Felt - Felt 4 U '2020

Tracks list

Felt 4 U
Felt
After an 11-year hiatus, Murs and Slug are back with their fourth Felt album,
Felt 4 U. Their musical journey began back in 2002, with the release of Felt: A
Tribute to Christina Ricci, which soon became one of Rhymesayers’
most-cherished releases. That continued with the release of Felt 2: A Tribute to
Lisa Bonet, in 2005, by which time Murs & Slug’s creative partnership had
been elevated to a cult-like status, and intensified further in 2009, with the
release of Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez.

While their personal relationship is fundamental to Felt’s legacy, with
their comradery establishing itself as a driving force for their creativity, the
production on Felt albums has also been a major part of their success. The beats
on the first release were provided by another member of Murs’ Living
Legends crew, The Grouch, while the second album was produced by Ant of
Atmosphere, and the third by Aesop Rock. With notable changes in the sonic
backdrops for each album, the MC’s were allowed to share a unique side of
themselves each release, while fine-tuning their styles and showcasing their own
growth. The decision to use different producers for those albums was an integral
part of the group’s journey.

A lot has changed since their last release in 2009, including for Murs and Slug
themselves in both their personal and professional lives. Their careers have
continued to elevate and their families have continued to grow, and this fourth
album is something of a reflection of those changes, starting with the title of
the project itself. Felt 4 U seemed the simplest, most direct way of saluting
the fanbase that has made Felt what they are, a thank you to the dedicated; as
well as moving away from the perhaps more male gaze-feel of the previous titles.

Even amidst the changes we still find familiarities, like Ant making a return to
handle full production on Felt 4 U. Sonically, the album is overflowing with the
influences of funk, soul, blues and even country flavors. While Felt 3 had a
wintery feel, Felt 2 sounded perfect in autumn and the first Felt captured the
blossoming sounds of spring, this is a distinctly summery album, with the
richness of Ant’s production creating an overall warmth that envelops the
whole project. From the opening chords of “Never’s Enough”,
with its funk-fueled, vaguely retro feel, to the outrageously smooth vibes of
“Underwater, this is a rap album that demands as much attention for the
music, as it does for the rappers themselves. The album is unique to the Felt
catalog for its inclusion of guest artists though, with four features making
their way onto the final cut. The aforementioned “Underwater”
features an excellent appearance from Blimes, who brings her inimitable style to
the hook, and Blueprint is credited as his alter-ego, Shepard Albertson, thanks
to his vocal support on “Crimson Skies”, while The Grouch and Aesop
Rock join in on Hologram making the perfect Easter egg for Felt fans, thanks to
their contributions on previous projects.

Overall, this album provides the perfect segue into Felt’s next chapter.
It reflects changing attitudes in the culture and in the world as a whole, and
it reflects the changes in Murs and Slug as well. Whereas before, when some
songs were delivered with perhaps a slight tone of judgment – for want of
a better word – on Felt 4 U we find two artists offering us their
opinions and viewpoints in the hopes of furthering discussion. It’s
exactly what’s needed in the current climate and also a sign that the
Felt story is far from over.

Tracklist: 
01. Felt - Never’s Enough (3:40)
02. Felt - Find My Way (3:38)
03. Felt - Dont Do Me Like That (3:18)
04. Felt - Trees (3:24)
05. Felt - Through The Night (2:26)
06. Felt - Freeze Tag (2:23)
07. Felt - Sticks & Stones (3:04)
08. Felt - Underwater (feat. Blimes) (3:09)
09. Felt - Alexander Freal (3:19)
10. Felt - Hologram (feat. The Grouch & Aesop Rock) (4:28)
11. Felt - Crimson Skies (feat. Shepard Albertson) (3:46)
12. Felt - Borboleta (3:48)

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