Sunday, November 30, 2014

DJ Snake Knows You Like AlunaGeorge


In case you were wondering whether DJ Snake would mail it in after his uber successful single Turn Down For What, here he comes with another heat rock. You Know You Like It is much more chill, snappy trap music than many of his previous party favorites. You can really hear the British accents come across on the vocals from AlunaGeorge, which is an added touch. If I were a betting man, I'd expect much more where this came from now that Interscope Records won the services of France's most well-known DJ. This probably won't reach the levels of his previous hit, but it's time to buy low now because if he releases a full length album, he will be much more than the TD4W guy...#YouKnowYouLikeIt

DJ Snake feat Aluna George - You Know You Like It

Saturday, November 29, 2014

"You Better Sink Your Teeth Before I Disappear"


The track below is a great example of why you shouldn't always judge a track on first listen. Full disclosure, I wholeheartedly passed on this track after first listen. Maybe I didn't pay enough attention to the hook at first because it sunk it's teeth in me on round two. The harmony between Dan Smith and the Haim sisters resonated with me and made the interesting collaboration that much more enjoyable. You'll be able to find it and a whole bunch of other fun mixes on Bastille's upcoming Vs (Other People's Heartache, Pt III) mixtape/EP. Tip of the cap to Bastille for being one of the few rock bands forward thinking enough to still release mixtapes...#OtherPeoplesHeartache

Friday, November 28, 2014

Videos of the Week November 28th


Anytime either Beyonce releases a video with her fine self dancing around in her underwear or Skrillex and Diplo release a new video, you know it's going to be a good week. Sure, both happening in one week makes it a great week, but that's also because of a few Jimmy Fallon contributions. My favorite of the week was his holiday style parodies of well known pop tracks from the likes of Nicki Minaj, Sam Smith and DJ Snake. I was impressed by Rashida Jones's ability to rock a mic. In other Fallon news, it was interesting to hear Lorde talk about putting together the Mocking Jay Soundtrack. Last and probably least was a rare Mystikal sighting. Anybody who wondered whether or not he had fallen on the earth can now breathe a sight of relief. He's doing just fine still yelling non-sensically over tracks...#TurduckenForWhat
Beyonce - 7/11 (Video)
Jack U - Take U There (Video)

Jimmy Fallon & Rashida Jones Sing Holiday Parodies of Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Nicki Minaj

Lorde Talks About Putting Together the Mocking Jay Soundtrack on Fallon

Mark Ronson feat Bruno Mars & Mystikal - Feel Right (Live on SNL)

Photo Credit: YouTube

Thursday, November 27, 2014

A 100 Proof Shot of Energy on Thanksgiving


One of the best things about electronic music is it's pliability. When broken down to it's most elemental form, EDM is mostly digital and digital things generally have a lot of controls. As a result, we as fans get spoiled regularly because we get to hear a lot of great music reimagined and taken different, equally awesome directions.

Case in point Dillon Francis's remix of deadmau5's classic Some Chords. The key when listening to a reimagined track is to keep your expectations in check. You can't assume a new beat or chord progression is going to change something that is already good for the better. Having said that, Dillon absolutely did some work on his own version of the track. It doesn't sound very much like the original version, but it's every bit as rowdy. You'll be able to find the track below and a handful of other newly reimagined deadmau5 songs on his recently released 5 Years of mau5 album. If you need a pick me up after eating all day, it would be advisable to check out the album because it's a 100 proof shot of energy...#5yearsofmau5

deadmau5 - Some Chords (Dillon Francis Remix)

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Major Lazer Set the Tone for Mocking Jay Part 1


Much of the last week in music has centered around the interesting collaborations on the new Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 1 Soundtrack. Previously I posted Lorde's Yellow Flicker Beat and The Chemical Brothers' collabo with Miguel on This is Not a Game. Both songs don't compare to the awe inspiring rhythms that Major Lazer was able to put together on All My Love with Ariana Grande.

I'll say this about the track, up until this point I have yet to post any music from Ariana Grande. I'm not a huge fan of hers, but she did well with a lot of help to Diplo, Jillionaire and Walshyfire. The tribal, soca inspired beat was on point like a decimal. The high pitched, uniquely whiny synths made a lasting impression on me. On a soundtrack chalked full of talent, this is the that needs to be circled with a red marker...#AllMyLove

Ariana Grande feat Major Lazer - All My Love

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

The Perfect Strain of EDM for Futuristic Animation


It feels like you have to have some sort of schtick to stand out these days in the world of electronic music. Skrillex has the whole spaceship thing going on with his live performance, while deadmau5 has always had the big mouse head. A lot of it is branding, but it's understandable why someone would see a need to try and carve their own niche in a genre that is expanding with new artists by the second.

