Beatrition

Fukuoka-based beatmaker Jeff The Beats has released Beatrition, his first new beat tape in approximately two years.

Produced primarily on the Roland SP-404MKII, the album is defined by the raw texture and analog randomness unique to hardware. Instead of cold programming, the tracks intentionally retain a human, organic feel, giving the music a distinct warmth.

The title "Beatrition" is a portmanteau of "Beat" and "Nutrition." The concept centers on fragmented beats that, like a diverse mix of ingredients, come together to deliver "sonic nutrition" for the listener's daily life.

The project isn't about perfectly polished beats; it aims to capture and enjoy an uneven, ambiguous feeling. Each of the 12 tracks-built from samples, noise, and loops-feels crafted to encapsulate a certain nostalgic atmosphere. The songs avoid smooth transitions or flashy arrangements, instead resonating with the steady rhythm of daily breathing.

The track titles, such as "Mixed Greens," "Fresh Cut," "Carrot Crunch," and "Onion Layers," all share a culinary theme. This symbolizes the creative process itself: chopping, mixing, and layering fragments of beats just like ingredients.

A member of the "BOAT" collective, Jeff The Beats is also active in the band "MADE IN HEPBURN." He skillfully navigates between band sounds and beat culture, playing guitar, keys, and sampler. He released the beat tape Cliffhanger in 2023 and also produces for the hip-hop unit "Mondoriuteba."

Beatrition marks a return to his roots, a project where he recaptures the tactile sensation of "touching sound" using the SP-404's pads and knobs. The resulting beats are dusty and feel lived-in, a far cry from sterile digital audio. It is this very imperfection that provides the "nutrition" and "warmth" Jeff The Beats aims to deliver.