WeDidIt | The Music Ninja

Kane Grocerys
Columbine Homicide (Prod. D33J & Shlohmo)

LA-based beat collective WEDIDIT, hands down, has some of the most talented DJs and producers around right now. One of their most successful members in terms of mainstream gigs, Shlohmo, has risen to the top of the electronic game through his displays of sheer talent with what seems like anything he touches. From his beautiful EP “Bad Vibes” to his works with Jeremih, Shlohmo has a knack for producing that is unparalleled, and bringing in fellow collective member Djavan Santos, better known as D33J (who has his own impressive repertoire of quality electronic), resulted in this new hip-hop gem by Kane Grocerys, “Columbine Homicide.”

Belonging to the independent, DC-based label Goth Money Records, Kane Grocerys lays a commentary on the nature of street violence—imposed by peers and reinforced by authorities. Grocerys demonstrates himself as a critically wise and skilled rapper in this work, and that combination with the talent-ridden production of WEDIDIT makes for another leap in the direction of conscious electronic meeting conscious hip hop. This release has us wondering what else those WDI boys have up their sleeves… they’re always up to all good.

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)’

Stream Only

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’

Download

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’

Buy

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’

Buy

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’

Buy

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

’DIVERSA – Burning House’

Buy

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’

Buy

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)’

Soundcloud

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)’

Buy

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”

Buy

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’

Buy

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)’

Buy

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’

Buy

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)’

Buy

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’

Buy

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.

Tag Archives: WeDidIt

[Hip Hop] Kane Grocerys – Columbine Suicide (Prod. D33J & Shlohmo)

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

[NEW] RL Grime – Kingpin (feat. Big Sean)