On the latest edition of The Progressive Underground‘s Liner Notes, we explore “Abstractions,” a collaboration between two of the most revered producers in modern soul, funk, and hip-hop: Zo! and Tall Black Guy.

Metro Detroit-born Lorenzo “Zo!” Ferguson and Tall Black Guy, aka Terrel Wallace, took different paths to arrive at their shared groove-centric vision. Zo!, a multi-instrumentalist, came up playing jazz and classical before transitioning into the vibrant world of progressive soul and funk, producing for The Foreign Exchange and spearheading several solo projects. Tall Black Guy, known for his masterful beat-making, honed his skills through crate-digging and sampling, becoming a staple in the underground hip-hop and soul circuit.

Though they had admired each other’s work from afar, their creative paths finally converged through the Foreign Exchange Music family, an independent label founded by Phonte and Nicolay. Their shared love for deeply rooted soul, lush arrangements, and head-nodding rhythms made their collaboration inevitable.

“Abstractions,” released in 2021, is the product of this synergy — a sonic journey through jazz, R&B, and hip-hop, infused with their mutual respect for craftsmanship and storytelling. Let’s explore the album track by track.

Track: “Talkin’ To Myself” feat. BeMyFiasco

The album opens with a warm, contemplative groove featuring BeMyFiasco, the rising singer-songwriter from Dallas. With dreamy chords and a hypnotic rhythm, “Talkin’ To Myself” captures the feeling of self-reflection and inner dialogue. BeMyFiasco’s ethereal vocals glide effortlessly over Zo! and Tall Black Guy’s plush instrumentation, setting the tone for the album’s deeply introspective yet groove-heavy vibe.

Track: “Sightseeing” feat. Diviniti & Pirahnahead

We next step into a short but mesmerizing interlude featuring Detroit’s own Diviniti and producer Pirahnahead. The track showcases the duo’s ability to paint vivid sonic landscapes with minimal elements. It’s jazz-infused, dreamy, and transports the listener into a meditative headspace. 

Track: “The Ride” feat. Sy Smith, Black Milk & Elzhi

“The Ride” features vocals from longtime Zo! collaborator Sy Smith, who delivers silky, jazz-inflected vocals, while Black Milk and Elzhi drop in to spout razor-sharp verses over an intoxicatingly rich instrumental. This track is a testament to the album’s seamless fusion of live instrumentation and hip-hop aesthetics. 

Track: “Blackout”

“Blackout” is short instrumental interlude that acts as a sonic reset, which finds Zo! and Tall Black Guy leaning into their experimental side. Layers of synthesizers and deep bass tones create an otherworldly atmosphere, demonstrating their knack for crafting interludes that feel just as essential as full-length tracks. Throughout their career both have cultivated relationships with artists of varying iconographies. 

Track: “I Love The Way” feat. Omar

On this cut, British soul legend Omar graces the mic, on a breezy, feel-good anthem that exudes warmth and sophistication. With Omar’s unmistakable voice riding over a buttery-smooth bassline, this track recalls classic ‘90s acid jazz while remaining firmly in the present. Zo! and Tall Black Guy’s production shines here, highlighting their ability to craft infectious grooves that feel both timeless and forward-thinking. 

Track: “Hold My Hand” feat. Darien Brockington, Muhsinah & Phonte

“Hold my Hand” features an all-star lineup of Darien Brockington, Muhsinah, and Phonte, where the harmonies are lush, the instrumentation pristine and the chemistry between the vocalists undeniable. The whole arrangement feels like a Foreign Exchange family reunion with its spotlight of TFE artists and affiliated/adjacent artists on the track. This tune exemplifies the power of collaboration, as each artist brings their unique touch while staying true to the album’s cohesive sonic palette. 

Track: “Northland” feat. DJ Dez

With their strong Detroit musical roots, Zo! And Tall Black Guy continue to rep their hometown. Representing the heartbeat of Detroit, “Northland” features turntablist DJ Dez, a legend in the Motor City’s hip-hop and funk scenes. The track blends chopped jazz samples with raw, dusty drums, evoking the spirit of crate-digging culture. It’s a reminder of the album’s deep roots in hip-hop’s production techniques, seamlessly merged with live musicianship. 

Abstractions is more than just an album; it’s a masterclass in modern soul production. Zo! and Tall Black Guy, both virtuosos in their own right, have crafted a project that transcends genre boundaries while maintaining a deeply personal touch. With its seamless blend of jazz, soul, hip-hop, and electronic elements, the album embodies the spirit of collaboration and artistic evolution.

This record also highlights the importance of independent artistry in today’s music landscape. As key members of The Foreign Exchange Music stable, Zo! and Tall Black Guy have built a movement that champions authenticity, musicality, and innovation. Their work on “Abstractions” reinforces their reputation as architects of a new wave of soul music—one that respects tradition while fearlessly pushing forward.

We’ll close with a track that highlights the album’s versatility, and features some house music vibes from music luminary Josh Milan, who drifts into soulful house territory, radiating warmth and positive vibrations. Milan’s unmistakable vocals soar over an intricately woven backdrop of lush keys, subtle percussion, and hypnotic bass. It’s a track that feels equally at home on a dancefloor as it does during a late-night drive. Let’s check out “Connected.”

Track: “Connected” feat. Josh Milan

That was “Connected” from Zo! & Tall Black Guy’s “Abstractions”, an album that stands as a shining example of what happens when two visionary producers come together with a shared purpose.

If you love deep musical dives, tune in to The Progressive Underground every Saturday evening at 6p.m. on 101.9 WDET. This has been Liner Notes, and I’m Chris Campbell. See you next time!