We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

RRRLP010 - Joseph Malik - Proxima Ebony LP

by Joseph Malik

supported by
djdeev_zona8
djdeev_zona8 thumbnail
djdeev_zona8 pleno de inspiração, Joseph Malik apresenta-nos 12 temas que mostram todo o seu poder de escrita e interpretação da música contemporânea.
consciencialização, ativismo, hedonismo e vivências urbanas do século 21 são aqui apresentadas pela experiência de Joseph Malik, um disco para contar nos melhores de 2023.. Favorite track: Only Fans ft. Digital Liquid.
Jonathan Clarke
Jonathan Clarke thumbnail
Jonathan Clarke My morning medicine just now, though in truth it fits all times and places.

One of the most perfectly designed and accomplished lps I’ve heard in a while. Full marks to everyone involved, a proper classic Favorite track: Adult Contemporary.
John Farrar
John Farrar thumbnail
John Farrar Joseph Malik is a genius , always moving his music forward , made a timeless contribution to underground music over many years , some fine collaborations here including this one with the amazing Kameelah Waheed Favorite track: Be A Lion ft. Kameelah Waheed.
/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      £10 GBP  or more

     

  • Record/Vinyl + Digital Album

    Marc Mac from 4Hero says:
    "Joseph keeps making great music and even more so in recent times. I feel like people need to recognise and realise this force. Among my favourites are "Proxima Ebony" featuring lyrical genius Capitol A, the two make a powerful combination. Another highlight for me is "High Over Low" a rare beautiful folk soul number that is something missing from todays black music repertoire. "Hollywood Africans" a wonderful sonic message and "Adult Contemporary" destined to be a deep dance floor monster, love the strings on this and of course the album starter. "

    More about the album:
    From the first track, ‘Introduction’ to ‘High Over Low’, Joseph Malik wants the listener to know that they are on a musical exploration through a collection of highly original soundscapes and that ‘Proxima Ebony’ is no ordinary album. ‘Proxima Ebony’ marks the end of a five year, five album output and the beginning of a new era of collaborations with international musicians, combining talents on projects created in Edinburgh, Scotland.

    ‘Introduction’ opens Side A with ‘Proxima Ebony’ following as the title track of the album. This collaboration with San Francisco based rapper and producer, Antoine Green aka Capitol A, is a true labour of love and in the process of making the track, Joseph and Antoine have created a bold Afro Futurism anthem for our times. ‘Adjust Like Dat’ draws on many influences including Joseph’s Nigerian culture and early 80’s Philly International rhythms, resulting in an Afro Boogie track that takes no prisoners with its incessant keyboard and bass riffs and Joseph delivering his vocals with a nod to Nigerian patois. The international collaborations continue as multi-talented Philadelphia based rapper and spoken word artist, Kameelah Waheed joins forces with Joseph on the duet, ‘Be A Lion’. Kameelah and Joseph bring back the fun and positivity to this old skool hip hop outing in its truest sense with Edinburgh hip hop legend, DJ Nasty P on the kuts. ‘Shuya San’ sees a dedication from Joseph Malik’s music brother, Shuya Okino, from Kyoto Jazz Massive. Here, Shuya talks about their close personal bond and musical family connection in Edinburgh, related to the listener in Japanese. Daniel Walls plays the Shō, a Japanese bagpipe, to reinforce the blending of cultures with music created in Scotland. Side A signs off with the Dirty Soul meets Punk Funk monster, ‘Trouble with a Capital T’ which gives off bad boy attitude from the very first note. Joseph wrote this song when he was in a club in Madrid and met an enticing woman on the dance floor and they danced the night away. The original musical input came from Daniel Walls who envisioned the track as the essence of New York club, CBGBs meets Talking Heads anarchic ‘Psycho Killer ‘with the additional snarling guitar riff played by Suddenly WOW’s Otti Albiez.

