C.Scott - Phase 2

Pittsburgh’s favorite beatsmith is back with his new project, Phase 2. Packed with rich textures and soundscapes sourced exclusively from sampling vinyl records, C.Scott proves he is well on his way to mastering the craft of sample-based beat production. The whimsically abstract cover artwork handcrafted by Pittsburgh-based artist Steph Neary is the perfect representation of this musical voyage, providing a sense of adventure and self-discovery.

C.Scott holds a solid catalog of releases dating back to the early 2010s, but feels his first official solo LP was Phase Shifting in 2019. Phase 2 marks his triumphant return to a fully self-orchestrated expression, made clear as the exultant horn blasts and crisp boom-bap drums of the intro track make way to the existential questioning of an unseen narrator. Rather than dwell on these questions, “The Very Top” presents the listener an undeniable head nodder whose buoyant funk and classic hip-hop vocal samples officially start the party.

An imaginative dreamscape of beats follows with some pleasantly comedic moments that blend surreal absurdity (“Dental Floss Lassos”) and self-deprecating humor (“Charlie’s Theme”).

The track “Do it!” featuring AARIE presents the first vocal feature of the album, with the veteran Pittsburgh MC rocking the party with his hard-hitting yet nimble flow and lyrics that find humor amidst the challenges of life over C.Scott’s playfully in-the-pocket production.

Contrasting the light-hearted whimsy of side A, side B opener “So Hip!” smacks the listener into a realm of excitement and tension with its splashy booming drums and subwoofer-rattling bass. That dark, aggressive energy is carried into the title track “Phase 2”, featuring longtime collaborator Moemaw Naedon, as the duo behind River Rats remind the listener of their hardcore hip-hop roots over a swirling, psychedelic soundscape.

While Phase 2 is primarily a work of instrumental hip-hop, the deep house groove of the penultimate track “Getting Up” make it clear that C.Scott is no one-trick-pony, but a producer capable of blending multiple strains of sample-based electronic music into a distinctive, singular sound.

Those who have been following C.Scott throughout the years will appreciate the broadened scope and clear advancement in production technique represented by this release.

Those just getting hip to C.Scott are in luck, as this project represents his best work yet and could sit comfortably alongside any veteran beatmaker’s catalog.

Phase 2 is due out April 7th, 2026 and will be released both digitally and on vinyl in limited quantities via Soul Slime Records.

SSLM012