Browsing Tag

Beatmaker

Bluku: A Fusion Firestorm of Culture and Beats by Hype and Fever

Posted on 20 February 2024

Hype and Fever lived up to their moniker with their universally magnetic standout single, Bluku. The monocultural mould was rhythmically obliterated by the pulse-pounding kinetic melodies in the synthesis of Jamaican, Indian, and UK sonic culture.

If you like your beats hot, your bass heavy, and your rhythms tight, let your speakers ignite to the sound of the UK-residing duo which melds bansuri flutes with dancehall kicks to create a kaleidoscope of hybridic culture in their self-produced beats which pay an ode to their Jamaican and Indian heritage.

The explosively vibrant smorgasbord of culture delivers a burst of colour as Hype and Fever create friction on the instrumentals with their distinctively dominant bars that bring energy, fire, and enigmatic flair to ensure Bluku unravels as a dynamically intense release that is far too addictive to quit.

The momentum around Hype and Fever is only growing; be a part of their ascent.

Hype and Fever is now available to stream on YouTube, or you can add the release to your playlists.

To follow the next moves of the brother duo, link up on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lost Gold grooved soul into old-school hip-hop instrumentals in ‘FILE.0016’

Posted on 20 February 2024
lostgold.file.0016 by lost gold

With ‘FILE.0016′, Lost Gold, the moniker of Minneapolis-based multi-instrumentalist Dylan Heidt, crafted an instrumental odyssey that resonates with the warmth and soul of old-school hip-hop. This track, part of Heidt’s ambitious solo project, is a testament to his versatility and deep-rooted appreciation for diverse musical genres.

The track opens with a beat that could easily be mistaken for an Alabama Shakes number, immediately setting a tone of nostalgic familiarity. It’s a rich, soulful foundation that harks back to the golden era of hip-hop, yet feels refreshingly contemporary. The warmth of the beat is palpable as the track progresses and the impossible-to-resist grooves take centre stage.

The keys cascade with a melodiousness that’s both playful and profound, while the guitars add a shimmering layer of complexity around the robustly funk-infused basslines that are meticulous when carving pockets of rhythm.

As Lost Gold continues to release more music through Bandcamp, ‘FILE.0016’ stands as a shining example of his talent and vision. It’s a piece that connects with listeners globally, proving that true artistry lies in the ability to blend the familiar with the new, creating something uniquely resonant and timeless.

FILE.0016 was officially released on January 3rd; stream or purchase the single on Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

The Track “Aqua” Flows Like Water

Posted on 5 December 2022

Thinking back to the days of Kool Keith’s instrumental ventures as well as those of King Brit and folks of that ilk, I’m loving the fact that we don’t have to look very far to find young artists who are holding up the mantle of creating exciting new beats for the musical landscape. One such artist is American composer/beatmaker Blondci, particularly with his new track “Aqua.”

Beginning the song, the pads sound quite new-age in their approach, but the bassline tempers it with a neo-soul vibe that becomes irresistible. Fans of acid-jazz will feel extremely at home with the groove-centered jam that is “Aqua.” The listener is also gifted with a horn fanfare towards the end, which is just the ear-candy we all need from time to time. Overall, it’s a laid-back work, back in my day we would have called this “chill out,” and I’m a little embarrassed that I’m not sure what the kids are calling these genres currently.

“Aqua” does bring to mind, however; that prior to the “lo-fi” revolution of popular YouTube playlists, we weren’t too used to hearing instrumental tracks; I’m thankful that has changed and a piece like this can stand on its own without someone saying “hey, when are the vocals gonna start?”

Blondci’s Instagram account is also worth a visit, as we get a window into his production techniques via Ableton Live as well as some of his multi-instrumental talents. He’s quite adept at acoustic/electric guitar, bass, and keys – I think the fact that he’s such an outstanding musician is a clue into why his music sounds, well, so musical.

Stuck At This Job: Salt Lake City-based blues rapper BC Roadz imagines counting all those ‘Stack$’

Posted on 3 December 2021

With his highly innovative style that is assuredly worth many a listen, BC Roadz drops his new track taken off his latest 6-track EP called ‘AD‘, with the money-counting ‘Stack$‘.

BC Roadz is a Salt Lake City, Utah-based indie self-described beatmaker/blues rapper who makes a sterling blend of compelling music that has you thinking about levitating your life upwards.

As he daydreams about this new life that he has set himself out to get while plodding through his dull job, BC Roadz discloses his wildest dreams on a beat-filled track that has your curious mind in absolute awe of the creativity on offer. There is much to commend about someone who is aspiring to be diverse and not just make the same sound like everyone else.

‘Stack$‘ from the highly-entertaining Salt Lake City, Utah-based beatmaker/blues rapper BC Roadz, is a dream-sharing single that is all about telling the world what you would do if you had enough money to do whatever you wanted. With an inventive style that is a ravishing mix of blues and hip-hop. Featuring a confident tone and eloquent vocals that seems to lift your own mood away from a lazy slumber, this is a top track that deserves acclaim for its exuberant inventiveness.

