A Formal Intro to the Potential of XXXTENTACION

In Hip Hop it seems especially easy to write off so called "one-hit wonders." The genre as a whole seems to cater to quick viral cash grabs, but not all fizzle out. Enter 19 year old XXXTENTACION, who about a year ago put his name on the map with Look At Me. Make no mistake, that beat and track as a whole goes hard in the paint.

Fast forward to this week where triple XXX did another cannonball on the scene with two new releases. First it was Gospel with fellow splash rapper Rich Chigga. I don't need to get into Rich Chigga's awesomeness was well documented by other rappers months ago. But that track was small potatoes compared to his new one with Diplo. Looking for a Star sounds nothing like what you'd expect from the young rapper as he adopts a much more sing-songy tone on his new one. There's something unique and tropical about it that forces you to keep listening. And for those who keep listening they're awarded with a five-star masterpiece riddim cooked up by Diplo around the minute and a half mark. It has the feel of an unfinished track, but that doesn't make it any less likeable. All in all, the jury's still out in XXXTENTACION, but there's no mistaking the momentum he's gained back this week...#LookingForAStar

XXXTENTACION - looking for a star (CANT GET YOU OUT MY HEAD) (prod by Diplo)

TH3RD BRAIN Has Another Star in NoMBe

It's a fact of life that who you associate with can open up doors and create opportunities quicker than people grind hard every day. Not to say that up and comer NoMBe doesn't grind, but you start throwing around the names ZHU, Stephen, and Gallant and I start getting excited. As it turns out, your boy NoMBe from LA plays on the same TH3RD BRAIN team as the aforementioned stellar artists. When you press play on his new one Wait (below), you can expect a tranquil dose of soulful blues. The mix of whiny guitar riffs and sentimental lyrics are a match made in heaven.

Speaking of heaven, you ever had a crush so bad you could be convinced a lady walked right out of heaven? Well, buckle up lonely hearts because this one has a story behind it..

"When I was in middle school I had a huge crush on what was quite literally the girl next door. We were childhood friends and for many years, my fear of tainting our time spent together kept me from telling her how I felt. Everytime I thought: “the night’s still young…” And thus I procrastinated until it was too late.
I sent her the new song “Wait” a few minutes ago and didn’t say anything….Let’s see how it goes lol" - NoMBE

If that story is in fact true, then more power to homie. I hope he got the reply he wanted from his three and a half minute surprise. I know I did and I'm gonna continue to stay on the lookout for his upcoming debut album They Might’ve Even Loved Me that is slated to drop at some point this year...#Wait

NoMBe - Wait

I'd Like to Welcome Everyone to the Ninth Parallel

In the world of EDM, there's plenty of room for genuinely talented pianists who enjoy energetic music. The more classically trained artists like Zedd, GRiZ and Big Gigantic who decide to make a career as a DJ, the better off we'll all be in the long run. I say that because when all your music isn't synthesized, there's another level of craft that gets injected into the music that helps separate the talented producers from the teenagers with a MacBook and a fancy software. Call me a purist or traditionalist, but I've always appreciated when DJs could step out from behind the turntables and flip an acoustic version of their hit song rocking only a piano.

This all matters because Ninth Parallel's claim to fame has always been flipping piano covers of hits like Sam Smith's Stay With Me or Porter Robinson's Sea of Voices. I find it extremely hard hating one bit on those covers because they do a great job of stripping down the tracks to their elemental form. Now, onto his splashy lead single Infinitum. The word I'd use to describe the track is impressive. I know the Madeon comparisons will come out of the woodwork since the vibe of the track sounds a lot like his style. Maybe that's because he opened for him back in 2014 in the ATL, but I'd like to think Ninth Parallel brings a different dynamic. Yes, Infinitum is an energetic, balls to the wall burst of energy, but I love how he took the last two minutes of the track to end on a non-synth note. It's those types of wild tempo and energy difference that I find fascinating when an artist can pull it off tastefully. I really hope this is the first of much more to come from Ninth because I'm a huge fan of what he's done up until this point...#Infinitum

Ninth Parallel - Infinitum

"I Just Wanna Go Flex, Gold on My Teeth and on My Neck"

The great thing about music is that talent is ultimately awarded no matter where a person came from or what they look like. There are very few professions in the world that genuinely reward talented people and give them a shot at making a career out of it like music. I'm prefacing this post because on first glance, there's nothing on first glance that seems remarkable about Austin Post. Keepin' it 100, he looks like an gleeful, unkempt stoner, which in many walks of life would result in whatever talents he might have being dismissed.

