Free Download: Colossus "From the Lab"(Chuck's Shady Beatz Mix)

Colossus' "West Oaktown" is one of the finest hip hop releases to come out this year. Colossus is the brainchild of English bloke Charlie Tate who walks the fine line between jazz and hip hop on this double album that was released by OM Records.

When Tate moved to San Francisco in 2002, he was fascinated by jazz and became a collector of vintage jazz records. His love for the genre led to his weekly Slow Gin jazz and soul night in Oakland. The party  attracted a lot of Bay Area musicians, including local MCs Capitol A, Delphi and Regi B. On "West Oaktown," Tate collaborated with the local hip hop artists to create a record full of soulful jams, funky breaks and spirited rhymes. The double disc set includes one disc with hip hop remixes of Tate's jazz originals.

While charts are currently dominated by crunk and gangsta rap, it is refreshing to re-discover some of the mellow old school hip hop style that is featured on "West Oaktown." It is obvious that hip hop finds some of its roots in jazz.

Download the Chuck's Shady Beatz mix of Colossus' "From The Lab" that Charlie Tate exclusively produced for Arjan Writes to give you a taste for his record. (Yeah, the track might be a little too eclectic for some of you, but it is worth checking out something different.)

Download Colossus "From the Lab"(Chuck's Shady Beatz Mix) [mp3]

If you are an (independent) artist or group and would like to have your music featured on Arjan Writes, email your mp3 to arjanwrites@gmail.com for consideration.