Vice Beats - Aspects (Album)
Photo Credit: Chris Beschi
Aspects is Bristol (UK) based producer Vice Beats’ second full length vinyl release, the first being the only official UK based J Dilla tribute to date, entitled “Dilla: The Timeless Tribute”.
Having worked with the likes of Akil Tha MC, A-Plus (Souls Of Mischief), ASM, Nutty P, Audessey, Greg Blackman and many more, Vice Beats explores the meaning of connection through Aspects; a concept album that weaves its way through emotions, views and countries, finding an array of unique voices along the way.
The album hosts a stellar cast of musicians, including the lead single “Connected” which features the legendary lyricist Blu (Exile, J Dilla, The Roots, Madlib and more) alongside the supreme MC skills of Napoleon Da Legend, and cuts from UK based scratch wizard JabbaThaKut.
Aspects was born into a pandemic, and created throughout covid; it is essentially a panegyric to the importance of interconnection, with Vice Beats charting his own journey, from the wait for the birth of his son, Eben, to navigating the loss of connection through Covid restrictions. It took two years to complete. As the album launches into the universe it delves into the personal worlds of a host of talented live musicians and artists such as Pseudo Slang, Mac Lloyd, Tommy Evans and many more, we get to explore an emotional journey through time and space. As such, Aspects is a highly relatable album that needs to be truly heard.
Vice beats has garnered support from tastemakers around the world, including Gilles Peterson, DJ Premier, Chuck D, Craig Charles, Tom Robinson and more, in addition to playlist support from Spotify’s Jazz Rap, Mellow Beats and New Music Fridays selections, plus support from Adidas and Ministry Of Sound to name a few.
The album, released on the 26th May 2023 as a limited edition vinyl package from HHV Records alongside Bandcamp and all streaming platforms with beautifully crafted, detail oriented graphics from Japanese designer Nearski. There was also a multi-sensory launch party at Lost Horizon, Bristol on the 24th May hosted by Monkey Shoulder and Hip Hop Coffee Shop Sessions. This album has been made possible in part by funding from Help Musicians and MOBO.