Recently RL Grime decided that his new album was going to be known for killer sci-fi, space age warfare stuff. Every single release from his recently released album Void has been accompanied with some form of crazy futuristic airborne theme. It's hard to imagine any other type of music other than trap being played as the soundtrack to his animated movies, but suffice to say, the rhythms do the visuals justice. It's half head nodding tribal goodness, half loud raucous bass. Not sure about what you think of that mix, but in my eyes, that's a formula for awesome...#Valhalla

Monday, November 24, 2014

"A New Disease in My Town Called Idiotic"


I've sung Sam Smith's praises over and over, yet he continues to impress. On first glance, a collaboration with A$AP Rocky might seem weird, but Dat PMF already found himself on remixes with Lana Del Rey and Lykke Li, so it was not that far of a reach to see him on stage with Sam Smith last night at the American Music Awards. Performance below in case your missed it...

I wouldn't go as far as to say that they brought down the house with the performance, but you can bet that those who didn't know Sam's name when the night started sure do now. I'll say this too, there's a soft, poetic side to A$AP that plays well on ballads. He's got enough edge in between to sound Hip Hop, but the composure and delivery to sound right at home on pop hits like I'm Not the Only One. They make a seemingly odd pair, but kudos to whoever managed to get combine their talents on the remix...#2014AMAs

Sam Smith feat A$AP Rocky - I'm Not the Only One (Remix)

Sunday, November 23, 2014

"Dylon, Rap Like This, You're an Icon"



Well this is a first. I can't say I've ever hyped an up and coming Belgian artist, but that all changes tonight with my introduction to Selah Sue. It seems like the getting is good for female Indie vocalists in 2014. From your Tove Los to your Banks' to your Lykke Lis, there's room for success if you can weave together an interesting mix of harmony and synths.

In addition to the overall climate being favorable, going 3x platinum in France with your debut album is a great way to get some attention. Also, when you collaborate with Donald Glover, you're probably going to get a look by default. Me, I got sucked in by the twangy chords and sultry vocals off top. The synth kicker after the hook and Childish Gambino verse were a delicious creme fraiche-like topping on an already tasty dish. In about a week, you'll be able to cop Together and the entire Alone EP if you like it enough. The main takeaway from me is to be on the look out for much more of Selah's work because it's clear that she's not going to be satisfied with running the EU...#SelahSue

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Dillon Francis Gets Drunk All the Time...Again


Having the audacity to remix your own music takes huge boulders. Recently Avicii remixed his entire album and it worked out really well because he was able to leverage the familiarity of the singles, while trying his best to take the songs in an entirely new direction. For me, it gave a whole new life to singles that had been overplayed so much they became hard to listen to anymore.

I'm not going as far to say Dillon Francis's Money Sucks, Friends Rule album is quite as good as True, but I will say that I like his new version of Drunk All The Time more than the original. The mix of high pitched vocals and synths blend well with the heavy post drop rhythms. It's not going to blow the roof off your doors, but the remix was a fun take on a familiar track...#MoneySucksFriendsRule

Dillon Francis feat Simon Lord – Drunk All The Time (The Rebirth)

Friday, November 21, 2014

Videos of the Week November 21


Following a similar trend from last week, the top 5 features a healthy mix of Hip Hip and EDM with a splash of Fallon. The splash of Fallon came with the help of the legendary Roots crew as they did their best U2 impression. It must be nice to have the talent on board to cover for U2 when they cancel on you last minute. Most late night shows would be up a creek, but for Fallon it's an opportunity to channel his inner Bono.Update: Get well soon Bono.

On the EDM front, the TommorrowWorld After Movie clearly led the way. Thirteen minutes plus of festival highlights with all the colors, fireworks, and dancing had me hooked. Kudos to Absolut for the sponsored remix video of Magic!'s addicting track Rude that was redone by Zedd. Switching gears to Hip Hop, B.O.B. and Trey Songz finally came through with some visuals for their subtly cocky anthem Not For Long. They make a mean team when they get together. And last but definitely not least, Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson gave us all an in-your-face dose of throwback funk. I'm quite happy that everything from the outfits to the dancing matched the throwback sentiment of the track...#UptownFunk
Jimmy Fallon Playing Desire as U2

Tomorrow World After Movie

Bruno Mars feat Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk (Video)

Magic! - Rude (Zedd Remix) (Video)

B.O.B. feat Trey Songz - Not For Long (Video)

Photo Credit: YouTube

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Mary J Blige & Disclosure Make Classy Music Together


Classy musicians make classy music together. I can't think of a better word to describe both Mary J Blige and Disclosure than classy. Mary J has been executing ballads for damn near two decades, while Disclosure has been providing deep house anthems for swanky clubs over the past few years.

