Title: The Rebellion Sessions

Artist: Black Milk & Nat Turner

Label: Computer Ugly

Format: CD, LP, MP3

Release date: May 20, 2016

Perhaps the best word to describe The Rebellion Sessions, the new collaboration from Detroit producer/rapper Black Milk and D.C. area band Nat Turner, is “vibey.”  Like much of J Dilla’s solo output, the 10 brief instrumental tracks on  The Rebellion Sessions create a sonic space for listeners to immerse themselves in.  While there isn’t much to make any one of these tracks especially memorable in the way of melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic development, the grooves on this record provide a solid and nondescript soundtrack.  This music ultimately will become what an individual listener makes of it, and is ripe and ready for sampling.  It’s hard to say what to call the sounds on this release—perhaps jazz, hip hop, or something in between—but it is the stuff that breakbeats are made of.

Ultimately, what will draw most listeners to this music is the quality production, spearheaded by Black Milk.  Featuring strong grooves, detailed textures, and tasteful sampling and electronic effects, The Rebellion Sessions provides chill vibes for days.

Reviewed by Matthew Alley