Browsing Tag

Downtempo Hip Hop

Paul DoggerTee – She’s Famous on TikTok: Hazy Downtempo Hip Hop

Posted on 11 June 2020

The concept of fame is constantly in flux. Now, being famous on TikTok is a thing, and while I’m not entirely sure that’s a good thing or not, I can say with absolute certainty that Paul DoggerTee’s latest single “She’s Famous on TikTok” definitely is.

The ambiently playful track provides a downtempo dreamscape to slip into as you appreciate their modern stylistic production style and their sense of humour. The ambiguously hazy love song leaves plenty to your imagination as you listen to the beats weave through progressions and the vocals which slightly bleed into the mix for the ultimate cathartic vibe.

You can check out Paul DoggerTee’s single She’s Famous on TikTok which was released on May 22nd for yourselves by heading over to YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ben Alexander – Sons: Entrancingly Melodic Electronic Gospel Pop

Posted on 7 June 2020

If there’s any Electronica artist we’re happy to see a new release from, it’s Bergen, Norway-based artist and producer Ben Alexander.

There was definitely no forgetting them after hearing their single Seek which was full of soulfully stylistic ambient euphoria. With their most recent release Sons, the tones may slightly be harsher, colder, and it may be fleetingly comparable to the likes of Covenant, the Editors and John Grant, yet, Ben Alexander has allowed the soundscape to retain the same magnetic mesmerism.

Their electronically-crafted single is an entrancingly adrenalizing infusion of Pop, downtempo Hip Hop, and Gospel, and it’s safe to say, you’ve never immersed yourselves in a soundscape quite like Sons before.

You can check out Sons which was released on May 29th along with Ben Alexander’s earlier releases via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

LA Alt Indie duo Tricks have made their debut with the genre-crumbling EP “The Epic Preview”

Posted on 26 May 2020

Up and coming LA Alt Indie Electronica duo Tricks have made their dreamily entrancing debut with the EP “The Epic Preview”. Given the title of the EP and the resonant magnetism which the release contains, we’re already excited to hear what will follow.

Each of the 7 tracks on the EP offers plenty of affable aural indulgence. Yet, the best introduction to Tricks’ urbanely nuanced production style is “2squares”. With the Mike Patton-levels of sublime experimental ingenuity, you’ll be transfixed to the ever-evolving progressions which flirt with downtempo Hip Hop, Indie and Soul. Each progression and shift in tone is as seamless as the last in this medley of grooving which follows just the right tempo for the track to be as cathartic as it is captivating.

You can check out 2squares along with the rest of Tricks’ debut EP for yourselves by heading over to Spotify now.

To keep up to date with new releases, follow Tricks via Facebook.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Glock N9v – Elbow Grease: Bass-Dripping Experimental Trap

Posted on 8 May 2020
https://soundcloud.com/glockn9v/elbow-grease/s-SP0acs4YiEI

Fans of experimentally atmospheric New Wave Trap will definitely want to delve into the smooth bass-dripping mix “Elbow Grease” from up and coming Portland-based artist and producer Glock N9v.

Elbow Grease unfolds at an easy tempo which makes it all too easy to hook yourself into the instrumental and vocal melodic grooves which progress in tight synergy with one another. By the time the second verse hits, you’ll start to appreciate the hypnotic appeal of the stylistic mix.

Finding playlist-worthy Alt Trap which comes with an entrancingly ambient vibe while still packing an inventive punch doesn’t happen every day. Get Glock N9v on your radar, you won’t regret it.

You can check out Glock N9v’s track Elbow Grease for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

KDX – 24hr Ghost: Ambiently Smooth Alt Trap

Posted on 13 April 2020

24hr Ghost is the latest track to be released by up and coming Trap artist KDX. If his former releases have slipped past your radar, the experimental slow jam will serve as the perfect introduction to their velvety smooth approach to Trap.

KDX mixed up the usual Trap beat style by weaving elements of Electronic Folk into the quaint and beguiling into the soundscape while the vocals find the balance between magnetic soul and resounding conviction.

In short, if you’re looking for ambient vibe-out Trap mixes from a breaking new artist, KDX has you covered with 24hr Ghost. If all Trap releases were as authentic and as immersive as 24hr Ghost, the genre would get plenty more respect and acclaim in the mainstream.

