We’re continuing to merge a refreshing blend of reggae, hip-hop and funk with their latest single Neighborhood ft. Krayzie Bone and Prof. Due was released on September 17th via Ineffable Records, the number one reggae label through which the band also released their last full-length album Of Illusion in 2020. Neighborhood was produced at Signal Flow Studios in Cleveland, OH and features Krayzie Bone of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Prof.
“The track was crafted by our producer, Chris DiCola, and we were digging it immediately,” recalls Matthew Roads. “We took our downtime caused by the pandemic to write the melody and layer on horns and guitars at our studio in the steelyard, Signal Flow Studios.”
Working with the six-piece on their last full-length album, Of Illusion, producer Chris DiCola is no stranger to the Tropidelic team. “Neighborhood ft. Krayzie Bone and Prof is definitely a standout track from working with Tropidelic thus far.” Chris shares. “It started as a really typical beat. One that felt good on a loop without sounding too repetitive, and one that had attitude while still having a laidback feel. After we sat with it for a bit, all the guys developed some great ideas. I ended up with some new sounds once we reached a certain point. These things take time.”
With strong ties to their hometown of Cleveland, we had hopes to work with Krayzie Bone for some time before “Neighborhood” came to be. While some of us were familiar with Prof’s music, the band had the opportunity to cross paths with the rapper, singer, and songwriter while performing on the 311 Caribbean Cruise in 2019, turning them into lifelong fans. In discussions around features for the track, we thought an upbeat flow would be a great juxtaposition against the laidback production. Both Krayzie Bone and Prof seemed like natural fits.
“Neighborhood” melds elements that our long-time fans know and love with new elements and sounds that were achieved through collaborative environment in the studio; enabling the band to bring a fresh sound to the single while remaining distinctively true to our style. “It was also special getting Krayzie and Prof on it, too,” adds Chris. “It felt like we were hosting a totally stacked cypher. I think we came correct with Neighborhood.”
Single artwork was designed by Glen Infante, the Cleveland native artist and founder of iLTHY (clothing) and Cleveland Walls Project muralist. “Neighborhood” is available for streaming and purchase on all platforms on Sept 17,2021.
Stream/download the track today at https://ffm.to/tropneighborhood
