Hakata Station

It's so refreshing to have a Chillhop Music release back in our feed. I had the pleasure of meeting the crew in person in Amsterdam recently and let me tell you - easily some of the nicest and most creative people out there. The team recently launched the second of their Timezones series, Japan,  following the debut Nigeria edition from earlier this year, which shed light and celebrated on the instrumental scene of the African country. Both projects that feel eye (and ear) opening.

Timezones Japan came out on November 6 and it pays home not only to the country's influential beat scene, but to one of the most inspiring producers - the late Nujabes. Working alongside Takumi Koizumi (music creative and label owner) and with talented local artists, the result is a tasteful and respectful journey through the Japanese instrumental space legacy.

I picked a special to my heart beat because it features 2 artists I love and respect - Freddie Joachim and Nahokimama, who is also our label artist. Love the blend of city-like groove with the distant melodies of Naho's trumpet and the alluring vocal samples. "Hakata Station" is today’s reminder to keep that love for instrumental hip hop burning.

Explore the full Timezones Japan below. The full compilation features 20 gems from icons like FK, DJ Mitsu The Beats, TSUTCHIE, and DJ Ryow, alongside international talents Freddie Joachim, Mecca:83, FloFilz, The Deli, and Chillhop favorites Psalm Trees and Birocratic.