Rachel Claudio Writes A Dissertation In C.L.AUDIO TAPE
When Eric from HeatCasters sent me a link to Rachel Claudio’s mixtape, I was paralyzed for thirty minutes. Her music is just that good. The France based Australian native created a melting pot of electro Hip Hop soul that is absolutely breathtaking. Rachel’s C.L.AUDIO TAPE pays homage to her favorite “old school tunes” while adding progressive flair. When it comes to my favorites, I love the electro-soul mashup of TLC’s “Waterfalls” with BUG’s “Cosmic Lab” (4:46). Other retro-throwbacks in Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” (16:32) fused with B.Lewis’ “Without My Gun” showcases Rachel’s rich vocals, emotionally intense arrangements, and fierce rhyming skills. Out of all the songs though, I’m addicted to an original composition produced by Gotta and Rachel herself. ”Dissertation Remix” (8:29) has been on repeat since I saw the Francis Cutter visuals that give a lovely nod to Nina Simone. While the original on Rachel’s 2011 Claudiography album is an understated, piano driven song, Rachel unleashes the rhythm in “Dissertation Remix”. After “come hither” pleasantries, the percussion comes in like a lightning bolt. Hip Hop rhythms seem to awaken Rachel’s edgy confidence. There is something about Rachel’s organic sound that makes me fall in love with music all over again. Excuse me while I press repeat. Website Facebook Twitter Soundcloud
