Indie Shuffle » Instrumental Hip Hop

Kendrick Lamar – Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe (Sly 5thAve Cover)

sweeneykovar — Sat, 11 May 2013 15:26:53 +0000

Sounds like: Sene, Knxwledge

Song: Kendrick Lamar - Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe (Sly 5thAve Cover) [download here]

What's so good?

Folks have been saying that hip-hop is not “musical” since fanny packs were popular, maybe even before that. I guess one could see that arguments’ root, however flawed, but in 2013 there can be just as much effort and musical ability put into a rap song as any other.

Saxophonist Sly 5thAve comes from the hip-hop cannon, but is able to do so much more. A frequent collaborator with Sene and the Brooklyn artist collective The Clubhouse, he’s lent his musical chops to Sene’s Brooklyknight LP as well as a gang of other projects. His ability and hustle has not gone without notice; the Purple One recently tapped the brass player to join his band on tour.

That hasn’t made Sly hit the brakes, though. As part of an ongoing cover series, Sly recently released an instrumental cover of Kendrick Lamar’s “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe.” Along with a cast of characters labeled The ClubCasa Chamber Orchestra, he reinterprets Kendrick’s single into an instrumental, live-instrument interpretation.

The good folks at OkayPlayer explain a bit more:

“Well this is just all types of awesome. The homie Sly5thAve and The ClubCasa Chamber Orchestra are going to start putting out weekly releases of reinterpretations of popular songs, and they get things kicked off with this smoothed out cover of Kendrick Lamar‘s “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe.” The reinterpretation was produced by Sly (also on Saxes, Flutes, and Clarinets) featuring Jay Jennings (Trumpet, Flugelhorn), Joey Rayfield(Trombone), and mixed and mastered by Nolan Thies. Listen below, and look for a new one next week.”

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1. Original post: Kendrick Lamar – Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe (Sly 5thAve Cover)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, covers, Instrumental Hip Hop, Knxwledge, kendrick lamar

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Bibio – You

Rhett Flowers — Fri, 03 May 2013 11:31:07 +0000

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Sounds like: Four Tet, Bonobo, Gold Panda

Song: Bibio - You [download here]

What's so good?

English music producer Stephen Wilkinson (best known as Bibio) has a new album coming out within the month called Silver Wilkinson. The first song we heard was “À Tout À L’heure,” but here’s another sneak peek at what you can expect from it with the track “You.”

The track starts out with some of the most accessible instrumentation we’ve heard from Bibio in a while. It quickly delves into Bibio’s sample-based style, which sounds a little disjointed, though still manages to maintain a unique groove.

Based on the advance listen we’ve had, the new album is filled with all kinds of colorful sounds similar to this tune. Be sure to check it out on release day — pre-order is here.

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1. Original post: Bibio – You

2. Posted in: Electronic, experimental, four tet, Instrumental Hip Hop, gold panda

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Phantasmagoria – Two Worlds

Rachel Skotarczyk — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 14:52:58 +0000

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Sounds like: Werkha, Chrome Sparks, Chela, Purity Ring, Germany Germany

Song: Phantasmagoria - Two Worlds [download here]

What's so good?

“Two Worlds” is a bold and explorative track that tests the limits of underground pop, fuzzing it up with hip-hop, trip-hop, wavy dreams and introspective lyrics. Their music sounds like one big eternal transformation, but whatever it is they’re growing into, it does sound like Phantasmagoria’s getting more comfortable in their skin.

With nonstop gigs and a new album, DAYZE, due out summer 2013, the likable Detroit duo has been keeping busy. This year they’ve broke enough ground to land a spot on the Beatport stage during Movement– Detroit’s primo techno festival.

“Two Worlds” is free for download, so snag a copy on their SoundCloud, and as always, enjoy!

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1. Original post: Phantasmagoria – Two Worlds

2. Posted in: Electronic, female vocalist, experimental, dreamwave, electronic hip-hop

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Clams Casino – Bookfiend ft. DOOM

Philip Friedman — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:51:55 +0000

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Sounds like: Ghostface Killah, A$AP Rocky, Lil B, Shlohmo

Song: Clams Casino - Bookfiend Ft. DOOM [download here]

What's so good?

