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NEW UNAGI ALBUM “TIME AND TEMP” OUT NOW
A producer/DJ/occasional rapper, Unagi has been making beats since the nineties, with his crew Discs of Tron. He started with pause tapes before progressing to an SP-202, Dr. Rhythm drum machine, and cassette four-track, which he used to create his debut album, released in 2003. Based in San Francisco for more than a decade, he performed regularly while building his label 442 Records. He collaborated with emcees from the Bay, New York, Memphis, and Chicago, culminating in 2010’s classic “Adult Situations” featuring underground hero Motion Man. Shortly afterwards, he left the city and moved to an extremely low-key village in Western Massachusetts. He never stopped making music, casually releasing new material, recorded at his riverside studio deep in the woods. Throughout the years, Unagi never changed his vibe. Obscure vinyl samples, live drum machines, neck-snapping breakbeats, and freaky synths are still his stock in trade. His influences include electro, smooth jazz, bossa nova, psych rock, and the all important funk. “Time and Temp” is not so much a throwback as a never-left. A spin of the dial through an assortment of jams ideal for block parties, freestyle sessions, romantic interludes, and quiet contemplation. Good time music for a crazy world. SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY Unagi (2003) Keepin It Eel (2004) It Came From Beneath The SFC (2006) Unagi For Lovers (2007) You and Eye with Infinito 2017 (2007) Reinventing The Eel (2009) Adult Situations with Motion Man and Jethroe (2010) All Set (2013) Safe & Scenic (2016) Wild Game (2018) Beats For Rappers (2021) NEW UNAGI INSTRUMENTAL PROJECT
NEW UNAGI VIDEO "ASIAN AMERICAN ARMY"NEW UNAGI VIDEO "EXCUSE ME"NEW UNAGI VIDEO "PARTY AT UNAGIS"NEW UNAGI VIDEO "IN THE COUNTRY"NEW UNAGI VIDEO "OLD MAN RAPPIN"UNAGI INTERVIEW & NEW BRAND MUSIC ON UK RADIO SHOW "HELLFIRE CORNER"NEW UNAGI HALLOWEEN SINGLE "CRYPTKEEPER"
NEW UNAGI SINGLE "CAN U REMEMBER"
UNAGI RELEASES NEW ALBUM "WILD GAME"
UNAGI RELEASES NEW DIGI-ALBUM "SAFE & SCENIC" KUTMASTA KURT REISSUES "ADULT SITUATIONS" ON LIMITED EDITION VINYLFive years after its initial release, Motion Man's seductive-rap classic "Adult Situations" is now available on vinyl. Legendary producer/DJ Kutmasta Kurt has reissued it on his Threshold Records label, home to artists like Kool Keith, Retrogott, Substance Abuse, and many others. Limited to only 500 hand-numbered copies, this is a true collector's item guaranteed to sell out. It is available at select stores worldwide and online herePick up yours today! UNAGI RETURNS WITH NEW DIGI-ALBUM "ALL SET" After 10+ years in San Francisco, hip-hop producer Unagi left the sunny streets of the Mission District, and city life in general, returning to his roots in rural Western Massachusetts. Now he lives in a tiny village with no traffic, no hassles, and trout fishing right in the backyard. Recorded between 2009 and 2012, "All Set" is a collection of tracks reflective of the time. As usual, he serves up love jams and party jams, plus an avalanche of obscure samples and funky drums. He drops his signature love-it-or-hate-it romantic raps on two joints, but thankfully there's no singing. Whether in the Bay Area or the Bay State, big city or small town, Unagi keeps doing his thing. Give it a listen and hear the magic for yourself. Listen to the whole album free HERE UNAGI + JETHROE + MOTION MAN = "ADULT SITUATIONS" Several years in the making, the wait is finally over. Adult Situations is a romance-rap spectacular featuring the inimitable Motion Man. Produced by Unagi and Jethroe, it also sports guest verses from Lyrical C and D-WYZE (of The B.U.M.S), plus exclusive remixes from KutMasta Kurt and TOMC3. Check out the press from RapReviews, Sardless, DJ Stef, and Platform 8470 Watch the video for "Porno Mustache": Listen to the whole album HERE Buy the CD HERE MORE PRESS FOR UNAGI "REINVENTING THE EEL" PLUS NEW VIDEOCheck out the Unagi feature in SF Weekly Album reviewed in the July issue of Performer Magazine "A clinic in adapting light-hearted, laid-back, old-school grooves to a conventional context...Unagi successfully navigates the tricky waters between hip-hop and jazz...an album laced with tight bass lines, punchy horn samples and short songs that keep you wanting to hear what's next...Reinventing the Eel taps into the feeling of stepping onto a dance floor with just a little bit of a buzz. Its beats make you smile...a versatile, fun party mix." And another Unagi interview at Fecalface.com Video for "The Making" featuring Infinito 2017, directed by Thaione Davis Thanks to Kris and Jayme at Socialush 
