Blaqstarr

Blaqstarr stands out as an inventive beatmaker and distinctive singer whose rhythms deliver forceful impact yet accommodate expansive, hallucinatory sonic layers, complemented by vocals that soar in a shrill, ethereal manner with a raw, textured sophistication reminiscent of Horace Andy. Although his input on M.I.A.'s Kala from 2007 brought him widespread notice, Blaqstarr had already secured a strong foothold within Baltimore through his work on tracks such as Young Leek's "Jiggle It," D.O.G.'s "Ryda Girl," and his personal releases "Tote It" along with "Feel It in the Air," all of which dominated local radio. Diplo's Mad Decent imprint put out a pair of his EPs before 2007 concluded.