L./\. dropped some dope visuals to I’m Alive yesterday on Easter Sunday. I can’t front, this video concept is pretty ill and if you didn’t know what the song meant before, you will now. This is the last joint from her ‘Lost Riots’ series so make sure you go back and catch up on the other gems if you slept.

I know its been awhile between posts lately. Hopefully you’ll forgive me. Been mad busy and for all good reasons. Ok, enough of the ‘I’m on my grind’ rap guy talk. This kid sent me a link. I opened it. The music was dope. Now I’m posting it.

He’s from Texas and I’d best describe his sound as Slum Village and the Native Tongues having a love child while vacationing on Pluto. Be sure to click through to his Bandcamp and peep the whole Life & Times of AC Slater mixtape because its fresh. And all of the beats he picked, fit his voice. Looking forward to hearing more…

www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7vvU_0fMNc

If you’re an avid die-hard reader of FreshNerd.com (I mean, who isn’t?) then you know how much of a fan I am of Alice Russell’s music and voice. The word ‘incredible’ would be an understatement when describing the vocal chops on Alice as you will see in this East London mini-documentary.

That being said, I’ll continue to spread the word until people start paying attention.

I’ve been up on Miguel for awhile….before the record deal (proof). But for some reason once he signed his deal, the music lost something and I haven’t liked much of his music since his “Mischief” mixtape.

Miguel drops off a dope miniEP titled Art Dealer Chic vol.1 and this track in particular grabbed me mainly because of the dirty ass boom-bap drums. The drums are “right” on this one. Combine that with an undeniable melody on top and Miguel is back home where he originally started off…on the right track.

Word on the nets is that this will be a 3 part EP series before his second album release. Hopefully he continues to drop neck snappers like this one.

Sidenote: That synth tho!

If you follow this blog, you probably know I never write R.I.P. posts when it comes to artists. Reason being, I don’t know them. No disrespect to any artist I admire that has passed, but if I’ve never met you its hard for me to do a RIP tribute post. I’m a bit weird like that.

That being said, I woke up this morning to see #RIPAloriJoh all over twitter. Hoping it wasn’t true and just some sort of hoax….I searched her page and AbSoul’s page and it started to become evident.

I met Loriana (I knew her as Loriana) back in ’08/’09 through a friend I used to co-write with. My friend called me up one day telling me I HAVE to hear this girl sing. I said “bet, bring her through”. Days later she brought over Javonte (her writing partner and close friend) and Loriana to my little bedroom studio in Sherman Oaks.

From the first note she hit into that microphone, I knew she was a serious talent and force to be reckoned with. She was a bit shy and quiet, but transformed as soon as that ‘record’ button was pressed and it was time to lay down a take. We wrote and recorded about 4 or 5 songs together and those sessions were memorable as I remember her being more of a perfectionist than me! One night, she spent 45 minutes on one take because she wanted to get this one note right. She cared deeply about her craft and took nothing for granted.

This news comes as a shock to me and I don’t really deal well with death. We weren’t close, but working with her was a pleasure and its a shame that God took another talent from us especially at such a young age.

My condolences go out to Loriana’s family, the whole TDE crew, Ab-Soul especially and Javonte.

Chase your dreams……none of us know how long we have in this lifetime.

Rest in Power Loriana.

Peace, your music will live on.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bXA0nrBfUY

The homie Nobody Famous will be delivering a new mixtape of tracks he’s produced over the years featuring the likes of; Wax, Dom Kennedy, Donnis, Sene, Andy Milanokis and more.

Leading up to the 2-23-12 release, Reggie will be dropping these dope animations that all producers will be able to relate to….trust me.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vh5tV_M4cow

Fresh off the press (see what I did there?), LA dropped off some brand new visuals for A Place, taken from her latest project LA Riots: Mental Fatality. This is one of my favorite joints off the record (next to ‘I’m Alive’)

If you haven’t grabbed a copy of LA Riots yet, make sure you do so before I tell ya mama on you.

The Soulstice are a four man crew all from different states but currently residing in Orlando, FL. They released this dope mixtape at the top of the year with them rhyming over nothing but 9th Wonder and MF Doom beats. Be sure to give it a listen because its dope. You can donate at their Bandcamp page or download for free.

