Sunday, July 31, 2011

"The Real is on the Rise"

Three months prior to the release of Take Care, we get a nice Sunday gift from the folks over at OVO. The lead single @drakkardnoir's upcoming album will be Headlines produced by @ovo40 and @boi1da. So that's what that tweet two weeks ago meant...
His new single has come in addition to more news this past week surrounding other possible tracks on the album like Free Spirit feat @rickyrozay and The Real Her feat @liltunchi. Even more interesting is the thought of him getting together with other unique acts like @REALDJPREMIER and @flo_tweet on Take Care.

As far as the track is concerned, it's another mix of verses and harmony over a vibrant, tempo-building rhythm provided by @WelcomeOVO members Boi-1da & 40. Honestly, I'm not overly blown away with the track like you'd expect from on a first single, but I'm more than willing to judge the track in a few months when it's part of a bigger picture that Drake's trying to paint. I can understand his rationale for "hating singles" because usually it involves in the artist giving in to the record company in favor of something that will cash in on iTunes. What's great about a track like this is that it'll probably still move more than a fair share of units based on brand name to make the suits happy, but Drake probably didn't have to sacrifice much creatively in his choice of single. In other words, I have no idea why he chose this to be his first single since it doesn't fit the build of what you'd expect, but I'm ok with being patience and judging based on the final project in it's completeness. I don't think a lot of artists have the wiggle room to get away with that, but when you're on top and consistently release quality music, you get the benefit of the doubt when it comes to fans' patience.

Like a paycheck, I'm taking to the bank that there will be a lot more to come that'll probably top this before the October 24th release...#Watch

Drake - Headlines (prod by Boi-1da & Noah "40" Shebib)


Saturday, July 30, 2011

808 Check: "Dumpin' Like Tires on a GMC"

Truth be told, I've been wanting to post this track for a while now since it has steadily risen to the top of the list as my favorite track off When Fish Ride Bicycles. I was happy to see that their new album has been getting pretty good reviews overall since this was their first big shot at mainstream success. Debuting at #75 on Billboard isn't bad at all, selling 6,500 copies the first week, but hopefully as their reach expands with this album, that'll continue to increase.

What you need to know about the track below, GMC, is that it will rattle your brain if played on speakers greater than 10 inches (hence the 808 Check label at the bottom of the page). The bassline on this track is off the charts awesome with @Chuckisdope taking care of the production and continuing his jihad of bass on every track he touches. Big fan of the CB mix sound on the verses too, that's like new-school grimy. Like somethin' Wu-Tang woulda done back in the day, but sounds new with their style.

Also interesting to notice is their opinion on the buzz artist @kreayshawn and her Bay-area influenced style. Really cool how they approach the topic of the N word and their idea of who should be able to say it and why it's acceptable for a white girl to say the N word. I wish myself (being a white dude) that the word wasn't still so polarizing, so hearing @SirMichaelRocks and @Chuckisdope's progressive opinions is forward thinking and great for Hip Hop in general in my eyes...

If you haven't yet, go and cop WFRB and expand your musical tastes a bit...#DontBeScaredNow...

PS - That rimmed-up 1997 Jimmy pictured above from College Humor is priceless...smh

The Cool Kids - GMC (prod by Chuck Inglish)

Friday, July 29, 2011

Videos of the Week

Whole lotta content this week with plenty of Chris Brown cameos and a few high profile videos for lead singles to albums. Anybody lucky enough to be at that Rihanna show in NYC when Kanye dropped in? smh, best I've gotten was Baby at a Drake show...have a good weekend y'all!
@thegame feat @chrisbrown - Pot of Gold (Video)

@kanyewest & @Rihanna perform All of the Lights in NYC (Live)

@MacMiller - Best Day Ever (Video)

@acehood feat @chrisbrown - Body 2 Body (Video)

@Tyga feat @imchrisrich - Far Away (Video)

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Black Light Dinner Party - Growing Older Together!

I can not begin to tell you how excited I am for the Black Light Dinner Party album to drop. Steeped in mystery, the only public knowledge about these dudes is that they're 4 producers, collaborating across state lines, on a project that's two years in the making. Their lead single, Older Together now has over 87,000 plays on Soundcloud, and that's only the beginning!

