Breaking out as one-quarter (later, one-third) of the indie-electronic band the xx, Jamie xx has become one of the most interesting and challenging producers in all of music. His remixes of contemporary classics, like Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" and Florence + the Machine's "You Got the Love," have proven to be smashes, gaining him a devoted following online and in the music press. Everything he touches seems to turn to gold, and with a debut solo album set to be released, the unassuming Londoner born Jamie Smith looks to reach entirely new heights.
A real landmark moment for Jamie xx came with the release of his Gil Scott-Heron remix album, We're New Here. Showcasing a greater incorporation of hip-hop and being much more aggressive than any material released with the xx, We're New Here maintained Scott-Heron's vision while giving it an electronic supercharge. And the result was something magical; that album opened Jamie (and the xx) to an entirely new audience, quickly becoming in-demand with the likes of Drake, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, and Radiohead—and all before the age of 25.
Jamie xx has survived trends by creating his own brand of electronic music; many have attempted to imitate, but all have failed. His sound encompasses a multitude of genres, such as hip-hop, indie-rock, garage, and grime, to create something aggressively unique that is continually evolving. In celebration of his upcoming debut album, In Colour (out June 1 via Young Turks), Complex lists 10 Jamie xx productions that prove he is one of best beat wizards around.
Sam Moore is a writer for Complex UK. Follow him @Sam_Moore95.