A new album from KLIM’s titled Astro Objects is here, featuring 17 new beats. The project has already seen a limited 12” vinyl release in collaboration with Legacy Echo available for purchase through vinyl digital & HHV in Berlin.

Majority of the album was made on the legendary E-mu SP-1200 & Akai S-900, giving the beats their signature grit, swing, and analog character that really can’t be replicated.

Being able to create such uplifting music for listeners worldwide while he himself is in an extremely difficult situation during wartime in Ukraine, where the future remains uncertain, sirens sound through the night, and deep, restorative sleep is hard to come by, adds a deeper layer to the work as a whole.

Astro Objects references skateboarding culture, where you find the best spot with your friends to go hang out at. Now just a reference, but for KLIM it becomes something more personal, a nostalgic moment, sharing inspiration during a very difficult time in Kyiv.

Stream Astro Objects

The second single from KLIM’s upcoming album Astro Objects is here, titled Best Spot. The project has already seen a limited 12” vinyl release in collaboration with Legacy Echo, and continues to build momentum around KLIM’s sound and approach.

Majority of the album was made on the legendary E-mu SP-1200 & Akai S-900, giving the beats their signature grit, swing, and analog character that really can’t be replicated.

Being able to create such uplifting music for listeners worldwide while he himself is in an extremely difficult situation during wartime in Ukraine, where the future remains uncertain, sirens sound through the night, and deep, restorative sleep is hard to come by, adds a deeper layer to the work as a whole.

Best Spot references skateboarding culture, where you find the best spot with your friends to go hang out at. Now just a reference, but for KLIM it becomes something more personal, a nostalgic moment, sharing inspiration during a very difficult time in Kyiv.

Stream 'Best Spot'

The first single has arrived from KLIM’s upcoming album Astro Objects, a project that has already seen a limited 12” vinyl release in collaboration with Legacy Echo. Built with intention and a deep respect for craft, the record carries that unmistakable warmth and texture that defines his sound.

As always, KLIM delivers that classic east coast flavored sound paired with melodic notes as usual. Much of the album was crafted on the legendary E-mu SP-1200 & Akai S-900, giving the beats their signature grit, swing, and analog character that really can’t be replicated.

Being able to create such incredible, uplifting beats for listeners worldwide while he himself is in an extremely difficult situation during wartime in Ukraine - where the future remains uncertain, sirens sound through the night, and deep, restorative sleep is hard to come by.

I am really honored to be sharing the first single with you all, available on all platforms and we’re seeing the next one go live next week.

Stream 'Water Music'

crewbalance; Growing up, I would head into the mountains for snowboarding with my dad and uncle listening to jazzy house and acid-jazz. St. Germain was a common pick. Through the years I’ve had my focus mainly on the production of Jazz, Neo-soul and Hip-Hop under the name Snarez.

While that project has been doing very well, I have a vast arsenal of genres under my belt and it felt like time to branch out. A few years back, I decided to take those listening experiences within the House scene and make them personal, drawing inspiration from artists like Chaos in the CBD and Tom Vernon. After a good year or two of finding my sound, the first few tracks were born.

This EP embodies memories and feelings of the past few years coming forward in a deep, jazzy house sound palette. The name crewbalance came up through various talks with my close friend Jan Pack. We had long discussions about the importance of close friends. Who you let in to your circle often has immediate effect to those around you and thus should not be taken lightly.

Hence, the name “Crew Balance.” Special thanks to the Ninetofive® crew for the trust in my music and very special thanks to Jan for helping me brainstorm about the name and for being a friend one could only wish for.

Stream Dovetail

A new episode that’s kind of a bonus episode featuring in-house member of the crew KLIM and his vinyl collection and favorite joints to be shared in this new secret stash episode.

90s East Coast at its core - drums upfront, loops untouched, and verses that mattered more than polish.