Black Light Dinner Party - Older Together (Video)


Black Light Dinner Party - Older Together

One hit wonder you ask? Doubt it, the band just released their 2nd single, Small Boxes, and I'm absolutely hooked. Their first single, Older Together, blew me away, and the follow-up did not disappoint. It's very rare, and somewhat refreshing, that a band like @BLDPmusic, with this much promise, isn't rushing to the forefront of a me-me-me society, choosing instead to build the buzz, build the brand, and decide for themselves when they're truly ready. Because I can promise you, they're gonna be big! I'm talking @passionpit and @wearephoenix, explode on the scene big. Just remember, you were properly warned!

Black Light Dinner Party - Small Boxes

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

"I Can't Get Enough of What You Got, Good God, You Hit the Spot"

I'd imagine September 27th is going to be a big day for @JColeNC with the release of his debut studio album Cole World - The Sideline Story. When it comes to artists in Hip Hop, there aren't many more artists that I have more respect for talent wise. I say that because you're more likely to find a Surge or a Crystal Pepsi these days than an artist who produces, writes and delivers his material on a studio album. I don't know J Cole from the next man, but listening to interviews and tracks paint a clear picture to me of someone who is determined hell or high water to make the world familiar with his underdog story about how he did it his own way by blazing his own trail.

I'll admit though, I wasn't really a big fan of Work Out. To me it felt like a misfire kinda like @liltunchi's How To Love. Lead single aside, I'm still excited as hell to see what Cole is capable of putting together with the likes of Danja, @The_Real_BKidd and No I.D.. If No I.D. can add as much to Cole's album as he did @bigsean's then it should have no problem living up to the lofty expectations that the year+ of anticipation has created.

The new one below feat @treysongz is they type of unique sound I've learned to look forward to from J Cole. The beat is bouncy, almost Timbaland-esque and it provides a head nod worthy backdrop for three well crafted verses. The hook doesn't really sound like Songz Yuuuup!, but it's a sufficient placeholder that bridges the gap between the meat of the track. This will presumably be on Cole World and will hopefully set the standard for what to expect because it's an easy listen that comes off as feel good track the more you listen to it.

60 days til it drops, keep it locked, much more to come...#ColeWorld

J Cole feat Trey Songz - Can't Get Enough

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

"Got Them Racks on Top of Racks, Like I Was Hanging in a Closet"

Even though you'll never catch me playing this track over the original, I'm still posting it because getting @treysongz and @bigsean together on a track is, at the very least, noteworthy. The main differences between the original and the one below have to do with the remixed beat by @djdrama being a whole lot less club worthy and as a result, the screwed hook is a lot more understandable with the less-distracting instrumental. Maybe because I'm an avid supporter of just about any sample that is screwed/chopped, but the way @IAMDRUMMA did it on the original was classic type dope with the whole...
"Light skinned, dark skinned, bottom right, top heavy
Jeans fitting right, hair did, shawty you the best"
If you're wondering where the original track and the remix may fit album wise, look no further than the Third Power, due out August 30th. I like that title over the classy, but worn out Gangsta Grillz series.

Take it for what it's worth, a subtle reminder of the original with a little more R&B flavor and a couple nice verses. Nothin' more nothin' less, it's a perfect opportunity for those of you who actually care what the hell is being said on the hook. In case @MYFABOLOUSLIFE was rappin' too fast or you were listenin' too slow on original, y'all can keep up with this one...#SlowKids

DJ Drama feat Trey Songz Tity Boi & Big Sean - Oh My (Remix)

Monday, July 25, 2011

What Would...the Music Be...Without Soundz?

It's been a while since I've been as awestruck by a track as I was on first listen of @KELLYROWLAND's new track Make Believe. There was just somethin' about the calm, steady tempo of the beat that drew me into Kelly's vocals. Then, at the 4:37, mark it all made sense when I heard the all to familiar "What would...the music be...without Soundz" that serves at the tag line for beatsmith @SoundzDope.

If you've read my blog before you've probably noticed me raving about the Soundz Kenneth Coby is capable of producing. As a quick catch up for all of you who are unfamiliar, he produced all of the tracks below:
Mario feat Rihanna - Emergency Room (prod by Soundz)

Red Cafe - Hottest in the Hood (prod by Soundz)

@dontaepeeps - Throw it All Away (prod by Soundz)

That Dontae track is still one of my favorite R&B ballads of all time. Dude brought his A game over the peaceful piano backdrop that Soundz provided. You may have heard @Akon do a demo version of Emergency Room with Rihanna too?

Now that you're familiar, give the track below a listen and tell me the beat isn't on point like @CP3. I'm finding it extremely hard to believe this didn't make the final tracklist of Kelly's new album Here I Am that will be hitting iTunes tomorrow. Put this together with Motivation and Commander...you'd have an album with three solid singles to go with a list of tracks produced by the best (Stargate, Jim Jonsin, Darkchild, The Runners, Ne-Yo, Tricky Stewart, RedOne). As an aside, look out for her new single feat @bigsean called Lay It On Me, which isn't nearly as good of a track as Make Believe, but who am I to pass judgment...#NotEvenTrippin

Average at best is my answer to Soundz tag line in regards to Make Believe. Feel free to left click, drag to newest iTunes playlist and hit that little button that looks like two arrows goin' in a circle...#ThatsRepeatForYouSlowKids

Kelly Rowland - Make Believe (prod by Soundz)

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Lil Twist is Makin New Money for Young Money

Being @liltunchi's Young Money protege is no small task, but @LILTWIST is starting some notable music. For me, it started when I heard his hook on Wayne's track Popular, my personal favorite off I Am Not a Human Being. Now it's continuing with his new single featuring @mishon, who has never really been fully appreciated for the solid singles that have flown under the radar the past couple years.

Collab aside, the second I heard the beat on this track I knew I had heard it somewhere. After a quick search of the archives I found a song that was labeled as being by @colbyodonis called OMG. Update: Colby set the record straight in response to the post, saying he's not the one who did the track OMG. And I dare you to Google to find out who did it because nobody knows.
Like I said, don't ask me who originally did it, all I know is the beat is catchy as hell with bouncy and vibrant synths dominating the instrumental. Also, not sure who ultimately deserves credit on the beat (big surprise), but whoever you are, you're in line for some daps & lbs because two noteworthy artists thought your beat was good enough to try and make a single out of. If you haven't heard the original, check it below...

Unknown Demo Singer? - OMG
In my humble opinion, I like the newer version better, but both are worth writing about and are quality in their own right. Even though it's not exactly a cannoball lead single, it's still a good intro to Lil Twist who is slated to be alllll over Carter 4 when it drops on August 29th. Sounds like there will be a few slower tracks for the ladies?
In case you missed it this week, Lil Weezy dropped a new Sorry 4 the Wait mixtape last week where he apologized for the album delay on damn near every track. Still a month left til we get to see what he was workin' on during his vacation to Rikers. I may be more intrigued with Watch the Throne after seein' the production credits tho...#HipHopOwnsAugust

Lil Twist feat Mishon - New Money

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Dope You Be Killin' 'Em Remix

Any DJ who values their craft can appreciate creativity and when a song is remixed so well that it puts the original to shame. Me, I'm a fan of sampling and digitally augmenting the finer points of beats, which is why @itsoverturedjs deserve some serious dap for the way they elongated the intro to @MYFABOLOUSLIFE's hit You Be Killin' Em.

Hard to believe it's been damn near a year since the original track dropped, but it's one of maybe 10 tracks I heard in the last year that I haven't gotten sick of no matter how badly radio killed it. That's why when I heard the NY DJ crew It's Overture's Murderer Edit last week, it was like getting a taste of one of my favorite meals, except with a larger serving of the best parts. Feel me on that? It's like the intro to the track was the best part and they broke it down, sped it up and mixed it into the original. In other words, it's a whole lotta awesome and there will be plenty of DJs that'll take this track and use it in a DJ set cliamin' they did it. Go head with that BS, we all know It's Overture did it first, so don't even try and fake the funk.

By the way, I wonder when we'll finally see Les is More? It was supposed to drop July 4th, but it keeps getting pushed back. I liked Gloryand Joan of Arc, so I'd be lyin' if I said I wasn't pumped for the album. Give the people what they want @ryanleslie!!!

