Evil Ebenezer - Howl (2013)

Dark beats and raps for your nights prowling 'these streets'.  Support independent hip-hop.  Van City we out here!

Chief - Shadows Chapter 1 (2011)

Bahwee - Flavors 2 (2012)

Evil Needle - Homeworks EP (2012)

Potatohead People - Kosmichemusik EP (2012)

The discovery of this album and many more in the past year has inspired me to start sharing my tastes here again.  Bandcamp is one of the best ways to sample and buy music right now.  The artist gets a larger percentage of the purchase than iTunes, plus lossless audio rules!  Let us continue...

jondis - MagiC (2010)

Another nice set of tracks from a small-time beat maker getting heard on bandcamp. I put money down on this after first listen cause I knew it was something I would keep on the burner. Good beats for driving real early in the morning when the stars are still out. You know I can't get enough of this buttery smooth hip-hop shit. Peep it.

bandcamp

Bugseed - Bohemian Beatnik (2010)

I get submissions now and then and this one I've been rockin' on repeat. Bugseed is a beat-maker from Tokyo doing drum-break style instrumentals with a real chill vibe. I may post some more bandcamp links in the future as I find myself discovering lots of new music there. It's a perfect outlet for many established and emerging artists to get there stuff directly to the people. This beat's for you.

bandcamp

Devin the Dude - To Tha X-Treme (2004)

I don't think anybody raps about weed more than Devin. His beats are always mad chill and smell of skunky bass and funky loops. This is quintessential smokers music. Light up one for 2010.

Happy New Year!

bandcamp

Ta'Raach & The Lovelution - The Fevers (2006)

This is a disjointed collection of dirty hip-hop with undeniable moments of clarity. When they pinpoint a situation, you feel like you're in the same room. It's raw, dank, and sexy. Start a lovelution.

DJ Cam - Lost & Found (2008)

So much of DJ Cam's work is exemplary but this is some of his best. Indelible keys, acute snares, and punchy bass dipped in hip-hop flavour. Look no more, it's cool music for a hot night.

Freddie Joachim - Nights Alone (2009)

Freddie Joachim is one of those producers that when you first hear him it's like finding a lost friend. His ear for superb samples and snappy beats make him a real up-and-comer in jazzy hip-hop. I sometimes fall into one of his grooves and never want it to stop. Spend your nights with this cat and you won't feel alone.

bandcamp

Elaquent - In Colour Vol. 3 (2009)

All this sunshine means that it's time for a dose of cool summer vibes. Elaquent's third volume of the In Colour series provides a plethora. Heavy video game influence is apparent off the bat and he throws it all down by the time you hit "Pixelated Mess". The mix has big bottom and you'll be pleased to play this through the car subwoofers. Great use of 8-bit soundtracks and soulful samples make this one easy to spin again and again.

bandcamp

Nujabes / Fat Jon - Departure (2004)

Today, news has surfaced that Jun Seba aka Nujabes, died on February 26, 2010. The outpouring of emotion and admiration from his fans is coming from around the globe. I was enthralled with his vibe the first time I heard him and he soon became essential late night listening. I'm posting this album in his memory. May his music live on.

Nujabes - Modal Soul Classics (2008)

This is a gathering of different artists compiled by Nujabes. The mix is indeed soulful and delivers a superb combination of Hip-Hop and Jazz. Feel the love.

Reanimator - Music to Slit Wrists By (2003)

Deadly samples and killer drums will make you die. Enough said.

Thanks to Curtis @ Cochlear Implant for the recommendation.

Nicolay - City Lights Volume 1.5 (2005)

I remembering hearing The Foreign Exchange for the first time and wondering where those tight beats were coming from. Tracks like "Raw Life" had me hooked. The answer is Nicolay from The Netherlands. Over the last few years he has taken the sound you have here and expanded it into new dimensions and genres, but it started with this.

Waxolutionists - We Paint Colors (2009)

This is a trio of producers out of Austria creating some of the freshest hip-hop I've heard this year. It's an eclectic selection of tracks that don't rely on convention. Feels like an extended summer, so vibe out.

Blueprint - Sign Language (2009)

I am familiar with Blueprint from his MC duties as half of Soul Position, but I didn't know what to expect from his production. Well, expectations blown. It's deep, dirty, and warm, and you have no choice but to let it surround you.

Pete Rock - The Surviving Elements (2005)

Pete Rock is the definition! This album showcases how real his tracks are all by themselves. Too often his laid back vibe is disturbed by an up-front vocal track and it can't hypnotize you like when it's just him and the MPC.

Blue Sky Black Death - Late Night Cinema (2008)

These guys seem to be getting plenty of respect in the hip-hop world, likely because of their diversity and depth as producers. Some of their latest material could be considered pop, but they've done tracks for even the grimiest of rappers. These aren't just instrumentals, they're compositions.