DMV-based artist Harry Gray is not new to the site and has released more than a handful of projects over the years. His latest effort, The Color Purple (Instrumental Tape), is an eleven-track collaboration with Russian producer Rustybeatz13, which finds the duo crafting soulful soundscapes featuring sublime melodic runs, expertly chopped vocal samples, lush chords, layered over a variety of grooves.  From the moment you hit the play button, your ears are engulfed by a wave of fresh, soothing sounds reminiscent of 90s neo-soul with a modern twist.

The project opens up with “Tell ‘Em,” a future/R&B styled instrumental that blends raw vocal samples with atmospheric synths, pads and a steady groove to match, while “Prayer” highlights Harry Gray’s rich melodic vocals, which are in abundance. He infuses his repertoire with Gospel-tinged stylings and sultry R&B vocal fills that echo the sentiments of the past. On “Fall in Love,” the nostalgic Motown vocal touch meets modern, punchy grooves and soulful hip-hop aesthetics, while “I Love You” is punctuated by Southern bouncy rhythms and syncopated drums, underpinned by spirited vocals that raise the ante in the chorus. The subtle vocal chops on “Fade Away” are gripping and sublime, highlighting the production’s chemistry between these two talented artists. The verses are laced with sultry melodic chops, slick neo-soul chords, and soothing pads that rise to a plateau, punctuated by a velvety hook.  The production shifts to moody and solemn on “Cranes,” and scenic guitar-driven vibes on “Hello Friend,” while “In My Head” taps into the lofi/soul sphere with a dusty, jazzy piano chord arrangement and a quiet vocal run that flows like a mantra throughout the course of the track. The sample flip on “Stand By Me” is immaculate and quite surprising. The result is unexpected, but brilliantly executed. The way the vocals are spliced creates an entirely new narrative from the original sample, and it’s one of the highlights on this project.

The project closes out with “Keep Your Head” and “CAR KILLA,” two distinctive tracks that further highlight the duo’s versatility and forward-thinking musical styles.  “Keep Your Head” is anchored in uplifting the soul, with its positive, affirming message, soulful vocal samples that remind us to keep our heads up, and an overall retro-soul texture that echoes the past with a modern touch. “CAR KILLA” blends modern soft rock with hip-hop, featuring a sizzling electric guitar backline that builds to a crescendo as the track progresses. The track’s overall production is dynamic, edgy, and gripping from start to finish.

Overall, The Color Purple (Instrumental Tape), is a brilliant ode to classic instrumental tapes like J Dilla’s Donuts, Madlib‘s Beat Konducta and DOOM‘s Special Herbs series.

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Keep up with Harry Gray | SoundCloud: YouTube: linktr.ee: Instagram

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