When it comes to hip-hop production, it’s almost always a given that you start with the rhythm. And for percussionist Michael Longoria, his home-brewed beats have laid the foundation for a large scale collaboration. Under the collective handle Universal Seedz, Longoria’s sowed up thirty collaborators for their debut EP Rise Up, highlighting shades of black and brown across six rich tracks backed with live drum recordings.
All proceeds generated from Rise Up will go directly to non-profits benefitting asylum seekers, so not only is it an outstanding record that’d leave Kamasi Washington’s mouth agape, it’s also for a great cause. Making its appearance two thirds through Rise Up, “Ovídalo” touts the album’s most guest vocals, with Tee Double, Tray God, and Bavu Blakes rounding out this already gorgeous arrangement that evokes elements of both classic hip-hop and modern jazz.
–Jack Anderson
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