Crate Digging: Napier Bonnet, Ricall Music Supervision

Napier Bonnet, director at Ricall Music Supervision, discusses his top two finds.

Action Bronson – Cocodrillo Turbo

Ok, I've pipped for the wholly improper Action Bronson - Cocodrillo Turbo. WARNING: this music can, on occasion, split opinion. Prob best not to crank this up on the school drop; if you have to play it to your granny then I'd suggest loading her up with sherry beforehand.

I'm a sucker for this more recent breed of hip hop; a sound mined by Action Bronson, Roc Marciano, Alchemist, Mach Hommy and others. The drums are lower in the mix, partnered with a dizzying selection of obscure sample loops; it's a treat just to investigate the source material. The vocal delivery has this super loose, unpredictable storytelling feel. Rhyming schemes trip over each other whilst painting vivid snapshots, verging on the nonsensical.

Sold yet? Maybe the best way to describe this music is pure escapism. It's like being thrown into a blend of outlandish movie scenes all at once, from Scorsese to Spike Lee. At times a little sleazy, often hysterical... all to be taken with a huge grain of salt. The perfect tonic for dealing with the humdrum of modern life. 

Stax - Soul Explosion

One could spend a lifetime pouring over the Stax catalogue, a virtually bottomless treasure chest of soul and funk gems. This neat compilation provides a sweetly curated overview - from the iconic Staple Singers to beloved groovers Booker T and the MGs.

There's one tune here which I truly adore: the timeless classic 'Private Number' by William Bell and Judy Clay.Firstly, there's the opening hook. It's one of those infectious riffs that's been sampled countless times. For anyone my age it may well conjure up memories of trip hop artists like Nightmares On Wax and Aim. The tune itself though is an absolute soul belter, a glorious ode to forbidden love and the patient, lasting tenderness needed to see it through. Also a reminder of what courtship looked like before smartphones and Tinder ruled supreme. 

One other essential tune here: Johnnie Taylor - Save Your Love For Me. The very definition of a heart melter. 

If you’d like to know more, or you’re keen to discover more of our repertoire, please contact: labelsyncuk@concord.com.