On the heels of Optimace’s Used Future, a collaboration between DJ Optimus and DJ Mace, Optimus comes right back with his solo debut. The DJ/producer from Rotterdam might not be a name you’re familiar with, but the work on Double Helix DNA is so strong that you’re going to want to keep an eye on his career as it develops.

Optimus isn’t changing the game, but he is offering an album that sounds like it’s produced by a veteran. Clearly influenced by the golden age of the early nineties, Double Helix DNA is a collection of laid back, funky, jazzy grooves. If I was going to pick, I’d say it sounds just a little more West Coast than East, with the vocoder flourishes on “Icarus Prime” and the G-Funk keys and Nate Dogg-influenced chorus on “Wake Up.” There is also some sexy R&B, namely on “Perserverance,” featuring Mo & Grazz. While the majority of the album has guest vocals, there are a few notable exceptions. “Icarus Prime” features fantastic jazz guitar from Bas Van Der Wal, “Let the Music Play,” lets Belgian saxophonist Nicolas Kummert shine, and the closing track, “And Only Practice…,” showcases Optimus himself as composer and arranger. There are a couple of established names, such as El Da Sensei and Prince Po, but many cameos are from artists probably unfamiliar to casual hip hop fans. Portland emcee Braille lays down some of my favorite rhymes, as does Gery Mendes (GMB) and Gumshoe from The Proov. The only artist who really disappoints me is Ill Pro, whose hackneyed rhymes are sexist and homophobic. “Take Me Home” is a weak moment on an otherwise solid album.

The true feat here is that Optimus produced an album that brings together a multitude of guest artists to make something coherent and unique. While each song has its own flavor, it all works together to create a laid back funky vibe that mixes elements of jazz, R&B, and hip hop. This might be the first solo album from Optimus, but with the strength of his production on individual songs combined with his vision of creating a listening experience over the course of the entire album, I can say with confidence that we’ll be hearing from him for years to come.