Amp Fiddler is back and STRONG! I instantly got excited when our friends over at Put Me On It shared the video for “Stylin’ Free“—produced by Ben Dubuisson, under moniker of Hundred Strong, which featured Amp Fiddler on vocals.

The title and opening track of the album, “Stylin’ Free” has this hypnotic groove,  with a reggae vibe while Amp Fiddler‘s raspy vocals tell the tale of wisdom and nonchalance as his woman insults him about being crazy; his response is simply, “I’m stylin’ free.”

Ben Dubuisson, a UK-based producer from Bristol, hit the scene back in the mid-90s and produced work with different labels under the moniker of Purple Penguin. He’s also the head behind the buzzing Bristol club, Native, which sees many of the worlds hottest DJ’s on the 1′s and 2′s.

Stylin’ Free, is Dubuisson‘s third album which features a great mix of artists—the aforementioned Detroit singer Amp Fiddler, London-based rapper Serocee, Holly Backler, J Todd, Joseph Malik, Pete Simpson. What’s refreshing about this album, is how it returns to a sound which distinguished UK soul from the US, with its timeless productions reminiscent of groups such as Brand New Heavies and Young Disciples. Amp Fiddler is featured on three tunes (“Stylin’ Free“, “Time“, and “Mood Swing“) and skillfully taps into three levels of relationships – commitment, energy, and freedom; Holly Backler‘s unusual vocal style on “One Thing” causes you to hone in on her bravado as her stories unfold; Serocee‘s direct London rapping style grabs you in; J Todd has a rock/funk vocal style and the two songs he’s featured on are two completely different in make up—”How Good Is It” which has a vintage funk feel and “Find A Way” more contemporary R&B; Joseph Malik‘s haunting and off-kiltered ”Gravestone” (it is about loss); and the most soulful tune on the album provided by Pete Simpson on “You Make Me Feel“.  Stylin’ Free is a very solid album which shows Dubisson‘s evolving creativity — definitely a career to watch.

Stylin’ Free hits stores February 14th (I think the Amp Fiddler songs determined its release date), and a remix of “Time” by Andreas Saag is set to release later in the month.

Check out the medley below of “Stylin’ Free” feat. Amp Fiddler, “Make You See the Light” feat. Holly Backler,  and “Time” feat. Amp Fiddler and let me know what you think!

Hundred Strong

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