Fabolous - You Be Killin Em (Its Overture's Tempo Murderer Edit)


Friday, July 22, 2011

Videos of the Week

Interesting week of videos with @davidguetta taking the lead with his Little Bad Girl video. Been a while since somebody resorted to action figures for a video like the @beastieboys did.
David Guetta feat Taio Cruz & Ludacris - Little Bad Girl (Video)

Pusha T feat Tyler the Creator - Trouble On My Mind (Video)

B.O.B. in the studio with Drumma Boy

Gilbere Forte feat Tyga & Raak - Burn Me Down (Video)

DJ Khaled feat Mary J Blige, Fabolous & Jadakiss - It Ain't Over Til It's Over (Video)

Foster the People - Helena Beat (Video)

Beastie Boys feat Santigold - Don't Play No Games That I Can't Win (Video)

Thursday, July 21, 2011

"Luxury Rap, the Hermes of Verses, Sophisticated Ignorance, Write My Curses in Cursive"

And so it begins, the gradual leak the next week or two of the much hyped Watch the Throne from @kanyewest & @s_c_. The back and forth over a funky Otis Redding sample is awesome as both legends go in 8 bars at a time and do it without a hook. Really you don't need a hook when you know everyone will listen, so it's cool when well known artists step outside of the usual and do something out of the ordinary with the verses.

Let's be honest, I don't need to hype this track one bit, all I need to do is remind you that Watch the Throne is out in two weeks. Shouts out to Otis Redding on the original track Try a Little Tenderness...#Classic

Kanye West & Jay-Z feat Otis Redding - Otis (prod by Kanye West)

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Leona Lewis Collides With DJ Afrojack

Sometimes I find myself blindly putting new songs on my iPod without giving them a listen. The reason for that usually has to do with time constraints, but I'd like to think that I've refined my musical tastes enough to get a pretty good idea of whether I'm going to like it based on who is producing the track. I've talked before how I believe it's a much safer bet to follow producers rather than artist because beats have to consistently be great for an artist to use them. That doesn't hold true with artists who have the control and ability to freestyle over just about anything, anytime they want.

I say all this because I blindly put this new @djafrojack track on my newest playlist today before going to the gym and it turned out to be the best decision I made today. I had already heard the original track and liked it, but wasn't overly thrilled with it. In other words, even though I was intrigued at the direction Afrojack would take it, my expectations were low. After one listen though, that all changed. All I can say is WOW! Talk about a perfect mix of tempo with the perfect ebb and flow between high pitched dance synths over the original soft piano beat.

Sure the original may or may not have been a complete rip off of Swedish DJ @avicii's original track Penguins (below) and all without his approval, but I guess when you're a superstar you can get away with that?

He's an internationally known DJ, but he's still got a couple US dates on his tour schedule. Feel free to monitor them closely as I do the same...

Leona Lewis - Collide (Afrojack Festival Remix)

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

"Please Show Love, Make Way For the Bad Girls Club"

The supposed first single off @wale's upcoming MMG debut release, Ambition. With the help of @JColeNC on the song below, I was reminded for the first time in a while why I like Wale. Honestly, after listening to Self Made Vol. 1,I thought the MMG signing was the worst possible career decision for Wale because his unique Go-Go sound would get flushed right down the drain in favor of the bland, cliche lyrics with no substance over attention grabbing beats that @rickyrozay has been known for. The track below, along with Bait (which I actually like more as a single) give me more faith that his decision wasn't a complete money grab.

Don't get it twisted though, I'll need to give Ambition a full listen before a sell out verdict is made, but I'm less than certain that my decision to unfollow @wale was a good decision. You've got my attention back Mr. Folarin, your two last tracks were straight up dope, keep it up homie and you'll find your way back in my live starting 5 with Drake, B.O.B., Cudi, J Cole and (newly added) @bigsean.

Wale feat J Cole - Bad Girls Club (prod by J Cole)
|iTunes

Monday, July 18, 2011

"Little Did I Know, Her Body Was One Delicious Vinyl"

It's hard to believe a half decade has passed since The Red Hot Chili Peppers released an album. To put things in perspective, their self titled debut album 27 years ago, before I was born in 1984! That's on some Rolling Stones type of longevity, crossing three decades with the length of their discography.

A few noteworthy items surround the release of their new single The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie. First off, it will be the lead single off their upcoming album I'm With You, due out August 30th. Secondly, the new album is produced by the legendary Rick Rubin, who produced their classic Californiacation album 12 years ago, back in 1999. You may also know him as the co-founder of Def Jam Records and current co-president of Columbia Records. Yeaaah, you could say he's been around the block and is probably one of the ten most influential record executives/producers in American music history.

Additionally, the video to the track below will be directed by @kreayshawn, who is more known for being an up and coming Hip Hop producer. She's become well known for her track Gucci Gucci which makes a pretty bold statement against expensive fashion as a whole. Not gonna lie, she looks like Gaga a lil bit and is every bit as audacious and in your face.

