"The Description Is Not The Described is a much anticipated debut solo release from the hotly tipped Nathaniel Cross. Rolling Stone Magazine once dubbed him The Quincy Jones Of Catford for his mad and diverse skills, and the arranger and trombone player has walls backed up that talk with action. He has recorded and performed with pop giants like Stormy, Emile Sande, Kano and Solange and worked on both Moses Body albums. on his own EP, he masterly draws on the rich heritage of black music from gospel to soul to hip hop and dancehall, but arranges them all in slick jazz styles." - First Word Records

The music of First Word is a great listen for an exciting look into the future of music as a diverse, talented and unique roster of artist bless you with beautiful sounds. Although each artist leaves their own impression musically, there is an overall vibe that is felt which identifies the First Word sound and movement. On "Two Syllables Volume Seventeen", escape to the sound of futuristic grooves as the label continues to carve their own niche within progressive fusion.

"As a little treat for Valentines Day, a double AA-side single from Manchester hip hop soul heavyweights, Children of Zeus. Two non-album loosies get an official release on First Word on this, their 5th 7" vinyl single release.

First up, there's some classic vintage soul vibes on the slinkily smooth sounds of 'Royal', which first appeared as a free download on Valentines Day last year. The inimitable vocals of Tyler Daley saunter atop a truly regal break on this essential slow jam - perfect quiet storm business.

On the flip, a more contemporary jam sitting somewhere in the cracks between neo-soul, new jack swing and hip hop, as CoZ do so well, on the uplifting new year, new mantra of 'Get What's Yours', which previously appeared on First Word Records' free annual compilation 'Two Syllables'. A future anthem, for sure." - First Word Records

Detroit's own 14KT is amped up as he hits the stage in L.A. to present some of his latest music. The progressive beatsmith keeps it bouncing, as he delivers a neck-snapping fusion of music from his catalog. Feel the vibe as this futuristic sound from The D creates energy, from Hip Hop beats and songs, to Dance. Filmed 01.28.2020 at the Roland Artist Center in Los Angeles, CA.

14KT and Tall Black Guy collide on the vs. 12", remixing an original song each has worked on to wonderful results. Out now on vinyl via First Word Records.

Blissful Rhodes arrangements, groovy rhythm and a joyful bounce are a few ways to describe Kaidi's sound. "Hard Times" and Changing Times" are a wonderful escape into positive vibes as this British producer provides a unique expression of happiness in music. Get on the ride of KaidiKat's soundtrack to freedom on his latest instrumental project which feature 8 energetic tunes that showcase his attractive synth-based sound. 

"First Word Records is very proud to present you with 'The Offering' - the debut album by Darkhouse Family; a Cardiff-based duo consisting of Earl Jeffers & Don Leisure.

Previously releasing music under their respective monikers, Metabeats and Jamal, they've produced an assortment of sounds over the years, from Hip Hop to House to D'n'B. Connecting as a duo almost a decade ago, this merger logically saw the birth of their own unique style, comprised of a bonafide fusion of genres.

Darkhouse Family entered into the public domain via labels Fat City and Earnest Endeavours, before joining the First Word family in Summer 2016, with the 'Solid Gold' EP. This was their first release to incorporate live instruments into their signature hybrid of sampled beat-chops and electronic sonics. 'The Offering' serves up further evolution in the Darkhouse Family's sound - a progression that also embraces Jazz and Soul.


Following the success of 'Solid Gold', the duo embraced a more collaborative approach, embarking on a series of sessions between Oct 2016 and May 2017, building a bonafide family of musicians and vocalists. This notably included Kamaal Williams (aka Henry Wu, formerly of Yussef Kamaal), up-and-coming drummer Daf Davies (who was a key inspiration in the sound and vibe of the record) and strings arranger / player Jonathan Powell. Vocal performances include regular DHF collaborator, Vanity Jay, a masterful talent, Jessy Allen, and an amazing newcomer, Esther, amongst a veritable assortment of sublime Welsh talent…
The breadth of tools used on this recording very much ranged from the old to the new; from 19th Century violas, to Fender Rhodes, to Juno synthesisers. Despite the wealth of live instrumentation brought on board for the project, there was always a crate of vinyl nearby, to provide dusty-fingered inspiration whenever required. The whole mood of 'The Offering' radiates with a sense of organic fusion - retro analogue sensibilities blended with future vibrations. This conglomeration of eras, sounds and skills summarises the ethos of the project; as mentioned most poignantly in the title track, "unity is the beginning"…
Their amalgamation of styles on Darkhouse Family's previous catalogue has in turn had support from a wide-range of selectors and tastemakers, such as Tom Ravenscroft, Mr Thing, Kutmah, Rob Da Bank, Lefto, Om Unit, Huey Morgan, ThrisTian, Jon1st and Gilles Peterson, and their own turntable formidability has seen them grace the decks at Boiler Room, Fabric, Worldwide FM, Solid Steel, Glastonbury Festival and much more. This is only the beginning though.

This album is a true testament to Darkhouse Family's undiluted love of music across a vast spectrum. The end-result is quite simply a gift to the masses." - First Word Records

Imagine how one of nature's most great effects inspires the minds of an MC and two producers on a thumping single by First Word Records."A New Dawn" features the visuals of Oddisee on the mic who shows how a sunrise provokes the cycle of life against the melodic and soulful beats of Quiet Dawn and Eric Lau. Great music to motivate the beginning of a new day and what accomplishments are in store.