NEW ALBUM "REINVENTING THE EEL" NOW AVAILABLE EVERYWHEREJust when you thought there was no hope for hip-hop, Unagi saves the day with his latest release "Reinventing The Eel" 10 rap songs plus five instrumentals oozing with his signature freaky funk, this is real music for people who know what's up Feat. Motion Man, Eddie Meeks, Infinito 2017, Gigio, Orukusaki, Uppanotch, Linkletterz, Chee Malabar, Substitute Teachers Digitally available at: iTunes Amazon Rhapsody emusic WaxPoetics Or get physical with CDs from: 442 Records CD Baby Ughh.com Access Hip Hop THE WORD IS OUT - NEW REVIEWS FOR "REINVENTING THE EEL"Unagi (that means 'eel' in Japanese to all you gaijin) is a multi-talented San Francisco beat-maker/emcee and perhaps the king of pun-based album titles. Following up "It Came From Beneath the SFC" and "Keepin It Eel" among others, Unagi now graces us with "Reinventing The Eel"; 15 tracks of smooth, grooving, fusion-influenced hip-hop. Despite the heavy '70s jazz and funk flavor, this album is thoroughly hip-hop with vocal samples dropping all over the place and classic drum loops providing the backbone of every track. Unagi also keeps everything fresh and interesting, employing eight talented guest emcees. The four instrumental tracks spaced throughout album ("Liftoff," "Herb Man Theme," "That Glow" and "Top Cat") are a welcome inclusion and another reason Reinventing The Eel has 'summer barbeque soundtrack' written all over it. -- Synthesis Magazine "A refreshing new experience...smooth, dope, funky, fresh, and traditional all at the same time" -- RapReviews.com "Unagi proves himself a producer worthy of your time...warped but enjoyable" -- HipHopDX.com WATCH THE NEW VIDEO: "REINVENTING THE EEL" MEGAMIX TRAILERCheck out the Unagi interview with KUSF/SocialushTV (air date 4/24) by clicking here Thanks to Kris and Jayme for hooking that up, video footage will be posted soon. Also, the entire Unagi/442 Records catalog is now available on the Wax Poetics digital music store. To contact Unagi for press inquiries or booking, hit up unagi442@gmail.com THE WAIT IS OVER: "REINVENTING THE EEL" NOW AVAILABLEMan! Between Phil Spector's murder conviction and the Somalian pirates escapades it's been a hectic week, but 442 Records has been hard at work, readying the release of Unagi's long awaited fourth full-length album Reinventing The Eel. The jumpoff single has been getting some shine online, and the CDs look and sound real sharp. Promos are going out now, the album will be up on iTunes and all the other digi-music sites by June. Physical distro is being locked down, expect to see it in your local stores soon. If you're in San Francisco, you can pick it up at Amoeba on Haight street and Aquarius on Valencia. To get it ASAP, order direct from 442 Records by clicking "Add To Cart" below. The CD is $10, shipping is FREE to anywhere. Want to listen first? Most of the songs are up and streaming on the MySpace. Check them out here or hit up the downloads page  TRACKLISTING: 1. Liftoff 2. Grown Man Flowin ft. Motion Man 3. The Making ft. Infinito 2017 4. Four State View 5. Can I Have Your Number ft. Uppanotch 6. Bird of Paradise ft. Chee Malabar 7. That Glow 8. Come Get It ft. Gigio 9. Mondays ft. Substitute Teachers 10. Herb Man Theme 11. Do Ya Feel It ft. Linkletterz 12. Previous Me ft. Orukusaki 13. Top Cat 14. U Stole My Heart ft. Unagi 15. Song of Satisfaction ft. Eddie Meeks
