Instrumental University
Duke Productions
4/5
There’s something very remarkable about proficiently done instrumental albums. You may be wondering what exactly is a “proficiently” done instrumental project? Well, for starters it’s one that agrees with your ears by captivating certain sounds together at the right moments. Also, memorable instrumentals are known to lure the listener into a state of deep contemplation and escape. Just ask east coast beat-guru AraabMuzik, who released his second solo album, Instrumental University (Duke Productions), at the end of January.
AraabMuzik’s resume isn’t very long, but it is very strong. Quality over quantity, right? He’s most known for his Dipset affiliation and teaming up with Jim Jones, The Diplomatshomies Cam’ron and Vado, Fabolous, Lloyd Banks, Jadakiss, and Busta Rhymes.Araab, whose real name is Abraham Orellana, hails from Providence, RI and remains true to the East as he’s currently planning a collabo with Harlem’s own A$AP Rocky. He’ll also be at Coachella this year!
Araab claims that his unperturbed surroundings allowed him to stay focused on making live beats, which he first discovered he could do when he started playing the drums at age 3. Clearly, his musical background led him straight to those producers who have left overtones in his music today: Dr. Dre, The Heatmakerz, Just Blaze, Swizz Beatz, and of course 9th Wonder. Araab’s 2006 affiliation with DukeDaGod, whose label Duke Productionsreleased both of Araab’s solo albums, linked him up with Dipset. Things have taken off since then, as he’s bounced around from mixtape to mixtape. Nonetheless, he knows when, where, and how to bang on more than one MPC pad at once and Dipset was hella smart for recognizing and snatching him right up. Kudos.
Still, AraabMuzik is not like the rest. His instrumentals are unique because he teeter-totters between what can be defined as electronic, or artificial, and real life sounds. The way he puts them together creates a whole new sphere of fantasy and reality. His productions are not quite one more so than the other. This translates into how you’re able to feel the right amount of attachment to reality when listening to this record… you’re “there” but not quite “here”. Your mind is able to roam about freely. And let’s face it, we all appreciate those moments when our imagination goes far beyond what lies before us in existence. Thatplace twinkles as much as it’s forbidden and Araab’s music allows you to go there.
As with his last album, Electronic Dream (2011), there are always a handful of chosen tracks I have on repeat for hours-on-end. I was immediately consumed with the track “Rubber Band Stacks”. That. song. GO. Seriously, talk about a hype-up! In all realness, the sample of affiliated homies underneath the use of multiple synthetic drums is pure genius. It is four minutes of blissful frenzy for your ears. I also highly favor the tracks “We All Up in Here”, “Got ‘Em Hands Down”, “Love Me in the Hood”, and “Okay Y’all”. If those beats don’t literally scream east coast, then I don’t know what does. But those sounds are his trademark. On all of them he harmonizes floating sunny illusions with more ominous-sounding undertones. East meets west? Perhaps… Regardless, there’s something aboutAraab’s use of softer string instrumentals with harsher drums that makes his music dreamy, yet, energetic. The balance is perfect.
As mentioned before, I believe the most influential producers who release solo instrumental albums/mixtapes are those that capture the listener to the fullest. Their music is completely capable of pulling one into the moment, making you forget everything and everyone BUT the music. These intentions tend to shift when producing a beat for an artist. Some instrumentals are meant to be silent, meaning not tied to any lyrics. It takes a proficient producer to have both capabilities but more importantly to realize this difference. After all, self-realization, especially of your own capabilities, is the first step towards greatness!
AraabMuzik stunned me with his first solo project. I have been waiting so impatiently for his return, which is why I think I was even more surprised when I found out about the release ofInstrumental University on that blessed Tuesday morning. With that said, I definitely don’t think he has reached his full-potential. And he knows this. On his first album every track is a bewitching banger. Don’t get me wrong, I’m pretty darn hyped about this album, obviously. I just think that he knows what he’s capable of and as any new artist or producer in the game ought to do, he’s trying to build a solid fan base. Let’s just say he’s definitely won me over as a fan and I’m urging you to join Araab’s team.
With the release of Instrumental University, AraabMuzik creates a refreshing artificial intelligence in music among producers today. Thus, I give this release 4 stars because what he delivers is innovative, different, and pretty damn intoxicating. The most exciting part is that this cat is just getting started…
Review by: Stephanie Nicole Jones – journalist
@Stephnicojones
