Innovation in Hip Hop and Drum & Bass: Exploring SB1’s Album “BASURA BLANCA”

While Drum & Bass isn’t my primary genre, I decided to take the plunge into this intriguing album from Michigan indie artist SB1, titled “BASURA BLANCA“. I must admit, what truly captivated me was the album’s genuine underground flavor. It doesn’t aim for radio-friendly or lightweight elements but instead smashes through clichés with a set of powerful components.

There are many aspects I’d like to discuss, so let’s start with the overall concept. “BASURA BLANCA,” which I believe translates to “white thrash,” heavily incorporates hip-hop elements. Vocalists such as Pacewon deliver solid rap in “HYBRID,” while Pardeeboi and SKYRAH contribute to more melodic segments. The melodies, however, veer toward the realms of Liquid Funk and Liquid Dubstep, with wobbling basslines that nod to old-school formulas while incorporating futuristic elements. This combination can be overwhelming, as seen in “BEEP,” where the amalgamation of various elements had a negative impact on my experience. On the other hand, it can be very effective, as demonstrated in “NADA CUMBIA,” where I was entranced by the interplay between traditional and sci-fi elements. Overall, “BASURA BLANCA” exudes innovation, and SB1 has certainly captured my attention with their energetic productions.

LOVE ITCH (ft. SKYRAH)
77/100

Featuring SKYRAH’s vocals and elegant yet slightly eerie chords, “LOVE ITCH” exudes an elegant and mysterious atmosphere that drew me in. It pounces with a brutal drop and presents an energy and a quest for a sophisticated aura that’s rare in contemporary music. The choice of vocals is absolutely brilliant. This is some unique DnB!

NADA CUMBIA
80/100

A distorted vocal alternates with a frenetic bassline, heavy distortions, and a moombah bass that injects a Latino influence into the track. I loved it. The alternation of different sounds creates a sort of trippy aura, resulting in quite an exhilarating final product. With creativity and audacity, “NADA CUMBIA” is the album’s standout, a true showcase of ingenuity with a brutally effective outcome.

HYBRID (ft. Pacewon)
81/100

Let’s set aside the Drum & Bass innovations and focus on the old-school hip-hop sounds with a twist from SB1. Featuring excellent rap vocals from PAcewon, “HYBRID” is dominated by a funky lead, scattered scratches, and a roaring bass that cries out for freedom. In this case, I relished the clash between the old and the new in a very dynamic manner.

In the end, “BASURA BLANCA” is a testament to SB1’s willingness to push boundaries and challenge conventions within the music industry. It’s a bold and captivating journey through various electronic and hip-hop influences, and while not every experiment hits the mark, it’s the fearless exploration of sound that makes this album a noteworthy addition to the indie music scene.

As an exploration of sound, “BASURA BLANCA” serves as a reminder that music is at its most powerful when it defies expectations and ventures into the uncharted territories of creativity. It’s a bold statement from an artist who’s unafraid to challenge the status quo, and I, for one, am eager to see where SB1’s musical journey takes us next.