    Side B opens with the most personal track on the album, ‘Only Fans’ - a reflection on Joseph’s childhood. His mother worked in the sex industry, and he saw a lot of things that he should never have seen as a child. This is why Joseph has always had compassion for those who work in the industry. Digital Liquid adds his signature brooding Acid Techno worm lead, giving the track its darkness and menace. ‘Adult Contemporary’ is one of Joseph Malik's most insightful songs - vulnerable and inspirational in one track. With deepest respect paid to his inspirations, 70s disco icon Sylvester, legendary producer Patrick Adams and trailblazer, Larry Levan, Joseph's exquisite, falsetto vocals soar above the keyboard mastery of Darren Morris to deliver a track remembering all those who passed or were affected during the AIDS epidemic in the early 80s. On the next track, ‘My Whole World (Is Fallin’), Kameelah Waheed joins Joseph again. Her beautifully delivered flow intertwines with Joseph’s achingly soulful vocals to create a track of great depth with an otherworldly vibe. Joseph is joined on ‘Hollywood Africans’ by Alina Bzhezhinka, an outstanding harpist who is regarded as one of the best jazz harpists in the World. Her dramatic score underpins Joseph’s dedication to Hattie McDaniels – the first black person to win an Oscar for her character, ‘Mammy’ in ‘Gone With The Wind’. This is also his acknowledgement of the painting by savant, Jean Michel Basquiat - ‘Hollywood Africans’. Darren Morris composed a big symphonic piano accompaniment, to compliment Alina’s harp, which alludes to the majesty of 1930’s film scores. ‘Proxima Ebony’ draws to a close with the ethereal ‘High Over Low’ – this is how the story ends for the couple who met on the dancefloor in Madrid. This heartbreaker showcases the guitar wizardry of Chris Franck with David Donnelly’s double bass adding resonance along with the North Street West choir of Darren Morris and Jo Wallace adding the final sparkle….

    Ladies and Gentlemen, you have been listening to ‘Proxima Ebony’ by Joseph Malik.

    POSTAGE FROM UK - THIS IS COMPLICATED - PLEASE CHECK YOUR REGION CAREFULLY:

    UK - 1ST CLASS SIGNED FOR

    EUROPE ZONE 1: ROI, FRANCE, GERMANY, CORSICA, DENMARK MONACO (CHOOSE POSTAGE FOR 'WITHIN EUROPE')

    EUROPE ZONE 2: AUSTRIA, LATVIA, AZORES, LITHUANIA, BALEARIC ISLES, LUXEMBOURG, BELGIUM, MADEIRA, BULGARIA, MALTA, CANARY ISLES, NETHERLANDS, CROATIA, POLAND, CYPRUS, PORTUGAL, CZECH REPUBLIC, ROMANIA, ESTONIA, SLOVAKIA, FINLAND, SLOVENIA, GREECE, SPAIN, HUNGARY, SWEDEN, ITALY (CHOOSE POSTAGE FOR 'SPAIN')

    EUROPE ZONE 3: ALL OTHER EUROPEAN TERRITORIES INCLUDING RUSSIA (CHOOSE POSTAGE FOR 'RUSSIA')

    WORLD ZONE 1: World Zone 1 generally covers countries in North America (excluding the USA), South America, Africa, the Middle East, the Far East and South East Asia. (THIS INCLUDES JAPAN)

    WORLD ZONE 2: AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, PACIFIC TERRITORIES

    WORLD ZONE 3: USA

    Includes unlimited streaming of RRRLP010 - Joseph Malik - Proxima Ebony LP via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    ... more
    ships out within 4 days
    Purchasable with gift card

      £25 GBP or more 

     