There’s a clear thread running through it: the DNA of Showbiz & A.G. and the wider D.I.T.C. movement. Records like Next Level weren’t just songs - Built for DJ's, stretched in sets, tested in real time. Next to them sit soundtrack-era essentials like Crooklyn Dodgers ‘95, a reminder of when hip-hop and film moved in sync, feeding off the same street narratives.

But what really defines a collection like this isn’t the classics - it’s the edges. The white labels. The off-center pressings. The MF Grimm record that looks like it passed through a few hands before landing here. The slightly obscure Mic Geronimo piece that might not stand out to everyone, but means everything to the right listener. That’s where the real value lives - not just in price, but in perspective.

Back then, records like Livin’ Proof weren’t even universally praised. Some questioned the lyrics. DJs didn’t care; they heard the raw, stripped, undeniable beats, and that was enough.

Today, those same records are cornerstones-still being played, still teaching. Hip-hop was never about what was popular; it was always about what had heat.

KLIM said himself the mix represents a time in his life where the only focus he had was these records, skateboarding and just living healthy & good. A work ethic like noone else creating beats every day I am really honored to be sharing this new Secret Stash episode with him.

A new episode pulled straight from DJ Cagefather’s vinyl collection, shared in the twelfth Secret Stash episode under the Ninetofive.

Digging into a stack of rarities he’s brought out - from Jon Doe to Oktober and Formulatin’ Fathers - the kind of records that don’t come around twice.

About the mix - I always try to catch a certain vibe and let it run from start to finish without breaking the thread. This one came from a flashback to being a teenager. Mixtape in the Walkman, roaming around, mad blunted. It’s winter but the sun is out — one of those rare days where the light hits just right. You’re blinking into it, eyes watering, almost snow blind.

It sits somewhere between that ’97-’98 indie era and the early 2000s. That space where everything still felt raw and untouched.

A record that never gets the credit it deserves is Formulatin’ Fathers LP. Dropped in 2005, and it plays like a long march through winter. One of those rare records you can run front to back without even thinking about skipping. The whole thing tells a story - and it holds that same cold, reflective energy all the way through.

When the sample from “Eyes Like Blue Skies” comes in, it’s like the first sunbeam cutting through a frozen day.

A record like a tale.

I came across an ultra rare test pressing of it - only 10 copies exist and I picked it up on Discogs back in 2001 for next to nothing. Sometimes it’s just timing. No copy surfaced again after that, and years later the seller even tried to buy it back.

Some things you’re not supposed to let go of..

High Street 2 by Ninetofive® is here featuring 13 beatmakers with different styles & groove. A jazzy approach with a bit of a hazy feel where the producers can really go all out with their ideas and not adapting to any recipe for being placed in streaming playlists - more to grow as an artist and share their individual sound.

All through March we’ve had the roll out with individual singles and promotion and there’s been a lot of good support throughout each release. We are seeing some real organic growth which was the goal all along while sketching the ideas on this project.

We are seeing a classic in-house crew lineup for High Street 2 but also a few new faces that we’re welcoming aboard the Ninetofive. During the rollout we welcomed both Nueynem. and Swayze to the in-house crew.

The project is just pure passion and enjoying beats in different elements where the artists can go all out to shape their identity in sounds which has been more difficult these days where you have to adapt to what’s “popular” or following an algorithm - our approach is simple, just vibe out and have a good time.

Producers included in the release are Nuyenem, Klim, Dibia$E, Philanthrope, el., Flitz&Suppe, Plusma, Invention, Boukas, Swayze, Kreaem, Gonza and Kreatev. High Street 2 can be found today on all streaming services, press down below and select your favorite one to get directed.

Artwork - Luciano Brougham
Executive Producer - Simon Leidner
Ninetofive Recordings ©ⓟ 2026 March 27th

Stream HIGH STREET 2

The final single “Time Passage” from the upcoming High Street 2 album on the Ninetofive catalog is produced by Swiss-based producer Kreaem. An iconic name in the community, he’s been dropping gem after gem for years, always bringing that original beats feel to his tracks.

