London beatmaker and label head Jon Phonics celebrates BandCamp day with the surprise release of his latest production offering, 'Players Go Places'.
Made mostly during lockdown, the eclectic 13 track album takes us on a fluid like journey through lo-fi re-imaginings of R&B classics, throwback slo-mo rap ballads and the pitched up soundtrack to the molotov cocktail-toting revolution he's known for.
Scattered throughout the LP are features from a supporting cast that help punctuate the records subtleties - Stinkin Slumrok (Blah! Records' answer to Redman) joins Phonics for the venomous and highly relevant social commentary of 'Babylon', Worlds Fair member and Brooklyn-legend Nasty Nigel steps in for the wavey Nas-tribute 'Lord Of The Town' and Piff Gang member Phaze What holds court for the smoked-out ode to marijuana 'Zin Zin Zin'. Elsewhere, R&G icon DJ Milktray joins Phonics on 'Apsleylutly Fagulous' for the long awaited return of their production duo MilkMakerz.
Outside of his solo releases, Phonics remains ever-prolific in the UK music scene - releasing forward thinking club records from the likes of Jossy Mitsu & Shy One on his Astral Black label, critically acclaimed art-rock on his Scenic Route imprint, producing instrumentals for the UK underground elite (Lee Scott, Jam Baxter, Murkage Dave & Manga St. Hilare to name a few) and broadcasting his monthly radio show on London radio station Balamii.
'Players Go Places' is a reminder that Jon Phonics is not only one the UK rap games MVP's, but that any day he chooses to open up the vaults to his library is a great day.

"Superb" - Dummy Magazine
"this is siiiick" - Sumgii (Swamp 81)
"Lord Of The Town song of the summer!" - Bryce's Brother (NTS / Rinse)
"Loving Blue Note!" - Poison Zcroa (Tiff's Joints / Touching Bass)
"P.B.E!" - Under New Management
"on point!" - Murkage Dave (Murkage Dave)