1.
Introduction 01:02
2.
Proxima Ebony ft. Capitol A Lyrics by Antoine Green/ Joseph Malik Verse 1 This for the Kingdom of Kush, the Mali Empire The children of Aksum, praise be, alaikum kum The era of the bygone, eras of lost treasures The old ways must be made by any measures As I gaze to the stars for meditation with Nut The flow of the Nile is embedded in your strut Go forth, oh black child, populate the soil Inherently shine through tribulations and toil In the year of their Lord, we suffer a discord Chains and brutality, welcome aboard Keep the old ways coded in your slang and dance To them, shuckin and jiving, we calling taking a stance Marcus Garvey wanted a one way trip He bulit an ark for an exodus, a Black Star ship Fast forward to the present, We are still in rough waters 21st century lambs to the slaughter Chorus Brother Sister Father Mother Sister Mother, working together Father Father Mother Sister Brother Verse 2 Here’s an observation, the proclamation Here’s to enlightenment, here’s to preparation We finally get there, Make sure that the stars align With the scrolls of the first mankind Chorus Wanna do it Brother Sister Father Mother Sister Mother, working together Father Father Mother Sister Brother Verse 3 The continent that’s darker than the Universe Spreading the seeds to every place we immerse Every source of mineral, Proteins intended to give you the understanding of the first earth landing It’s agriculture in the highest form Black you, brown you, the genetic norm Agriculture in the highest form Black you, brown you, the genetic norm What can the past show us as we look to the future? It’s a limitless source of inspiration to renew us As we merrily merrily plummet downstream Chorus Yeah yeah Brother Sister Father Mother Sister Mother, working together Wanna do it, yeah yeah, wanna do it Father Father Mother Sister Brother Yeah (yeah) Just looking over my shoulder, my people
3.
Adjust Like Dat Lyrics by Joseph Malik Verse 1 Oh it ain’t easy to see You cast your spell over me You got me high over low You got my feelings on show Chorus Adjust like dat x 3 You got me high over low Adjust like dat Verse 2 But it ain’t easy to see Y’all think you’re better than me You got me high over low Y’all got my feelings on show Chorus Adjust like dat x 3 Y’all got me high over low Adjust like dat Verse 3 You got my feelings on show You cast your spell over me But it ain’t easy to see Y’all got me high over low Chorus Adjust like dat x 3 You got me high over low Adjust like dat
4.
Be A Lion ft. Kameelah Waheed Lyrics by Kameelah Waheed Verse 1 STAND UP Releasing my beast, always bow to the East, famine or feast Increase my degrees in 88 keys, I fa la la la la for the culture, the creed, a thousand beliefs STAND UP I come in at ease, I’m cool as a breeze, I flip it for fee Been giving out these, planting these seeds, growing new breeds Breaking the rules Chorus Be true to the lion that’s the inner you, Cause the one that you feed gonna shine thru, fight thru, light thru Gon rise too and everything that you need lies inside of you Be true to the lion that’s the inner you Cause the one that you feed gonna shine thru, fight thru, light thru Gon rise too and everything that you need, lies inside of you Verse 2 The lion you feed, the lion that roars, honour ya chi, love on ya being Go for ya dream - alkaline - hear a roar such as mine Pour into these open minds - reinventing - see the signs STAND UP The lion you feed, the lion that roars, honour ya chi, love on ya being Go for ya dream – alkaline – hear a roar such as mine Pour into these open minds – reinventing - see the signs STAND UP Chorus Be true to the lion that’s the inner you Cause the one that you feed, gonna shine thru, fight thru, light thru Gon rise too and everything that you need lies inside of you Be true to the lion that’s the inner you Cause the one that you feed, gonna shine thru, fight thru, light thru Gon rise too and everything that you need lies inside of you Verse 3 Releasing my beast, always bow to the East, famine or feast Increase my degrees in 88 keys, I fa la la la la for the culture, the creed A thousand beliefs Chorus That’s the inner you, shine thru, rise too, inside you, Be true to the lion that’s the inner you Cause the one that you feed, gonna shine thru, fight thru, light thru Gon rise too and everything that you need lies inside of you STAND UP Be true to the lion that’s the inner you x 3
5.
6.
Trouble with a Capital T Lyrics by Joseph Malik Verse 1 Girl, you better call me when I’m on my own I know the trouble when the trouble is gone I need to know you’re a part of me I’m tripping over my two left feet Chorus Have fun, girl you shouldn’t be with me And have fun, I’m trouble with a Capital T And have fun, girl you shouldn’t be with me And have fun, I’m trouble with a Capital T Verse 2 Girl, I see you standing just over there I like the look of you, I like your hair Not in a hurry but I wanna escape Y’all got me tripping over two left feet Chorus Have fun, girl you shouldn’t be with me And have fun, I’m trouble with a Capital T And have fun, girl you shouldn’t be with me I’m trouble with a Capital T Verse 3 I like dancing in the clubs till late Not in a hurry but I wanna escape I need to know you’re a part of me I’m tripping over my two left feet Chorus And have fun, girl you shouldn’t be with me And have fun, I’m trouble with a Capital T x 3 And have fun, girl you shouldn’t be with me x 3 And have fun, I’m trouble with a Capital T
