Prefuse 73, born Guillermo Scott Herren, is a renowned American producer and musician known for his innovative approach to electronic music. Since his debut in 2001 with “Vocal Studies + Uprock Narratives,” he has released an impressive body of work that blends hip-hop, glitch, and IDM elements into a unique sound that is both experimental and accessible. With a discography spanning over two decades, it can be challenging to pick just ten songs that represent the best of Prefuse 73. However, this article will attempt to do just that by curating the top 10 best Prefuse 73 songs of all time.
The selection process for the top 10 Prefuse 73 songs was based on several factors, including critical acclaim, commercial success, and impact on the electronic music scene. From his early works to his more recent releases, this list will showcase the breadth and depth of Prefuse 73’s career. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, these songs will give you a glimpse into the creative mind of one of the most influential producers of the 21st century. So, sit back, relax, and join us on a journey through the top 10 best Prefuse 73 songs of all time.
1. Afternoon Love In
“Afternoon Love In” is a standout track from Prefuse 73’s debut album, “Vocal Studies + Uprock Narratives.” Released in 2001, the song features a sample from the classic soul track “You Make My Life a Sunny Day” by Eddie Kendricks, which sets the stage for the nostalgic, dreamy atmosphere of the track. The production is characterized by intricate beat patterns and glitchy, chopped-up samples that create a sense of tension and release throughout the song. The ethereal vocals, provided by Claudia Deheza of the band On!Air!Library!, add a layer of emotive depth to the track. “Afternoon Love In” showcases Prefuse 73’s early experimentation with blending traditional hip-hop elements with more abstract, electronic textures, resulting in a genre-defying sound that remains influential to this day.
2. Black List
“Black List” is a haunting track from Prefuse 73’s 2003 album “One Word Extinguisher.” The song features a minimalistic beat, punctuated by distorted synths and samples that give the track an otherworldly quality. The vocals, provided by MC MF Doom, are delivered with a slow and deliberate flow, adding to the dark and brooding atmosphere of the song. “Black List” is a showcase of Prefuse 73’s ability to create a sparse, yet deeply impactful production that leaves space for the lyrics to shine through. The track is a standout on an album that cemented Prefuse 73’s status as one of the most innovative and forward-thinking producers in electronic music. “Black List” remains a fan favorite and a testament to Prefuse 73’s ability to create music that is both cerebral and emotionally resonant.
3. Perverted Undertone
“Perverted Undertone” is a standout track from Prefuse 73’s 2003 album “One Word Extinguisher.” The song features a complex, glitchy beat that is characteristic of Prefuse 73’s style, as well as a variety of chopped-up samples and textures that create a disorienting and surreal atmosphere. The vocals, provided by Dabrye and MF Doom, are delivered with a rhythmic flow that complements the intricate production. “Perverted Undertone” is a showcase of Prefuse 73’s ability to blend disparate elements into a cohesive whole, resulting in a song that is both experimental and accessible. The track has become a fan favorite and a staple in Prefuse 73’s live sets, demonstrating the lasting impact of his early work on the electronic music scene.
4. One Word Extinguisher
“One Word Extinguisher” is the title track from Prefuse 73’s critically acclaimed 2003 album of the same name. The song features a dizzying array of glitchy beats and chopped-up samples, creating a chaotic and disorienting atmosphere that is signature to Prefuse 73’s production style. The vocals, provided by Beans of the Antipop Consortium, are delivered with a frenzied energy that matches the intensity of the music. “One Word Extinguisher” is a standout track on an album that pushed the boundaries of electronic music and cemented Prefuse 73’s status as a pioneering producer. The track has become a fan favorite and a staple in his live sets, demonstrating the enduring impact of Prefuse 73’s early work on the electronic music scene.
