(Jugglin’ Records/Raw fusion Recordings)

A1: Bap Yo’ Head (Original mix)
A2: Bap Yo’ Head (Up Hygh remix)
B1: Boogie Down Stureby
B2: Bap Yo’ Head (Instrumental)

Stockholm-based hip-hop producer Freddie Cruger is perhaps better known as his alter-ego Red Astair (whose ‘Follow Me’ 12” apparently sold more than 10,000 copies worldwide), but this latest 12” under a pseudonym inspired by a certain US slasher movie follows in the wake of last year’s ‘Hustle / Running From Love’ 12” (also Jugglin’s debut release). On ‘Bap Yo’ Head’, Cruger teams up with Brooklyn MC Rappadon to create a slice of downbeat hip-hop that manages to take a firm look back at some old-school block party sounds while also absorbing some dub / dancehall influences along the way.

On the A-side of this 12”, the Original Mix of ‘Bap Yo’ Head’ features the dextrous MC skills of Rappadon over some undulating downtempo hip-hop beats courtesy of Cruger that introduce an undeniable dancehall swagger – ragga-tinged organ keys and throbbing bassline swinging between cracking beats and washes of scattered synthetic sound. In many ways, the manner in which Cruger blends the skeletal beats with off-key organ and dub bass also recalls recent similar productions by the likes of J. Dilla and Timbaland – and on the evidence of the accessible and infectious results of this collaboration, there’s absolutely no reason why Cruger’s beats shouldn’t cross over easily into a mainstream hip-hop audience.

Stockholm-based outfit Up Hygh add a slight DJ Premier-esque touch to their remix of ‘Bap Yo’ Head’, layering a groovy funk bass riff, snatches of organ and dusty-sounding drum breaks beneath Rappadon’s vocals – there’s also a fantastic breakdown that sounds like something straight out of classic Young MC / Tone Loc’ territory, and triggered some great memories of late eighties hip-hop in this reviewer. Anyone with a taste for the likes of DJ Premier / Madlib / Prince Paul should definitely give this mix a spin.

On the flip, instrumental B-side ‘Boogie Down Stureby’ opens with sampled gospel vocals, flurries of live cymbals and organ keys giving way to a sampled funk breakbeat that almost approaches Bronx Dogs-style big beat at points, but manages to adeptly dodge the cliches, its swinging Incredible Bongo Band -style funk backbone surrounded by disembodied samples and dubbed-out echoes. There’s also an instrumental version of ‘Bap Yo’ Head’ included here as well for those who want to get into some mash-up action.

Another great 12” from Freddie Cruger, with Up Hygh’s remix especially bringing some fantastic downbeat hip-hop beats – Cruger’s debut full-length album, expected early 2005 will be one to watch. Highly recommended.

Check out: www.rawfusionrec.com