But this is music and music awards the grind of following your passion to a point that it will drive you to the brink of either bankruptcy or fame. For Post, it took him from Syracuse to LA to finally Houston before he broke through with White Iverson. His music style fits the melodic, edgy trend of what we'd now characterize as R&B. Don't expect any mind blowing, inspirational lyrics, but do expect an addictive, mellow melody that fits perfectly over an acoustic beat. Even though Post will forever be remembered for White Iverson, Go Flex is by far my favorite track of his to date. The gold grill, the rough around the edges appearance and lyrics, it's unlike anyone else you've seen, which is why he's already found his lane in music. Shoot, he even choked Bieber which we can all get behind as we cool out to his edgy slow jam below...#GoFlex

"So Baby Will You Wine For Me, Wine For Me?"

Despite the distinct lack of up and coming R&B artists over the past five years, 2016 is starting to bring glimmers of hope. With Gallant coming on strong and OVO's crew (Majid Jordan, PARTYNEXTDOOR) starting to reach their potential, the seeds of R&B seem to be sprouting.

Maybe it's something to do with Toronto because JAHKOY seems to have what it take as a multi-talented vocalist and rapper. Sure, getting a record deal from Def Jam and being featured by the likes of Zane Lowe on Beats One and Drake's OVO Sound radio stations will help get you on the map, but they haven't gotten a hold of Wine yet and it's catchy as hell. Credit to Mars Today on the smooth production, it set the table well for JAHKOY to knock it out. I love how the introduction of guitar on the second verse gives the track more personality than you'd initially expect. Even better, copping the track is easy and mostly free. All you have to do is let Hive see all that you've done and who you've connected with on Facebook. Simple right? Keep an ear out for ya boy JAHKOY because he's up to big things...#Wine

JAHKOY - Wine (prod by Mars Today)

I'm 99.9% Sure Kaytranada Has Arrived

Let me first preface this post by saying I'm very late to jump on the Kaytranada bandwagon. He's been developing a cult following for a while now, so I'll cop to it being convenient that I'm posting about him for the first time on the day he releases his first full length LP. Hailing from chilly Montreal, Canada, he's made a name for himself with a unique blend of dance, electronic, and Hip Hop sounds. He's one of the rare artists that it feels disingenuous to put a genre label on, but that's also explains much of his allure as an artist.

Even though I'm posting the funky video for his latest single, Lite Spots, I'd encourage you to check out his entire 99.9% album on Spotify. Sure, you're not going to get choreographed dancing robot visuals with every track, but the underlying electro-funk will be more than evident as you listen to the album in its entirety. My guess is this will be the first of many Kaytranada tracks to be featured here, but time will surely tell...#LiteSpots

"I'ma Keep Runnin' and Runnin', I'ma Champion"

There's always a place for meaningful, emotional music in this hood of the internet. No matter if you're a household name or an up and comer, if you pour your soul into your music, I'll leave the light on for you. It's their first time being featured on this blog, but you might remember Moosh & Twist from previous favorites like How We Do or All That I Know with Hoodie Allen. Reppin' Philly to the fullest, they remind me a lot of Chiddy Bang on the mic. Just two really talented lyricists that have a lot of chemistry together.

Speaking of chemistry, their new single Champion is about all you need to hear to understand what I mean. In the words of my former strength coach, "if this doesn't get your pee hot, you've got something wrong." Leaning on a sample from T.I. and Justin Timberlake's Dead and Gone, there's a steady mainline of inspiration that flows throughout the entire track. It has that "can't be stopped" type of vibe, which would fit nicely on an intense cardio playlist if you're looking for a new addition. If you liked their Living Out Loud debut a few years back, this should conjure up plenty excitement for a 2016 follow up...#Champion

Jon Bellion At His Best on Acoustic Version of All Time Low

Even though EDM is the usual subject in this hood of the internet, there's always room for multi-talented artists who simply make great music. When I think of said multi-talented artists, I think of the Ryan Tedders and Bruno Mars of the world. Those artists who are known for being amazing vocalists, but can also write and produce with the best of them.

In that vane, it might be time to start giving some love to Jon Bellion. Jack of all trades is a colloquialism that gets thrown around too much, but it's fitting for what Jon brings to the table. Yes, he's also the guy who has writing credits for the likes of Eminem, Jason Derulo, Zedd, B.O.B. and Cee Lo. Last year, he released The Definition to rave reviews and this week he's promising an "avalanche of new content" on the horizon. His song, All Time Low, isn't new, but it's one of his more noteworthy tracks of the past year. Check the original for reference...

Jon Bellion - All Time Low


The original was cool and all, but his group acapella style acoustic version truly showcases the limitless potential he brings as an artist. Honestly, the original version of the track is now sounding pretty mundane compared to his new, live version below. It's a fun watch, especially if you appreciate groups like Straight No Chaser. Even though this is the starting point for Jon's presence on this blog, you can expect to see a lot more of him in the future...#AllTimeLow

Photo Credit: YouTube

"Takin' Shots at the Bar Like Swish"

Being a former collegiate baseball player, you know I'm always going to give love to those who find their way into music after hanging up their cleats. You've probably heard of him by now, but Mike Seander (aka Mike Stud) has come on in a big way over the past year. First it was his splashy, critically acclaimed album Closer. Now fast forward to this year where his new album, These Days, landed on iTunes two weeks back and has been continuing to light it up since then.