There is nothing better than showing up to work, turning on your computer, checking your SoundCloud stream, and finding a brand new Clams Casino track. And when the track is a collaboration with MF DOOM, you know it’s going to be a good day.

The track is called “Bookfiend,” and it’s a super laid-back beat thrown down as only Clams Casino can do. It’s filled with ambient soundscapes with a hip-hop soul, with some soulful rhymes from MF DOOM mixed in — the perfect pair. The track has a bit of a jazz feel to it with its mellowness and the way DOOM’s voice melds with beat. I certainly hope we’ll see some more of these two working together because this definitely works.

If you’re anything like me, then “Bookfiend” might be the perfect way to start off your Monday, nice and slow.

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1. Original post: Clams Casino – Bookfiend ft. DOOM

2. Posted in: hip-hop, electronic hip-hop, Instrumental Hip Hop, shlohmo, mellow hip hop

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Bugseed – Out of Love

Sean O — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:48:04 +0000

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Sounds like: Handbook, Prof.logik, Keor Meteor

Song: Bugseed - Out of Love [download here]

What's so good?

The other day I logged into SoundCloud with a specific purpose. I wanted to see if Tokyo-based producer Bugseed had released any new music. He hadn’t, but wouldn’t you know, I check back a day later and this lovely little track called “Out of Love” is sitting there.

Bugseed drew me in right away with those piano chords. Then the drums start to knock, and it’s just smooth sailing from there. The hella deep vibes on “Out of Love” are perfect for a weekend morning. Overall, it’s a gorgeous hip-hop instrumental from one of my favorite producers that I hope you find some time to enjoy.

So much good music coming out of Japan right now. Interested in hearing some of it? A good place to start would be Bugseed’s Bandcamp.

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1. Original post: Bugseed – Out of Love

2. Posted in: hip-hop, instrumental, Instrumental Hip Hop, beats, jazz-hop

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Tiger Tsunami – Antarctica

Jason Grishkoff — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 11:32:04 +0000

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Sounds like: Minus The Bear, Bonobo, Flying Lotus

Song: Tiger Tsunami - Antarctica [download here]

What's so good?

When Pigeons and Planes described Tiger Tsunami as “inspired by artists like Flying Lotus, Bonobo and Minus The Bear,” I couldn’t help but have a hard time believing it. How could that combination possibly go together?

In reality, the mish-mash of styles on “Antarctica” works really, really well. Set to be released on an upcoming EP in May, it’s one of three tracks uploaded to Soundcloud by the artist — with the other two taking a slightly more mellow electronic approach.

Overall, I’m certainly keen to keep looped-in on new releases by this artist!

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1. Original post: Tiger Tsunami – Antarctica

2. Posted in: instrumental, Instrumental Hip Hop, Flying Lotus, bonobo, Minus the Bear

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Real – you + me

Rachel Skotarczyk — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 23:53:26 +0000

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Sounds like: Johnbear, Disclosure, EPLP, FJK, HNNY

Song: Real - you + me [download here]

What's so good?

This afternoon, I was debating with a friend of mine over genres, specifically “future garage.” His argument was that bloggers are so over-saturated with music that they’ve been referring to anything vague and electronic as future garage. Sort of like the lazy man’s approach to genre selection. This may be true, but I’m not one of those bloggers. I’d sooner create a new genre to describe a song, rather than tag a pre-existing one to an unsuitable track. That’s just confusing and lame, so to those of you that do it — bad bloggers! Bad! Educate yourselves.

Now I’m not the defining voice, but dammit I try to be. So let’s get it straight readers, listeners and bloggers: this new track from Real = “future garage,” and it’s a damn good representation and a damn good track. Note the synth sounds, the way the vocals are chopped/pitched, the bounce of the beat, and the general flow.

If you get lost along the way, use Disclosure for reference. They basically created the genre, and I say “created” like Detroit created techno. Really, future garage has been around for a New York minute. As the name implies, future garage is an amalgamation of all sounds and styles found in the metaphorical “garage,” paired with a forward thinking outlook of all things futuristic and glorious.

Sound familiar? Yeah, it’s basically the ideology behind techno. But as my friend also pointed out, “I mean really, everything is techno” and this is true, because techno started as more of a mindset — a way to be — than a sound. But now I’m starting to confuse myself, so let’s just leave it at that for now and enjoy “You + Me.” It’s as slippery and cool as a slip and slide.

