Showing posts with label Rhymesayers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rhymesayers. Show all posts

12/06/2024

Ant - Collection of Sounds Vol. 2 (2024)


Collection of Sounds: Vol. 2 is the second in a series of four albums of unreleased material from the vault of distinguished hip-hop producer Anthony “Ant” Davis (one half of Atmosphere, productions for MF DOOM, Brother Ali, Murs, Rav, Sage Francis, and more), offering a new window into his decades-long career and pushing his artistry to the center.

Ant’s production is known for its rich, textured soundscapes that blend vintage and soulful elements with deep emotional resonance. The second installment of his instrumental series, Collection of Sounds: Vol. 2, features smooth beats, intricate sampling, and lush, jazzy layers that create an immersive atmosphere. He masterfully incorporates sly riffs and funk-laden grooves, stirring sentimentality and highlighting his ability to craft emotive, engaging music. The result is a sonically complex album where Ant blends funk, soul, classic R&B, and hip-hop influences, evoking a nostalgic sense of bygone eras.

Ant’s introspective approach is complemented by a dynamic, vibrant energy in Collection of Sounds: Vol. 2. His production on “Damn Koop 2012” and “Claps, Cuica and Synth Part 2” includes playful, funky samples and energetic rhythms that infuse the music with a lively, upbeat quality. He balances this with laid-back, reflective songs like “Changes,” “Size 17 Shirt,” and “Velvet Ish,” featuring a mellow, retro ambiance. The beats are marked by crisp drum patterns and varied melodies, showcasing a broad range of influences and creating a celebratory tone that contrasts with the more subdued, contemplative aspects of his sound. This versatility demonstrates Ant’s skill in navigating both introspective and spirited musical landscapes.

10/11/2024

MF DOOM - MM​.​.​FOOD (20 Year Anniversary Edition) (2024)


In celebration of the album’s 20th anniversary, MM..FOOD has been repackaged with all new artwork by Sam Rodriguez!

Originally released in 2004, MF DOOM's MM..FOOD is hailed as a classic hip-hop album full of inventive production, remarkable wordplay, and unique themes. Celebrated for its seamless blend of humor, wit, and social commentary, the album ushers listeners into a bizarre world of food-related metaphors, painting a bitterly comedic portrait of a life tainted by vice, violence, and jealousy. It was a brilliant and novel concept that gave DOOM plenty of room to explore the album’s subjects.

Throughout MM..FOOD, DOOM embeds complex ideas within seemingly simple narratives. Album opener “Beef Rapp” is a multi-pronged metaphor reminding listeners of the dangers involved in the glorification of conflict, especially within the rap game. “Hoe Cakes” borrows its name from the sweet, hot water cornmeal patties, which he uses as a symbol to rhyme about indulgence and excess. Continuing the motif, DOOM uses the Madlib-produced “One Beer” to fold layers of depth about escapism and ego, while the popular “Rapp Snitch Knishes” critiques the self-incrimination and contradictory behaviors of some rappers. Overall, MM..FOOD is both a social commentary and a piece of social satire, showcasing MF DOOM’s ability to blend serious themes with his unique, playful lyrical style.

The digital version of the 20th Anniversary Edition features 11 bonus tracks including 3 remixes, 1 alternate edit, and 7 rare and insightful clips of MF DOOM being interviewed by Kevin Beacham, just days before the original album release in 2004.

2/22/2023

Aesop Rock x Blockhead - Garbology (Insturmentals) (2023)


Following the success of Aesop Rock x Blockhead's Garbology album, it’s only right to offer the instrumentals for further examination and repurposing efforts. Dive into the Garbology Instrumentals and see what you find.

10/17/2022

Atmosphere - Sculpting With Fire (2022)


Atmosphere's "Sculpting With Fire" is an immersive, almost psychedelic hip-hop track. Producer Ant pairs a lurching bassline with stammering drums, fluttering pianos and ethereal effects while rapper Slug weaves brooding metaphors within his acute turns of phrase. The inebriating track blurs the lines between self-reflection and derealization.

