100s

100s sounds like the exact midpoint between a 1970s blaxploitation soundtrack and a 2010s cloud rap mixtape. The music is defined by a thick, syrupy atmosphere where g-funk basslines are slowed down and submerged in reverb, creating a sonic environment that feels both nostalgic and alien. It is the sound of Berkeley at midnight, filtered through a lens of high-fashion pimp aesthetics and effortless cool.

What makes 100s truly distinctive is his commitment to the 'player' persona, delivered with a deadpan, almost bored vocal style that contrasts sharply with the lush, melodic production. Unlike the aggressive energy of his hyphy contemporaries, 100s opts for a low-slung, hypnotic groove. The percussion is crisp but the melodies are hazy, creating a 'perm-wave' sound that prioritizes texture and mood over lyrical complexity.

Start with the mixtape 'Ice Cold Perm' to experience the foundational aesthetic of his sound. It captures a specific moment in the early 2010s West Coast revival where retro influences were being dismantled and rebuilt into something much colder and more atmospheric. It is essential listening for anyone who wants their hip-hop to feel like a slow-motion walk through a neon-lit city.