Brand new album from The Prophitt

Nathan Brown’s musical adventure started with discovery and before production entered the picture, he was a DJ trading in the culture of digging for sounds, chasing hidden records, forgotten samples and unexpected moments that could be transformed into something new. That context remains at the centre of his creative identity today which takes shape under the artistic banner of The Prophitt. A DJ first, crate digger second and producer third, Nathan has spent more than a decade developing a unique output that brings together sample-based hip hop, jazz, electronic music and lofi aesthetics into a world that’s entirely his own.

Born in Washington, D.C., influenced by years in Chicago and now operating from upstate New York, his artistic path has been paved by movement, experience and a steadfast connection to music. Across more than ten years of performing, he’s become a familiar presence on stages and dancefloors throughout the country. His recent achievements include a two-year residency at Subterranean, performances at New York’s SOB’s and a featured appearance as both performer and composer at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion during the summer of 2022.

Yet despite his reputation as a live performer, the studio has increasingly become another important outlet for his creative vision. The Prophitt first began translating that vision into recorded form with 2023’s The Overflow Sessions, followed by Zero Cool the following year. Together, those releases established a sonic language based in rhythm, texture and experimentation. Now Nathan returns with what stands as his most ambitious project thus far, the abstract beat tape work & progress, a release born from uncertainty, reflection and a renewed appreciation for the creative process itself.

At the heart of work & progress lies a profoundly personal story which arose during a period when Brown was confronted with a frightening possibility following a medical appointment that cast doubt over his future ability to hear. For someone whose entire life has revolved around sound, the prospect was truly unsettling. Faced with the chance of losing the sense that shaped both his career and identity, Nathan found himself reassessing everything. Commenting on the release, he shares, “I started this process when I was scared that I didn’t have much time left with my full capacity of hearing. It forced me to dive completely into the sounds that resonate with me.”

Now recovering and healthier than ever, he’s transformed that period of uncertainty into a project that feels at once contemplative and triumphant. work & progress documents a moment of strong emotions while simultaneously celebrating determination, marking a significant new chapter in a career already defined by constant artistic progression. Opening track “tell me a little bit about you” starts with laid vocal spoken world vocals as woozy synth textures glide in, casting a spacey soundscape as the soft taps of percussion injects a smooth groove which shifts with the pulse of hip hop rhythms to serve up a transportive listening experience.

“stillness; It’s okay?” follows with the blend of subtly jittery piano elements and racing bass lines as mellow vocal touches layer up above before the track slows with rustling percussion and elegant, jazz-inflected vibes. “takezo and the dueling tree” flows with the crisp rattle of punchy drums and smooth sax lines to present a smokey jam cut with hazy vocal samples, taking listeners on a mesmeric musical journey which expands with fluttering piano and intricate rhythmic switch ups.

Tracks like “prophecy of dying stars” pairs the flicker of plucked instrumental tones and rolling drums capped by emotive picture painting vocal elements to create a moving and hypnotic jam that builds with the steady patter of the beat. “try 2” pairs a misty arrangement with soulful vocal chops to create an alluring scene brimming with tender melodies and soothing groove while “turn that corner” brings a bouncy rhythm of warm bass notes, intricate instrumental flourishes and the clap of slick percussion to lay down a superb jazz hop moment.

“focus the feeling” sets up an engrossing atmosphere of murky instrumental textures and the blend of processed spoken word lines and stunning vocalisations as graceful string tones float above. “need the courage to move on” starts with stretched organ textures, downtempo beats and gentle piano chords while the quiet bubble of synth tones delivers an engaging scene which builds into a shimmering sax-tinged experience. Closing the expansive record with “being enough.jpg,” the shuffle of steady percussion, stacks of soft instrumental tones and vocal layers combine to present a breezy beat-focused finale that’s sure to leave a lasting impression of The Prophitt’s stellar new outing.

Listen to work & progress below