If you’re starting here, go to part one here.
DJ SKIZZ – Versatility is what the Behind The Boards Boston Beatmaker is all about! Searching through his vast body of work, one can find hardcore bangers, high-spirited anthems, and soulful heaters that will remain forever etched in your mind. He’s more than just a DJ or producer. He’s a true original.
D.R.U.G.S.BEATS ¬ When it comes to Hip Hop, the esteemed producer is The Don of this sxxt! Grammy nominated, with tracks crafted for Dr. Dre, 50 Cent & Kendrick Lamar adding to his professional luster, D.B. brought us underground Hip Hop´s greatest highlights in 2018 with new albums from Precyce Politix & ILLPO´s J.Bond.
EL AY – The producer, singer, and occasional emcee proves there are no limits to what a true artist can achieve. In what appears(on the surface)to be a brief period of time, Manchester, England’s sonic empress has shaken up the scene with an electric wave of new tracks that never neglect the deeply rooted sounds of the underground. Experience a sample of her majestic material below.
ENDEMIC EMERALD – Stomping through the trenches of the underground, Endemic Emerald has destroyed lesser producers with a surplus of steady heat! Blessing Bankai Fam, Immortal Technique, Bootcamp Clik, and a host of legends with his sonic supremacy has not only made him one to watch…but also one to be remembered.
ES¬K ¬ Dropping a steady supply of underground heat, the funky technician is always right on time when it comes to delivering dope music. He´s kept Bucktown busy with his vast array of boom bap soundscapes. If you´re not up on his catalog make yourself aware!
EVILLDEWER – Each of the super producer’s spell-binding selections appear to be summoned from the darkest corner of Hell & unleashed onto the audience! Truth be told, only an angel(of darkness???)could make music that sounds this good. Driving, relentless soundscapes will possess you – mind, body, and soul. We’ll take a pass on the exorcism just to hear each track ONE. MORE. TIME.
EYEDEE – An unstoppable sonic terrorist who reigns supreme amidst a cataclysm of chaos & confusion. EyeDee works wonders with busy backdrops and murky ambiance. He may be the one man Bomb Squad of this generation. That being said, he’ll also switch things up & deliver some laid back heat to groove to. He’s a true professional who’s on the fast track to the top!
EYEREE – If you turned your stereo to full blast & thought you heard boulders crashing through your ceiling you were probably checking out a joint from boom bap master Eyeree. He is one of the underground pioneers in creating a completely immersive listening experience that you’ll want to revisit again & again. Check out his repertoire of bangers & experience the magic!
FARMA BEATS – Planes, trains, and cruise ships are no longer needed to travel to exotic locales now that the sonic journeyman has arrived on the scene. Each of his tracks lead to a brand new destination that immediately trigger a wide range of emotion & reflection. Farma’s artistic palette is filled with vibrant colors that outshine his competitors. He paints in broad strokes for our listening enjoyment.
FILFY TARANTINO ¬ Australia´s behind the boards powerhouse came out blasting with an arsenal of hits for Madhattan Mayor, Fastlife, and Killy Shoot. His tracks deliver an early 90´s boom bap ethos with a modern day upgrade all heads can appreciate. His hardcore transmissions rain down like mountains crashing thru your ceiling. Filfy´s on the pulse of the underground. Please give us some more!
FINN – The sonic Scarface constructs dark nail¬biting backdrops that will lead you down a dark alley and rob you blind! You don’t just hear and feel his music. You can taste it too! Check the sounds…if you dare!
FLIP – If we had to choose a producer to score the twist & turns life brings, Austria’s audio assassin would be our top pick! His stellar contributions to Heem Stogied’s “Love Is Cursed” album showcased his godly gifts to the world while his dope remixes firmly established him as a sonic powerhouse who can never be defeated!
FLU – The producer hit Pay Dirt with a track of the same name then collaborated with Eto on a musical Motion Picture that blew our minds! Flu won’t just put you to shame on the production tip. He’s also nice with the rhymes too. When you want that cinematic action on wax there’s only one man to call. His name is Flu & his beats are ill!!!
FREE MIND – There are producers who experiment with soul & there are producers who embody it. Free Mind is of the latter group. The sonic architect shines a light on a dark situation with rhythmic arrangements that deliver powerful vibes. Release your mind & stay free!
FUTUREWAVE – Technically he’s beyond other beatsmiths on the grind…so maybe they should give up now. Each track is flawlessly executed & amped up to the extreme for maximum satisfaction! He’s long been an underground favorite & the tracks below will show you why.
