Known for his undeniable pedigree as a Hip-Hop Artist/Producer, Funky DL turns his creativity towards Electronic, Dance and House Music with a new album entitled "Neon".

The album's title was inspired by DL's progression along his creative journey, as he intends his fan-base and followers to hear him in a new (neo) light (neon).

Stepping away from sampling old vinyl, Funky DL (in solitude) composed this 12-track audio voyage with eclectic influences of Chicago and L.A. House, Cosmic Funk, French Electro, Soul and Futuristic soundscapes, all riffing over solid dance-floor percussion.

During the first seven tracks, "Neon" is electrifying and upbeat, ushering in the radiant sound of the summer, thereon drifting into an aura, perfect for the completely chilled and serene ambience of a midsummer night’s lounge.

"I didn't set out to make any specific style of dance music, I just started creating different vibes to explore my production capabilities, but only by way of making music that I truly enjoy listening to. My ability to be multi-dimensional and create music in a diversity of genres has always been present, but laid somewhat dormant, however this is the time to bring it alive".

“Keeping with the same vigor of musicianship I demonstrate with my Hip-Hop, I want true multiple-genre music lovers to be able to appreciate the vibe of "Neon".

"Neon" is an album that gets straight to the point. The listener’s pleasure is the most vital intention by way of the addictive and magical melodies and harmonics, but without extremely tiresome intros and meddlesome breakdowns to disrupt the momentum. The natural impulse is to want to move when this set plays. It's a tantalizing listen and a must for all!

NEON

Watch Full Album Video on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EocLwq4j8J8

Listen on Other Platforms:
https://lnkfi.re/christmasalbum

For the last several years, Funky DL had been toying with the idea of producing a Christmas related instrumental album, but put the idea aside, fundamentally because many Christmas related releases have a tendency to be more about the novelty than the actual music.

DL wanted to take the reverse approach and make it more about the music first, which then just so happens to be tied to the theme of Christmas.

Finally making the decision to go ahead, DL crafted the skeletal instrumental versions in November 2022, then sent the framework demos to the chosen live musicians to familiarize themselves with. Then the initial live session took place on December 1st 2022 at a studio in Ealing, west London.

With Xantoné Blacq on keys, Sean Allen on Bass and Miles James on Electric guitar, DL carefully supervised and in post-production, arranged and orchestrated the 9-track set to craft this beautiful and soulful rendition of a boom bap Christmas Soundtrack.

Obviously with not enough time for a Christmas 2022 release, DL then had the luxury of one year to prepare the album for commercial release for Christmas 2023. This included 4 months of admin in clearing the publishing rights for 6 of the tracks with Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Publishing and Kobalt/MPL Communications Publishing.

What adds to the magic of this project is that the bulk of the recording, editing, arranging and revisions were done during the Christmas holiday of 2022, adding the spirit of Christmas to the creativity within the project.

The imagining was to create a colorful landscape of audio, sprinkled with lavish guitars, sparse organs and vintage synths; thus resulting in an exceedingly intricate and melodic set, filled with fly beats, slick bass and smooth chord voicings.

Adding additional keys and synths to further embellish the already luxuriantly lush sound, DL observed the project taking on a life of its own and fast became one of his personal favorites as an instrumental package.

The choice to keep the project strictly beats and without lyrics was intentional, as the idea was for the album to provide the perfect backdrop of instrumentals that could be enjoyed during the holidays, whilst cheerful conversations between friends and family could still take place without vocal interference.

However, there are some light wordless vocals in a handful of the tracks that further add ambience and color as the album progresses.

So whatever you're doing during the holidays, there's a likely chance that this project will fit in perfectly as soundtrack to what is often referred to as... "The most wonderful time of the year".

A Vintage Soulful Boom Bap Christmas

Dennison Point

BUY VINYL

Life After Dennison

Vibe of Summer

Container

Return To Sender

Beautiful Is a Heart Full of Love

Shades of Division

This is the very first time Funky DL has ever produced and released an instrumental album based on music that he has never recorded any vocals for. The 10 tracks encapsulate the vibe and energy of the many places in Japan and this album is a perfect representation of the serenity absorbed through the nights of chilling, dining, entertaining and relaxing in one of the greatest countries in the world… “Nippon” (Japan)

The Nights in Nippon Jazzstrumental Album (N.I.N.J.A.) is the perfect audio backdrop for late night car cruising or open window chilling, releasing a sense of calm and contentment for any avid and discernable listener.

