If you’ve attended an Oddisee show, you’ve seen D.C. producer Unown as well. While a band simulates Odd’s studio productions, Unown is on an MPC, adding the electronic sounds that can’t be re-created with live instruments.
But Unown is a dope composer in his own right, and a quick glance at his Soundcloud page confirms it. Just this week, he dropped three new tracks that demonstrate his affinity for old soul and breezy electro-funk. “Play4U” uses jaunty drum chops and layered chord changes. On “Jerome,” Unown spins a lovelorn sample into a hypnotic loop of crackling vinyl and choral moans. Then on “Bow Down,” he turns the brash Westside Connection track into a warm slice of East Coast boom-bap. There are other gems here, like “Wanted” and “SpotRock.” Listen to all of them, below.