The album is atmospheric and steeped in bass, but it’s definitely not lethargic or downbeat.
Because it’s similarly clean, effervescent, contemporary and upbeat, I’ll be jamming the Instrumental Mixtape to get things alive. It’s a tasty, festive drink that can be added to any holiday party mix. Kasey’s Pomegranate-Mint Spritzer is fresh, clean and effervescent. Honestly, there is a compelling argument to be made that tracks like Lil B’s “Motivation” are better in instrumental form. And listening to the free Instrumental Mixtape he released earlier this year, it’s hard not to think that at least part of Lil B & ASAP Rocky’s success (for example) is the result of the slick instrumentals they had to work with courtesy of Clams Casino. He’s all over Lil B’s tracks, he’s all over A$AP Rocky’s mix, he’s been tapped by Soulja Boy, and featured by Adult Swim. So it speaks volumes about to note that New Jersey-based producer Clams Casino has worked with some of the most buzz-friendly up-and-coming MCs in the past few years. Personally, I’m even willing to overlook weak rhymes and inconsistent flow if the beats and ambiance of a track are nailed. It’s no accident that many of the best hip hop albums of all time featured devastating, fresh beats. I think an argument can be made that the quality of a hip hop track is 75% a reflection of the producer.
