MacArthur Maze are a Bay Area crew who have just come to my attention thanks to their debut album Blvck Saturday.
By Graeme Smith
MacArthur Maze are em cees Champ Green, Ian Kelly, Roux Shankle, D. Bledsoe, Blvck Achillies and Jane Handcock, and deejay/producer D. Sharp. They’re hoping to follow in the footsteps of Bay Area legends like Too $hort, E-40, Hieroglyphics and Master P with this new collection that has been several years in the making.
The album opens with an Intro that features Timothy Alexander White. Light and airy, old school elements swirl comfortably with future forward textures that show that we’re going to get something a little distinct from Blvck Saturday. First Friday launches into soulful vocalisations and lyrics that are full of nostalgia and defiance. Together the two tracks have an instant impression.
Panther Bruce Lee has a taste of the exotic about it, with instrumentals that could have been lifted directly from ’70s cinema. San Pablo Dam beautifully combines the dreamy and the moody. Miss Mula gives us atmospheric bass and free-flowing verses Black Saturdays sits at the heart of the album and brings an unexpected psychedelic Bowie sample. It’s a highlight.
No More opens the second half of the album in bombastic style with hard-hitting lyrics before Table For 5 gives us something a little more intimate and throwback. Switching Lanes is wonderfully fresh, with an irresistible groove and delicate percussion. Dealin Art is subtly minimal, giving space to its quick-fire, powerful lyrics. Thank You Have A Nice Day closes the album with a soaring, lingering moment. It’s another highlight.
What a debut MacArthur Maze have given us! There’s something in this collection for lovers of the old school and the new school. It takes a lot of hard work to make things seem so effortless and that’s exactly what comes through on Blvck Saturdays. As a crew MacArthur Maze vibe and together they are greater than the sum of their parts. Hip hop fans must listen to this album.
Blvck Saturday is available now for stream through all major DSPs via Table 5 Music Group. You can check it out below.
