Dead Channel Sky: ‘clipping.’ Blends Hip-Hop and Cyberpunk for a Dystopian Soundscape Masterpiece
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The innovative collision of hip-hop and cyberpunk genres in the 2025 album, “Dead Channel Sky,” emphasizes the unparalleled musical journey ‘clipping.’ is known for. Pioneer vocalist Daveed Diggs, alongside musical maestros Jonathan Snipes and William Hutson, craft a sonic landscape akin to a futuristic dystopia. Every track imprints on listeners with catchy beats and seamlessly statuary rap verses illustrating the seamless transition between distinct timeframes. This musical trio’s ability to create surreal auditory experiences makes it evident why they are linked with names like Nels Cline, Aesop Rock, and Cartel Madras.
The “Dead Channel Sky” album illustrates a blending of the past, present, and future, spinning a multiverse where the titans of yesteryears like Rammellzee, Bambaataa, Cybotron, and Mantronix are still upheld as legends. The experimental soundscape emanates the vestiges of the 1980s and the 1990s, replete with beachhead forays into rave, trip-hop, acid house, and many more, echoing a timeline at deviation from ours.
Diggs, an award-winning artist known beyond the confines of the music industry, along with Snipes and Hutson, indisputably prolific experimental musicians, manage to inject their creative abilities into various other forms. Whether it be crafting soundtracks for films like Starry Eyes or contributing to wider popular culture like Disney’s “Puppy for Hanukkah”, their prowess cannot be confined. With such a diverse portfolio, it’s easy to surmise that they are shaping a paradigm shift in music.
The saga of ‘clipping.’ is one of constant evolution. Originally embodying their music in creations that were re-interpretations of mainstream rap with locally sourced sounds, they evolved into penning their own lyrics in second and third person with a self-imposed prohibition of using ‘I’, ‘me’. In their musical progress, they have never hesitated to step out of the traditional norms.
Notable influences in the band’s music are Dälek, Death Grips, My Bloody Valentine, Tim Hecker, and Shabazz Palaces. ‘clipping.’ has managed to push the boundaries of hip hop to create a distinct style that channels the abrasive aura of other genres while maintaining its unique identity. This is why terms like industrial-rap or noise-rap are not applicable to the band—they maintain their status as a rap group.
Over the years, ‘clipping.’ has demonstrated their ability to engage in meaningful storytelling through their music. Whether it’s exploring harsh realities, political issues, or even delving into the realm of science fiction, their work often feels like an in-depth narration. Their collaborations span across a broad spectrum of artists, not only within the realm of hip-hop but also leading experimental noise artists. The inclusion of Aesop Rock in “Welcome Home Warrior” and Tia Nomore on “Scams” are delightful additions to their portfolio.
Moreover, their efforts go beyond music production, as they ventured into literature, garnering nominations for one of science fiction’s top literary prizes, the Hugo Awards. All these collaborations encapsulate a vision of a world where hip-hop and cyberpunk are intertwined. The result is just as electrifying and captivating as the collaborations themselves, creating a significant impact on the music industry. Through their work, ‘clipping.’ encourages audiences to consider broader perspectives, pushing the boundaries of music and storytelling to unite under one culture.
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