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1. Original post: Real – you + me

2. Posted in: Electronic, house, future garage, disclosure, bass

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Black Milk – Computer Ugly Ugly/Why Worry

sweeneykovar — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:34:57 +0000

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Sounds like: J Dilla, Karriem Riggins, Madlib

Song: Black Milk - Computer Ugly Ugly/Why Worry [download here]

What's so good?

Though he just hit us with a double single for an upcoming solo album, Black Milk is not slowing down. On the heels of Sunday’s Best/Monday’s Worst comes the first leak from Synth or Soul.

Black’s upcoming instrumental project pits man against machine. The A side is composed of tracks that lean heavy on synthesizers and other cold, machine-like sounds. The B side, as you might expect, is the soul side; drawing from Black’s vast catalogue of rare soul records, he chops them in familiar ways to create the soulful Detroit knock we’ve come to expect.

More than just an awesome instrumental album, Synth or Soul marks the inception of Computer Ugly, Black Milk’s creative house. The project is part of a Fuzz, Freq’s, Colors series that combines Black’s unique take on programmed sounds with equally special visual artists. This first collaboration partners him with Upendo Taylor. As the eponymous site explains:

“Black Milk collaborates with illustrator Upendo “Pen” Taylor (Nike, Leroy Jenkins, Gatorade) for the music-meets-visual instrumental/art series Fuzz, Freqs & Colors(FFC). Synth or Soul is the first volume in the FFC series. The process for each volume starts with Black and Pen trading beats and sketches and refining their works along the way. Throughout that exchange, the music is shaped by the visual art and the visual art is shaped by the music.”

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1. Original post: Black Milk – Computer Ugly Ugly/Why Worry

2. Posted in: Instrumental Hip Hop, j dilla, experimental hip hop, madlib, detroit

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Justin Timberlake – Tunnel Vision (Jonny Cage Remix)

Sean O — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:19:32 +0000

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Sounds like: TNGHT, Lunice, Flosstradamus

Song: Justin Timberlake - Tunnel Vision (Jonny Cage Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

You’ve probably heard of Justin Timberlake. He performed on Jimmy Fallon for like a year straight in order to promote his polarizing new album, The 20/20 Experience. I gave it a listen back when iTunes was streaming it for free, and came away feeling like the album really should have been called The Timbaland Experience.

Whatever you think of Justin Timberlake is irrelevant as soon as you hit play on this heavy remix of “Tunnel Vision” by Jonny Cage. The TNGHT vibes are undeniable, and are welcomed. Also a big fan of the hip-hop flavors that Floss Angeles-based Jonny Cage brings out of the original track.

Enjoy the free download, and keep your ears out for more Jonny Cage soon. In the meantime, I’m hopeful that all you digital diggers out there stay on your grizzle and help hype this wonky remix.

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1. Original post: Justin Timberlake – Tunnel Vision (Jonny Cage Remix)

2. Posted in: electronic remixes, bass, Instrumental Hip Hop, trap, flosstradamus

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Eric Lau – Everytime (Ft. Rahel)

Rachel Skotarczyk — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:26:45 +0000

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Sounds like: House Shoes, Leigh D Oliver, Karriem Riggins, Solange

Song: Eric Lau - Everything [download here]

What's so good?

Don’t know where this gem has been hidding, but we’re sure glad we stumbled on London-based Eric Lau.

His lo-fi hip-hop productions conjure up nostalgic memories of musical rendezvous with J Dilla records and chilled out evenings. There’s a vibrant selection of tunes on his SoundCloud that will have you melting into the wide open space of Lau’s good taste.

“Everytime” is a stand out R&B track, with great vocals from Rahel, and I just can’t get enough. It’s silky smooth, infectious, insanely bouncy and short enough that it’ll make you want to hit replay over and over again.

We’ll definitely be waiting on the tip of our toes for Lau’s upcoming sophomore album, One Of Many, but if you’d like to pre-order, head here.

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1. Original post: Eric Lau – Everytime (Ft. Rahel)

2. Posted in: downtempo, chillout, rnb, Instrumental Hip Hop, beats

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Hudson Mohawke – Pleasure

Elizabeth Walker — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 23:06:53 +0000

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Sounds like: Janet Jackson, Lunice

Song: Hudson Mohawke - Pleasure [download here]

What's so good?

