Stape Mega produces dark, instrumental Hip Hop with a sound that’s almost Shadowesque, and reminiscent of the Endtroducing era. While he cites DJ Premier and RZA as his primary influences, Stape’s beats could easily find interest among fans of RJD2 or Blockhead. His latest effort, a forthcoming album called Metrica Mega is what Stape calls a “tribute to machines and robotics.”

But don’t let the industrial description fool you; while the songs have dark melodies and sounds that are at times unnerving, their rhythms maintain the warmth of Hip Hop beats. A good example is “The Art of Machines.” The song begins with a minimalist drone, which is soon followed by metallic, electronic percussions. However, about a minute into the track, comes the familiar boom bap of kicks and snares. Stape seems to be using the Hip Hop drums you know to carry you through the dark and angular sounds you don’t yet know. The same balance can be heard in songs such as “Solid Mechanics” and “T-1000.”

Metrica Mega isn’t out yet, but we highly recommend picking it up when the album drops. The record sounds like a soundtrack to a science fiction movie we wish someone would make. Until the official release date comes, check out the samples below. You can also learn more about Stape Mega at illatropolis.com

Stape Mega – “The Art of Machines”

Stape Mega – “Solid Mechanics”