Let’s talk about someone who’s been orchestrating sounds from the underground like a maestro blending boom-bap with soul samples and jazz chords so smooth they might melt your headphones. Enter Styles1001—a Bay Area-born, Sacramento-made producer who’s not just adding to the hip-hop conversation, but flipping the script with his distinct, jazz-infused production. His latest release, “Return of the BoomBap,” dropped on September 19, and trust me, this isn’t your run-of-the-mill instrumental album. Styles1001 is a man who lets the music speak for itself, and this collection of beats shows he knows how to hit the right notes—literally and metaphorically.
“I Am” opens the album like a slow sunrise; warm, welcoming, and powerful. The heavy bass hit like the heartbeat of the streets, while the subtle soul sample feels like it’s pulling you in. It’s a track that sets the tone for what’s to come: a balance between old-school boom-bap and modern refinement. You could almost feel Styles1001 grinning in the background, knowing he’s crafted a classic and fresh vibe.
Up next is “Wyzdom,” a smooth concoction of wisdom wrapped in hypnotic loops and crisp percussion. The jazz influence shines here, where you can practically hear Miles Davis smiling from wherever he is. The beat moves like a conversation, flowing effortlessly while every snare and sample feels thoughtfully placed. Styles lets the music breathe here; there’s no rush, only groove.
“Trance Musiq” shifts gears, dipping into the more experimental side of things. This beat is a bit like walking through fog—it’s murky and mysterious, but incredibly compelling. The production pulls you into a hypnotic trance with its swirling synths and off-kilter rhythm. It’s a reminder that Styles1001 isn’t afraid to get weird when necessary, and somehow, it all still makes sense.
“Afro Musia” takes the cultural route, nodding to Afrobeat and tribal rhythms, blending those influences with hitting drums and soulful undercurrents. It’s vibrant, like a street festival packed into a track, with sounds bouncing off each other like dancers in a drum circle. You can almost feel the beat’s energy pulsating in your chest, commanding you to move, nod, or appreciate the layers of artistry within.
When “Life” hits, it’s clear Styles has more to say. This track is contemplative—a bouncy reflection carried by an introspective melody. The boom-bap elements are toned down here, but that doesn’t mean it’s less powerful. The drums are steady and reassuring, while the atmosphere builds like the soundtrack to a thoughtful moment in a movie. It’s a beat you could get lost in.
The “Interlude” is short but sweet, a brief stop that feels like a reset button—a palate cleanser for the eardrums before diving back into the boom-bap pool. It’s a beautiful and impactful beat that serves as a moment of pause, allowing you to digest the journey thus far. It’s a clever reminder that sometimes silence speaks louder than words, offering a reflective space before the ride continues.
With “Power,” Styles1001 flexes his production muscles, delivering a beat that commands attention. The intensity builds with hard-hitting drums and assertive samples that resonate with the power dynamics of hip-hop culture. This track embodies the spirit of resilience, urging listeners to claim their strength and voice.
“Mind Control” pulls the listener into a deeper, darker space. It’s unsettling in the best way, with ominous chords weaving through the boom-bap framework. The production feels like a mind-bending trip down a rabbit hole where nothing is quite what it seems. Every drum hit echoes like a warning, and the sample feels like pulling you further into the beat’s grip.
Closing the album is “U Afraid?” and it’s the kind of track that leaves a lasting impression. It’s haunting, with ghostly samples floating over pounding drums. The vibe here is unrelenting, almost daring listeners to engage with the raw, aggressive energy. Styles ends the album with a bang, leaving no room for doubt that he’s mastered the art of building tension and atmosphere with his beats.
Overall, “Return of the BoomBap” isn’t just a collection of instrumentals; it’s a journey through soundscapes that speak to the raw essence of hip-hop while bending genres and expectations. Styles1001 has taken jazz, boom-bap, and soul samples, woven them together, and created something that’s equally familiar and groundbreaking. And just like the man himself, the album forces nothing—each beat feels organic, yet meticulously crafted. This is Sacramento’s new sound, and Styles is at the helm, showing us all how it’s done.
Listen to the “Return of the BoomBap” album on Spotify
Follow Styles1001 here for more information
