{"id":15604,"date":"2026-09-01T10:24:20","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T09:24:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/?p=15604"},"modified":"2026-09-01T14:45:15","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T13:45:15","slug":"embedded-music-mixtape","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/it\/beats\/embedded-music-mixtape\/","title":{"rendered":"Embedded Music: the Great NYC Underground Life"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Embedded Music: the brilliance hidden beneath the surface of New York<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two 45-minute sets are <strong>Embedded<\/strong>: mixtapes shaped by a raw, complex understanding of this music, and driven by pure passion. <br><br>This is where our latest chapter in StrettoBlaster\u2019s <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/pieces\/hip-hop-labels\/\">Hip Hop Labels Project<\/a><\/strong> starts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Welcome to <strong>Embedded Music<\/strong>, founded by <strong>DJ Ese<\/strong> and <strong>DJ Hipsta<\/strong> at the turn of the Millennium: a product and mirror image of New York City\u2019s rugged underground scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\"title=\"Embedded Music Tribute Mixtape | NY Underground [Hip Hop Labels]\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vFf6Sijo6VY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In the beginning, there were mixtapes: enter Embedded Studios<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Brooklyn-based Ese and Hipsta were making their names when <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/8vAd3wo0wjI?si=cj6QsbceGOklSsAy\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/8vAd3wo0wjI?si=cj6QsbceGOklSsAy\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mixtapes<\/a>\u2014alongside local and college radio\u2014were still among the main ways to navigate the vast, almost overwhelming amount of underground hip hop released during the late \u201990s and early \u201900s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The aesthetic was explicit: pieces used as logos and graphics, street imagery, gritty rhymes and even grittier beats, all packed into tapes loaded with some of the illest shit around. The kind you played in your Walkman\u2014or, even better, in your car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the time, everybody and their cousin was trying to start a label. Unsurprisingly, Ese and Hipsta decided to take their shot too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2001, they founded <strong>Embedded Studios<\/strong>, later renamed <strong>Embedded Music<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Within a year, they had released several 12\u2033 records featuring underground heavyweights such as <strong>LoDeck<\/strong>, <strong>Vast Aire<\/strong>, <strong>Aesop Rock<\/strong>, West Coast representative <strong>Zion I<\/strong>, <strong>Breez Evahflowin\u2019<\/strong>, <strong>L.I.F.E. Long<\/strong> and <strong>Hangar 18<\/strong>, alongside remixes by <strong>RJD2<\/strong>.<br>Starting to see a pattern here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their mixtapes were strictly underground, so collaborations with this kind of emcee were hardly surprising. Some of those relationships were born directly through the mixes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others were undoubtedly forged through Ese\u2019s work with <strong>El-P<\/strong>\u2019s brainchild, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/beats\/def-jux-tribute-mix\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Definitive Jux<\/a><\/strong>. He joined the label as A&amp;R in 2001 and later became its General Manager, remaining there until the end of the Def Jux experience in 2009.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The two DJs and producers\u2019 first major statement was a compilation built around those connections. Driven by murky samples and aggressive drums, <strong>The Bedford Files<\/strong> brought together some of the indie scene\u2019s <em>Wunderkinder<\/em>: a snapshot of everything compelling in hip hop beyond the bling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/embedded-music-album-covers.jpg\" alt=\"Embedded Music artworks \" class=\"wp-image-15607\" srcset=\"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/embedded-music-album-covers.jpg 900w, https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/embedded-music-album-covers-300x160-1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/embedded-music-album-covers-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/embedded-music-album-covers-370x197.jpg 370w, https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/embedded-music-album-covers-767x409.jpg 767w, https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/embedded-music-album-covers-600x320-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Was Embedded simply an offshoot of Definitive Jux? Not quite.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Used to digging through the dense woods of the early-2000s underground, Ese and Hipsta began assembling a singular roster of oddballs. In the process, they shaped a sound that was far more peculiar (and original) than a simple Def Jux satellite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The message is embedded: a trajectory worth remembering<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First came <strong>Babbletron<\/strong>, comprised of <strong>Cool Calm Pete<\/strong>, <strong>Jaymanila<\/strong> and <strong>DJ Pre<\/strong>, whose album earned considerable international recognition. Soon afterwards, underground heads including <strong>Loer Velocity<\/strong> and <strong>Bisc 1<\/strong> entered the label, delivering plenty of good, uncompromising hip hop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Between 2003 and 2007, Embedded Music steadily carved out its own identity.<br><br>Fiercely New York-centred, wildly eccentric, proudly unfashionable and free of unnecessary fanciness, that identity crystallised in <strong>Junk Science<\/strong>\u2019s 2005 debut. MC <strong>Baje One<\/strong> and producer <strong>Snafu<\/strong> created a remarkable album built on inventive lyrics, restrained but sharp production and an art-driven package. For more of their story, peep the feature <a href=\"https:\/\/daily.bandcamp.com\/features\/junk-science-interview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Around the same period, Hipsta\u2019s name began disappearing from the label\u2019s releases, while Embedded Music\u2019s output gradually slowed. Nonetheless, Dj Ese still managed to release his only producer album, stacked with key figures from both Embedded Music and Definitive Jux.