[Chicago’s] Cell Block Collective releases sophomore compilation album ‘Contraband Vol. II‘ showcasing the sounds of riddim, dubstep, and tearout via 13 rising artists and their songs.
Cell Block Collective assemble one helluva compilation album as the second voluminous installment to their annual series.
This year, they have aggregated thirteen bass music artists and their respective songs all into one album, featuring M4R, BlasteX, est., DECIEVENCE, ATG, Lysrgix, Star Crash, BØRIS, KRVCIBLE, Hysteric, Kid JVZ, CRUSVDER, and Hatorii.
In their previous album releases such as the first Contraband vol. I, their Black Box album, and their fiscal releases, you will find a seemingly endless supply of music from artists across the globe, near and far.
CellBlock doesn’t disappoint in their deliveries of dubstep, riddim, tearout, and other subgenres that will break necks, break rails, and blow minds. Not to mention, they are supplying the artists of tomorrow, with a platform and place to have their music heard, today!
Let’s see what each artist has to say about their installation on the second annual Contraband volume, presented by our friends, Cell Block Collective.
THE ARTIST’S REMARKS
“‘Whiplash’ was made when I felt like I was finally starting to find my signature sound. I had recently listened to a bunch of Unisixn and was making songs in that style. This is the one I’m most proud of from that time.” – says M4R
“This started as a battle track featuring an artist that could not finish their vocals in time. So when I heard Cell Block was having another compilation, I quickly finalized this track and sent it over to them. I think this is one if not the most genre switch-heavy tracks I’ve made.” – says BlasteX
pictured: BlasteX
“For me, Resurgence was one of the first tracks I wrote under my new alias Established and I wanted to really make a statement regarding the direction I’m taking this project and writing stuff that I think is fun! I really wanted to see how far I could push distortion and see what kind of cool big wall of sound-type drops I could do.” – says est.
“VICIOUS was a track I started a couple of weeks ago. I was inspired by trap metal sound design and the goal was to make this the heaviest track I could make.” – says DECIEVENCE
pic: DECIEVENCE [logo]
“This is a special track to me, it’s the first song I’ve finished using new techniques and stepping out of my comfort zone. I chose the name “SCRUTINY” because I have been struggling to find a sound and style that feels like me. After finishing this track I felt so accomplished and went on to make two more songs and this has ignited the flame inside me to keep pushing!” – says ATG
“This track started as a very non-serious track using very non-serious vocals. I decided to make it a serious track after one of my mentors mentioned that it was a good track and it was not wise to go in that direction for the sake of memes. I’m glad I listened to that advice and shortly after, I discovered Cell Block Collective! I’m still in the process of discovering what sound I want to push as an artist but this track takes inspiration from heavy riddim and trap!” – says Lysrgix
“One day, I was bored. Started making random sounds, liked them, and sat at my computer for about 6 hours and made this track. Nothin’ crazy. If it sounds cool, I’m in. I sat on the track for about a year, and then remembered my friend who releases on Cell Block, and decided to submit the track in.” – says Star Crash
“For my track, I was trying to make a really heavy and loud song. This song has ended up being one of my loudest songs and the bass is there to match it. I had been making so much riddim at the time and I wanted to try and make a more tearout-style song. This song satisfied that tearout itch I had.” – says BØRIS
“For this track, I wanted to put a heavier swing on a tune that needed a certain swag to it. I wanted to make a swing-style banger with offset rhythms.” – says KRVCIBLE
“When I first created this track, I was toying with some new creative processes and patches I’ve been working hard on. I usually try to make a fun and dark intro, giving spooky vibes. Once I get a solid idea down, I try to find inspiring vocal samples from movies I love. By the end, you get a classic Hysteric riddim tune! It was a fun one to make.” – says Hysteric
pictured: Hysteric
“This one’s been a staple in my DJ sets for a couple of months now so I’m happy to finally get to release it under Cell Block. “BLAST LIKE” is a perfect song to cruise to since it has an emphasis on a rumbling low end, alternating flow, and sound design for a minimal riddim banger sound with a west coast twist.” – says KID JVZ
“I remember starting the track by laying down the brass pattern. Those five notes right before the drop was the first thing I did and they made the track. After working on the drops, I was deciding what to do with the intro. It was at that time when I had talked with my good friend and we had this plan to have him rap live on one of my tracks. I built out the intro to fit this idea and he came up with some lyrics. There is a video on my Instagram of him performing it live at a house show, it was really fun. We decided it wouldn’t work for a full release, so I shortened the intro to your typical sixteen bars and took out the vocals. It still has the same vibe. I’ve been playing this ID out since mid-2023 – usually doubling it with a RQUNY track (shoutout to the boy). The track’s ID name was “Bun Dun Dun Riddim”. Then the track name was “The Buisine” a reference to medieval horns, but I finally settled on “FIVE DOWN” which I felt matched the mood of the track. To this day, this track has been one of my favorites and I am so ready to see it released.” – says CRUSVDER
“This track was inspired to do by my favorite artist, that’s BAW. It all started with the fact that I liked the track from BAW to the title “Happy”, and I decided to do the same, without losing the motivation to finish this track. The best drop (in my opinion) is the second one. I wrote this project for a week, and even BAW himself liked it (that’s not a joke). While I had exams during that time, I was able to finish this project and release it on Cell Block Collective. I hope you enjoy it.” – says Hatorii
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