Click to watch

One Self performs "Trying to Speak"

Although legendary producer DJ Vadim spent the last decade building an unparalleled reputation for creating uniquely soulful Hip Hop, the peculiar brilliance of his new One Self project still comes as a surprise. Emerging first as a solo artist before graduating to the venerable Ninja Tunes label, the Russian-born Englishman’s recent Russian Percussion records suffered only from an overabundance of great ideas. Collaborating with dozens of artists from around the world, Vadim moved in multiple directions at once, drawing from disparate incidents of international Hip Hop style. One Self, however, is clearly a singular group concept, firmly rooted in classic form while pursuing a relaxed, jazzy vibe defined by laidback raps and poetic, seductive vocals. Featuring Vadim on beats and MCs Yarah Bravo and Blue Rum 13 providing the rhymes, the group’s album Children of Possibility coalesces instrumental abstraction with soul and reggae influences without sacrificing multi-cultural exploration: in addition to Vadim’s mixed heritage, honey-voiced MC Bravo is half-Brazilian, half-Chilean, was raised in Sweden, and now lives in London; Blue Rum 13 was born in America but now lives in Montreal. Opening the show is Mark Kloud, with visuals by Flip.

Monday, May 8 at 9pm. Soundlab, 110 Pearl St. (440-5907); $10-$12.