Boom Bip, Seed To Sun (Lex) 9+
Boom Bip is a Cincinnati-based hip-hop artist who has collaborated with rapper Dose One and remixed for electronica artists Four Tet. Recently signed to the Warp-affiliated hip-hop label Lex, Boom Bip is cleverly negotiating the terrain between hip-hop and electronica. While this type of crossover isn't entirely unprecedented, with Kid Koala, DJ Shadow, Prefuse 73, Boom Bip has already developed a highly unique style, combining scratching with a passion for organic samples. Three vocalists contribute, including "Dose One" ("Mannequin Hand Trapdoor I Remember"), Buck65 ("The Unthinkable") and Nacky Koma's spoken word ("Popsicle"). However, the best moments of Seed To Sun come from Bip's surprisingly gorgeous melodies and soundscapes, such as the serenely lunar "Pulse All Over" and the Boards Of Canada-like "Closed Shoulders." "The Use Of Unacceptable Colors In Nature" incorporates percussion and organ loops to hypnotic effect. Seed To Sun is an extremely promising debut from an artist who's future work just may reach the caliber of DJ Shadow.
