In an era where the music landscape is awash with reinvention, few artists possess the depth, eclecticism, and soul of George Bell. With his latest single, “Blame it on the 90’s,” featuring the legendary Fatlip from The Pharcyde, Bell masterfully taps into a decade that shaped the very fabric of contemporary culture. What makes Bell stand out in the sea of nostalgia-chasers, however, is not just his ability to evoke the 90s’ essence, but his talent for reinterpreting its sound, infusing it with a modern sensibility that feels both timely and timeless.
Having cut his teeth in Southern California’s rich MOD and Space Rock scenes, George Bell’s musical journey has been one of ceaseless exploration. A fixture of Los Angeles’s vibrant live circuit, Bell’s sonic adventures have been played out across iconic venues like the El Rey Theatre and the Coach House, alongside more intimate haunts such as the Satellite and Echoplex. But don’t be fooled by his California roots—his sound, much like the state itself, is an amalgamation of diverse influences. From the gritty soul of Stax and Motown to the psychedelic brilliance of The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Bell’s music exudes a deep reverence for the past while looking toward the future.
“Blame it on the 90’s” isn’t just a song; it’s a sonic time capsule. Teaming up with Fatlip, whose group The Pharcyde left an indelible mark on hip-hop, George Bell dives headfirst into a cultural moment that continues to ripple through today’s music, fashion, and art. With its punchy beats, sun-drenched chords, and an irresistible groove, the track encapsulates the essence of a decade marked by its fearlessness and creativity. Yet, this isn’t a mere reproduction of a bygone era. Bell and Fatlip deliver a reimagined 90s, using the iconic motifs of the time—gritty boom-bap drums, laid-back flows, and swirling melodies—as a canvas for fresh ideas.
Bell’s reverence for the 90s goes beyond a simple revival; it’s a dialogue between generations. His approach to crafting the song wasn’t about hitting the nostalgia button. Instead, it’s a testament to how the 90s continues to inform today’s music, much like the way Motown shaped the sounds of the 70s and 80s. His collaboration with Fatlip is the icing on the cake—a pairing that is as much a tribute to hip-hop’s golden era as it is a bridge to the present. Fatlip’s witty, introspective lyrics and unique cadence align seamlessly with Bell’s instrumentation, creating a sound that is both vintage and forward-thinking.
It’s not just Bell’s effortless blending of vintage and modern styles that sets him apart— it’s his commitment to evolving with each release. Having shared the stage with genre-defining acts such as The Black Angels, Bloc Party, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and Nancy Sinatra, Bell’s ability to shift between different musical landscapes is what makes him such a dynamic artist. His chameleon-like ability to adapt while remaining true to his core identity has made him a staple in both underground and mainstream music circles.
What stands out most in “Blame it on the 90’s” is the meticulousness of the production. Bell and Fatlip didn’t just whip up the track in someone’s bedroom studio. They took it back to the basics, recording in a professional studio—the kind of analog environment that fosters creativity and attention to detail. The result? A polished, immersive sound that recalls the best of 90s studio craftsmanship while embracing the freedom of modern digital tools. It’s this commitment to craftsmanship that underscores Bell’s musical philosophy: you’re only as good as your last record.
The release of “Blame it on the 90’s” marks Bell’s fourth single in 2024 alone, signaling an ambitious year ahead. And while his name may be synonymous with the LA underground scene, Bell has outgrown those confines. His sound, honed through countless live performances and collaborative ventures, is now ready for a global stage.
But this latest offering is more than just another notch in Bell’s discography. It’s a reminder of his relentless drive to push boundaries. While many artists would be content to rest on their laurels after gaining recognition, Bell sees each record as a stepping stone to the next. His ever-evolving style—rooted in the ethos of constant reinvention—has allowed him to stay fresh, relevant, and exciting in a rapidly changing musical landscape.
Bell’s collaboration with artists as varied as The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Arthur Lee and Love, and even genre-blurring acts like Bloc Party, have imbued his music with a kaleidoscopic quality. He understands that great music transcends labels, eras, and trends. “Blame it on the 90’s” isn’t just a fun throwback; it’s an exploration of how different eras feed into each other, how inspiration can be found at the intersection of old and new.
As Bell looks toward the future with plans for even more releases in 2024, it’s clear that he’s not content to stay in one place. His music is a reflection of an artist who sees the past not as something to cling to, but as a foundation upon which to build new sonic worlds. With “Blame it on the 90’s,” Bell invites us to join him on this journey—one that’s equal parts reflection and reinvention.
For fans both new and old, George Bell is an artist who continues to defy expectations. He embodies the spirit of an artist on the move, never looking back for too long but always carrying the lessons of the past with him. “Blame it on the 90’s” is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting next chapter for Bell. If this single is any indication, 2024 is set to be his most groundbreaking year yet.
Prepare yourself for a nostalgic trip that’s less about reliving the past and more about reshaping the future. Because with George Bell, it’s never just about what’s been done—it’s about what’s next.