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two years later, the label made a strong comeback with the self-titled album by <strong>Iller Than Theirs<\/strong>\u2014a.k.a. <strong>Krayola<\/strong> and <strong>Tone Tank<\/strong>, both members of Nuclear Family alongside Junk Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/embedded-music-album.jpg\" alt=\"embedded music artworks and vinyl \" class=\"wp-image-15608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/embedded-music-album.jpg 900w, https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/embedded-music-album-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/embedded-music-album-300x160-1.jpg 300w, https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/embedded-music-album-767x409.jpg 767w, https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/embedded-music-album-370x197.jpg 370w, https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/embedded-music-album-600x320-1.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, this comeback arrived just as the economics of underground music were increasingly stuck in a downward spiral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Operating within microscopic margins (barely enough to pay the bills) had always been difficult for small imprints like Embedded Music. But with music consumption changing rapidly and conditions deteriorating for anything outside the pop mainstream, survival became harder by the minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Embedded continued releasing the occasional EP and single before finally ceasing operations in 2009.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But not before one last, brilliantly unexpected twist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The art of crafting: beats meet beers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2007, Ese helped Junk Science release their sophomore album, <em>Gran\u2019Dad\u2019s Nerve Tonic<\/em>, through Def Jux. <br><br>With albums no longer selling as they once had, he suggested to the duo to partner with a brewery and produce a limited beer inspired by the concept album. Since the record itself revolved around a miraculous brew, the connection with actual brews was already there. Better still, the collaboration could help fund their promotional tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The craft beer\u2013indie music connection\u2014and the limited-edition logic behind it\u2014was undeniably hipster as hell. But the idea also revealed Ese\u2019s instinct for what was coming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His experience in independent music allowed him to recognise the natural lifestyle affinity between underground hip-hop and the emerging craft beer scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Niche artists could turn their names into sustainable brands while continuing to make music. Niche breweries, meanwhile, gained an authentic entry point into independent music culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When Def Jux eventually shut down, Ese\u2014already a beer enthusiast and home brewer\u2014moved into brewing professionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Years later, after co-founding <strong>Interboro Spirits &amp; Ales<\/strong> in 2016, he struck a deal with <strong>Run The Jewels<\/strong> to create the collaborative IPA <strong>Stay G-o-l-d<\/strong>. He tells the story himself <a href=\"https:\/\/creators.spotify.com\/pod\/profile\/thenextmovement\/episodes\/De-La-Soul-is-Dead-feat--Jesse-Ferguson-e1edurf\/a-a7dhgsm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With this, we really have reached the end of today&#8217;s exploration. Embedded Music may be gone, but it remains worth discussing\u2014and, more importantly, worth hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Carefully selected in the taproom by yours truly, <strong>Two Mave the Masked Jedi<\/strong>, and mixed by <strong>DJ Pio<\/strong>, wizard brewer of hoppy cuts and scratches, the following mix stays true to the spirit of this project, working like a weathered Polaroid: a snapshot of another great independent label that existed beneath the surface and left a mark far bigger than its footprint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Peep the tracklist. Turn up the volume. Press play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Embedded Music Tribute Mixtape<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A musical selection by TwoMave, mixed and recorded by DJ Pio.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">01 <em>Kamikazee Concepts<\/em> \u2013 Tes<br>02 <em>F#%#^%$#ck Yooooouuuu<\/em> &#8211; Cool Calm Pete feat. Thirstin Howl III &amp; Lathia Black<br>03 <em>Pandemonium<\/em> &#8211; Bisc1<br>04 <em>Spread Luv<\/em> &#8211; Loer Velocity<br>05 <em>Lost (Blockhead Remix)<\/em> &#8211; Cool Calm Pete<br>06 <em>Ice Age<\/em> &#8211; Junk Science feat. B. Eazy<br>07 <em>All the Way Hype<\/em> &#8211; Babbletron<br>08 <em>Check My Willz<\/em> &#8211; Aceyalone<br>09 <em>K.A.R.N.I<\/em> &#8211; Dj Ese feat. Karniege<br>09 5 <em>Skeleton with Headphones (Snafu bonus beat)<\/em> &#8211; Junk Science<br>10 <em>The Clock Song<\/em> &#8211; Babbletron<br>11 <em>A Slice of Heaven <\/em>&#8211; Hangar 18<br>12 <em>The Same <\/em>&#8211; Iller Than Theirs feat. Masta Ace<br>13 <em>You Know Me<\/em> &#8211; Stelf Index<br>14 <em>Smorg <\/em>\u2013 Iller Than Theirs<br>15 <em>Tippin&#8217; Dominoes Remix<\/em> &#8211; Vast Aire<br>16 <em>Eye Opener <\/em>&#8211; Not For Nothin&#8217; feat. Mr. Complex<br>17 <em>Song I Sing <\/em>&#8211; Loer Velocity<br>18 <em>Noah&#8217;s Arc Reject <\/em>&#8211; LoDeck<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you like this one, you could try discovering other awesome labels we have paid tribute to. <br>I\u2019d suggest starting from <a href=\"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/beats\/handcuts-records-mixtape\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\"title=\"Embedded Music Tribute Mixtape | NY Underground [Hip Hop Labels]\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vFf6Sijo6VY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Embedded Music: the brilliance hidden beneath the surface of New York Two 45-minute sets are Embedded: mixtapes shaped by a raw, complex understanding of this music, and driven by pure passion. This is where our latest chapter in StrettoBlaster\u2019s Hip Hop Labels Project starts. Welcome to Embedded Music, founded by DJ Ese and DJ Hipsta [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":15605,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15604","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-beats"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15604","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15604"}],"version-history":[{"count":52,"href":"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15604\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15705,"href":"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15604\/revisions\/15705"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15605"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15604"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15604"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strettoblaster.com\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15604"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}