The 4th and final volume of the Definitive LP, Definitive: A Year In The Nebula - Winter is a heavy-toned lyrical snow storm. The 13-track project features production from many of the producers that have made the Definitive Series so unique including: Duke Westlake, Kev Brown, EQ - Out The Ash Tray of LA, Jeepz, J Clyde, Rokem, and Cal-S-Thetics. The album features Glass Bottom Boat steering the "pensmenship" in a weaving course through narratives both foreboding and inspiring, with help from DJs Deaf Switch and Toon Kurtis (UK) as well as featured artists Kozme, Kavie, EQ, Anita Blunt, Kiddo and Mad Macks (EOTR), and MP of Rebels to the Grain.
"I think winter has a profound effect on me personally; on my mood and outlook. I'd say it's reflective of the writing on the album," bluntly states
Tone Dogg Raw when asked about the project. "There's a bit more of a somber feel and introspective approach, which works combined with the various ideas we explore and topics we cover," he continues.
The themes of challenge, endurance, resolution and death reverberate loudly throughout the project. "The themes for each project were fixed somewhat," explains Cal-S-thetics speaking of the project, "so we really let the mood of each season drive our writing as well as the beats we chose to feature on each. With Winter, there was a more concerted effort to really craft a heavier mood and darker tone." Yet and still, the album does provide important moments of redemption in the midst of fear, angst and sometimes hopelessness. Cal-S- agrees, "While the atmosphere is a little dreary, there are definitely sparks of fiery resolve shining through. I think of joints like 'Make Fire' and 'Good Winds' of being the heart of the album's spirit."
As the final installment of the Definitive LP, Winter is a dark project in and of itself as hinted at by the stark and abstract cover art by Arrash Kakvand. What is clear is that Glass Bottom Boat conveys the coldness and unforgiving nature of the season well. And if you listen to the album carefully, you will also notice that they have left a small yet incredibly warm hearth lit for you to sit by as you listen to the tales they tell. A glimmer of hope in a world so cold. "That's why we Make Fire."
credits
released March 27, 2018
All Songs Written and Performed by: Tone Dogg Raw & Cal-S-thetics
Additional Song Writing on “On My Way” by K. Jaime,
“Blood, Sweat, & Tears” by B. Navarro,
“Nuclear Winter” by: R. Diaz,
“Freedom” by S. De Anda & M. Perez
and on “Infinite” by: M. Perez
Mixed and Mastered by: EQ – Out the Ashtray of LA
Executive Production: Tone Dogg Raw & Cal-S-thetics for Doggma Uno
Album Art Direction: Cal-S-thetics for Glass Bottom Boat Productions
Front Cover Art: Arrash Kakvand @slowcvlt
Back Cover Art: Arrash Kakvand @slowcvlt
Photography: Cal-S-thetics for Glass Bottom Boat Productions
Doggma Uno, the nebula of creation, association of dopeness. Indy hip hop record label with releases by AO, Glass Bottom Boat, Tone Dogg Raw, and Tightly Sealed.
Recorded at the rapper's Brooklyn apartment during lockdown, this album offers poignant reflections on the uncertain decisions defining the uncharted territory of today's reality. Bandcamp Album of the Day Jul 21, 2020