Afrika Bambaataa - Dark Matter Moving At The Speed Of Light

Dark Matter Moving At The Speed of Light is an eccentric blend of hip-hop and electronic-infused dance madness provided by someone often consider the Godfather of Hip Hop--Afrika Bambaataa (Kevin Donovan), founder of the Zulu Nation. Featured emcees include deadly-hip King Kamonzi, MC Chatterbox, Mustafa Akbar, TC Islam, Aghi Spirits, and the fantastically 80’s Gary Numan. Yes, Gary Numan. Every track is poles apart, and that is what comprises an enjoyable Bambaataa album. The disc begins with “Got That Vibe,” a club anthem lead by the seductive Indian sounds of the sitar spread over hip-hop dance grooves, and moves into “Metal,” with Gary Numan’s bizarrely grand voice styling over very cool electronic-driven rhythms. MC Chatterbox also grants his two-cents skillfully. The title track, “Dark Matter,” begets dance chaos with the assistance of King Kamonzi for a second time. “Almighty Rah” belongs to the dance floor and “Take You Back” whips up funky 70’s break-dancing dreams. Ok. I’ll stop there because every…song…is…amazing. “Dark Matter” is an album for the masses, and an aural festival waiting on your arrival; be late, only if you dare. Bambaataa can now be heard spinning for New York’s Hot 97, and expect to hear a remake of his highly sampled “Planet Rock” with Miami-based bass group, 95 South. [www.afrikabambaataa.com]