Hot Sugar - Made Man EP

Beatsmith Hot Sugar has always had a quirkier style than most when it comes to production, and it's great to hear him enlist a gauntlet of MCs that compliment it on his new Made Man EP. Now, is this thing really an EP? I mean, it's got ten tracks, and it's almost forty minutes long. It's almost longer than one of my favorite albums of this year...

Whatever, either way Hot Sugar delivers with some beats that feature some great grooves, colorful synths, and some intentionally low-budget textures. I like that this dude's instrumentals feel intentionally damaged and grimy, but are also pretty light in mood as well. Made Man is just straight fun.

Also, give a listen to this thing if you're looking for some new verses from Open Mike Eagle, Heems, KOOL A.D., Big Baby Gandhi, or Antwon. Enjoy!

Also, feel free to check a video for the EP cut "Erica" below:

Hot Sugar - "Erica" ft. The GTW

One of the most underrated producers out there right now just dropped a new music video for the track "Erica," and it's just great on all fronts. Not only is a soulful, sensual tune that features a bit of heartbreak, but the song's got this bitterness to it that's slightly comedic. Just try not to laugh at lines like "Why'd you quit your only job to be a full-time pain in my ass?" What's even funnier is the music video concept, which sees Hot Sugar looking aggravated with what looks like one of those RealDolls. I think having his significant other played by an inanimate object plays into the theme of the song as well since the doll is essentially dependent on him to keep the relationship going. Amirite? Enjoy!