Soul Mates Records presents “City Hop” by Amerigo Gazaway – an instrumental beat tape that beautifully merges the essence of hip-hop with the sun-soaked, laid-back sounds of 70’s and 80’s Japanese City Pop.
This enchanting album transports listeners to a vibrant intersection of genres, where soulful beats, shimmering synths, and nostalgic melodies intertwine. From neon-lit streets to tranquil beaches, “City Hop” sets the perfect soundtrack for your summer adventures, offering an irresistible blend of chilled grooves and lush soundscapes.
The journey begins with a cleverly sampled soundbite, immersing you in the ambiance of entering a nightclub in 1980’s Tokyo. From there, “Coastal Breeze” invites you to bask in it’s warm embrace, where electric guitars and vocal harmonies intertwine to create a laid-back atmosphere. “A Blissful Evening” envelops you in a chill hip-hop instrumental adorned with sultry saxophone samples, perfect for unwinding and embracing the peaceful moments of the evening. As you dive deeper into the album, “Summer in The City” showcases the soulful side of trap, where silky-smooth keys and hypnotic synth bass evoke urban landscapes drenched in the warm glow of a summer sunset.
Drawing inspiration from 90’s R&B and new jack swing, the album’s standout single “Last Night” transports you to a bygone era of infectious rhythms and nostalgic vibes. This evocative track perfectly captures the essence of a chance encounter on a memorable night out, and the longing that lingers the next day. The ethereal sounds of “In Love Again” pay homage to the retro-futuristic charm of synthwave, with dreamy textures and an 80’s-inspired saxophone that feels straight out of a movie soundtrack. “Rooftop Jam” takes you to a throwback hip-hop disco summer party, where upbeat grooves, synths, guitars, and DJ scratches create an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
“Nostalgic Moments” combines sparkling synths, smooth sax, and breakbeats, infusing a touch of reggae influence to evoke introspection and reflection. “Infiniaty Pool” presents another epic blend of retrowave and trap, immersing you in a futuristic soundscape of pulsating beats and captivating textures. The moody and atmospheric “Late Night Cruise” features dusty breakbeats, haunting piano samples, and guitars, setting the stage for introspection and late-night musings.
“Memory Lane” fuses more 90’s R&B and hip-hop elements, guiding you down a nostalgic journey with soft keys and smooth melodies. The album’s penultimate track, “Sunset Serenade,” unfolds as a slow-burning and meditative lo-fi groove, immersing listeners in a serene soundscape before fading out with the calming sound of crashing waves.
In its entirety, “City Hop” is another wonderful example of Gazaway’s artistry and skillful ability to blend diverse genres seamlessly. With its eclectic blend of hip-hop, city pop, and other influences such as jazz fusion, 90’s R&B, disco, trap, synthwave, and lo-fi, the album creates a sonic tapestry that offers an immersive journey through different eras and emotions. “City Hop” is an extraordinary musical experience that celebrates the past while pushing the boundaries of contemporary sound.
Stream the full album and cop the digital/CD/vinyl below to get 3 unreleased bonus cuts.
