Later productions began to nod towards chaotic electronica influences, and there is a clear confluence of styles on this album. Vocal samples were completely distorted and stretched to their sonic limits cloud rap was shown what it could do in a storm. Though Casino gained his greatest fame from his Instrumentals series of mixtapes, there’s a definite argument to be made for his Rainforest EP as containing the pinnacle of his potential as a producer until 32 Levels.

On this album he shows a consolidation of his previous work all while holding down his title as one of music’s most original producers. And it’s only fitting, then, that Casino’s most famous beat spawned the title of his debut album, 32 Levels. Built around a sample of Imogen Heap’s “Just For Now”, frequent and hard-hitting bass complements Lil B’s koans (Heap’s harmonizing as Lil B says “Sorry for the cuss words / Fuck that, curse more” is an exemplar instance of cloud rap’s potential) and is as enjoyable to listen to as an instrumental as it is with the based musings.

But competing with Luger’s productions for the most imitators has to be Clams Casino’s “I’m God”, the song that for many changed their view of Lil B from an internet curio to an artist worth exploring. There’s “I Don’t Like” from Young Chop and the one-two punch of Lex Luger’s “B.M.F.” and “Hard in da Paint”, and Willie B’s “Rigamortus” presaged the jazzy brilliance of To Pimp a Butterfly. He barely has any music on iTunes (yes I still buy my music) but it’s worth doing some digging online to find his stuff.You can count on one hand the most influential beats of the 2010s. I had to do a little digging to find the track and stumbled across a wide and interesting range of collaborations. The pronounced lover of hip-hop has worked with different artists ranging from Soulja Boy to Adele. The beats sampled with Imogen Heap’s vocals on this track is absolutely delicious.

I LOVE how New Jersey beat master Clams Casino, aka Mike Volpe, manipulates the female voice. Today’s song of the day is not new but it’s been on rotation all morning and I had to share it with you guys. You think I’m being sarcastic but my inner child will definitely be coming out on Saturday. My little brother is turning 5 on Saturday so I get to spend my day eating pizza and playing games with a bunch of little rugrats at Chuck E Cheese. Happy Friday!!! I’m especially excited about this weekend.

Clams Casino I'm God sample