About this item

Above The Clouds is the second EP from Manchester beat maker tympanik. and the first release for UK hip hop label Forth and Back. Featuring deliciously smooth lo-fi hip hop beats influenced by the classic old school era, this latest offering is characterised by soulful samples, dusty drums and vintage vocal cuts in a unique take on 90s hip hop bumps.

Real hip-hop heads amongst you will recognise the name - inspired by the legendary Gang Starr track. And the high altitude concept runs throughout the entire album - from the trippy artwork by Sheffield artist Jim Spendlove to the track list itself. As a metaphor the name carries through each note and drumbeat - ensuring these buttery-smooth beats will have you floating high above the clouds on your flying carpet.


New kid on the block tympanik. grew up listening to Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Hi-Tek, Madlib, Kanye West and Dr Dre - whilst also developing a lifelong admiration for prolific producer J Dilla. His love for the beats he cut his teeth to - from the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde, Mos Def - is evident in his flava-full execution of Above The Clouds’ raw sound. Having forged a solid reputation and loyal following on Soundcloud and Spotify over the past few years, he honed his craft with wavy remixes of classic hip hop tracks. This limited edition, 16-track instrumental 12” vinyl also features a few bonus tracks taken from his first EP, A Dream.

STAFF COMMENTS

Millie says: Local artist and local (new) label, Forth and Back getting the attention it deserves this week in the shop with this incredible new EP ‘Above The Clouds’. Tympanik is channeling classic instrumental hip hop beats while weaving in jazz and soul samples which results in a heavenly combination.