One of the clear standout tracks on his latest album is Swish. Stylistically my mind immediately goes to Drake when looking for a comparison to Mike on the mic. The rhyme schemes, hook and slow flow will have you doing a double take. Add to that all the sports references in the verses and you can bet there will be a lot of pop culture traction with the track below. It's a testament to how you don't always need a big flashy beat or high budget video to elevate a good single to a great single. Do yourself a favor and give his new album a listen because the plane is getting full and fueled up for takeoff for Mike's career...#MikeStud

Beware Anderson .Paak is in the Building

Those of you who did their do diligence by giving Dr. Dre's latest Compton soundtrack a full listen will be familiar with the name Anderson .Paak. Featured on a whopping six of tracks on the compilation, you could almost it a debut album for him. It's a tough call because Animals was really dope, but I'd go as far as saying his new single below might be his best to date. Featuring a top notch verse from The Game, the jazzy, laid back flow of the track will quickly earn and keep your attention. It's some smooth R&B, which is hard to come by these day.

The best part about it? Anderson's debut album, Malibu, is due out on January 15th. Buckle yourselves up for some easy listening, enlightened Hip Hop y'all Anderson's on the way...#RoomInHere

Anderson .Paak feat The Game & Sonyae Elise - Room In Here

"Tonight I Need Your Help Remembering Myself"

In a world filled with millions of people who think they are capable of making great music, uniqueness is a fleeting characteristic that many artists continue to chase like a ghost in the night. Especially in electronic music, you can only have so many formulaic build ups, drops and womp womp before a lot of music starts drifting toward the median. All that being said, Stephen managed to put together a track that I'd best describe as novel.

Where do I start with describing Remembering Myself. Well...it starts out like many other contemporary rock tracks with vocals over a mellow guitar riff. As the song progresses, there are blues and rock undertones that shine through, giving the track a personality that starts sounding distinctly different. Then, you get the electronic infusion on the hook, which makes you re-think everything you thought you were hearing. Toward the end, you start to appreciate the rock and a more distinct and edgy guitar riff takes the song to it's crescendo. In total, it's a really interesting track that I'm enjoying more and more with each listen.

If you're wondering who in the heck this Stephen Swartz guy is, feel free and read up on his latest "This is Me" post on his website. All in all a cool story and this isn't the first time he's lit up the internet with his music too. Those that remember Bullet Train have been waiting patiently for over two years for new material. Metaphorically speaking, I missed that train two years ago, but I have bought a first class ticket to this one....#RememberingMyself

Stephen - Remembering Myself

I Want S'More of marshmello

Over the past few months I've played the role of casual observer as marshmello has went from obscurity to the next big thing in EDM. First it was the quick support from Skrillex and now lately it's been the witch hunt to find his real identity. While the current best guess says Chris Comstock, aka Dotcom, is in fact marshmello, the real story here is there's a new song that's been released that's worth talking about.

HoMe is the new best reason to learn about marshmello. It's a bright, vibrant track that you'll remember for the high-pitched synths and quirky samples. If you're looking for an EDM track that personifies happy, then I'd nominate this one to be considered. The rumor was that marshmello's identity would be unveiled at Hard this past weekend, so if you wer like me and itching to finally pin your fandom to a face, you're going to have to wait a bit longer as you listen take in the great music below...#marshmello

marshmello - HoMe

"Why Don't You Wanna See, I'm a Sinner Like You"

Here's a great example of how one feature can set you up for a successful debut album. By now you're keenly aware for my affinity and also Apple's affinity for Kygo. His most recent single, Stole the Show, featured a vocalist by the name of Parson James. I really like that track, so when a new debut single called Sinner Like You from Parson flew by my neighborhood on the internet, I'm not biting. Before I get into why, give it a listen...

