Dos Monos - “In 20XX”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Kohh, Wu Tang Clan, Tyler the Creator

Japanese hip hop delivered in a wash of experimental flows, Dos Monos shares a fascinating take on the genre on their self-titled debut released just last year. The trio each keep unique lanes, using pass-the-mic structures to build instant diversity into any of their tracks. More weird and unique than throwback, Dos Monos at the same time show their influences clearly in beat and melodic choices. The results are intense and sound like artists daring themselves both technically and creatively. Dos Monos’ beats are wild as well, built like classic hip hop samples but twisted into unexpected breakdowns and builds. While I can’t understand the words themselves, Dos Monos’ timbres and approach are so live that they sound familiar by tracks’ ends, a good sign for an ear-turning SXSW set. (Kevin McStravick)