It’s 2 AM…..and I can’t do late nights like I used to. That was a roundabout way of saying I haven’t had time to listen to this yet but Little Dragon can do no wrong in my eyes. Stream their 3rd studio album courtesy of the dope folks over at NPR.
Fresh Picks
2
Jul 11
FreshPick: Common ft. Nas – Ghetto Dreams
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
25
Jun 11
FreshPick: White Denim – Street Joy (Video)
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.
15
Jun 11
FreshPick: Kirstenana – A Queen and a Bridge
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.
6
Jun 11
FreshPick: Nemo Achida – Dedication [Video]
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.
17
May 11
FreshPick: Sid & Sigala – My Boots [version 2.0]
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
13
May 11
FreshPick: Just Jay – Break (prod by 100 Akres)
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.
28
Apr 11
Audio: Santigold ft. Karen O (Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs) – Go!
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”
21
Apr 11
FreshPick: Curren$y – Covert Coup EP [prod by Alchemist]
You can’t lose with this one. I won’t front, I was hesitant at first to hear a Curren$y project without Ski Beatz but I’m gonna go ahead and say Alc & Curren$y sound better together for some reason. If you like the work of early Prodigy & Alan, then hit play.
20
Apr 11
FreshPick: Random Axe – The Hex
If you’re unsure of who Random Axe is, then you probably need to close your browser window and leave my blog. Or I could just tell you.
Random Axe = Guilty Simpson + Sean Price + Black Milk
Now that we have that covered, this single is everything I hoped for. Every MC spits hot fiyah* and Black holds up on his end of the production with a dirty sample nicely balanced with what sounds like live drum fills. The kid is a genius. Ok, I’m done….now listen.
*courtesy of Dylan