High Street 2 is a curated theme release featuring a heavy-hitting lineup of beatmakers from all corners of the map. It’s a testament to how the culture has spread, bringing international producers together to contribute to the High Street legacy.

A jazzy & hazy feel to the approach of making beats where we let the producers go a bit more experimental and try their ideas with no limitations or restrictions - Just to evolve as a beat maker and share the ideas to the listeners.

Stream 'time passage'

The latest single from Philanthrope, titled ‘Transit,’ goes live today under the Ninetofive catalogue as part of our ‘High Street 2’ themed release. We are now nine singles into the album, with the full release scheduled for March 27.

High Street 2 is a curated theme release featuring a heavy-hitting lineup of beatmakers from all corners of the map. It’s a testament to how the culture has spread, bringing international producers together to contribute to the High Street legacy.

A jazzy & hazy feel to the approach of making beats where we let the producers go a bit more experimental and try their ideas with no limitations or restrictions - Just to evolve as a beat maker and share the ideas to the listeners.

Stream Transit by Philanthrope

A new single from the collaboration between Plusma and Flitz&Suppe comes to life today as part of High Street 2, which we’re putting together for late March. While Flitz&Suppe has been a close collaborator of ours for a long time now we’re very honored to be debuting Plusma on the catalogue in this collabo joint. We are now seven tracks into the full release and we’re really thankful for all the great support you’re showing.

High Street 2 is a curated theme release featuring a heavy-hitting lineup of beatmakers from all corners of the map. It’s a testament to how the culture has spread, bringing international producers together to contribute to the High Street legacy.

A jazzy & hazy feel to the approach of making beats where we let the producers go a bit more experimental and try their ideas with no limitations or restrictions - Just to evolve as a beat maker and share the ideas to the listeners.

Stream Eighth Breakfast Of The Week

The track pairs KLIM’s distinctive production style with the lyrical delivery of Покам & Lasta, while the music video - directed by Slava Kuchinka - adds an innovative visual layer to the release.

This collaboration represents an important moment for the Ukrainian hip-hop scene, bringing together production, lyricism, and visual storytelling. KLIM’s ability to craft atmospheric beats, Покам & Lasta’s sharp and expressive verses, and Slava Kuchinka’s creative direction all play an equal role in shaping the project.

Both Покам & Lasta are also known for producing their own beats, but for this release they focus fully on delivering bars over KLIM’s sound, creating a strong synergy between producer and MC’s while the visual concept further expands the project’s artistic scope.

If you want to pre-save their album “Talisman” press here to get directed and you’ll have it in the streaming app the same day it goes live.

A new single from Atlanta based producer Kreatev comes to life today for the High Street 2 we’re putting together for late March. Kreatev have some of the earliest releases on the Ninetofive catalogue and it’s been a while since we teamed up but I am very honored to share the ‘Gold Emblems’ single today.

High Street 2 is a curated theme release featuring a heavy-hitting lineup of beatmakers from all corners of the map. It’s a testament to how the culture has spread, bringing international producers together to contribute to the High Street legacy.

A jazzy & hazy feel to the approach of making beats where we let the producers go a bit more experimental and try their ideas with no limitations or restrictions - Just to evolve as a beat maker and share the ideas to the listeners.

Stream 'Gold Emblems'

The sixth track from the upcoming High Street 2 is here. Produced by our in-house member and incredibly talented el., it goes live today under the title LUPN-88.

We had such a great and iconic run with his STILL BEAMIN project last year, featuring some of the dopest visuals. He always comes up with unique ideas to include in his projects.

Stream LUPN-88

A member of the Ninetofive® for over a decade and good friend KLIM shares his track Cinematic as the fifth track from our upcoming theme release High Street 2 where all producers are invited to go all out in a jazzy & hazy lane towards beatmaking and not really too much guidelines so their ideas can both be innovative and still keep their identity in their own sound.

