Chris “BIG DUKE” Malloy, the Grammy-nominated producer from Cleveland, now based in LA, unveils his debut solo project, the seven-track instrumental EP LOFIDUKE, released on February 23. This EP marks a significant milestone for Big Duke, representing his return to his creative roots.
LOFIDUKE gives you dark aesthetics, vibrant moods, and everything in between to evoke a myriad of feelings while fostering positivity.
The opening track, “FOREVER LOVE,” draws into Duke’s exploration with the customary and prominent lo-fi beats cascading over romantic and heavenly instrumentals. “MISS YOU SO,” follows to introduce seductive, vixen-like female vocals that lure you with leisurely, smooth synths and silky transitions.
Among the standout tracks is “ORIGINAL EASY,” my personal favorite. It’s particularly the raw, low, edgy, and airy oscillating DJ disk-scratching effect that won me over. Blended with relaxing melodies and whirling atmospheric gusts, the soundtrack has an effortless head-nodding groove and engaging rhythm. It is balanced with ample head space to immerse you in the possibilities of creation and inspiring creativity.
The EP concludes with the enjoyable and uplifting “WHO BUILT THE PYRAMIDS.” This track has repeated loops in repeated upbeat rhythms, forming a catchy pattern of hard beats aligning with warm synths that propel and redirect you to keep up the flow.
As a producer, over 17 years down the line, having worked with artists like Kanye West, The Game, and Diddy, Big Duke describes LOFIDUKE as his way to reconnect with his music-making purpose.
Besides the EP release, Big Duke is hosting the Fan Freestyle Challenge throughout March, opportuning fans to express themselves creatively. So check out the announcement on Instagram for further details!
Listen to LOFIDUKE anytime, anywhere. Stay tuned with BIG DUKE for more engaging music.
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Photo Credit: Andy Hua, DONTMINDIFIDUKE Productions
Review By: Naomi Joan