[15 to End 2015] Ninja Dom’s Best of the Year

As a sweeping generalization, 2015 will go down as a year dominated by collectives. Future Classic, Hegemon, Moving Castle, Soulection, HW&W, Wedidit, Monstercat, and French Express pooled their talents together to commandeer the music scene this year. The technical aspects commonly associated with “Future” crept into the DNA of producers, becoming a topical theme across genres from the most obscure to the most mainstream.

In particular, and as one of the most recent additions to the TMN staff, it has been quite a journey both as a contributor and music fan since early April. Without the collaboration of the entire staff – the guidance of editors and advice of my fellow writers – year one as a ninja would not have been possible. Along the way I’ve covered tours, shot music festivals, and met some of my favorite artists, who have graciously exposed me to their own intricate webs of sound. That being said, below is my best effort to reduce thousands of great tracks released this calendar year down to a manageable number. Enjoy the tracks below, in order of release date, and see you all next year!

’Oceaán – Veritas (Young & Sicks Mixed Feelings)’
Although it has nearly been removed from all channels of the internet, this remix of Veritas is a fluid tune, incorporating contrasting techniques in a way that set it apart this year.

’OBESØN – Mon Amour’
This is both my favorite song ever and the answer to the hypothetical question “if you could only listen to one song for the rest of time…”

’San Holo – We Rise’
Deserving of a spot on all lists, this has been the de facto party-starter and pregame anthem since it’s release in February.

’Alison Wonderland – Run’
The title track from AW’s debut album taps into the talents of fellow producers Djemba Djemba and AWE in creating this hooky, electronic masterpiece.

’Mura Masa – When U Need Me’
For an artist focused on quality over quantity, this is Mura Masa’s greatest creation to date.

’DIVERSA – Burning House’
Burning House is the most powerful release of Diversa’s, serving as a benchmark for the current wave of Drum & Bass producers to measure up against.

’Jamie xx – The Rest is Noise’
Jamie XX has been graced with near unanimous approval of his album In Colour; The Rest is Noise incorporates his most polished elements in a lengthy rainbow-colored instrumental.

’Tory Lanez – Acting Like (Prod. by Shlohmo)’
Another up and coming artist out of the blooming Toronto hip-hop scene, Tory Lanez, enlists the help of Shlohmo in putting together this dark, rhythmic jam.

’Golden Vessel – Borrowed Time (ft. Tiana Khasi)’
Melbourne locals Golden Vessel and Tiana Khasi teamed up to create one of the most enchanting and soulful pieces of the year, bar none.

’Thundercat – ‘Them Changes”
As the most groovy track of the summer season, this was also an introduction and revival of the nostalgia-pumping funk genre, which used to dominate the charts.

’Tame Impala – The Moment’
Parker shows off his adaptability on this one; in cutting the downtrodden lyrical content against a synth-driven bridge full of cheery guitar riffs and rhythmic hand claps, the single is inextricably linked with the bridge in fellow Australian band Pond’s recent release, “Medicine Hat”.

’Moi Je – Fais Rien (PETIT BISCUIT Remix)’
Although the title literally means ‘do nothing’, it is nearly impossible to hear this remix by Petit Biscuit and not be tempted to move by the upbeat tempo.

’Khai – Do You Go Up’
This bubbly, minimalist tune is carried on the strength of its hook and the catchy vocals of its creator.

’SevnthWonder – Maria I’m Drunk (Ft. Deverano) (Travis Scott Cover)’
As the most notable track by the best up and comer out of 2015, this remix displays a vision and creativity beyond SevnthWonder’s years.

’Finding Hope – Wonder’
With roots in the ambient genre, down-tempo is the most calming style of music. The deep, pleasant reverie continues through Wonder and does not end until the close of the song.

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[Future Bass] Djemba Djemba & London Future – Fire to the Room

’DJEMBA DJEMBA x London Future – Fire To The Room’
’Destructo  – Dare You 2 Move (Djemba Djemba Remix)’

Pioneering producer Djemba Djemba‘s certainly in a giving mood today bringing us two new releases along with an announcement that he will be supporting RL Grime for a leg of his US tour in February. His collaboration with London Future, “Fire To The Room,” has been floating around in his live and recorded sets making it a particularly anticipated release, and rightfully so–it’s an enormous tune that explodes into a warped synth progression bringing some rare, much needed Monday evening turn up. Enjoy this one above along with his trippy remix of Destructo‘s “Dare You 2 Move” and head over to Bandcamp to purchase “Fire To The Room.”

