L.A. Beat Scene is a frequently used identifier for a distinct flashpoint of electronic music and instrumental hip-hop. This community started to gain national recognition between 2007 and 2008. It may be an imperfect term, however, the phrase works for evoking a group of producers who pushed instrumental music to new heights. They did so through groundbreaking albums, live performances, and informal underground releases.
Little Temple and Low End Theory
In 2004, DJ/producer KUTMAH’s Sketchbook Sessions event at Little Temple—which can be traced back to the now-closed cultural epicenter Aron’s Records—served as the first dedicated beat showcase of its kind in Los Angeles. Sketchbook was also a precursor to the Low End Theory.
This legendary weekly offering took place at The Airliner venue in Lincoln Heights. Daddy Kev (also co-founder of the Alpha Pup label), DJ Nobody, and D-Styles started the club in 2006. Low End Theory became ground zero for innovative new sounds and live beat sets. It continued to function as a central hub for the producer community until 2018.
MySpace to Bandcamp to Labels Launching
Several technological shifts played a key role in helping this movement grow and thrive. MySpace provided an easy way for producers to share their work and connect with like-minded creators in L.A.and beyond. The 2008 formation of Bandcamp let artists upload beat tapes, informal remix releases, and official albums. At the same time, Bandcamp gave audiences a way to deliver maximum financial support. Along with Bandcamp’s popularity came Brainfeeder, All City, Alpha Pup Leaving Records, and Stones Throw. These and others provided a home for many key releases from the movement.
Beats On The Ground
Meanwhile, YouTube gave entities like Boiler Room Los Angeles the opportunity to upload live beat sets. This allowed for easy access to people far outside the city who couldn’t attend shows in person. Many important players from the scene also had (and still have) shows on the nonprofit online radio station dublab. The station helped further spread instrumental music to new listeners. Finally, writers like Laurent Finoni and Jeff Weiss provided boots-on-the-ground analysis of L.A artists. These articles frequently appeared in online periodicals read by people all over the world.
The Influence of Donuts
Though it doesn’t necessarily fall in the L.A.Beat Scene canon per se, it also feels important to mention J Dilla’s Donuts. The Stones Throw release is an important precursor. It was largely crafted on the BOSS SP-303 sampler right before his untimely passing.
This all-instrumental LP came out on Dilla’s birthday in February 2006 to near-universal acclaim. It certainly played an important role, causing demand for beat-centric releases to spike.
To create one single definitive list of the L.A. Beat Scene albums today would be an exercise in futility. Far too many artists and releases played a pivotal role in shaping the sound. But it is worth providing a springboard and starting point for further exploration. Below you’ll find a variety of instrumental releases from L.A. artists who were key players in this unique musical moment. They range from critically-acclaimed staples to free downloads and Bandcamp-only releases. Please enjoy, and make sure to continue to explore this vast and fascinating space.
Ardour by Teebs (Brainfeeder)
Sampling everything from falling change to a harp into the 404 for his anticipated 2010 debut, Teeb’s first album is a rich, complex project. It’s marked by his father’s passing and his brother’s hospitalization during the recording process. From the beautiful opener “You’ve Changed” to the loose “Lakeshore Ave.,” this is a hypnotic and unforgettable journey.
Bad Vibes by Schlomo (Friends of Friends)
Through several EPs and singles predate Schlomo’s seminal 2011 debut LP, this album introduced him to a much wider audience. The release received favorable reviews in CMJ, Consequence of Sound, Exclaim!, Spin, and XLR8R to name just a few. Bad Vibes wowed listeners with melodic cuts like “Places” and “Sink.”
Breakthrough by The Gaslamp Killer (Brainfeeder)
G L K decided on a creative change of pace on his first studio album. He moved towards live instrumentation and away from sampling. From the Daedelus collabo “Impulse” to the synths of closer “In The Dark…,” this instrumental collection is essential.
Closure [HNR15] by KUTMAH (HIT+RUN)
Seven years after starting the Sketchbook series KUTMAH released his impressive instrumental debut. He demonstrates a DJs ear for blending disparate elements and somehow making them work. Highlights include the tribute track “One For G.U.R.U.” and “Leaving.” The latter features sounds custom-made for an ’80s dystopian cult classic.
Creature Dreams by Tokimonsta (Brainfeeder)
Described by the BBC’s Mike Diver as “a romantic excursion under starry expanses,” Tokimonsta’s 2011 EP stood out in a crowded space. Boasting hypnotic, layered numbers like “Fallen Arches,” and dense, powerful, drum-tempo altering tracks like “Moving Forward,” this is a brief yet unforgettable listen.