If you're into comparisons, I'm going to throw out Bruno Mars. Parson has a great voice and similar throwback delivery. The bluesy sound of the track meshes well with the soulfulness of his vocals on Sinner Like You. Simply put, the track has serious potential to do some damage on top 40 radio and you can count me in on those who are lining up to jump on Parson's bandwagon...#SinnerLikeYou

"Every Minute Without You Feels Like Torture"

As Cash Money continues to turn into a crumbling fortress of destruction with Baby and Lil Wayne feuding over millions, we've got a new bright spot emerging from Weezy's Young Money label. Enter 19 year old Austin Mahone who signed with Young Money back in August 2013. His new single Torture is about as quality as it gets for pop/R&B nowadays. He reminds me a lot of Colby O'Donis with his smooth vocal delivery. I'll admit that on first listen I thought he had to be a member of (fill in the blank boy band name), but given his affiliation and solo course to this point, I have a lot more respect for him. With YMCMB opening up doors for him, the sky is the limit for young Austin...#Torture

Austin Mahone - Torture

We've Been Waiting for BenZel

Once in a blue moon I come across a new artist that I have a really hard time coming up with a comparison for. Tonight was one of those nights when I heard BenZel's new track Waiting featuring the vocals of Ben Abraham. For those of you who have no idea who BenZel is, they're a dynamic duo of Two Inch Punch (Ben Ash) and Benny Blanco. Even though they're not household names, I've featured productions by both over the years and, as a result, immediately got excited when I first heard they were going to make music together.

The closest characterization I have for the sound of the track is Love Trap or R&B flavored Trap. The chipmunk samples might remind you a bit of Keys N Krates, but it's such a cool blend of melodic vocals and heavy bass. It's not an easy task to make mellow music that packs intensity, but the two Ben's pulled it off with easy on Waiting.... I don't want to go overboard with praise, but you'd be hard pressed to find me another Indie electronic duo that I'm as excited about...#BenZel

BenZel feat Ben Abraham - Waiting......

Welcome to the New World Scott Gold

It's starting to sounds like this whole acoustic EDM thing is catching on. Before Avicii was ballsy enough to dare mix acoustic/bluegrass with progressive house, you would have thought that mixing two polar opposite types of music was crazy talk. Enter Scott Gold, an up and comer from LA who is out to blaze his own path with the help of his new single New World. The track is part acoustic, part rock and mainly electronic, creating a surprisingly easy-listening sound. Tip of the cap to Shimon Moore for the vocals on the track too. The interesting adventure the instrumental takes you on is the reason you'll remember it, but the vocals are the reason you won't forget it...#ScottGold

Scott Gold feat Shimon Moore - New World

Can You Feel it Overloadin'? Life of Dillon Can

Any doubters in Adam Alpert and Disruptor Management's ability to build a formidable force in the music industry need to take a long hard look in the mirror today. Not just because their leading act, The Chainsmokers, have evolved into a household name, but because they've got a second card up their sleeve that they're about to deal. Introducing a new acoustic house trio from the UK, Life of Dillon.

If Avicii taught us anything in 2014, it's that there's an untapped market for acoustic or bluegrass flavored house. Similar to the way Trop House has become incredibly popular thanks to the likes of Kygo and Thomas Jack, Life of Dillon has that type of Top 40 appeal that can put Acoustic House on the map. If you need proof of the potential, all it will take it one play of their new single Overload. With the help of what sounds like ukelele, banjo, and steel drum samples, David Keiffer, Joe Griffith and Rob Griffith found a way to produce an inescapably jubilant sound on their lead single. Even if it's only their first single, I feel like I've learned enough today about them to be really excited about what they're going to do in 2015...#Overload

"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

Introducing Avicii's Protege Syn Cole

For many successful artists, the logical next step after mainstream success is building their own records label. Case in point the newly anointed EDM artists of the year, Avicii, who is beginning to build up his own stable of artists through his LE7ELS record label. The first to come out of his stable is Syn Cole, a young Estonian producer who should be on everyone's short list of breakout artists in 2014.

In an attempt to kickstart that campaign, Avicii remixed his new single Miami 82. The track is a crisp, organized effort that is every bit as sharp as it is well-composed. I've got a feeling this is only the beginning, in fact, I might even post Syn's remix of Hey Brother at some point this week. Either way, heads up, he's a name you need to know...#Miami82

Syn Cole - Miami 82 (Avicii Edit)

"Where the Sky is Blue Forever"

It's rare that I listen to a track and can't figure out on first listen why I like it. Usually there's some sort of long winded, overly adjective-d dramatic explanation that I can come up with to try and convey why I dig a track. Sometimes tracks like MØ's XXX 88 simply have an organic energy about them that is infectious and gives.

Maybe it's the horns and high octane vocals or the Diplo co-production that caught my eye. Either way, I'm a fan of the up and coming Danish artist that just so happens to be featured on Avicii's new album True. Evidently the track that was supposed to feature Lana Del Rey called Dance in the Water is actually going to be called Dear Boy and feature Karen Marie Ørsted or MØ. I get how similar their voices are, but I would have thought there would have been some sort of clearly apparent correction that it wasn't Lana in the first place. Whatever the case, the fact that she's rubbing shoulders with some of the most talented DJs in the world should at the very least get your attention because it sure did mine...#XXX88 <---great song name to hashtag, take note artists

MØ - XXX 88 (prod by Diplo & Ronni Vindahl)