Hear this new single on Spotify and see more news on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

soundslikeLANG has made an indulgently accordant debut with “Hold Tight”

Posted on 29 August 2020

Electronica artist and producer soundslikeLANG has made their 2020 debut with the chill-inducingly stunning single “Hold Tight”.

The past few months have been a bumpy ride for us all, Hold Tight offers a smooth tranquillity to sink into and soak up the stylistic soul which is authentic and sincere enough to fill your own. You practically owe it to yourself to hit play.

After you’re suitably entranced by the deftly reverb-laden instrumentals, the echoed vocals are fed into the indulgently accordant mix to feed us the mantra “Hold Tight” along with timely sparse drippings of vocal optimism.

You can check out soundslikeLANG’s debut and offer it a well-deserved spot on your playlists via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Quincy Valentine drops new track and music video for “Like You Do”

Posted on 28 August 2020

A native of the Bronx, New York, Quincy Valentine grew up with music influences left, right and centre, from his pianist mother to local rappers and the church.

He’s produced and played keyboard for local and major artists such as Mr Complex, and Scarface. Now, Valentine is here, unleashing his soulful take on RnB, a flashy, summery upbeat number with Valentine’s cool rapped vocal a mix of old school boom bap with a more flowing, lyrical style. All hooked up with duetted chorus vocals from Bronx stable-mate singer/songwriter/producer Winston Ward. ‘Like You Do’ is slick, sexy, and it grooves with some proper old-school sass.

You can check out Like You Do via YouTube.

Review by Alex Holmes

Slip into David Taylor’s transcendently light mix “hours”

Posted on 24 August 2020

Australian Electronica artist and producer David Taylor has recently released their distinctively sweet Lo-Fi Chill EP 050392. The perfect introduction to their catharsis-spilling sound is “hours”.

The hazily blissful track which comes with slight Chill Hop nuances may not easily squeeze into any constrained branch of Electronica, but it does ooze potent and organic good vibes. With the warm tones and the transcendently light textures, hours is an incredibly easy track to slip into and get pulled along by the seamless reverb-soaked progressions.

It’s not every day we can say the Electronica we hear serves up plenty of soul, but discernibly, David Taylor isn’t your average producer. After hearing their latest release, we’re stoked to hear where their sound which drips with commercial potential takes them next.

You can check out David Taylor’s EP 050392 for yourselves via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

JFK – Dropping some ‘Shroomz’

Posted on 21 August 2020

“Pop one, pop two wi’d’a mushroom/girl you know that I can’t live without you” seems, at first glance, to be an unusual declaration of love but hey; it ain’t stupid if it works, right? And hell, it seems to be working for Florida’s JFK, judging by this chilled out slab of old-school trap.

Slightly trippy sounding, like its title, ‘Shroomz’ blooms and swells, a chiming background synth track over bass and stuttering snare beats, a psychedelic lullaby, insidious, worming its way into your head behind JFK’s rhymes. It’s catchy, poppy, and it properly hooks like the some laid-back T-Pain or Flo Rida; “Down a rabbit hole” indeed.

You can here JFK’s ‘M.Y.F.B.’ EP on Spotify.

Review by Alex Holmes

CMILL444 has moved the Hip Hop narrative away from glorified hedonism with “Drugs R Overrated!”

Posted on 20 August 2020

CMILL444 dropped their latest single “Drugs R Overrated!” on August 6th and perceptibly achieved their mission of moving the narrative in Hip Hop away from the glamorisation from drugs, sex and excess by pouring some feel-good grooves on the airwaves.

As Scroobius Pip once said “Guns, bitches and bling were never part of the four elements, and they never will be. CMILL444’s sweetly resolving single reaffirms that sentiment. We all know that happiness doesn’t come from anything with a price tag, it’s about time that Hip Hop reflected that fact.

The Indie Trap Pop hit doesn’t just leave you enamoured with the vibrant and accordantly light beats, but with life itself.

You can check out CMILL444’s latest single for yourselves by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Toks – Braving the Storm featuring FK Osha: Soulfully Inspiring RnB Hip Hop

Posted on 15 August 2020

Breaking Hip Hop artist Toks has recently released their second EP “5 Designs” featuring 5 stylishly sun-kissed hits which wouldn’t be out of place on your summer Hip Hop playlists.

The perfect introduction to their smooth and soulful sound is the standout single “Braving the Storm” featuring FK Osha. The radio-ready hit kicks off with a mesmerizingly teasing start. From out of the lush reverb, Toks high-vibe vocals kick in and project plenty of high-vibe energy into the soundscape.

Braving the Storm improves with every listen to thanks to the intellectual and inspiring lyricism which Toks weaved into the mix. Each time you hit play, you’ll connect to a different part of Toks’ uplifting introspection.

Given that we’ve all just been through a global pandemic together, I can imagine plenty of people will find resonance in Braving the Storm. The track just keeps on giving.

You can check out Toks’ EP 5 Designs for yourselves by heading over to Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast