Some time last year I was introduced to the work being released on an indie-label called Millennium Jazz Music (MJM). After combing through the label's catalogue, I was highly impressed by and enamored with it's diverse array of artists and mature sound.
Read MoreNoveliss of Clear Soul Forces releases Dilla Instinct, an homage to legendary Detroit producer J Dilla and the classic 2D fighter Killer Instinct.
Read MoreNoveliss of Detroit hip hop re-releases the excellent Mic Swordz on all digital retailers and streaming services.
Read MoreVeteran hip hop producer Floyd the Locsmif has been in the game for years. Despite hailing from Georgia, Floyd still has a very traditional boom bap flavor. Many of his productions are rugged homages to foundational elements of classic hip hop.
Read MoreOfficial music video by Detroit rapper ZotheJerk and Winnipeg based producer Frost Gamble. Shot & directed by Bo.
Read MoreDetroit's ZotheJerk and New York's Frost Gamble have come together to create Black Beach, a probing of America's systemic social issues through adept lyricism and high-end production. Both parties have years of hip hop experience under their respective belts and have used this acquisition as a means to explore some poignant issues plaguing contemporary Western society.
Read MoreL.A.Z of Clear Soul Forces releases the first video for his upcoming No Paperwork E.P.
Read MoreLike the other projects in the long running series, Locations: USA offers a consistent listening experience and doesn’t disappoint. It is a definite must have for fans of sample-based, traditional hip hop productions.
Read MoreWith his A.Muse brand, Jason wants to connect, inspire, and motivate artists who are passionate and dedicated to their crafts, not unlike what I aim to do here at Inside the Rift. Jason has been working tirelessly to get the label running and as a result of this, the Calfornia based label has begun releasing what is sure to be the first of many musical projects.
Read MoreOverall, Eaze has proven once again that he embodies the traditional sound and grittiness of good ol’ fashioned New York productions. It is extremely refreshing to hear an artist from our generation pay homage to the old school sounds and cadences of the Golden Era.
Read MorePENPALS is a hip-hop duo out of New York that is paying homage to the old school sounds and flavors. The group (consisting of Cynic the Apache and MC Rapswell) has done an admirable job of reviving the classic sound of sample based, boom bap hip hop.
Read MoreRapper L.A.Z is member of the acclaimed Detroit hip hop collective, Clear Soul Forces.
With their blistering delivery, socially conscious topics, and admiration of popular culture, the group has done an admirable job of representing the thriving Detroit underground. The quartet (consisting of L.A.Z, Noveliss, E-Fav, and Ilajide) has parlayed their impressive range and harmony into a unique sound and dedicated fanbase.
Read MoreReggie Perry Jr. is a multitalented artist (choosing graphic design, photography, and music production as his mediums of choice) working under the moniker of Nobody Famous for sometime now. I discovered the virtuoso on Instagram and was quickly captivated by a snippet of music that he posted. After more research, I discovered that he is also the mastermind behind the "Creative Masters Podcast" where he interviews successful independent personalities.
Read MoreBrooklyn’s Ricky Lascaze (now operating under the moniker of Eaze) is a producer and lyricist who strives to keep the classic Hip Hop sound alive and well with his eclectic beats and gritty flavor. First emerging on Digi Crates Records as DJ Ezasscul, Eaze has since elevated his style and transmuted some of his creative potential into Emceeing as well.
Read MoreFloyd Cheung is a Hip Hop producer currently living in Hong Kong and has made a name for himself with his soul driven, sample based productions. In the underground circuit, Floyd managed to secure a spot on TallBlackGuy’s esteemed “Tempo Dreams” series (which is how I was introduced to him) and the track “Based Jam” for a then up and coming Lil B (the Bay Area’s own left-field, abstract lyricist).
Now contributing to the Hong Kong Hip Hop scene as one of the resident producers for Wildstyle Records and collaborating with many other artists (like Shanghai's Svbkvlt) I had the opportunity to speak to him and learn more about his roots, inspirations, and the Chinese Hip Hop community.
