Mix, which is one of the most widely downloaded and listened to mixes to date. He has since continued to blow the minds of dubsteppers worldwide, with his signature gut-troubling bass, syncopated two-step drum lines, high-end grimy, acid washed synths and of course that massive, blood curdling wobble. This man is dubstep at its finest, a bass preacher, more than just a DJ.
And he never stops working. His commitment to the scene and to its growth, as well as his own artistry, is evident through his hardcore work ethic – constantly playing, touring, coming out with new tracks and working heavily with other artists such as Skream, Artwork, and Coki, just to name a few. Aside from the vast compilations, side projects, radio shows, mixes and tours, Benga has dropped a dozen solo 12” vinyls, three EP’s (including this one), five singles, and a full album in the past four years since the release of his debut album, Newstep (2006, Benga Beats). That’s a lot of work. But the most impressive part of his lengthy discography is the consistent quality, which is the real reason for the success that Benga enjoys now.
Phaze One flows like a well-told story – elements are intertwined, tracks ride in and out fairly seamlessly, and there is an overall cohesiveness that creates a smooth progression throughout the eight tracks. The album kicks off with the simple, syncopated clapping of the aptly named “Baltimore Clap” – which gave me bass blue balls the first time I heard it, making me think the beat would drop at any moment, but it never did. No worries though, you’re guaranteed to be satisfied by the wobble heavy “eyeTunes”, through the grating, sliding, grinding synths and sprinkled raindrop sounds of “Mini Motor Cross”. My favorite track on the album, by far, is the half tempo, grimy, disgusting, frightening and utterly SICK track entitled “Rock Music.” With it’s dramatic orchestral horns, tribal war drums, and screechy horror movie sound effects, this tune feels like a dubstepper’s call to arms. Its the type of track to make the whole crowd scream, “OHH!!!” as soon as the beat drops. The image I get is a thousand hunched-back, zombie eyed wookies trudging across a dark muddy field, wielding various glow gear, their weapons of choice.
Now, if you were to buy Phaze One in vinyl format, “Rock Music” would be the last track on the EP. However, if you buy the digital version online, you are rewarded with two bonus tracks – “Transform” and “No Bra, No Panties”. I don’t think the digital version costs anything extra; maybe this is an effort on Benga’s part to conserve resources and be more green? Not sure, but I suggest buying the album online.
Ara @ Benga LPR
On a quick side note, I’d like to point out the fact that he is also one of the very few black dubstep DJ’s out there, which surprises the hell out of me considering the deep reggae dub and African/West Indian roots of the sound. Actually, if I may continue my rant, Benga is originally the name of a genre of music native to the Luo tribe in Kenya (Barack Obama Sr.’s native tribe, FYI) which emerged in the late 1960’s as a way to define the national sound of Kenya. It’s steady driving, syncopated drums, high pitch guitar and vocals, and heavy rhythmic baseline characterize this style of music. Sound familiar?
Phaze One may not give you another one of Benga’s unforgettable anthems that put him on the map in the first place, but its definitely a sign of new, big things to come from dubstep’s fearless leader. One thing is for damn sure – these tracks are meant for large, large speakers and are gunna keep the dance floor bumpin’ all summer long. Can’t wait for Phaze Two!
- Ara Morton
Related posts:
rivera, 1 year ago
benga is as oldschool as dubstep gets and most certainly has skills on the 1′s and 2′s. im guessing the digital version has more tracks simply because they cant fit it on vinyl. i like the article, but i feel like bengas new tunes are best listened too while in the mix. it seems kind of dragged out when listing to the ep as a whole. ok album, good dj tools. although i do agree that most producers/djs are white, their are many heavwieght black dj’s out there that have helped develop and shape the sound of dubstep. off the top of my head i can think of benga, mala, jakes, joker, simonbasslinesmith, joenice, marcus visionary, coki, heny G,chefal,12 planet, Kutz,cotti, and cooly g and roska (uk funky).
ranchsauce, 1 year ago
Hell yeah Mala is what’s up, that whole list is serious. I agree that Benga is best while mixed in a set, I have lost the urge to sit and listen to an ep all the way through. Diff strokes for diff ragers i suppose!
dizzurt, 1 year ago
Diary of an afro warrior is still one of the greatest dubstep albums of all time. Straight Thru. One of those albums that really brings you into a genre. Even tho dubstep is slightly falling off with all of its copy cats and producers putting out half assed albums, Benga is still tearing it up. He made Caspa look like a joke in NYC, and hes still about heavy bangers in a day and age where dubstep is now about R&B. Diary of an Afro Warrior will always be one of the greats, even if you aren’t a dubstep fan…It can be listen to tracks 1 – 14 by anybody.