Day: January 26, 2016

Nigerian-born, Montreal-based producer Teck-Zilla jumps back on the scene with ‘Joe Jackson Kids,’ a new instrumental tribute project full of slappers, head-nodders, and ridiculous Jackson 5 sample flips. Of course, the voice and spirit of Michael Jackson runs through the veins of this ten track effort, whether that’s on the bass-rich “Letter to Michael,” or the absolutely bananas, but short-lived “Outro View.” It also features snippets of interviews with the late musical legend, whose words build a narrative amidst the chopped-up samples. And then there’s instant highlight “Human Nature,” which goes beyond simply turning Jackson’s track of the same name on its head. Teck-Zilla weaved in bits from select Illmatic jams to flesh it out into what sounds like a fully realized song. And for those unfamiliar, Illmatic standout “It Ain’t Hard to Tell” features a “Human Nature” flip by Large Professor, so it’s only right Teck-Zilla paid homage. As for the project’s name, Teck-Zilla explains, “I got the title from one of my favourite Jeru the Damaja records, “Whatever,” off his Wrath of the Math LP.” He continues, “That line always cracked me and my brother up every time, so it was kinda like an inside joke for both of us. Just remember to say ‘check it out’ after the title.” This is Teck-Zilla’s third instrumental project following Souled Off: A Dedication to Molly Molls and Son of Sade (An Ode), so be sure to peep those once you’re done bumping Joe Jackson Kids. Just make sure you keep