High Street 2 is a curated theme release featuring a heavy-hitting lineup of beatmakers from all corners of the map. It’s a testament to how the culture has spread, bringing international producers together to contribute to the High Street legacy.

A jazzy & hazy feel to the approach of making beats where we let the producers go a bit more experimental and try their ideas with no limitations or restrictions - Just to evolve as a beat maker and share the ideas to the listeners.

Stream "Cinematic"

In my world, where I observe how people act in different situations - especially when it comes to acknowledging those who have meant a lot, inspired you, and served as mentors - it is only natural to speak about them and not forget where you came from or those who helped you take steps forward, never taking it for granted. Today, I feel that many people tend to forget this, but Donnie Ramsey, also known as donisdope™, shares these exact values. His mentor is none other than Bobby ‘Fuse’ Green, whom we published an article about back in January. - Luciano brougham

Before we get the interview going Donnie has put together a playlist for us exclusively under the Ninetofive where you can listen to his most favorite & tracks that inspired him during the years of designing.

Fuse has clearly been a huge influence. When you look back, what’s one lesson from him that completely changed the way you approach creativity, or even life?

Fuse is truly a light and a kindred spirit. From our first encounter in 2021 I felt like. I knew him for years. He’s a special individual. We can go months without being in touch and pick up right where we left off. Just knowing him is an incredible blessing. His Guidance has been invaluable and his talent is undeniable.

I think beyond him being an incredible visual artist the most poignant thing I’ve learned from Fuse is to just be authentic and genuine, in art and in life.

When you create from the most honest places in your soul it will always resonate. I hope one day I’m able to have the same impact on someone that he has had on me.

Nothing but love and respect.

Chapter. I

You were born in D.C., lived in New York, but spent many of your formative years in Daytona Beach, Florida. How did navigating these three distinct cultural hubs - the political weight of D.C., the hip-hop grit of New York, and the coastal lifestyle of Florida - shape your visual DNA as a kid?

Growing up, I truly did not appreciate what each place really offered because I ONLY wanted to be in New York. I resented the fact that my family migrated down south. I always felt like a fish out of water, but I was fortunate enough to go back up north frequently, often for extended periods of time growing up.

I’m a New Yorker at heart. Both of my parents are born and raised in NY, both from Queens and both immensely instrumental in my success as an artist and as a man. Although I questioned why we had to relocate, I’m grateful beyond words for my loving and supportive family and I realize now why it was necessary.

I was fortunate enough to spend a significant amount of time in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and out on Long Island growing up. I only wanted to rep NYC because who doesn’t!? It’s the center of the world and the dopest, most influential place on Earth.

But in hindsight, it was so invaluable to have experienced NY, DC, and FL respectively because they all have their own unique cultural identity. I absorbed so much from each place and even tho I still have traces of a New York accent and I dress like I’m trapped in the 90’s, I’m truly grateful for being shaped and influenced by each place.

It made me a more well rounded individual and artist. From fashion to music to food to friends, I was blessed to grow up having a authentic “East Coast” experience.

A colleague of mine calls me an “I95” baby, which is a hilarious and spot on description of my upbringing.

As a teen, you spent hours cutting out pictures of Michael Jordan and making massively intricate collages on your bedroom walls. Looking back, do you see those early “analog” experiments as the literal blueprint for the complex collage and key art you create today?

I recently saw a video on social media that said, “you become what you’re obsessed with,” and I can attest to that.

As a teenager, I was creating art inspired by what I was obsessed with at the time: MJ, Hip Hop, sneakers, and girls. Politics, race-relations, and social issues came later. But as a kid, I made very detailed collages and art that reflected those interests.

I also would spend hours drawing, mostly sneakers, while watching Spike Lee movies and listening to my favorite hip hop and R&B albums. I guess I was subconsciously planting seeds for what was to come.

I ended up making a living as a visual artist constantly inspired by what I was obsessed with as a kid. Go figure.