My first foray into Hudson Mohawke was a few years ago with his brilliant edit of Tweet / Missy Elliot’s “Oops.” From that track, I knew this young UK artist would be going places. Starting out at a very young age as DJ Itchy, I’m pretty sure we can all agree that he leveled up with his present moniker.

Busy of late with his TNGHT trap music duo project, this UK lad just released a single for free download in anticipation of Pleasure Principle weekend. Using nip-slipper Janet Jackson’s “Pleasure,” this track is what I’m going to term a light-hearted banger. Drums and a complex melody, heavy with synths, make this exactly the kind of ramp up you’d want pre-festival.

Free download is available here from Pleasure Principal.

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1. Original post: Hudson Mohawke – Pleasure

2. Posted in: electronic hip-hop, female vocalist remixes, Instrumental Hip Hop, Experimental electronic, Samiyam

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Bonobo – Emkay (Morning High Remix)

Rachel Skotarczyk — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:33:44 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Flume, Honest, Polkadot, FKJ, Fion

Song: Bonobo - Emkay (Morning High Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

Staying true to his name, Morning High, aka Matthew Lee Hancock, definitely brought our morning up to speed with his new Bonobo remix, “Emkay.”

Clicking and clacking its way into our hearts and filling every cavern with luscious, echoing vocals, “Emkay” offers a biting natural high equivalent to, say, a super potent ginger shot, as opposed to the fleeting energy of every sub-par cup of java.

But if you’re like me and the dirty buzz of caffeine is all you have at your disposal, listening to Morning High’s version of “Emkay” will add a little longevity to your day.

Morning High, is a 21-year-old producer from Atlanta. In my opinion, this Bonobo remix is his best thus far, but I urge you to explore his sounds – follow him on his SoundCloud page or find him on Facebook, and as always, enjoy!

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1. Original post: Bonobo – Emkay (Morning High Remix)

2. Posted in: house, electronic remixes, future garage, Instrumental Hip Hop, flume

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Scoop Deville – Poetic Justice (Instrumental)

sweeneykovar — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:29:00 +0000

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Sounds like: Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Knxwledge

Song: Scoop Deville - Poetic Justice (Instrumental) [download here]

What's so good?

Last October, when Kendrick Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city was released, I remember thinking that if only the album came out in February or March, it’s most commercially-viable track would likely go from an obvious hit to a smash spring or summer anthem. I was obviously seriously underestimating the impact K.dot’s opus would have.

It’s now almost exactly five months after the LP’s release, and “Poetic Justice” is just hitting #1 on National Urban Radio. Thanks in no small part to Scoop Deville’s beat, it seems the song is going to become the spring/summer smash I predicted.

And it’s in celebration of the track achieving the aforementioned commercial success that Scoopaloop takes to his SoundCloud (you should visit sometime, he’s got heat!) to release the long-coveted instrumental version of the track. I mean, this just sounds like the blooming of spring. Scoop finesses Janet Jackson’s “Anytime Anyplace” and doesn’t chop it into obscurity, but instead merely re-arranges and bolsters it, taking it from 1993 to 2012. Janet’s voice sounds smooth as silk over Scoop’s kicks and claps, it’s almost a song to itself MC-less.

Perfect for a lazy Sunday, preferably played in a slow-moving large-bodied American-made vehicle with a decent sound system, enjoy one of the best hip-hop songs to hit radio in a minute.

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1. Original post: Scoop Deville – Poetic Justice (Instrumental)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, Instrumental Hip Hop, drake, Knxwledge, kendrick lamar

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

AJ Rice – Be You

Sean O — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 16:31:13 +0000

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Sounds like: Keyboard Kid, Shlohmo

Song: AJ Rice - Be You [download here]

What's so good?

It feels like forever ago when I first hyped AJ Rice, a hard-working North Carolina producer who’s worked with Lil B and proudly represents all things BASED. Back then, I couldn’t get enough of AJ’s first solo release, MiDNiGHT, dim LiGHT. Now, I can’t get enough of his latest venture — BASEDWORLD UNITE.

