PHONY PPL "mo'za-ik." CD

★World's first CD release

This is the best hip-hop and soul of the modern era! The latest work by Brooklyn hip-hop and soul collective Phony PPL, who have also performed with singer Erykah Badu, is now available on CD for the first time in the world!

They are the most important band in the hip-hop and soul scene, known as the Phoney People of the East and the Internet of the West. They have also been used as a backing band by popular rappers such as Little Simz, who is highly praised by Kendrick Lamar, the late Mac Miller, and Princess Nokia, so their high level of musical ability is well-known!

Phoney People is a group of five members, including vocalist Elbie Three, DJ Jazzy Jay's son Matthew (drums/percussion), known as an original member of Zulu Nation, Aja Grant (keyboards), Elijah Rourke (guitar), and Bali Bass (bass). Together with fellow 90s-born Brooklyn natives such as Joey Bada$$'s "Pro Era," Flatbush Zombies, and The Underachievers, they have led the revival of New York hip-hop in the 2010s as the "Beast Coast Movement." Although already promised to be a global hit, they have continued to work on the streets without a formal release, and their new work is finally available on CD exclusively in Japan! The long-awaited new album "mo'za-ik." features the mellow "Way Too Far.", the samba-style jazzy track "Once You Say Hello.", the modern-smelling "Before You Get A Boyfriend," and other songs that show off a wider range of musical styles and fresher pop sense than The Internet, from soul/R&B, hip-hop, jazz, to rock/pop. The new generation of The Roots? With a 90s-like hip-hop vibe and a fresh sound for the 2010s and beyond, Phoney People are the core of the next Brooklyn scene, so keep an eye on them!

■DJ JIN (RHYMESTER, breakthrough) While recalling the lineage of soul bands that continue unbroken, I thoroughly enjoyed the current superb groove. The music is the best after all. Personally, I'm impressed that the son of hip-hop legend DJ Jazzy Jay, Matthew, is on drums.

■ Akira Obuchi (former editor-in-chief of bmr, City Soul) This is a must-see new album from this up-and-coming New York band, leading the current global soul band boom at the same time as Los Angeles' The Internet, London's Prep, and Suchmos. The balance of pop and conscious elements is original, making this an album you'll want to listen to over and over again.

■ Hiroyuki Suezaki (bmr) If the West is The Internet, then the East is The Phoney People! This masterpiece shows the further growth and deepening of this Brooklyn musical group, who have not only gained support from the West Coast by being recognized as "friends" by The Internet and being involved in works by Mac Miller and Domo Genesis, but have also performed with Chance the Rapper. The individual talents of each member blend together to create a unique mosaic that effortlessly blends R&B, funk, jazz, Latin and hip hop. Phoney People. They're definitely the real deal and something you should know about.

■OMSB (SIMI LAB) While incorporating every genre, their music has an exquisite and light pop sensibility and retains a certain rare groove nostalgia, making them a truly classic neo soul sound. I get the feeling that they don't stick to such genre categorizations, but rather are simply trying to create comfortable music in the phony ppl style. The fresh balance of pretending to be trustworthy and then betraying it just the right amount is fantastic! All the songs are great, but my favorite is M7 "Think You're Mine" with its beatless acoustic guitar and husky child-like pitch changes! Anyway, enjoy!

■ MASATO (KANDYTOWN) I feel that the genre-free melodies and drumming are what make Phony Ppl original. The development of the songs betrays expectations in a good way. In particular, Move Her Mind. continues to move forward with a sense of withdrawal before entering the hook, and then ends on a good note. This is a work that can be listened to throughout the album.

■KIKUMARU (KANDYTOWN) Phony Ppl's live performance is the best of all. I met the drummer Matthew in New York and saw their performance at Blue Note, and I've been a big fan ever since. A New York groove that you can feel somewhere. The smooth flow from "Way Too Far" to "On everytinG iii love" will make anyone's heart dance. I can't help but look forward to what Phony Ppl will do in the future.

■Track list