'Nouriti Pou Lèspri' by Kistor Beating Drums

'Nouriti Pou Lèspri' marks the latest release from French and Guadeloupean producer and beat-maker, Kistor Beating Drums.

Kistor's latest release serves as another fantastic entry within his ever-expanding catalogue of music that finds him spinning inspired narratives via a revolving door of musical and popular culture influences.  It's a musical collage if you will that paints this engaging and compelling portrait of Kistor and the full multitude of facets that comprise his make-up...

The release of his 'Strange Element' LP in 2018 provided Kistor's ode to Halloween and horror via an immersive eleven-track effort; also in 2018, there was his homage to the seminal Martin Scorsese gangster masterpiece 'Goodfellas' (1990) and, more recently, Kistor unveiled a wonderful and fascinating beat tape celebrating the beauty of Heraklion - the capital of the Greek island of Crete.  'Ηράκλειο (Heraklion)' delivered as a particularly noteworthy release as Kistor's distinct hip-hop-inspired productions presented some fascinating concepts alongside samples of Greek music that found his production tendencies to seem naturally at home.

And when discussing new projects unveiled through Oioji Records, "home" is often the most apt descriptor for the label's releases.  Continually committed to bridging music rooted within Caribbean tradition to new audiences and generations, the label's long list of artists including Queen Ci, Eugene Neighbrs and Claude Saturne have each delivered stunning efforts serving as vital puzzle pieces within Oioji's own collage.   

Kistor consistently demonstrates himself as an artist who wears his heart and his influences on his sleeve.  While past releases have clearly presented a vast range of facets for the creative beat-maker, 'Nouriti Pou Lèspri' may very well find Kistor Beating Drums unveiling his most personal effort yet.  As described via the project's Bandcamp page, 'Nouriti Pou Lèspri' serves as "a tribute to the reality of Guadeloupe and all colonized territories whose stories and rhythms shaped generations".  In typical Kistor Beating Drums fashion, the eleven-track project presents tracks that are expertly-crafted productions, born of his affection for hip-hop, beat tapes and Caribbean influences.  The project showcases charismatic compositions that are beaming with personality, genuinely indicative of some of Kistor's greatest work.

Oioji Records has always admirably used their music to shine a light on the label's roots within Caribbean culture but perhaps a slightly undersold take on the label is the otherwordly talent that Paris has on offer as well.  Alongside the aforementioned Oioji stablemates, names including label founder As Valet, Dusty, Rickysoul The C3PO and Gus La Tempête represent a thriving musical scene as phenomenal talents in their own right.

Continuining to fold personal history and traits into his craft, 'Nouriti Pou Lèspri' stands as a prevailing release amongst Kistor Beating Drums' catalogue to date.  From Guadeloupe to Paris, this is a project that honours the past while energising the future.