Cool Hunting’s 24 Songs for 4/20

A taxman tribute, our 420 playlist, DJ Spooky's #PrivateJam and more in the music we tweeted this week

This week marks the 20th anniversary of Nas’ (aka Nasir Jones) seminal debut album Illmatic, which remains equally relevant today. The record—permeated with thoughtful and poetic lyrics, performed in Nas’ trademark gravelly and passionate voice—is often credited with bringing East Coast hip-hop back into the raw fold and paving the way for the likes of the Notorious B.I.G. and Jay-Z. One listen to “NY State …

Sylvan Esso: Coffee

Space songs made from NASA Voyager recordings, dancing to Jamie xx vibrations, and more in the music we tweeted this week

In a song centered around dancing, Sylvan Esso’s Amelia Randall Meath sweetly croons “Sentiment’s the same but the pair of feet change,” conceivably creating a beautiful metaphor for relationships and the woes of falling in love. Meath’s delicate vocal harmonies are enhanced by the slight shake of maracas, an occasional strike of a triangle and a simple beat laid down by her bandmate Nick Sanborn. …

Cyril Hahn: Mix Series #2 Paris

Space songs made from NASA Voyager recordings, dancing to Jamie xx vibrations, and more in the music we tweeted this week

Vancouver-based producer Cyril Hahn’s “Paris” mix—much like the great people of the City of Lights—is in no rush and doesn’t need to try hard to impress. Over 20 minutes, Hahn effortlessly moves between melodies all grounded in hazy acid jazz and house, lulling the listener into a relaxed—but never dull—state. Throw on this mix, which features a Mount Kimbie remix of Kelis and a team …