The sounds of Black Carl! and Saka are simultaneously uniquely different and uniquely complementary. It’s a quality that many co-producers struggle to negotiate and, yet, these two rising stars in the bass scene seem to do so effortlessly on their new joint EP, Rush Hour, out now on Deadbeats Records. The acclaimed producers, who have skyrocketed into festival acclaim over the past year while receiving co-signs from Zeds Dead, Mersiv, and GRiZ, always knew they wanted to work together down the line.

The EP eventually came to life from a joke between the two that they should name their co-project after the blockbuster action film series, starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, which for obvious reasons is a hilarious reference to the two producer’s similar racial identities. This is exactly the sort of lighthearted fun that is woven into their four-track collaboration. Speaking about how the EP came together through the years, Black Carl! had the following to say:

 “When Eric and I first met, we joked that we should make a song called ‘Rush Hour.‘ Three years later we got to play the biggest tour of our careers, we’re putting out the Rush Hour EP on DeadBeats, and Zeds Dead played our title track at Red Rocks. It’s hard to believe, but we’re so thankful for the support of our fans, friends, and family who got us to this point.”

– Black Carl!

From the title track’s intense dancy builds and dub-heavy drops and the ragga flavors inherent in “Brutal,” to the EP’s two vocal-led tracks that incorporate an eclectic variety of leftfield elements, Rush Hour feels important, salient, and perceptible with its undergirding commentary. Not to mention, the four tracks are extremely well-produced. It’s clear throughout the listening journey that these two guys know how to work together, when to back off and let the other takes the reigns, and perhaps most importantly, how to elevate one another’s signature sounds.

Originally from Hong Kong, and now based in Los Angeles, Saka has become one of the most promising producers in America. He’s got appearances at Coachella, Ultra, and Lightning in a Bottle already under his belt, as well as marquee tour dates around the country supporting acts like Subtronics, Mersiv, and SLANDER. All eyes are on Black Carl! too as he bursts out of the fertile Birmingham bass scene. A stacked release plan is in the works for 2022 as the rising underground bass artist racks up major festival appearances at Okeechobee, Ubbi Dubbi, SONIC BLOOM, and more.

Black Carl! and Saka are also set to embark on a 30+ date headlining Rush Hour tour, sponsored by Zeds Dead’s Deadbeats label. Stream the Rush Hour EP in full below.

Black Carl! x Saka – Rush Hour EP

Follow Black Carl!:

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Follow Saka:

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