7.
Only Fans ft. Digital Liquid Lyrics by Joseph Malik Chorus Whatever you need, whatever you want Be here, right here, anytime x 4 Verse 1 I’ll be just so near I’ve nothing to lose I’ll be what you want I’ll be just so near I’ve nothing to lose I’ll be what you want Chorus Whatever you need, whatever you want Be here, right here, anytime Whatever you need, whatever you want I’ll be here, right here, anytime Verse 2 I’ll be just so near I’ve nothing to lose I’ll be what you want I’ll be just so near I’ve nothing to lose I’ll be what you want I’ll be just so near Chorus Whatever you need, I’ll be just so near Whatever you need, I’ll be what you want Whatever you need, whatever you want I’ll be here right here anytime Whatever you need, whatever you want Be here, right here anytime Verse 3 I’ll be just so near I’ll be what you want Chorus Whatever you need, whatever you want I’ll be here, right here anytime x 2 Verse 4 I’ll be just so near I’ve nothing to lose I’ll be you want I’ll be just so near I’ve nothing to lose I’ll be what you want
8.
Adult Contemporary Lyrics by Joseph Malik Verse 1 Release me from my shame Release me from my pain Somebody help me, somebody help me Somebody help me, somebody help me Desire me in your veins, Come near to me, I need change Somebody help me, somebody help me x 2 Chorus Heal me, heal me Release me, heal me Release me, somebody help me Heal me, somebody help me Verse 2 Come near to me, I’m in pain Come near to me, heal me again Somebody help me, somebody, somebody Somebody help me x 3 Chorus Release me, release me Release me from my shame Somebody help me Somebody, somebody Somebody help me x 3 Somebody, somebody Verse 3 Come near to me x 2 Somebody help me x 3 Chorus Heal me, somebody help me, somebody help me x 7 Heal me, somebody help me, heal me I need you to heal, somebody, somebody heal me I need you to heal, somebody help me, heal me x 3
9.
My Whole World (Is Fallin’) ft. Kameelah Waheed Lyrics by Kameelah Waheed/ Joseph Malik Verse 1 We stand and fall, we fall and stand… I believed again - in it Although the signs of it were not present - disguised. I felt it, I was hesitant, but I went with it. Gave my usual 110, they ‘bout 50 in for some reason Our dreams cease to blend. They begin to cut me with overtones of the end And I begin panicking, mindlessly chattering Thinking they knew the answers When red flags half stand in positions of an invasive attacking. We stand and fall and fall and stand. Chorus My whole world, my whole world is fallin’ Front of me, front of me, front of me, It’s all around me, my whole world, my whole world Is fallin’ front of me, front of me, front of me, It’s all around me Verse 2 I’m reminded that I am falling into next level greatness Never forget who you are That northern star, that courage to love after the scars. This time, I raise the bar, rebuke you sub-pars Yet I’m grateful for the spar. Thus far, my whole world been on pause Breaking my personal clause never to fall again But again, we trust. Ain’t nothing like that rush or that first busting it up on the P- train Love notes like first grade first kiss taste homemade... Mesmerized, mesmerized by the newness, the curious nature Held me, enticed me to explore We stand and fall and fall and stand Chorus My whole world, my whole world is fallin’ Front of me, front of me, front of me, It’s all around me, my whole world, my whole world Is fallin’ front of me, front of me, front of me, It’s all around me Verse 3 Vibrations and frequencies connected we know joy, we know love, we know spirit, we knew strength We stand and fall and fall and stand So, all the babbling make no sense I was convinced they was heaven sent Perhaps, he is pushing me to learn, to live Pushing me to stop the give, to start the fall into your call Take your crown at the ball, set heights so tall, so far-fetched to ya’ll We stand and fall and fall and stand - fallin’ We stand and fall and fall and stand - fallin’ We stand and fall and fall and stand We stand and fall and fall and stand
10.
Hollywood Africans ft. Alina Bzhezhinska Lyrics by Joseph Malik Hollywood Africans Hollywood dreams You’re a star if you make it for real Hollywood dreams You’re a star if you make it for real Hollywood dreams You’re a star if you make it for real Follow your dreams Hollywood dreams Hollywood Africans Hollywood dreams You’re a star if you make it for real Hollywood dreams You’re a star if you make it for real Hollywood dreams You’re a star if you make it for real Follow your dreams Hollywood dreams Hollywood Africans Hollywood dreams Hollywood Africans Hollywood dreams Hollywood Africans Follow your dreams Hollywood Africans
11.
High Over Low ft. Chris Franck Lyrics by Joseph Malik Verse 1 You got me high over low You got my feelings on show You brought me pleasure out of pain We’re all lost in this game Chorus You/ you/ you You/ you/ you Verse 2 You got me high over low You got my feelings on show You brought me pleasure out of pain We’re all lost in this game Chorus You/ you/ you You/ you/ you Verse 3 You got me high over Low Chorus You/ you/ you You/ you/ you

