Jonathan OrtizBlue Future is taking the term “mixtape” back to its basics with his recent Mad Blocks Beat Tape — releasing it on physical cassette tape. The 20-minute beat tape rocks a heavy old-school flair, complete with custom vinyl rips and crisp beats that bounce along with a vintage elegance. A dash of the Chicago producer’s signature glitch hop sound design brings a forward-looking feel to the project, but at its core, Mad Blocks is a treat reserved for lovers of instrumental hip hop.
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Several tangible atmospheres are explored, chopped, and screwed as the tape progresses through an enthralling arsenal of vinyl samples and synth arrangements. It opens on an airy soundscape, reminiscent of Nujabes, but soon leans into a juicy bassline, amplifying the energy for the rest of the tape. Where LoFi Volume 1 relied on laidback, minimalist beats to capture its captivatingly cool charisma, Mad Blocks presents a more voluminous, full-bodied charm that’ll keep your system knockin’ from start to finish.
If Mad Blocks Beat Tape is right up your alley, you can expect this sort of project from Blue Future around this time every summer, as a complement to his LoFi Eps released in the wintertime.
Let us know what you think of Mad Blocks Beat Tape in the comments below, and stay close to get a jump on all upcoming Blue Future releases!