5. Vikings Invade the Mediterranean But Don’t Leave
“Vikings Invade the Mediterranean But Don’t Leave” is a standout track from Prefuse 73’s 2007 album “Preparations.” The song features a complex, multi-layered production that blends glitchy beats, orchestral strings, and a variety of other samples and textures. The vocals, provided by Tyondai Braxton of the band Battles, are delivered with a haunting intensity that matches the grandeur of the music. “Vikings Invade the Mediterranean But Don’t Leave” is a showcase of Prefuse 73’s ability to create music that is both experimental and emotionally resonant. The track has become a fan favorite and a highlight of his live shows, demonstrating the enduring impact of his innovative approach to electronic music. “Vikings Invade the Mediterranean But Don’t Leave” remains a testament to Prefuse 73’s ability to push the boundaries of what is possible in electronic music.
6. The End of Biters
“The End of Biters” is a standout track from Prefuse 73’s 2003 album “One Word Extinguisher.” The song features a sparse, minimalistic production that allows the lyrics, provided by rapper Beans of the Antipop Consortium, to take center stage. The beat is characterized by a hypnotic rhythm that creates a sense of urgency and tension throughout the track. “The End of Biters” is a showcase of Prefuse 73’s ability to create music that is both cerebral and emotionally resonant. The track has become a fan favorite and a staple in his live sets, demonstrating the lasting impact of his early work on the electronic music scene. “The End of Biters” remains a testament to Prefuse 73’s ability to blend traditional hip-hop elements with experimental production techniques to create a unique sound that is all his own.
7. Never Die
“Never Die” is a standout track from Prefuse 73’s 2015 album “Rivington Não Rio.” The song features a complex, layered production that blends glitchy beats, intricate melodies, and a variety of other samples and textures. The vocals, provided by hip-hop legend El-P, are delivered with a fierce intensity that matches the intensity of the music. “Never Die” is a showcase of Prefuse 73’s ability to create music that is both experimental and accessible. The track has become a fan favorite and a highlight of his live shows, demonstrating the enduring impact of his innovative approach to electronic music. “Never Die” remains a testament to Prefuse 73’s ability to push the boundaries of what is possible in electronic music, while also paying homage to the traditions of hip-hop.
8. Storm Returns
“Storm Returns” is a standout track from Prefuse 73’s 2003 album “One Word Extinguisher.” The song features a complex, glitchy beat that is characteristic of Prefuse 73’s style, as well as a variety of chopped-up samples and textures that create a disorienting and surreal atmosphere. The vocals, provided by Dabrye, are delivered with a rhythmic flow that complements the intricate production. “Storm Returns” is a showcase of Prefuse 73’s ability to blend disparate elements into a cohesive whole, resulting in a song that is both experimental and accessible. The track has become a fan favorite and a staple in Prefuse 73’s live sets, demonstrating the lasting impact of his early work on the electronic music scene. “Storm Returns” remains a testament to Prefuse 73’s ability to create music that is both cerebral and emotionally resonant.
9. Invigorate
“Invigorate” is a standout track from Prefuse 73’s 2005 album “Surrounded by Silence.” The song features a complex, glitchy beat that is characteristic of Prefuse 73’s style, as well as a variety of chopped-up samples and textures that create a disorienting and surreal atmosphere. The vocals, provided by Tyondai Braxton of the band Battles, are delivered with a rhythmic flow that complements the intricate production. “Invigorate” is a showcase of Prefuse 73’s ability to blend disparate elements into a cohesive whole, resulting in a song that is both experimental and accessible. The track has become a fan favorite and a staple in his live sets, demonstrating the lasting impact of his early work on the electronic music scene. “Invigorate” remains a testament to Prefuse 73’s ability to create music that is both cerebral and emotionally resonant.
10. The Color of Tempo
“The Color of Tempo” is a standout track from Prefuse 73’s 2009 album “Everything She Touched Turned Ampexian.” The song features a complex, layered production that blends glitchy beats, orchestral strings, and a variety of other samples and textures. The vocals, provided by Nehemiah of the band Soulico, are delivered with a melodic flow that complements the grandeur of the music. “The Color of Tempo” is a showcase of Prefuse 73’s ability to create music that is both experimental and emotionally resonant. The track has become a fan favorite and a highlight of his live shows, demonstrating the enduring impact of his innovative approach to electronic music. “The Color of Tempo” remains a testament to Prefuse 73’s ability to push the boundaries of what is possible in electronic music, while also paying homage to the traditions of hip-hop and classical music.