WhoSampled x Wax Poetics: ‘Reel to Reel’ 25th Anniversary Mixtape
Grand Puba’s debut LP ‘Reel to Reel’ celebrated its 25th anniversary a little less than a week ago. The album was recorded in the wake of Puba’s departure from Brand Nubian and the largely self-produced long player is more closely aligned sonically with the Nubians’ early work than the harder edged material they became known for post-split. Production wise it’s a relatively simple affair with catchy jazz loops and funk breaks providing the backdrop for Puba’s light hearted braggadocio. Staple samples (James Brown adlibs and the ubiquitous drumsof The Honey Drippers’ ‘Impeach’) rub shoulders with more obscure selections (Byrdie Green, Nathan Davis) to create a dynamic palate of sample material. Soul too is well represented with Otis Redding and Gladys Knight both making multiple appearances in our tracklist. Featured artists include tape-master Kid Capri and a young Mary J Blige. Mixed by Chris Read.