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.

Ras G — Raw Fruit Vol 5.6 [FB Distribution]
The late Ras G was an inspiration to me with his blend of rap, reggae and afro futuristic sounds. Before he passed he managed to complete Raw Fruit Vol 5.6, a throwback to previous Raw Fruit tapes. It was released on SP404 day, paying homage to one of his key beat-making tools. Ras said he was heavily inspired by Sun Ra, so the outer-space-soul-jam mood he creates is no surprise. ‘Love Was’ is a great example of his soulful chops.
AntMan Wonder — We’re all just having fun here [Self-release]
AntMan Wonder is a producer from Philadelphia currently living Los Angeles. He’s perhaps most known for co-producing Anderson Paak’s single ‘Bubblin’. The name of this release is a great signifier to its contents. No one style takes precedence, you can hear he had a lot of fun creating this tape. ‘Headband’ is almost jazz fusion in the second half of the song. ‘Super Saturday’ sounds like something out of the ‘Zero’ video game series, mixed with trap drums and 808s. This release is a fantastic marker for the versatility of instrumental hip-hop as a style.

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.

Mathewhalsall

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