The compilation album features 28 tracks from a total of 24 different producers, including Keyboard Kid, Lou Pocus, and of course AJ Rice. “Be You” is the album’s closing track (if you don’t count bonus cuts), and is a worthy finishing touch for what has to be one of the more dynamic releases of 2013. You may not know every producer’s name on BASEDWORLD UNITE, but you don’t have to in order to enjoy all the deep vibes.

BASEDWORLD UNITE is available for free download on Bandcamp.

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1. Original post: AJ Rice – Be You

2. Posted in: Electronic, ambient, downtempo, chillout, chill

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Chanes – PROS (NVLT)

sweeneykovar — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 15:38:05 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: House Shoes, Samiyam, Shigeto

Song: Chanes - PROS (NVLT) [download here]

What's so good?

So you should know by now that Detroit makes the world go round in most areas of modern life in the U.S., but especially in music. This should really be no surprise, but it’s always nice to a new member of the Motor City that brings a slightly different take on the grit and soul that makes the city such a force.

Chanes is one of those discoveries. Presented to me (and you) by Detroit’s ambassador to the world, the incomparable House Shoes, Chanes seems to be a diamond-in-the-rough. Apparently the young producer has put in work for the likes of Moe Dirdee, Marv Won, Fatt Father and others, seamlessly transitioning from gutter street music to experimental trunk-rattlers.

His first instrumental solo release through Insect Records, Renegade Hands, features more of Chanes’ experimental, amp-shattering compositions. Originally pressed on a limited run of green cassettes, the run has since sold out, and I’m left kinda pissed because I have a Lincoln Towncar with a decent sound system and a tape deck, but no Chanes tape to blow out my speakers with. I hope you didn’t make the same mistake. Don’t sleep on Chanes, the heat Butcher Bear and Insect Records puts out of Texas and anything House Shoes might recommend you, except for the rugged and disgusting diet he somehow has still managed to keep.

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1. Original post: Chanes – PROS (NVLT)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, electronic hip-hop, Instrumental Hip Hop, experimental hip hop, Samiyam

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

TOKiMONSTA – Go With It (Ft. MNDR)

Kavit Sumud — Sat, 02 Mar 2013 18:38:32 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Taken By Trees, DJ Shadow,Ta-Ku, Tanlines

Song: TOKiMONSTA - Go With It (Ft. MNDR) [download here]

What's so good?

TOKiMONSTA has the potential to be the heir to DJ Shadow’s throne. Her mastery of instrumental hip-hop infused with an empathic warmness — like on “Creature Dreams“ and new single, “Go With It” – soars into the future of sound like in the best days of DJ Shadow. And if she’s DJ Shadow, MNDR is her Little Dragon. Music trivia nerds: remember Shadow’s “Scale It Back (Ft. Little Dragon (Robotaki Remix)“? Oh yeah, this track is that good.

Her decision to team up with MNDR has given TOKiMONSTA’s track the vocal styling necessary to pull off as anthemic a chorus as I’ve heard yet this year. MNDR delivers a knockout verse, evoking a protective warmth and power that feels just right to shout at the world.

But another side of “Go With It” strikes me as a bombastic version of The Tough Alliance vs. Taken By Trees’ mashup, “Taken Too Young.” Picture a pissed off, matriarchal bird wrapping its wing around a child expecting to fly for the first time in robust headwinds; and now let’s say that fowl scene was transferred to the dance floor in the foul parts of my mind… that’s how I’d describe the essence of this track.

Innovative defiance with a high kick: TOKiMONSTA is beginning to knock down the door to greatness through her uniqueness. Follow her on SoundCloud for more.

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1. Original post: TOKiMONSTA – Go With It (Ft. MNDR)

2. Posted in: female vocalist, electronic hip-hop, Instrumental Hip Hop, lykke li, little dragon

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Mndsgn – try this peppermint soap

sweeneykovar — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:33:15 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Knxwledge, Devonwho, Shlohmo

Song: Mndsgn - Try This Peppermint Soap [download here]

What's so good?

Twenty-something producer, keyboardist and sometime-vocalist Mndsgn (pronounced Mind Design) has been bubbling for quite some time. The stone-faced beat maker was part of the influential and underground collective Klipmode in the late 2000s that also birthed such talents as Devonwho, Suzi Analogue, and Knxwledge.

