After the release of their EP One, Tensei, which consists of Chicago based musicians Simple X and Midas Wells, have released their second instrumental effort, Two on LA based label, Plug Research. Inspired by ‘70s soul, afro-funk, and themed soundtracks that recall espionage, Two builds from the experimental hip-hop inspired beats of One.

However, Two takes the groove deeper with its jazzy inflections, ethnic rhythms, cosmic electronics, and live instrumentation making it a bit more soulful and funkier. The one vocal track, “Think Twice,” which features multi-instrumentalist Khari Lemuel of TheOnes and Jae Franklin is an ode to the infectious soul classics of yesteryear with a modernized twist while “Passport,” which was featured on the Plug Research Compilation, is a an exquisite soundbed filled with lush pleasantries. And while this is Tensei’s second formal release, it still marks the beginning for the artists so journey with them as they continue on a path that pushes the limits and boundaries of hip hop inspired beat making and production to higher elevation.

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Though his parents were religious, he got introduced to secular music through records played by uncles and brothers. He began dabbling in production with pause tapes and a Casio SK-1.

On separate paths, Midas and Simple X finally met at Southern Illinois University in the late 90’s where they shared a dorm. They were part of a collective of friends who all had hip-hop in common, among them Serengeti of Anticon and Open Mike Eagle. At the time X and Midas met while cyphering, though neither was ever a serious MC, but nonetheless the two built a natural rapport and friendship. It was in that dorm room that Midas and X would become musical lab partners, experimenting with sound and working within the limited capacity that their resources afforded them in 1998.

Once college ended however, the collective went their own ways and pursued more individual paths, many still involved in music, but X and Midas lost touch for a bit. X got a “regular job” but still devoted his energy to production on from time to time. Midas continued making music and though he had several projects there were a few experiences that turned him off and Midas left music all-together for a bit.

A few years ago, Simple X and Midas serendipitously ran into each other at a friend’s gig in Chicago and mutual curiosity led to the seed for Tensei being planted. Soon, they decided to try and make music together.

After spending some time honing their production chops, X and Midas developed a sublime synergy between the two. “We can speak with the music without much hassle,” explains Midas. They hail from the musical mecca of Chicago, so the two have a vast wealth of influence and history to inform their production. As a result, Tensei is not heavily reliant on samples. They play musical parts themselves with both real and digital instruments, along with working with session musicians and vocalists.

Simple X used his knowledge of Japanese language and culture to choose the name Tensei, meaning ‘heaven star’, for the duo. Now signed to LA label Plug Research, the wide range and hybridity of Tensei’s sounds will soon be finding its way towards your ears. Stay tuned.

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Credits

All songs written, produced, mixed, and arranged by Tensei
Guitar on Track 3, 6, 7, 10 by David Taylor
Guitar on Track 4, 9 by Greg Firak
Violin on Track 1, 2, 8 by Savor Faire
Harp on Track 1 by Brandee Younger
Sitar on Track 5 by Tyler Randall
Additional Keys on Track 1, 6 by Greg Spero
Background Vocals on Track 4 by Scarlet Monk
Background Vocals on Track 6 by Khari Lemuel
Lyrics on Smash Mouth Written by Tehray Hale, Stevin Levin, Khari Lemuel, & Yaw Agyeman
Lyrics on For the Love Written by Demetrius Barry, Bryan Braceful, & Yaw Agyeman
Lyrics on Fly Trap Written by Anna Helena Zimowska
Cover Art by Sam “Shardstyle” Rolfes
Smash Mouth Vocals recorded at RGB Studios, Chicago IL

From the Vaults of Tensei!
1. Pressure ft. Scud One
2. Adad n Tensei -”Smoke it out”
3. The Primeridian ft. Mike Flo – “Full Throttle” (Instrumental)
4. Delta (You Changed)
5. Bilal ft. Adad “Robots” (Tensei Remix)
6. Its Mine
7. 4am
8. Listen Close ft. Scud One
9. Houston People
10. Walk on
11. Lucid
12. 97 Degree’s
13. Tribute
14. Fire flies
15. Wes Restless and Ill Legit “Too Familiar” (Tensei Remix Instrumental)
16. Stateless – “Ballad of NGB” (Tensei Remix Instrumental)
17. Giant City
18. Don’t Look Back
19. Take “Neon Beams” (Tensei Remix)

Mix by Tensei
Featuring
Violin – Savoir Faire
Trumpet – Kafele Bandele
Vibes and stuff Mc Adad and Yaw of “The Ones”

Notes:
*Tensei’s music between 2009 and 2011, general overview of what we do.
**Collection of unreleased songs, remixes, and sonic experimentation consisting of live instrumentation and beats