VEGAS, baby!

Hello, interweb tube-dwellers!
Your humble author and his degenerate homeboys are off to the magical land of Las Vegas for a week. I'll "see" you folks sometime around Labor Day weekend . . .unless I'm A) dead B) in jail, or C) something so ridiculous happens that I'm compelled to share it (like I cross paths with that fucker Coolio again and we finally get to settle our differences . . .I'M LOOKING FOR YOU , SON!)

Until then . . .check out the new blog from one of the coolest and most incredible women Xenu has ever dropped off on this planet: Kesh's Anything Goes.

PEACE!!!

The Last Shadow Puppets

Am I the only one who didn't know that Alex Turner (lead singer of Arctic Monkeys) was in another band? Check 'em out. They're not really doing it for me, but you might enjoy.

Wale & Travis Barker

(Spotted by TOW)


We know Travis Barker has been stompin' all over ?uestlove's turf for the last year or two. Next on his list is work for Wale's new album...and vice versa. The idea of Blink 182's drummer doing DC go-go beats is a level of funny that I didn't think was possible.

Tokyo Police Club . . .in Cranford??

(For my Jersey peeps)

Yeah . . .go figure.

Apparently Cranford hosts the Union County Musicfest. Who knew there was such a thing? The rest of the lineup is beyond crap, but for whatever completely random reason, Tokyo Police Club is performing at 7PM (hahaha) on Sat, Sept. 6 . . .for free.

Safe to say, I WILL be there

TV On The Radio - "Golden Age"

The boys are back from Cookie Mountain with their most "accessible"song to date, and first single from their new album Dear Science (coming on 9/23).

Check it out on their website (it starts playing automatically).

Jay-Z / Noel Gallagher Mashup . . .Finally

(Spotted by The Exactly)

I've been waiting for someone to do something like this for weeks, and I guess Hov's verse in "Jockin' Jay-Z" was the perfect starting point. It actually sounds kinda hot (even if "Wonderwall" is one of my least favorite songs of all time)

If you don't know the back-story to all this . . .why not? Here's a short overview...
Gallagher said something moronic...
Jay-Z responds with this at Glastonbury...
Then this at Madison Square Garden...

...now we get dope mash-ups and rumors that they're gonna work together.

Bloc Party - "Trojan Horse"

NME.com is exclusively (for the next 48hrs, anyway) streaming a new track from Intimacy, "Trojan Horse".

Lolo Jones

Yeah.

Sprinters already have an inherent dopeness . . .but damn.
I just turned on the Olympics a little while ago, just as her heat in the 100m hurdles was starting. Why hasn't NBC put this woman on TV every day since the opening ceremonies?? Someone should be fired.

...and Lolo Jones might be the greatest name I've ever heard.

Surprise Bloc Party Announcement!

How's this for a HUGE surprise announcement:
Bloc Party will be releasing their new album, Intimacy . . .on THURSDAY!

Since I'm completely incapable of reigning in the 10yr. old levels of joy I have for this happenstance, I'll just let you read the release from Bloc Party and let them tell you everything themselves:

"
Bloc Party's third album, 'Intimacy' will be available August 21. It can be pre-ordered now via the band's website.

The album will also be available as a CD which will be delivered from October 27 and feature additional songs. Anyone pre-ordering the CD will also receive the digital album from August 21.

Bloc Party alerted fans to 'Intimacy's existence, as well as their ability to purchase the record instantly, when they hosted their first ever web chat on August 18. The album follows on from the release of their hit single 'Mercury' released on 11 August.

The album produced by Paul Epworth (Silent Alarm) and Jacknife Lee (A Weekend in the City) was recorded in Kent and London. Some songs are Bloc Party at their most wildly experimental, while other tracks are simply classic Bloc Party, fitting in seamlessly amongst fan-favourites 'Helicopter', 'Banquet' and 'So Here We Are'."

The Cool Kids - "Pennies"

New shit. Standard fare from The Cool Kids. If I were them, I'd start thinking about doing something new really soon. I can't imagine fans are going to want to hear the same song over and over from them for much longer.

"Yes! In the face!" Eddie Murphy, Coming to America

You want to know what's crazy awesome? Like free Cracker Jacks at a clown-less circus awesome?

People getting punched in the face to electro beats, that's what.

