About this item

Follow up to widely acclaimed debut. First release sold out first pressing before street date. Builds on first release with more vocalists. RIYL: Jlin, DJ Rashad, DJ Maphorisa. There’s more than a hint of ambition on the double LP sophomore effort from Sam Austin Rabede, the producer known as DJ Black Low. Pretoria, South Africa-born and based, the young man makes amapiano with new ways of expressing this local turned-global style of dance music. In DJ Black Low’s musical imagination, the songs manage to smoothly vacillate between dreamy and firmly-grounded. Adorned with vocalists across most of the twelve tracks, there’s a new dimension to Black Low’s now-signature approach to abstract, angular deconstruction of the rhythmic developments in his songs.

The album references influences and ambitions in its song titles and lyrics while the music itself is anthemic in its sonic and structural aspirations. On many of the songs a slow-burning tension transforms into something unexpected until you’re somewhere else as the track concludes. There is an emotional and compositional maturity that builds on his earlier work. Vocals and lyrics are in focus. Production collaborators among Black Low’s Gauteng Province circle add to the constantly churning array of ideas that populate this consistently surprising release. Despite being a relative newcomer, DJ Black Low is onto something here. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Awesome Tapes shines a light on modern amapiano producer DJ Black Low. Thick with that South African haze, full of elevating vocal melodies, and peppered with gently intricate beats; this is a invigorating high watermark of the genre featuring a wealth of vocalists and talent.

TRACK LISTING

1. Thando (feat. Black R, K.Dalo And Lah Presh) (4:18)
2. Akulalwa (feat. Black R, K.Dalo & Frego) (4:55)
3. Bo Mbali Leboh Palesa (feat. Dea Rebbedy) (5:00)
4. Dlozi Lam (feat. Jay, Frego & Gentow) (4:23)
5. Lepiano (feat. Black R, K.Dalo & Frego) (4:57)
6. Lovey (feat. Black R, Frego & Keenly) (6:26)
7. Mekete (feat. Thapzin Statah & Preshy Dee) (4:57)
8. Mjolo (feat. Golden Krish & Black R) (5:45)
9. Oskido (feat. Sphiwe, Black R & K.Dalo) (6:17)
10. Qhude (feat. Black R, K.Dalo & Frego) (5:09)
11. Umshato (feat. Black R, K.Dalo & Frego) (6:08)
12. Drive Through (5:04)