You attended Hampton University for graphic design but mentioned you weren’t focused at the time. How did that period of exploration, even without initial focus, eventually help you realize that art could be your professional “Hustle” rather than just a hobby?

I’m a true believer that what is meant for us calls us, but it’s up to us to answer that call. If you’re lucky, you won’t fumble what’s meant for you. We all get unfocused, especially when we’re young and think we know it all, but life has a funny way of humbling us all.

When I was at Hampton, I was having too much fun and doing everything except focusing on what I was there for. I was doing the most, and that’s all I really cared about. Wearing fly shit with money I should have been spending on books and chasing girls. Art was an afterthought. I wish I was more focused back then, but I also trust the process. Thankfully, I’m able to look back at that time with no regrets, even though I wasted a lot of time. I was just trying to live it up and be in the moment.

Luckily, I found my way back to my calling. It wasn’t until some years later and a failed attempt at art school that I realized I could monetize my creativity and make it a career. I carved out a lane for myself, and once I had that lightbulb moment, I never looked back.

“I thought Jordan’s and a Gold Chain was living it up” – Nas, “Street Dreams”

Chapter. II

The 2009 Pivot: You became a professional graphic designer in 2009 after losing your job and having to drop out of art school. How did that “no safety net” moment force you to sharpen your discipline and redefine what it meant to survive in the creative industry?

2009 was a mystical, enigmatic, and often dark time for me. I won’t go into too much detail, but it was definitely the sink or swim, fight or flight chapter of the Hero’s journey, especially after I lost my job. It was me living under constant uncertainty and fear, but also a healthy amount of excitement and living on the edge.

Again, I won’t go into detail, but it was my “Stay Dangerous” era LOL. It was also proof positive that never giving up actually works. I was basically living hand to mouth in a roach-infested studio apartment in NE Washington DC, and it was the defining moment of my early adulthood. In other words…shit got real.

I was often in a dark place during those times, but it’s always darkest before dawn. Somehow I navigated my way out of that, and after doing $30 club flyers for a few months, I slowly started to build a network of clients in DC and eventually the entire Northeast. I owe a lot to Washington DC and the surrounding DMV area. It’s where I was born and where I went back to and ended up starting my career there.

The momentum gained in DC carried me into a 15+ year career as a freelance visual artist and creative director. Looking back, it gives me chills reflecting on all of the obstacles I hurtled. There were so many ups and downs, but I never wavered.

The late, great Kobe Bryant once said, “Keep going, storms eventually end,” and they do. But best believe more storms are coming…

Bringing the Indie Mindset to Jordan Brand: Today, you serve as the Lead Graphic Designer for footwear at Jordan Brand. You’ve also worked with global titans like Spike Lee and Netflix. How do you maintain an independent, “disruptive” mindset when working inside the framework of a brand with such heavy historical reverence?

“No matter where you go, you are who you are, player.” – Jay-Z, “PSA”

I’ve had the great fortune of working with and for my creative heroes, mainly Spike and MJ. Who can say that!?? It’s crazy when I really think about it. But I dreamed it as a little kid and I made it a reality as a grown man. Yes, it was through hard work and perseverance, but also because I BELIEVED.

One of my mentors at the brand, Howard “H” White, Vice President of Jordan Brand, lives by the philosophy that if you believe something with enough conviction, you become that thing. I wanted to be a visual artist who paid attention to detail with historical accuracy and did things that were disruptive and thought provoking. I achieved it.

All of the things I loved and believed in and the cultural imprint left on me while growing up all made me who I am today. All the life experiences while living in different places all became the summation of who I was as a man and a creative.

So I show up to work every day in the Michael Jordan building here in Beaverton, Oregon as ME. The light-skinned kid who grew up in the 90’s idolizing Michael Jordan, Spike, Hip Hop. That Jay-Z bar resonates with me. You can’t fake who you really are. I’m eternally grateful to wake up every day, look in the mirror, and stay true to the kid who lives inside of me and the man staring back at me.

