The next offering from the Circoloco Records imprint (the collaborative record label project from Rockstar Games and nightlife icons CircoLoco) is a 3-track EP headed up by LA-based artist and producer, NEZ. Here his signature blend of Hip-Hop and House can be traced across the EP’s three heavy-hitting tracks, with a style synonymous of the Chicago-born artist. CLR 002 also features guest appearances from Moodymann, ScHoolboy Q, and Gansta Boo. Listen Here
Following his Midnight Music EP, CLR 002 further sets the stage for NEZ’s hotly anticipated solo career as the artist continues to broaden his horizons beyond the mixing board. With co-production credits on tracks such as ScHoolboy Q’s ‘Man of the Year’ and ASAP Rocky’s ‘Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye from NEZ and Rio, and solo cuts featuring Felix da Housecat, Theophilus London, 8AE, and others, NEZ’s background is as varied as his approach.
CLR 002 is the second release from the CircoLoco records label, a partnership with Rockstar Games dedicated to seeking unique ways to present, support, and elevate forward thinking music and culture. The EP follows the 2021 release of the Monday Dreamin’ compilation, which featured visionaries and icons from every era of CircoLoco’s greatest parties including Carl Craig, Moodymann, Kerri Chandler, Sama Abdulhadi, DJ Tennis, tINI, and others. With CircoLoco Records and NEZ Present CLR 002, the label continues to push into new genres and styles, bouncing from the West Coast rap of “Let’s Get It” to the Chicago House vibe of “You Wanna?,” while “Freaks” expertly bridges the two with Moodymann and Gangsta Boo.
With 4 x 4 drum programming, a lot of swag, and some very special guests – including Moodymann, Three 6 Mafia’s Gangsta Boo and longtime collaborator ScHoolboy Q – this 3 track EP is indicative of the genre-forward approach that has seen CircoLoco become one of the world’s most important dancefloors. It serves as a hub for new DJ talent and producers, and a collision point between fashion and dance culture that has drawn the globe’s most coveted tastemakers to Ibiza for over 20 years. The tracks were first heard in-game via Grand Theft Auto’s The Contract and Los Santos Tuners stations, which matches NEZ’s love of GTA and the decision to bring his collaborators along for this release.
CircoLoco and Nez Present CLR 002 features:
You Wanna? – A fist pumping, jacking number with smooth skippy vocals from NEZ himself that glide over the warm melody, slamming snares and heavy bass.
Let’s Get it – A NEZ-produced hip-hop cut that features LA heavy weight ScHoolboy Q, with Q’s tones and timbre sitting nicely on the menacing plod of Nez’s beat, with a rap tracing everything from free clothes to cheat codes.
Freaks – NEZ enlists two legends from different US states and scenes, the mighty Moodymann to give ‘Freaks’ his Detroit touch and the legendry Gangsta Boo who rolls with Three 6 Mafia, to deliver a spitfire verse over a bouncy, bass-heavy beat which would sound correct booming out of any slab car in Houston.
CircoLoco Records
CircoLoco Records embodies both CircoLoco’s and Rockstar’s longstanding history of championing and elevating club culture, as well as generations of underground DJs, artists and icons on a global scale. Their aim is to be as culturally transformative as the partnership represents, bringing the best of underground dance music to a whole new audience with passion and integrity. CircoLoco Records represent an industry first, bridging entertainment powerhouses for the first time in an effort to support dance music after a bruising year enduring the pandemic. CircoLoco Records reinforces both CircoLoco’s and Rockstar’s reputation of bridging cultural sectors through music, e.g., Keinemusik x MSBHV, Ricardo Tisci x Martinez Brothers. CircoLoco Records will showcase the very best underground dance music talent on a global stage with TBD forthcoming releases.
