Earlier this month, A-Trak posted a video to his Instagram that created an instant buzz; some fans were confused, other's were beside themselves with excitement, and there were a few stragglers, who wanted nothing to do with it, but everyone watched it , discussed it, and eventually remembered to look out for what it promised. The video was a fifteen second promo that was deceptively effective as it was simple. Two names scrolled across the screen, flashing lights marking their importance: Cam'ron and A-Trak, with the words "Federal Reserve coming soon" following.
This seemingly strange pairing of electronic dance DJ pioneer and Harlem drug dealing emcee, is the manifestation of the near head on collision between EDM and hip hop over the past few years, thanks to rappers and producers, like Hudson Mohawke and Danny Brown. However, this collaboration unites an older,established traditional rapper with the sounds that have mostly been dominated by youth; although, A-Trak is a legend is his own right, and has been around for some time—which is why this pairing is so exciting.
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Their first official release, "Humphrey", proves that this EP will be worth all of the buildup and possibly topple everyone's expectations. A-Trak, with the assistance of Party Supplies, crafted a beat that sounds like it would have rocked the world in 2005, but it still extremely fresh. The samples these producers use give this track an amazing soulful or early Kanye vibe, with the beautiful female vocals and the hard piano licks driving the song. Cam'ron hasn't lost a single touch, he thoroughly eviscerates this track, just telling his story from rags to riches. "My parents got high, no lie/ Its no shame/ I'm the product of dust, lust and cocaine/ Still cool with some n****s though, who sniff cocaine/ Who grow weed, who grow hair like Rogaine," he has a talent dropping incredible street lines that are impeccably put together, nonchalantly. His lyrical talent takes A-Trak's and Party Supplies' work to new heights.
If you weren't excited or just thought this was going to be a fluff project, you need to get on this hype train, because its actually going somewhere great. Unfortunately the release date hasn't been announced; hopefully, we will hear more in the coming weeks.
