Unfamiliar Beats
Unfamiliar Beats is a Brooklyn-based hip hop producer focused on soulful boom bap and classic East Coast production. Inspired by the gritty sound of 90s New York hip hop, Unfamiliar Beats blends dusty drum patterns, jazzy samples, and atmospheric textures to create beats built for lyricists and storytellers.
Specializing in boom bap, underground hip hop, and jazz-influenced rap production, Unfamiliar Beats creates instrumentals that give rappers space to deliver powerful verses and authentic storytelling. The sound combines the timeless feel of classic NYC hip hop with modern mixing and arrangement.
Artists looking for Nas-style beats, soulful boom bap instrumentals, underground hip hop beats, or East Coast rap production will find a catalog designed for lyric-driven music and real hip hop energy.
Based in Brooklyn, NY, Unfamiliar Beats continues the tradition of classic East Coast hip hop while building a modern sound for today’s independent artists.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Unfamiliar Beats is the boom bap production alias of Brooklyn artist Lay-Zee. Inspired by the soulful, gritty sound of classic East Coast hip hop, the project focuses on creating beats for lyricists and storytellers. The sound blends dusty drum patterns, jazzy samples, and atmospheric textures that reflect the timeless New York hip hop tradition.
Growing up surrounded by hip hop culture in Brooklyn, the goal of Unfamiliar Beats is to keep the spirit of authentic boom bap alive while bringing a modern approach to mixing and production. Each beat is designed to give rappers space to tell real stories and deliver powerful verses.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
While Unfamiliar Beats is primarily focused on production, the music is created with live performance in mind. The beats are built to give artists room to command a stage, deliver strong verses, and connect with audiences through real hip hop energy.
Your musical influences
The sound of Unfamiliar Beats is inspired by classic East Coast hip hop production and soulful sampling. Influences include the gritty boom bap tradition of producers like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and J Dilla.
Their approach to dusty drums, jazzy samples, and emotional storytelling continues to shape the sound and direction of Unfamiliar Beats.
What equipment do you use?
Unfamiliar Beats productions are created using a combination of modern digital tools and classic sampling techniques. The main setup includes FL Studio and Ableton Live, along with the Akai MPD218 for drum programming and sample chopping. This workflow allows for a blend of classic boom bap feel with modern production flexibility.
Anything else?
Unfamiliar Beats is about keeping the spirit of real hip hop alive. The goal is to create soulful boom bap beats that give rappers space to tell their stories. Whether you're an underground lyricist or an independent artist building your sound, these beats are made for artists who value substance and authenticity.
