Listen: Trouble Knows Me - Trouble Knows Me (prod. Madlib)

Little did we all know but Sam T. Herring of Future Islands fame is actually a dedicated rap follower. So much so he has tried his arm at the activity under the pseudonym MC Hemlock Ernst. If you don’t believe me check this footage of him spitting one of his own rhymes Marble Hill in LA early last year.

In a rap resurgence the Islands front man is back to his rhymes, as Trouble Knows Me. Herring has chosen wisely, employing none other than hip hop wizard Madlib on production duties. The sounds coming from the self-titled single are similar to the slinking jazz sounds Madlib injected on Freddie Gibbs groundbreaking LP, Piñata. Utilising soulful vocal samples, bass chords and lively horns Madlib lays down a perfect music bed which Herring’s husky raps sit ‘oh so’ nicely over. This opening track sets the scene for a 12’’ EP to be released on Madlib’s Invazion label. It’s simple, everything this beat god touches turns to gold.

More info on the Trouble Knows Me project HERE.