Back catalogue: Broken Beat/Nu Jazz

Review: This renowned hip-hop producer (and also half of Atmosphere) is a founding member of Rhymesayers Entertainment. His decades-spanning career includes work with MF DOOM, Brother Ali, Murs and more after he was raised in a military family with a deep love for records. Ant's eclectic influences shine in Collection of Sounds, a four-volume instrumental series that his instalment three here and has been carefully curated from his vast archive. It mixes up intimate, haunting tracks with expansive, venue-filling beats. Some compositions invite vocalists yet remain deeply personal and overall, rather than reinventing things, Ant reconfigures his past while staying true to his artistic roots.

Review: Legendary producer Ant, who you will most likely know for his work with Atmosphere, showcases his talent once more here with Collection of Sounds: Vol. 4. This release highlights his years of dedication to his craft and is a great mix of fresh ideas with his signature style. While previous volumes explored hip-hop, funk and reggae, Vol. 4 introduces rock-inspired elements such as wailing guitars, though it still maintains a firm foundation in hip-hop. Tracks like 'Hearing In Dark Colors' and 'Created With a Heavy Brush' display his mastery of diverse styles while 'Day After 2010' offers an unexpected vibe that helps confirm Ant's status in the scene.

Review: Ant's Collection of Sounds Vol. 1 offers a profound exploration of his vast musical expertise. As a cornerstone of Atmosphere and Rhymesayers Entertainment, Ant's latest project delves into his deep archive of unreleased material, presenting a sonic journey that's both intimate and expansive. The album masterfully balances moods, from the eerie closeness of 'Bar One' to the wide-open, atmospheric '4-Track Beyond Beat 1996.' Ant's ability to craft beats that invite exploration is evident throughout, with tracks practically begging for lyrical accompaniment. Yet, he resists the urge to overcomplicate, keeping the focus on the purity of the instrumentals. Collection of Sounds isn't just a showcase of technical skill; it's a reflection of Ant's artistic evolution, blending past influences with fresh ideas. The vinyl's packaging adds a tactile dimension to the experience, featuring a custom green record housed in a beautifully designed jacket with artwork by ZooDeville and Saber. This first volume has Ant's enduring creativity on full display with top notch hip-hop production.