Redefining lo-fi hip-hop, [First Class Tape 2]

/ Block (music critic)

[First Class Tape], which was curated by Beautiful Disco, left many meanings. First, it meant that works belonging to a branch of music called lo-fi hip-hop were not simply used as background music for studying or relaxing, but contained their own fierceness and delicate, sometimes ingenious compositions. In addition, it introduced Asian musicians in one place and announced the existence of this movement in Asia. It wasn't even meaningful. Outstanding musicians showcased their individual colors as well as their musical prowess, revealing that not all music called lo-fi hip-hop is the same.

This album, which is being released for the second time, has a slightly different lineup. There is not a single Korean musician who overlaps with the exception of Beautiful Disco, who is also a curator. Here, British and American beat makers participated this time, and there is actually a main character of music included in 'to study/relax to'. From North America, where there is already a musical foundation for beatmakers, to Norway, Finland, and Italy, which can be relatively unfamiliar, the regions where they are located are also diverse. As much as that, the changes and differences between the songs in the work are as rich as in the previous work, but the breadth of richness is much wider. From Ol' Burger Beats, which made their name known on various platforms from Boiler Room to Spotify, to Vesa Beats, which inherited the New York heritage, as well as Beautiful Disco. There is a bar, and the overseas lineup is diverse, including jazz trumpeter and composer Kristoffer Eikrem. Domestic
beat makers are also worth keeping an eye on. This time, most of the domestic musicians are gathered on the B side, from DAUL, Unsinkable, and Monocat, who create sophisticated works, to cjb95, who are creating sensuous movements recently, to create lo-fi hip-hop. Solve your concerns and find your own answers. In addition to the development of each song itself, which is colorful and detailed, if you listen carefully to the composition and track layout of the entire album, you will hear more and enjoy it. Here, mastering was in charge of director Lee Jae-soo of Sonority Mastering Studio, who has been in charge of many outstanding works so far. The artwork is drawn more attention by Dominic Kesterton. Dominic Castorton, who is based in the UK and is active worldwide, is an illustrator who is active in various fields, from media such as The New York Times and It's Nice That to big clients such as Apple and Nike. On the cover of this album, you can see neat and clear lines and impressive colors
along with the apples he has mainly used.

There are various answers to the topic of lo-fi hip-hop, but strangely, there seems to be an intersection. I would like to emphasize once again how to appreciate it, approaching it as a work of art, observing it closely, and recommending listening to it with an attitude of inquiry even if you are not a musician. Sometimes it seems to be casually thrown around, sometimes there are details and sound composition that only a few people can notice, but it came out into the world to exist as a work of art, and the song was not written solely for function. The value of this work will change depending on who appreciates it, but I want to stick to the attitude of putting weight on the aspect of the work this time as well. This work is well worth it.

Curated by Beautiful Disco
Mastered by Jaesoo Yi (Sonority Mastering)
Cover Art by Dominic Kesterton (dominickesterton.com)
Design by YP

SLP-0004 (C) & (P) 2022 SSE PROJECT

[LP Specification]

* Limited production of 500 copies, Czech pressing
* 140g opaque yellow color half, single jacket
* Vinyl Mastering Lee Jae-soo (Sonority Mastering)
* Music Critic Block Liner