Single Review: Belowsky vs Danny Saber - Hooks Jabs Words (2021 Remix)

‘Hooks, Jabs, Words (2021 Remix)’ is the latest single to be released by Belowsky, remixed by Danny Saber.

‘Hooks, Jabs, Words’ is a funk-filled, feel-good jam that pays homage to the great Muhammad Ali, fusing recordings of the great fighter’s formidable career with a thumping beat to create a punchy (pun intended) dance track. “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” Ali says, which is exactly what this song does: it rolls between light refrains and hard-hitting breakdowns, making this an irresistible tune that is perfect for the upcoming summer.

The track was actually conceptualised over 10 years ago, when Mancunian-born Belowsky (pop-poet, playwright, author, stand-up comic, the list goes on) hit it off with Danny Saber in 2007, with recordings beginning the day after they both met in West Hollywood. However, after Belowsky found himself banned from the US after overstaying his visa, it was only possible for the track to be completed when the duo could reunite again.

Belowsky himself has stated that Ali is one of his personal all-time heroes, and it would appear that ‘Hooks, Jabs, Words’ serves as a tribute to the greatest fighter of all time. The track is where old meets new, the past revived into an invigorating tune that celebrates Ali in the modern day. The music video itself mirrors the song, where interspersed clips of Ali - fragments of history - are reworked into a modern collage to be consumed by all generations.

The bass in ‘Hooks, Jabs, Words’ is strong, groovy and reminiscent of the funk era of America of the 70s, and a gospel organ trill interwoven subtly throughout brings an air of nostalgia for the good old days. The UK meets the US as Madchester dances with its cousin of funk.

With the end of lockdown in sight and the sun gradually reappearing, its safe to say that Belowksy and Danny Saber’s ‘Hooks, Jabs, Words (2021 Remix)’ will be a favourite on summer playlists everywhere. Its combination of both modern and nostalgic elements creates a refreshing bop that will appeal to people of every generation.

Words: Megan FitzGerald