Though the quartet started out close, both physically and sound wise, time has seen members grow and branch out more fully into their own frequency. Now living in L.A., Mnd has probably been the most low-key of the four. His work has grown to emphasize mood instead of focusing on a beat and his work with melody has matured.

He recently released bed, an experimental six-track EP. The collection sounds like lazy late nights under the comforter. There are tracks that hit hard but most often the songs are pillow soft and just as comfortable to listen to. Available digitally and on a very limited run of cassettes tapes that has since sold out, don’t sleep on bed!

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1. Original post: Mndsgn – try this peppermint soap

2. Posted in: chillwave, Instrumental Hip Hop, Experimental electronic, beats, shlohmo

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Friday Five: In Remembrance of James Yancey

sweeneykovar — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 14:30:21 +0000

Since 2006, the shortest month of the year gained another layer of significance. February holds, in its scant 28 days, James Yancey’s birthday and the day he left this realm. There are no shortage of words on the Internet to describe Jay Dee aka J Dilla’s mastery, influence and importance in modern music. I won’t go into that here. Instead I’ll just share the trite meme that’s spread across the globe in seven short years: he changed my life. I wouldn’t have met important people in my life or had important experiences if it were not for the legacy of a man I never met.

Today’s Friday Five celebrates his work with five selections from his vast and luminous catalogue. This is not a best-of, this is not meant to be comprehensive. Just five tunes that I love and can always listen to. Enjoy and as always, turn it up!

1. Original post: Friday Five: In Remembrance of James Yancey

2. Posted in: hip-hop, Instrumental Hip Hop, j dilla, friday five, detroit

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Song: Jay Dee - Electric Piano Solo [Downloa d]

In the late 90s, Dilla spent some time remixing artists on major labels, like Busta Rhymes, Masta Ace, D’angelo and The Artifacts. When all of those remixes were rejected by blubbering execs, Jay’s man House Shoes stepped up and pressed what is now one of Dilla’s most rare and coveted pieces of wax. This instrumental bonus cut was added on as a treat.

Song: Jay Dee - Ahmad Impresses Me [Downloa d]

This one always gets me. Shades of Brooklyn’s “Change” is a classic record to me, and when I heard that Dilla flipped the same Ahmad Jamal sample as Da Beatminerz did for “Change,” I lost it.

Song: Danny Brown - Set [Downloa d]

These are jail bars. When Danny Brown was locked up for a year or so before 2008′s Hot Soup, he used his time to craft some of the most powerful and perturbing bars he’s ever spit. The story goes that he had no music with him in the clink, so he was writing to the freshest beats he had heard up to then: Dilla’s. Though this resulted in Danny having some mean verses over some Donuts joints, this one-verse song over Dilla’s Hall and Oates flip remains one of my favorite Danny performances of all time.

Song: Slum Village - World Full of Sadness [Downloa d]

One of the best tracks Slum Village ever recorded ,and even though it wasn’t officially released, it’s a classic! Reportedly, D’angelo heard this when he was beginning to make Voodoo and had to completely re-think what would be his seminal second LP, evolving it into a work that was covered in Dilla’s influence without James Yancey having one single production credit.

Song: Royce Da 5'9 - Snatchies [Downloa d]

Though they didn’t release much, Dilla and Royce held a mutual respect and musical chemistry that is apparent on songs like “Life Goes On,” but my favorite definitely has to be “Snatchies.” Extra points for including an extended Trading Places reference.

@peace – Flowers

Anu — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:49:03 +0000

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Sounds like: Lushlife, Q-Tip, SoulChef

Song: @Peace - Flowers [download here]

What's so good?

I’m going to go ahead and pretend it’s Valentine’s week again. And let’s be honest, Valentine’s Day usually expresses itself in all the lovely ways, but also in heartbreak. The most passionate of relationships can fall apart at the moment human imperfection finds a way to introduce its harsh realities.

Auckland-based hip-hop group @peace beautifully captures this disparity in one track, “Flowers.” Rapping over a silky beat and sweet-tempered piano, and after an introduction of seemingly gratuitous synth (which finds a brilliant place on the way out), the boys have me blushing a little, and also feeling sentimental by the takeaway: “Everything decomposes, even roses.”

