Zodiacs

Zodiacs, released in early 2018, stands as a cornerstone of the lo-fi hip-hop movement, specifically the 'study beats' subculture that dominated streaming platforms in the late 2010s. The Deli, a producer known for his prolific output and signature 'dusty' sound, uses the twelve signs of the zodiac and the four elements as a thematic framework for this 20-track collection. Sonically, the album is a deep dive into jazz-hop, utilizing sophisticated samples of upright bass, Rhodes piano, and muted horns, all processed through heavy tape saturation to achieve a vintage, analog feel. Unlike many beat tapes that feel like a collection of disparate ideas, Zodiacs has a clear narrative arc, moving through elemental suites (Fire, Air, Earth, Water) and astrological signs. The standout track 'Sagittarius' is notable for its unusually long runtime in a genre typically defined by brevity, allowing the listener to fully inhabit its hypnotic groove. Critically, it is regarded as one of the more 'musical' entries in the lo-fi canon due to its strong jazz foundations.