Fight #360: MicroDotCotton vs. PhxAzTracmaster
[Fight Ends: 3 days, 19 hours, 20 minutes left]
Beat This! Beat This! Competition - July 23-24, 2025
- Thread starter Fade
- Start date
Much more from Black Sabbath
I would say yes, of course but I like JPEGmafia
Yours I suppose?
fuckin right!
Oh, sorry. I didn't get It. I had missed you wrote "but one"
I think there's 3 this should be between.
There's 2 that I really like what they did, and despite not being able to say which I like best, I somehow feel like I didn't vote for the one I think is best. There's something about it, but then there's... so one I think just sounds like a well good beat within itself, the other beat I like for multiple factors more how it blended this and that into something.
Hopefully both place 1 and 2.
There's 2 that I really like what they did, and despite not being able to say which I like best, I somehow feel like I didn't vote for the one I think is best. There's something about it, but then there's... so one I think just sounds like a well good beat within itself, the other beat I like for multiple factors more how it blended this and that into something.
Hopefully both place 1 and 2.
Fade
The Beat Strangler
Administrator
illest o.g.
RESULTS!
See what went down:
www.illmuzik.com
Props to all those that entered and to those that took the time to vote.
See what went down:
Beat This! Archives - Battle #375
www.illmuzik.com
Props to all those that entered and to those that took the time to vote.
Fade
The Beat Strangler
Administrator
illest o.g.
Congrats @Armani! Shit was dope.
This one was really tough overall. I had my money on @M.I.ndless that was a nice joint.
This one was really tough overall. I had my money on @M.I.ndless that was a nice joint.
Fade
The Beat Strangler
Administrator
illest o.g.
M.I.ndless
Big on MySpace
Battle Points: 21
Nicely done @Armani! Thanks for the shout @Fade. A bunch of great submissions, I had @Bandia Gotach with a solid submission at the top, but it was a tough decision that's for sure.
@Armani - Congrats! great beat! Is that a Kaleo sample I hear in there? The wind up at the beginning is a simple and effective way to kick off a beat. I like that you also took it in a cinematic direction. The delicate piano was a cool touch. Personally, I didn't care for the chromaticism, but this is a well crafted beat!
@M.I.ndless - I figured you'd be a contender for this after the Summer theme. That dusty organ definitely makes this track. The blend of Indie rock and classic/psychedelic is cool. Well mixed and unique. I can def hear this as an underground classic. I also like that you kept the hip-hop drums but added some of the space and tone that would come with a rock track. I struggled with that aspect so went full rock with mine. Well done.
@K-waz - LOL. Love the beat name. I really liked that first snare tone and that stomp-box sounding kick. The intro gives heavy Fleetwood Mac vibes. The breakdown around 0:49 and the drums fills are soooo sick. I like the journey this takes. Great arrangement and use of dynamics on this. One of my personal favourites - albeit a bit on the 'softer' side.
@DJ Excellence - I like that you went nu-metal/djent with this. I originally wrote up a full Djent track then figured, maybe this is a bit too much. You did what I wasn't able to do with that sound so props for that. The vocal section and scratching was a smart choice to break up the wall of sound and give the track some breathing room. This kinda sounds like the Rock side of that Cypress Hill "Skull & Bones" record.
@2GooD Productions - Mix is phenomenal, great energy and great use of the sample. I like that you preserved the original chord progression. The scratches and big drums are very 80s and Run DMC/Aerosmith. The little synth shots were a nice way to add your own touch to it. The only reason I didn't vote for this is that I thought the sample choice is a bit played and was too obvious. Doesn't mean it wasn't very well executed.
@Bandia Gotach - I really thought this theme was going to be yours for the taking. This is a great beat, and I like the guitar work on the back half. The last couple battles, it seems like you're expanding outside of your traditional sound...which is commendable, but your signature sound is soo well suited for this. I will say, you got all the hallmarks and instrument selection was spot on for the theme - at least from a classic rock perspective. Mix wise, the drums kinda sound like they're sitting on top of everything. Otherwise a great listen.