It's good to hear the fresh, pop-funk that the Chili Peppers consistently deliver. This one goes down smooth and will be available July 18th on iTunes, so feel free and go out and cop it legally since they accidentally let it leak a couple days ago...#Woops

Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie
|iTunes

Sunday, July 17, 2011

"I Can’t Concentrate on My Contra, Yes I Play Nintendo Still"

Tough call on whether to give the nod here to @techn9ne or the Latin Teddy Ruxpin, @joellortiz. It's hard to go against Tech who has literally blazed his own path with a do it my own way, independent approach that relyies heavily on his uniquely "dark diction" that has become so powerful over the years, it has created opportunities for new artists (cough cough @fucktyler). I joke, but really the only thing missing is a cameo from @fucktyler who seems to be travelling down the path Tech created with his own line-stepping, schizophrenic, bi-polar lyrics. Tech has been incredibly persistent over the years by amassing such a collection (13 studio albums!) of great music that the public couldn't help but accept his Strange Music style of scary beats and verses. Mr. YAOWA put it best himself by quoting Kanye's famous quote when he tweeted...
Word has it Joell's version will surface on his new The Life & Times of Sebastian Rios mixtape due out later this summer. If you're not familiar with a lot of Joell's stuff, this is a good track to start with because his verses are on point and show off his lyrical creativity. It's hard to top Tech N9ne at his own style, but dammit if it could be done Joell did it. Both are highly recommended, especially when you factor in the rock solid hook by @bobatl.

I need a larger sample size, do y'all think the whole dark diction trend is for real?

Tech N9ne feat Hopsin & B.O.B. - Am I a Psycho?
|iTunes

Joell Ortiz feat Pharoahe Monch & B.O.B. - Am I a Psycho?

Spotted at OnSmash

Saturday, July 16, 2011

"Wet as Dasani, Bet if I Hit Your Spot, I’ll Make You Tsunami"

Very few Hip Hop singles can claim to be as soothing and sexy as @therealacehood's new single Body 2 Body. You may be re-reading that last sentence a few times and I don't blame you since prior to hearing this, I didn't think it was possible either. But, with the help of @rookbeats' smooth baby makin' instrumental and yet another flawless hook and bridge by @chrisbrown. The laundry list of features mechanical dummy has executed this this year is getting to be ridiculous. Doesn't it seem like he's damn near every radio hit this year? You need a hook, call CB...instant iTunes best seller.

This one shouldn't buck that trend and you can expect it to surface on iTunes shortly. It'll be the third single off his upcoming Blood, Sweat & Tears album due out August 9th. Third time's a charm and it'll follow up his two @smokedoutluger produced "street singles" Go N Get It and Hustle Hard quite nicely.

Ace Hood feat Chris Brown - Body 2 Body (prod by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League)
|iTunes

Friday, July 15, 2011

Video/Images of the Week

Between the lack of videos and the noteworthy announcements that became images, there wasn't all that much to post. What you need to know is that:
1) Kanye/Jay-Z's album Watch the Throne is damn near done and coming to fruition
2) Drake's new album Take Care is due out October 24th
3) Cory Bold has a new remix out

@katyperry - E.T. (Remix) (prod by @corybold)

Take Care...October 24th...

Anybody have any doubts that their new album is gonna be anything but classic?

Thursday, July 14, 2011

"You Can Bring the Flames, I'ma Bring the Snowstorm"

If you haven't heard much from @gilbereforte, you better get learned quick because dude is about to become a household name when his new album 87 Dreams to Reality drops. I don't have a release date yet on the album, but coming soon seems about right with this being one hell of a lead single.

The track is actually somewhat if a retread since the original Burn Me Down was on his first album 87 Dreams. Seeing that it was most fans favorite track, he took the same beat delivered by @iamraak outfitted with new verses and a hot 16 from Young Money's own, @tyga. I feel downright foolish that I missed this one last year when it dropped, but I'm damned to make up for it by lettin' y'all know that Gilbere is done with being an artist making a living off mixtapes. If you don't get it, read his description below of his new track that is posted on his website where he offered up the track for free...
"It’s been a long journey. From releasing my first remixes and freestyles just two years ago to now stepping into the next chapter of my career…and life. This “Burn Me Down” record is more than just a new song featuring a crazy verse from the homey Tyga. Its the realization that this music shit is meant to be. Everything that has happened up to this point has happened for a reason. The people I’ve met throughout my life, the places I’ve been, and the things that i’ve beared witness….have all led up to this. It was all preparation for what I feel is about to happen.