NEW SINGLE GETTING SOME LOVEReviews for the new single are starting to trickle in, check em out:"Local hip-hop producer Unagi is one slippery fella. His warm California beats and cool jazz grooves are smoother than cocoa butter left in the sunshine..."Grown Man Flowin" featuring Motion Man is a particularly great track -- it's pure summer anthem material, mixing golden funk with permission to party." -- SF Weekly "San Francisco-based producer Unagi's beats sound like 70s porno music...really dope, headnod-inducing music. The beatsmith blends disco soul and classic funk with hip-hop drums, and it sounds so sweet. Check the double A side singles off his forthcoming Reinventing The Eel, "Grown Man Flowin" ft. Motion Man and "Song of Satisfaction" ft. Eddie Meeks. On both tracks, it's Unagi's production that shines the most." -- Oh Dang! NEW SINGLE FEATURING MOTION MAN & EDDIE MEEKS"Grown Man Flowin" "Song of Satisfaction" (Both instrumentals plus a bonus track are included if you order through iTunes) 
CHECK OUT THE NEW VIDEOTHE END IS NEARFinally...the new album Reinventing The Eel is almost complete!Recording the final track next week, mixing & mastering should be done by the end of the month. Featured emcees include: Motion Man - Legendary lyricist with 16 years in the game Eddie Meeks - Atlanta to Memphis, down with Prophetix crew Gigio - Putting Napa county on the rap map Orukusaki - Thought-provoking rapper from the Bay Chee Malabar - Bicoastal emcee from Himalayan Project Linkletterz - SF homie, co-conspirator from the MTV ad Infinito 2017 - South Side Chicagos most prolific Uppa Notch - Brothers in rhyme coming outta Queens Substitute Teachers - Fast rising duo from San Jose FROM THE VAULTS: MOBB DEEP & NAS REMIXWas digging through the archives last week and stumbled onto this gem its old, I think from sometime back in 2000, not perfect but pretty funky all recorded on cassette 4-track with live Dr. Rhythm action. "Its Mine (Unagi Remix)"  442 FRIDAY RETURNS - NOVEMBER 28 @ MADRONE UNAGI IN THE LAB Been making new music like a maniac, non-stop hits on deck. Confirmed features on Reinventing The Eel include Motion Man, Infinito 2017, and the homie Eddie Meeks from Atlanta. Lots of other VIPs are also involved, more updates to come. The next edition of 442 Fridays is Sept. 26 at Madrone Lounge (500 Divisidero). Good rap, cheap beers, and dancing all night. Heres some brand new joints to check out. Enjoy! "PapaGinos#1" "626 Mix" "Two Player" "Live Funky" MADRONE SHOW A SMASH HITThanks to everybody who came out to the first 442 Fridays.The show was a huge success, packed house all night. If you are in the Bay, be sure to come out for the next one, August 22.  442 FRIDAYS @ MADRONEFeaturing Unagi, DJ Animal and Special Guests.Every 4th Friday: JUL 25th, AUG 22nd, SEPT 26th and OCT 24th. Madrone is located at 500 Divisadero (at Fell), SF. $5 cover after 10 p.m. $3 Bud tall boys.  IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME...Sorry for the lack of updates, the kid has been crazy busy, working on new music and all that good stuff. The Motion Man album is about 3/4 done. We are looking to finish it over the summer, and unleash in late 2008. Look for another digi-single dropping in September. The next Unagi full-length Reinventing The Eel is in the works. I'm taking my time with it, but right now we are shooting for a Spring 2009 release. This record is gonna be crazy. There are also has some unreleased beats featured on the new DVD Import Models Exposed from the homies over at 360 Video. You can order it here or watch the video trailer. Check out the latest Unagi press...one from instrumental head blog Strictly Beats: "Unagi has your regular Hip Hop style, his shit is DOPE. You can definitely tell that homeboy is sitting on a SHITLOAD of samples, because every track is laced with all kinds of crazy shit. I recommend Unagi to everybody, he's got a dope sound, really layered beats with alot of character." And another from SF indie record spot Aquarius Records: "Over the course of three solid albums, the Bay Area's Unagi has blended traditional hip hop with the smooothest love-you-down r&b and soul. On his latest release, he's joined by Memphis based MC Infinito 2017. Combined, their sound is super loose and laidback (especially on the mildly chaotic track "On Air Takeover"), but exceedingly 'up' vibe-y. Seven tracks addin' up to 17 minutes of good times!" More updates coming soon, expect some new music & live videos up this summer... UNAGI DJING AT ARGUS LOUNGE SATURDAY JAN 1910pm to 2am, party rap records all night, no cover, cheap drinks.Address is 3187 Mission st. (@ Valencia) next to the gun shop. Come thru if you can!  