We've already witnessed two collaborations between the two talents in the form of F For You and Right Now. Follow seems to be more similar to F For You in that there's a palpable amount of funk to compliment the groovy bassline. If you're looking for a good reason to purchase Mary J's upcoming album The London Sessions, you'll find all that you need below...#Follow

Mary J Blige feat Disclosure - Follow

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

"Give Me the Time of My Life"


Somehow, some way, Pitbull continues to find a way to make great new music year after year. You would think he would have had to reinvent himself at least a few times over the past decade to continue releasing new albums yearly. With seven albums in the books and one more in the oven, there's no sign in sight of this unstoppable train slowing down.

His newest single featuring Ne-Yo is as fun and repeatable as you'd expect from Dade county's finest. Between the hook from Ne-Yo and the smooth dance beat, it's the perfect end of the week, T.G.I.F. track. The best part about it all, Globalization is hitting the internet in less than a week. My guess is he'll find a way to churn out at least five singles out of the eleven songs on the album...#Globalization

Pitbull feat Ne-Yo - Time of Our Lives (prod by Mr. 305)

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Sam Smith & Kanye Sound Great Together


Alright Carlos Serrano, you've got my attention. First it was the 2pac and Banks mashup, now you've got the audacity to mix some classic Kanye over Sam Smith's I'm Not the Only One? (*initiates slow clap*) Well done sir, the verses match up in a way that almost dares the listener to try and find seams. Much to my delight, I came up empty in that search and was left with a mix of nostalgia and delight when hearing it all mixed together. If I've learned anything from the two Serrano mixes, it's that there's a clear opportunity for mixing classic Hip Hop with great modern vocalists...#TellMeImNotTheOnlyOne

Sam Smith & Kanye West - Tell Me I'm The Only One (Carlos Serrano Mix)

Monday, November 17, 2014

"Devine Sorrow I Thank You For the Joy That Follows"


I can't say enough kind words about artists that use their talents for philanthropy. About a year ago, I posted Kill Paris's remix of Far East Movement's There Will Be No Rain that was created for the Dance(Red) album. Shoot if (Red) is going to help spearhead the movement to eradicate the world of AIDs in 30 years, then it's songs like the one below that will be needed to keep the momentum going.

Fresh off news that Avicii will be releasing a new EP, he and Wyclef let loose and inspirational electronic ballad. I'll admit, it was stylistically intriguing to hear Wyclef singing with a bit of an echo. It was a cool touch that set the tone with the feel good synths to follow. It's a win-win no matter how you slice it because if you cop the track, you'll be donating to a worthwhile army that is on the front lines of the fight against AIDs...#DivineSorrow

Sunday, November 16, 2014

OWSLA Continues To Be an Organizational EDM Force


It's been downright exhausting trying to keep up with all of the Skrillex collaborations of late. The center of that excitement has revolved around he and Diplo's Jack U snippets and single, but there's a whole lot more where that came from. Like for example he and TrollPhace's new hype remix of Yogi's track Burial. Original version below for reference...

Where the original runs the trap gauntlet, the remix sounds a lot more Skrillex-y with jagged synth samples leading the way. Generally there's a correct answer in deciding which version is better, but both tracks are different and likeable in their own ways, so it's a push in my eyes. What you need to know is that OWSLA is continuing to add to it's organizational depth in continuing to lead the way in EDM...#OWSLA

Yogi feat Pusha T – Burial (Skrillex & TrollPhace Remix)

Saturday, November 15, 2014

"Do You Ever Think of Me When You Lie?"


Very rarely will you ever hear a Nicki Minaj song that strikes you as thoughtful and complex. That's less of critique of her talent as an artist and more of a direct shot at what it takes to continually be relevant as a woman in Hip Hop. Sadly, the Anacondas far outweigh much deeper and more meaningful tracks like her new one Bed of Lies featuring Skylar Grey.