Back to the record.
Those of you rocking with me since the beginning are already familiar with the original “Burn Me Down” off 87 Dreams. It was ALOT of people’s favorite song after the first listen of the project. So I felt it’s only right I give it new life (w/all new verses) as the introduction to my next solo project entitled 87 Dreams To Reality.
What is that you ask? Its what happens when you take a dream and make it your reality." - Source
Bout time that me and you start giving credit where credit is due. You can start by playing this heat rock loudly with friends around, the raw energy on the track will reel 'em in...#BetDat

Gilbere Forte feat Tyga - Burn Me Down (prod by Raak)

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

A Waterfall of Teardrops on a Swedish House

Man...just when you thought @coldplay's newest single couldn't gain any more steam, here comes @swedishousemfia to give it even more traction. Evidently Swedish House are pretty big fans of Coldplay, so it's not a huge surprise that they would choose to remix the track, but what an awesome mix of styles. Put it this way, if you thought the original was upbeat, picture Chris Martin's vocals over the electro-dance rhythm build up of a Swedish House instrumental.

Not much more to elaborate on, the original is great and even though the remix takes it another direction, it's the right direction....#Enjoy

Coldplay - Every Teardrop is a Waterfall (Swedish House Mafia Remix)
|iTunes

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

"I Got a Sex Drive That's Push to Start"

I've got a short list of up and coming producers that I make a concerted effort to track down any and every track that show their name on the production credits. Near the top of that list is @thecataracs, who have had a meteoric rise following their #1 single they produced with @fareastmovement. Since then we've seen them get Wet with @SNOOPDOGG, rent out the Penthouse with @/donnisxdonnis, climb to the Top of the World by themselves and most recently advise girls not so subtly that they look Better with the Lights Off.

This time, up and coming electro/dance artist @DEVisHot is the pilot following The Cataracs lead. You might remember her being the one delivering the "Poppin' bottles in the ice!" on G6, as well as the high pitched hook on Top of the World, which are both a little different from her new single In the Dark. Before I tell you why I like it, check it her new video for the single below...
Yea if The Cataracs beat doesn't get you goin' with those swanky horns and addictive dance tempo, you are at the wrong site man. It's a classy, contemporary club track that will find it's way onto every DJ's playlist this summer. And in case it's "not Hip Hop enough" for you, don't worry, @kanyewest took care of that with an intro and verse that extended it's likability to a slightly overlapping, but different demographic. For me it's not a stretch, I love it when Hip Hop goes club, y'all know that by now.

Dev's new album The Night the Sun Came Up is due out September 20th and will also include her other singles like Bass Down Low and Booty Bounce. Oh and if you're needing a good cardio track, elevate this to the top of this week's iTunes playlist and you'll run faster. Don't believe me? Then get in shape fatty!

Dev feat Kanye West - In the Dark (Remix) (prod by The Cataracs)
|iTunes

Monday, July 11, 2011

X Games Now Embracing Hip Hop Culture

Maybe it's because @travisbarker has been crossing over to Hip Hop of late? Maybe it's because young, up and coming artists like @Yelawolf enjoy rubbing shoulders with the BMX crowd? Or if you're gonna go back to the beginning, what about Kick, Push by @LupeFiasco?

Whatever it is, if you would have asked me even 5 years ago if we'd hear @ghostfacekillah ferociously spitting bars over a @JustBlaze beat with halfpipe highlights running on the background, I might have told you to ease up on that lean. In case you missed the commercial, feel free to press play and enjoy the trippy animation below...
Off Ghost's 2006 album Fishscale, it's pretty clear The Champ never really got it's due for being the standout track it is. As such, dap is in line for the folks at the four letter network for unearthing the under appreciated classic and being unafraid to cement the bridge between Hip Hop and X Games. For those of you googling to find out what track it was in the commercial, hopefully you're not disappointed with where you ended up, I gotcha back. Feel free and cop it a couple different ways below and drag that somb itch to iTunes like I did...#CardioWorthyTrack

Ghostface Killah - The Champ (prod by Just Blaze)
|iTunes

Sunday, July 10, 2011

"So Certified USDA Brand Dude From PA Man"

Couple low key, smooth leaks from @chuckisdope and @sirmichaelrocks upcoming album When Fish Ride Bicycles. Surprising we're less than a week before it officially hits iTunes on July 12th and it hasn't fully leaked to the masses, which is a rarity. Put it this way though, when you've waited a couple years for a follow up album, what's a few days right? Yea, I'm cool snackin' on these two joints til I get to cop the album in it's entirety.

