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Amp Fiddler x Sly & Robbie – Inspiration Information

Following up Keziah & Karriem, we have yet another unexpected-but-dope singer/producer collab. This time it comes in the form of Detroit soul/funk veteran, Amp Fiddler being produced by none other than the legendary dub duo, Sly & Robbie. This “why didn’t I think of that?” collaboration is only the first in a new 3-part series entitled Inspiration Information (an obvious nod to Shuggie Otis) where newer artists are teamed up with a veteran artist that inspired them and record an album together in just one week. The only problem with that is – this time around, both artists are veterans in their own right – but hey, I’m definitely not complaining.

For those who don’t know, Amp Fiddler has both a prominent solo artist and a key figure behind the scenes for years now. He’s not only toured & played on records with legends such as Prince and George Clinton’s P-Funk All-Stars, but he’s also been instrumental in getting a lot of current Detroit artists started through his home recording studio, Camp Amp, including most famously, the late great J Dilla. But even with all of that aside, his more recent solo albums, 2004′s Waltz Of A Ghetto Fly and 2007′s Afro Strut are equally impressive with their unique blend of electronic soulfulness with a retro-P-Funk and Motown sensibility behind them.

Meanwhile in Jamaica, countless classic albums from the 70′s until now have been blessed by the combination of Sly Dunbar on the drums and Robbie Shakespeare on the bass. Together, Sly & Robbie have played a huge role in defining reggae/dub music as we know it today, and with their most recent collaborations including political rockers Michael Franti & Spearhead, reggae legend Horace Andy, and UK singer, Bitty McLean – they still aren’t showing any signs of slowing down.

Amp, Sly and Robbie’s entry in the Inspiration Information series will be released on the UK-based Strut Records on October 13th. Below we’ve got both a free download of the first single, “Drama Inside,” as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the recording of the album.