Takings of Tokyo

Funky DL has become well known for his flood of instrumental albums. From the extremely popular "Nights in Nippon Jazzstrumentals" to "The Lawshank Redemption Instrumentals" and not forgetting the Nas ode - "Jazzmatic Jazzstrumentals", Funky DL brings hip-hop lovers beat upon - boom-bap - beat... and any notable hip-hop blogger can confirm this...

The jazz-fueled sentiments continue from the "day one" starting block of 2014 with "Classic Was The Day - The Black Instrumentals"...

That's right! Funky DL went into the lab to remake (from scratch) all of the instrumentals from his debut 1997 album Classic Was The Day. Most of the original instrumental masters were destroyed back in 1997, so there has never been an instrumental version of the complete album until now...

This common request from lovers of the original album provided DL with the perfect opportunity to flip the breaks again, but with additional treats on the beats, where he adds extra elements of the original breaks on many of the tracks to bring a somewhat new twist to the sonics.

Bearing in mind, DL did not have any of the beats stored anywhere.. not on zip discs, not on floppy discs, or any computer (as he made the album before he himself had purchased any of his own studio equipment), it is truly remarkable that these instrumentals were all remade completely from the original sources of vinyl!

Any artist who releases a debut album is blessed with the opportunity to express - either musically or lyrically - every choice and special element of what they have been waiting to deliver through their music. Classic Was The Day Black exemplifies the magical jazz breaks, hand picked over a number of years to constitute this colorful album of beats for Funky DL's first effort. These are the collection of breaks he just couldn't wait to use!

So after 17 years, low and behold.... The Instrumentals that are... Classic Was The Day Black... 

It's About Time (Black Instrumental)

Just imagine if this happened and picture the setting…

It’s the late 1930’s and the local jazz club is packed to the brim with people awaiting the rapper Nas and his jazz musicians (orchestrated by Producer Funky DL) along with featured artists to come and play a 10-track set to forever be remembered. The lights are dim and the hall is filled with smoke, whilst the clinking sound of champagne flutes ambiently gesture in the atmosphere. Nas and Funky DL are having their picture taken outside the club in an array of spotlights glaring from their vehicles (see artwork). Then it happens… The two step inside and “JAZZMATIC” erupts … All you have to do now is… “press play”...  (PLEASE NOTE, THIS IS THE INSTRUMENTAL VERSION)

06. Blazing a 55 (Jazzstrumental)

08. None Love (Jazzstrumental)

The initial thought that came to mind in the process of making “Blackcurrent Jazz 2” was to create a landscape of ideas that capture the truest essence of Jazz but that also embodied the purest and most authentic hip-hop feel. The original Blackcurrent Jazz album (released in 2001) was a great piece of work but for me was more a mesh of beats and breaks and sometimes with tracks that didn’t even lend to Jazz at all. This time around I wanted every single song to scream JAZZ!!! But still using a combination of Jazz breaks that give off varying vibes.

I wanted this album to be more polished, more distinguished and more discernable than 10 years ago. Smoother, more intricate and ultimately more of a thought through process to it. So I set about the production process which I knew would be huge, because I wanted to use additional beats for 20 second interludes to be used in between each main track, which then ultimately doubled my production load. I also knew that the main selections all had to musically jump out at me and I wasn’t going to start writing until I had found all the right beats that made me feel as if I have the right ingredients for a classic album.

And then it started. Hours of sampling, cutting, chopping, filtering, and pitch shifting, mixing and then mixing again. Then came the writing, recording and editing, which for me is a very lengthy and meticulous process. And finally after over 6 months work came “Blackcurrent Jazz 2: The Gold Reflection” subtitled to pay dues and respect to the golden era of hip-hop (the 90’s).

Jazzphonics

Ode To Nujabes

The highly anticipated Funky DL tribute album "February - A Rest In Beats Tribute To The Sounds of J Dilla & Nujabes" begins here with two tracks lifted from the full project.

Untitled / Fantastic originally appeared on Slum Village's 'Fantastic Voyage Vol 2" album and sees DL remake this joint applying a similar floating resonance as the original. The drums pound and DL's production weaves in and out of where J Dilla originally left the track. A smooth vocal accompaniment is provided by Dukus Alemay which guides the track through it's almost 'intergalactic" feel. There is much contrast in DL's creativity here, as his version at times mirrors Dilla's original, and is at other times a stark contrast.


