JXLbeats

Philadelphia-based hip-hop producer James Lamar, better known by his production handle JXLBeats, is putting the finishing touches on his latest EP, and today we’ve got a preview with the lead-off track “This.” It’s a brilliant blend of funk, a little bit of soul sampling, and a great 90′s-break hip-hop beat, resulting in a track reminiscent of a blend of Ski Beatz and Pretty Lights, plus a driving yet agile sub. Lamar does an excellent job combining influences from old school hip-hop, like the soul sampling and old-school breakbeat rhythms, with samples and sequences of acoustic instruments. But he also nods to the newer face of instrumental hip-hop with some electronic synthesis and fills. The result is a song that really doesn’t seem to come from a distinct era in music, rather uses a variety of styles and sounds from all over the last two decades in a very subtle and natural way. The track can be streamed below, and look out for the release of the full This, That & the Third EP sometime soon! - WXPN Radio

Out now on Glitch Squad is JXLBeats‘ debut record, I Go Where The Trees Go, a modern interpretation of classic boom bap instrumental hip-hop with a lot of Philly flavor.

I’m really enjoying this EP, nice laid back rhythms perfect for post club decompression, i’m looking forward to what JXLBeats has in store for us in 2013!

You don’t have to take my word for it, download it free and hear for yourself. - Highonbeats.com