The only thing better than a new hip-hop release with Arckatron as its producer is a new hip-hop release with Arckatron as its producer that also includes the respective instrumentals. And that would be the brand new single from rapper Anwar HighSign, “Understand” (also including an Alta Vista Mix of the lead track). The Los Angeles–based Arckatron is a master of soft-spoken instrumental tracks, with an ear for old-school source audio, right down to the surface tension of well-loved vinyl. The highlight of his team-up with HighSign is the b-side, “Kids Don’t Feel,” a low-slung beat that starts off like it’s got gum on one sole (that is, slightly off-kilter — think Dustin Hoffman navigating a city sidewalk in Midnight Cowboy). Arckatron proceeds to reinforce the sad-sack gait with a raspy drop-in, a vocal snippet, and other choice samples. At points, the samples skip and stutter, matching the beat’s downcast charm. The full track features a guest appearance from rapper Castle, but wait until the end of the single for the instrumental, which is pure Arckatron.
https://anwarhighsign.bandcamp.com/album/understand-b-w-kids-dont-feel
This was originally published in Listening Post (0018), the January 17, 2024, issue of This Week in Sound.