Otis Jackson Jr., better known by his stage name Madlib, is a prolific American music producer, DJ, rapper, and multi-instrumentalist, esteemed for his eclectic and genre-defying approach to hip-hop and music at large. Born on October 24, 1973, in Oxnard, California, Madlib emerged in the music scene in the 1990s as a member of the group Lootpack and quickly earned a reputation for his unorthodox production style and vast knowledge of jazz, soul, funk, and international music, all of which he has expertly infused into his beats.

Madlib's career is marked by numerous collaborations, solo projects, and aliases that span across a multitude of sounds and styles. His partnership with rapper MF DOOM as Madvillain and the critically acclaimed album "Madvillainy" cemented his status as a titan in underground hip-hop. His solo endeavors are equally impressive, releasing thematic instrumental albums like "Shades of Blue" and his 'Beat Konducta' series that showcase his sampling virtuosity. Notable projects like "Piñata" and "Bandana" with rapper Freddie Gibbs have been praised for their gritty, soulful reconstructions of hip-hop's sonic palette. His more recent work includes the adventurously produced "Sound Ancestors," which filters Madlib's beat-making through the arranger's lens of Four Tet's Kieran Hebden, further solidifying his role as a boundary-pusher in the modern music landscape. Whether digging for obscure samples or pushing sonic boundaries, Madlib's vast and varied discography ensures his position as a beacon for innovation in contemporary music.

Genres

Abstract Hip Hop

Alternative Hip Hop

Hip Hop

Instrumental Hip Hop

Psychedelic Hip Hop

Related Artists

MF DOOM

J Dilla

Nujabes

Four Tet

Flying Lotus

Oh No

The Alchemist

A Tribe Called Quest

Madvillain

DJ Premier

Knxwledge

Q-Tip

Latest Release

One Beer (Madlib Remix)

MF DOOM•

Madlib

Single - Released October 8, 2024