Browsing Tag

Hip Hop producer

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

KADREN blazed his trail in his electronica-hip-hop-soul mash-up, DASH!

Posted on 25 January 2024

KADREN’s latest track ‘DASH!’ is a high-energy, soul-infused Tour De Force, which marks a new zenith in his artistic journey. With over 14,000 streams of the official music video in just four days, this Portland-based prodigy unleashed a cultural phenomenon.

‘DASH!’ is an electrifying blend of Labrinth-inspired high-voltage beats and deep, soulful rhythms that resonate long after the track ends. KADREN, originally a producer, has skilfully married his dual passions for beat-making and lyrical expression. His influences, from the astronomical Travis Scott to the legendary Kanye West, are seamlessly integrated into his unique style without overshadowing it.

The official music video is a cinematic journey, intertwining manga-twisted visuals with a soundscape that’s as much a narrative as it is a song. Between the endearing vocal harmonies and exhilarating beats, KADREN achieved a rare feat in today’s music scene. His ability to weave paradoxes into a cohesive and compelling sonic signature is nothing short of visionary.

But it’s not just the technical brilliance that sets ‘DASH!’ apart; it’s the raw, palpable energy that KADREN brings to every beat, every verse. The track doesn’t just pass the vibe check; it sets a new standard. With each drop, there’s a surge of adrenaline, a moment of pure, unadulterated connection with the music.

DASH! was officially released on January 19; stream the official music video on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Tha Blaqsmith crafted a monastery-esque mindscape with the lo-fi beats in his latest release, What is Meditation

Posted on 13 January 2024
The Last Day EP by Tha Blaqsmith

In the bustling sphere of modern music, Tha Blaqsmith, a California-Las Vegas based producer, crafted a unique auditory experience for their latest release, What Is Meditation, and invited his listeners on a voyage into the realms of inner peace and heightened consciousness, led by the guiding light of Edwin “Tha Blaqsmith” McCain’s innovative spirit.

From the outset, the mindfulness bells resonate, echoing the sacred sounds of a Tibetan singing bowl. This introduction is not just an opening but a ticket into a sanctuary of serenity. The bells set the stage, transporting the listener to the tranquil corridors of a Buddhist monastery, a setting where the mind finds solace and the soul, harmony.

As the journey unfolds, a crackling spoken word recording emerges, reminiscent of an old sage imparting wisdom on the essence of meditation. This element adds a layer of authenticity and warmth, bridging the gap between the ancient practice and the contemporary listener. The lo-fi beats then make their entrance, maintaining the tape recording crackles, a subtle nod to Tha Blaqsmith’s affinity for vinyl records and drum breaks. This fusion of the old and the new creates a soundscape that is both nostalgic and refreshingly novel.

The ambient elements that flow into the track further enhance this meditative experience. Tha Blaqsmith’s skill in blending these sounds demonstrates his unorthodox approach to music. With no formal background in composing, his natural inclination towards music shines through, offering a raw, yet refined essence to the hip-hop genre.

What is Meditation was officially released on December 31 in The Last Day EP; stream the EP in full on Bandcamp.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

JAIZE became the voice of reason and rebellion in his standout rap track, FIRE.wav, ft Kwillo

Posted on 30 December 2023

JAIZE, hailing from ATX and one-half of the hip-hop duo Global Octopus, has delivered a potent and thought-provoking track with FIRE.wav from his eponymous EP. Featuring Kwillo, this single is a wavy meditation on the tumultuous times we find ourselves in, a reflection of the chaos and the quest for solace amidst it.

The track stands out for its unflinching stance on the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, a topic many artists shy away from. JAIZE, with his glitchy yet luxurious production, creates a soundscape that visualises the struggle to achieve mental equilibrium in times which normalise humanitarian crimes. His rap bars, delivered with a flawless and steady urgency, do more than just provoke thought; they ignite a fire within, challenging listeners to question and dismantle the oppressive constructs around us.

FIRE.wav is reminiscent of Kanye and Jay Z, yet JAIZE brings fresh conviction to the table while allowing his music to unravel as an authentic expression of himself.  This track is a bold statement, a testament to JAIZE’s ability to blend personal introspection with broader social commentary.

With his self-titled EP, JAIZE has not only created a compelling piece of music but has also positioned himself as a voice of reason and rebellion in an era saturated by superficial sonic themes. His hands-on approach to the EP, handling all the mixing and mastering for the first two tracks, and collaborating with Kwillo for the last three, showcases his dedication to his craft. He’s only going to get bigger from here.

Stream the JAIZE EP which dropped on December 15 on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Mizzery Jones ensnares via culturally cultivated distinction in his seminal rap track, Yes

Posted on 2 December 2023

Mizzery Jones established himself as a master of rhythmic magnetism while battling his introspective demons in his seminal rap track, Yes, which pulls listeners into a space where old-school hip-hop meets a new era of sound.

The track is a testament to Mizzery Jones’s ability to honour the genre’s roots while allowing his bars to flow into uncharted territories with his distinctive style. Vocally, there are touches of Eminem as Jones blends the foundational beats of hip-hop with fresh cinematic production stylings. If you can imagine being sonically guided through a vibrant bazaar of sounds, where each beat and note is infused with a sense of exoticism, you’ll get an idea of the colourfully layered complexity within Yes, which is prised from Jones’ EP, I’ll Be Back Before Too Long.

