My apologies, this review is long overdue. But to those of you that have no clue about this project, it’ll be right on time. Amerigo Gazaway returns with a very seminal project, one that will continue to shape the format of the evolving mash-up. From his Soul Mates series, Yasiin Gaye: The Departure (Side One) is the undeniable union of the divided soul singer Marvin Gaye and the artist formerly known as Mos Def, Yasiin Bey. If you weren’t a believer in soul mates, this pairing will dispel your disbelief. The Departure blends the two artists so seamlessly, it’s as if they were creating simultaneously in the studio.
As evidenced by the video above for the track “Ms. Fat Booty,” Gazaway displays a true knack for blending the soul of Motown’s Golden Child with the smooth lyrics of the Mighty Mos. The producer takes vocals from a few Gaye recordings, lays them over the rhymes of Bey and generates completely revamped tracks for this project. One of the standout joints is “The Panties,” a sensual, seductive encompassing of all thangs sexy. A little Teddy P, Marvin’s “Sexual Healing,” and Andre 3000’s interlude “The Morning After” all find their perfect place, intertwined in bed sheets.
Unfortunately, the Recording Industry Association of America has swooped in, forcing Gazaway’s to remove the download from being accessed. It’s no longer available for download on his site, but I got a lil somethin’ somethin’ for you here. Be on the look out for Yasiin Gaye: The Return (Side Two), hopefully coming very soon.
Audio Gumbo 