Hollywood Holt - "Hollywood"

Hollywood
by videos22

The Cool Kids posted this earlier today.

I never heard of Hollywood Holt before, and didn't know jack about him until this morning.
I efphs with this video, though. Check out the rest of his shit and see what you think.

Peter, Bjorn & John are doing . . .something

OK. I'm confused.
Here's what I do know: PB&J and definitely recording something, somewhere. It might be 2 albums It might me an EP and then a full LP. One of them might be all-instrumental. One of them might not be in English. I'm lost.

Maybe you can figure it out and help me. Here's the instrumental song they released, "Inland Empire", that's part of the upcoming Seaside Rock. In another story, Pitchfork did their best to explain what's up. They even included a press release from the band. As entertaining as the release was, I still have no clue if I should be waiting to buy 2 albums or one, if they have any lyrics, or if I'd be able to understand them anyway.

Damn Europeans.

Shiny Toy Guns - "Ricochet"

Wow.

Well, then.

For months now, Shiny Toy Guns have been saying that their new album, Season of Poison, was going to be a totally different sound than We Are Pilots. Who doesn't say that before an album release? After listening to this . . .yyyyyeah, I'm gonna have to take their word for it. Not so sure I like this particular song, but I'm damn sure curious to see what else they're working on.

Mickey Factz - "The Inspiration"

(Via Okayplayer)

I like this. It's long as all whatnots, but it never got dull. Good, simple, personal shit...and the synthy bits in the beats are trippy if you're using good headphones. Enjoy.

Joell Ortiz and Termanology Collide!

Yeah. Go ahead. I'll let you read it again.

Joell Ortiz. Termanology. ONE mixtape.

There's more dope lines on this mixtape alone than the last 5yrs of airtime for Hot 97 and BET combined. There's no guessing about this. If you love hip-hop . . .correction: if you love that old New York City, Kool G Rap, Rakim shit . . .you MUST download this mixtape. In fact, download it, burn it, and give it out to every young person you know. They need this more than we do.

Myspace Showcase: Prospect Lane

Friend requests from artists that I've never heard of, but end up liking just might be the greatest thing the internet has to offer.

The latest is from Birmingham, England band Prospect Lane.
I'm kinda liking what they have up there. It's the English sound I like with a splash of Coldplay or Keane thrown in for the hell of it. Definitely wort keeping an eye (or ear?) on.

Attack of the Killer Rainbows!

Holy shit. She's serious.
This woman is why I'm afraid to ever have kids. She's probably a science teacher in a public school somewhere. I'm stunned.

Lesson for the days kids: If you're going to watch something on the Discovery Channel, make sure you stay for the whole hour.

Coldplay & Alicia Keys - "Clocks"

(Spotted by The Original Winger)



How's this for unexpected goodness? The world is amazingly small now isn't it?! We have a girl from Harlem sitting in with a band from London, performing a global #1 single in Japan . . .and you didn't even notice until I pointed it it out. Amazing.

Earth: Fuck yeah!

Lupe Fiasco, Wale & Kardinal Offishall - "Dope Boys"

(photo from Kanye)
The song appears on DJ Greg Street's upcoming compilation album, Certified Worldwide (still in no rush to check that out).

What do you get when you mix 3 of the best currently out with one of the greatest beats of all time? Click here to find out.

Myspace Showcase: Shane Simpson

I get alot of friend request from different artists on myspace, and some of them are pretty good. Since I'm officially here in the "blogosphere" (I promised myself I'd never type that word) and you neeeever know who's reading this stuff...I figured I'd go ahead and create a new type of entry to showcase up-and-coming artist that have come across my digital path.

Contestant #1 is producer Shane Simpson from London. His stuff has a funky electro type vibe. I'd like to hear some lyrics over his tracks. Check him out (and enjoy the eye candy in his comments section...the kid has taste.)

Santogold - "Lights Out"

I dig Santogold . . .I dig the jam . . .but HOLY HELL I hate the fact that I can't enjoy this album anymore without thinking about that monstrosity and sacrilegious affront to boozers everywhere known as Bud Lite with lime.

Tokyo Police Club - "Tessellate"

New single and video for one of my favorite band.
TPC prove that not everything from Canada is horrible.

While you have the time, go check out their other videos. Good stuff. I didn't know they made so many.

