“We’re from Detroit, we could mention that, cause people tend to like music from Detroit.” Ahkatari
Such is the allure of Detroit as a past and present hotbed of musical activity, that simply associating yourself with the city can turn heads. While soul and techno grabs the headlines, Detroit’s hip-hop heritage is also significant, with Slum Village, Eminem, D12, Obie Trice, Big Sean and Danny Brown playing their part. Delve a little deeper and you’ll find Ahkatari, a duo bringing a Jamaican flavour to the rough and ready sound of their native city.
This month the release their debut album on London label The Jazz Diaries and we’re delighted to premiere our favourite. Whitaker (on beats), is also bossman of Butter Made Records, one of Detroits emerging hip-hop collective, recently featured by Fact in their ‘New Sounds of the Motor City‘. Walker (words and rhymes) has also release on the label and bring that deep MF Doom, Method Man sound to his verses for Ahkatari. We’re told they got involved with The Jazz Diaries after linking up with Honeydrips in Jamaica, who already had something going with another label signee Jitwam. A peace was negotiated once Ahkatari sent over some music and TJD004 is the result. A reggae infused hip-hop LP initially sounded a bit gimmicky, but the fusion works seamlessly between producer and lyricist and, thankfully, we’re told there’s plenty more forthcoming.
TJD004 drops on (or around) 23rd October via The Jazz Diaries. Pre-order on digital or hand-painted vinyl at Bandcamp. No Shakin’ will be throwing an album launch at Rye Wax this Thursday, with K15, Al Dobson Jr, Henry Wu and Tenderlonious.
