Madlib

After extracting Dudley's warbling vocals, Expressions' smooth loops, idyllic soundscapes and finely chopped vocal samples move to the forefront. Madlib is one of hip-hop's most versatile and celebrated producers, and he applies a light touch here. There's rolling bass lines, aquatic synth samples and cheery horn stabs that give everything a summery funk glaze. This Rhapsody exclusive is Madlib's least prickly and most conventional work to date and is a perfect primer for the world of instrumental hip-hop.