Solo 500 delivers another irresistible 7" that takes the form of this two-sided celebration of boogie and jazz-funk classics. Side A revisits The Whatnauts' 1981 gem 'Help Is On The Way,' which was famously sampled by De La Soul, MC Lyte and Heavy D. This synth-laden and soulful edit captures the essence of early 80s boogie with killer grooves. Side B flips the script with 'Stepping', a refined edit of Donald Byrd's 1975 jazz-funk masterpiece 'Stepping Into Tomorrow', produced by the legendary Mizell Brothers for Blue Note. With great respect for the OGs but added new school charm, this 45 bridges past and present in style.
-
Side A’s “On The Way” is an edit of The Whatnauts’ 1981 boogie beauty “Help Is On The Way.” OG copies fetch $100+, so respect to GSC for getting this on 45. Heads will clock it instantly—it’s the sample behind De La Soul’s “Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)” (1991), MC Lyte’s “Big Bad Sister” (1991), & Heavy D’s “Sex With You” (1994). Synthy, soulful, & ripe for the loop.
Flip to Side B & you get “Stepping,” an edit of Donald Byrd’s 1975 jazz-funk masterwork “Stepping Into Tomorrow” (produced by Larry Mizell). That LP’s a stone classic, featuring the Mizell brothers, Gary Bartz & more. Sampled by Us3 on “The Darkside” (1993) & covered by Madlib 10 yrs later on “Shades of Blue.” Deep grooves, deep lineage.