[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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[Hip-Hop] Wiz Khalifa – 28 Grams (Mixtape)

After a slight delay due to some legal trouble clever marketing he encountered during a stop on his Under The Influence of Music tour in Texas, Trap Wiz has finally been unleashed, and fully manifested himself in this brand new mixtape, 28 Grams. If his new nickname didn’t already give it away, it should be noted that this isn’t your typical Wiz Khalifa project, as the Pittsburgh native’s teamed up with producers like ZaytovenMetro Boomin, 808 Mafia, ID Labs, Sonny Digital and a few others to explore a grittier, trap-inspired sound.

We can’t say the experimentation pays off, as often times throughout the project it comes off as forced and contrived. The tape does have its shining moments however. Collaborations with Juicy J and Ty Dolla $ign are almost guaranteed to stay in rotation all summer, and we also catch a few glimpses of classic Wiz on Ricky P produced numbers like “Pure,” “Samo,” and “Comb Over,” as well as the Thundercat assisted “Something Special.”

Standing at 28 tracks, sorting through an ambitious project of that scale can prove to be a daunting task, so as usual we’ve picked out a few our favorites for you below. If you do feel inclined to download the full mixtape however, you can do so at the link below.

DOWNLOAD: WIZ KHALIFA – 28 GRAMS

’Wiz Khalifa – Samo (Prod by Ricky P)’
’Wiz Khalifa – On A Plane (Prod by Cozmo)’
’Wiz Khalifa – Something Special ft. Thundercat (Prod by rmbjustize)’
’Wiz Khalifa – Word On The Town ft. Juicy J, Pimp C (Prod by Juicy J)’
’Wiz Khalifa – Banger ft. Ty$ (Prod by Sonny Digital)’
’Wiz Khalifa
My Nigs ft. Curren$y (Prod by ID Labs / PoShod Beats)’
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[Hip-Hop] Vic Mensa – Innanetape

We’ve already professed our love for Chicago’s hip-hop scene countless times over, but we’ll do it once again here. You’d be hard pressed to find a place in the world right now that’s doing it better than the Windy City. Today, we proudly present to you INNANETAPE, the debut solo project from SAVEMONEY affiliate, Vic Mensa. The highly anticipated mixtape represents the perfect opportunity for the former Kids These Days frontman to flaunt his skills on the mic, and prove why he’s primed for a breakout just like his homie, Chance The Rapper. The 14-track tape features Mensa showcasing his headlong flow and eccentric punchlines alongside such names as Chance (obviously), Joey Purp, BJ The Chicago Kid, Ab-Soul, Rockie Fresh, Hit-Boy, Thundercat and many many more. Check out a few standout tracks below, and make sure to download the full tape when you’re done.

DOWNLOAD: Vic Mensa – INNANETAPE

’Vic Mensa – Tweakin’ (Ft. Chance The Rapper)’
’Vic Mensa – Magic (Ft. Jesse Boykins III)’
’Vic Mensa – Holy Holy (Ft. Ab Soul & BJ The Chicago Kid)’
’Vic Mensa – Fear & Doubt (Ft. Kenna & Joey Purp)’
’Vic Mensa – RUN! (Ft. Thundercat)’
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