One of the fastest-rising production duos in the world right now, expertly and fluidly fusing jazz, hip-hop, Afrobeat, soul and electronica, whilst representing a hungry and endlessly talented generation inspired by the forebearers of jazz and the pioneers of hip-hop’s golden age, where musicality was a primary principle, Blue Lab Beats consists of groundbreaking producer NK-OK and the formidable multi-instrumentalist Mr DM.  Starting out as bedroom producers, remixing tracks from A-listers such as Dua Lipa and Rag’N’Bone Man, the pair quickly grew into something far more potent - crafting a supple, wide-ranging sound inspired by the pioneers of hip-hop and the music of the African diaspora while staying true to their London roots. 

Their latest album Motherland Journey has quite literally been years in the making. The result of tireless days in the studio, the body of work is a celebration of pushing boundaries, taking risks and overcoming adversity. It’s Blue Lab Beats’ largest project to date, and delivered via the legendary Blue Note imprint truly reiterates its importance. The LP welcomes a host of outstanding musicians and collaboators, featuring the vocals from none other than the late Fela Kuti, with the estate of the Afrobeat pioneer giving BLB their blessing to release the song. The majestic ‘Labels’ combines Kofi Stone’s slick bars and Tiana Major9’s head-turning vocals with the smoothest of production. Further singles come in the form of ‘Blow You Away (Delilah)’ and ‘Sensual Loving’, both featuring the unmistakable vocals of Afrobeats prince Ghetto Boy, and keys coming courtesy of renowned Stones Throw affiliate and Drake collaborator Kiefer on ‘Dat It’. Urban Soul Orchestra feature on ‘Reflections’, Ego Ella May on ‘Slow Down’, Jackson Mathod and Kaidi Akinnibi providing horns on ‘Warp’, ‘Home’ is punctuated by Pip Millet’s soulful vocals, whilst UK Soul talent Jerome Thomas features on ‘Real Good’, a track that came together in just four hours.