If there's one collective that has beat-making down to a carefully calculated science, it's Soulection. The "Sound of Tomorrow" purveyors have gone from a Soundcloud account to international tastemakers. With squeaky clean branding and parties being thrown around the globe, it seems Soulection is just getting started.
If you take a look at their roster, you'll find the likes of Esta, IAMNOBODI, Sango, Mr. Carmack, Ta-Ku, and more. Some of these guys are internationally-known musicians and others are just getting their start, but everyone is bringing some unique sounds to the table.
Their connections to artists like Vic Mensa and Goldlink have brought them to the center of the hip-hop world recently, and we're positive this isn't the last you'll hear about the Los Angeles-based collective. To give you a taste of their style, here's 10 essential productions from the Soulection crew.
IAMNOBODI - Elevated
Here's a slanky beat from IAMNOBODI. Constructed smoothly from quality sounds and vibrant textures, this one is an oldie but a goodie.
Losco - IMPO
To give you an idea of where this one stands, it was uploaded by a YouTube user named Trap Party. Turn it up.
Sango - Middle Of Things, Beautiful Wife (Feat. SPZRKT)
Here's some non-instrumental music for ya, courtesy of Sango and SPZRKT. If you dig Frank Ocean, this should be right up your alley.
Mr. Carmack - Grind (Lex)
There's two sides of Mr. Carmack, the biggest name on the Soulection roster. On one hand, the San Francisco-based producer makes bangin' trap songs for the club, but then he's also got this softer, J Dilla-inspired side. Here's one from the latter.
Ta-ku - I Miss You
Ta-ku's Songs To Break Up To was just that. The melancholy production isn't meant for any sort of partying, but if you're looking for some deep, intimate headphone music, that LP will definitely treat you right.
Sam Smith - Leave Your Lover (Esta Edit)
If you're a Sam Smith fan, you may be a tad disappointed by the mostly inaudible appearances in this Esta edit. However, if you're a fan of bouncy house music in the vein of Disclosure, this will be your jam.
Jay Prince - Stay On My Cool (Stwo Version)
The two artists listed on this one aren't technically on Soulection's roster, but they're affiliated enough. Both Jay Prince, a London-based rapper, and Stwo, a French producer, have toured with the collective.
Goldlink - Fuck Being Polite (Prod. Lakim)
Up-and-coming MC Goldlink links up with Soulection's Lakim for this one. Boasting a wild drum pattern and a weirdo flow, this one is definitely a glimpse at sound of tomorrow.
Dpat - Above Us (feat. Sango & Isles)
Here's some future-R&B courtesy of Dpat, Sango and Isles. If you're down with The Weeknd, you should be down with this as well.
Drake ft Jhene Aiko- From Time (Atu & Sango Edit)
In a way, Soulection owes some of their success to Drake. Not directly, per se, but in the general idea that Drake has taken mainstream music to the place that it's currently in. Emotional, melodic, dreamy music is something he's introduced into the public's eye.
At any rate, Atu and Sango gave an edit to Drizzy's collab with Jhene Aiko. Check out the super chill track below.