Simply put, it's really hard to do wrong when you've got Kane Beatz behind the instrumental and Skylar Grey on the hook. It would be easy to ride the coat tails of that duo alone toward a hit single. To her credit, Nicki took a much more serious route and opened up to her audience, sharing some deeply personal stuff regarding past relationships. As much as I would have loved to see Skylar fly solo on this one, I genuinely appreciate the direction Nicki took with it and applaud her for her transparency. Call this a diamond in the rough or a counter balance to a lot of her other single choices, either way it will be on her upcoming Pinkprint album that's due out in mid-December...#Pinkprint

Nicki Minaj feat Skylar Grey - Bed of Lies

Friday, November 14, 2014

Videos of the Week November 14th


Interesting mix of Hip Hop and EDM for this week's top 5. Shady Records made a big splash with their lengthy cypher that is being used to create momentum toward the new Shady XV Compilation. Along the same lines of stand out performances, anybody who had any doubt in Logic making it big time needs to watch his performance on Fallon. The kid can rock a mic, that much I know.

On the EDM front, Ellie & Calvin delivered an emotional video for their latest single Outside. On the other end of the wild spectrum we have Steve Aoki's new one. The video is so incredibly Will i am it's not even funny. The futuristic tech with plenty of crazy futuristic CGI mixed in. And to top it all off, how about a slice of silly thanks to Jimmy Fallon and Channing Tatum. I might as well carve out a permanent spot on the weekly top 5 for something related to the Tonight Show as it continues to set the bar higher and higher for late night television...#LateNightFallon
Calvin Harris feat Ellie Goulding - Outside (Video)

Shady CXVPHER

Steve Aoki feat Will i Am - Born to Get Wild (Video)

Jimmy Fallon & Channing Tatum Play Box of Lies

Logic Performs I'm Gone on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
Photo Credit: YouTube

Thursday, November 13, 2014

The Chainsmokers Get Into the Business of Pushing


The Chainsmokers have finally done it! They managed to remix a song that I have already raved about earlier this month. I act excited, but it's more sarcasm because introducing me to new music is a big reason why Alex and Drew have a special place on this section of the internet.

On the remix, the vocals remain the same as the original, but the beat takes on a new life. It's as if they blew their magical progressive house pixy dust all over it and it transformed into a new feel good tune. Saying that I expect nothing less is a understatement, the duo from NYC are on an unstoppable quality music binge...#Push

A-Trak feat Andrew Wyatt - Push (Chainsmokers Remix)

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

"Copper Tried to Knock Us Off, We Still Movin' Bass"


I remember the days when gigantic Hip Hop collaborations between artists and producers were as common as bread on a sandwich. Nowadays, unless your name is Mike Will, you'd be lucky to get a big time collaboration more than a handful of times each year. Enter Timbaland, who decided to come out of hibernation to craft the new heat rock Movin' Bass (below). The track features living legends Ricky Rozay and Sean Carter.

Off top, the beat sets a quick pace. I could have done without the Phone Tap style 40 second interlude to start the track, but sadly, it's an upgrade over the Funk Flex tags. It's beats like this that allow me to appreciate Rick Ross. 90% of the verses he drops are yawn worthy, but when he gets on a great beat, he can elevate his game with the best of them. Through this track I got back the piece of Rick Ross that I first started liking back in the day when he was telling us all where he was from. Please Timbo...continue making music with other talented artists, Hip Hop has missed you...#MovinBass

Rick Ross feat Jay Z - Movin' Bass (prod by Timbaland)

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

"Pizzaman Don't Come Here No Mo'"


People may bag on Lupe for his unfiltered style and, at times, overpoliticized verses, but his ceiling as an artist is much higher than most. When his music clicks he has the ability to perfectly match a beat and hook to his style of verses. The latest example is his powerful new single Deliver featuring vocals from Ty Dolla $ign.

If you read between the lines and listen to the lyrics, there's a clear spotlight on inner city violence. It takes a bit of genius to craft a sing-along hook that not-so-subtly points out something that would seem outlandish to 99% of people listening. Violence is so bad in certain places that you can't even get pizza delivered to your house anymore? Sadly, that's probably true and thanks to Lupe, our perspective is forever changed. Tetsuo & Youth is coming soon after the New Year, you now have your permission to get your hopes up about the quality of the album...#LupeFiasco

