Potatohead People enlist Illa J, T3, and Kapok for new single “What It Feels Like”

Not every production crew is worthy of carrying the torch of the late great J Dilla. Before his untimely death in 2006, the Detroit producer already had a sound that was light years ahead of its time and many current artists still haven’t caught up. One team that has proved deserving of shepherding his legacy into the future is the Canadian duo Potatohead People, whose new single “What It Feels Like” features Dilla collaborator T3 from the legendary group Slum Village and Dilla’s younger brother Illa J, as well as fellow Canadian artist Kapok. The track is the first single from the Vancouver group’s forthcoming LP Mellow Fantasy, which is due for release in fall 2020 via Bastard Jazz Recordings.

Potatohead People have a well-established style that blends various influences of the hip-hop tradition, from 90s boom bap to future soul and a consistently heavy dose of funk. “What If Feels Like” is no exception with a bouncing beat, choppy guitar chords, and some tasty horn lines for good measure. The track’s production gives a nod to classic Slum Village while also keeping an eye toward the future while each rapper makes his presence felt with scintillating verses that keep the energy high. The combination of old school and new, with the diverse perspectives of T3, Illa J, and Kapok makes Potatohead People’s “What It Feels Like” an irresistibly enjoyable summer jam.