Article: Non Hip Hop Albums You Should Check Out [Pt. 4]

Article: Non Hip Hop Albums You Should Check Out [Pt. 4]

As a music obsessed youth, I bring you some non hip hop albums that have stricken me as works of significant musical beauty. All of these artists are highly acclaimed; and deservedly so. I hope you might find some nice treats for your ears and minds.

As a music obsessed youth, I bring you some non hip hop albums that have stricken me as works of significant musical beauty. All of these artists are highly acclaimed; and deservedly so. I hope you might find some nice treats for your ears and minds.

Jorge Ben – A Tábua De Esmeralda
Genre: Tropicalia
Preview

Jorge Ben is a legendary brasilian singer songwriter.  The 1974 album, A Tábua De Esmeralda, is regarded as his masterpiece. It is one of the most iconic Brasilian records of all time… and it really is just such a great record.  It’s full of funky, psychedelic tinged brasilian rhythms, and although only one song is in English; if you can get down with the grooves it is a fantastic listening experience.

5’Nizza-Unplugged
Genre: Reggae
Preview

One guitar and two Ukranians with hip hop tinged reggae. This demo album of theirs is packed full of energy despite their minimal equipment.  Apparently  it is pronounced Pyatnitsa (meaning Friday), although I find it difficult to stop saying 5’Nizza… just try and listen to it, if you’re like me, you won’t be able to not bob your head.

Pretty Lights –Any Album
Genre: Electronica/Downtempo
Preview

Pretty Lights is the brainchild of Derek Vincent Smith from Colorado. All three albums are available for free download from his website, check it. They are full of crazy beats and all kinds of samples. The vibe manages to wander through downtempo and electro bangers and funky breaks with ease.

Rodrigo y Gabriela – Rodrigo y Gabriela
Genre: Flamenco
Preview

Two Mexican guitarists with roots in thrash metal made a name for themselves in the musician friendly city of Dublin. They got their big break from Damien Rice (who Heaps mentioned in Pt. 2), to bring the world their beautiful fast paced flamenco rhythms. This is a new breed of latin music, and it really rocks hard. Both guitarists excel and complimenting one another, and the album even includes a Metallica and Led Zeppelin cover.

Venetian Snares – Rossz csillag alatt született
Genre: Breakcore
Preview

Venetian Snares is a prolific Canadian DJ specializing in chaotic broken beats and wild rampaging melodies.   This album is arguably his masterpiece, and takes its inspiration from a trip the artist took to Hungary. Apparently imagining himself as a pigeon seated high atop the royal palace in Budapest, Venetian Snares brought a fusion of his broken beats to a blend of atmospheric classical music. The wild drum rhythms provide a unique landscape for string and brass samples to explore.

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Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Kamir Hiam (USA) has been obsessed with hip hop culture since discovering rap as a child in the mid 90s. As curator of The Find's Stay Thirsty podcast, he is an obsessive crate digger, always looking for more dope music. Other hobbies include travel, reading, fitness, and science.