Edan

Most evidence in recent years would lead you to believe that all white hip hoppers suck. Naturally Eminem is an exception but Bubba Sparks, Everlast and Len really haven’t done the Caucasian rap contingent any favours. Enter the self proclaimed Humble Magnificent Edan…

Now into his third album if you include his self released debut ‘Architecture’, Edan is a one man arsenal of hip hop, producing, rapping and scratching everything himself. His latest LP ‘Beauty And The Beat’ is widely regarded as a masterpiece with everyone that has heard it declaring it an out and out classic. Mixing sixties psyche-rock with New York Boom Bap to create soundscapes so ludicrous it’s a wonder why he hasn’t been locked up. Namechecking Talking Heads, Velvet Underground, Kool Herc, Jimi Hendrix and LL Cool J the diversity of his ideas really is astonishing. Hailing from Boston and armed with a live show that can draw blood at fifty paces Edan and co conspirator Insight (billed together as Duplexx for their gigs) they are without doubt the most unique tag team you are ever likely to hear.

Edan’s 2002 release ‘Primitive Plus’ won high acclaim with dance music magazine ‘Jockey Slut’ rating it as number one in their end of year album charts. A classic laden debut for Lewis Recordings the highlights include two versions of rap masterclass ‘Syllable Practice’, ‘Emcees Smoke Crack’, ‘Mic Manipulator’ and the peerless ‘Run That Shit’. In an age where hip hop is a multi billion dollar industry and most of the purveyors are trying to sell you perfume, vodka and jeans Edan actually dares to try to take you somewhere new with his records. The only problem being do the baggy trousered chain wearing kids of suburban crossover rap really want to go there? No? Their loss…

Essential listening:

Primitive Plus (Lewis Recordings, 2002)

Beauty And The Beat (Lewis Recordings, 2005)