The homie Joose (aka Darth Vader in a snapback) dropped off a Christmas present that deserves some attention. Casket Rap is the type of joint that makes you want to punch random strangers in the face. Especially during the holidays….don’t ask why, it just does. The back and forth between Joose and Houston’s up and comer, Dapper G, is a good fit I hope to hear more of in the future.

This has been out for a week now which is the equivalent of 1.3 yrs in real life. Meaning…by now most of you have heard this masterpiece already. Its been on repeat non-stop on my awesome netbook for the last week (as well, now officially available for purchase at iTunes).

The combination of Danny’s XXX rhymes and Black’s neck snappin’ beats make for a perfect marriage on this release. I also like the angle in which Black approached production on this one (yes, I’m talking about disregard of formulaic song structure). It felt like the first time I heard Slum Village’s Detroit Deli which is a classic in my eyes but I’ll save that for another blog post. Long story short….if you’re a fan of either of these artists, you need this in your life.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBvngg87998

I haven’t posted in a very long time….hopefully yall forgive me but just know there’s some good things going on with 100 Akres. With that said, Kendrick Lamar drops some visuals to my fave joint off of Section.80. I hope signing to a major doesn’t hold him back creatively. Amen.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOjmM3ZCTsc

This video isn’t new but I could’ve sworn I posted it when it first dropped….I guess not. Melo is an ill MC/beatmaker/producer/photographer from Brooklyn. This kid is in his own lane all while keeping art and creativity alive. Part of me hopes beat/remix performance doesn’t go mainstream so it can keep its authenticity. I’m already having a tough time dealing with the fact that Santa Claus isn’t real.

Words can’t really express my feelings towards Suzi’s music as of lately. I know that sounds mad stalkerish and borderline psychotic but the way she experiments is dope as hell….inspiring too. She’s like a new version of Badu (if I was forced to compare her to another artist).

Ok, with that said….Suzi delivers a 30 minute mix of all self written/produced tracks (old & new) as well as a couple of cover tunes (yea, I said tunes) thrown in for extra seasoning. Enjoy and if anyone sees Suzi, tell her to get at me….on the music tip of course.

1. L∆V∆ – Pasmo (co-prod. JMR$N)
2. Loud On Da Block – Hot In Here (prod. devonwho)
3. U & Who? [Radiohead Covr]
4. Soy Crisps
5. FlameCatchr
6. A$ U R [Nirvana Covr]
7. NXT MSG [Original]
8. Up Jumps Da Boogie [Analogue Jr.]
9. Jump Rooooope
10. BronxInternship
11. Ordinaire
12. Function01010101
13. loudR
14. L∆V∆ – The Most Important (co-prod. JMR$N)

One of the few groups left that puts thought into song arrangement. If you missed the Evil Christian Cop: The Great Mistapes, check it out here.

One month after its online release and praise, Nas & Common deliver fresh visuals. Dope. Period.

Hopefully I don’t really need to explain much here. House Shoes + Paul White = DOPE. Be on the lookout for Paul’s new project ‘Rapping with Paul White‘ featuring the likes of Homeboy Sandman, Guilty Simpson and a buch more sick rappers that I can’t remember right now.

Caution: Neckbrace required before pressing play.

The talented SWW brings us some visuals for her new single, Hide the Cracks. Feelin’ the complex simplicity on this one and her voice shines through as usual.

The official release date for this maxi-single will be Aug. 15th so be sure to check in on her site for more info.

www.sarahwilliamswhite.com

No, this has nothing to do with STDs. We’re talking music and art here….oh yes.

If you want to support art, head on over for purchase of this dope DVD box set here: http://sofarida.bigcartel.com

Remember, every time you don’t support art….a baby panda gets stabbed by a unicorn.

I didn’t see this one coming. I’m usually skeptical about collabs that sound good on paper (Kanye & Jay anyone?) so I was a bit hesitant here. Come to find out, ‘Ghetto Dreams’ does not disappoint. We get vintage Common on 2 verses while a sharp Nas comes in to finish off the No I.D. sculpted track. Not sure who’s album this will pop up on but either way can’t wait to hear some new Nas or Common.

