Boston-based David Bellow, aka Lightfoot, is a deft artist and respected figure in the lo-fi beat community. A producer, DJ, and educator, he’s built his sonic world on instinct and experimentation, weaving hip-hop, jazz, reggaeton, and electronic textures into immersive, genre-bending soundscapes. A five-time Boston Music Awards nominee and 2019 Electronic/Dance Artist of the Year, he’s taken an influential role in guiding young creators in the classroom at Berklee College of Music. Sample this curated collection of lesser-known SP gems and exclusive commentary on key moments from the mammoth 23-song mix, courtesy of the beat impresario.
Playlist
1. 01_Sp404 by DIBIASE
If you’ve spent any time at all in beat culture, the name DIBIASE should ring a very familiar bell. Dibi is directly responsible for putting the SP-404 on the map for many beat heads, myself included. One of the tricky things about building this mix was keeping everything SP-404-centric.
With someone like Dibi, who can cook on anything and is famously mysterious about his process, it wasn’t always clear what was made strictly on the 404. That sent me digging deep. SoundCloud held a lot of gems, and I came across this wild beat that feels like it could’ve come from a stream or a battle. No matter its origin, it felt like the perfect opener. It showcases both the immense skill of a legend and the unmistakable character of the SP-404.
2. Untitled by Foliagebeats
One of the most unique aspects of the SP-404 is how it functions not only as a production tool but as a performance cornerstone. Sometimes the music exists purely in the moment, in the form of a beat set. Even full-fledged projects often carry elements of that improvisational spirit. This Foliagebeats set is something I keep coming back to. While I don’t know where all of these beats live outside of this performance, that almost adds to the appeal. He does a beautiful job blending soundscapes, textures, drums, and samples into a cohesive sonic world, all within the SP-404 canvas.
3. Lov4ver by Saaaz
Saaaz is a prolific beat maker and producer from the UK who has been grinding both in and out of the limelight. With a strong presence on social media and within the live beat scene, her momentum and output feel constant. There’s a sense of evolution in everything she does. This track sits in such a nice pocket and feels like a perfect representation of the SP-404 sound, bridging older textures with a more contemporary approach.
4. Sp404 by Sqvlls
I was a bit late to Sqvlls and first became familiar with his work through his elevator music set. He’s a multidisciplinary artist who moves between CDJs, the SP-404, and even skating, and all of it feeds into a strong sense of vibe. I had no idea he was working on the 404 until I started digging for this mix, and finding this track was a great surprise. It brings out a side of the device that you don’t always hear, which speaks to just how versatile it really is.
5. Luvtraps by HAJÉ
HAJÉ is a heavy SoundCloud hitter. From the chops to the drums to the swing, everything feels intentional. You can hear a contemporary twist in how he approaches the SP-404 while still staying rooted in its core sound. It’s always inspiring to hear how different producers balance the elements. In my opinion, Haje is hitting all the right ratios here. This one is a gem.
8. Sequence by Loman, Kadeem, Notebook P
These are some hometown heroes right here. It felt important to include something from my brothers, especially since we’ve toured together in so many places with our 404s. There’s a real connection here beyond just the music. Loman, in particular, is masterful with his flips, and this track captures that shared energy.
10. Untitled by Tajima Hal
A 404 set wouldn’t feel complete without a Tajima Hal flip somewhere in the mix. I’m constantly inspired by his ability to weave sounds together on the 404. Like many people, I’ve modeled parts of my live performance approach after his Mellotron 404 set. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend checking it out. This was a random find while digging through SoundCloud, but it immediately stood out. So good.
12. Dark Room by Lilith
13. Guidance by Lilith
Tracks 12 and 13 are from a prolific, up-and-coming artist named Lilith. While she is currently a student at Berklee, her work goes far beyond that context. I’m always impressed by the sounds she’s able to conjure and the way she continues to bend genres. I felt strongly about placing these two tracks back-to-back because they create a world of their own. “Dark Room” also finds a home on DeJaVu, a label that aligns closely with forward-thinking and boundary-pushing sounds.
17. Ice Cream by Monsrock
Monsrock is a staple in the beat scene community. From his own productions to his work with Flip a Beat Club, he has his hand in a lot, and almost everything he does contributes to the culture in a meaningful way. Much like DIBIASE, he can cook up on just about anything.
I also have a personal connection here. When Loman and I were out in the Bay Area, Monsrock hosted us and really showed us love. We had the opportunity to get a full Sacramento tour from him and Dibi on a later leg, which was one of those experiences that sticks with you. It wasn’t just about the music; it was about community, history, and seeing how deep this culture really runs. Including this track felt important. It represents not just the sound, but the people and the relationships that make all of this possible.
22. Mirror Memory by Teebs
“Anicca” is one of those albums that carried me through some heavier moments over the past few years. Teebs is a truly gifted storyteller, and his ability to create emotional landscapes through sound is unmatched. I was surprised, and honestly excited, to learn that this track was produced on the SP-404. It really speaks to the depth and range of what this instrument can do in the right hands.