GENSU DEAN – As Marley Marl once said, when you drop a track “It got to be funky!” Gensu Dean makes sure each track would make the production legend proud by amping up the energy to the highest power. You can’t help but feel the rhythm. Gensu’s music requires you to turn up the volume loud. Get loose & keep bouncin’!
GIT BEATS – Specializing in boom bap backdrops, the Staten Island sensation generates dope tracks on the regular! Bob Banner, 1Mt, Inspectah Deck, and the legendary Sean Price are but a few of the Hip Hop powerhouses who brought their lyrical talents to his stunning soundscapes. Get involved & check the skills!
GRUBBY PAWZ – The long sought after sonic marksman hits the target every time with each release. It’s not difficult for him to deliver a winner…but his thematically gripping soundscapes on Haze’s “Brookside Terrace” EP catapulted him to the higher echelons of Hip Hop notoriety. If you pour your problems out to the producer he can turn them into a record…and a universally praised one at that.
HOBGOBLIN – The fiendishly creative production master taps a variety of musical genres for his creepy cauldron of hits. Tribal rhythms…Arena rock theatrics…Acoustic guitar…Nothing’s off limits to the mysterious beast behind the boards. Settle in & take a listen…but don’t get spooked by the sounds!
ILLINGSWORTH ¬ When you´re known for making the illest productions on the underground you must have a name befitting your notoriety. The musical mad scientist takes the most bugged out grooves and samples then stirs them up in a pot boiling over with bizarro boom bap to deliver highly insane arrangements to the fans!
JAYE RHODES ¬ If Westside Gunn´s “Spanish” was the only song this illustrious producer ever recorded he would still make the list. Yep, it´s that good! Because of our intense fascination with the track we chose to only include the singular gem below so you can’t be distracted by anything else. Sprawling, nuanced melodies cascade against the speakers while revitalizing your entire life in the process. Gunn’s hypnotically nasal flow is lovingly assisted by angelic background vocals as he blasts suckas into submission. If that ain’t a thing of beauty we don’t know what is.
JAZZ SPASTIKS – Edinburgh, Scotland’s supreme purveyors of jazz-infused production. There’s no one doper on either side of the pond! Anytime we listen to a joint from the dynamic duo it sends us on a euphoric sonic high! Taste the apples & experience the fruits of their labor!
JLVSN – Turning a nightmarish existence into audio armageddon, the producer blew up on the scene with a selection of ill joints featuring the likes of Tha God Fahim, Stack Skrilla, Left Lane Didon, Jay NiCe & Mach-Hommy! That’s a hell of a way to make an intro. The sonic saga continues!
J.O.D ¬ If you feel like there´s something missing in your life you probably never heard a J.O.D. production. The audio all¬star fills EVERY musical void with tracks that possess a dream¬like quality while remaining decidedly hardcore. The streets are abuzz with the new sounds that he´s bringing. Listen up & don´t sleep on the skills!
KARNATE – Sometimes hittin’ listeners with a World Premiere or rockin’ a Shiny Ski Mask while gettin’ busy behind the boards, the sonic surgeon surveys his surroundings and brings the heat! His craftsmanship & staying power is unparalleled in an industry always searching for the next big thing. Check out the audio masterworks below & hang on tight for the ride!
KILAMDAPRO ¬ Crafting mellow productions that pack an emotional punch, Kilam sends us into the deepest recesses of our mind as the beat plays on. We get excited upon the release of every track because he always comes correct.
KLEVER SKEMES ¬ A man of refined taste who knows his way around a dope beat! The sought after sonic sensation continues to be in popular demand because of the dense soundscapes and clever nuances embedded within his productions. Listen to a few tracks & catch up on what you´ve been missing.
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KYO ITACHI ¬ If you´re a respected emcee who´s achieved major success on the underground it was probably because you were flowing over one of Kyo´s incredible productions. The sonic warrior, who happens to be one of the most consistent producers in the game, ended the year with the release of his “Night Life” project. The album wasn´t just good. It was so dope we want to be buried with it in our grave!
MICHAELANGELO – Taking no shorts in 2018, MA lunged into action with breath-taking bangers from Rigz, Crimeapple, Rome Streetz, and Estee Nack! The feeling each track elicited in fans & critics alike was one of pure excitement! The producer deserves all the acclaim he received & any future accolades that come his way!
MOTIF ALUMNI ¬ Whether working with the equally brilliant Kas or delivering productions on the solo tip, the audio adventurer always creates soundscapes both mesmerizing and magical. His tracks are the closest thing to a flying carpet ride to fantasy realms never before explored. Transcend space & time and feel the vibe!
