Tracks: On The DL 2

Usually Wednesday means reviewing a free compilation, but this week has been a busy one and I haven’t had much in the inbox other than Dilla tribute songs. So why don’t we make our own compilation? Here’s a collection of free soundcloud downloads from the past week or so.

Window by Insightful

Aaliyah_Rock the Boat_ Shigeto Remix by SHIGETO

Shlohmo – wen uuu (Teebs Remix) by FoFMusic

Actress by fancymike

08.Soft Space by Keor Meteor Beats

Somepling – GramaLead by Somepling

Toucan Wing (Dilla Tribute) by BoomBaptist

BuMmEd TiCkEr by proflogik

Mecca:83 – Jay’s Theme by Solar Sound System

st bb 257 by constrobuz

 

Track: Mecca:83 x Bobby Blunt – Aura

 
Mecca:83 x Bobby Blunt – Aura by Solar Sound System

Dilla disciple Mecca:83 has been everywhere at once as of late. D A Y B R E A K, an album crafted in 24 hours (?!) provided me with some seriously soulful vibes last week, and his recent collabo with Somepling has been on loop since it dropped. Here we get another look at D A Y B R E A K highlight “Aura”, this time with an smooth vocals from alt-rap crooner  Bobby Blunt. The result is all languid grooves and a great soundtrack to start or end your day.

Label: FreeForm Records

With an international roster toting some very open-ended styles, it’s difficult to place where exactly FreeForm Records sits on the spectrum of post-whatever beat synthesis. Despite the various locales and even more varying skillsets, the results seem to remain consistent in sound, quality and vision. Mecca:83′s electro-infused, Dilla-inflected bounce. Kwala’s popping psychedelic ambience. Innobushu’s late-night funk meanderings. While all FreeForm releases seem rooted in different sounds and influences, all contribute to a core mission statement comprised of lush atmospheres and heavy rhythmic variations. If that isn’t quite enough, you can credit FreeForm for scooping up DistantStarr, the outlandishly talented MC who was responsible for one the most surprising rap mixtapes of 2011. Factor in their high standard of quality assurance and a sleek, colourful aesthetic and you have another label to watch this year.