Chapter. III

You are now based on the West Coast first landing in Sacramento, CA and now based in Beaverton, OR, home of Nike World Headquarters. How does your East Coast “bred” intensity interact with the West Coast creative environment?

Having lived in Sacramento, CA for a decade, and for a short time in the Bay Area, it definitely left a major impression on me. It was also a bit of a culture shock, but because I’ve lived in a lot of places I learned how to assimilate quickly. I also had no choice because as soon as I got here I started a family. So I kinda hit the ground running.

Thankfully, I was embraced and became connected with some really dope people, and that made the transition a lot smoother. I embraced and deeply respect Northern California culture, but people knew as soon as I opened my mouth I wasn’t a local. Ha!

When you were a kid drawing in your room, there was no social media observation - no algorithms telling you what was “popular.” You developed your own style in that silence.

How do you see social media today? Is it a tool that helps artists reach their potential, or does the constant noise make it harder for this new generation to avoid just “riding waves”?

Honestly, I think it’s a little bit of both. It can be a blessing for artists but also a slippery slope if you don’t maintain some balance and restraint.

I personally owe social media a huge debt of gratitude. My career as an artist was amplified by social media. I’m not ashamed to say I met the mother of my children on socials and together we subsequently promoted our art and brands in an effort to monetize our platforms…and it worked!

But it can also be a major distraction and a dream killer (and relationship killer) if you let it. It’s hard to find balance in an imbalanced world, especially in the age of over-information, but it’s up to the individual to create that healthy space. That applies to most aspects of life honestly.

As far as social media goes, without sounding cliche, use it to your advantage because there are some real benefits to it, but don’t let it use you.

“Time is the only luxury. It’s the only thing you can’t get back.” – Kanye West

You’ve worked with a lot of clients that are very well respected and the list can go on but to mention a few Jordan, Nike, Netflix, Obamas, Sony, ESPN, Universal Music Group, Top Dawg Ent. , Rock The Bells, BET, Ray Allen, Brooks, Jetlife, Showtime, Drink Champs, Radio One, Coppertone, Snoop Dogg, Paper Planes.

Do you ever drift away to 2009 when you lost your job and imagine the achievements and success you’ve reached just looking at the companies that have trusted you as a designer for them?

I often reflect on that time because it was definitely a turning point for me. I just didn’t know what was around the corner. In those early days of pursing my dreams, I often let fear fuel my passion. Fear of failure. Fear of not becoming anything worthwhile. Fear of being trapped in a miserable existence.

I was scared to death because I didn’t know what was coming, but I was supremely confident in my ability to create and to overcome anything. Common has a bar in his classic song “They Say” where he says, “I’m writing for my life cause I’m scared of a day job.” That was literally my existence. I was designing for my life because I was petrified of a 9-5.

The only job I could see myself working is the one I currently have now, at my favorite brand in the world. Beyond that, I only ever wanted to be an independent designer/visual artist and I was fortunate to do that for well over a decade.

If you had to pick three art pieces you’ve created over the years that have meant a lot to you personally - not necessarily the most popular ones, but those that made people stop and observe, and that made you feel you were onto something unique - what would they be?

Therese so many, but if I had to pick three I’d say the first would be the “LEGACY” collage I did for Spike Lee which pays homage to his illustrious film career. It was on public display at the 40 Acres office for roughly 2 years and later at the Brooklyn Museum. It also forged a relationship between he and I which continues til this day. This piece changed my life forever.

Second, is an incredible project that I was lucky enough to work on when I initially got hired at Jordan Brand early last year. It was truly a dream come true to even get the job but this project is a bucket list kinda thing. I just can’t reveal what it is yet because it doesn’t come out until Fall of this year and I’d lose my job if I let the cat out of the bag early. But it’s worth the wait.

Third but certainly not least is a black and white portrait of Malcolm X that I painted in art school. It was so good my art teacher wanted to keep the original but for me it signaled a newfound confidence in my work and a potentially promising career in the arts. At the time I didn’t think it was gonna be as good as it turned out to be so I surprised myself. It taught me to approach very project with a healthy amount of LOVE. It’s paying homage to one of my all time heroes.

