88 EP is the new release from North-West London producer JD. Reid. Comprising five tracks, it showcases some of London’s finest up-and-coming rap talent as well as two instrumental tracks, showcasing the buzzing producer’s versatility.
Following his previous EP Word Gets Around, JD. Reid’s name has become well known -his infamous ident has become known as a staple of quality in the London hip-hop scene – via production for the likes of ItsNate (‘WSLTA’), Piff Gang (‘Mars’) and Catch’Em (‘Stouts & Piff’), the latter of whom he collaborated with for an entire EP entitled The Rum Cream Diary. 88 EP calls in favours from ItsNate, Milkavelli (of Piff Gang), Yordanos, Denzel Himself and Gabriella Skies (both from Brxtherhood). The chorus of ‘Amber Waves’was also co-written by song-writer Jimmy Napes who has recently penned hits like ‘Latch’ for Disclosure & Sam Smith and ‘La La La’ for Naughty Boy.
Inspiration for the project comes from his travels in South East Asia last November. Of the EP’s title he explains: “I was told that 8’s represent good fortune in oriental culture. You’d be surprised interesting theories and philosophies surround the number 88. The time I spent in Asia made the number feel relevant to me and I hope that titling the project 88 will bring it good fortune.” The cover photograph was taken in Vietnam and if you look closely you might catch Reid, low key sporting a beanie, in the image. Extending the theme further, samples and references to the cult Anime film and Manga comic, Akira, appear throughout the EP, and a Chinese narrative runs throughout the 5 tracks.
“In making this EP I wanted to try and take people on a journey” explains Reid, “I wanted the 5 tracks to show my versatility and help people feel my vibe as a producer. 88 is like a representation of where I’ve been and where I’m at right now, and I see it as a starting point for where I want to take it next.”
