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Black Coffee Orchestrates an Inspired, Immersive Musical Journey with ‘Subconsciously’ | Album Review

February 19, 2021 Matthew Hocter
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***ALBUM OF THE MONTH | February 2021***

Black Coffee
Subconsciously
Ultra
Listen Below 

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House music is so much than just a music genre. It’s a way life that has paved the way for so many DJs and artists. But more importantly, it has been a voice for the disenfranchised and many times, it has provided a safe space for these very people.

Marginalized Black, Latino and LGBTQ communities have all played their part in the growth and creation of the genre that was born from Disco and Synth. As the late and legendary producer Aaron-Carl Ragland’s smash hit “The Word” proclaims: “Let me tell you something about house music. It’s not just a groove; house is a feeling.” And if you don’t have the feeling, well, that’s on you.

That “feeling” is what sets house music apart from so many other dance/electronic fields, with its influences from soul to gospel and baselines and pianos that would rival a full-blown jazz orchestra. Pure house music doesn’t allow the listener to just sit there and tap their feet. It pulls your hips to the dance floor without you even knowing and makes you move without even having to think. Think the late Godfather of House and his musical magic, Frankie Knuckles, the vocal powerhouse that is Adeva or the crossover commercial appeal that Crystal Waters has earned. House music, it seems, affects so many and its appeal is unequivocally universal.

If there was ever going to be a successor to the title of “Godfather of House,” then South Africa’s Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo, better known by his stage name (DJ) Black Coffee may just be that person. Already given that title, but specific to South African house music, Black Coffee’s legendary status within the industry has seen him release a number of albums, with the highly anticipated Subconsciously serving as his latest—and arguably greatest—achievement to date.

With twelve tracks rooted in their house music origins, space is also given for the exploration of diversity that music can provide so well when allowed. This album feels quite different from 2015’s Pieces of Me, with a lineup of collaborations that include Celeste, Diplo, Usher, Pharrell Williams and so many more, Black Coffee allows for the album’s commerciality to break free, whilst maintaining that golden artistry he has become renowned for. It is safe to say that this album has shifted the boundaries of genre somewhat, creating a space that almost defies any one particular type of music.

The vibe on this album is much more chilled than previous work, never more evident in the stripped back “10 Missed Calls” which features Pharrell Williams and Jozzy. Staying in the same direction, “Ready For You” utilizes the hauntingly powerful vocals of Celeste and subtle beats to create one of the most beautiful tracks on the album. Every track on this album has been expertly crafted to bring sonic joy to the ears, no matter your flavor.

Featuring the vocals of South African singer-songwriter Msaki, “Wish You Were Here” brings you back to the beauty of house music in the mid to late ‘90s. Mysterious and ethereal in her vocal delivery, coupled with breaks, a piano solo and then some heady beats, and I was moved to the clouds above. Pure magic.

Black Coffee is undoubtedly Africa’s biggest DJ and rightly so. This album is a deep exploration into music itself and the ability that positive cultural influences can have. From the opening track of “Lost” with its velvety vocals provided by Jinadu and additional mixing by DJ Ângelo, the tone for this album sets the listener up for a musical journey unlike any other.

With so many tracks on here to fall in love with, it would be criminal to not let the listener have the luxury to form their own perspective by immersing themselves in the beauty and artistry that is Subconsciously. My love for this album is incontestable and I encourage each of you to soak it all in.

Notable Tracks: “10 Missed Calls” | “Ready For You” | “Time” | “Wish You Were Here” | “You Need Me”

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