Sidenote:

Please, no “hip hop is back” or “this is real hip hop” comments….they annoy me

I’m not familiar with White Denim, but from the research that I did (Ok, I didn’t research…I looked at the video details), it turns out they’re an indie band on my second favorite label Downtown Records. The throwback video is what caught me. I know everyone is doing the whole 80′s themed blah blah blah, but White Denim managed to capture it authentically while not taking away from the song. It also reminded me of how terrible prom was. #NoShots

Street Joy is off of their latest album, ‘D’. Be sure to check it out as I’ll probably do the same.

Ready for some new music from a new artist? Well, new to you and not herself….

Kirstenana hails from East London with a unique voice to wet your ear. Her vocal walks the line of soulful and folky doing so in a way that doesn’t scream I’m trying to be different. The unique beauty that is her voice also comes along with the same qualities in her physical appearance. I’m willing to bet money that Kirstenana will be in the mainstream sooner than later.

She’s also up for an award this Saturday at The People’s Music Awards in London which is the first and only award ceremony for unsigned bands/acts. For more info on the awards, you can check it out here.

Kirstenana’s Facebook

Nemo Achida – Dedication from Nemo Achida on Vimeo.

I think it was Wes who put me on to Nemo and I’ve been checkin’ for his music ever since. I won’t front, The Digital Dan project (as a whole, but Presidential Address is sick) was my least favorite from him so far but from the sounds of this right here…I’ll be on the lookout for his June 13th release titled ‘Goodbye Brooklyn’.

Track produced by Sean “goldenchild” Mangan for Grand Staff Studios
Video directed by Corey Davis for Greedmont Park media.

Sid & Sigala are a London duo I’ve been working closely with for the last 6 months or so (mainly on the management/consultant side). These kids are probably the most talented/dedicated people I’ve come across in awhile. This is their latest release which is a fun and funky take on their original version of ‘My Boots’. I always stumble a bit when people ask me what genre is Sid & Sigala….well, just know its funk, soul, and rock all rapped up into one tidy mp3. Let’s just call it good pop music.

Oh and about that title…. well, the song is about resolving an internal battle in which you realize the love for your lover doesn’t amount to the feelings you have for your boots. You know, something we all go through. Hit play and enjoy…

For more on Sid & Sigala: http://sidandsigala.co.uk

As I was Googling myself (not as perverted as it sounds), I came across this kid from Chicago named Just Jay that rhymed over one my beats….actually two of them. I usually don’t expect much when I come across something like this, but damn was I in for a surprise. He’s pretty sick and and as well completely understood the intention I had for the track. Hip hop telepathy at its finest.

“Break” was created to be a b-boy anthem (in my mind at least) and Jay did a fine job of spitting rapid fire bars without taking a “break” (see what I did there?).

Definitely check out the rest of his ‘Living On Borrowed Beats’ tape.

Enjoy…..

Personal favorites:

#3 Break
#4 Can We
#7 Hongry (yea, I did that beat too)
#9 Sonic Controller (Tall Black Guy & Jay murdered this shit….the world needs a full EP from them)

P.s. Jay get at me.

Sidenote: Imagine what Jus Blaze would do with a sample like this???

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb3wKX1HEpA&feature=relmfu

The first video off of Kenna’s 3 EP series, Land 2 Air Chronicles I. The EP series will lead up to what will be his last album (insert curse word here). With the help of Chad Hugo (Neptunes) and a co-write with buddy from Interpol (Paul Banks), I must say this joint is pretty fresh. Unfortunately I can’t say that about the rest of the EP….I wish I could as I was one of the biggest Kenna fans when Sacred Cow dropped. Oh well, what can ya do? Enjoy///

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJos7KTLue4

Not sure how I missed this one. Santigold returns with her latest offering under the Roc Nation umbrella (she even debuted it over at Jay’s blog). Definitely feelin’ this one and to top it off, Q-Tip had a hand in the production alongside Switch and Santi. Can’t wait to hear the rest of the record.

Fun fact (in case you didn’t know):
Santi wrote the majority of Res’ first record “How I Do”

I’ve been doing some A&R work for an indie rock label and its pretty fresh to say the least. I’ve been unearthing some dope bands so I thought I’d share some of my findings here as well.

Auction is a 5 piece band from London and they put quite a unique spin to what they do as you’ll hear below. Slow initially caught my ear probably due to the island vibe on the verses and the catchy hook line over well played guitars on the choruses. There is nothing better than when songs are written in sections as opposed to sounding like one long song but I digress. Enjoy…