Read MoreThe Jazz Spastiks (Also known as The Slipmat Brothers) are a Hip Hop duo from Scotland who are contributing to the thriving underground Hip Hop community with their fat, jazzy productions. With an ear for dusty, sample-based compositions, the team (consisting of members Coconut Delight and Mr. Manyana) has effectively paid homage to the era that, to them, exemplifies the quintessential sound of Hip Hop.
Read MoreDday One (Born Udeze Ukwuoma) is a producer, turntablist, and owner of The Content (L)abel, an independent brand focused on quality and artistic solidarity.
With a unique acoustic sound as a result of minimal compression and organic elements, the Los Angeleno has elevated and distinguished himself within the thriving underground Hip Hop community. His prolific knowledge of vinyl can be heard throughout his vivid sample selection that from around the globe and transcending any one particular genre. His acumen is constantly on display and as a result, he possesses a catalogue that has garnered much acclaim over the years.
Read MoreMusician and fellow midwesterner Brad LaBarbera has been releasing mellow, hip-hop inspired tracks for almost a decade now under the moniker of DJ Unwind. Harkening back to the earlier days of chill-hop, the Wisconsin born producer has gained a loyal following amongst dedicated beat enthusiasts.
Read MoreHip-Hop producer Freddie Joachim (JO-AH-KIM) hails from San Diego, California and has been involved in music for over twenty years by way of DJing and instrumental production. I was initially introduced to his music a few years back after hearing his fantastic track “Ride” on Pandora. Diving deeper into his discography, it was easy to hear his affinity for Old School Hip-Hop, Jazz, and Soul; And his tracks are obligatory for fans of those genres or listeners interested in mellow, neck snapping beats.
Read MoreHello people! Today i’m bringing you an interview with a great producer by the name of Breezewax. I’ve been listening to his music for quite some time after discovering his work on youtube a few years ago. I found that I enjoyed the meditative hip-hop instrumentals that he was creating and it has been quite interesting to actually hear his music evolve over the years. A lot of his pieces are almost like stories and reflections on places that he may have visited during that time. His Aeroporto project is infused with a lot of lush Brazilian flavor and features some wonderful samples that really capture the mood of the beautiful country.
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Hans Ruedi "H.R" Giger (February 5, 1940 – May 12, 2014) was a legendary swiss artist who created the aesthetic basis for what became the iconic Alien franchise.
David Zinn is a Michigander specializing in chalk-based anamorphic street design. He uses the sidewalks of Ann Arbor, Michigan as his canvases to create whimsical characters participating in fun (sometimes mischievous) tasks.
Imagine living in a world where every conceivable facet of your reality is nothing more than sensory experience devoid of any real meaning; And that your emotions, organs, and even your closest relationships were nothing but pleasurable impulses being transmitted directly into your brain.
Back in 2011 legendary neurologist Oliver Sacks was a part of a team that was introduced to a woman experiencing a strange kind of visual hallucination.
Max Corbacho has been consistently releasing high-level ambient music for almost two decades now.
Cold Tear Records is putting out some very deep and very ambient dub-techno that is a real treat for anyone who has been fortunate enough to find this indie gem.
Scott Xylo is a producer representing Leicester, England who specializes in moody, atmospheric hip hop and soul. With his exceptional work on the acclaimed Toonami Tsunamis, Xylo has began to infect the airwaves stateside.
The fire goddess of Hawaii is said to be extremely possessive and vengeful. The lava that is found on the islands is said to be seen as Pele's children. Anyone who takes a coral, rocks, or sand (regardless of if they are aware of the curse) is plagued with bad luck until they return whatever it is that they have taken.
The story of the Black Volga is an urban legend where the vehicle would supposedly kidnap children and other undesirables to be dispatched or harvested by a group of shadowy government agents or entities.
There has been a new sighting of a small humanoid like cryptid in the Indonesian jungle. It is believed to be the legendary Orang Pendek, a race of diminutive, hobbit like bipeds that lived along side man thousands of years ago.
“Ridicule is the burden of genius.”
Tinged with gorgeous energy and bolstered by immaculate composition, Warp's aesthetic resembles powerful beatific visuals.