UPDATE: "Jockin' Jay-Z (Dope Boy Fresh)" Full Song

I'm still feelin' this, and I wanted to know what it sounded like with the beat fully fleshed out (and it bangs somethin' terrible) . . .but I definitely liked Jay's delivery better in the live version...this one doesn't have the same flair. I hope they re-record it before the album is completed. Until then...I will be knockin' the merciless hell out of this on my block (can we get a "Jockin' KB" remix? . . .No? . . .Damn. Thought I was fly.)

Download it here.

Kanyelympics

Kanye West "Champion Video" Official Directed by NEON from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Rhymefest - "Stolen"

Just watch.

TheExactly.net Presents: Your New Favorite Mixtape

I'm not even going to bother preaching to you about how dope this is. The track listing does it all. I promise, there's at least a 90% chance that your next favorite young rapper is on this mixtape.

Do yourself a GIANT favor and download it for free.

Santogold & Diplo - Top Ranking

More free mixtape goodness for the people of planet Erf.
Today, it's a collab between Santogold and (producer/DJ) Diplo - the man who A) helps keep M.I.A. so ridiculously dope . . .musically . . .ahem . . .I meant musically and B) I will forever be jealous of for this video before "Paper Planes" was recorded.
But I digress . . .I guess Santi just doesn't give a shit about the obvious comparisons between her and Mya. Whatever . . .as long as the jams jam, I don't care who sounds like who.

Rock this shit for free: BLAMMO!!

Jay-Z Wants to Steal Your Soul!

I...love...the internet.
Before the system of tubes was created, I had no idea just how crazy everyone else in the world was. I am forever grateful to Al Gore. I can't wait to start my own propaganda machine (or have I already??).

This vid is a year old, but hell, I've never seen it. Regardless, it's all sorts of amusing.

Elzhi - The Preface

Elzhi (of Slum Village) has temporarily posted his full album on Myspace for your listening pleasure. I highly recommend that you take advantage of it. Elzhi is EASILY one of the best lyricists around. I put him on the same level as Black Thought, Kweli and Mr. Mathers (do your research, young man!). The album will be "available" (wink wink) tomorrow.

Obama Boys Club

Now . . .usually I despise the semi-new trend of t-shirts that take the logo of one thing and lazily flip it to be something else, but this is kinda fresh. I approve. If they come out with some new colors, I might have to get one.

Besides, District 81 did create the favorite item combo in my closet, so they get a break.

NEW SHIT! "Jockin' Jay-Z"

BLUEPRINT 3 from kwest on Vimeo.

"Yup! Hovi's home!"

THIS is how you debut a new jam! Kanye surprised everyone and brought Jay-Z out of nowhere at the Garden last night to perform a verse from his new song "Jockin' Jay-Z" from the upcoming Blueprint 3.

Oh, you didn't know that was coming?? Please try and keep up!

FINALLY! "Everyone Nose (Remix)"

Yes, yes, yes . . .the UNDISPUTED Jam of Summer 2008 finally has a video.

N.E.R.D. Kanye. Lupe. Pusha T.
Directed by Hype "Warhol" Williams

The Streets - "Escapist"

Usually, rap/hip-hop/grime from the UK makes me wants to punch homeless babies in the face. I can't stand it. The beats are horrible, the lyrics are horrible, and a ghetto British accent is like taking a corkscrew to the ears.

That said . . .The Streets has been an exception to that many times, and Mike Skinner does it again. He's much more poetic than his counterparts and tends to use tracks that are alot more musical than the arrhythmic thumping found elsewhere in the Queendom.

"Guess who's back . . .back again. Monty's back. Tell a friend."

Breaking News!!!

This afternoon, I was personally contacted by the Montauk Monster's publicist (the "Blonde Bomber") because we're cool like that, and she let me know that Monty had a new mixtape coming out hosted by DJ Git Bizzie. She gave me the the first track...but I don't think the world is ready yet, so I'll just hit you with the lyrics to a freestyle Monty spit over the "...Benjamins" beat.