I have to interject though and say it’s difficult to stay upset with a musician who makes music like this. Damn musicians. It’s even more difficult when they are charming and describe their background story as such: “Basically I’m a heartbroken loser who, um, just writes about his pain and struggle and we tried to put that into an EP,” says the openly vulnerable Tom Scott as fellow rapper Lui, also charmingly, plays the air violin.

I’d like to thank the brave girl who broke Scott’s heart, so that @peace could produce Girl Songs for the rest of us. You can check out the ridiculous (in a fun way) trailer for their EP here, and listen to the music over on Bandcamp. Special thanks to Stamp The Wax for leading me to this discovery.

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1. Original post: @peace – Flowers

2. Posted in: hip-hop, R&B, instrumental, electronic hip-hop, underground hip hop

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Quixotism – Errant

Sean O — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:26:45 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Ryan Hemsworth, Shlohmo, Clams Casino

Song: Quixotism - Jilted [download here]

What's so good?

As the moniker suggests, Quixotism creates music that is impractically romantic. To be less abstract, the Los Angeles producer has a way of building warm, emotional atmospheres with his beats — and they blend with the colder elements of his production style to create this great hybrid of electronica.

“Jilted” is a great example of what Quixotism brings to the table with his new release, Errant. In just over 30 minutes, Quixotism weaves a downtempo love story with heavy bass, icy synths, drum flurries, and some choice samples. Oh, there’s even a Frank Ocean remix in there for good measure.

I called Quixotism’s last EP, Faustian Plea, odd and enchanting. Errant has more of an album feel. It’s longer and more thematically fleshed out. It’s also brooding, and at the same time delicate. Opening track “Cinders” prepares us for the gravity of Errant. There’s a weight to each track — some feel anxious, others so far gone. Collectively, I’d say the album is well worth exploring, especially if you like Clams Casino or any of the latest WEDIDIT releases.

And it’s available on Bandcamp right now.

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1. Original post: Quixotism – Errant

2. Posted in: Electronic, ambient, downtempo, Instrumental Hip Hop, shlohmo

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Gloam – OrionOrchids

Sean O — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:25:22 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Negrosaki, J Dilla, LAKIM

Song: Gloam - OrionOrchids [download here]

What's so good?

I’ve been feasting on J Dilla’s Donuts for the last few weeks, and missing beats that just make me sit back and chill the hell out. Good music always brings me back to my center, which is why I’m digging Gloam.

This is a lovely instrumental titled “OrionOrchids” by the Vancouver producer. Whether Gloam crafted this beat in three hours or three weeks, I know a dope track when I hear one. Also, I’m feeling the moniker.

Get to know Gloam’s SoundCloud and Bandcamp if you’re interested in good instrumentals. Nothing is too harsh. He’s not catering to purists, but at the same time, his experimental beats are quite good. Pretty sure most hip-hop/electronica fans will like “OrionOrchids.”

Checked the archives, and this is his first appearance on the site. I don’t think they give medals for that sort of thing, but they should.

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1. Original post: Gloam – OrionOrchids

2. Posted in: instrumental, chillout, Instrumental Hip Hop, j dilla, mellow hip hop

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Karriem Riggins – Chopped Worm

sweeneykovar — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 15:01:27 +0000

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Sounds like: J Dilla, Pete Rock, Madlib

Song: Karriem Riggins - Chopped Worm [download here]

What's so good?

So many times you hear the term “legendary” used to describe groups of generations past, and you kind of feel like you can’t question that, even though you might not really know for sure.

The Ohio Players were a funk band from the 70s that made music that defined a generation. Then, kids conceived to their music used them, and others like them, to make music that defined their generation. I’d say they qualify to be described by the term in question.

I’m no expert on them or their amazingly nicknamed guitarist, Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner, but I do know every time I put one of their records on the turntable, I notice another sample I’d forgotten about. The most well known sample the Ohio Players ever fathered may be “Funky Worm,” from their Pleasure album. Everyone from NWA to J Dilla has flipped the song.

In light of the recent passing of Sugarfoot, Karriem Riggins, drummer and producer extraordinaire, has revisited the hallowed sample to flip it in tribute to the late guitarist. He loops it just right and adds chops just so, keeping the sample completely recognizable and in its original funk, perhaps to show that Sugarfoot and the rest of the Players had found a timeless pocket way back when.