And it's shaping up to be a mellow, organic sounding effort from what I've heard so far. Pretty cool to see TCK collab with the likes of Pharrell and @bunbtrillog, but again, if you're a fan of Chuck and Mikey, you're not gonna buy their music because you recognize a few names on the back of the album. They've got a unique enough of a sound and dedicated following to not have to get high profile names on their work to push records. Still can't hate though, the Pharrell produced Summertime is breezy and fit for warm weather, while Gas Station feels like it was doused with a pint of Texas Tea. Heavy bass and a simple hook over a slow, steady pitter patter drum backbone give it a Texas Hip Hop flavor that is hard to resist. With every listen I'm sucked in and find myself steady head nodding to the beat and fighting the urge to let loose a few ba ba ba ba ba bum badas.

It's been a while that I've been so in an artist's corner to sell as many records as possible because they deserve to have more success and notoriety than they currently have. The Cool Kids would be that exception, so feel free and use that iTunes gift cert you've had sittin' on the dresser since Christmas on some high quality Hip Hop on July 12th...#CopThatIsh or stream the whole album here if you want a taste...

The Cool Kids feat Bun-B - Gas Station


The Cool Kids feat Maxine Ashley - Summer Jam (prod by Pharrell)

Saturday, July 09, 2011

"Run Run Run, That Girl's Gonna Run"

Supposedly off @theknux's upcoming album, Eraser, @itskrispykream and Joey enlist the help of @wizardcud on their rock flavored single. The hook has sort of a beach boys type feel and fits conveniently with the new rock vibe Cudder has been puttin' on of late. Think @TravieMcCoy with a little less pop and a look that would make @lennykravitz proud...that's The Knux in a nutshell.

There's always room for more instrumentation, which is why groups like The Knux get time and space dedicated to them on my blog. Anything different, genre-bending, weird, creative or different has a place on my blog...especially when a dose of Scotty is added. Still wondering if we're going to get that A Man Named Scott mixtape before his 2 Be Continuum release. We'll see, this will suffice for now...

The Knux feat. Kid Cudi – Run

Friday, July 08, 2011

Videos of the Week

Bunch of great new concert videos have been surfacing from summer tours of late like Kanye/Cudi and Linkin Park covering @officialadele's Rolling in the Deep. Kinda creeped out by the Skylar Grey video, but still love the track and her new one Invisible. @araabmuzik is an absolute beast on the MPC. If I were to learn a skill it would be the ability to manipulate samples like he does. Plenty more to follow, indulge below folks, lots of good stuff...
@kanyewest & @wizardcud Perform All of the Lights (Live in Milwaukee)

@skylargrey - Dance Without You (Video)

@CeeLoGreen feat @RealWizKhalifa - Bright Lights Bigger City (Remix) (Video)

@araabmuzik destroys the MPC (Live)

@thegame feat @JTIMBERLAKE & Pharrell - Ain't No Doubt About It (Video)

@linkinpark Performing Rolling in the Deep(Live)

Thursday, July 07, 2011

"Damn How High Are We, They Gotta Gamble in This Life Charles Barkley

Coming off a stellar new mixtape, the likes of @realchiddy & @xaphoonjones refuse to slow down the steady stream of great music. For all of you that missed Peanut Butter & Swelly, there's good reason why over 61,000 people downloaded the tape and don't even try and blame me cause I've been throwin' tracks and concert videos from that tape at y'all left and right. Even this week they let loose another video for the I Can't Stop (freestyle) off the mixtape (below)...

Below is their newest internet release that shines mostly due to Xaphoon's electric beat and addicting sample of the Swedish pop group @iconapop's Manners track. There's always room for creative sampling in Hip Hop and you'd be hard pressed to find someone that does it better than Noah Beresin. I usually find myself saying, "this track is pretty good, but I can't wait for the real quality tracks that surface on a studio album." That's not the case with Chiddy, they don't care whether it's a mixtape or studio release, the quality is assumed, which is why I have so much respect for them. And you should too...#StopTrippinAndListen

Chiddy Bang - Mind Your Manners (prod by Xaphoon Jones)

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

"I Was Born and Raised Here, I Got it Made Here"

Back in their hay day, Fall Out Boy used to dominate my iPod. And when I say that, let me be clear, we're talking about tracks pre-From Under the Cork Tree plus America's Suitehearts, which was tough in it's own right. I was sad that they seemed to hit a wall when industry success turned them into something I wasn't a big fan of anymore.

