Dinner Party is a neo-soul/jazz rap supergroup consisting of Kamasi Washington, Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin & 9th Wonder. All 4 of whom are acclaimed producers in their own rights, dropping their eponymous full-length debut in the summer of 2020 through EMPIRE Distribution when the COVID-19 pandemic was occurring & following it up nearly 3 years later with the neo-soul influenced sophomore effort Enigmatic Society to more lukewarm reception. Nonetheless, I still had anticipation for their 3rd studio LP considering the respect I already for its individual members.
“Stop Being Late” begins with a 2 & a half minute opener blending jazz as well as hip hop & spoken word whereas “If It Ain’t Broke (Love Wins)” by Phoelix turns up the soulfulness, singing about leaving perfectly functioning things alone unless they’re no longer working. “Stargazing” also by Phoelix finds himself thinking of the world’s current state fusing jazz & R&B together but once “Breakfast at Sharkey’s” takes a prominently compositional approach, “I Wonder” by Phoelix kicks off the 2nd half on some neo-soul vibes.
As for “Just My Type”, we have Phoelix over some predominantly finger snaps carrying over the themes of romance leading into “I’m Yours” by Phoelix smoothly assures his partner that he won’t leave her for any other woman. “Mutual Respect “ leans towards the jazzier side of things for a bright instrumental piece preceding the outro “Peace of Mind” properly sending off Whatchu Bringing?tastefully combining elements of jazz rap & boom bap.
For anyone who came away from Enigmatic Society enjoying it less than Dinner Party’s debut album, you’re probably gonna prefer Whatchu Bringing? like myself because I’d have to put their most playful statement right behind self-titled for my 2nd favorite entry in their discography so far. The primary neo-soul sound remains in tact, incorporating secondary influences of jazz fusion & instrumental hip hop for the course of a half hour.
Score: 3.5/5
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