The internet is a daunting place at the best of times, and when it comes to music there’s a never ending rabbit hole of mixes, remixes, tracks, mixtapes and videos being uploaded on the daily. It’s physically impossible to be able to digest everything that is throw into the public consciousness, so we’ve taken time out to handpick the six freshest beats we’ve heard this week to make your life a bit easier. Kick back and enjoy them over the weekend.
MED, Blu and Madlib feat. MF DOOM – Knock Knock
With every beat provided by Madlib, Bad Neighbor is the brainchild of long-time collaborator MED and cult rapper Blu. Released on 30th October, Knock Knock is a taster of what we can expect, and with DOOM on board the results are prodictably ace. This is the poppiest we’ve heard Madlib for a while, and it’s great.
Jay Rock – Vice City feat. Black Hippy
ARguably the forgotten member of TDE, Jay Rock returns with the excellent Vice City featuring obligatory guest spots from some of the Cali rap crew. What really wows about Vice City though is Ab-Soul’s verse – double entendres and subliminal meanings abound, his lyrics inadvertently steal the show.
Medlar – Paradise
Medlar’s approach to house music has always been a quaint one, preferring subtle changes and melodic riffs as opposed to pounding basslines and drums. On Paradise he once again proves his aptitude for sunny and pleasant dance music, with a violin breakdown stuck right at the end. Tchaikovsky would be proud.
The Game – El Chapo ft. Skrillex
An ode to Mexico’s most infamous gangster, El Chapo also signals the return of The Game to the kind of form of ten years ago when he first burst onto the scene with The Documentary. Maybe the most surprising thing to learn about this one is that it features Skrillex behind the dials in full rowdy trap mode – it’s the most un-Skrillex-like beat to come from him yet.
Benton – Brian
Finally seeing a release on Swamp81 sub label BBS after first rearing its head nearly two years ago, Brian is a jungle stormer from youngster Benton, whose threatening bassline and vocal samples all come together to make it quintessentially London, dark, musty and unnerving.
Semi Hendrix (Ras Kass & Jack Splash) – Jesus Pressed Mute
Jesus Press Mute is a classic slice of politically-infused boom bap from three time Grammy Award winning producer Jack Splash, who lays the platform for legendary West Coast rapper Ras Kass to work his magic. Taken from the upcoming group album as Semi Hendrix (Ras Kass & Jack Splash), Breakfast At Banksy’s is out on 16th October on Mello Music Group.