UNAGI & FRIENDS LIVE IN CONCERT ONE NIGHT ONLYPerformances from Melina Jones, Infinito 2017, Ise Lyfe, Kero One, Nate Krooks, Unagi, and DJ Animal.Thursday Nov. 29th + $5 Cover $2 Drafts + Madrone Lounge + 500 Divisidero @ Fell + San Francisco Show starts at 9pm DON'T MISS IT  NEW DIGITAL SINGLE "POURING YOU MO CHAMPAGNE" WITH MOTION MANThe wait is over! Check out the lead single from Motion Man's forthcoming album Adult Situations"Pouring You Mo Champagne" "Porno Mustache ft Lyrical C"  Produced by Unagi and Jethroe, this 2 song digital single will be available for purchase online in late November ****************************************************************************************** READ THE LATEST REVIEW FOR "YOU AND EYE""I love what Unagi does. The California beatmaker stitches soul samples and all manner of groovy bits into fine sonic tapestries...For You & Eye, Unagi enlists Chicago, Illinois emcee Infinito 2017 (Marcellous Lovelace) to do the lyrical honors ...Infinito breathes fire over this 7-track collaboration, with a barrage of flows that surprise like freestyles but cohere like spoken word. His stream of social consciousness connects nicely with Unagi's curling basslines, soaring horns, and hard knock beats, as well as Unagi's knack for tempo changes that would buck the average emcee with the force of a mechanical bull."-- PopMatters UNAGI FEATURED IN THICK MAGAZINE "PRODUCER ISSUE"Check out THICK magazine issue 66 for an article about Unagi. They're the longest running hip-hop publication in Canada.****************************************************************************************** UNAGI RECORDING WITH MOTION MAN & JETHROEUnagi is grinding in the lab, recording the future classic "Adult Situations" with Motion Man and Jethroe. The album is almost halfway done, and is nothing but hits. The lead single "Pouring You Mo Champagne" will be released on all digital music sites in November. ****************************************************************************************** WATCH THE VIDEO FOR "USE YOUR MIND RIGHT"****************************************************************************************** NEW EP WITH INFINITO 2017 "YOU AND EYE" NOW AVAILABLE!!! After collaborating on 2005's promo-only Live From San Fran, and again on the track "Expanded and Up to Date" off last year's It Came From Beneath The SFC, Bay Area beatmaker Unagi and Chi-town super-emcee Infinito 2017 have reunited for a brand new project, entitled YOU and EYE. The 7-song EP will be released on 442 Records in July of 2007, to be available on this site and through all online digital music stores. 1. Way Back Then (intro) 2. Game Winning Moment 3. Use Your Mind Right 4. On Air Takeover 5. Home For The Weekend 6. Leave Me Alone 7. A Day That Don't End "You and Eye" is now available for purchase at Dusty Groove America For retailers, CDs are also being distributed through Crosstalk ****************************************************************************************** PRESS CLIPS FOR "YOU AND EYE""Infinito 2017 is one deep brother. An accomplished solo artists in his own right, in the following cuts he teams with another fav of mine, Unagi...There's serious talent at work here. A grassroots journey in preach, poetics and soul, make this guy a definite add to your emerging talent collection." -- Fierce.com "This Bay Area cratedigger has our ears' attention over here....All seven tracks here have that feel good early '90's sound that Unagi has mastered." -- THICK magazine "Beat arranger Unagi and Chicago emcee Infinito 2017 once again join forces on this 7-song EP. Hip-hop that's political, socially conscious, and adverturous both in the lyrical format and Unagi's challenging compositions. Sweet samples that aren't always just heavy on the bass are looped with funky abandon. You can nod your head or shake your rump to the clever beats. While it's only 17 minutes long, "You and Eye" is powerful hip-hop that will change people's perspectives." -- Smother Magazine Also check out these interviews on HipHop-Elements.com: Unagi Infinito ****************************************************************************************** UNAGI MTV COMMERCIAL ON YOUTUBEUnagi provides the music for an MTV Urge