@BLUESPEED - I really like that you went full "Rock" with the drums. The chord progression and synth were great choices, but with an epic progression like this, it needs to go somewhere. The best way to describe it is, it felt like climbing and endless ladder, it keeps building but to where? Also, I love me some ride and crash cymbals but you need to give them a break somewhere or they lose their effectiveness. Cool beat, definitely worth exploring further.
@Coltorki - Drums on this are cool. There's some dissonance on the main melodic part. In fact there seems to be quite a bit of dissonance across the variety of samples here. There's a lot of going on here, but not in a controlled fashion. I also think this missed the mark theme wise...expect for maybe the VERY end with The Doors sample.
@Da Archangels - This was one of my favourites. That bouncy clav, big fuck-you stompy drums and that heavy and still bluesy guitar. This kinda has a southern rock bar vibe to me. Also, big up on the drum fill...I guess some things don't change. I exclusively palyed blues/blues rock for a while so I love this style of music. I think you made the same mistake as me in terms of going MORE rock than hip-hop though.
@Dusty B - Nice to see you jumping back in! I think between you and Leopard, you two have the deepest knowledge of rock music so it's no surprise that you went to the indie side of things with this. As always, the drums bang hard. I supposed the only quarrel one could have is that you took the theme to it's broadest definition. Where we may have been anticipating big, distorted, power chords - you explore the softer/ambient sides of "rock." Dope track!
@Earsblower - All the right sounds, and great groove. This kinda reminded me of that X Ambassadors track "Jungle" with the bluesy and organ. No comments man, this is super dope! Really wish I could say more, but you nailed it!
@Iron Keys - I quite like the choppy feel of these drums and that bouncy high piano. It has that Bluesy Rock sound that was really popular in the 2010s. Am I right in suspecting this is an older beat? Mix doesn't sound as pristine as usual from you. Unless it was choice to dirty it up a bit for the theme. Sound selection and arrangement is good too.
@Leopard Cohen - It's interesting that you went a bit more reserved and subdued with this. As mentioned earlier, I feel like you're a walking encyclopedia of music so I'm not surprised you didn't go in the obvious direction most of us did. Drums are great as always...my only critique was that high sustained string. I get that it adds atmosphere and fills out the spectrum, but I got tired of it. Otherwise, another unique and artistic submission!
@PhxAzTracmaster - I was excited to hear what you'd pull out for this when the theme was first announced. I like the guitar pieces, but it kinda sounded like a long bridge or breakdown section. This has your trademark bounce, and does a good job of capturing that "dark" vibe metal/rock is known for, but I think the sound selection (especially the bass) was a bit off the mark. I think where I went full rock, you reigned yourself in and tried to keep it hip-hop. I respect the choice, but going fully un-hinged may have served you better.
@Popz Beatz - Definitely got the rock sound and groove with the drums. The organ stabs were a great touch! Like the guitar chops and everything works together for a superb groove. Some reverb to let that vocal chop ring through would've helped tie it all together nicer. Something about the groove and the chops is reminiscent of Just Blaze. Dope work, but a bigger variation of sorts would really push it to the next level.
@Stan1 - I don't know how to explain this, but it sounds like you sampled your car stereo or a boombox or something. The sample choice, as usual, is pretty dope, but the mix is near inaudible. I also think you "stretched" the definition of "Vocal Snippet" as this is basically full on vocals.
@them - no snare? I can't really comment on this as it's 2 notes, a singular drum, and a short sample chop.
@tlux - The intro immediately caught my attention. The sound selection is really good on this. The guitar sounds synthetic to me - which is fine - The crowd claps were a good touch and on theme. Personally, I think this is more in the realm of "dark and ominous" trap more than it is Rock, but definitely gets vibe points. This style of drums aren't my flavour however.
@Tomblr - Getting some Rob Zombie/White Zombie vibes from the guitar. Two things, dope to see you getting active on the Beat Fights and battles, and I recognize this theme is probably well outside of your comfort zone. The vocals on this are absolutely haunting. I always thought Gregorian chants fit nicely on rock/metal. This has a gothic vibe that I really like. It's maybe a bit more stripped back than others, but I imagine it would serve for a dope beat on an underground posse cut.
