*Photo by Thami Msoul (IG: @thami_msoul)

Over the past few years, South African producer Jakk Wonders has carved out a niche in the beat scene by delivering thematic projects that showcase his deep love for the craft, and incredible ear for samples. And he continues that trend today with the release of YEN, a collection of 12 head-nodding instrumentals built on music from the Far East.

Although Wonders may hail from Johannesburg, he’s been known to take listeners on audio trips to other locales, including France on this year’s great French Tobacco release. And with YEN, it’s all about exploring the sounds of countries like China, Japan, and the Koreas—with a raw, Boom bap aesthetic.

You can tell that Wonders has a great appreciation for the music he’s sampling, too, and his fondness is palpable on several of the standout tracks. “Tokyo Drive” bangs and burns like the soundtrack to an old-school beat-’em-up game (think the arcade/SEGA classic Streets of Rage), while “Polaroid” and “Supreme” demonstrate a warmth and playfulness from the producer. That’s not to mention the super-mellow vibes of “Kashmir,” a cut that’s almost devoid of drums and serves as a jazzy interlude to the affair.

No matter which particular sound or style he’s mining, Wonders succeeds on the strength of his clearly honed production talents. YEN is an impressive, cohesive listen from an artist who needs to be on your radar. And at the rate he’s dropping consistently strong projects, chances are he’ll be on catching plenty of ears very, very soon.

YEN is now available for stream, right here courtesy of RESPECT. Be sure to check out his other releases via Audiomck, including his stellar, Kings County-themed beat tape, Peace II Brooklyn!

Jack Wonders Online:
• Website: http://jakkwonders.bandcamp.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakkwonders
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/JakkWonders
• E-Mail: jakkwonders@gmail.com

The post Jakk Wonders Delivers New Instrumentals on His Latest – ‘YEN’ (Beat Tape): appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The beatsmith delivers hard, gritty samples and soulful melodies mixed with a blend of old dirty drums on his latest offering, Live From The Avenue.  He takes you on an ill instrumental journey from the avenue to the street corners on this project and I’m sure he’s eager to listen to what folks pen to his musical creations.

You can cop the album directly from Bandcamp, stream below via Spotify, or head over to any other major streaming platform to get that!  Make sure you check it out and leave us your thoughts in the comments section.

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The post #MusicMonday: Jakk Wonders – ‘Live From The Avenue’ (Instrumental Album) appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.