[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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Sunday Night Soul [Vol. 13]

Valentine’s Day is this Friday, and depending on your situation, that last statement probably elicited some very different reactions. For most of you out there (we hope), you’ve had this date circled on your calendars for weeks now, and have already got the perfect day planned right down to the last detail, while others undoubtably are panicking at the prospect of  having only five days to throw something together. Finally, there’s those of you who have now come to the crushing realization that–like our friend Dawson James Van Der Beek above–you’re destined to lead a sad and lonely life, and will most likely spend that day drowning your sorrows in a heart shaped box of assorted Russell Stover chocolates. Regardless of what category you fall under, we guarantee that we’ve got the perfect playlist here to make your special day that much more special.  From puppy love to heartache, contributions from Oceaán, Gallant, Jamie Lewis, K-Young, Aches, vaisle, Giraffage, Genius and salute have you covered, and are sure to help power the soundtrack for whatever the night’s festivities may hold for you.

’Låpsley – Painter (valentine)’
’lapalux – without you (bsd.u rework)’
’Kelela – The High (Prod by Gifted & Blessed)’
’Palmistry – Vapore’
’Oceaán – To Lose’
’Gallant – Forfeit (prod. Felix Snow)’
’SHIVUM SHARMA  – ONLY YOU’
’Alfa Mist – Stay Here’
’Jarrell Perry – Black Valentine’
’Jamie Isaac – She Dried’
’Ed Thomas – Away’
’SLK – Be (Prod Embody)’
’The Weeknd x Hucci – Cashmere Mornings (aywy)’
’DearKarma – Deception’
’Jalen Jenkins – Come Around (Prod. by Jalen)’
’Soulblime – Wildfire (SBTRKT Ft. Drake & Little Dragon Cover)’
’Christian Joseph – Stay The Night (Hayley Williams x Zedd R&B Cover)’
’Tink – Money Ova Everything’
’Jamie Lewis – Just Friends feat Dubzy Snazz Produced R Kay (Musiq Soulchild Bootleg)’
’Childish Gambino – I’d Die Without You (P.M. Dawn Cover)’
’Alice Jemima – Bloodsport (Raleigh Ritchie Cover)’
’K. Michelle – I Don’t Believe’
’Kenya Eugene – You are My World’
’Noel Gourdin – Can’t Wait Ft. Avery Sunshine’
’Jhene Aiko – Everything Must Go (New Version)’
’Angel Taylor – Weak’
’BOY/FRIEND – Theme Song (Prod. MNTN)’
’Wande Coal – Plan B’
’Pleasure P – Letter To My Ex’
’K Young – Don’t Ever Leave Me (prod. by Composer)’
’Eric Bellinger – SAME OL Feat. Jon B’
’Rashad
First Move’
’Lonny Bereal – Things I Would Say’
’Ciara Ft. Future – Anytime’
’Katt Rockell – PUSHIN’
’Sevyn Streeter – Wicked’
’starRo – Seduction (FREE DL)’
’Extro – After The Fact’
’Aches – Her’
’vaisle – more for less’
’Giraffage – I Luv Your Girl’
’Dreamclub – Tamia (Dreamclub)’
’K∪⌥ – Baby When We’re.. (Next ReFIX)’
’Aaliyah x Mr. Carmack – If Your Girl Was Humble (aywy)’
’Cherish – killa (Rmonik remix)’
’Sevnth Wonder – Fall 4 U’
’G R A D E S vs Brandy – I Wanna Be Down’
’Mar – Man / Woman (Genius Vision)’
’John Hart
Who Booty ft IamSu (Jeftuz Remix)’
’Kid Ink – Show Me (ft. Chris Brown) (esta. remix)’
’LAKIM – Need Want
’Sweater Beats & B. Lewis – Giving Up On U’
’Alex Mills – Forever Young (Axel Kacoutié Remix)’
’Brian Folk – IXCU (Circle Work Forthcoming on Shimmy Records)’
’Ginuwine – Pony (salute Remix)’
’Giraffage – Falsetto’
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