Connected f. Blu, Napoleon Da Legend, JabbaThaKut, Mac Lloyd & Thalassic

by Vice Beats

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Connected is the lead single from Aspects. Featuring the inimitable Blu, whose previous collaborations feature J Dilla, Madlib and The Roots to name a few alongside the super lyrical bi-lingual force that is Napoleon Da Legend. Connected is a deeply personal track, exploring connection in different ways. Blu speaks on faith and love, with Napoleon expressing his love for life, emotional resilience and overcoming barriers. The duo are joined on Vice beat’s soulful production by JabbaThaKut on scratches, Mac Lloyd on guitar and bass, and Thalassic on saxophone.

This track introduces the broader aims of “Aspects”, exploring connection in a wide variety of ways through a backdrop of Hip Hop blending live instrumentation with a Boombap aesthetic. Aspects will be released via HHV on the 26th May with the launch party on the 24th at Lost Horizon in Bristol. The artwork has been created by Nearski, the super talented Japanese designer, who is a regular feature for High Focus Records and many more.

lyrics

VERSE 1 - BLU
I stay connected
Invested in the highest investment
God provides me protection
Along with guidance and direction
My profession
Is giving you my confession
On The way God pilots my life
Like it’s destiny
Talk The power of manifesting
And expanding my blessings
That way I could give to those with less than
I’m a blessed man
Healthy and still alive
Hoping one day I will be wealthy
Through the will of God
I could spill a line
Rhyme about connections and possessions
But it wouldn’t be a clear reflection
I got a message sent from Noble Drew Ali
Who teaches we’re connected to God
Through our heartstrings
As the harp sings a joyful noise unto the lord
I start to wonder what we really here for
Henceforth, now and forever we saw
Cause life is short
A connection I’m forever adored

VERSE 2 - NAPOLEON DA LEGEND
Sometimes I think about my dad
my mood ricochets to sad
Lick a shot in heaven knocking liquor shots back
And it’s zen to know that god is in us, indigo colors in the soul so cynical but time on earth is minuscule so
Innocent sins hiding under sensitive skin
Repentance for the penitent compel us at the fringe
Life pivots like a door hinge then positions you like Stone Henge
For a soul cleanse been lucky enough to have some dope friends
And goals to build towards beyond awards and billboards
I drill forth break and shatter walls while they built forts
And try to kill us for next to nothing
Understanding is the second coming running while the seconds running
Tibetan monk demented thoughts been in my head for months
Epiphanies letting off symphonies I never sung
Dark places where the archangels guard the shameful
Between a rock and dark chamber where only god can save you

credits

released March 24, 2023
Produced and mixed by James "Vice beats" Kennaby
Mastered by Chris Latham of Cosmic Trigger Audio
Graphics by Nearski

Vocals by Napoleon Da Legend
Scratches by JabbaThaKut
Saxophone by Thalassic
Guitar and bass by Mac Lloyd

Released via HHV Records / EQ Music

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about

Vice Beats Bristol, UK

Vice beats is a producer based in Bristol, UK.
He's the podcast host for the Diggin' The Crates Podcast and an educator.

Vice's production style is varied whilst remaining rooted in Soul and Jazz influenced vibes. ... more

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