The Block is Hot

Blockhead: Expiration Date
From Downtown Science (Ninja Tune, 2005)

DJ Shadow --> RJD2 --> Blockhead? In the chain of succession for instrumental hip-hop, Blockhead (born Anthony Simon) may be next up. After making a name for himself by making beats for Aesop Rock, Blockhead went for self in 2004, releasing his debut Music By Cavelight. Now the man's back with a follow-up, moving from the cave to the city with Downtown Science, due out October 18th. On "Expiration Date", Blockhead builds his foundation with a guitar loop and a slow, lurching breakbeat, swapping other samples in and out over the top. The requisite drum trickery is here too, of course, held back until just after the four-minute mark. Despite the title, this is nothing but fresh.