Pay Attention (feat. Ugly Heroes) [prod. Apollo Brown] by Mello Music Group

From the upcoming Mello Music Group - Mandala Vol. 2, Today’s Mathematics
Everywhere January 28, 2014

Following a triumphant 2013 for the Mello Music Group label, with full-length releases from Oddisee, Quelle Chris, Ugly Heroes, 14KT and Gensu Dean & Planet Asia to name a few, Mandala Vol. 2, Today’s Mathematics celebrates the breadth of talent on deck over sixteen carefully-selected new tracks. Showcasing the depth of lyricists and producers that the MMG squad has to offer, the LP delivers everything from brag rap workouts, electro funk excursions, tales of relationships turned sour and late night kush soundtracks.

Audible Doctor contributes three cuts - “No Design To This” features former Onyx MC Fredro Starr, and bodes well for their forthcoming album project, while “Space Age Love” is a rolling instrumental groove built upon layered vocal snippets and horn hits, while “The Last Real One” combines the minds of veteran PRT rapper Wise Intelligent with young gun Has-Lo.

Gensu Dean provides the backing for Yarbrough’s verbal assault on “Stand Hard In A Circle Of Thieves,” unleashes menacing keys for “Advanced Degrees” (featuring Howard Lloyd on vocal duties) and brings that 12-bit grit for Blacastan to let loose with for the punishing “Stardust.” Apollo Brown teams up with Murs for the engaging narrative of “The Pain Is Gone,” before lacing the Ugly Heroes with a melancholy backdrop for “Pay Attention.”

The Heroes also contribute “Low Serotonin” over a blistering Oddisee beat, while third of the trio Verbal Kent reunites with Kaz 1 for “Beast Mode,” which also boasts some heavy scratch-hook work from the legendary DJ Eclipse. Def Dee laces Jamall Bufford’s “Keep It On The Hush” with an early 90’s N-Tyce vocal grab for the hook, and duets with yU on the breezy “Listen To Me.” 14KT’s sole contribution is the powerful “Up” with songstress Muhsinah, while Duke Westlake recruits former Little Brother MC Rapper Big Pooh and Stik Figa from Kansas for the head-nodding “Juk.”

Rounding off proceedings, Oddisee provides the masterfully-constructed “Le Boulevard Montmartre” instrumental, sporting crunchy snares and filtered bass in a manner that would make Pete Rock proud, while Georgia Anne Muldrow‘s “Mantra (Tut’s Revenge)” recalls the sound of early LA electro greats such as The Egyptian Lover and the Arabian Prince with a dusted, addictive groove.

Acting as both an ideal introduction to the Mello Music Group roster for newer listeners and a celebration of the strength of the label for existing fans, Mandala Vol. 2, Today’s Mathematics is an essential experience for anyone with an ear for soulful music that isn’t afraid to stay down to earth while shooting for the stars.