Sol Messiah - GOD CMPLX (2022)


Growing up in his hometown of Atlanta, artist/producer Sol Messiah has always been inundated with the rich and energizing spirit of Hip Hop culture. Breakdancing from a young age eventually led him joining the legendary Rock Steady Crew out of New York City and learning and mastering the skill of DJing. From there, he began taking an interest in production too, which ultimately led him to working alongside legendary Atlanta producer, Dallas Austin. While Sol Messiah's time with Austin created a deep catalog filled with timeless tracks for TLC, Madonna, Boyz II Men and more, he eventually chose to pursue his own path independently and spent years building a stunning catalog of his own, producing popular tracks for Chamillionaire, David Banner, Nappy Roots, Dead Prez and more.

Soon, Sol Messiah would embark on a fruitful musical partnership with a fierce lyricist named Sa-Roc. Together, Sa-Roc and Messiah have released over a dozen projects thus far, including Sa-Roc’s groundbreaking 2020 debut on Rhymesayers Entertainment, The Sharecropper’s Daughter. As a duo, Sa-Roc and Sol Messiah have amassed a global reach, touring internationally and rocking crowds across continents. They have performed at the legendary Jazz Cafe in London, performed live for BBC, and have shared the stage with luminaries such as Common, The Roots and Jay Electronica.

On GOD CMPLX, Sol Messiah connects with some of the finest MCs in the game to create an impressive collection of Hip Hop music that's both innovative and inspiring. Featuring guest performances from KXNG Crooked, Sa-Roc, Evidence, Locksmith, Slug (Atmosphere), Aesop Rock, Murs, Baba Zumbi (Zion I), Che Noir, Lyric Jones and more, GOD CMPLX is a powerful and engaging project serving as a testament to Sol Messiah’s skills both as a producer as well a visionary.

6/26/2021

Evidence - Unlearning Vol. 1 (2021)


In March 2020, right as the whole world was entering into a transitional phase, Evidence released a single titled “Unlearning”. Now, a year later, Evidence launches the campaign for his upcoming album, Unlearning Vol. 1, picking up where the single of the same name left off, and going beyond.

Throughout his career, Evidence has always been adept at both staying true to his roots and evolving as he grows and learns from life experiences, including recognizing when the time comes to unlearn. During the campaign for his last album, Weather or Not (2018), he expressed a desire to close the chapter on the weather-related theme that had been a staple of his solo career to that point. Unlearning Vol. 1 not only sees that vision come to life, but shines brilliantly in the process.

Unlearning Vol. 1 pairs Evidence’s own production with works from The Alchemist, Nottz, Sebb Bash, Animoss, Mr. Green, V Don, Khrysis, Daringer and EARDRUM (QThree). This highlights perhaps an undervalued skill of Ev’s—his ability to collaborate with a multitude of producers on a project, while still creating an album with a cohesion and consistency rarely found in such extensive collaboration. While the album’s musical soundscape sets the scene, it's Ev’s gift for relatable yet inventively clever writing that really paints the picture, continually pulling the listener in. That said, a small but powerful cast of guest appearances also decorate the landscape, courtesy of stellar performances from Boldy James, Conway The Machine, Fly Anakin, Navy Blue, and Murkage Dave.

Unlearning Vol. 1 embodies the sound and feeling of pure artistic expression, capturing a moment in time where marketability, album sales & streaming potential, and the desire to please anyone other than the artist themselves, are all just an afterthought. As one could expect, such freedoms allowed Evidence to tap into something special that sounds engaging and unique, and also remains true to his foundation. In essence, Unlearning Vol. 1 finds Evidence at yet another creative peak, creating a listening experience poised to catch the attention of new listeners while strengthening his core fanbase.

5/27/2021

Grieves - Together​/​Apart (Deluxe Edition) (2021)

5/21/2021

Sa-Roc - The Sharecropper's Daughter (Deluxe Edition) (2021)