It’s been nine years since Matthew “Mumbles” Fowler (not to be confused with Mums the Word) paired with the great West Coast lyricist Aceyalone to create A Book of Human Language, one of the best albums of the late 90s independent era. Despite the acclaim it earned from the press, he chose to disappear into a long spiritual journey. He studied with the Indian spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi Devi and traveled to India, deepening his commitment to Hinduism.
The result of his travels is Transformations/Illuminations. Set for release on August 28 through Sound In Color, it reunites him with Aceyalone for three tracks. (In related news, Aceyalone is dropping his new album, Lightning Strikes, via Project Blowed on August 14.) The guest list for Transformations is an eclectic one, ranging from his father and uncle the Fowler Brothers; to labelmate and rapper Blu; to DJs Cut Chemist and Marvski; and Brazilian jazz singer Flora Purim. The sounds, inspired by Indian music and jazz, are more authentic than any of Timbaland’s kitsch. The track listing is below.
- 1. “Prelude – Transformation”
- 2. “Freedom Now!” (feat. Aceyalone)
- 3. “Embrace the Mystery”
- 4. “Interlude #1”
- 5. “Never Ending…” (feat. Flora Purim & Blu)
- 6. “One” (feat. Kamau Daaood)
- 7. “Courage Under Fire” (feat. Aceyalone)
- 8. “Interlude #2”
- 9. “Here You Are”
- 10. “Vasudeva”
- 11. “Silence of the Heart”
- 12. “Interlude #3”
- 13. “Laksya Bodha” (feat. Rebecca Kleinmann)
- 14. “Rise ’99” (feat. DJ Marvski)
- 15. “Rise Reprise” (feat. Cut Chemist)
- 16. “Prema’s Dilemma” (feat. the Fowler Brothers & DJ Marvski)
Bonus Tracks:
- 17. “Intermezzo #6”
- 18. “Freedom Now! (Raw Mix)” (feat. Aceyalone)
