The first Worldwide Family compilation, put together by
Lefto and
Simbad, is followed here with selections from
Kutmah. Based in Los Angeles until he was surprisingly deported to England (where he had lived until the age of 12), the DJ/producer used these tracks -- mostly exclusives, with some buried gems -- to help him get through the ordeal. This unmixed set, sequenced with obvious care, is sure to appeal to just about anyone into the increasingly broad spectrum of abstract hip-hop beats. Longtime contemporary
Flying Lotus, in fact, contributes the eerie and fluttery "Samsfav," no mere throwaway.
Tadd Mullinix, the man behind
Dabrye, is represented with a track from his overlooked Ghostly EP
Panes.
Dibia$e's "Remind Me Somethin'," featuring an appearance from Radio Raheem (R.I.P.), refracts
Patrice Rushen into woozy tranquility. Out of the handful of tracks that do feature vocals,
Doc Daneeka and
Abigail Wyles' "Tobyjug" (off an April 2012-released Ten Thousand Yen 12") is the most striking -- a worthy
Everything But the Girl surrogate. Other delights come from
Samiyam,
Dakim, and Tehbis. Easily a worthy addition to the catalog of
Gilles Peterson's Brownswood label, and a necessary purchase for anyone who has worn out Rush Hour's Beat Dimensions compilations. ~ Andy Kellman