Evan Nabavian gave Frasier Crane most of his psychiatric tutelage.
Fat Beats was cool for me because it was a place where the music files on my computer existed in real life and names like Marco Polo and Blu & Exile didn’t elicit the blank stares they got back at my dorm. It was a haven for the very best indie rap had to offer and if Fat Beats still existed in the physical today, I would definitely be able to go point knowingly at this new 45 from L.A.-based producer I, Ced.
Even if I, Ced is relatively unknown, the discerning eye will notice names in the credits that appear around dope music. An unassuming neo-soul A-side featuring Jimetta Rose smacks of Detroit hip-hop – you might remember her from the funky vibes she lent to Blu & Madlib’s “Burgandy Whip.” But the real gem here is “In The Place To Be” with Quelle Chris and Black Spade. Minimalism does the trick: frenetic drums prompt an instant jitterbug, or at least they would if the rhymes weren’t so slick. On top of that, scratches and a reference to an age-old refrain mark a track that honors its heritage. And while the vinyl will have to settle for being sold through Fat Beats’ website, hopefully my blog post will give it some modicum of its due respect while satisfying my know-it-all-ism.
