But for many years, I didn't know where the JBs crew had gotten the guitar lick and horn fanfare that punctuate the track. I'd pretty much figured it was some obscure B-side from James Brown or one of his disciples that only the most seasoned crate diggers knew about.
But then a few years ago, I was poking around the InterWebs late one night, when I stumbled upon this cat named DJ Funktual. If you're a sample junkie (like me) and you haven't seen his videos on YouTube, you've got to check him out. He's a DJ out of Fort Lauderdale with this massive library of ol' skool soul and funk, and he has 50+ videos online where he reveals the sources of pretty much every key track in the history of hip-hop. The guy knows his shtuff and is passionate about conveying his knowledge to others, which is what makes the video series crazily addictive. (Seriously, don't start watching at 1 am, because you'll suddenly realize it's 5 am.)
Anyway, DJ Funktual pointed out that the sample was from "Mango Meat," and I've been seeking out Mandrill's music ever since.
Mandrill came on the scene in the late 60s, founded by three siblings born in Panama and raised in Bed-Stuy—which sheds some light on the band's unique sound. Difficult to pigeonhole, Mandrill's music is essentially hard funk; however, there are Afro-Caribbean, Latin, Afrobeat, jazz, and rock influences in the bubbling stew, too. And those influences come through loud and clear in "Mango Meat."
In fact, what I love about the track is the way each element—the horns, guitar, clav, organ, vibraphone, whistle, etc.—has its own distinct flavor yet blends perfectly in the melting pot.
And I'd be remiss if I didn't also point out the drumming on the song. Drummer Neftali Santiago lays down an incredibly complex groove. It twists and turns in unexpected ways yet still flows like hot metal, giving the rest of the band a strong foundation to get down.
It's just the perfect deep cut for funkateers and sample hounds alike.
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