Lupe Fiasco feat Ty Dolla $ign - Deliver

Monday, November 10, 2014

Bruno and Mark Will Uptown Funk You Up


Some songs are just too unique and fresh not to post. That was my initial reaction to Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson's new throwback hit Uptown Funk. You better believe the four and a half minute groove fest will conjure up plenty of memories from the glory days of funk. Shoot all that's missing is a James Brown verse and a Kool and the Gang hook. It's got plenty of brass, a bumbling bassline and just enough repeat after me lyrics to get everyone listening tapping their feet and clapping along. Lawd almighty this one might even be more well liked by your parents, so feel free and share if you so please...#UptownFunk

Sunday, November 09, 2014

Never Envisioned Hearing a Banks & 2pac Collaboration


After 2pac died in 1996, a decade's worth of remixes and mash ups ensued. While a few remixes/mash ups were great, hearing many of his recorded words blended over damn near every single hot new beat of the week got pretty old. Luckily for us, the remixes finally tapered off and we were able to gain appreciation for his legendary talents through mostly silent rememberance.

Being an avid Banks fan, I fought back the initial dismay that I usually have when I see a new 2pac mash up. There was part of me that actually thought, "you know what it's been a while since I've heard 'pac's voice, maybe this will be good." And good it was thanks to Carlos Serrano. The original Drowning beat didn't strike me as a Hip Hop friendly beat, but therein lies the creativity in Carlos's mashup with 2pac's Thugz Mansion verses. I never envisioned hearing or, better yet, enjoying Banks singing the hook on a 2pac track, but I'm better off now after hearing Thugz Drowning...#ThugzDrowning

2Pac vs. Banks - Thugz Drowning (Carlos Serrano Mix)

Saturday, November 08, 2014

Trap and R&B CAN Be Mixed Tastefully


A few years ago, Lil Eddie was on a short list of R&B artists that I followed with every release. As a vocalist, he's got a soft harmony that sticks with you and his song writing credits are even more impressive than his vocal talents. In my eyes, the architects of songs who write and demo tracks don't get near the credit they deserve for a lot of the top 40 music that ends of getting played. Feel free to lump Eddie Serrano into the group of ghostwriters who are the brains behind the operation.

Needless to say when I saw one of my favorite R&B artists collaborating with an up the dutch trap trio Yellow Claw, it caused a triple take. Although R&B mixed with traptastic drops can be a little jarring at times, I feel like they pulled it off tastefully. It's always a plus to hear some decent vocals that lead up to a massive symphony of bass and high pitched synths. Never Die plus the Waka Flocka featured Techno are both on Yellow Claw's most recent Amsterdam Trap Music Vol 2 if you're in the mood for a larger dose. The key takeaway is that when you see the Mad Decent tag, you know it's about to be a party...#MadDecent

Yellow Claw feat Lil Eddie - Never Die

Friday, November 07, 2014

Videos of the Week November 6th


Ran a bit heavy on actual music videos this week, which is a bit of a change of pace. Leading the way is the much anticipated Dangerous video from David Guetta, which had more trailers than most movies that come out. It's not my favorite Kendrick Lamar track, but I can dig the live band feel and overall positive message of the track. Sticking with the Hip Hop vibe, K.R.I.T.'s space age video for Cadallactica was a interesting watch. It reminded me that I need to give his upcoming album a more thorough listen.

Before you go thinking this is an all music post, feel free and get all your laughs out to the news anchor wildin' out white boy style to Where They at Doe? I bet the woman co-anchor wishes she would have participated a bit more now that it's gone viral. Last but not least are the visuals from Lorde's latest single Yellow Flicker Beat from the upcoming Hunger Games: Mocking Jay Part 1. I continue to be amazed at her presence as a now 18 year old...#HappyBirthdayLorde
David Guetta feat Sam Martin - Dangerous (Video)

Kendrick Lamar - I (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. - Cadallactic (Video)

News Anchor Dancing to Where They at Doe?

Lorde - Yellow Flicker Beat (Video)

Photo Credit: YouTube

Thursday, November 06, 2014

"Serious, Mind Gone All Delirious"


Despite having an on and off relationship with Danny Brown and his quirky ways, I appreciate his ability to reach across genres when collaborating. Last we saw Danny on this internet property, he was rubbing shoulders with Vampire Weekend on the Step remix. Now, he hooked up with Phantogram on the remix to Black Out Days. Original below for reference...

