Peace of Action Damu the Fudgemunk

Peace of Action is the latest release from artist Earl “Damu the Fudgemunk” Davis, and also, the newest installment of Def Pressé’s series of projects made in partnership with KPM (and associated music libraries).

With several titles in the series with notable names like Blockhead and Stro Elliot since its inception in 2021, Def Pressé Editions x KPM returned the artist that launched the line:  Washington D.C.’s Damu the Fudgemunk marked the beginning of the Def Pressé Editions x KPM Crate Diggers legacy with his critically acclaimed (as featured on NPR) Conversation Peace in late summer of 2021.  Three years later all original parties have teamed up to present album 2, Peace of Action.  

“It’s a pleasure to present Peace of Action.  So much excitement went into the initial venture to collaborate with KPM and become part of their history.  When I listen to the final album, I hear all the excitement and passion I had for the music.  Discovering things in their archive helped me discover and rediscover things about myself that I usually restrict in previous work.  It was fun to break some rules and still maintain some limitations especially after 20 plus years of creating music.  Being very pleased with the artistic and commercial success of my first Def Pressé x KPM album in 2021, I’m proud to expand the storyline with this particular energy and themes in 2024.” Earl Davis (Damu the Fudgemunk)

Damu alluded to a part 2 in the liner notes of Conversation Peace and has kept his word.  Like it’s predecessor, Peace of Action features 9 all new tracks, however this album contains no guests or vocals and is fully instrumental.  With dozens of titles under his belt over the past 2 decades highlighting his musicality and a reputation built on beats, it may be of a surprise to many that this will be the Fudgemunk’s first official instrumental project in over 7 years.  Yes, 7 years is quite some time, but don’t confuse the decision to prioritize making music with vocals to any inactivity on his part.  

Check the catalog and you’ll see productions for MC’s like Raw Poetic and Blu account for lost time.  During the particular hiatus from making solely Hip Hop records in the conventional form, Damu has composed, produced and performed on some really exciting Jazz projects.  His work with Archie Shepp has met with great success and the album they made together, Ocean Bridges is often talked about years after release and heralded by people like Gilles Peterson.