Major Lazer and La Roux are Lazerproof
On Lazerproof, the genre-defying Major Lazer (DJs Diplo and Switch) and English electro-pop duo La Roux join forces to make one of the odder mash-up mixtapes in recent memory.
?
Weirdly, this unlikely combination works more often than not, largely thanks to the inventive use of samples here. Everyone from Drake to dubstep producer Rusko is sampled or featured on the mixtape, and these samples bridge the musical gap between Major Lazer and La Roux. (Though past Diplo and Switch collaborator M.I.A. is noticeably M.I.A.. I wonder why.)
?
One of the mixtape’s best moments comes with Philadelphia rapper Amanda Blank delivers lines that would make the 2 Live Crew blush on the Mad Decent Remix of La Roux’s “Quicksand.” Another highlight comes with “I’m Not Your Lemonade,” which combines La Roux’s vocals with Gucci Mane’s “Lemonade” before blasting off into an electronic remix of the Gucci track by ATL producers Heroes andVillains that would have fit in perfectly with Diplo’s excellent Free Gucci mixtape from earlier this year.
?
The Jamaican music-influenced Major Lazer gives a lot of the tracks here have a warm feeling that’s perfect for summer. “Cover My Eyes (Costra Nostra Edit)” gives the ballad’s synths a tropical makeover. A reworking of “Hold Yuh,” one of this year’s biggest dancehall tunes seasmlessly makes the transition from a relaxed love song to a club banger by the track’s end.
?
Lazerproof is available as a free download from Mad Decent.