Blockhead, born Tony Simon on October 8, 1976 in Manhattan, is a New York hip-hop producer and DJ who has been active on the underground scene for over a quarter century. He is best known for producing the bulk of Aesop Rock's acclaimed album Labor Days (2001) and for his solo instrumental records on Ninja Tune, above all Music by Cavelight (2004). His sound layers samples from jazz, funk and film music into a distinctly hip-hop beatmaking framework.
Blockhead announced a collaborative album Boatshoes with Baltimore MC Brian Ennals; the album is released on July 17, 2026 on the Phantom Limb label.
The first single 'Aldente' from the Boatshoes album was released, which Stereogum described as sounding different from the previous work of both artists.
Blockhead released a solo instrumental album Mortality Is Lit! (November 22, 2024) on the Future Archive Recordings label.
In 2024, Blockhead released two albums - the instrumental Mortality Is Lit! and the collaborative The Aux, thereby confirming his high productivity.
Blockhead contributed three remixes to the Aesop Rock compilation The Recycling Bin (2022), including remixes of the tracks 'Pigs', 'Defender', and 'Kodokushi'.
Three leading figures in instrumental hip-hop and beatmaking – American Blockhead, French ProleteR, and German Arms and Sleepers – unite for a shared European tour featuring new albums and a collaborative single.
Electronic music concert featuring producer Blockhead alongside Proleter and Arms and Sleepers.