This sharp and esoteric indicator of Jones’ ability to intellectually stimulate through his wordplay and deliver verses with a hypnotically assertive cadence won’t fail to capture your attention and keep hold of it with a vice-like grip until the very last note. It’s impossible not to be ensnared by Mizzery Jones’s culturally cultivated distinction as he allows his lyrics to unravel as a panoramic picture of determinism, candour and emotional intelligence.

Mizzery Jones’s biography adds another layer of depth to his artistry. Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, this producer and artist spent a significant portion of his life in the vibrant cultural landscapes of Chapala and Guadalajara, Mexico; experiences that have clearly seeped into the textured layers of his music.

Stream the I’ll Be Back Before Too Long EP on Spotify or purchase the EP on Apple Music.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Emanuel Arzumanyan freed his listeners from the comparison trap with his hip-hop track, Gotta Get Mine ft Mr Maph

Posted on 10 September 2023

For his latest single and most popular hit to date, Gotta Get Mine, the Antwerp, Belgium-based beat maker, hip-hop producer, guitarist, and audio engineer, Emanuel Arzumanyan, collaborated with the London-based trailblazer of a lyricist and vocalist Mr Maph to deliver a high-octane rap track that will leave you adrenalized with inspiration.

The reprise “gotta get mine, gotta get yours” over the cinematically Grammy-worthy hip-hop orchestration is an efficaciously succinct way to veer listeners away from envy and the comparison trap and towards determination that doesn’t revolve around anticipating and facilitating the downfall of others.

Gotta Get Mine evades all of the usual tropes to unravel as a hit that delivers introspective gold over each of the expertly crafted hooks that will remain sharp enough in your mind to necessitate making Gotta Get Mine a playlist staple.

Stream Gotta Get Mine on Spotify and follow Emanuel Arzumanyan on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

MISSISSIPPI SNO raps the Delta blues in his antithesis of a love song, THE WHORE SONG

Posted on 22 May 2023

The Texas-born, Mississippi-raised rapper, producer and independent record label owner, MISSISSIPPI SNO, began his 15-year career with the inspiration of Tupac and Notorious B.I.G; along the way, he’s produced everyone from Frank Whyte to XOXO CoCo and collaborated with Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, Wu-Tang Clan and Sean Kingston.

He’s performed and promoted his music in all 50 states; now he is here with his seminal rap track, THE WHORE SONG, which oozes twangy Delta blues around the solid beats and the uninhibited bars, which construct the ultimate antithesis of a love song. Usually, breakup tracks are filled with perfectly poised and flowery language that no one would usually use to refer to their ex; in the process, they give unrealistic romantic expectations of the dumping experience.

MISSISSIPPI SNO may have used language that would lead to offence from the types of people that reach the height of pleasure when they get their backs up, but we’re more than here for the raw honesty which runs in the same vein of Insane Clown Posse.

Stream THE WHORE SONG on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast
.

Phurah prayz is ‘on duty’ with the evocative originality in his seminal single

Posted on 16 May 2023

Evocative originality is far from in short supply in the latest EP from the London-based alt-hip-hop artist and producer, Phurah prayz. The 6-track release, we are connected, is a riot of authentic innovation; take the standout single, on duty, as the ultimate testament to that fact.

After indie ukulele and guitar strings set the melodic pace in the mid-tempo vibe-out track, Phurah prayz delivers his charged-with-compassion vocal lines which you will effortlessly level with. While the wordsmith delivers his gospel & RnB infused rap bars which will drench you in worldly-wise introspection, the warm and bright beats, which come with a touch of afro flavour, will show you the meaning of catharsis.

Stream on duty on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

DreadpooL resisted oppressive gravity in his upraising Old-School hip hop hit, Nothing Comes Easy

Posted on 8 April 2023

If everyone was exposed to the harsh and universal truths in DreadpooL’s single, Nothing Comes Easy, before stepping into the jaws of reality and felt how sharp the teeth are first-hand, there would be infinitely less disillusion amongst the disenfranchised youth.

The lyrically rich old-school hit is the perfect introduction to the Springfield, VA-based artist and producer, who formerly released music under the moniker Crescendo. He lay it all down on the enlivening luxe backbeats that are heightened with the jazzy trickling keys and smoky sax lines that bring filmic class to the addictive release that keeps on giving with every listen. It is the ultimate manifesto on how to keep your head high, even when everything is working against you and pulling you down. Piteous apathy won’t stand a chance agains this trailblazing hit.

Nothing Comes Easy is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ride the funk-soaked tilt-a-whirl that is November Criminal’s latest alt-hip-hop single, Bouncing Back

Posted on 19 March 2023

Psych Rock and Hip-Hop rendezvoused around monocultural mould-smashing funk flavours and orchestral motifs in the latest standout feat of elevated experimentalism from the alternative multi-instrumentalist and producer November Criminal.

His latest album, Scrambled Eggs Vol. III, puts the assumption that out-there innovation always has to smack with pretension to bed and tucked it up tight in the groove pockets in the lead single, Bouncing Back.

Depicting it through words alone could never do the exhilarating aura justice; from the first progression, you will feel your mood rise with the ever-ascending notes that reach the pinnacle of high-vibe hip hop. In my book, not all too many experimental artists can stand against the creative tenacity of Mike Patton; November Criminal is enough to make even his most Avant-Garde creations resonate as pedestrian. Frankly, I’m obsessed and entirely convinced anyone with a functional soul will be too.

Check out the latest album from November Criminal via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast