Blockhead

Aesop Rock's longtime beatsmith (and architect of many a Def Jux banger), Blockhead allows himself greater leeway on his solo records for Ninja Tune, collaging samples from jazz and funk into coolly psychedelic shapes. Where there are surface comparisons to DJ Shadow or RJD2, Blockhead's fuzzy edges and bold strokes give his vinyl fantasia a distinct vibe. Buzzing with the warmth of a tenth-gen tape dub, The Music Scene paints the picture of some miraculous, imaginary jam session, connecting dots across continents and decades.