If you're anything like us, then when Organized Noize announced the release date for their new self-titled EP along with dropping the EP's first single "Kush" last month, then you were thanking your lucky stars for the long-awaited return of members Rico Wade, Ray Murray and Sleepy Brown. Well, the guys made good on their word and at the stroke of midnight, dropped off the seven-track project and it was just what the doctor ordered.
Longtime fans of the Atlanta-based production trio will recognize the list of artists cherry-picked to appear on the project. "We the Ones" feels just like the good ol' days when the collective regularly assembled their Dungeon Family crew for posse cuts, this one featuring Big Boi, CeeLo Green, Big Rube and Brown. Even Scar, the vocalist formerly signed to Big Boi's Purple Ribbon imprint, surfaces to link up with Joi on the opening single, "Anybody Out There." The result is the seamless blend of sounds signature to Organized Noize, including a blend of funk, soul and Southern-dipped hip-hop. While the EP leans heavily on guest appearances, it is Sleepy's satiny vocals that take center stage on several cuts including the romantic "Awesome Lovin" and the introspective "Why Can't We." He is joined by his father, musician Jimmy Brown of the funk band Brick, who lends a smooth jazz touch to "Chemtrails." Brown, Wade and Murray close out on a strong note with the instrumental track, "The Art of Organized Noize," aptly named after their acclaimed 2016 documentary.
Take the Organized Noize EP for a spin and then head over to iTunes, Amazon or Google Play to add it to your permanent collection.
