Blackwave. creates music that feels like a warm embrace from a vintage soul record, updated with the sharp rhythmic sensibilities of modern hip-hop. Their sound is defined by a rich, organic palette: think live brass sections, bubbling basslines, and shimmering keys that provide a lush playground for their dual-vocal delivery. It is music that prioritizes groove and melody without sacrificing the technical craft of rapping.
What truly distinguishes the duo is their ability to sound both nostalgic and forward-thinking. They channel the spirit of 90s jazz-rap and 70s funk but polish it with a high-fidelity sheen that feels entirely contemporary. The interplay between producer/vocalist Willem Ardui and rapper Jay Walker creates a dynamic tension; one brings a melodic, often melancholic sweetness, while the other provides a grounded, rhythmic flow.
Start with 'ARE WE STILL DREAMING?' to hear them at their most expansive. It is an album that captures the feeling of transition and ambition, perfect for listeners who want hip-hop that feels as much like a live band performance as a studio production.
blackwave. (also known as blackwavedot) is a Belgian hip-hop duo composed of producer Willem Ardui and rapper Jean-Valéry Atohoun. Their influences include The Roots, Prince, Parliament-Funkadelic and Brockhampton. The group, in an interview with Billboard, said "We love incorporating all kinds of different genres in our music and challenging ourselves to always try something different." The band released their first album, Mic Check, in 2017. Their second album, Are We Still Dreaming?, was released in 2019 and reached 4th place in the Belgium Top 200 Albums. Their third album, No Sleep in LA, was released in 2022 and peaked in first place for one week. In 2019, blackwave. was nominated for the 2019 MTV Europe Music Awards in the 'Best Belgian Act' category, losing out to MATTN.
Shares contemporary r&b, soul, funk (subgenres); golden hour, summer, festival (atmosphere)
Shares joyful, nostalgic, confident (moods); contemporary r&b, pop rap, funk (subgenres)
Shares contemporary r&b, soul, funk (subgenres); analog warmth, layered dense, hi fi (production style)
Shares contemporary r&b, pop rap, funk (subgenres); joyful, nostalgic, confident (moods)
Shares contemporary r&b, soul, funk (subgenres); harmonized, rap, crooning (vocal style)
Shares joyful, nostalgic, confident (moods); rap, crooning, harmonized (vocal style)
Shares rap, crooning, harmonized (vocal style); golden hour, summer, festival (atmosphere)
Shares contemporary r&b, soul, funk (subgenres); hi fi, analog warmth, layered dense (production style)
Shares golden hour, jazz fusion, funk, pop rap (signature)
Shares funk, pop rap, soul, orchestral arrangement (subgenre)
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