Sky is falling was originally a Nujabes-produced track featuring Mount Vernon's own C.L. Smooth. The 70's led soulful element to the original is not lost here in Funky DL's interpretation. The drums are smooth and crisp and the instrumentation takes on the magic of the original melodies. Dukus again with vocalist Lei-an contributes some beautiful and harmonic vocal chants for added groove and appreciation.

Both tracks showcase DL's ability to see beyond the original ideas and bring something new for listener to ensure a revived listening experience.


Be sure to check the full-length interview included in this release where DL discusses his thoughts and feelings about the forthcoming "February" album.

Sky Is Falling

The initial thought that came to mind in the process of making “Blackcurrent Jazz 2” was to create a landscape of ideas that capture the truest essence of Jazz but that also embodied the purest and most authentic hip-hop feel. The original Blackcurrent Jazz album (released in 2001) was a great piece of work but for me was more a mesh of beats and breaks and sometimes with tracks that didn’t even lend to Jazz at all. This time around I wanted every single song to scream JAZZ!!! But still using a combination of Jazz breaks that give off varying vibes.

I wanted this album to be more polished, more distinguished and more discernable than 10 years ago. Smoother, more intricate and ultimately more of a thought through process to it. So I set about the production process which I knew would be huge, because I wanted to use additional beats for 20 second interludes to be used in between each main track, which then ultimately doubled my production load. I also knew that the main selections all had to musically jump out at me and I wasn’t going to start writing until I had found all the right beats that made me feel as if I have the right ingredients for a classic album.

And then it started. Hours of sampling, cutting, chopping, filtering, and pitch shifting, mixing and then mixing again. Then came the writing, recording and editing, which for me is a very lengthy and meticulous process. And finally after over 6 months work came “Blackcurrent Jazz 2: The Gold Reflection” subtitled to pay dues and respect to the golden era of hip-hop (the 90’s).

Here is presented the "INSTRUMENTAL" version of the album with no vocal interuption for the "laid back listener" .. enjoy!



06. Ode To Nujabes (Instrumental)

This is Volume 1 of Funky DL's "Cool Classic Jazzstrumentals", a series of instrumental tracks spanning his career. This album is perfect to kick back and chill to and soak up the laid back mellow grooves on a smooth vibe!

05. Where I'm Coming From (Instrumental)

White Christmas

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

This Christmas

The Christmas Song

O Holy Night

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Jingle Bells

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

Lei-an / Biography

Many young budding R&B vocalists from the UK have for many years diligently engaged in tackling the soul and R&B music scene. Lei-an is no stranger to the aforementioned having practiced her talents since she was as young as 7 years old.

Lei-an was consistently exposed to music and her early influences range from Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson to Madonna and Lauren Hill provoking Lei-an to actively seek the potential of her abilities in community shows and youth events alongside her then singing partner, becoming well known for their music by their peers.

As a duo, Lei-an and her singing partner created, contrived and orchestrated their own style and strived towards cracking the music industry with their fresh image and sound. After some time the group disbanded and individually the two sought separate careers in music. It was at this time that Lei-an and MOBO award winning hip-hop artist Funky DL (whom she had met in passing in a studio some years previous) decided they would at some point get in the studio together, but this would not take place until roughly a year after their initial conversations.

Then it happened… Lei-an embarked in recording with DL and they realized that their chemistry as vocalist and producer was justification for their decision to embark on a project as the first track recorded was the lead title from the album “Imagine” which resulted in a passionate yet rugged, sweet yet solid street worthy boom bap of a jam, layered with melodious harmonics and the subtleties of the multi talented Xantoné Blacq (Amy Winehouse band keyboardist)

After this point the two set about crafting a diverse collection of tracks which offered a rainbow of clever and catchy grooves to contribute towards what was to become Lei-an’s debut album “Imagine Me”. Lei-an and DL co-wrote the album together and also decided that they would both write solitary for the album as to give the project its strong variety in its written development. As a result “Imagine Me” is filled with chic styles, great grooves and class cuts for any discerning music lover and provides the right color, character and emotion to reflect the true artist that Lei-an is and her expressive story.

Lei-an appeared on the highly anticipated “4th Quarter Block Party” line up at London’s famous venue “The Jazz Café” alongside, Funky DL, Phoebe One, DJ Kofi and Pyrelli and astounded the crowd with her smooth and charismatic performance, using this platform to get new fans onside and effortlessly showcase her material to a keen audience.

