Colemine vs. Coalmine: Head Above Water

While we have always been fans of the gritty and funky sounds of funk 45s, more than ten years ago were were introduced to a modern incarnation of that sound through Midwest powerhouse Colemine Records. This year for Record Store Day 2018, they have teamed up to collaborate with Brooklyn based indie hip hop label Coalmine Records for a release that is as dope as they come. Now usually having the same sounding name might leave a bad taste in people’s mouths. But these two innovators decided that a collaboration would be in better form. We couldn’t agree more. This limited edition seven inch release contains two different sides of sound with a twist. The A aka Cole Side features L.A. based funk and soul collective Rugged Nuggets and the track “Head Above Water”. This cinematic instrumental groove from the City of Angels clique is heavy stuff and demonstrates why you will be hearing their name again and again. Top notch grooves right here.

But that’s not all, as the B aka Coal Side gets set off with in house Coalmine Records producer Small Professor, who flips the A-Side lovely to create the beat for this track. Featuring DZA, Fly Anakin (Mutant Academy), and Blu, they form together like Voltron to spit over this beat that SP has laced lovely. Cuts by the illustrious DJ Revolution. Banger.

With artwork by the legend himself Joe Buck, and a nod to Blue Note Records on the label, this collaboration (which we hope is one of many) between the two record labels is one for the books. You’ve got your choice of vinyl colors (black or translucent). The regular records can be purchased through either of the record labels websites, while the translucent can be found on Fat Beats online. Either way, it’s going to be a collector’s item and the first collaboration of its kind. Whether you like RSD or not, if you are a fan of Colemine or Coalmine Records, this is one for the box.

Listen to both tracks below: