Dutch-born NICOLAY first hit my radar when I started listening to his random music postings on okayplayer.com. There were times when I listened to those joints thinking to myself, I wish I had his ability. His largest claim to fame to date, as far as I know, is his unique collaboration with PHONTE of the Hip Hop group LITTLE BROTHER. They formed a group, THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE, bi-continentally having never met each other in person – Nicolay was in the Netherlands, Phonte in North Carolina. They recorded and released an incredible record titled, CONNECTED in 2004.
Nicolay’s hip hop tracks are birthed from the traditions of A TRIBE CALLED QUEST’S classic record, PEOPLES INSTINCTIVE TRAVELS. He uses hard bass line grooves, funky drums and the lush-est of melodies and “he Got the Jazz”. It’s no wonder Bob James’ people tapped him to do a tribute record.
BOB JAMES has been sampled quite a bit by the Hip Hop community. Everyone from PUBLIC ENEMY to ERIC B and RAKIM to THE ROOTS to Run DMC have sampled from James. His music has been revered by the hip hop elite.
NICOLAY did a funky remix of NAUTILUS from James' debut album titled ONE (Tappan Zee). Nicolay didn’t deviate much from the original recording. He just dusted it a bit with his own magic and loved it for what it is – a classic.
Check for Nicolay - Click the link NAUTILUS for free download. I guess the Dutch have soul too!
Thanx to Aimee @ Nicolay Music
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