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The Trap Dojo #41

We’re kicking off this weeks Trap Dojo in a hard way with the newest track from trap music prodigy Alex Young, an original titled “Mastermind”. Don’t let the emotional electro build-up fool you, when this one drops, nothing will stop you from banging your head and attempting to shuffle, no matter where you are. Vinnie Maniscalco puts a fresh spin on an old favorite this week, remixing The Champs classic tune “Tequila”. With heavy bass and clever drum work, he flips the familiar sax tune on its head. Ookay and Pyramid Juke come together for a huge collaboration with this minimal track “Yen”, hope you have your subs turned up for this one. The name Aylen should be a familiar sight to you ninjas, so you know when he remixes Porter Robinson the result is going to be massive, complex trap banger. Both ETC!ETC! and CRNKN bring us two very different remixes of Tokimonsta. ETC!ETC! pulls some huge 808s and snares over some lyrics by Kool Keith, while CRNKN chills it out a bit. TRILLWAVE remixes “Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch on their nostalgic EP www.trapgodz.com which also includes a remix of “What is Love” and “Believe” by Cher Theres plenty more heaters for you to discover in this weeks dojo, so be sure to check them out.

’Alex Young – Mastermind (Original Mix)’
’Vinnie Maniscalco – TaKillya’
’Ookay & Pyramid Juke – Yen (Original Mix) ///FREE DOWNLOAD///’
’Porter Robinson – Say My Name (Aylen Trap Bootleg)’
’Tokimonsta – The Force Feat Kool Keith (ETC!ETC! REMIX)’
’TOKiMONSTA – GO WITH IT (CRNKN REMIX)’
’♔♛♔ TRILLШΔ∇Σ – GØØD VIβRΔTIØΠS  ♲ RΣDUX ♲ ♔♛♔’
’Far East Movement – Turn Up The Love ( Rell The Soundbender’s Death to Cupid Remix)’
’FAR EAST MOVEMENT & RIFF RAFF – THE ILLEST’
’K Theory – Watch Me Kill It (Free Download)’
’Getter – Fallout (The Hi Yahs X Tron Johnson Remix)’
’Felix Cartel & Autoerotique – Alarm (KEYS N KRATES Remix) ‘
’Boys Noize – Go Hard’
’C+C Music Factory – Gonna Make you Sweat (Wick it Remix)’
’MINE – #BANGDADESH’
’AC Slater – Party Animals Feat. Nina Sky (Flinch Remix)’
’Jesse Slayter – Bleesh(Original Mix)”CLICK BUY FOR FREE DOWNLOAD”‘
’Flosstradamus – Assquake  Buzz Trillington x Shooter McNappin Bootleg’
’FERAL is KINKY – TWEET (Spenda C Remix) OUT NOW!!!!!’
’Jackal – Shakedown (Original Mix)’
’Popeska – The New Kings (Flaxo Remix)’
’Penthouse Penthouse – When It’s Hot feat. Djemba Djemba & Mr. Carmack’
’Spol – Raindrops (Original Mix) Free Download’
’Kastle – Things We Can Do ft. Reva DeVito’
’The xx – Together (Maxx Baer Edit)’
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BANKS
Fall Over (Djemba Djemba Remix)

Newcomer Banks returns to the interwebs today with a new remix thanks to the re-workings of producer Djemba Djemba. … Continue reading »

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The Trap Dojo #32 + TMN Premiere Zomboy – Here to stay (TastyTreat Remix)

’Zomboy – Here To Stay (TastyTreat Remix) FREE DOWNLOAD’

We have a very special treat this week kicking off the Trap Dojo. We’re premiering the sick new track from TastyTreat, a remix of Zomboy‘s track “Here to stay”. Featuring UK Dancehall star Lady Chann, this one starts off fairly minimal, with a heavy subbass line and a smooth horns section before Channs lyrics build up to a dramatic drop of carefully organized chaotic synth wobbles. The second drop is less chaotic and has alot of that heavy grinding trap flavor before the horns take us out. TastyTreat just signed to Bird Peterson‘s Teenage Riot Records and has a great looking year ahead of him, especially if he keeps releasing tracks as exciting as this. Go show him some love on Facebook to get this one for free.

Following up, Kid Womp takes on my favorite song from TNGHT and absolutely destroys it. Keeping that minimal style of the original, Womp rearanges the chimes into something so similar yet so different from the original. The next couple tracks are from the new Brillz album “Twonk”. The first one is a huge party starter, sure to get the dancefloor jumping, while “Smashi Tup” will have your head banging with the heavy bass lines, and has a really cool horns section sure to get your feet shuffling. Bird Peterson is taking his game a little further with this glitchy track. Ookay has a couple songs on the Dojo this week, first up, what i’m assuming is an April fools joke with “Oorah”, just listen to it all the way through and you’ll understand why. The other track is the totally serious “Star Wars”, starting off with a trapped out version of the Mos Eisley Cantina song, at just the moment you would expect Han to shoot Greedo, the whole room is destroyed by lasers. The second half of the song is the Imperial March that will have you letting out your darkside on the dancefloor when it drops. Continuing our Space theme is the trancy Proletariats remix of some Cosmic Gate. The rest of the list is filled with with Trap bangers and trapped out hip hop, before Shackles takes us back to space to chill things out a little bit before Kastle really crushes it with the vibes for an emotional finish.

