Lyrics, raps and flows by Simon Alejandro
Choir by Rakel Anna Kristjansdottir
Instrumental by Tom Manzarek
Photo + cover by Mila Elisabeth Larvoll
Released by Jungelen

Sjakk

Jalopi

“Pen started out as a exercise about digging into my self. With every layer, I realized its good to become your number one fan when exploring your ability to create. From the moment I heard the beat, it became a moment to channel my own theme song. I learned how to chant the findings of who I am and become in sync with the task at hand. Making something I could be proud of”

Hiero - Pen

French vocalist, beatboxer, songwriter and producer Sly Johnson unveils 55.4, his much-anticipated fourth studio album, released on BBE Music.

Hailing from Paris, Sylvère Johnson (Sly Johnson) is a major force on the French Hip-Hop, Soul and Jazz scenes, both as a solo artist and as a member of super-group SAIAN SUPA CREW for over a decade, where he was known by the moniker Sly The Mic Buddah.

When the crew broke up in 2007, Johnson began to carve out an impressive career, releasing on Blue Note and Universal Jazz, as well as collaborating with Larry Gold, Roddy Rod, T3 & Elzhi from Slum Village, Georgia Ann Muldrow, Dudley Perkins, FINALE, Erik Truffaz, and legendary French rapper Oxmo Puccino to IAM among many others.

Written and recorded during the first COVID lockdowns between March and May 2020, Sly Johnson’s fourth album blends Soul and Hip Hop, twinning vocal arrangements reminiscent of Prince and D’Angelo with loose, supple, beats and jazzy chords. Most of the musical heavy lifting is done by Johnson himself, but the album features bass by Laurent Salzard, guitar by Ralph Lavital and Anthony Jambon, keys by Nicholas Vella & Laurent Coulondre and a spellbinding guest vocal by Jona Oak.

Why 55.4? “It took 55 days of creation to make the songs of this 4th solo album” says Sly.

Sly Johnson - Be My Lady (It's Been Too Long) (Instrumental)

With over a year of studio time quietly logged, Dayne Jordan and DJ Jazzy Jeff have been releasing singles over the past six months.  In Progress is the compilation of those tracks including “All About The Art”, “Fellow” and “I Want It All” while including new tracks “Wash It Down” and “Git It Back” to round out the EP. 

Wash It Down (Prod By DJ Jazzy Jeff & James Poyser)

Apoc Krysis x DJ Killa C x Sam R I - Pass That Junt (Prod. by Apoc Krysis)

Roque The KickItMastah & DJ Keytronikz - Ice Cream Man

Thank you for tuning in to our new mix series MUTUAL MIXES. The first installment of the series is also Moe Chakiri's first ever mix on Soundcloud. Moe is our in-house photographer, always coming correct, like with this cover photo. His working title for these soulful 45 minutes was STRAIGHT UP SILK SON.

Enjoy, share, stay tuned. Much love!


Mutual Mix #01: Moe Chakiri

London producer Jake Milliner teams up with rapper 25 on 'What's Life Like' - asking "what's life like for dead souls carrying weight?" it details the toils and troubles of working class hopefuls...

Premiere: Jake & 25 - 'What's Life Like'

I used to rap a lot – now I deejay quite often ...

contact: simon@jungelen.org

Sjakk

simon alejandro