Fight #342: PhxAzTracmaster vs. K-waz
[Fight Ends: 6 days, 22 hours, 10 minutes left]
Warzone Warzone Beat Battle - June 17-21, 2025
- Thread starter Fade
- Start date
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Beat This!The next Beat This! Competition is from June 25-26th!
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WarzoneThe results of the Warzone Beat Battle are in! See what went down.
attila
Beatmaker
Congratulations to the winners and honor to the defeated. When I arrived here, I imagined I would find a community of very knowledgeable and talented people. While I am not disappointed in terms of preparation, I am surprised by the talent and I confess I am also a bit intimidated. Choosing was more difficult than once. Personally, I would like to mention @WHAT1000 among those who did not receive the podium recognition, even though came very close.
Heres what I did with it
The level of quality this month was insane! Lots of great music.
@Earsblower - This was one of my favourites. The 80s synth-wave sound selection sounds amazing. In addition to the sound selection, you nailed the tone and atmosphere of the era, while balancing a modern sound. There are soo many moving elements, and evolutions that this never gets stale. How you weave together all the melodies, counter melodies, and accents, is masterfully done. You get a ton of these small details that all work together to build out the atmosphere of this track. Example, sounds like there's an envelope on either pitch or filter for a couple of the synths that add that extra dynamic. Dope!
@WHAT1000 - same notes as the recent Beat This you used the beat for. There's a cool idea or two in there. One thing I didn't catch last time, I do like the drums on this. Maybe not all the patterns, but sample selection and how they work together.
@Armani - First things, first, hope you're safe man. This shit is getting wild. Mix is great, but this isn't my type of jam. The vocal sample didn't seem to fit everything else.
@prodCardellino - Was pretty certain this was yours. I really liked the sample used on this. Again, I think the kick is a bit too overpowering. I do like the rest of the drums. The hi-hat variations, tight little interjections with the Open hat, the shaker roll - that all works to add subtle variation and keep the beat interesting. I think the sample could've been explored a bit more without getting into the realm of micro-chops. Either you masterfully spliced the sample, but it sounds like the majority is just a loop. Whereas at 1:04, I like the delays and variations. Cool beat.
@Iron Keys - Another flawless mix. The drums on this are perfect. @prodCardellino This is how I'd approach an impactful/powerful kick without it taking overt the whole mix. Any reggae/dub will grab my attention. The bass line on this super tight. The string work on this is really dope. The piano trills and accent were a perfect choice for this beat. Super fucking dope.
@Stan1 - Welcome to the Ill! Kudos on jumping into the battles right away. This sounds like the outro or interlude of an album. It stays at the same level with little to no changes. Anything with a break beat or jazz samples will speak to me, but this is a bit monotonous. I get what you're saying about the levels being too low. I can hear some other one shots...but very very faintly.
@2GooD Productions - Emotive, epic, massive, powerful. This is a great piece of music. The vocal definitely adds TONS of sould, and it sounds like you did a lot of work around it with the brass, piano, and strings. There's very little to say. I don't think there are any notes that I can add that would be constructive. Was pretty sure you had me in the finals. Dope!
@K-waz - With my luck, the day I write "my greatest beat ever" will the be day you slaughter me in a Warzone. I love the drums on this. This kinda "new-school boom-bap" drum vibe is where it's at! The soulful sample works perfectly with the drums. This gave me Droupout and Late Registration vibes. It has a great groove, and those little "ahhs' dropped in were a nice touch. Only critique would maybe dial back the kick a bit and let the bass line shine a bit more. Otherwise, really enjoyed this.
@Delta Skeltah - All groove and vibe on this! Love this silky smooth jazz vibe. A bit short though. I think this is also serves more as an interlude on an album. That being said, I can see this being a really solid album cut on an old school record.
@M.I.ndless - This has a such a nice uplifting groove and bounce. I could bump an 80 minute album of instrumentals like this while on the back deck, grilling, playing cards, and enjoying the summer. The bass line has such a dope mo-town feel to it. Would've liked to hear it a bit more prominent in the mix. Love the strings on this too! The little disco string style runs and stabs are on point! Very nice!
