The Fun Ones

Nearly 20 years into his career, Philly-based producer RJD2 is still finding new ways to make you nod your head. Built around samples of conversations with peers like Mr. Lif, Kid Koala, and Phonte Coleman, The Fun Ones plays out like an old Meters record, or, as was the stated intention, a funk mixtape: more groove than song, more butt than brain. His cues remain effortlessly integrated and as wide-reaching as ever: “Billie Jean”-style disco strings on “20 Grand Palace” and backpacker jazz on “Pull Up on Love,” blaxploitation on “Flocking to the Nearest Machine,” and horror movies on “My Very Own Burglar Neighbor.” Vibing—it won’t get you everywhere, but where it gets you, it gets you deep.