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1. Original post: Karriem Riggins – Chopped Worm

2. Posted in: soul, funk, jazz, Instrumental Hip Hop, j dilla

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Service Lab – Aquatic (Mochipet’s Aquatic Alien Remix)

Jason Grishkoff — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 17:16:49 +0000

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Sounds like: MartyParty, Fissure Price

Song: Service Lab - Aquatic (Mochipet's Aquatic Alien Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

Last time we picked up on Mochipet it was for a live performance at San Francisco’s Cal Academy of Sciences. The show was entertaining, but lost my attention after about 30 minutes (maybe its because I was surrounded by the awesomeness of a nature museum?).

Anyway, I concluded that perhaps I preferred Mochipet in smaller doses. And that belief was verified upon first listen of his Service Lab remix.

Under Mochipet’s control, “Aquatic” becomes a simple, but entertainingly-upbeat tune. The approach is simple, but catchy – a sound certain to keep ears piqued during a live performance.

Want to keep it for future listens? Grab a free download here.

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1. Original post: Service Lab – Aquatic (Mochipet’s Aquatic Alien Remix)

2. Posted in: remixes, Instrumental Hip Hop, glitch-hop, martyparty, mochipet

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Kurtis Strange – Say That I Can’t

Kavit Sumud — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:52:25 +0000

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Sounds like: Com Truise, Ta-Ku, Kutmah, Eminem, Madeon

Song: Kurtis Strange - Say That I Cant [download here]

What's so good?

Underestimation is brutal, but its also one of the driving forces behind my life. I have some pretty bizarre dreams for a poor Arab boy from Baku, Azerbaijan: graduate school and global city hopping were not in the lot cast for someone like me. And my journey so far has been full of crushing defeats and some of the most self-satisfying victories I could ask for.

Which is why I love this piece of art called “Say That I Can’t” from a fairly new-on-the-scene producer, Kurtis Strange. It features this Mike Tyson interview quote spliced over some inventive hip-hop instrumentals:

“I always remembered what people did to me. I didn’t want to get them back physically or hurt them, but I also wanted to laugh in their face, look them in the eye and say remember what you said? I’m too small, I’m too young, I’d never do it at that age…”

Kurtis Strange’s production simmers with a haunting, self-confidence that perfectly matches the tone of Tyson’s quote. When I talked with him over SoundCloud, Kurtis Strange told me he was remarkably only 15 years old and he was moving “into a serious phase of his producing.” Taking that into account, this is some Madeon-level quality here.

If you’d like to see where he takes his art into the future, follow him over at his SoundCloud and catch a free download.

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1. Original post: Kurtis Strange – Say That I Can’t

2. Posted in: hip-hop, Instrumental Hip Hop, beats, com truise, ta-ku

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Tensei – Acid Reign

Anu — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 18:30:25 +0000

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Sounds like: Sugoisounds, Bahwee, Ta-ku

Song: Tensei - Acid Reign [download here]

What's so good?

I bet we could play this track fives times in a row for Sunday Night Chill and nobody would mind. “Acid Reign” is a brilliant piece of jazzy instrumental hip-hop by Chicago-based duo Tensei.

Imagine getting on a roller coaster ride — the excitement grabs you within the first few seconds. As you slowly climb higher, leaving the noise behind, the subtlety of senses surrounds you. And then, when you expect a drop, the ride derails and floats through a starry sky; it’s a beautiful, beautiful view, despite being over too soon.

Coincidentally, I came across information on the name “Tensei,” which means “starry sky” in Japanese. This is the moniker of choice for Simple X and Midas Wells. The two crossed paths in Chi-town, sharing a dorm in college. Their mutual love for hip-hop along with experimental production led to a natural chemistry, although they eventually lost touch. It was only until a few years ago that the two unintentionally crossed paths again and decided to work professionally together.

Their music is not majorly dependent on samples as the two use their own digital and instrumental skills, along with that of guest musicians and vocalists to create a unique diversity of sound. “Acid Reign” is something special, and I wish I discovered it a year back when it was released. If you haven’t heard this one either then be sure to check out the entire Tensei One EP over on SoundCloud.

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1. Original post: Tensei – Acid Reign

2. Posted in: Electronic, female vocalist, hip-hop, soul, instrumental

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.