Clams Casino

Clams Casino, the New Jersey-based producer, is credited with pioneering the cloud rap subgenre with his distinct fusion of sludgy beats, hazy distortion, and haunting samples. His atmospheric production work for artists like A$AP Rocky and Lil B, coupled with his landmark release Instrumentals in 2011, garnered critical acclaim and expanded his audience beyond underground rap circles. Throughout the decade, his influential sound was felt in collaborations with artists such as FKA twigs and Lana Del Rey, culminating in his major-label debut with the 2016 album 32 Levels featuring guest appearances by Vince Staples and Kelela.

Born Michael Volpe, Clams Casino rose to prominence in the late 2000s with his trippy and emotive productions for Lil B and Main Attrakionz, leading to collaborations with artists like Mobb Deep's Havoc. His solo releases, including the Rainforest EP and subsequent instrumental mixtapes, further showcased his unique style. Signing with Columbia, he released 32 Levels in 2016 and continued to collaborate with artists like Lil Peep and Joji. His instrumental solo album Moon Trip Radio in 2019 and compilation release Instrumental Relics in 2020 solidified his status as a pioneering figure in experimental hip-hop production.