about

Marc Mac from 4Hero says:
"Joseph keeps making great music and even more so in recent times. I feel like people need to recognise and realise this force. Among my favourites are "Proxima Ebony" featuring lyrical genius Capital A, the two make a powerful combination. Another highlight for me is "High Over Low" a rare beautiful folk soul number that is something missing from todays black music repertoire. "Hollywood Africans" a wonderful sonic message and "Adult Contemporary" destined to be a deep dance floor monster, love the strings on this and of course the album starter. "

More about the album:
From the first track, ‘Introduction’ to ‘High Over Low’, Joseph Malik wants the listener to know that they are on a musical exploration through a collection of highly original soundscapes and that ‘Proxima Ebony’ is no ordinary album. ‘Proxima Ebony’ marks the end of a five year, five album output and the beginning of a new era of collaborations with international musicians, combining talents on projects created in Edinburgh, Scotland.

‘Introduction’ opens Side A with ‘Proxima Ebony’ following as the title track of the album. This collaboration with San Francisco based rapper and producer, Antoine Green aka Capitol A, is a true labour of love and in the process of making the track, Joseph and Antoine have created a bold Afro Futurism anthem for our times. ‘Adjust Like Dat’ draws on many influences including Joseph’s Nigerian culture and early 80’s Philly International rhythms, resulting in an Afro Boogie track that takes no prisoners with its incessant keyboard and bass riffs and Joseph delivering his vocals with a nod to Nigerian patois. The international collaborations continue as multi-talented Philadelphia based rapper and spoken word artist, Kameelah Waheed joins forces with Joseph on the duet, ‘Be A Lion’. Kameelah and Joseph bring back the fun and positivity to this old skool hip hop outing in its truest sense with Edinburgh hip hop legend, DJ Nasty P on the kuts. ‘Shuya San’ sees a dedication from Joseph Malik’s music brother, Shuya Okino, from Kyoto Jazz Massive. Here, Shuya talks about their close personal bond and musical family connection in Edinburgh, related to the listener in Japanese. Daniel Walls plays the Shō, a Japanese bagpipe, to reinforce the blending of cultures with music created in Scotland. Side A signs off with the Dirty Soul meets Punk Funk monster, ‘Trouble with a Capital T’ which gives off bad boy attitude from the very first note. Joseph wrote this song when he was in a club in Madrid and met an enticing woman on the dance floor and they danced the night away. The original musical input came from Daniel Walls who envisioned the track as the essence of New York club, CBGBs meets Talking Heads anarchic ‘Psycho Killer ‘with the additional snarling guitar riff played by Suddenly WOW’s Otti Albiez.