@Mike Chief - Dope! You have a very deft touch with this. There's a lot of elements here, but it never sounds too busy or overwhelming. The pad/strings around 0:50 add so much harmonic value and almost completely changes the tune, but it's still super subtle and brought in well. Drums are sick. I think going for a tight, dry sounding kick was a smart choice considering the big atmosphere and wash with the other elements. You'll have to teach me how you accomplished that little glitchy effect in the intro. If I could make one suggestion, it would maybe put a slow moving filter or something on the main piano part. Nothing drastic but just enough to give it something of a breathing slightly evolving feel. Coupled with the sound choice/design on the other bits, it could sound cool.
@them - Again, this sounds like a half finished beat or a really long intro. The drums are spaced out to far and aren't really establishing any groove or rhythm. Half time, spaced drums, are fine for intros or middle sections, but this doesn't really go anywhere.
@TWU - Really...really nice! The heavy shuffle feel with the drums is super groovy. All the elements of this work really well together. You did a great job of using FX for transitions, atmosphere, and for specific moments of added interest. Not much to say here man, this really good!
@Earsblower - This was one of my favourites. The 80s synth-wave sound selection sounds amazing. In addition to the sound selection, you nailed the tone and atmosphere of the era, while balancing a modern sound. There are soo many moving elements, and evolutions that this never gets stale. How you weave together all the melodies, counter melodies, and accents, is masterfully done. You get a ton of these small details that all work together to build out the atmosphere of this track. Example, sounds like there's an envelope on either pitch or filter for a couple of the synths that add that extra dynamic. Dope!
@WHAT1000 - same notes as the recent Beat This you used the beat for. There's a cool idea or two in there. One thing I didn't catch last time, I do like the drums on this. Maybe not all the patterns, but sample selection and how they work together.
@Armani - First things, first, hope you're safe man. This shit is getting wild. Mix is great, but this isn't my type of jam. The vocal sample didn't seem to fit everything else.
@prodCardellino - Was pretty certain this was yours. I really liked the sample used on this. Again, I think the kick is a bit too overpowering. I do like the rest of the drums. The hi-hat variations, tight little interjections with the Open hat, the shaker roll - that all works to add subtle variation and keep the beat interesting. I think the sample could've been explored a bit more without getting into the realm of micro-chops. Either you masterfully spliced the sample, but it sounds like the majority is just a loop. Whereas at 1:04, I like the delays and variations. Cool beat.
@Iron Keys - Another flawless mix. The drums on this are perfect. @prodCardellino This is how I'd approach an impactful/powerful kick without it taking overt the whole mix. Any reggae/dub will grab my attention. The bass line on this super tight. The string work on this is really dope. The piano trills and accent were a perfect choice for this beat. Super fucking dope.
@Stan1 - Welcome to the Ill! Kudos on jumping into the battles right away. This sounds like the outro or interlude of an album. It stays at the same level with little to no changes. Anything with a break beat or jazz samples will speak to me, but this is a bit monotonous. I get what you're saying about the levels being too low. I can hear some other one shots...but very very faintly.
@2GooD Productions - Emotive, epic, massive, powerful. This is a great piece of music. The vocal definitely adds TONS of sould, and it sounds like you did a lot of work around it with the brass, piano, and strings. There's very little to say. I don't think there are any notes that I can add that would be constructive. Was pretty sure you had me in the finals. Dope!
@K-waz - With my luck, the day I write "my greatest beat ever" will the be day you slaughter me in a Warzone. I love the drums on this. This kinda "new-school boom-bap" drum vibe is where it's at! The soulful sample works perfectly with the drums. This gave me Droupout and Late Registration vibes. It has a great groove, and those little "ahhs' dropped in were a nice touch. Only critique would maybe dial back the kick a bit and let the bass line shine a bit more. Otherwise, really enjoyed this.
@Delta Skeltah - All groove and vibe on this! Love this silky smooth jazz vibe. A bit short though. I think this is also serves more as an interlude on an album. That being said, I can see this being a really solid album cut on an old school record.
@M.I.ndless - This has a such a nice uplifting groove and bounce. I could bump an 80 minute album of instrumentals like this while on the back deck, grilling, playing cards, and enjoying the summer. The bass line has such a dope mo-town feel to it. Would've liked to hear it a bit more prominent in the mix. Love the strings on this too! The little disco string style runs and stabs are on point! Very nice!