’TNGHT
Goooo (Kid Womp Remix)’
’Brillz – WTF feat. Willyjoy’
’Brillz – Smashi Tup’
’Bird Peterson – Can I Go A Little Further?’
’Ookay – Oorah (Original Mix) ///Free Download///’
’Ookay – Star Wars ///Free Download///’
’Cosmic Gate – Exploration of Space (Proletariats Trap Remix)’
’Twinz Beatz – Kronos (Original Mix) ‘
’Diplo & Lazerdisk Party Sex – Set It Off (TWRK Remix)’
’Basement Jaxx – Where’s Your Head At (Spenda C Remix)’
’Ac Slater – Jack Got Jacked (DSKOTEK’s Trapstep Rework)’
’Plurgatti Boyz – Afro Nuts ~`*PLURGATTI SHIT*`~’
’Pusha T x Popcaan – Blocka (Caligula ReFix)’
’COSMOSTARS x DMNDZ – Get Tattoo On Ya Ass (Original Mix)’
’Drell feat DJ Homewrecker – Hella F’ked Up (Moduloktopus Remix)’
’BUKKWEAT BILL X DJEMBA DJEMBA – KAWASAKI TIRES ‘
’Young Piff – Tryna Get It’

’Lana Del Rey – Radio (Young Piff & Sandor Remix)’

’SHACKLES – LOVE IN SPACE – FREE DOWNLOAD (CLICK BUY)’

’Kastle – Make You Stay ft. JMSN’
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[MP3 Playlist] The Trap Dojo: Volume #11

Whether you have suffered from Sandy’s wrath, or simply trying to get through another week of work, begging for the weekend to get here sooner, The Trap Dojo is coming through every Tuesday to try and brighten up your week with the biggest and best trap tunes we can find. Because Halloween is coming up tomorrow, this week starts with a couple tracks perfect to get you in the mood. Bro Safari teams up with none other than DJ Craze who scratches the hell out of this track, while ETC!ETC! gives the theme song from Child’s Play a very creepy trap flip. If you’re familiar with The Trap Dojo, then you must be familiar with Ookay who has been a regular figure from the start. This week he partners with the Japanese homies Watapachi to remix the legendary FatBoy Slim‘s “Star 69” into an absolute banger. LOUDPVCK released a new EP this week and this track, “Dolly Parton” is probably my favorite, with a catchy vocal hook, and deep drums and jungle flair. KTheory takes a hint from trapstyle gods Flosstradamus and samples himself some hardstyle and absolutely destroys this track. If absolutely filthy lyrics are your thing, Danny Brown‘s “Witit” will be sure not to disappoint. Brown does exactly what he does best and spits lyrics so nasty they could make even a hooker blush. While this song is a bit older, he just released a video for it this week, so be sure to check it out. With trap music taking over the scene, moombahton has not been getting the press it deserves lately, so to fix that Kaptain brings us a sick moombah track, which flips into some grimey trap later on. If Grandtheft really is as cocky as this track suggests, it’s probably well deserved after kicking out this banger, immediately after working with Diplo on the remix of “Sweet Nothing” by Calvin Harris last week. I usually try and finish of the Dojo with an example of the softer side of Trap and Ookay hits the mark this week with a melodic and soothing remix of “Clarity” by Zedd. While not quite as chill as other similar tracks, this one is filled with soulful emotion, and easily earns the final spot on this list.

As usual, you can pick up all 20 free tracks from this week in the Zip.

 

’Bro Safari feat. DJ Craze – Spooked (Free Download)’
’Childs Play Theme – (ETC!ETC! Remix) {Free Download}’
’Watapachi & Ookay – What ///BUY4FREEDL///’
’LOUDPVCK – DOLLY PARTON’
’KTheory – Geeked Up’
’Danny Brown
Witit’
’Kaptain –  Choom Gang (Original Mix) (Free Download)’
’Cockiness (Hedspin & Grandtheft Remix)’
’Buzz Trillington – Lasagna (click buy this track for FREE DL)’
’The Socialytes
H8TRS (Trap Remix)’
’The Socialytes
Booty Bounce (Original Mix)’
’DJ ASSAULT – ASS N TITTIES (SMOOKIE ILLSON REMIX) (RTT EXCLUSIVE)’
’Haze.Boogie.Life (Team Bayside High Remix)’
’Hucci – Next One (FREE DOWNLOAD CLICK BUY THIS TRACK)’
’Don Midass – Im The Boss (We Bad Remix)’
’Calvin Harris Ft. Ellie Goulding – I Need Your Love (Luke Shay Remix)’
’Death Grips – Klink (Djemba Djemba Remix)’
’Jack Beats – Get Down (Gold Top Trapshi Remix)’
’H3 feat. Mr Dan – Militia (Trap VIP)’
’Skrubz – Where the party pt2 ft Joecat’
’Zedd – Clarity (Ookay Remix) ///BUY 4 FREE DL///’
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