Mello Music Group has released the latest track of their upcoming compilation Bushido, as Open Mike Eagle and The Lasso share their collaboration “Gold Gloves.” The compilation, which is set to feature contributions from The Alchemist, Apollo Brown, Homeboy Sandman and more, will be released on April 2.
“A one night only tag team psych rap adventure with Open Mike Eagle & The Lasso,” The Lasso said in the Bandcamp description for the track. “I brought a glitched out Moog, a circling bassline, and a bag of plucky percussion, and did what we came to do. Honored to do battle with a legend and hero.”
Fit with funky basslines and weaving beats, Open Mike Eagle’s rich vocals layer over the plucking instrumentals. “My space, my power, my time/My soul, my reality and my mind,” repeat several times through the track, the swirling keyboards entering a dream-like trance. Clicks and sparkling synths dance throughout the track, Open Mike Eagle acting as a smooth contrast to the instrumentals.
BushidoMello Music Group saying includes the previously released singles “No Trouble” by Oddisee and “Black Rock” by Joell Ortiz, Namir Blade and Solemn Brigham. The compilation acts as a way for each artist to show off their chops, Mello Music Group saying “Running counter-clockwise to the mainstream ethic, Mello has settled on its own code of conduct and value system. Their catalogue is a Hagakare of hip-hop – a practical and spiritual guide to the essence.”
The compilation will also be available on vinyl, with pre-orders available here.