The message of Black Traxx Matter is certainly intended to resonate beyond tight beats and Gari Romalis’ typically inventive arrangements. Though open to interpretation, it sounds like his new EP released by Italian deep house stalwarts Nicepeople is intended to convey the instrumental role of Black artists in this music’s past (“Black Diamondz”), present (“Black Luv”) and future (“Black 2 Da Future”), and finishing up by imploring Black artists to do it now (“Purpose Reprise”).

“Black 2 Da Future” is loud as fuck for such a quiet, spacey tune — the percussion elbows its way to the front of the mix and stays there. Romalis’ Africa Mix of “Black Diamondz” is a dubby, sample-driven work of art, rising up for the chill funk shakedown of “Black Luv.”

The EP closes with “Purpose Reprise” (Motivate Mix) and here I’m running headlong into 5 Mag’s recent discussion about guidelines on mentioning the origin of samples, as this one uses a commencement speech from a contemporary actor to remarkable effect. Suffice to say it’s brilliant. You can’t argue with the richness or depth of Gari Romalis’ discography and Black Traxx Matter is another stellar addition.

Gari Romalis: Black Traxx Matter (Nicepeople / 12″ Vinyl / December 2021)
A1. Gari Romalis: “Black 2 Da Future” (7:23)
A2. Gari Romalis: “Black Diamondz” (Africa mix) (6:32)
B1. Gari Romalis: “Black Luv” (7:08)
B2. Gari Romalis: “Purpose Reprise” (Motivate mix) (6:34)

⚪️ Disclosure Statement: This record was not submitted as a promo.

This was originally published in #Praise: 5 Mag Issue #194 with Norm Talley and Upstairs Asylum, Lea Lisa, Cratan/Decoder and more. Support 5 Mag by becoming a member for as little as $1 per issue.