Wax Tailor: Tales of Forgotten Melodies (2006)

::: So I haven't written a post in a while now, but lately I've been enjoying a lot of instrumental hip hop. One of my favorite artists from the last couple years is a French hip hop producer named Wax Tailor. He has been around since the early 1990s, but I hadn't heard of him until I came across his album Tales of Forgotten Melodies. What makes this release great is the variety of sound that Wax Tailor combines, everything from hip hop to jazz to soul and all in between. These elements are held together by samples and beats that make you feel like you are in an old 1950s movie. Some have descibed his music as "cinematic hip hop" because he incorporates melodies and vocal samples from films of the past. Though the concept is not new, Wax Tailor does a great job of setting the mood of the album, switching between styles much like a movie changes its scenery, direction, and emotional emphasis. Basically it is just some entertaining instrumental music with dope drum beats, unique samples, and a couple guest rappers and singers. Definitely recommended, along with his newer album Hope & Sorrow.

Tracklist