Downtempo playlists
The best downtempo playlists on Spotify are hand-picked by DJ KTWO — 1 playlist like Best of Trip Hop, each sequenced like a set and refreshed every Friday.
Downtempo is the ultimate sonic escape, a genre built on lush atmospheres, slowed-down breakbeats, and deep, resonant basslines. Whether you are winding down after a long night, focusing on a creative project, or simply watching the rain fall, this is the music that sets a perfectly relaxed mood. It bridges the gap between chillout lounge and hip-hop, wrapping you in warm, analog textures.
DJ KTWO has spent years digging through crates to curate the definitive downtempo experience on Spotify. In his "Best of Trip Hop" playlist, he hand-picks every single track by ear, ensuring a seamless flow. Featuring legends like Massive Attack, Morcheeba, and DJ Shadow alongside contemporary masters like conjr and Eric Hilton, this collection is refreshed weekly with new human-selected gems to keep your vibe perfectly aligned.
Typically hovering between 70 and 100 BPM, downtempo music delivers a relaxed, hypnotic energy that grounds your heartbeat and settles your mind.
1 playlist
FAQ
What is the best Downtempo playlist on Spotify?
The "Best of Trip Hop" playlist by DJ KTWO is widely considered the premier destination for downtempo lovers on Spotify. Every track is hand-selected and meticulously sequenced by ear to feature absolute legends like Sneaker Pimps and Wax Tailor alongside fresh independent talent. It offers an authentic, human-curated journey through smoky beats and late-night lounge atmospheres that gets updated every single week.
What BPM is Downtempo?
Downtempo music generally moves at a leisurely pace of 70 to 100 BPM, making it perfect for relaxation and deep focus. In playlists like DJ KTWO's "Best of Trip Hop," this steady, low-tempo groove is paired with rich, organic instrumentation from artists like Quantic and Boards of Canada. The resulting vibe is deeply soothing yet rhythmically engaging enough to keep you hooked.
Who are the best Downtempo artists to listen to?
Pioneer acts like Massive Attack, Morcheeba, DJ Shadow, and Portishead represent the gold standard of the classic downtempo and trip-hop sound. For a mix of these timeless icons and modern innovators like Eric Hilton, Troublemakers, and Karl-Johan Strandberg, look no further than DJ KTWO's hand-picked Spotify selections. His playlists offer the perfect introduction to the genre's most influential and comforting creators.