MC and producer Small Eyez has been a busy man these days. He recently teamed up with AB+L Radio and General Assembly to start up a tech-based podcast focusing on exposing the perspectives and experiences of minorities in the tech industry. Forty-three episodes later, Digital Good Times has grown to become one of the more respected voices representing Atlanta’s tech scene and events.

Still, Small Eyez, real name Emman Twe, hasn’t forgotten his true passion – music. Through all the distractions, this week the Ohio native was able to release a Kwanzaa-inspired beat tape: Vibunzi: A Kwanzaa Miracle. Based off of the week-long celebration of Kwanzaa, a holiday that honors communalism in African and black communities, the tape references Twe’s own experiences celebrating the Pan-African holiday as a child.

Sonically, Vibunzi is an experimental mash-up of various subliminals and samples reminiscent of the Medicine Show mixtapes Madlib produces a few years back. Each track features various samples from African funk and soul music conjured with a mix of synth drums, resulting in an overall timbre that is consistent from track to track. The production is mellow and has some elements of trap-style drum patterns and rhythms, although Twe avoids using the typical 808 drum package in a majority of his production. Standout cuts like “Kuumba” and “Busy Tryna Make It” showcase the MC’s mastery in creating superbly-crafted bangers (the latter track in particular is irresistibly sexy with its assortment of soul-infused drums and polyrhythmic guitar samples). Rock your head to this one until the New Year, you won’t regret it.

Vibunzi: A Kwanzaa Miracle is available for streaming or for a $4 download via Bandcamp.

More Info
Bandcamp: smalleyez.bandcamp.com
Instagram: @smalleyez
Twitter: @smalleyez