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Keeping alive the tradition of authentic hip-hop beats, Floyd the Locsmif channels the energy found in the 1960s and 70s-era jazz, soul, and funk crates that he frequently raids, making him one of finest producers to emerge from the south. Hailing from the humble town of Fitzgerald, GA, Locsmif currently crafts his one-of-a-kind beats down in Atlanta – the unofficial southern “Mecca” of innovative hip-hop – where he stays true to his name by unlocking the conventional limits of soul and hip-hop music production. Considering himself a “musical locksmith,” each of Locsmif’s unique rhythmic creations are almost never identical. From his “pause mix” experiment tapes of the late 1980s, to his first sampler investment in 1993, Locsmif continues to bless eardrums with a different sound experience, using his signature “chop style” of production and sometimes lush, almost classical, soul music.

Alongside DJ Jamad (Afromentals/The Aphilliates), Locsmif entered the mixtape scene in 2004 with the highly-acclaimed Outskirts: The Unofficial Lost OutKast Remixes, an OutKast remix CD, consequently expanding Locsmif’s fan base and laying the foundation for his widely received Divine Dezignz series. In early 2005, Locsmif’s Divine Dezignz #1: Discovery, a collection of his original soul and hip-hop instrumentals, made its debut at iTunes and was featured on three consecutive iTunes Street Official Mixtapes. Adding upon the success of #1: Discovery, Locsmif secured a national distribution deal with Fontana through High Wire Music to release Divine Dezignz #1.2: Re-Discovered.

Whether it’s jazzy soul or “overground” ruggedness, Locsmif’s clientele includes Atlanta’s own Cee-Lo, Diggin’ In The Crates Crew member O.C., J-Live, Swamp Headz, Stahhr tha FEMCEE, Sol Uprising, 4IZE of Disturbing the Peace, John Robinson a.k.a. Lil’ Sci, as well as Platinum Pied Pipers’ Waajeed, Mellotone Recordings artist Fantab, and CYNE. Locsmif’s versatility in the music marketplace landed him a commission to produce the soundtrack to Coca-Cola/Nestea’s national “Ice’n” campaign, which promoted the launch of NesteaIce.com in May 2005.

Over the last ten years, instrumental hip-hop has become an increasingly prominent and respected subgenre of rap. From Blockhead to RJD2 to DJ Shadow, skilled producers have used this avenue to release their own cohesive material, affirming their merit as artists rather than mere contributors. A newcomer hoping to join the list of great solo beatmakers is Floyd The Locsmif, recently releasing his second album Divine Dezignz #1.2: Re-Discovered.

Immediately notable upon a first listen is Floyd’s talent for smooth production. Though he hails from the humble Southern town of Fitzgerald, Ga, The Locsmif eschews current trends of crunk in his soulful beats. Interestingly, the album sounds nothing like his most well known song, J-Live’s “Audio Visual” off The Hear After. The track’s synthetic makeup works impeccably, but Floyd abandons that style here as simple samples reign. However, Floyd does do an excellent job of integrating his songs, as each track shares similar instrumentation and style, yet remains unique. On “A Portrait Of Linda” he skillfully incorporates soft piano keys and sampled horns, while mixing distinct keyboard notes and a harder trumpet on “Koolout Kafe.”

Besides making nice tracks, The Locsmif pays homage to a classic album by placing the De La Soul Is Dead “turn the page noise” between songs. Floyd also finds time for charity, humorously dumping a boatload of percussion on “Free Drumz (Skit).” Re-Discovered also includes two tracks with lyrics, “Tru Luv” featuring K. Banger, 4ize and Stahhr, as well as the single “Alwayz Bless” featuring John Robinson. Both songs are highly enjoyable due to solid lyrics and memorable hooks.

-okayplayer

www.myspace.com/locsmif
www.floydthelocsmif.com

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