television commercial that started airing nationwide in January. The song is "Stay Focused" featuring Linkletterz, from last year's album It Came From Beneath The SFC. ****************************************************************************************** UNAGI AND THE LADIESUnagi has several songs featured on 360 Video's new DVD "Girls of 360 Vol. 2 - Sexy Is Officially Back" It's quite tastefully done, not porn, just a bunch of hot models talking and looking fly with some unreleased beats in the mix. You can order it here ****************************************************************************************** NEW EP "UNAGI FOR LOVERS" NOW AVAILABLE!!!Unagi gets romantic on this valentine-themed collection of unrelentingly seductive love jams. Five brand new songs, limited edition collector's item, hand silkscreened cds, not sold in stores  Tracklisting: 1. Hello Girl 2. Afternoon Stroll 3. Let Me Talk To You (Remix feat. Masters of Illusion) 4. Can't Get Enough 5. Lookin For A Lady Purchase with a major credit card via PayPal, by hitting up the order page here ****************************************************************************************** PRESS CLIPS FOR "UNAGI FOR LOVERS"It's really easy to nod your head to...playing like an old school soundtrack to a summer's day... Unagi For Lovers sounds instantly vintage as the producer blends funk and soul samples with hip-hop sensibility, weaving a unique love story with his beats...Unagi For Lovers should be commended for its imaginative production. -- Okayplayer Unagi, California's resident sound wizard, strikes again. This time around, he's adding "matchmaker" to his already impressive title of "beatmaker". In his role as producer- turned-Cupid, Unagi's looking for a love connection, or at least looking to help us find one of our own. To do so, he's armed with five arrows composed of intricately layered samples and soul grooves...Earnest and sweet, like a walk through a flower garden with your significant other or gazing into your lover's eyes. -- Pop Matters ****************************************************************************************** TIS THE SEASONChristmas shopping online? Pick up some Unagi for the music lover in your life. You can order directly from 442 Records right here. Or you can go through Amazon, CDBaby, and Best Buy ****************************************************************************************** UNAGI'S THIRD ALBUM "IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SFC" IN STORES NOW 15 tracks of dope hip-hop featuring Motion Man, King Caesar Infinito 2017, Melina Jones, Kero One, Linkletterz, and DJ Animal It is also on all the major download sites; iTunes, Rhapsody, eMusic, etc. To order direct from 442 Records, hit up the order page for a safe and secure credit card purchase via PayPal For only $10, you get the new CD, free shipping, fast delivery, and the good karma that comes with supporting Unagi directly. ****************************************************************************************** PRESS CLIPS FOR "IT CAME FROM BENEATH THE SFC"When Unagi's constructing his beats, he creates a distinctively west-coast vibe, usually seeking out old jazzy horns and dirty drums... Unagi is a pretty creative cat well versed in the art of digging. The samples are unrecognizable, and take on a life of their own within Unagi's work, a skill not many producers can truly master. -- Okayplayer.com Unagi's latest release, It Came From Beneath the SFC, continues to celebrate his uniqueness. His sound is deceptively intricate, building grooves out of loops from the '70s and '80s, and adding jazzy horns and pianos or up-to-date drums and percussion...All in all, Unagi's latest throws a delightful curveball from the norm. -- PopMatters.com The beats on SFC are still dizzying, and far fresher than most anything you'll hear in hip hop today. Eschewing the slickness that has shoved innovation aside in previous years, Unagi crafts his beats the old school way, with actual vinyl on actual turntables, sampling the best bits of unlikely grooves and reassembling them into his own seamless masterpieces. -- Being There Magazine A mixture of instrumental joints and other songs that feature a variety of emcees, Unagi's album is sure to