For many years, Mike Dean has been the trusted ears for not only Kanye West but the likes of Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, Madonna and virtually every artist who graces the G.O.O.D. Music family tree.
Now it’s the veteran producer/engineer’s turn to fully display his talents — in the form of his first-ever solo album, aptly titled after the Smoker’s Holiday.
“I produced all of my music really stoned,” Dean excitedly tells GroovyTracks. “The overall vibe of the album is [Pink Floyd’s] Dark Side Of The Moon on molly or acid.”
Freddie Gibbs & Madlib Unleash ‘Bandana Beats’ Instrumental Album
The 1971 landmark rock album has long been the benchmark for a euphoric listening experience that isn’t dampened by interruptions or needless songs. But in the case of Hip Hop, which vein does Dean closely align with?
“I think probably like ‘Mary Jane’ by Scarface,” he suggests.
Over the course of an hour and a half and 28 tracks, Dean challenges his fellow Hip Hop producers with a seemingly never-ending twist of fluttering sonics, electronica breakbeats and energetic synth chords. The bonus kicker is that the album was constructed in one quarantine-Instagram Live session.
Check out Dean’s 4:20 album stream and cover art below. Follow him on Instagram @therealmikedean for more updates on the project.
87