DOODOOMASTER by Sir Froderick (Self-Released)
In addition to collaborations with peers like Knxwledge and Ohbliv, Sir Froderick also has an impressive body of solo work. This decade-old release is begging for rediscovery from a wider audience. The gorgeous “megitar” and stuttering rhythms of “swang” demonstrate his impressive range as a producer.
Drift by Nosaj Thing (Alpha Pup)
Dubbed a “36-minute computerized symphony” by journalist Mosi Reeves, Nosaj Thing’s debut is one of the sonic hallmarks of the early L.A. Beat Scene. From the digital slaps of “Coat of Arms” to the achingly beautiful “Voices,” it’s a unique experience.
404 Blueberries by Jonwayne (Self-Released)
Jonwayne has more polished and refined releases in his catalog. Still, there’s a magic in pre-Brainfeeder and Stones Throw releases like his 2009 SP-centric release 404 Blueberries. “In The Bushel” features an effective SP sample reversal. “How We Do” is a brief but emotionally potent bit of magic. “Your Shirt Is Inside Out” showcases Jonwayne’s knack for flipping unexpected, old-timey vocals. This is in the same vein as later breakout songs like the Cassette 2 selection “Passing Fancies.”
NoMaps by Mndsgn. (Self-Released)
Mndsgn. also has an excellent catalog of instrumental albums and this self-released entry from 2011 is no exception. This album is a great starting point if you’re looking to explore his work. It ranges from the bouncy, buzzy synths of “Question” to the lush groove of “PorcelainPeople.”
Los Angeles Series 0-11 by Various Artists (All City)
In 2010, Dublin-based All City started their L.A series. It featured a who’s who of LA producers as well as artists from other geographic locales. This indispensable 2020 comp is a highlight reel containing some of the series’ most memorable moments. These include Street Corner Music founder House Shoes’ “Newports,” Dâm-Funk’s “Night Stroll,” and Dibiase & P.U.D.G.E’s “Smoke it Over.”
Live at Low End Theory by Daedelus (Alpha Pup)
This 47-minute masterclass in live beat showcases from Daedelus is an important artifact and a great listen. You’ll hear some connections and reimaginings of his earlier work in songs like “Press Snooze.” Yet the record still has a fresh and original feel thanks to the energy of its live format.
Raw Fruit by Ras G (Leaving Records)
Ras G’s passing in the summer of 2019 left a massive void in the hearts of many music fans around the world. A legendary figure in the beatmaking community, his stage presence and unique approach to production had no parallel. His Raw Fruit series evokes a gritty, improvisational vibe akin to alive beat set. The three-song opener “Raw Fruit,” “BuzzLightYear,” and “HouseParty 1 (VHS bootleg version)” is an unstoppable force.
Swingology 101 by Dibiase (Self-Released)
Dibiase’s 2011 release Swingology 101 turned into a major sleeper hit on Bandcamp after starting as a free download a decade ago. Start with the mangled ‘80s R&B samples with distortion, drop-outs, stutters, and wah-wah effects of “Weekendz.” Then check out the beautiful, little-used sample on “Swingshift.” This is an optimal front-to-back experience for beat heads and casual listeners alike.
Kauliflowr by Knxwledge. (All City)
Knxwledge.’s catalog is so vast and varied it’s difficult to pick one release for this list. However, Kauliflowr is an exceptional entry in his dense backlist of work. For that, it’s due for a resurgence and new listeners. “Ontome” is a gorgeous piece of production. “yewdidnt” will have you hitting rewind. Finally, “koin” reworks a sample flipped by producers in the mid-‘90s before taking a stark left turn.
Rap Beats, Vol. 1 by Samiyam (Brainfeeder)
The first collection on Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder label, Samiyam’s debut aged well over the past 13 years. Highlights include the disjointed and bouncy “1984,” the dirty drum crunch of “Flotation Device,” and the haunting synth strings of “27.”
Until the Quiet Comes by Flying Lotus (Warp Records)
Any Flying Lotus album would make a worthy inclusion to this list. Still, his fourth project on Warp Records feels like an important career shift. It’s marked by increased studio savvy, greater use of Ableton Live, marriage of analog and digital, and a star-studded guest list. FlyLo recorded a whopping, 60-plus songs before whittling them down to 19 choice picks. These include exceptional cuts like “Electric Candyman” (featuring Thom Yorke) and “Heave(n).”
YUNG by Linafornia (Dome of Doom)
After honing her skills for two years and ripping down countless stages, Linafornia’s debut is making noise five years after it dropped. “Wetttt” perfectly pairs wah-wah effects with neck-snapping drums while the sample reversals and Busta Rhymes vocals on “gotchuallinCHECK!!!!” will leave a lasting impression. Make sure to add this to your collection.
