It’s been a big year for DMV musicians yU and Slimkat. Today is the crown on their 2014 – the release of the new album “People of Today.” Earlier in the year yU released the much anticipated album “March on Washington” with the group Diamond District. While Slimkat, who has been producing for a slew of great musicians including the likes of Eric Roberson, saved his best for the soundscape of The 1978ers.
A host of musicians add live instrumentation that gives the new album a complete, lush, multi-dimensional feel. Lorenzo Ferguson (Zo!) plays keys on the album stunner “Sacreligious.” Meanwhile yU expands his arsenal beyond the microphone, adding Xylophone/Kalimba to many tracks. Ben Jackson’s trombone lights up “Without A Clue” and a few other tracks. Vocalists Bilal Salaam, B. Jamelle, and Kima Aldridge add singing throughout. The album’s energy is crisp and beautiful, flowing with ease and exuding good vibrations front to back.
Special attention has to be paid to yU’s lyrical display throughout. Holding down all 18 tracks, yU offers his usual deft wordplay chock full of philosphical gems that illuminate with observational insight gained from experience – the kind where you sit and watch it unfold before speaking. This is why yU’s earned the nickname “The Humble King.”
The 1978ers “People of Today” is out NOW and can be streamed and downloaded below. This is an album worth sharing. Enjoy and spread the word.
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