@Mike Chief - Dope! You have a very deft touch with this. There's a lot of elements here, but it never sounds too busy or overwhelming. The pad/strings around 0:50 add so much harmonic value and almost completely changes the tune, but it's still super subtle and brought in well. Drums are sick. I think going for a tight, dry sounding kick was a smart choice considering the big atmosphere and wash with the other elements. You'll have to teach me how you accomplished that little glitchy effect in the intro. If I could make one suggestion, it would maybe put a slow moving filter or something on the main piano part. Nothing drastic but just enough to give it something of a breathing slightly evolving feel. Coupled with the sound choice/design on the other bits, it could sound cool.
@them - Again, this sounds like a half finished beat or a really long intro. The drums are spaced out to far and aren't really establishing any groove or rhythm. Half time, spaced drums, are fine for intros or middle sections, but this doesn't really go anywhere.
@TWU - Really...really nice! The heavy shuffle feel with the drums is super groovy. All the elements of this work really well together. You did a great job of using FX for transitions, atmosphere, and for specific moments of added interest. Not much to say here man, this really good!
Earsblower
Listen closely... Closer...
@BiggChev thx man, I am pretty proud of this one as I am just starting to understand compression/saturation and implement it in my beats. Its a game changer.
@2GooD Productions this shit needs to go somewhere where I can listen to it or put on one of my playlist. Eveything is glued together so well, def one of the best beat I heard on here.
@2GooD Productions this shit needs to go somewhere where I can listen to it or put on one of my playlist. Eveything is glued together so well, def one of the best beat I heard on here.
Earsblower
Listen closely... Closer...
Just put it on my soundcloud, thanks man. I appeciate it
Mike Chief
ILLIEN
Congrats @BiggChev !
That shit is fuckin fire man, lol. All elements were put together cleanly, and it was a nice collaboration of sounds. A well deserved W. I feel like drums could have a bit more seasoning but at the same time Im biased in that way period lol.
@2GooD Productions A great track man. High quality as always - here were my first thoughts though: As much as I love the progression and dig the vibe of the track, I kinda feel like the kick and snare dont fit. For the type of track it is - for me they need a bit more seasoning. The claps fit perfectly, but the tone of the kick and snare throw me off a bit. Only other thing for me was the chorus part - it comes in really bright and harsh, and starts fighting for space in that high range. Other than that - its a fuckin gold track and you cant miss with it. Shits on mine any day.
@Earsblower Man, I think this was my absolute favourite of this WZ. Shit makes me wanna do cocaine and go on a night drive with a bottle of whiskey in the back seat.
@K-waz Salute, sir. Another fuckin banger as expected. I knew that shit was going either way when I got placed against yours. I'll take that second round KO with joy, dust off and come back harder. Great fuckin track, I would just agree with @BiggChev with turning down the kick a bit.
@M.I.ndless This was a sleeper, but amongst my favourites. Probably a close second. Didnt expect the direction based off intro, love that. It draws you in to the rhythm.
@Iron Keys super clean - similar style to @2GooD Productions and it makes sense lol. I like your choice of drums for this, and I feel like the mix is pretty fuckin good. One of the vocals kinda clashes with some high frequencies but its still clear. Thoroughly enjoyed the progression, and the strings is nice mang. Another quality track.
@them Keep experimenting. Try more things my man.
@Stan1 thoroughly enjoyed this, but definitely interlude vibes, and nothing that truly stands out. But its a solid groove.
@WHAT1000 Keep going, keep trying things. Gotta get some variations in your patterns.
@TWU Beautifully done, and I love that drum pattern. They hit nice, everything is balanced well. Gotta nice field of sound. Fuckin clean ass track man. Bass cuts through nicely. But almost too bright and happy for the WZ for some reason lol.
@Armani ditto with hoping youre ok man. Hope you and the fam find a way to be ok. But yo - absolutely fuckin love this track. Love weird shit like this, and for me it fuckin bounces. Doesnt fit the nature of the competition lol, and I know this one probably threw a lot of people off. I fuckin love it though.
