Weekend Listening: Jimmy Johnson

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—01-02. Portraits by Paolo Azarraga.

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I came across Jimmy Johnson for the first time after he released In God We Trust last year, followed by a handful of singles including standouts 'Sun Goes Down' and 'Northside'. The young rapper-cum-singer has a unique sound, partially due to his creative partnership with producer Eric Dingus, but also because of his relatively mature perspective. After having spoken with Jimmy last summer, it was clear to see that he was not your average 22-year-old, both sonically and in the way he's releasing projects and developing his career. In November he issued Red Ferrari, which I keep going back to. With definite influence from 808s and Heartbreaks, and more subtle inspiration from Toronto natives Abel and PND, Jimmy provides his own perspective and offers an impressively restrained EP, especially for somebody so young. It's yet to be seen whether he'll be next in line for OVO Sound, but I am anticipating another productive year in 2016.

—SoundCloud: Jimmy Johnson

SoundCloud Spotlight: Eric Dingus

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—01. Footage [Mixtape].
—02. Kairo.

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Eric Dingus has become one of my favourite new producers in the last six months. Hailing from Austin, Texas, he's been working regularly with up-and-coming rappers, Jimmy Johnson and Dowrong. His mix for OVO's HAW weekend and a selection of instrumentals can be found on his SoundCloud page, along with his most recent work with Jimmy and a new release: Footage [Mixtape]. He's also produced two other compilations, 512 and Subliminal Innocence, which aren't available on his SoundCloud but are worth tracking down.

—SoundCloud: Eric Dingus

PartyNextDoor Two

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Released on July 29, 2014

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Having spent a few days in Toronto recently, the energy around the city is undeniable. There are a handful of young artists coming out with really strong work and the most recent to deliver an album is PartyNextDoor. After releasing his original mixtape last summer, Jahron Anthony Brathwaite has signed to OVO Sound and his debut album, PartyNextDoor Two, is an obvious step forward, in the right direction.

—PartyNextDoor Soundcloud