Side B opens with the most personal track on the album, ‘Only Fans’ - a reflection on Joseph’s childhood. His mother worked in the sex industry, and he saw a lot of things that he should never have seen as a child. This is why Joseph has always had compassion for those who work in the industry. Digital Liquid adds his signature brooding Acid Techno worm lead, giving the track its darkness and menace. ‘Adult Contemporary’ is one of Joseph Malik's most insightful songs - vulnerable and inspirational in one track. With deepest respect paid to his inspirations, 70s disco icon Sylvester, legendary producer Patrick Adams and trailblazer, Larry Levan, Joseph's exquisite, falsetto vocals soar above the keyboard mastery of Darren Morris to deliver a track remembering all those who passed or were affected during the AIDS epidemic in the early 80s. On the next track, ‘My Whole World (Is Fallin’), Kameelah Waheed joins Joseph again. Her beautifully delivered flow intertwines with Joseph’s achingly soulful vocals to create a track of great depth with an otherworldly vibe. Joseph is joined on ‘Hollywood Africans’ by Alina Bzhezhinka, an outstanding harpist who is regarded as one of the best jazz harpists in the World. Her dramatic score underpins Joseph’s dedication to Hattie McDaniels – the first black person to win an Oscar for her character, ‘Mammy’ in ‘Gone With The Wind’. This is also his acknowledgement of the painting by savant, Jean Michel Basquiat - ‘Hollywood Africans’. Darren Morris composed a big symphonic piano accompaniment, to compliment Alina’s harp, which alludes to the majesty of 1930’s film scores. ‘Proxima Ebony’ draws to a close with the ethereal ‘High Over Low’ – this is how the story ends for the couple who met on the dancefloor in Madrid. This heartbreaker showcases the guitar wizardry of Chris Franck with David Donnelly’s double bass adding resonance along with the North Street West choir of Darren Morris and Jo Wallace adding the final sparkle….

Ladies and Gentlemen, you have been listening to ‘Proxima Ebony’ by Joseph Malik.

credits

released September 8, 2023

Executive producer and arranger: Joseph Malik
Album concept: Joseph Malik
Preproduction, arrangement and original demo concepts: Joseph Malik & Daniel Walls (Edinburgh)
Production and arrangement: Darren Morris & Jo Wallace (North Street West Studio, St Leonard’s on Sea)
Mastering: Darren Morris (North Street West Studio, St Leonard’s on Sea
Artwork: Richard Epps
Image for LP cover: Glenda Rome

Additional credits.
All tracks: Keyboards, piano, bass, drum programming and additional instrumentation by Darren Morris
Track 2: Rap by Capitol A. BVs by Joseph Malik, Darren Morris and Jo Wallace.
Track 3: BVs by Jo Wallace
Track 4: Rap by Kameelah Waheed. Kuts by DJ Nasty P
Track 5: Spoken word by Shuya Okino. Shō by Daniel Walls
Track 6: BV's by Jo Wallace. Guitar by Otti Albietz. Drums by Daniel Walls
Track 7: Acid worm lead by Daniel Walls
Track 8. BVs by Joseph Malik, Darren Morris, Jo Wallace
Track 9: Rap by Kameelah Waheed. BVs by Joseph Malik
Track 10: Harp by Alina Bzhezhinska
Track 11: Guitar by Chris Franck. Double Bass by David Donnelly. BV's by Joseph Malik, Darren Morris, Jo Wallace

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Ramrock Ramsgate, UK

Founded in 2014 by Jo Wallace
Ramrock = reggae Ramrock Blue = soul Ramrock Red = Balearic/Hip Hop/Jazz/Electronica.
Jo is part of the North Street Studio One Remix crew with DJ/producer Ashley Beedle + musical supremo Darren Morris. Artists include Greg Blackman, Ghetto Priest, DB Cohen, Joseph Malik, Pauline Taylor, Steven Christie + Kameelah Waheed. 2021 is full of musical goodness.
... more

contact / help

Contact Ramrock

Streaming and
Download help

Shipping and returns

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like RRRLP010 - Joseph Malik - Proxima Ebony LP, you may also like: