Down With The Discount

Oh look, it’s another Cold Busted release. Oh, and guess what? Yep, it’s as amazing as ever. This is everything I love about Hip-Hop instrumentals, and more. Cold Busted is still my favourite label in the world and this is just one of the many reasons why. You can have a Blue Peter badge if you guess the samples. Out February 2nd.

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Forever

Here is the intro for Jansport J’s upcoming instrumental mixtape, which will be up for free download on January 11th. Love this and his last mixtape, MoveMeants, was one of my favourites of 2010. Jasmine is on the cover/intro vocals.

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Angel Eyes

Here is track taken from Athens born producer Billa Qause’s 2009 LP, Jazzova. The album digs deep into vintage grooves, messing with obscure Greek sounds and voices from the 50’s, soul music, bossa and retro-swing, creating a simple and effective world which brings us back to all that is good about hip-hop, beats and head-nodding. Hip-Hop is the most beautiful worldwide culture out there - this proves exactly why. Love finding hidden gems like this.

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Fireball

Russian Hip-Hop you say? Yes, that’s right. This monster comes courtesy of Russian producer, DZA. Nearly broke my neck listening to this.

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DILLA 4EVA!!!!

Best Dilla tribute I’ve heard since Stevo’s Muffins mixtape, courtesy of Amiri. Make sure you go and get his new album; The Recipe.

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Gimme

Never knew there was music like this being made so close to home. This guy is called Star Slinger and is an instrumental Hip-Hop producer from Manchester with a new mixtape which is sprinkled with moments of genius. This track is definitely my fav:

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Safe In The Steep Cliffs

When I said we were off to a strong start in 2010, I wasn’t kidding you know. I have found an album that caters to all my musical needs. I never thought I would hear an album that sounds like DJ Shadow, Pete Rock and Rob Dougan combined, but that’s exactly what this feels like. Genuine perfection from a quite exceptional producer.

As Emancipator explains: “‘Safe In The Steep Cliffs’ represents the tightest, most unique, most organic beats I’ve made in the last three years. This album has a new palette of sounds and samples from around the world, including more original recordings (guitar/violin/mandolin/banjo) and new guest artists including Japanese jazz musician Uyama Hiroto. It’s ominous and overgrown, dense and ethereal. And epic. Always epic.”

The dense layers of choirs, horns, American folk instruments and distinct Asian influences make for something that is very rare and unheard of in modern day music. From the first listen I felt like I was listening to a Nujabes production, but with more listens, I can tell it has so much more. This is one of the most thoughtful and beautiful instrumental albums I have heard in years.

Everything just, works. I adore the way in which he has taken about 10 different genres and countless instruments, which shouldn’t work, and made a whole new innovative sound. The only thing that comes close to the uniqueness of the project, is DJ Drez, who’s Jahta Beat albums have been well received within the Underground Hip-Hop scene.

I think any lover of music will find it hard to not enjoy this album from start to finish. It’s one of those albums that you just know will be timeless and is perfect no matter your mood or state of mind. I have posted YouTube links to the two tracks that stood out for me most (hard) and all the necessary links you need below. I hope you all enjoy the album. Another early contender for album of the year.

01. Greenland
02. Black Lake
03. Jet Stream
04. Kamakura
05. All Through The Night
06. Old Devil
07. Nevergreen
08. Ares
09. Rattlesnakes
10. Bury Them Bones
11. Vines
12. Hill Sighed
13. Siren
14. Safe In The Steep Cliffs

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