@V.J. Retro - Dope drums! That pitch up just before the stutter around 0:30 sounded a bit out of place. I do like how you teased the full guitar riff for a bit before letting it play out. The cutting is a nice too. Not my favourite from you, but I think you managed to blend Rock and Hip-hop the best.
@M.I.ndless - I figured you'd be a contender for this after the Summer theme. That dusty organ definitely makes this track. The blend of Indie rock and classic/psychedelic is cool. Well mixed and unique. I can def hear this as an underground classic. I also like that you kept the hip-hop drums but added some of the space and tone that would come with a rock track. I struggled with that aspect so went full rock with mine. Well done.
@K-waz - LOL. Love the beat name. I really liked that first snare tone and that stomp-box sounding kick. The intro gives heavy Fleetwood Mac vibes. The breakdown around 0:49 and the drums fills are soooo sick. I like the journey this takes. Great arrangement and use of dynamics on this. One of my personal favourites - albeit a bit on the 'softer' side.
@DJ Excellence - I like that you went nu-metal/djent with this. I originally wrote up a full Djent track then figured, maybe this is a bit too much. You did what I wasn't able to do with that sound so props for that. The vocal section and scratching was a smart choice to break up the wall of sound and give the track some breathing room. This kinda sounds like the Rock side of that Cypress Hill "Skull & Bones" record.
@2GooD Productions - Mix is phenomenal, great energy and great use of the sample. I like that you preserved the original chord progression. The scratches and big drums are very 80s and Run DMC/Aerosmith. The little synth shots were a nice way to add your own touch to it. The only reason I didn't vote for this is that I thought the sample choice is a bit played and was too obvious. Doesn't mean it wasn't very well executed.
@Bandia Gotach - I really thought this theme was going to be yours for the taking. This is a great beat, and I like the guitar work on the back half. The last couple battles, it seems like you're expanding outside of your traditional sound...which is commendable, but your signature sound is soo well suited for this. I will say, you got all the hallmarks and instrument selection was spot on for the theme - at least from a classic rock perspective. Mix wise, the drums kinda sound like they're sitting on top of everything. Otherwise a great listen.
@BLUESPEED - I really like that you went full "Rock" with the drums. The chord progression and synth were great choices, but with an epic progression like this, it needs to go somewhere. The best way to describe it is, it felt like climbing and endless ladder, it keeps building but to where? Also, I love me some ride and crash cymbals but you need to give them a break somewhere or they lose their effectiveness. Cool beat, definitely worth exploring further.
@Coltorki - Drums on this are cool. There's some dissonance on the main melodic part. In fact there seems to be quite a bit of dissonance across the variety of samples here. There's a lot of going on here, but not in a controlled fashion. I also think this missed the mark theme wise...expect for maybe the VERY end with The Doors sample.
@Da Archangels - This was one of my favourites. That bouncy clav, big fuck-you stompy drums and that heavy and still bluesy guitar. This kinda has a southern rock bar vibe to me. Also, big up on the drum fill...I guess some things don't change. I exclusively palyed blues/blues rock for a while so I love this style of music. I think you made the same mistake as me in terms of going MORE rock than hip-hop though.
@Dusty B - Nice to see you jumping back in! I think between you and Leopard, you two have the deepest knowledge of rock music so it's no surprise that you went to the indie side of things with this. As always, the drums bang hard. I supposed the only quarrel one could have is that you took the theme to it's broadest definition. Where we may have been anticipating big, distorted, power chords - you explore the softer/ambient sides of "rock." Dope track!
@Earsblower - All the right sounds, and great groove. This kinda reminded me of that X Ambassadors track "Jungle" with the bluesy and organ. No comments man, this is super dope! Really wish I could say more, but you nailed it!
@Iron Keys - I quite like the choppy feel of these drums and that bouncy high piano. It has that Bluesy Rock sound that was really popular in the 2010s. Am I right in suspecting this is an older beat? Mix doesn't sound as pristine as usual from you. Unless it was choice to dirty it up a bit for the theme. Sound selection and arrangement is good too.
