Mood represents the quintessential sound of the mid-90s underground, where the grit of the street met a blossoming spiritual consciousness. Their music is defined by a heavy, atmospheric weight, largely thanks to the early production work of Hi-Tek. It sounds like a basement studio in the dead of winter, filled with the warmth of analog tape and the crackle of obscure jazz records being sampled into an MPC.
What sets them apart is the interplay between Main Flow and Donte's dense, often esoteric lyricism and the murky, hypnotic loops that back them. While their peers in New York were focusing on cinematic street narratives, Mood leaned into a more cerebral, almost mystical vibe. It is hip-hop that demands a certain level of stillness to fully appreciate the layers of sound and thought.
Start with their 1997 masterpiece, Doom. It is a foundational text for the Cincinnati scene and a masterclass in mood-setting. Tracks like 'Karma' and 'Hustle on the Side' offer a perfect entry point into their world of dusty drums and late-night philosophy.
MOOD is a hip hop group based in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, composed of rappers Main Flow, Donte, and record producer Jahson. Originally formed under the name of Three Below Zero, they wound up changing their name to Mood in 1994. They first came to prominence with the Hi-Tek produced single "Hustle on the Side" in 1996. Their 1997 album Doom featured production by a young Hi-Tek and a guest appearance by Talib Kweli. In 2000, they appeared on "Mission Control Presents", a compilation which featured acts associated with producer Jahson and his record label Mission Control. There were three Mood tracks and three tracks that featured Mood as part of a larger group called Elite Terrorist. Main Flow and Donte are also featured individually on a number of tracks. Music videos for songs "Hustle On The Side" and "Karma" were produced and aired worldwide. Most notably winning awards on regional and international video programs Video Music Box, Urban Reality, Rap City and DrunkinStyle TV. In 2011, Mood released their long-awaited follow up to Doom, entitled Live Again. In the interim, Jahson has an album out as does Main Flow (entitled Flow Season along with 7L), Donte is also planning a solo release.
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); sample based, lo fi, analog warmth (production style)
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); sample based, lo fi, analog warmth (production style)
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); analog warmth, sample based, lo fi (production style)
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); analog warmth, sample based, lo fi (production style)
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); sample based, lo fi, analog warmth (production style)
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); sample based, analog warmth, lo fi (production style)
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); analog warmth, sample based, lo fi (production style)
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, conscious hip-hop (subgenres); lo fi, sample based, analog warmth (production style)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); lo fi, sample based, analog warmth (production style)
Shares boom bap, conscious hip-hop, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); sample based, lo fi, analog warmth (production style)
Shares late night, rainy day, solitude (atmosphere); lo fi, tape saturation, minimalist (production style)
Shares lo fi, tape saturation, minimalist (production style); late night, rainy day, solitude (atmosphere)
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