J:Kenzo is one of those producers who simply sneaks his way into all the right record bags. He’s released on all sorts of labels – including Argon, Dub Police, and Roska Kicks & Snares; and generally works along the similar dancefloor lines of DJ Madd and Matt-U.
Up until the last year or so, and despite his prolific discography and respect around the traps, J:Kenzo remained somewhat of an obscurity to larger audiences; in stark contrast to the loud nature of his rave-smashing riddims. However, Kenzo’s upcoming fortnightly slot on BBC 1Xtra and this latest release will surely sort that out.
After last year’s excellent ‘Ruckus’ (including a brilliant remix from Martin Kemp). ‘Stomp’, and the hyper-funky workout of ‘Tropic Thunda’, J:Kenzo finds his latest release dropping on Tempa. After an extensive stint in Youngsta’s ever-exclusive record bag, ‘The Roteks’ and ‘Protected’ are now finally upon us.
‘The Roteks’ sees the Kent-based producer take big cues from ‘Rufage’-era Loefah; stomping hard on these foundations, with hats racing and rides pumping over a chopped up Reese. The sub on this one’s a monster. A goofy 80’s M.A.S.K sample follows, before the tune swiftly leans back onto itself at full power.
The abrasive ‘Protected’ takes things a little deeper, with sewer-dwelling halfstep filling some rather murky, dank space. As the track lurches over a chunky mid range, bongos intermittently patter and cold breaths flail over subs hard as lead. ‘Protected’ is pure trepidation.
With two highly sought-after dubs in the one package, this 12″ certainly offers up some heavy DJ tools.