All in all, Lei-an has worked extremely hard at crafting her niche and has vigorously pursued her passion as a vocalist, confidently creating the kind of music that anyone with a real ear for authentic sounds and true musicianship would recognize at the drop of a hat…

The album saw its initial release in Japan in 2008 via the Toys Factory.

Imagine (Hip-Hop Remix) featuring Funky DL

Banging beats by Funky DL straight from his Akai MPC 2000

Old Fashioned (Instrumental)

This is the digital version of the 2008 double disc ultimate collection album by Funky DL. Never digitally availble until now, the album moves back ad forth through DL's huge catalogue and gives you 37 joints to take in from the Funky one!

The Bump

Danger featuring Dukus Alemay

Funky DL pays tribute to the legendary hip-hop sounds of J Dilla and Nujabes by recreating their famous songs on this fantastic album entitled... "February: A Rest In Beats Tribute To The Sounds of J Dilla & Nujabes".

Working tiresomely in the studio, DL with assistance from some of his musical pals crafted a full studio album paying homage to and celebrating the creative ideas originally brought to hip-hop by both the late James 'J Dilla' Yancey and Sebajun 'Nujabes' Yamada.

However, DL veers away from intense sampling, avoiding the same breaks as used by Dilla & Nujabes - to bring this fabulously musical, creative and jazzy tribute album.

DL felt it fitting for the album to be named February, being that (coincidently) these two hip-hop legends were both born on February 7th 1974, and sadly passed away in February 2006 and February 2010 respectively.

As Funky DL's intention was to capture the essence and soulful connection of what they 'both' brought to music lovers around the world, DL carefully hand- selected each track from the catalogues of these two legends and crafted as elegant of a representation as he could to showcase a further progression into the wealth of ideas from Dilla and Nujabes; but taking them that one step further and going beyond the usual restrictions of using only the contents of original samples.

This album is certain to bring back the nostalgia of the classics that each track was born from, as well as offering an entirely new audio perspective. The fans of both J Dilla and Nujabes will be pleasantly surprised.

Climax

Slow Down

Dont Even Try It

Luv Sic Pt III

We Run Tings Remix (Instrumental)

The World Is Ours

I Still Can

One Last Mic

“Le Emporium De Jazz” Jazzstrumentals is the brilliant INSTRUMENTAL version of the brand new jazzy hip-hop album by Funky DL, bringing the most colourful jazz audio over DL’s classic and signature hip-hop sound. This collection of 16 previously unreleased and newly revised Funky DL beats has everything jazzy hip-hop lovers will appreciate, from mellow jazzy beats to grooves delivered with smoothness.

Buy on Bandcamp

No Comprendo (Le Emporium Jazzstrumental)

Download the new "Jazz Lounge" remixes of Funky DL's classics "Out Of Touch" & "Le Jazz Courant Noir"... Taken from the new album "The Jazz Lounge: Release date 22nd July 2016.

Le Jazz Courant Noir (The Jazz Lounge Remix)

Listen to and buy the full album here: https://funkydl.bandcamp.com/album/autonomy-the-4th-quarter-2-2

Autonomy: The 4th Quarter 2

Levitate (Like Magic)

Check out the full AUTONOMY album here: https://funkydl.bandcamp.com/album/autonomy-the-4th-quarter-2-2

Autonomy: The Bonus Remixes

Too Many Of Not Enough (Alternative Mix) featuring Aisha Sheerena

Moving In

Thank You All The Same ft. Cicero

Sleep

He Classic

The Days of Dennison

People Who Need People (ft. Stee Moglie)

Aniseed Liquor

Fanatic

The Prognosis

My Brother Taught Me...

Thief in the Night

"The Trilogy" is taken from Funky DL's 20th vocal-studio album entitled, "Twenty".  Album release date: October 2nd 2020. DL sets a record, as never before has any UK Hip-Hop artist ever released 20 complete albums.

Check the full video here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MThmbnSkeJQ

The Trilogy ft. Abioseh & Songer

Funky DL is regarded as one of the most legendary, well respected and significant producers to come out of the UK. Now globally known for delivering albums with both musical and lyrical finesse, DL goes from strength-to-strength with each release. There has never been a hip-hop artist from his homeland who could match or even come close to DL's productivity rate of quality hip-hop releases, which makes him somewhat of a rare and special commodity within the hip-hop world.

Funky DL

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks