The very essence of Footwork music is movement and effort, evolving from joyous social gatherings and dance circles into a highly sophisticated battle form. This evolution is palpable in “Fingers, Bank Pads & Shoe Prints,” the groundbreaking second album by RP Boo. Widely recognized as the originator of Footwork with his seminal 1997 track “Baby Come On,” RP Boo stands as a true innovator, much like Juan Atkins is to Techno, consistently pushing boundaries and establishing new directions within the genre, leaving his unique finger prints on the sound. Reflecting on his pivotal role, RP Boo humbly acknowledges, “It has taken me a while to adjust to. I actually had to think about how it could have come to be by listening to other producers and DJs that were around as it was forming. All of them said, at different times, hey RP you know you created a mean following of people that are inspired by the way you make tracks and get the dancers into a whole new battle stage with energy. It helps me see that I represent a breathing source of sounds.”
Dance is intrinsic to RP Boo’s identity and artistry. Those fortunate enough to witness his DJ sets, such as his memorable 2013 European debut at Unsound Festival in Krakow, have seen him transcend the DJ booth. He immerses himself in the crowd, dancing and embodying Footwork both through sound and movement. This physical engagement mirrors the intense battle ethos present in “Fingers, Bank Pads & Shoe Prints,” yet contrasts with RP Boo’s inherently joyful personality. He explains, “I know how to speak battle from being in the circles. Footworkers need fuel and they often say, only you can get us to battle like that. Once outside the turntables, I use the same energy to speak with people. It’s a job and I am strong on giving encouragement to others, I want to uplift people. I have to try and walk that life for as long as I am alive.” This duality showcases the depth and complexity of both the artist and his creation, leaving his distinctive finger prints on the Footwork scene’s culture.
Sonically, RP Boo operates with the precision and unconventionality of a modern-day Zatoichi samurai, masterfully dissecting and reassembling samples. His sound remains distinctly his own, a unique sonic finger print in the electronic music landscape. “Fingers, Bank Pads & Shoe Prints” is a collection of tracks spanning his career, featuring both recent compositions and older gems crafted after his critically acclaimed 2013 debut album “Legacy.” Album highlights include “Banging On King Dr.,” a track that intricately chops up street number samples, creating a raw and urban soundscape. “Sleepy” evokes a monolithic noir atmosphere, while “Your Choice” subtly nods to funk influences, potentially inspired by his father’s background as Prince’s bass player. “Lets Dance Again” resonates with the soulful echoes of Chicago’s rich dance music history, and “Daddy’s Home,” with its dramatic string arrangements, adds a layer of cinematic intensity. The album culminates in “B’Ware,” a celebratory anthem for realizing dreams.
“Fingers, Bank Pads & Shoe Prints” unequivocally reaffirms RP Boo’s position as the leading figure in Footwork. This album is not just a collection of tracks; it’s a definitive statement, etching his finger prints as an innovator and cementing his legacy with one of the most essential Footwork albums released to date.