But all that is in the past now and @PETEWENTZ is still a lightning rod when it comes to being a celebrity...I'm still baffled by the insane amount of people that go just to watch him play guitar and talk between every song. As far as I'm concerned, the main reason I was a fan of FOB in the first place had to do with @patrickstump's Michael Jackson-esque vocals. Needless to say, I'm pumped that he's releasing a solo album titled Soul Punk and the track below will serve as the lead single. It'll be interesting to hear where the album goes because his voice caters to both R&B or punk (hence the album title).

Is it me or are @LUPEFIASCO's politically charged verses starting to getting a little tired? Sure Words I Never Said was big and made a huge statement that's he still trying to back up, but This City is an uplifting track all the way around and it's damn near hijacked by the depressing picture he paints of urban America. Poverty, racism, gentrification...dude leave it for a song that isn't so celebratory and uplifting. That's my two cents, Lupe please get back to tracks like this and this so that P Stump can continue being the whitest version of MJ that money can buy...

Patrick Stump feat Lupe Fiasco - This City

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Javier Colon is the Man

Now that @javstwtr has won NBC's The Voice, he's went from a music industry journeyman to a star overnight. Before I get ahead of myself, you need to check out the duet he did with Stevie Nicks when they sang Landslide on the finale...
I can only imagine what it would be like to sing or play with one of my idols on a such a huge stage with max exposure. To go from being a well traveled 33 year old with two kids about to throw in the towel on an underwhelming career to an overnight star is so improbable it's mind-jengaing (boggle gets too much love). In the day and age where kids are groomed to be stars from grade school, it's nothing short of a miracle that a guy with a voice this good could go unnoticed for this long. If he were playing sports, they'd be drug testing him for PEDs, but instead he's just an artist who didn't get the exposure he needed and now he's a star with a new recording contract and $100,000...#CapitolRecordsFail

Regardless of whether or not the @justinbieber connection through @adamlevine's manager and subsequent support tweet was what got him over the edge doesn't matter because the way he lit it up every week on that show would have landed him a deal no matter what.
Also, if you haven't noticed, Javier is holdin' down that Numba One Spot!! on iTunes currently with his new single Stitch By Stitch. His vocals over acoustic are dangerous, but combine that with the talents and production ability of both Adam Levine and @only1darkchild, there's little doubt why it's so lethal...

Javier Colon - Stitch By Stitch (New Single #1 on iTunes)
|iTunes

As a bonus since I love y'all and since y'all are absolutely in love with everything Javier is puttin' out, feel free to stream a few other tracks that have landed on iTunes top 100 as a result of The Voice...

Javier Colon feat @Angela_Wolff -  Stand By Me (Studio Version)
|iTunes

Javier Colon - Time After Time (Studio Version)
|iTunes

Javier Colon - Fix You (Studio Version)
|iTunes

Monday, July 04, 2011

Best of Planking in Hip Hop

It's not everyday that a worldwide fad is started by Australians, but the whole Planking craze can be traced back to the land down under. Back in May, it took the country by storm as Brisbane, Australia police warned of the dangers of planking following the first of what will probably be more than a few tragedies, as plankers continue to push the completely flat, downward facing envelope. (Note: At time of publish 436,000 likes on FB)

It took a few months, but the ripples of the odd craze were eventually felt in the US when all the sudden everyone was posting plank photos on Twitter. It's all cause and effect and the cause of it becoming a craze in the US was hugely in part to Twitter and the opinion leaders on Twitter (celebrities), taking part in the trend. Like anything else odd and potentially dangerous, when planking or the laying down game is done in safe surroundings, it can be entertaining to see people rigidly balancing between or on top of two objects in creative ways. This week Hip Hop had their run with planking as it adopted it's own index-able way to segment the fad with the hash-tag #PlankLife. Below are a couple of my favorites, along with a photo album of the highlights...
@BigSean Planking
@joebudden Planking
@thegame Planking in Studio
@bigboi Planking
@DIPLO Planking on Elephant
@djafrojack Planking
Check the photo album below for more planking highlights...

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