XIXI (pronounced ‘eleven eleven’) is a Washington D.C., USA-based hip-hop and R&B producer who has just caught my attention thanks to his new instrumental EP Boog Vol. 2.

By Graeme Smith

Boog Vol. 1 was released earlier this year to high acclaim from the blogosphere. It unfortunately passed me by but I’m glad I didn’t miss Vol. 2, which provides a fresh batch of atmospheric tracks. It opens with Run, which comes complete with vocals courtesy of The Voice. A moment of classic, soulful R&B with a few twists and turns, it starts things off on the right foot.

Track two $$ is, as the title suggests, all about the hustle. With big beats and a timeless quality to it, it rumbles along nicely. A looping melody is utterly seductive and before you know it, you’re nodding along. 800 Avanti Place then brings with it an old school hip hop flavour and a tribute to James Brown.

7 is the EP’s centre point and is awash with soulful vocalisations and emotive piano. It’s a definite highlight. He’s Him (Make It Publicly Clear) R.I.P. Rick James is another celebration of a black musical icon. Just like Rick’s music, there’s a healthy dose of funk but channelled through a stuttering, experimental lens and some wonderfully jazzy percussion.

A short, cavernous Interlude sets the scene for the EP’s final story, 11pm. It perfectly encapsulates that time of night when things are winding down but the party’s not over, with lively drums, rumbling bass and sultry vocalisations. It’s a chill way to round off the EP and leaves a pleasant moment to keep with you as you leave XIXI’s world. If you’re anything like me, you’ll definitely be back.

Boog Vol. 2 is out now, released via John Beckham’s label. You can check it out below.