Y.N.X. 716 is a Buffalo, New York, USA-based lyricist who has just joined forces with Long Island producer and artist DJ Concept for a new collaborative EP. Combining classic hip-hop with something a little more ethereal, it’s called Conceptual Thoughts.
By Graeme Smith
DJ Concept has amassed an extensive discography over the years and has made a name for himself through his obscure sampling style and engaging projects with various underground acts. For his new collaborative collection, he’s joined forces with the gospel and R&B-inspired rapper Y.N.X 716 and both are bringing something fresh to the party.
Though it runs for less than fifteen minutes, there’s a lot packed into Conceptual Thoughts. With a depth of song-writing and production to match its title, we are given a collection that plunges into the human condition, all while giving us some pleasing and upbeat hip-hop compositions. I’ve not heard much in the genre that pushes boundaries quite as this EP does.
A record for lovers of the old school and modern hip-hop alike, things open with some dramatic, throwback beats and atmospheric organ in the EP’s title track Conceptual Thoughts. Cutting verse come in and the pair make a lot with very little over its 98 seconds.
Mainstream take things in a moodier direction before Daydreaming slows things down with some ambient lo-fi. The use of contrast in this six track collection is quite impressive, and we’re never sure what’s going to come next, be it the classically-infused experimentation of Beautiful Noise, the fiery callouts of Closure or the soaring vibrancy of EP closer Long Way Up.
Y.N.X 716 and DJ Concept are a match made in heaven and here’s hoping there’s a lot more to come from the collaboration. Conceptual Thoughts is an EP without a wasted bar or note, and is a record that will get a lot of repeat play. If you’re a fan of hip-hop that keeps things authentic, then you need to check it out.
Conceptual Thoughts is available now through all major digital retailers and streaming platforms via Crisis Center Collective. You can check it out below.