Knxwledge — 1988 [Stones Throw]
Known for his consistent output and sample mangling he has worked with the likes of Kendrick Lamar and Anderson Paak. This 22-track release sees Knxwledge combines r&b and soul vocal samples, rap a cappella and archive hip-hop interviews (a Knxwledge speciality). 1988 is mixed in a very old school style, with some tape hiss and vinyl crackle keeping the beats nostalgic.
Madlib & Freddie Gibbs — Bandana Beats [Madlib Invazion]
This is the instrumental LP of Bandana from Madlib and Freddie Gibbs. I’m a fan of the vocal LP and their previous joint project Piñata, their styles complement each other well. The production is classic Madlib, needless to say he has an amazing ear, but this release highlights his ear for samples and finding loops within them, especially evident in ‘Crime Pays’. Fun fact: Madlib produced all the beats just on an iPad!

Nothing Neue — Amani [Self-release]
Nothing Neue is a producer from New York. Amani is a very cohesive body of work which manages to combine hip-hop, soul, electronic and dance music. On a first listen, pay attention to ‘Bloom’, with its lush synths and heavy drums, and ‘Sent Down’ which boasts a very funky bass line. Despite the huge mix of musical influences audible on this release, Neue maintains a clear and fresh musical identity.

Fat Beats — Baker’s Dozen XIII [Fat Beats Records]
Bakers Dozen is a series that shines a spotlight on instrumental beats and their personalities, currently on its 13th and final release. This tape includes tunes from the likes of Statik Selector, Madlib and Tokimonsta. I was especially taken with ‘Right With The Night’ from Tokimonsta, with smooth Rhodes piano and loose drums. It’s a relaxed contrast to her normal electronic style which makes for laid back nighttime listening.

Kaelin Ellis — Moments [Self-release]
Hailing from Florida, Kaelin Ellis has been making beats for at least 9 years. He’s collaborated with the likes of Sango and Kaytranada and recently put out a joint EP with rapper Lupe Fiasco. Moments bridges the divide between LA beat music and live jazz, Ellis plays all the instruments you hear on this tape. My favourite of these short, leaves-you-wanting-more tracks is ‘SWIM’, I’m a sucker for very unorthodox drum patterns, piano and beats with swing.
Omari Jazz — Dream Child [Self-release
This is a very atmospheric album. Immersive, even. You could argue that it’s not quite hip-hop, what with some of the jazzy drum samples we’re treated to and the reliance live instrumentation. Regardless, this ambient/hip-hop/jazz release is a very impressive body of work from the Portlandian. Title-track ‘Dream Child’ sets the tone for this fusing of worlds, with drums, harp and the vocal line interacting in an etherial space.
Smart Bomb — Water for the Town V.2
Smart Bomb is a monthly fixture in Oakland California, which showcases artists on the local beat scene. Water for the Town is like a soundtrack of sorts, interesting for it’s refusal to adhere to straight hip-hop or ‘beats’ territory. For example ‘Heru — My Psyche’ uses a bossa nova vocal sample with very compressed drums. A perfect example of beat music as a playground for the combination of wide-ranging samples. All proceeds go to a variety of worthy causes, check their Bandcamp page to support.

bad snacks — bathtub bumps [Self-release]
Another release that demonstrates the versatility and malleability of instrumental hip-hop, which can pull from almost any musical discipline. Portland-based electronic/experimental hip-hop producer bad snacks is also a classically trained violinist and talented chef. This contemplative and relaxing tape contains absolute corkers like ‘Autumn’, with piano, swung drums and wind chimes as a percussive element. ‘Same Water, Different Seas’ has a chill guitar riff and a very minimal, out at sea atmosphere. I’m a big fan after this tape and looking forward to new releases.

First Thought, Best Thought with Tom Skinner // 02-03-21

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