Funky, fun, and unrelentingly, unapologetically filthy, DJ Godfather surveys the ghettotech scene.
A wide-ranging exhibition of turntablism and production
My introduction to DJ Godfather and ghettotech in general was through Andrea Parker and her 2001 collaboration with Godfather, “Freaky Bitches.” Just typing that out feels dirty and ridiculous—a bit like ghettotech itself. But that combination of Kraftwerk-derived techno, Miami booty bass, and Detroit funk was undeniably potent, and I got hooked.
Now, nearly twenty years on, DJ Godfather presents his first full album, from his vantage point at the center of the scene he helped found. Electro Beats for Freaks is a wide-ranging exhibition of turntablism and production—44 tracks over two hours, showcasing the soundtrack to Detroit’s jit dance style—the slower, grittier cousin to Chicago’s juke/footwork.
All of Detroit’s rich history of electronic music is represented here, from straight techno bangers to squelchy acid house lines, slamming 808 low end and high-BPM workouts. While there are some instrumentals, the vocal tracks featuring a roster of guests like Lil Mz 313, King Saadi, and Parkhouse give it the real flavor—and that flavor is naaaaasty. From “Bounce Dat Ass” to “Certified Freak Hoe” to “Up All Night” (…on Adderall) to “I’m Drunk, I’m High,” the lyrics are not for minors or, really, anyone who wants to think too deeply about what they’re hearing. But it’s a ton of fun.
Electro Beats For Freaks is available on Databass November 20, 2020. [Juno]
