RB Writer Picks: Breakout Artists of 2024
December 20, 2024
December 20, 2024
It should come as no surprise that GRiZ is my favorite DJ of all time. His ability to create incredible tracks across multiple genres—funk, house, bass, and more—is unmatched, and his sound design is world-class. GRiZ turns everything he touches into gold with his ability to inject small moments of artistry into every part of a song. His buildups, arrangements, and sound design are crafted with such intention that it’s easy to see how he rose to the top before his recent hiatus. While I could never fit all my favorite GRiZ tracks into a single blog, here are five of my top picks. I hope you find something new to love!
GRiZ and Ganja White Night fuse their styles perfectly in this masterpiece. With GRiZ providing the vocals, the track starts off with a funky, soulful vibe. The first drop is a bass-funk hybrid that blends GRiZ’s signature groove with Ganja White Night’s deep bass sound design. The second drop showcases a wonderful melody, flowing seamlessly between instruments. But it’s the final drop that truly shines, delivering an electric funk riff that will get any listener moving.
This track defies genre classification, making it all the more incredible. ProbCause brings a flow like no other, his rapping adding movement and energy to the track. The drop is a fusion of funk and dubstep, with deep dubstep notes on the downbeats, all wrapped in a funky rhythm and instrumental accents that keep the groove alive. One standout feature of this song is the buildup—it expertly creates tension while keeping the listener engaged, a skill GRiZ has mastered.
As the first track on his final EP before taking a break, “Drop In” will undoubtedly stand the test of time. This song is powerful, building up with intensity before unleashing a flurry of swirling bass notes. The texture in the bass adds a gnarly, gritty feeling, giving the drop extra punch. The second drop shifts gears with a smooth, funky melody that brings the track to life in a new way.
GRiZ returned to his funk roots with this track, and the world is better for it. “Gold”, a collaboration with Cherub, is truly funky, featuring a bassline that practically demands you dance. The song blends classic funk elements with soulful vocals, while the production stays simple, avoiding over-complication and just delivering a great vibe. This track is perfect for the dance floor and any setting where good vibes are a must.
This track has certainly stood the test of time. A fusion of bass house and funk, “DTW to DIA” highlights GRiZ’s extraordinary production skills. The song lays out a strong sonic foundation before launching into a funky bassline. The first drop, about two minutes in, alternates between bass notes, creating a smooth melody that pairs perfectly with the funk groove. The energy in this song is wild and perfect for any dance floor!
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