2011 was a great year for hip hop, but in my mind, it was Mike Volpe, a.k.a. Clams Casino, that ruled the production game. Between numerous beats he produced for the likes of Lil B, Soulja Boy, and Main Attrakionz, many of which made it onto last year's Instrumentals mixtape, as well as the fantastic Rainforest EP, Clams was everywhere. What's more, he hasn't slowed down a bit. Throughout the course of this and last year, the producer has provided various excellent beats for A$AP Rocky, The Weeknd, and Mac Miller, to name a few, not to mention remixes for Lana Del Rey and Washed Out. In addition to an unreleased track, these productions, among a handful of others, comprise a new mixtape appropriately titled Instrumental Mixtape 2.
The mixtape may come as a blessing to people who feel that the artists with whom Clams Casino collaborates don't do his work justice, but more importantly, it provides a chance to marvel at how intricate his production truly is. The manipulated samples that lend these beats the ethereal, atmospheric quality that prompted the "cloud rap" term showcase a fascinating balance of subtlety and clarity, supplying a sense of density that demands repeated listens. Factor in the booming drums that accompany them, and the result is something that is both emotionally resonant and physically engaging.
Head here to grab a free download of the release, and be sure to read the honorable mentions I gave to Clams Casino last year.
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