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.
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…