24hr Ghost is available to stream via all major platforms via this link.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Bennett – Stimulation: Melodically Smooth New Wave Trap

Posted on 9 April 2020

Las Vegas Hip Hop artist Bennett dropped their latest self-produced album Stimulation in March 2020, anyone who appreciates ahead of the curve ambient Pop Hip Hop are undoubtedly going to want to make time for this smooth melodic release.

The title-track is the perfect introduction to Bennett’s sentimental songwriting approach and talent when it comes to pulling together a light yet immersive soundscapes which will hook you in from the first verse.

Their New Wave Trap style borrows a few vocally harmonic elements from RnB Pop, but the futuristically fresh track firmly remains in the realms of contemporary Hip Hop.

You can check out Bennett’s latest album for yourselves by heading over to SoundCloud or Apple Music.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nellz Rover – Toxic Healing: Melodically Smooth, Sentimentally Raw Hip Hop

Posted on 4 April 2020

US Rap artist Nellz Rover made their debut in 2016 and quickly made a lasting impression on the airwaves. Their ability to combine soulfully sentimental lyrics with fresh new stylistic beats created plenty of hype around their meaningful raw approach to Hip Hop.

Their latest single “Toxic Healing” is the perfect example of their smooth vibing style. The emotion is as stripped bare as the light atmospheric Trap beats which lay down gentle melodies and ensure that Nellz Rover’s resounding verses dominate the soundscape.

Expect plenty of sharp lyrical hooks and lyrics which will linger with you for long after the track has faded to a close. The track may be on the more Ambient side of Hip Hop and comes with a nuanced infusion of R&B, but Toxic Healing still hits as hard as concrete.

You can check out Nellz Rover’s track Toxic Healing for yourselves by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Kaedo – Survival of the Fittest: Candid, Hook-Filled Old School Hip Hop

Posted on 30 March 2020

Fans of smooth Old School Hip Hop will undoubtedly want to pay attention to the latest release “Survival of the Fittest” from up and coming artist Kaedo.

With a new studio album due to drop, there has never been a better time to jump on the hype around this trailblazer of an artist who perceptibly excelled in reviving old school sounds with brand-new contemporary appeal.

The atmospheric groove alone is enough to make you want to want to give Survival of the Fittest repeat attention. There are also the incredibly immersive melodic progressions which give the track an Indie vibe and the candid lyrics don’t just sting, they burn with sincerity.

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

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Basil Panagop – Topaz featuring Fuaves: Downtempo-Jazz-Soaked Electronic Hip Hop

Posted on 6 March 2020

For their latest release, Basil Panagop teamed up with Fuaves to create a hazy, mellow work of Ambient EDM Hip Hop. Topaz may be a short and sweet track, but your mind will be suitably altered in the space of 2:22-minutes.

Topaz is definitely on the more alternative side of Hip Hop. Yet, there’s still plenty of mainstream appeal thanks to the undeniably indulgent resonance which is waiting to grip you once you hit play.

With layers of downtempo Jazz weaved into the soft and smooth EDM Hip Hop beats, it’s all too easy to lose yourself amongst the textures of the track. There’s plenty of mesmerism to be found between the long and tensile orchestral notes and the rattle of the Trap beats. That’s without mentioning the vocal experimentalism which spilt into the mix on the outro.

You can check out Topaz for yourselves by heading over to Spotify.

Follow Basil Panagop on Facebook and keep up to date with their future releases and tour info. You’re definitely going to want this artist on your radars.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Airospace Has Revived Old School Hip Hop Once More with Their 5th Album “Sorry to Bother You”

Posted on 1 February 2020
https://open.spotify.com/track/38Gg0VGcdyFeZ6XvBj2fIL

Airospace has revived the old school reflective Jazz Hip Hop vibe once more with their 2019 album “Sorry to Bother You”.

While each of the nine tracks offers a sublimely restorative aural experience, there’s no better introduction than the title track. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more lucidly cathartic instrumental arrangements in contemporary Hip Hop. Yet, Airospace isn’t an artist who holds anything back their lyrics or the delivery. It’s pure vitriolic conviction which will compel you to hang off each and every word.

Even the humility in the title is enough to picque your interest. It isn’t exactly easily found within Hip Hop, yet, Airospace has an ample reserve of sweet humble expression. It was all to easy for us to warm to the album. Thanks to the smooth and polished production, we’re fairly certain that your reaction will be the same as ours.

You can check out Sorry to Bother You along with the rest of Airospace’s latest album for yourselves by heading over to Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast