ohbliv - Baker’s Dozen

One of the masters of modern sampled beatmaking, so many of ohbliv’s beats hold a special place in my heart. Whether it’s lightning-in-a-bottle link-ups with rappers like Armand Hammer on Black Garlic or Fly Anakin on Faceplant in Sam Bernardino, it’s opportunities like this project that let the textured beauty of his beats really shine. One of only a few producers to contribute to the Baker’s Dozen series, ohbliv’s beats on here are traditionally soulful and wrap you up like a warm blanket whenever you put a good pair of headphones on. I’m always fascinated by how he places the drums in his production like a jazz artist, finding pockets around each vocal chop or horn loop to create something that feels hazy but immersive. You can really get lost in his music, and don’t ever need even a single rhyme to compliment to his style. This record has some of my all time favourite ohbliv moments, and should be considered a staple in his eclectic and consistently impressive catalogue of beat tapes.

KEY BEAT: Therapeutic For The Culture - this has slowly become one of my favourite ever loops, and one that I could easily listen to on repeat (and have many times). Through the dusty drums, cracked piano and glistening vibraphones is the sun rising and flowers blooming, all problems dissipating for a little over 90 seconds.