Chapter. IV

You’ve gone from being the kid who cut out Michael Jordan posters for his wall to the man designing the new designs that kids are now buying. Now that you’re a father of four boys, how has your perspective on the Jumpman changed?

My boys are without question my greatest achievement in life. Without them I’m nothing. They gave me direction and a true sense of purpose. My kids and their mom truly helped me understand and define what it means to LOVE. Living my dream and working for my favorite brand is just an amazing bonus. I do this for them as much as for me, if not more.

But I will say when you’re no longer just a consumer and you’re on the other side of the curtain, you see how much influence you can have over youth culture and how powerful brands like Nike and Jordan really are. I don’t take it lightly at all.

22-year-olds have never seen Michael Jordan play a basketball game in real time because they were born after he retired (the second time). But they still line up to buy his sneakers like I did at 22. It’s f**king mind-blowing. So I treat it with a great deal of care and intentionality because it’s an incredible, once in a lifetime opportunity.

The Jordan brand continues to be a powerhouse when it comes to creating designs that consistently connect with youth - driven by a strong vision and a dream. You are a prime example that it’s possible to go all the way, from working out of your childhood bedroom to doing what you’ve always dreamed of.

How do you and your team approach creating designs that connect with today’s youth?

Like I previously mentioned, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime, but what makes it even more significant is the fact that I work with a group of incredibly skilled and passionate people. We all bring a collective level of professionalism and pure love for the brand and the culture. It’s a true blessing to have amazing colleagues and comrades.

Many people think the philosophy behind Jordan Brand is to exemplify MJ’s unparalleled greatness on the court through product—and it is—but it’s also about believing in something greater than yourself to achieve your goals. I think it’s a beautiful message that we try to convey in each product. However, the thing I love the most about working for the brand of my boyhood idol is that it’s rooted in creativity, as stated by MJ himself:

“The Jumpman represents creativity”

As a kid, before I wanted to be an artist, I had hoop dreams. I wanted to be a basketball player because Michael Jordan made the game look so good. He was poetry in motion.

Looking back, I realize by the time I became a true fan of Michael Jordan—which was around ’92, and he had just won his second ring and was on his way to winning his second gold medal in the Olympics-something was different. By then, MJ had already transcended from a basketball player to become a global icon.

But when I look back, he was more than a basketball icon-he was an artist, and I realize now that’s really why he became my hero. He was so good at what he did, basketball literally became performance art, and the court was his canvas. I wasn’t in the driveway practicing fundamentals, I was practicing reverse layups, double clutch jump shots, and fadeaways-doing my best MJ impression. I was enamored by the artistry, and I carry that with me today.

If I can inspire youth culture through the lens of MJ’s greatness, it will always be in the most creative way possible, and it’s not missed on me how lucky I am to be able to do that for a living.

“The highest human act is to inspire” – Nipsey Hussle

DIBIA$E just clocked in with the fourth single from his upcoming project, High Street 2. Perfecting a sound that sits right in the pocket between dusty MPC chops and the nostalgic, pixelated textures of 16-bit video games. He’s a pioneer of that “dirty” swing that defines the beatmaking underground.

High Street 2 is a global bridge. The album is a curated theme release featuring a heavy-hitting lineup of beatmakers from all corners of the map. It’s a testament to how the culture has spread, bringing international producers together to contribute to the High Street legacy.

A jazzy & hazy feel to the approach of making beats where we let the producers go a bit more experimental and try their ideas with no limitations or restrictions - Just to evolve as a beat maker and share the ideas to the listeners.

Stream “Lost In The Wind” down below.

Stream the single

The third single from the upcoming theme release High Street 2 comes from Stockholm-based producer Gonza. His sound is really recognizable, always carrying that soulful and chill vibe in his beats.

