Turns out without vocals, Clams’ instrumentals – often lo-fi, cold, and haunted by female vocals stretched to breaking point – only shone that much brighter. The New Jersey producer was already making a name for himself on the strength of his rap beats for Lil B, Soulja Boy, Main Attrakionz and more, when at the start of this year he released a remarkable free instrumental mixtape. If FACT was GQ (we wish), and did a Man of the Year award, Clams Casino would be pretty near the top of 2011’s contenders.