@prodCardellino This is a great track, good fuckin shit. Summer and trees and beaches and shit. Sittin on the sand reminiscing. For me I feel the kick was hittin a little too heavy, making the bass seem a bit heavy as well. Kinda made it seem like the drums were sitting on top of your mix. Other than that wonderful track mang.
@Delta Skeltah Love the vibe, love the cut you put in there. Definitely interlude vibes, but its chill, got bounce and groove. Love the warmth of it. Good shit mang.
That shit is fuckin fire man, lol. All elements were put together cleanly, and it was a nice collaboration of sounds. A well deserved W. I feel like drums could have a bit more seasoning but at the same time Im biased in that way period lol.
@2GooD Productions A great track man. High quality as always - here were my first thoughts though: As much as I love the progression and dig the vibe of the track, I kinda feel like the kick and snare dont fit. For the type of track it is - for me they need a bit more seasoning. The claps fit perfectly, but the tone of the kick and snare throw me off a bit. Only other thing for me was the chorus part - it comes in really bright and harsh, and starts fighting for space in that high range. Other than that - its a fuckin gold track and you cant miss with it. Shits on mine any day.
@Earsblower Man, I think this was my absolute favourite of this WZ. Shit makes me wanna do cocaine and go on a night drive with a bottle of whiskey in the back seat.
@K-waz Salute, sir. Another fuckin banger as expected. I knew that shit was going either way when I got placed against yours. I'll take that second round KO with joy, dust off and come back harder. Great fuckin track, I would just agree with @BiggChev with turning down the kick a bit.
@M.I.ndless This was a sleeper, but amongst my favourites. Probably a close second. Didnt expect the direction based off intro, love that. It draws you in to the rhythm.
@Iron Keys super clean - similar style to @2GooD Productions and it makes sense lol. I like your choice of drums for this, and I feel like the mix is pretty fuckin good. One of the vocals kinda clashes with some high frequencies but its still clear. Thoroughly enjoyed the progression, and the strings is nice mang. Another quality track.
@them Keep experimenting. Try more things my man.
@Stan1 thoroughly enjoyed this, but definitely interlude vibes, and nothing that truly stands out. But its a solid groove.
@WHAT1000 Keep going, keep trying things. Gotta get some variations in your patterns.
@TWU Beautifully done, and I love that drum pattern. They hit nice, everything is balanced well. Gotta nice field of sound. Fuckin clean ass track man. Bass cuts through nicely. But almost too bright and happy for the WZ for some reason lol.
@Armani ditto with hoping youre ok man. Hope you and the fam find a way to be ok. But yo - absolutely fuckin love this track. Love weird shit like this, and for me it fuckin bounces. Doesnt fit the nature of the competition lol, and I know this one probably threw a lot of people off. I fuckin love it though.
@prodCardellino This is a great track, good fuckin shit. Summer and trees and beaches and shit. Sittin on the sand reminiscing. For me I feel the kick was hittin a little too heavy, making the bass seem a bit heavy as well. Kinda made it seem like the drums were sitting on top of your mix. Other than that wonderful track mang.
@Delta Skeltah Love the vibe, love the cut you put in there. Definitely interlude vibes, but its chill, got bounce and groove. Love the warmth of it. Good shit mang.
Last edited:
Earsblower
Listen closely... Closer...
Appreciate the feedback man, the sample had some chain rattle (chain gang music style) on the snare hits, I may have overcompensated to try and get it into the background more. Also I stem ripped the vocals for the hook as I didn't want to just chop and rearrange the original sample, wanted to make it more my own. In doing so the vox for the hook weren't the best of quality, so once again I personally think I may have overcompensated to try to hide the poor quality of the vox. I may just go back and clean things up a bit. I was pushing -6db LUFS integrated too, which may have just been a bit too far tbh. Being as @Iron Keys beat was so fucking clean with a dope bassline, really thought I wouldn't make it past round 2.
For real @Iron Keys had a flawless mix!
Mike Chief
ILLIEN
Word, I 100 percent feel that. Yo, considering the source and method that was a fuckin amazing job.
Wow. Thankyou, gentlemen.
Monitoring switched up a little so wasn't sure how this mix would translate. Glad to hear it slapped in the ways I hoped it would. Think I could have gotten it even better still
prodCardellino
Member
Battle Points: 28
prodCardellino
Member
Battle Points: 28