The L.A.-based producer and beatmaker Flying Lotus (né Stephen Ellison) started turning heads with some “post-Dilla” appeal but hit his stride with 2008’s Los Angeles. While his peers were making more straight forward hip-hop beats, Los Angeles took a more cosmic approach. If Los Angeles was just fueling the rocket, FlyLo’s excellent third record, Cosmogramma, was both his blast off and space exploration. The intricate record moved between jazz, more traditional hip-hop, dance, and everything in between creating a cohesive listen. The record even featured one of Ellison’s biggest fans, Thom Yorke.

He followed up Cosmogramma with last year’s Until The Quiet Comes creating another landmark record, and tonight Flying Lotus hits the 9:30 Club, marking his first time playing this area. Due to the complexity of the songs, one should listen to Quiet in full. It’s not just a smattering of tracks, although “See Thru To U,” featuring Erykah Badu is a highlight even without listening to the rest of the album. The short song is beat-heavy, boasting tribal drums and shakers, while the groovy bass line, guitar, and keys compliment Badu’s highly treated vocals. Like most Flying Lotus tracks, Badu’s feature, while noteworthy doesn’t steal the show.

Flying Lotus plays tonight with Thundercat and Teebs at the 9:30 Club. The show is sold out.