Dichotomy marks the third collaborative release from San Diego-based producer Tranzformer and London-based American producer Big O. Rooted in a shared passion for soul samples and underground hip-hop aesthetics, the album explores the tension, balance, and harmony of opposing forces—both in music and in life.
The title reflects the duality of human nature: light and dark, smooth and rugged, simplicity and complexity. It’s a beat-driven reflection of our internal contradictions, told through two unique sonic lenses. But this isn’t just a collection of tracks—it’s a carefully curated journey with heart, history, and head-nods built in.
Concept & Structure
The 15-track project sees Tranzformer and Big O alternating production duties while occasionally joining forces on key moments. The contrasting sound palettes never clash—rather, they enrich the listening experience, like fire and water coexisting in a single flame.
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Big O produced tracks: 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9
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Tranzformer produced tracks: 2, 4, 6, and 8
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Jointly produced tracks:
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“Culmination”
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“Run It Up”
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Together, the duo crafts a narrative that spans coastlines and moods, keeping listeners locked in without ever feeling repetitive.
12 Track-by-Track Review
1. Glass Butterfly (Big O)
A stunning opener. Big O kicks things off with airy soul textures and a fluttering atmosphere. A sense of nostalgia floats through the mix, inviting listeners to get lost before the drums even fully settle in.
2. Cali (feat. Streets) (Tranzformer)
Classic West Coast influence shines here. Tranzformer blends boom bap drums with warm jazz samples, giving Streets the perfect canvas to paint Cali’s reality without romanticizing it.
3. Trade It All (Big O)
A reflective groove, almost spiritual. Big O offers lush keys and minimal drums, letting emotion take the wheel. One of those beats that makes you think about past choices while staring out a window.
4. Inspiration (Tranzformer)
Arguably one of the album’s standout tracks. Tranzformer builds something cinematic, with layers of soul, horns, and drum breaks that move with intention. It’s both motivational and meditative.
5. Soul Good (Tranzformer)
This track delivers warmth in every sense. Softly chopped samples hug gritty drums, creating a soundscape that feels like Sunday morning jazz on a Brooklyn stoop.
6. Gravy (Tranzformer)
Dusted textures and street soul. Tranzformer leans deeper into lo-fi territory, offering a moody instrumental that’s both gritty and grounded. It’s not flashy—it’s honest.
7. The Right Way (Big O)
Big O serves up a dreamy, polished piece here. It plays like a love letter to soulful boom bap, with every loop chosen for emotional impact. One of the smoother entries on the project.
8. W. Century BLVD (Big O)
Named after the iconic LA boulevard, this instrumental captures the pace of city life. It’s jazzy, layered, and cinematic—like walking through neighborhoods with headphones on full blast.
9. Count On Me (Big O)
There’s a warmth and reassurance in this beat. Big O brings in vocal chops and uplifting chords, reminding us that even in contrast, there’s unity.
10. Culmination (feat. L.O.U., P-Rawb, Decksterror)
A posse cut that lives up to its title. Produced by both Tranzformer and Big O, it’s soulful and expansive. Decksterror’s scratches add raw texture, while the verses bounce off the beat with perfect synergy.
11. Fed Up (Remix) (feat. Fashawn, G-Rocka, Tranzformer)
A gritty highlight. Fashawn and G-Rocka attack the track with precision. Tranzformer’s hook grounds the chaos while Big O’s production keeps the pulse hard and real. It’s boom bap at its fiercest.
12. Run It Up (feat. Benny Canales)
Pure adrenaline. Benny Canales (formerly known as 3D) delivers a slick verse over aggressive drums and haunting melodies. It’s both a victory lap and a call to arms.
Dichotomy isn’t just a beat tape—it’s a transatlantic conversation between two producers building a soundscape from shared vision but distinct perspectives. It’s soul music reimagined for the boom bap generation.
Listen to the Full Album:
🎧 Dichotomy on Spotify
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