Jay-Z meets ambient music? That’s right. Straight from Madrid, Spain, Hykuu brings chill-hop vibes to Jova’s track “Pray,” off his 2007 album, American Gangster, which features an uncredited vocal contribution from wifey Bey. The producer, born Antonio Campos de Orellana, hasn’t officially released anything so far, but after listening to the songs on his SoundCloud page, you’d know that he’s definitely developed his style, mixing hip-hop and dream pop.
While the original version of “Pray” feels like a harder, but standard, hip-hop track, Hykuu turns the focus to ambiance, adding a long, ethereal intro, and simplifying the beat. And, of course, soaking everything in reverb. At the end, a pan flute-like synth sweetens up the whole thing with its melody.