I know he has a deep appreciation for vinyl, and what’s especially dope is his constant drive to refine his style. For me, it’s only right to have him included in the High Street 2 lineup, where the aim was to feel free and experiment with different grooves, taking your own approach instead of following a recipe that adapts to editorials.

We’ve got singles rolling out throughout March from the project, so lock in, enjoy the tracks.

“Right Now” is available on all streaming platforms — hit the link below to listen.

Listen to "Right Now"

A new single produced by Zack Mortimer, also known as Makzo, a Canadian-born, London-based producer known for putting a modern twist on a classic old-school aesthetic. This marks the first official collaboration released under the Ninetofive® catalog, and I’m proud to present it alongside a familiar name we’ve previously worked with - Nuncc. Our earlier collaboration, “Layers,” remains one of my personal favorites.

The single is a fusion of their styles, built around material captured during Makzo’s journey through Tokyo, Japan - which is also reflected in the official cover artwork.

The overall feel is calm and smooth, with small, subtle scratches that sit gently in the background. They’re not overly pronounced, but they help maintain that organic early ’90s hip-hop vibe. The track stays true to that raw foundation while still feeling fresh and natural.

We had the honor of getting showcased in Spotify’s official playlist “New Lofi” which you can find here or press the button down below to get directed.

Stream 'Dusk'

Let’s celebrate one of the most iconic and talented beatmakers, J Dilla, in this forever mix - we have blended both classic beats with some more underground selections from older tapes. We have also added his own thoughts and approach through interviews we’ve edited into the mix to make it more personal / hear his opinion on beats & hip-hop at the time. So many visions for the future who, sadly, left us far too soon.

But his impact on the entire scene and on beatmaking is stronger than ever - you live on forever through the music. J Dilla Forever.

Today I have two very exciting pieces of news.

First, let’s welcome the incredibly talented producer Swayze, hailing from New Zealand, to our movement. He has the ability to flow between genres while always maintaining soul and groove in everything he creates—ranging from R&B and deep basslines to classic East Coast-inspired beats.

He is best known for his ‘THE VAULT’ bootleg tapes on SoundCloud (as of right now), where he takes official acapellas and applies his own unique ideas and styles to create something entirely new. But I am sure this is just chapter. I of his producer journey.

You’re joining the movement all the way from New Zealand. How has the local scene there influenced your 'soul and groove' DNA, and what does it mean to you to now be dropping music under the Ninetofive label?

We grew up listening to a lot of great music here in New Zealand, the family around me was always playing hip-hop/reggae/soul tracks and that naturally influenced my sound to what it is today and it’s truly an honor to be apart of the Ninetofive crew, it’s always been one of my goals to be apart of something as solid as this

This release gave you total freedom with no ‘sound guidelines.’ For a producer who is used to working with existing vocals, how did it feel to create something from scratch where the only rule was to be authentic?

It gave me a lot of creative space to cook this piece. I normally make stuff with an idea already in mind but with this project I took a completely different approach, just let everything flow naturally and for me personally it turned out to be one of my best projects I’ve made this year.

You’ve already put out eight volumes of THE VAULT. For someone who is just discovering you today through Ninetofive, which specific track from your past work do you think best represents the ‘Swayze. sound’ they’re about to hear more of?

I think after dropping a variety of genres within the vault series, the song that represents my sound the most is my “TOO FAST” flip. It’s my perfect blend of something soothing to listen to and something that hits as well. i call it SLAP

He is leading the charge with the first single for our themed release, ‘High Street Vol. II’ will be rolling out over the coming weeks, exclusively under the Ninetofive. It features our in-house members alongside special appearances from producers we highly respect.

The first volume was received very positively. Without focusing on a specific ‘standard’ sound, we took the approach of letting every producer go all-out experimental - giving them the freedom to capture a jazzy, hazy vibe.

This is a personal project where no one is limited by a specific sound or guidelines. Every member has been selected for their authentic and unique style.

Stream faintmemory

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