Req

Req creates a sound that is less about the club and more about the alleyway behind it. His music is a masterclass in 'less is more,' taking the foundational elements of hip-hop - the breakbeat and the bassline - and stripping them down until they become skeletal, ghostly echoes of themselves. It is dusty, saturated, and feels like it was recorded onto a cassette tape that has been left in the sun too long. The rhythms are often slightly off-kilter, creating a hypnotic, head-nodding tension that never quite resolves.

What truly distinguishes Req is his background as a graffiti artist, which translates into a visual sense of layering and texture in his production. There is a grit to the sound that feels tactile, as if you can feel the grain of the vinyl and the hiss of the tape. Unlike the polished trip-hop of his contemporaries, Req’s work is raw and unvarnished, prioritizing mood and atmosphere over melodic hooks or vocal features. It is the sound of the UK underground in its most introverted and experimental form.

Newcomers should start with his debut album, 'One,' or the critically acclaimed 'Car Paint Scheme.' These records perfectly encapsulate his ability to turn minimal sample loops into vast, immersive soundscapes. It is essential listening for anyone who finds beauty in the decay of urban environments or who prefers their beats with a heavy dose of mystery and grime.