Welcome to yet another post about the mostly obscure, often strange, yet always bumpin’ tunes currently rocking our world.
First up is a tune I was introduced to by Angie B. Fresh of CFUV’s The Corner. Courtesy of Autolect, a “self-professed Native Tongue baby” from California, “Doork” features a heavily chopped Beatles sample layered over off-kilter, almost broken beat drums. The song’s dopeness is cemented by Autolect’s poetic rhymes, delivered in a monotone drawl that reminds me of Illogic on parts of “Celestial Clockwork.”
Autolect – Doorks (Doorks, 2007?)
[audio:http://www.4080records.com/music/a-d.mp3]Next up is a an ill summer jam by Inglewood duo U-N-I called “Beautiful Day.” With a laidback beat complemented by a wailing horn sample that evokes Souls of Mischief’s “93 ’till Infinity,” “Beautiful Day” is perfect for those lazy summer evenings.
U-N-I – Beautiful Day (Fried Chicken and Watermelon, ?)
[audio:http://www.4080records.com/music/uni-bd.mp3]Also by U-N-I is an ode to kicks called “KREAM”. An interpolation of C.R.E.A.M., it features clever sneaker references and a Lupe Fiasco sample – which is appropriate since one of the dudes in U-N-I sounds exactly like the Chi-town emcee.
U-N-I – KREAM (Fried Chicken and Watermelon, ?)
[audio:http://www.4080records.com/music/uni-k.mp3]I found the next track on get down, a hip-hop blog well worth checking out. It’s called “Crazy Times,” and is by a dude called Arts the Beat Doctor. Apparently, the beat is based on “In a Sentimental Mood” by John Coltrane and Duke Ellington, which alone should warrant a listen.
Arts the Beat Doctor – Crazy Times (?, ?)
[audio:http://www.4080records.com/music/atbd-ct.mp3]Now I don’t normally listen to a lot of current R&B, but Sy Smith is making me seriously re-think my moratorium on neo-soul (is that term still in use?) – which of course does not apply to Erykah Badu. Anyways, “Conflict” is a slightly pyschedlic, soulful tune with a hypnotizing hook. Check it out:
Sy Smith – Conflict (Conflict, 2008)
[audio:http://www.4080records.com/music/ss-c.mp3]Back on the hip-hop side of things, I’ve been really feeling ProlifiCal recently. Have a listen to 14U and Samurai Rhymes featuring Big Pooh, two tracks that will have you nodding your head for sure.
ProlifiCal – 14U (?, ?)
[audio:http://www.4080records.com/music/pc-ofu.mp3]ProlifiCal – Samurai Rhymes ft. Big Pooh (?, ?)
[audio:http://www.4080records.com/music/pc-sr.mp3]And finally, a minimalist tune by producer El Sun. He doesn’t have a lot of information on his Myspace, but if you’re looking for a super-chill track to lounge to, you’re welcome.
El Sun – Elevate (?, ?)
[audio:http://www.4080records.com/music/es-e.mp3]
Thanks for posting those wicked beats and sharing a meaningful perspective on hiphop.
Will undoubtedly be back on this one.
Peace from Montreal.
Fu-Quon, as always man you dazzle with your knowledge.
Well done.