Friday, April 26, 2024

The Unidad Riddim from Oneness Records!

The Unidad Riddim [Oneness Records - 2024]

1. 'Un Mejor Mañana' by Sara Lugo & Morodo
2. 'Verdadero Amor' by Afaz Natural
3. 'A La Deriva' by Lengualerta & Tiana Bless
4. 'Lágrimas de Hielo' by Raggabund
5. 'Te Quería' by Dactah Chando
6. 'Antes Que Seja Tarde' by Jhayam & Srta. Paolo
7. 'Bing Bang' by Fidel Nadal
8. Unidad Riddim Dubmix by Umberto Echo
9. Unidad Riddim Instrumental

Biggup and LOVE to one of.... simply one of the finest labels and producers that we have EVER had the privilege of covering in the history of these pages, Oneness Records, who is back with their latest creation, the Latin spined (I like that. "Spined") Unidad Riddim. Simply for what it is, the Unidad may just be one of the finest compositions that Oneness has ever brought forth (and if you've followed them to any degree, you can appreciate how big of a statement that is) (and if you haven't - they're excellent) and, fittingly (for the most part) and what they've done with it, in placing it in the hands of Spanish speaking vocalists, was an excellent touch. Somewhere in there is an infectious BOUNCE. The things surrounding it definitely add to the vibes and add originality and uniqueness to it, but you Reggae head, will definitely be able to tune it in and you will adore what you find. 

Listening through this one, I was introduced to a few talented names who I'd never come across previously and should probably keep an ear on going forward such as Raggabund (whose name I'd come across before but I'd never heard anything from them), the cool named Dactah Chando from out of Spain, Brazil's scalding Jhayam & Srta. Paola [FLAMES!], perhaps  most notably Spaniard, Afaz Natural (whose 'Verdadero Amor' ['True Heart'), is excellent) and others still. It's also a major credit to Oneness for linking oft-collaborator Umberto Echo, who is ABSOLUTELY MASTERFUL on his dub version of the Unidad Riddim. About three minutes into it (2:51 to be exact), Echo LEVELS UP with a... whatever that is, lasting for about twenty seconds during one of the most scintillating moments you'll find on the Unidad (Umberto Echo also takes a production credit for every offering here, so he may've actually built the Unidad Riddim).

Still, the lion's share of my attention was well focused on the opening selection, 'Un Mejor Mañana' which links Morodo from out of Spain with a young [Grammy Nominated], up and coming singer from Germany by the name of SARA LUGO. The duo provides the riddim with an undeniable signature moment (with respect to Echo) with their very difficult to shake effort.

It's 2024. It's the Unidad Riddim. It's Oneness Records & Sara Lugo -- just like old times -- and every thing can feel right in the world, DOES. 

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