Ease Back Home with This Mellow Hip-Hop & Drum and Bass mix
Welcome to this week’s Musical Vibe of the Week. It’s a post-travel decompression playlist. This playlist is built to ease you back into real life after a holiday.
Your head’s in that weird space: half home, half still in hotel lobbies and taxi backseats. The cases are unpacked, the laundry’s on, and your brain’s slowly readjusting. This mix blends laid-back old school hip-hop with dreamy drum and bass — ideal for soft landings.
Hit play, switch to autopilot, and let this soundtrack carry you through the wash cycles and mental recalibration. Here’s what’s in the mix:
A Tribe Called Quest – Jazz (We’ve Got)
Super mellow and warm, this classic from Tribe is the perfect way to ease into the playlist. Smooth, head-nodding rhythm with just enough jazz-infused production to keep it thoughtful without ever getting in the way. Feels like easing into your favourite hoodie.
Trashiii – EMULATED
A shift in energy — spaced-out synths and dreamy pads over old school DnB breaks. It sounds like the menu screen of a PS1 game you played too much in the ’90s, and it’s absolutely perfect for hitting autopilot mode while loading the washing machine. French duo Trashiii blend nostalgia and glitchy softness in just the right way.
Makoto & AkirA – Flying High
Japanese drum and bass veteran Makoto, released on Good Looking Records, brings a polished yet relaxed tone here. It’s upbeat but never overwhelming — positive energy with a spacious mix. Like being on the move but with nowhere urgent to be. Keeps the vibe floating.
Sano Denji (佐野電磁) – Shanghai Discotheque 2001
Following the electronic thread, this one leans more disco — but filtered through a hazy, half-awake dreamstate. The samples feel just out of reach, like falling asleep with the TV on and letting the dialogue dissolve into your dreams. Hard to pin down but easy to vibe with.
Barrington Levy & Beenie Man – Two Sounds Jungle
Original chilled jungle with that effortless cool only Barrington Levy can deliver. Ragga vocals drift across rolling breaks, keeping things rooted while still feeling light on its feet. A quick detour to London energy that still fits the laid-back headspace.
Butch & Life on Planets – Get High With You
Straight back to now with German producer Butch and Brooklyn-based Life on Planets, released via Defected. Sun-drenched, minimal house with a psychedelic R&B vocal — the kind of track that sounds like a slow-motion poolside memory. Mellow but modern.
Example – The Strive
To round it off, we loop back to the hip-hop zone with Example’s The Strive. Old skool in feel but with a fresh outlook — perfect for a moment of pause. Throw on a hoodie, grab a coffee or a smoke break between loads of laundry, and let this one recalibrate you gently.
Hope something in this post-travel decompression playlist hits the right note for you. For more Musical Vibes of the Week, head over here