Really dig the chill vibe of the original, Sarah Barthel definitely leaves an impression on you with her vocals. Where the original was chill, the remix is borderline crunk thanks to a little help from Leo Justi. Feel free to jump to the 1:45 mark to hear Danny do lyrical jumping jacks all over the beat. This is a perfect example of what awesome things can happen when you inject a little Hip Hop into non-Hip Hop...#BlackOutDays

Phantogram – Black Out Days (Danny Brown & Leo Justi Remix)

Wednesday, November 05, 2014

Axwell Λ Ingrosso Are Back With a Vengeance


Back in June 2012, I was among the massive amount of people who were disappointed that Swedish House Mafia was breaking up. The trio of Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso and Steve Angello seemed be on their A game with every release, helping take EDM from that genre folks over in Europe listen to all the way to mainstream pop in the US. For those lamenting over their breakup, fear not, their mostly back in a slightly different incarnation.

Shoot, if you're telling me I can't have the trio, I'll take two of the three continuing to make great music. Keeping up with the times, Def Jam will soon be releasing Axwell Λ Ingrosso's upcoming single Can't Hold Us Down in the coming weeks. The track keeps the energy up from the start, showcasing high-pitched synths that take no prisoners with plenty of bass to boot. In the six minutes the duo take you on a roller coaster that has much more peaks that valleys. I'm with you optimists, let's collectively hope that this is the tip of the iceberg of new music from the majority of Swedish House Mafia...#CantHoldUsDown

Axwell Λ Ingrosso - Can't Hold Us Down

Tuesday, November 04, 2014

A-Trak & Andrew Wyatt Push It To the Limit


If there was a genre called "party music", A-Trak would be the headliner. Fresh off his successful Low Pros collabo with Hip Hop maestro Lex Luger, Flan Solo is back at it again with a new synth-pop/dance single featuring the vocals of Miike Snow's Andrew Wyatt. You better believe the dynamic duo found a way to craft an addicting hit in Push. The piano backbone definitely reminds me of Miike Snow's style and it mixes really well with the emotion dripped vocals and uptempo rhythms. Feel free and cop it along with a handful of remixes on the full length EP if you feel so inclined...#Push

A-Trak feat Andrew Wyatt - Push

Monday, November 03, 2014

"So I Think We've Burned Our Bridges"


I've always been a fan of Killer Mike, so when he teamed up with El-P to form Run the Jewels, it definitely got my attention. While they play a supporting role in the track below with Until the Ribbon Breaks, I loved Killer Mike's verse over the experimental synth-pop style beat. I'll be the first to admit that I had not heard of the British trio before the track, but the fact that they were able to reel in Mike and El-P for a somber track was a nice surprise. Dap is in order for Peter Lawrie Winfield and Storme Whitby Grubb for the direction on the video too. Cool mix of camera shots that did what a good video should do, give added context and intrigue through visuals to augment the audio. For reference, Until the Ribbon Breaks' debut album A Lesson Unlearnt is due out in early 2015 if you feel like investing via iTunes...

Sunday, November 02, 2014

Tropical House x Indie Are Two Peas in a Pod


One of the biggest things I'm learning to admire about the EDM movement is it's ability to fork off into different, distinctly likeable directions. A year ago, Tropical House would have been laughed off as upscale resort music. Then deep house started to make a comeback and we all needed a bit of a break from the intensity of progressive house and dubstep, so Tropical House didn't sound so bad anymore.

Now, it seems like the Tropical House sound is starting to more consistently team up with Indie acts like Jose Gonzalez because combining both styles has the ability to appreciate the value of both. This week Sam Feldt and Chris Meid found a way to take Jose's Stay Alive and twist it into a dreamy, feel good track that you'll remember for the it's mellow synths and subtle saxophone samples. I know it's the end of the weekend, but there's no way Monday can be that bad when you've got this track to cool out to...#StayAlive

Jose Gonzalez – Stay Alive (Sam Feldt & Chris Meid Remix)

Saturday, November 01, 2014

"I Got Her, in the Palm of, My Hand"


As much as I bang on R&B for falling off the face of the earth when it comes to being relevant in pop music, there have been some diamonds in the rough that have given me hope. Back in July, I posted Majid Jordan's breakthrough single A Place Like This, which was a noteworthy track at the time. Little did I know that three months later the track would still be a go-to slow jam that I include on most self-curated playlists.

After a few laps around Her , I'm now feeing the need to give a full listen to Majid's A Place Like This EP. It's a simple, but smooth track that relies on the Majid's ability to croon with the best of them. I found myself looking forward to the hook and singing after a few listens, which is probably the desired effect. I'll keep it simple by saying that out of the OVO Sound roster, I'd pick Majid over ILoveMakonnen every day of the week...#OVOSound

Majid Jordan - Her

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