Artists to Listen to If You Like TNGHT

We're in an interesting time when it comes to the trap/bass music scene right now. Back in 2012, not only was "trap" blowing up in the EDM scene, but

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Complex Original

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We're in an interesting time when it comes to the trap/bass music scene right now. Back in 2012, not only was "trap" blowing up in the EDM scene, but due to Lunice and Hudson Mohawke's TNGHT project, it was breaking into the more critical realm (for good or ill). Both had their own storied sounds and catalogs before linking up, but the chemistry of their partnership was undeniable, with their self-titled five-track EP blowing the minds of dance music and hip-hop scenes the world over. With enigmatic live shows and infectious instrumentals, these two were sure to be the symbol for the progression (and fusion) of the hip-hop sound and the electronic music scene.

Then they went on hiatus.

The reason for going their separate ways was a smart one: they are both working on solo albums, and need to devote time to finish up those projects. We're not sure if they will ever link up again, but that's the beauty of the trap scene on the Internet: we have artists from around the world that can help fill that void. And today we wanted to shine the light on acts that share TNGHT's aesthetic. For the fans who love TNGHT but might not be too up on some of these deeper acts, here's a quick primer.

Baauer

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Believe it or not, this man is responsible for way more then just shaking up Harlem. Whether it's one of his bangin' originals ("Snap," "Baddest," "Slip," "Bublé Rap") or one of his dope remixes for NERO, Flosstradamus, No Doubt, AlunaGeorge, Disclosure, or Obey City, Baauer spent 2013 proving that he's to be put in the same pantheon as TNGHT. He's one of the few artists in today's dance music landscape who could effectively release tunes by throwing out USBs to fans at shows and it worked. —Jake

Flume

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Australia's Flume had a serendipitous 2013. With his stock continuing to rise, Flume toured the U.S., released material on OWSLA with Emoh Instead as What So Not, re-released his own debut album, and collaborated with rappers like Ghostface Killah and Freddie Gibbs. For fans of TNGHT, Flume reps a noticeably brighter sound with euphoric leads and groovy bounces. The production is so large though that TNGHT fans won't be able to resist it's crispiness. —Jake

RL Grime

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History will remember RL Grime as one of the most important pioneers in bringing electronicically-infused trap music to the forefront of the collective EDM concious. His originals like "Trap On Acid" and "Flood," as well as his remixes of "Mercy", Pour It Up," and "Satisfaction" have been some of the biggest trap records since it first started blowing up on the Internets about two years ago. We fully expect his name to be all over Essential Mix tracklists for years to come. —Xavier

Sinjin Hawke

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Pelican Fly might be more recently known for releasing Cashmere Cat's debut EP, but before that the Belgian label had already made waves with Sinjin Hawke. The Canadian-born, Spain-living artist has long been at the forefront of fusing southern hip-hop and futuristic electronic beats and has garnered acclaim from across the music landscape. Like TNGHT, Hawke doesn't have the deepest of catalogs - a sign of quality control at the very least. Be it his wavy Drake or Waka Flocka remixes or one of his epically soulful originals like "Crystal Dust" - TNGHT fans need to be up on Mr. Hawke. —Jake

Buku

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He doesn't have the same name value as some of the other names on this list as far as festival billings are concerned, but Buku is still making some future fire. The Pittsburgh native released a smackin' EP on Pilot Records at the end of last summer (Fooled) and followed that up with another (Click Clack). His heavy tribal bass vibes, big percussion, and unique horns are part of what make Buku's sound so infectious and although it'll still sound dope on those Logitech speakers, hear this on a big system and you'll truly understand why he's on this list. —Jake

What So Not

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In many ways, Australia is to bass music what Sweden is to progressive house. It's like everyday some new new producer is popping off over there and we have to struggle just to keep up. We love that shit though. One of those artists we love to keep pace with would be What So Not. The duo have been making major noise the last 12 months in the international bass music scene highlighted by an EP release on OWSLA. Speaking of OWSLA, the duo are also heavily rumoured to be working on a two track collab EP with the label boss himself, Skrillex. We strongly reccomend you be one of those cool, too future kids and hop on this train before they really take off. —Xavier

Jacuzzi

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If you pay any kind of attention to these Internets, you probably took notice a couple a months ago when Jacuzzi blew up the blogosphere with his remix of Santigold's "Disparate Youth.". Jacuzzi, the conductor of the hyphy re-arrangement, hails from the Hawaiian island of Oahu and has been riding on a wave of momentum into the release of his outstanding five track debut EP, Mizu. The future is indeed bright for this one. —Xavier

Hucci

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If TNGHT and Hucci have anything in common, it's how easy it would be for rappers to hop on their beats. We know TNGHT was specifically making music in a more hip-hop vein, and even though Hucci is the young trap lord representing the 808 scene for the UK, his beats are solid beds for spitters to hop on. He also works well with loops and samples, and we have a feeling that he's just one banger away from taking off. —khal

Rustie

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Not so much in similar sonic style as much it is the shared pioneer credibilty. Like TNGHT, Rustie in his own right has paved his own path as a forward-thinking hip-hop and electronic fusion artist. His beats appeared on Danny Brown's album last fall, and he had a massive single in "Slasherr" / "Triadzz." —Jake

Howls

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As if Ta-Ku wasn't killing it enough on his own, he linked up with Kit Pop to create a dynamic duo known to the world as HOWLS. While their catalog is very small (their appropriately-titled first track "001" was uploaded in January 2014), they're presenting a number of different takes on this future hip-hop/trap scene. Already dropping collaborations with ESTA and LAKIM, they're aligning themselves with the cream of the crop in this sound, and similar to TNGHT, are making sure that the tracks can standalone but still work well enough for a capable spitter to spit upon. WIth an EP on the way, it'll be interesting to see where this duo takes their project. —khal

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