get your head nodding as he brings a unique and laid back approach to beat making concentrating on mastering multiple sounds, instruments and tempos in crafting his pieces. It's the beats that one should really pay attention to as Unagi's instrumentals serve as his highlight moments. Unagi touches on a soulful side of production with a twist of disco and break beat splendor. -- Hip Hop Co-Op Japanese smoked eel is one of the tastiest sushi orders, and Unagi serves itself up accordingly with flair and fun. Bizarre but completely comfortable, this hyper instrumental album is filled with retro vibes and sounds from who-knows-how-many albums. The collage-like album loops in funny ways with a heavy beat...it's even majestic at times...thumbs up. -- Giant Robot (issue 43) Unagi is one hell of a beatmaker...The difference between him and the millions of underground and semi-major producers like him is all in how he does it. This guy really knows how to make proper loops and mix them with like sounds: a skill often overlooked in more image-based circles...More often than not, his beats are strong enough to carry the album by themselves...Unagi's definitely one to watch. --TinyMixTapes.com In an area--the Bay Area, that is--renowned for instrumental hip-hop, Unagi still stands a head above. The soundsmith's palette is rooted in the rich, extraterrestrial textures of '70s jazz, which he seamlessly merges with bumpy street beats and worldly wise verbiage. -- Download.com It's just a matter of time before one of SF's best kept hip-hop secrets becomes a household name. Unagi has proven to be one of the most consistent and challenging producers of forward-minded hip-hop, replete with nodsto the old skool. His latest offering split pretty evenly between warm instrumentals and guest MC tracks that all fit together perfectly as a totally coherent album with NO filler. If you found yourself a little underwhelmed with the latest offerings from Blackalicious and DJ Shadow this might be exactly the record you've been waiting for. -- Aquarius Records Named after some of my favorite types of sushi, Unagi is a hip-hop producer that has a keen ear for distinct loops and rhythms. He returns for his third album in as many years this time finding some incredible rappers from all the corners of America to punctuate Unagi's terrific instrumentals with vocal spittle of urban strife and uplifting lyrics. The backgrounds are peppered with '70's era funk and Motown sleazy synths. Unagi himself waxes poetic grabbing the mic on the romantic crush joint "Lost & Found". Raise 'em up high on this one. -- Smother Magazine While many underground producers choose to limit their palette to classic soul samples, Unagi draws from a variety of decades and genres... Unagi is at his best when reinterpreting this lovemaking music of the '80s, recycling its cheesy components into something fresh. Not content to rely on this strength, he continues to effectively run the gamut of source material, dipping into psychedelia, bossanova and more traditional soul samples. -- Dusted Magazine Unagi has a really progressive yet old-school sound, as I imagine a cat digging through crates of records, hour upon hour, determined to find the perfect fusion of hip-hop, jazz, funk, groove, soul and easy listening. What I really like about "It Came from Beneath the SFC" is that, despite having over 50% instrumental tracks, and the rest trading between a handful of talented yet diverse MCs, the album maintains a great sense of continuity while being able to tell a story with no words. It is a collage, so to speak, of different moods, styles and sounds, and every track brings something refreshing to the listener. -- HipHopLinguistics TO CONTACT UNAGI FOR CUSTOM BEATS, MUSIC LICENSING, BOOKING OR INTERVIEWS:unagi442@gmail.com |
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DISCOGRAPHY Albums:  Reinventing The Eel  You and Eye  Unagi For Lovers  It Came From Beneath The SFC  Keepin It Eel  Unagi Collabos:  INFINITO Live From San Fran Compilations:  Amoeba Music Vol. 4 (Hip Hop Slam)  Female Fun Presents... Sssence (Handcuts) [Japan only] Film & TV Soundtrack Work:  documentary film  Skate Maps TV show & DVD theme song  Play 360 import car DVD  Downshift import car DVD |
