Nujabes - Modal Soul (2020) LP

Modal Soul is the last album Jun Seba aka Nujabes released while alive, originally released in 2005 on CD only. Similar to Metaphorical Music, the "Dilla of Japan" fuses jazz samples and dusty drums for a smooth, head-nodding listen, and this sophomore effort, put out on his own imprint Hydeout Productions, is especially revered by fans as the record that sees the beloved producer expanding his sound into hip-hop, from the more breakbeat outing of his aforementioned debut. As is the case, Modal Soul features Cise Starr (of CYNE), Akin, Shing02, Substantial, Apani B, Uyama Hiroto, and more. In addition, on "Ordinary Joe," Seba enlists the help of late guitarist Terrier Collier, who lays down memorable scats and melodies, and Pase Rock also contributes thought-provoking verses over a sweet piano sample ("Favors" by The Great Jazz Trio). Other tracks to check out: "Thank You," "Sea of Cloud," and "Modal Soul."