Outside of his homeland, DJ Kentaro is thought of mainly as a former DMC World Champion, but back in Japan they know there's much more to him than some fancy scratches. Which is why his forthcoming record due in April has not a crab or flare in sight and instead focuses on showing us the man's considerable production chops and flare for a tune. To warm us up for this forthcoming beat-feast, Ninja Tune are pleased to release the "Free" single. Recorded in one long, drunken and wild session with Baltimore filth-maestros Spank Rock while they toured Japan, the result is a low-slung funk classic. Really, what more could you want? Giant handclaps, lascivious bass, backing vox from DJ team Ronnie Darko and Chris Rockswell, it's all there. And if that isn't quite enough, the group's production messiah, XXXchange, weighs in with a heavy remix. Kentaro's unmissable forthcoming album also contains collaborations with The Pharcyde, Fat Jon (Five Deez), Gaggle and New Flesh. Already a star in Japan, this album will ensure his fame grows from Baltimore to Brixton to Bombay.
01 Free (Original)
02 Free (Original Instrumental)
03 Free (Accapella)
04 Free (Armani XXXchange remix)
05 Free (Bodyshake remix)
06 Tasogare Highway High (Bass Wanna Be A Singer)
07 Scratch It
