Soundclouds of the Underground: Seasonal Mixtape Edition

ABOVE: J£ZUS MILLION

These days, music truly lives online, with an infinite number of websites dedicated to hosting tunes for the laptop-wielding masses. However, the web’s bottomless pit of blogs isn’t the only place to troll for mp3 treasures—some of the newest and most exciting (Internet-friendly) artists can be sought out via Soundcloud, the online stage that allows musicians to promote and distribute their music to fans and friends across the globe. In this weekly column, expert Internet sleuth Alex Chapman goes into the depths of the music-sharing site, in hopes of shedding light on emerging acts, as well as sharing some digital diamonds in the rough.

This summer is sure to bring up a bevy of mixes from the Internets hottest DJs, producers, and point players. This week we’re highlighting the best of the batch that have hit the scene right at the top of the summer (although we think they’ll stay with you all season through).

J£zus Million: A Meditation on Madness Mix

Who: 19 year-old Boston-based producer J£zus Million has already proven himself—first, by providing the rhythms for Charli XCX and Brooke Candy’s collaboration “Cloud Aura,” then by releasing material of his own via the standout mixtape Cold Shoulder.

The Song: Featuring the likes of the late DJ Rashad, Squarepusher and Gucci Mane, this moody, grimy bundle of tracks helps encapsulate Jezus Million’s industrial, dark sound that still stays inclined towards hip-hop and making people move.

Current Project: Keep up with the young talent on his Facebook page.

Noms: Northmix

Who: Noms is another Boston producer coming up in the game, with a style that plays off trap, moombathon, and an array of other sounds that have built dance music as we see it today. With tracks like the horn-heavy “Victory Fanfare,” it’s easy to see how Noms condenses these influences into something energetic, interesting and entirely his own.

The Song: This mix made for Vice’s Thump website is full of emotional R&B that’s been remixed and turned out, as well as some interesting takes on club favorites like “Milkshake” and “OG Bobby Johnson.”

Current Project: Listen to Noms’ latest tracks on his Soundcloud.

Omarion: Fader Mix

Who: Omarion is a familiar name to many for his years in the world of mainstream R&B, cranking out hits solo as well as alongside his fellow boy-banders in B2K. He disappeared for a while, but has begun to return to the limelight thanks to his partnering up with Rick Ross and the Maybach Music gang.

The Song: Although Omarion’s name is far from underground, his Fader Mix from last week has proven his taste is both impressive and almost entirely new wave, with selects from Kaytranada, Falcons, and Sango (who has become a collaborator of Omarion’s as of late).

Current Project:  Stay tuned into the Inglewood native’s new school sound via his Facebook page.

Soundclouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.