dawgz. - Glamour.

Just like the 4KAPAS write-up I could’ve chosen any of dawgz’ dozens of tapes, but the pristine quality of this one has me constantly coming back to it. Across at least five or so prolific years and borne from the incomporable cmpzrz crew, dawgz’ music feels like it’s dripping in gold; like taking off your jewelery and kicking your feet up with a glass of wine, like bumping oldies with a single wick lit. Glamour feels particularly glistening; chopping and looping gorgeous soul and 80s-tinged rnb samples like they’re spun right out of the cassette deck. I love his use of spoken vocals acting like the hook of each beat, while the paired harmonies lift the song to new heights - it’s one of my favourite qualities in any kind of beat music but dawgz’ does it with such ease. In this he lets each deep vocal tone and breath breathe, casting an intimacy like you’re right there in the room when it’s being recorded. I find dawgz unique in the way he laces his drums as well, so loose and off-kilter that often reminds me of 3mitsu, sometimes pulling the snare really early and sometimes hitting right on time. The eleven beats here amass to something that feels really alluring and elegant, both of a different time and integral to a special wave of underground instrumental hiphop today.

KEY BEAT: xscape.frm.reality - this is a prime example of looping that spoken word sample, every “hey baybee” entrancing you in with beautiful warm pads. This one always bring a smile to my face, like walking home from a long day with a peachy sky hanging over you.