Rich Medina Connecting the Dots

• Words: Aqua Boogie
• Label: Kindred Spirits

When not pleasing partygoers with his airtight selection, DJ Rich Medina continually solidifies his rep as a soul music composer. On his debut, Connecting the Dots, he creates jams that range from politically vexed spoken word on "BBoys to Men" to the upbeat dancefloor motivator "Out of Nothing," with helpings of Afrobeat, funk and jazz in between. "Chocklit Ninja" sports a mix of slick percussion and ethereal keys. With plenty of dreamy vocals and lounge-suitable grooves, the album maintains an unrefined feel that makes it not a color by numbers sketch but a solid work of soul-hued art.