Milez Benjiman: Feel Glorious

Funky electronic music is hard to pull off without falling prey to the gay club scene and chemically hazy rave pillowcases (woot). Coming clear out of left field, the debut album from Chicago’s finest trio of producers Milez Benjiman (Colonel Red, Gerd, and Delgui) is one of the select few works to flawlessly marry booty bustin’ electro hip-hop and the unadulterated swagger of Bootsy’s Parliament, steering well clear of the P-funk farce that befalls typical half-hearted sampling. The opening “Chop That Wood” has more bounce than a dozen plays of Snoop’s “Brake Fluid (Biiitch Pump Yo Breaks)” on the back of one of the fattest basslines of all time, outlined by acid sounds and throwback “take you higher” lyricism. “Hold Your Head High” has a similar message, but it is supported by a straight hip-hop beat and handclaps, with ’80s funk synths and deceptively wobbly subbase. It’s hard to pick highlights ’cause the quality is consistent throughout the surprising Benjiman debut. From start to finish, Feel Glorious delivers on its name as one of the best hybrid electronic releases of 2008.