Those that picked up on 99's 'Crime In The City' album will need no introduction to Kojak, the French hip hop - house - soul three piece that just missed the second French revolution by the skin of the their teeth. For those that are unfamiliar, Kojak make French house with an injection of hip hop sensibility - courtesy of the deckstrous (sic) DJ Vaz - and sweet soul - second nature to Leon Thomas-loving Jayhem.
If the aforementioned debut suffered from some unimaginative A&Ring, then this double CD mix album - on one side hip hop cut-up by DJ Vas, on the other, deep and chunky house from producer Gregoire - should reassure those who are convinced that there is much more to come from the Parisian crew.
The selection, on both sides, is impeccable. Vas reveals that there's more to his hip hop selection than DJ Premier worship, though Gang Starr and DITC tracks bearing the golden touch make appearances along with some opening samples from Group Home. More intelligent and less purist than your average mix tape, he combines choice independent cuts with major label head-nodders, past with present, instrumental jams of his own and from fellow Frenchman Pepe Bradock, and even a bit of Bob James and Gil Scott Heron. The perfect mix tape for hip hop fans with their eyes on the roots and future of the culture.
On the second CD, Gregoire weighs in with a similarly intelligent take on his genre of choice, deep but never dull house and techno. Let's face it, a mix that starts with Jazzanova's acclaimed remix of Ian Pooley, ends with a Kojak exclusive and takes in Model 500's 'Starlight' and Peace Division's superb mix of the Trancesetters' 'Roaches' along the way, can't really fail can it? All thrown together with the infectious enthusiasm that makes Kojak one of house music's few truly rewarding live experiences, the CD leaves you in little doubt that Kojak would warm up your house party very nicely indeed.
With record collections like these, Kojak should be expected to return in the New Year with a honed down, focused and original sound and an album that refuses to be slept on. Look out for it.
by James Poletti