New Subscriber Playlist: “The Beat Goes On”

The music on this month’s playlist, titled “The Beat Goes On,” might technically fall under “hip-hop,” but it’s of a considerably more atmospheric and vibe-heavy variety. Eschewing flashy MCs slinging rhymes about wealth, women, and their own prowess, the world of lo-fi “chillhop” is the domain of producers blending hip-hop beats and scratches with ambient interludes, muted samples, and a lo-fi aesthetic that’s more intimate and relaxing.

Accompanying the playlist is the latest episode of my“Playlist Breakdown” podcast, in which I spotlight one of the playlist’s songs and why it’s so special, interesting, and/or meaningful. This month’s episode focuses on City Girl’s “Slipping Into Ash-Filled Streets,” a somber song that feels like it leaked into our world from a Wong Kar-wai movie.

All of these are little bonuses for subscribers who support Opus financially. If you’d like to get access to them (and more), subscribe to Opus during the month of February for just $2.50/month or $25/year. (You can also subscribe for free and get my weekend newsletter.)