Parallel Thought – FAME (mixtape)

The Bronx, New York, the birthplace of Hip-Hop, and “The Shoals”, Alabama, the birthplace of W.C. Handy, “Father of the Blues,” both carry great historical significance in the world of music. While DJ Kool Herc and Coke La Rock were laying the foundations of a cultural phenomenon in New York, Grammy award-winning producer Rick Hall and the infamous “Swampers” were continuing to pump out hit records from a small town in Alabama.

Fast forward to 2013 and Parallel Thought’s latest release FAME. Parallel Thought, whose members have roots in both the Bronx and Muscle Shoals, brings together the unique sounds of these two musical meccas in a 40+ minute mix. Traditional Hip-Hop techniques are applied to music solely sourced from The Shoals, creating a masterful weave of breakbeats and samples. Additional original drum breaks recorded at Fame Studios capture the Muscle Shoals Sound, highly sought by iconic artists such as John Lennon, Aretha Franklin, and most recently, The Black Keys and The Civil Wars.

With FAME, Parallel Thought pays tribute to the South Bronx pioneers of hip hop’s origins while showcasing the rich musical history of The Shoals.