\nTall Black Guy has finally taken time off from his immensely popular remixing duties to serve up a debut album that is as worthy as the source for which it pays homage. <\/strong><\/p>\n

“8 Miles to Moenart” is as much a debut album for the much-respected Tall Black Guy, as it is a fine crafted tribute to musical heritage of the motor city \u2013 Detroit. The Cosby Show inspired intro demonstrates some of Tall Black Guys finer chopping skills. Slicing comfortably through some Cosby Show dialogue (with a little slip of early Adam Sandler comedy chopped in).<\/p>\n

The Motown native jumps straight into it with \u2018The Dark Streets\u2019, which sounds like a worthy head nod to Dilla. \u2018The Motor Is Running\u2019 gives you the sensation of a Timbaland inspired track \u2013 with enough layers to keep you tuned into the soulful unfolding of the track. <\/p>\n

The albums sound is solid display of Tall Black Guys unique output as it gives you a real sense of what he, as a producer, sounds like. Although displayed as an instrumental album \u2013 this is no beat tape! This is structured music that is meant to suppress any need for a vocal presence. The album even takes some interlude space to bring up today\u2019s music scene and the changing sounds from the home of Motown. <\/p>\n

For mostly an instrumental album you do get a very tight and concise body of work, and a broad sense of Tall Black Guys production capabilities. This is evident from the subtle and unique differences in tracks like \u2018From Home To Work, And Back\u2026\u2019 through to \u2018Rain Into The Nite Outro\u2019 \u2013 which serves like a reprise to the former\u2013 but you\u2019re inside the song – you know you\u2019re immersed in a totally different track.<\/p>\n

Tall Black Guy even takes a swerve into jazz with the bonus track \u2018Floating\u2019. There\u2019s no need to label this track a bonus as it serves up just as great a purpose as each of the other eight tracks on the album. The two only features are Ozay Moore \u2018Mon Amie De\u2019Troit\u2019 & Diggs Duke \u2018There\u2019s No More Soul\u2019. Complimenting their tracks perfectly while never taking the emphasis away from being \u201cA Tall Black Guy Song\u201d. <\/p>\n

Although a short piece of work (run time of 42 minutes), “8 Miles To Moenart” is a classic example of quality over quantity. While similar at times to the sounds of Dwele or even Zo! \u2013 Tall Black Guy remains true to what people know and love of his OWN style and branding, and manages to delivers a sincerely quality debut. A really enjoyable body of work \u2013 I would recommend adding it to your collection.<\/p>\n

Review by DJ Trey<\/strong><\/p>\n