I am seriously not blowing smoke when I say this is a seriously talented group. It was really hard to decide what were my top three entries. I listened to all the beats a number of times and had a different top 3 every time.
top three:
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@Yabba - Wow! This kind of has it all. Ridiculously well executed. I don’t quite know where to start. The way you fit the samples together and selection is incredible. The dialogue in the beginning fits the vibe so well and propels it forward. The mixing and arranging are just so good. The “mm Hmm” vocal adds such a note of melancholy to it.
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@Kpucski - Creepy ass disembodied Frank Sinatra! This battle has no shortage of texturally interesting drum sounds but this probably takes the cake for me. I’m envious of however the hell you are getting these drums to sound this way. Also the bass morphing at about 1:30 is a neat trick. So many cool details in this one. And the vibe is pure menace. Love it.
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@Maisin - This is so weird and nocturnal sounding. Another track that sort of builds it’s own distinct sonic universe. This really feels like something I haven’t quite ever heard before but definitely has some classic hip hop dna in it. The sample use is really innovative.
In case your interested here are my notes on the other entries:
Sleepyhead – Serious Craft. Very classic sounding. Excellent production. Cool bass line/sound. I love the arpeggio synth section and the drum breakdown that comes at the end of that section (in about 1:12). That level of detail is so next level (especially for a time limited beat battle).
Rockpapergoat – I love the dubby effects on the drums and when the whole groove kicks in it is a superb moment. I appreciate how the track keeps morphing but never loses the overall feel. Cool to see the different ways you and Sleepyhead incorporated that synth arpeggio sample into your tracks.
DimensionsTommorrow – It’s really interesting how consistent your style has been throughout these first two battles. I think a lot of it comes down to the looseness of the drums and sample selection. I’m super impressed with your production value. It is super clean sounding but very warm. The way you use the samples and the ones you select has a natural musicality to it.
Doug – For me, this is all about the drum groove and the little percussion flourishes you threw in there. This has a lot of swing to it. The texture and feel of the drums you got on this is something I often am trying to get to and have a lot of trouble accomplishing.
FNKSTRNG – The drum tone is very satisfying on this and the track has a great gradual build to it. I enjoy how the slightly overblown quality of the drums contrasts with the softer synth samples. Feels pretty effortlessly arranged. The sample flipping also feels pretty unique.
Drrumble – I feel like the samples are being manipulated and tweaked and I can’t tell what you are doing. The combination of samples and how everything feels like they fit together is pretty notable on this. Props on the sinister bass line as well.
The_PMO – I feel like both of your submissions for these beat battles have been unique from a sound perspective. I appreciate the angle you come at the samples with. Specifically the vocal samples are used in such a way that creates a slightly unsettled feel (similar to how Boards of Canada sometimes uses vocal samples). I love the hanging quality the piano line leaves.
Affectionate-Bee-781 – This one also has an otherworldly quality to it. It feels very mysterious to me. Excellent drum programming. Cool to see all the different ways that EFNY bass sample has been used throughout these beats.
Simonbradford - Incredible progression throughout. Innovative sample manipulation. I love when samples feel completely divorced from the source material. You 100% bent these samples to your will.
ViolentMeals – Those drums are huge. Another entry with a nocturnal, sleepwalking sort of vibe but contrasted with these blown out drums.
Buska – It’s impressive that this is a live take – I would not be able to that. The breakdown at around 2:00 minutes is really cool. The evolution throughout keeps it interesting.
Kurochi – That intro makes me laugh every time I’ve heard it. Nice sample selection. Cool hi-hat programming.
CCMP – More than any other entry, this one really encapsulates the spirit of the Escape from New York theme for me. It has a totally cinematic quality to it. It feels like it could be in a modern remake of EFNY.
Dkstr – Also very cinematic. So many nice touches in this one as well. The vinyl slowing down effect at 0:38 is a tiny part but I really appreciate those details. I love how this just keeps progressing the whole way. Great dynamics.
Boxymusic – I feel like this one really goes on a journey. Big props for the live performance. The way the dialogue gets used throughout keeps it interesting almost like a story is being told. When you drop that Gong sample at around 1:52 it’s a great moment. I really wanted to use that sample myself but could not figure out how to incorporate it.
Sezare56 – Next level drum work… The rolling kick is so effective here. Very smooth and glossy production. Another very cinematic track.
Nionmu – cool drum programming. Great vibe overall. The stab sound that sort of sounds like a harp kind of is a great hook.
Nice work everyone.
… and some comments: (can’t tag everyone)
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