Mr. GREEN – Linking up with Westside Gunn allowed the illustrious beat vet to get luxurious on the boards & the “s**t sound beautiful!” With an array of sonic surprises in his bag of tricks, Green pulls out all the stops & delivers the goods!
NICHOLAS CRAVEN – Light years ahead of the pack, Nicholas’ soul-drenched production touch can be felt on tracks from Dark Lo, Pappy Natson, Jimmie D, Eto, Tha God Fahim, and most impressively on his series of Conway remixes. He’s currently breaking bad with Mach-Hommy & cooking up a full course feast with Vincent Pryce & Mori$$ Regal that promise to bring that sonic swing back to the forefront!
NO FACE – Making a show-stopping impression on collaborations with Ankhlejohn, Rahiem Supreme, ThugYeezy, and Sekwence, the production visionary appeared out of nowhere to take full rein of the underground! Explore his audio offerings & enter a new dimension of sound!
NOTTZ – The supreme production virtuoso vanquished his competitors on the triumphant “No Way In Hell” collabo album with The Bad Seed. Few can go toe-to toe with him in the studio. It’s wishful thinking to imagine anyone reaching his creative heights at all.
OL MAN 80zz – Part of the production duo The Lost Info(with the great Futurewave), the sonic juggernaut has been racking up an impressive selection of smash hits all his own. The behind the boards powerhouse is giving “Bad Dreams” to the competition with his relentless work ethic & onslaught of dope tracks. Check out the steez below!
ONAJE JORDAN – The Audio Avenger has flourished this year with back to back bangers featuring Asun Eastwood, Killy Shoot, Jamal Gasol, Cocareef & Eloh Kush! Never before have we witnessed a producer emerge with so many hits in such a brief period of time. Onaje can serve up something soulful or hit ya with hardcore heat(sometimes within the same track)! The sky’s the limit for Mr. Jordan. Always respect the skills!
PETE TWIST ¬ In the all¬time annals of the underground, the super¬producer´s “Wimbledon Dons” album with lyrical juggernaut Born Unique will be regarded as a classic. The studio wizard delivers the greastest grimey soudscapes in the biz! Sample a taste of the action below!
PF CUTTIN – He’s an unbelievably gifted production vet who’s often overlooked. So you know we’re not about to let that happen here!!! The sonic genius launched his career with the group BLAHZAY BLAHZAY, crafted classic joints with the legendary Sean Price, and set off the airwaves with the underground staple EastNYRadio! This year he teamed up with another legend, the amazing O.C., to deliver “Opium” to the masses. PF Cuttin speaks with his hands & we’re all listening!
PHONIKS- A jazzy instrumental opus (“Down To Earth”)and a full-length project with long time comrade in arms Awon(“The Actual Proof”)kept the super producer’s profile high for 2018. Ever prolific & always extraordinary, his Hip Hop/Jazz gumbo is granted a new showcase for fans who appreciate quality music.
QUIS STAR – Combustible production on Jamal Gasol’s “Larry Davis Era” & “The World Is Piff 1.5” projects (along with Mak P’s “No Heart Anthony” banger) was Quis Star’s declaration to the world that he’s capable of achieving anything! His tracks shake us out of complacency & motivate us to move! It’s the power of high-caliber Hip Hop! Quis Star wields it well!
RAS BEATS – The audio assassin repped the underground to the fullest in 2018 with John Jigg$’ “And I Say” & the Vic Spencer powered mega blast “Compensated Confidence!” The tracks didn’t just create a buzz. They delivered the same kind of impact a freight train would have if it crashed in your livingroom!
ROBERT DENIR0 has been bringing impressive beats that match the vibe and feel of the streets. Hit play on this up and coming producer’s elite grooves and spread the word.
SADHUGOLD – Already hailed as the preeminent sonic sorcerer of his generation, the fast-rising producer continues to spread his magic across the Hip Hop landscape. Buddy Leezle & al.divino were a few of the high profile Hip Hop luminaries to benefit from his prodigious talents. An endless list of artists are eagerly awaiting his golden touch.
SHARP. – Making Maxi-single maneuvers with Estee Nack, getting over a “Bad Day” with MidaZ The Beast, and speaking mo’ direct with Diamond District’s yU kept the ascending producer’s schedule full for the year. His stable of sonic treats is steadily growing. Expect more of his cleverly complex constructions in 2019!
