If you've ever heard the term "period piece" used in the context of a movie synopsis, then you will likely find it easy to understand the concept behind a project soon to be released by Los Angeles based producer/composer/recording artist XL Middleton, under the alias “Big China Mack.”

Deeply inspired by hip hop's west coast "G-funk" subgenre, XL spent his youth crafting a sound full of the heavy handclaps, synth bass lines, and warm chord progressions that characterized the style, without delving into the misogynistic, crime-laden subject matter it became notorious for. Now, nearly twenty years after G-funk's decline, XL is seeking to pay homage to the style by taking on a role and playing it in much the same way an actor would a starring feature. He is creating a bonafide 1990's west coast hip hop album, replete with the street-savvy tales and exaggerated cadence that many of its most legendary artists once delivered. The final result pays tribute not only to G-funk, but to the sample-heavy sound of early 1990’s west coast rap, pre G-funk, pioneered by artists like Compton’s Most Wanted, NWA, and Ant Banks. The songs on the Big China Mack album individually sound like they could have been released anywhere between 1991 and 1995. Abiding by logic that many would consider a violation of hip hop's complex system of rules, he raps on this project about a life he never lived; the "gangsta" life. He does it not to convince you that he is truly a veteran of the streets, but to pay tribute to a style of music he fell in love with as a child. XL is not trying to make you believe that Big China Mack is akin to his real life any more than Joe Pesci tried to make you believe the character of Nicky Santoro is akin to his.

In order to take this pastiche to the most authentic level possible, it will be released on cassette tape, the popular audio format which had been largely replaced by the compact disc by the end of the 90's (each cassette tape will also come with a free download so listeners can easily add the music to their phones and mp3 players too). Expect the project to be released on December 3rd, 2013.

Songs included in the sampler: "Tha Way We Ride," "Booming System," "Hoe'z Tryna Fade Me," "Ain't Goin Out," and the instrumental of the album intro.

XL Middleton Presents - Big China Mack (Album Sampler)

B-side of the XL Middleton + Eddy Funkster "Press Play" 45. Guitars by Mike Kobayashi.

XL Middleton + Eddy Funkster - Super Gorilla

Coming on split 7" (other side by Inkswel feat. Gary Davis & Andras Fox) September 2014 from Omega Supreme Records.

Sunset On Sunset (East End)

You Know It's True (feat. Diamond Ortiz)

First single from "The Hedonistic Album" aka "Bright Lights Palm Trees (Japan Version)". A cheesy-on-purpose song for the ladies. XL is going against all the over-emo discussing-our-feelings rap on the radio today!!

Low Key High Note

The upbeat flavor of that classic 80's funk gets meshed with the laidback, coast-cruising feel of its successor, G-funk.

Blue Curacao

XL Middleton and Eddy Funkster Night TIme Is Coming

XL Middleton and Eddy Funkster Smoggy Sunsets

made during that crazy hot week this summer

XL Middleton and Eddy Funkster "Heatwave"

Another taste of that uptempo modern funk/G-funk from XL Middleton. All keys & drum programming by XL, guitar played by Mike Kobayashi.

Sunshine & Power Lines

Some instrumental modern funk which appears on "From The Vaults Vol. 1," an EP of unreleased treats from XL Middleton & his Crown City label - instrumental funk tunes as well as g-funk songs.

Can't Help The Way I Feel

XL Middleton "Keep On Funkin"

Something a little spacier than my norm - classify this one as "intergalactic g-funk."

Back To LA

M-Dash Featuring A-One - Raise Them Up 
(Produced by XL Middleton)
From the new album "IPOD MUSIC" 
IPOD MUSIC is available now on www.datpiff.com
http://www.datpiff.com/M-Dash-Ipod-Music-mixtape.437831.html


M-Dash Featuring A-One - Raise Them Up (Produced by XL Middleton)

Remember electro funk? Yea, so do we......Had to make an 80's dark electro funk track, but updated talking about the state of your Facebook's, Instagram's, Twitter's, etc.

XL Middleton and Eddy Funkster "Robot Soul"

First time I've ever done a track and uploaded it the same night - Sometimes, you just know when it's the right time.

Either It's All Right Now (Or It Soon Will Be)

Zackey Force Funk XL Middleton Eddy Funkster "Press Play"

XL MIddleton once again just havin' fun and killin' it......

XL

Steve Teodecki