Hip-hop has seen a number of quality instrumental projects in the last year or so, including high-rollers like Pete Rock, MF Doom, and Madlib, among others. Def Jux fans are gobbling up the recently released Cannibal Oxtrumentals, and DJ Spinna is readying his new beats-only project as well. One of the underground’s fastest rising producers, Ohio’s Fat Jon, puts in time as a member of Five Deez and 3582 (with J. Rawls), and is well known for his smooth (but always funky) soundscapes. Teaming up with the impressive Florida-based label Counterflow, Fat Jon (aka the Ample Soul Physician) releases his latest endeavor, Humanoid Erotica. Seamlessly blending dusty beat work, effect-laden loops, and organic keyboard action, he crafts an album of exquisite background music, perfect for kicking back. “14 Years” flaunts some heavily filtered narcotic pianos and strings, while “No” gets into the jazz groove with simple drums and blissfully meandering saxophone. James Brown is paired with wind chimes on “Change Your Mind,” and drum ‘n’ bass heads will be sure to dig the stuttering trippiness of “I. Dee.” This record will appeal to a wide spectrum of listeners, equally fresh for casual fans and crate-digging beat connoisseurs alike. Fat Jon is someone to keep your eyes and ears on.
.Fat Jon as Maurice Galactica
Humanoid Erotica