AWON & PHONIKS - "Natural High"

Since I first stumbled across his chilled out but hard hitting jazzy boom bap excursions last year, I've quickly became a fan of producer-on-the-rise Phoniks. His past works include excellent remix projects such as "Autumn in New York" and its follow-up "Summer Nights". Equally impressive is his collaboration project with Awon and Dephlon in the full-length "Dephacation". Now Awon and Phoniks is about to take us on another dope project to kick back too, at least if the first single "Natural High" is any indication of what to expect. The EP, titled "Matte Black", which will be released soon enough, so stay tuned for more info so press play above and enjoy the smooths sound of these guys chemistry.

[EP] PHONIKS - "Summer Nights"

Portland, Maine producer Phoniks had me totally hooked when I had his funky blend of jazz, soul and hardcore beats on his remix EP "Autumn in New York" earlier this year. Since then he has released the equally impressive original project "Dephacation" with Virginia duo Awon & Dephlon, and this guy is definitely not sleeping cuz he's back with yet another crazy fat remix EP. Underlining classics by Jay-Z, Nas, AZ, Big L, 2Pac, Biggie, and Black Moon with what has already become his trademark sounds the smooth sounds of "Summer Nights" is definitely one you want to have in your earphones this summer.

[Album] AWON & DEPHLON - "Dephacation" [prod. PHONIKS]

I quite recently stumbled across Portland, Maine producer Phoniks while listening to some of his excellent remixes albums and immediatly fell in love with his jazzy boom bap aesthetics. His latest project is the full-length album "Dephacation" that he produced in it's entirety for Virginia emcee duo Awon & Dephlon. Over atmospheric (sometimes dreamy), hard hitting and sample heavy beats and no-bullshit rhymes from the rhyme team "Dephacation" is according to Phoniks himself (who quickly is becoming one of my favorite producers of the new generation) his best work yet - and this is definitely his show although the lyrical output is pretty impressive as well. If you're in Canda or the US you can also pick up the 11 track release on limited vinyl for $20 @ Bandcamp. Don't sleep on this release!

"Peace! Here is the link to my newest album, this is my best work and I really hope you can take the time to listen for a moment. Once you hear the first 3 or 4 tracks I believe you will be hooked. Press release below, much love!” - Phoniks (Back the embeded player below two tracks to track #1 - "Intro" - so that you can enjoy the album from beginning to end)

ANTI-LILLY & PHONIKS - "14 Til'"

Just the other day I came across the EP "Autumn in New York" by proudcer Phoniks whose blend of acoustic jazz and boom bap literally blew me away. For the Souls Of Mischief homage "14 Til'" emcee Ant-Lilly has enlisted just Phoniks to catch that jazzy soul sound. Video directed by Catch&ShoorViuals. Nice lil' summer anthem riht here!

[EP/Album] PHONIKS - "Autumn in New York" / "The Instrumentals Vol. 1"

Just until about 30 minutes I was totally unfamiliar with the producer Phoniks, However,doing an unrelated Google search I stumbled across this EP of his entitled0 "Autumn in New York", pressed play and was immediatly hooked. The subtitle on the record cover is Jazz remixes of New York underground hip-hop and that is exactly what it is, and not some lame crossover attempt either but a record done with class and finesse. On the 9-track set Phoniks conjures up a moody atmosphere through the use of somber piano notes, acoustic guitar licks, low-key horns, double bass riffs and smacking drum programming,which he then juxtaposes against the acapellas of several classic underground hip-hop singles from the '90s (you got joints by The Artifacts, Street Smartz, Mos Def, Notorious BIG, Fugees,, AK Skills, and more). This is a damn fine front-to-back listen that demands you to sit down and chill out while soaking in the jazzy sounds and rugged lyricisms of times past. In other words "Autumn in New York" comes highly recommended, especially if you're a real jazz lover and a true hip-hop head like myself. 

I'm also including Phonik's latest release "The Instrumentals Vol. 1" which dropped earlier this month ("Autumn..." was apparantly released back in February). As the title suggests it's an entirely instrumental album and maybe even more than the aforementioned EP it exists in the grey zone between jazz and hip-hop but above anything else it's just beautiful music that'll get your head nodding so don't sleep. I'll definitely be continuing checking for this cat's music, so stay tuned and hope you like his stuff as much as I do. I don't seem to be able to find out any real info about him, but it seems that he operates out of Portland and you can check out more of his work @ PhoniksBeats.com.