Some artists are forever underrecognized. Be it because they were too left field for their time or perhaps they never hit the label lotto, it is an unfortunate fact of life as an artist that occurs all too often. However it is rather uncommon for an entire genre to be underrecognized. Usually a confluence of sounds and styles can at least generate enough noise and enough hype that they break out into something the public wants to hear, or at least have themselves unceremoniously co-opted into radio driven pop. Trip-hop was almost there, glimpses of it passed through the nineties in the form of Massive Attack’s Mezzanine, along with contemporaries like Portishead. But beyond the influence the genre had on Sade, it never really got the pop shine that it deserved.
Because it never got its full due, many trip hop artists remain forgotten. But a re-evaluation of the genre thanks to the internet and the cult following groups like Massive Attack gathered in their heyday has brought gems like Nightmares on Wax back to the surface.
Nightmares on Wax was never quite like many of the artists mentioned above, in fact sharing much more in common with artists like J Dilla or even Nujabes. His soulful sound owed itself to reggae and dub that made its way to the UK and then was translated by DJ’s and electronic artists into something else entirely. But no one did it quite like Nightmares on Wax, who went on to inspire artists like Kanye West with his unique sound.
To get a glimpse of this legend up close all you need to do is trek over to the Wiltern on April 23rd and hear the sound that inspired a generation, specifically his legendary album Smokers Delight. Trip hop is making its way back to the top of the pile so catch Nightmares on Wax while you can. He’s a legend for a reason.
Location: The Wiltern
Address: 3790 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Tickets available from $25
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