★★★★

Kaytranada is the name behind some of the most exciting hip hop of the past few years.

The Montreal-based producer has steadily developed his reputation, going from SoundCloud celebrity to studio staple, and now brushes shoulders with the likes of Anderson .Paak, The Internet and Freddie Gibbs.

His debut album, painstakingly created between rigorous touring schedules, is an ode to soulful R&B as well as an adept demonstration of his uncanny knack for bringing out the best in artists. That’s why from the start of ‘Track Uno’ it’s clear that 99.9% bangs as much in your car as in the club. The sunny vibes are trademark Kaytranada, with lush melodies that form the backbone of the album as they subtly morph to suit the artists featured on it.

Borrowing from trap music, electronica and funk, the young producer has enough tools in his wheelhouse to make everyone look tops, whether it’s Vic Mensa or Badbadnotgood. If anything, 99.9% should at least be remembered for making Craig David relevant in 2016.

It’s a strong debut, made stronger by the fact that Kaytranada’s peers are part of a musical elite slowly dominating the hip hop and R&B charts. He might be giving 99.9 per cent, but this album belongs in the very top percentile.

Kaytranada’s99.9%is out now through XL/Remote Control.

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