DJ DS’ Vibes is predicated on his ability to create an atmosphere. The entirely-instrumental affair is a flex by DS — he shows off his skill behind the mixing decks, plus his ability to craft compelling musical narratives that do not require lyrics or a vocalist. Instead, his music is enhanced by — and complimentary to — the artists that he works with. He uses the duration of Vibes to flesh out his sonic palate, which includes elements of chillwave and modern ambient, alongside boom bap, trap and a little R&B. The end result is the hip-hop equivalent of Eno’s maxim, “as ignorable as it is interesting.” It’s an album that can serve as the score to your more meditative moments. It can also compel you to nod along to the solid groove work. —Syd Bishop