@Leopard Cohen - It's interesting that you went a bit more reserved and subdued with this. As mentioned earlier, I feel like you're a walking encyclopedia of music so I'm not surprised you didn't go in the obvious direction most of us did. Drums are great as always...my only critique was that high sustained string. I get that it adds atmosphere and fills out the spectrum, but I got tired of it. Otherwise, another unique and artistic submission!
@PhxAzTracmaster - I was excited to hear what you'd pull out for this when the theme was first announced. I like the guitar pieces, but it kinda sounded like a long bridge or breakdown section. This has your trademark bounce, and does a good job of capturing that "dark" vibe metal/rock is known for, but I think the sound selection (especially the bass) was a bit off the mark. I think where I went full rock, you reigned yourself in and tried to keep it hip-hop. I respect the choice, but going fully un-hinged may have served you better.
@Popz Beatz - Definitely got the rock sound and groove with the drums. The organ stabs were a great touch! Like the guitar chops and everything works together for a superb groove. Some reverb to let that vocal chop ring through would've helped tie it all together nicer. Something about the groove and the chops is reminiscent of Just Blaze. Dope work, but a bigger variation of sorts would really push it to the next level.
@Stan1 - I don't know how to explain this, but it sounds like you sampled your car stereo or a boombox or something. The sample choice, as usual, is pretty dope, but the mix is near inaudible. I also think you "stretched" the definition of "Vocal Snippet" as this is basically full on vocals.
@them - no snare? I can't really comment on this as it's 2 notes, a singular drum, and a short sample chop.
@tlux - The intro immediately caught my attention. The sound selection is really good on this. The guitar sounds synthetic to me - which is fine - The crowd claps were a good touch and on theme. Personally, I think this is more in the realm of "dark and ominous" trap more than it is Rock, but definitely gets vibe points. This style of drums aren't my flavour however.
@Tomblr - Getting some Rob Zombie/White Zombie vibes from the guitar. Two things, dope to see you getting active on the Beat Fights and battles, and I recognize this theme is probably well outside of your comfort zone. The vocals on this are absolutely haunting. I always thought Gregorian chants fit nicely on rock/metal. This has a gothic vibe that I really like. It's maybe a bit more stripped back than others, but I imagine it would serve for a dope beat on an underground posse cut.
@V.J. Retro - Dope drums! That pitch up just before the stutter around 0:30 sounded a bit out of place. I do like how you teased the full guitar riff for a bit before letting it play out. The cutting is a nice too. Not my favourite from you, but I think you managed to blend Rock and Hip-hop the best.
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This was @M.I.ndless beat. Really great stuff - was there sampling in this? Just sounded like a really fucking cool beat.
I knew this was yours, @Armani for the same reason it got my vote which you probably already know, you little Middlearctic Monkey.
loved how you made that work, didnt sound out of place, nice trap rock vibe.
Was real close trying to choose between the two of you.
R U Mine?
They did.
Glad to see my taste was right, listening on consumer headphones.
Thanks, brother.
I produced, played, mixed and mastered the entire thing on my phone at like 4am, on consumer headphones.
Armani won!?
Nah, but on the serious tip (pause) that was a dope ass beat. My fav was @Iron Keys, @DJ Excellence and @BiggChev
Nah, but on the serious tip (pause) that was a dope ass beat. My fav was @Iron Keys, @DJ Excellence and @BiggChev
@K-waz
Appreciate you as always brother. I cribbed the drums from Royal Blood - Lights Out. Had them arranged and mixed how I wanted them, but then struggled with the actual music. This went through 3 different iterations before landing on this version. I had the "verse" done earlier but forgot my amp settings for that tone and couldn't quite get it right when I tracked the "chorus" section hence the inconsistency between the tone across both sections.
Appreciate you as always brother. I cribbed the drums from Royal Blood - Lights Out. Had them arranged and mixed how I wanted them, but then struggled with the actual music. This went through 3 different iterations before landing on this version. I had the "verse" done earlier but forgot my amp settings for that tone and couldn't quite get it right when I tracked the "chorus" section hence the inconsistency between the tone across both sections.