When someone compares their sound to Dilla or Flying Lotus, my ears perk up almost instantly. As I’ve said time and time again, Dilla is quite possibly my favorite rapper/producer. I mean, Donuts inspired me as a producer and his bars made me realize I could rap and make beats more than even Kanye did. Hell, I make mention of this on a No Pain No Gain track. Without delving too much into my love for Dilla, let’s talk Day One’s “Genesis.”

The first track off his Living Water EP, “Genesis” sets up the project. It introduces listeners to the vibes we are about to receive for the nourishment of our souls and earholes. Over a funky guitar melody and heavy drums, Day One delivers a track that’s equal parts thinking man’s hip-hop beat and boombap-friendly bop. I found myself having to stop freestyling over the beat, which is usually a sign that I rock with an instrumental heavily. Don’t just take my kinds words as your only reason to hear this one, though. It’s seriously a great instrumental, one that leads well into the parent project. Check it out below and remember to support dope music in all its forms.