Back in the old days, we'd likely have never heard anything from the likes of
Araabmuzik. Originally a producer for Cam'ron and Julez Santana, he is now releasing some solo work. Following in the footsteps of people like Clams Casino, and in a trail blazed by Timbaland, Araabmuzik's productions are hard to place.
What's so interesting about Araabmuzik is where he choses his samples from. While everyone from Kanye West to Madlib has dipped into soul and jazz -- with vastly differing final products -- Araabmuzik sources his beats in trance and Euro-pop, taking something revered for its crassness and turning it into a sophisticated piece of music.
An interesting new direction for instrumental hip hop, indeed. You can find out more on his debut album,
Electronic Dream.