Rising hip-hop producer Shibo from Berkeley California is best known for his forward-thinking mellow jazz rhythms inspired by his musical surroundings. Whilst studying Jazz composition and bass performance at UCLA’s music school, his background and influences in jazz music began to shape into jazz infused hip-hop.
In contrast to Shibo’s main influences of J Dilla and Flying Lotus, his production techniques go beyond traditional record sampling by creating his own songs through recorded bass and guitar licks.
Following from his latest single “Spiraling,” which has received over 200k streams globally and has received support from Spotify’s “Jazz Vibes,” – Shibo now presents his new Chillhop EP, Thought Bubble which boasts mesmerising guitar licks, catchy bass lines and mellow vibes perfect for the beachside.
Throughout, it is easy to hear the skillful production and thought that has been put behind this contrasting EP. The first track “Spam Musubi,” is an upbeat track that explores jazz, hip-hop and elements of funk into a track that you can expect to hear by a beach with its bouncy bassline working in syncopation alongside a dreamy synth sound.
It’s a rich track that uses a well constructed arrangement of instruments to explore this mellow, laid back vibe that Shibo is all about. Similarly, in “Beam Me Up,” you can hear Shibo’s nostalgic side expressed in the later half of the track.
The lo-fi hip hop scene is quickly becoming one of the most streamed and most creatively engaging genres in the modern music industry, but there’s a lot of filler and plenty of artists who fail to be truly unique. On the Thought Bubble EP, effects and lo-fi drums all come together to create a nostalgic feel throughout this record, and demonstrates why Shibo is one to watch.
Shibo is expected to release his next EP on the 10th June, with a complete album expected later this year.
Connect with Shibo: Instagram
