Way Back When [LP]

Way Back When [LP]"For me, sampling is like a collaboration," says DJ Yuta Yamaoka, better known to global beatheads as Pigeondust. Residing in Chiba, Japan, Pigeondust spends his days either vinyl digging or sourcing samples that is, creating sonic collaborations from his discoveries. Pigeondust is also a member of the EN TOKYO crew, representing a new generation of Japanese beat makers who draw from a large variety of genres. In 2015, Pigeondust joined Cold Busted

"For me, sampling is like a collaboration," says DJ Yuta Yamaoka, better known to global beatheads as Pigeondust. Residing in Chiba, Japan, Pigeondust spends his days either vinyl-digging or sourcing samples - that is, creating sonic collaborations - from his discoveries. Pigeondust is also a member of the EN TOKYO crew, representing a new generation of Japanese beat-makers who draw from a large variety of genres. In 2015, Pigeondust joined Cold Busted with his fantastic album Moon, Wisdom & Slackness. He now follows up with an ambitious double album titled Way Back When. Way Back When explores a galaxy of hip hop styles throughout it's whopping 36 cuts. The vibe is gritty and street-smart, samples from jazz, funk, world music, and other pathways poured into one groovable stew. "Chienowa" sets the tone with it's tough beat, funk bass pops, and fly-by musical riffs. "Spiral Beat" is also notable for it's arpeggiated jazz loop that shifts into gentle '70s piano soul. And the collaborations aren't exclusive with samples - Turkish producer Ozoyo joins Pigeondust for the drum-twisting nature walk of "Magicnight," and Swiss producer DRWN. Appears on cut-up jazz jam "Intense." There's much to explore here. The album is available from Cold Busted on double vinyl, it's packaging a loving homage to Yo! MTV Raps and it's sought-after trading cards. Each album comes with a Pigeondust trading card complete with artist photo and vital stats. Represent.