Who Is Sterling Toles?

I recently found this man from a Boldy James Volkgeist documentary – and I have to admit from the small work I’ve listened to he’s in my top 10 for producers. I've never really been into Boldy James like that, only listening to a few songs here and there and a few features he’s been on; but that Manager on McNicholas is honestly an underrated gem when talking about well-produced projects. The music on that album is amazing from the harmonies, textures, and sound design. James’ raps contrast yet complement the production, with my favourite of his bars being on Mommy Dearest, very personal and real - but man, when I tell you,  that production is something special and in my opinion elevates the album; I highly recommend you give the instrumental version a listen.

Sterling Toles is a music and visual artist as well as educator from Detroit, Michigan. He started out rapping at a young age, around 1984; 10 years down the line he would join a group called The Foundation, where he would be officially recorded. By the late 90s, Toles grew tired of the sound of Hip-Hop, and with influence from acts such as Massive Attack and Bjork, he would begin producing in 1997.

Some of his other works — found on Bandcamp — are worth a listen. Resurgent Cineribus is a leftfield cinematic journey and a sonic account of his father's memories of the Detroit 1967 Uprising. His other tape, Archival Arteries of Sterling Toles, showcases tracks produced between 1998-2006, a dope mix of abstract and Boom Bap-inspired beats.  

Danny J

https://sterlingtoles.bandcamp.com/music