Wukah Fred Hampton EP album art

A concept EP of sorts, Irish producer Wukah’s new EP tells two emotionally-charged intertwined Chicago tales in the Fred Hampton EP with the lofty goal that it, “will hopefully enlighten these stories for future generations.”

Encompassing a recording from a TED talk discussing the 1969 assassination, title track “Fred Hampton” reflects the death of the young American activist with muted Rhodes piano, mournful vocal samples and a lone trumpeter playing increasingly intense and frenetic jazz licks. Smokey and lo-fi in its sonic aesthetic, this is a reflective, deep cut, informed by that great Blues and Soul tradition of processing pain on the dancefloor.

With heavier, more syncopated drums and a tougher groove, “Chicago 7” incorporates archival recordings of news reports from the 1970 trial with languid piano and more bleak trumpet to summon up another evocative and potent musical atmosphere.

A nice brace of scratchy, vintage-sounding productions with a message from a new producer on the rise, well worth checking out.

Wukah: Fred Hampton EP (Dealt With Records / Digital)
1. Wukah: Fred Hampton (07:22)
2. Wukah: Chicago 7 (07:40)

⚪️ Disclosure Statement: This record was submitted as a promo.

 

Originally published in 5 Mag issue 201 featuring the making of Detroit techno documentary God Said Give Em Drum Machines, 10 years of Heist with Dam Swindle, Nala on Mi Domina, Ultra Nate, Steve Mill, what Spotify is doing to dance music (and why it’s a bad thing) & more. Help support 5 Mag by becoming a member for just $1 per issue.


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