This collection of instrumentals doesn't simply survey Clams' production it turns his rap beats into moody compositions and flips the basic beat-tape concept into an album-like collection of electronic music.Ĭlams Casino productions generally bring together conventional hip-hop drums, a sensitive ear for off-to-the-side melodies, and an overdose of oddly moving atmosphere. It speaks to Clams' rarefied vision that he refuses to find room for an in-demand instrumental on a free download but includes an untitled final track, a bizarre, minute-long footwork-like manipulation of 'Teddy's Jam' from 1980s new jack swing group Guy. For more info on Clams Casino, follow his Twitter, and read his other well-done interviews at Pitchfork and Space Age Hustle.'I'm God' isn't included on Instrumental Mixtape the beats here are even more diffuse, and it wouldn't really fit. To celebrate Volpe's quick rise and beautiful work, here's a small sampling of my favorite Clams Casino productions.

(He put it out for free, so put your Google hard-hat on to find it.

His excellent instrumental mixtape has garnered rave reviews, and the glowing press has started to pile up. In a Village Voice interview with b contributor Brandon Soderberg, Volpe called producing 'a hobby right now' with no interest of 'going all in,' but you have to wonder how long he'll hold out. (Without Clams Casino, the web-obsessed #based movement may exist, but it wouldn't capture its welcoming, earnest core.) Part Dilla, part Toro Y Moi's Causers of This, a Clams Casino beat is stark but genuinely moving, resonating with that wondrous sense of losing yourself in headphones - call it glitchy, digital sadness. He's worked with Soulja Boy and, most notably, Lil B, the Based God. Meet Clams Casino, aka Mike Volpe, a 23-year-old physical therapy student who just so happens to be making some of the most left-field, warmest and striking hip-hop beats today.

Clams casino interview