There are two Blockheads.
There is the Blockhead that has been a fixture of the electronic music scene ever since he released his 2004 Ninja Tune debut, Music By Cavelight (which still gets burn to this day); putting out a string of critically-acclaimed albums and touring with everyone from Diplo to Amon Tobin and Kid Koala.
Then there is the rap producer Blockhead, whose collaborations with Aesop Rock (Labor Days, None Shall Pass) are part of indie hip-hop canon. The veteran who collaborated with luminaries like Cage, Illogic and Blueprint, but also made memorable records with then little-known artists like Despot and billy woods early in their careers.
Free Sweatpants, the new album from Blockhead, is the first time both versions of the NYC producer collide in what can be described as a mixtape-esque album that pairs his narrative-driven solo aesthetic with a team of rappers–Aesop Rock (“Kiss the Cook“), Open Mike Eagle, Tree, Vic Spencer, Homeboy Sandman, and more–that thrive n his layered, melodic sound.
“It’s really something I have been wanting to do since way back in 2002, but then other things picked up and I just never got around to it,” Blockhead explains. “I felt like this was a good time for it. These are artists I actively listen to, so it was exciting to make just based on that.”
Press play below and be sure to add Free Sweatpants on your preferred streaming platform. The album is also available in physical form (vinyl, CD) via Backwoodz.
