PARIS TAPE (TOKYO DRUM BEATS) is the newest LP from MadeinTYO in collaboration with Westside Gunn and Griselda associate, Flash Garments. A tight 8-song, 20-minute experience, MadeinTYO’s production on the project continues to reflect his versatility as a musician. A far cry from his SoundCloud era with songs like “Chucky Cheese”, “HUNNIDDOLLA”, and “Ned Flanders”-laidback, playful rap with melodic, bass-heavy beats- MadeinTYO’s recent discography has leaned into more experimentation and exploration. His 2024 LP TYO 808 is a chill, soul-sample-heavy journey. 8 months later, his collab album with Jay Worthy, Time After Time, is TYO’s attempt at a more lo-fi jazz sound.
On PARIS TAPE, MadeinTYO tries his hand at a sample-heavy, jazz rap sound, displaying yet another new production style. The album’s sound is distinctly influenced by Griselda Records projects like Westside Gunn’s Pray for Paris and Benny the Butcher’s Tana Talk series: dark, gritty, yet soulful, sample-heavy, boom-bap rap. MadeinTYO shows his understanding of the opulent and sample-heavy nature of Griselda beats, providing a beautiful blueprint for Flash Garments to flow and build upon.
PARIS TAPE proves that MadeinTYO is a real production chameleon. The musical compositions on the project wouldn’t look out of place when compared to other Griselda-associated producers like The Conductor or Mach-Hommy. It is a faithful and sincere attempt at the sound.
Rather than 808s and snares, PARIS TAPES’ sonic body is built around the piano key strikes and sultry bass of the samples chosen. TYO does a great job letting the samples work for him, creating a distinct, vintage yet sophisticated sound that comes with great jazz and soul sampling.
MadeinTYO even gets a subtle stamp of approval from Griselda on “3M TowerS” with a “Flygod” tag and some adlibs from Westside Gunn himself. Gunn’s quick insert is a welcome surprise for fans, but it also provides an authenticity to TYO’s exploration of the Griselda sound.
Not to give MadeinTYO all the credit on a collab album, Flash Garment displays the witty, thoughtful, and yet brash confidence that defines the Griselda sound. As a long-time associate of Griselda, it’s clear he has picked up an understanding of how to keep the listener hooked over these beautiful samples. Flash Garment’s delivery maintains a constant flow, yet it still allows the beats to breathe. TYO and Flash find the balance between the production and vocal performance, and come together, creating the textbook “Griselda Sound.”
With lyrical content describing designer clothes, 7-course meals, and a general opulent lifestyle, the project isn’t a deeply emotional or thoughtful essay, but rather a fun, lavish 20-minute flex and reflection on the luxury long associated with Griselda.
Overall, PARIS TAPE is a concise and appealingly flagrant marriage of two hip-hop families. An enjoyable, quick listen, you’re sure to find something to love. Between the beautifully sampled and arranged production and the easily digestible lyrics, both MadeinTYO and Flash Garments deliver, providing a solid, quality project that smoothly continues TYO’s musical exploration and development as an artist.
Photo Credits: @iblamerusty
My name is Ian Mahoney, a writer for WVUA. I am a civil engineering major with a minor in history. Three of my favorite bands are The Beatles, The Strokes, and Led Zeppelin, but I love all sorts of music ranging from Jazz to Rap to Bossa nova.
