CULTURE

Published: Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 4:00 am

tdf's "CULTURE" Album: A Futuristic Chillwave Masterpiece Inspired by Pierre Bourne

Minneapolis-based producer tdf is making waves in the underground rap scene with his new album, "CULTURE," a sonic journey that builds upon the innovative sound pioneered by producer Pierre Bourne. Drawing inspiration from Bourne's spacey, pixelated beats, which influenced countless productions in the last half-decade, tdf crafts a unique blend of futuristic chillwave, characterized by hypnotic melodies, dramatic transitions, and collagist sound design.

"CULTURE" showcases tdf's evolution, moving beyond Bourne's style by embracing a swampier, low-end heavy sound with a slightly scuffed-up mix. The album leans into the mixtape ethos, acting as a conductor for a chorus of underground rappers. The tracks, likely assembled remotely, possess a relaxed, lived-in feel, reminiscent of a casual hangout.

tdf's production is the undeniable star, skillfully weaving together drums, melodies, and samples into chugging, noisy dreamscapes. The album features unexpected twists, like a flip of a Frank Ocean classic on "Numb" featuring jssr, and the keyboard work on "Stamped" with 1oneam. A key element of tdf's beat construction is the use of found sounds, often incorporating surprising and sticky samples that act as mini-hooks. Like Bourne, tdf incorporates animal sounds, including lion roars and even a Dragonball Z sample, adding a touch of playful irreverence. While "CULTURE" delivers a captivating listening experience, some miss the more direct humor of tdf's previous work, like his 2023 album "BLUEPRINT." Despite this, "CULTURE" is a must-listen for fans of experimental hip-hop and those seeking a sonic escape.

Keywords: tdf, CULTURE, album review, Pierre Bourne, hip-hop, underground rap, futuristic chillwave, mixtape, music production, experimental music, Minneapolis, new music, music review, Frank Ocean, jssr, 1oneam, ATL Smook, BLUEPRINT

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