Down-tempo hip-hop at its most nocturnal and statuesque,
Mighty Bop's influences come from a variety of sources. Start with rap's golden age (for the beats), early New York and Chicago house (for the atmospheric synth), and a liberal dose of jazz and R&B (for the instrumentation and overall vibes). The French turntablist covers Bricusse/
Newley's "Feeling Good," and even titles one of his tracks "Moody's Mood" (though resemblances to the
James Moody standard are slight). Elsewhere, "Freestyle Liguistique" is a solid minor-key hip-hop track with rapping by EJM, and the album hits another down-tempo high with "Sea, Sex & Fleurs," a sultry beat piece featuring vocals by Louise Vertigo. Overall,
Spin My Hits is a delightful mix trip through
the Mighty Bop back catalog. ~ John Bush