Your LoFix #19 – vocal samples
Welcome to The LoFix, a column to share some LoFi & Chill Hop that I’ve recently discovered and love. Giving you that fix of chill; something we all need regularly. And if you’re feeling the tracks, do share them with your friends.
It’s been a minute but we’re back with the the nineteenth edition of the series, I’ve hand picked a selection of vocal sample driven productions that can craft the vocal a different spin or give you that nostalgic feeling.
A layered cascade of lo-fi textures, “Speak my Truth” reminds me of ‘that old real shit’ which is the perfect place for this elegant jazz’d up boombap beat by 4410. The track’s delicate horn loops and subdued but fat beats create an intimate atmosphere, taking you back to the golden era with it’s vinyl crackle in the backing, a head bopper and one I enjoy on a late night cruise.
Going for something a bit more upbeat, Berlioz & Ted Jasper transport us to a smoky jazz club in mid-century Manhattan with “nyc in 1940.” The track melds vintage jazz samples with minimal and funky electronic beats, crafting what to me is a timeless production that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It’s a cross of genres and also between eras, which I hope to hear live either in a jazz or dance club.. Something I can’t say about many songs!
RJD2 is a professor in sample-based production and “Ghostwriter” is his masterclass. Perfectly timing Esther Phillips “Your Love is So Doggone Good” vocal into the song that weaves together soulful horn sections, crisp drum patterns, and subtle guitar riffs to craft a track that’s both uplifting and introspective. A power vocal and instrumental that still blows me away each time I hear the classic song.
Taken from the legendary Donuts album, J Dilla encapsulates raw soulful emotion with “Don’t Cry” by cleverly sampling The Escorts’ “I Can’t Stand (To See You Cry).” The intricate chopping and looping technical work transforms the original with a heartfelt message and a poignant piece for the listener to connect with, this is a go to for me when I need a hit of inspiration.
So this is “Something Funky” that you can pump in your walkman, Jaz93 drops a smooth bassline instrumental with retro swagger, mixing dusty breakbeats and vintage styled horns. There’s a playfulness here that invites head-nods and shoulder-rolls, yet it’s polished with the kind of chill confidence only a seasoned beat-maker brings. The title track from his new EP that you can check out here!