Hot fire, son!

uhh uhh what the montauk!
wanna rumber with the beast huh?
(snarl) give hiv to a whole family
dressed in dead flies like the garbage
check me out on the cover of star, bitch!
there i are bitch
makin niggaz so sick
floss on the beach with the tape on my wrist
if its murder u know they wrote it
long island sucks ass bitch im big n bloated
now you wanna feel my skin cuz its maggot coated
if u even try it, got myself a 44 and its loaded
all that bullshit you blog. playa hatin from the shoreline
get your own beach, why u ridin mine?
im a hell demon kinda creature
internet special feature found by a beacher
bitch see my face on a t shirt!

only monster in my crew, and i eat shit

like a monster do

wet my beak too

FUCK YOU!

"Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist"

This look interesting as all get out (that's what the kids are saying these days, right?), and I'm glad it isn't set in friggin' California like every one of these type of movie . . .whatever that type actually is. You know what I mean. Coming-of-age comedy booze cool people romance quarter-life crisis adventure fest.

Only issue is that everyone in this movie looks like they're about 19 years old. If you wanna do a proper movie about the goings on in that part of the City, shouldn't everyone be at least 24? Ah well.

Murs - "Can It Be"

New single from the upcoming album Murs for President (Sept. 30) called "Can It Be". Can't go wrong with a Jackson 5 sample. Listen/download here.

Until the album drops, don't forget about the free mixtape with 9th Wonder, Sweet Lord.

"Seeing the Invincible Sounds of Summer"

Yup, yup! Common (Invincible Summer) and N.E.R.D. (Seeing Sounds) have announced that they are going on tour together this fall. Only 3 dates announced today, with alot more to come.

Aaaaaand, here's an excuse to rock my jam, "Universal Mind Control":

Uhh Yeah Dude

Hands down the funniest thing on the internet is the Uhh Yeah Dude podcast by Jonathan Larroquette and Seth Romatelli.

It really doesn't even need a big build-up...it's just 2 friends talking for about an hour each week, but it the most random and off the wall shit you've ever heard. Here are some samples from episode 124:

Seth reads from the "Men Seeking Men" section of Craigslist.com:


"Collon Rollin' ":


"Orchid Bukake"


Even if these clips didn't thrill you, just trust me. Go over to my links section and you can get them all there...or subscribe via iTunes like a normal person.

DJ I-Dee ft. Jean Grae & Wrekonize - "The Right"

From Okayplayer.

Faux Fact # 9183: I love jams that somehow involve video game music. Sad truth is, I have songs from Sonic the Hedgehog and Streets of Rage on my iPod right now.
[Side note: Remember how on some games for Genesis you could go into the options menu and play the songs and sound effects from each level? If you were fast enough you could mix some HOTNESS! What? That was just me? Screw you guys.]

Before I embarrass myself any further, let me get to the song above. It's from Miami's DJ I-Dee and features some crazy Zelda samples and the greatest female emcee (and my current obsession) of all time. It's impossible not to love.

For real . . .stop trying.
You'll pull a muscle . . .and my blog doesn't have that kind of insurance.

Download with the free-ness, son!

Fonzworth Bentley ft. Andre 3000 & Kanye - "Everybody"

Fonzworth Bentley feat. Kanye West & Andre 3000 - Everybody
by 7-dejaliyah-7

It's Tuesday afternoon. You're bored as hell. You need a jam. Get down on some of this.

Wale: The Mixtape About Nothing

Alright . . .this is by no means new, but if there's one thing I know about my friends it's that I have to tell them at least 3 times that something is dope. Then they can come up to me 2 months later like, "Yo! Did you hear so-and-so's new shit?". The new shit I tried to tell you about last winter? Yeah...I heard it.

So with that in mind, I re-present Wale's ("Wah-LAY") Mixtape About Nothing (download free from that link). It's freakishly dope for several reasons, but I'll keep it short: 1) It's loosely themed around Seinfeld, "the show about nothing", and even has a random drop from the woman that played Elaine...how often does that happen? 2) Wale has a gift for similes and obscure references in a Lupe sort of way, without going off about "rainbows and unicorns" (c)-MTV 3) Most of the beats blend traditional hip-hop sound with DC (Wale's home town) Go-Go. One track even blends in Stevie Wonder's (personal hall of fame) "You Got It Bad".

If that's not enough . . .then I don't know what to tell you. Enjoy your Rick Ross records.

Wale - The Artistic Integrity [NEW]
by PeteRock

Blu and TiRon - "All the King's Men

From Okayplayer.

Blu is having an incredible year, and just might have released more good music that anyone in the last few months. This song is no different.

This Sunday: D.C. United v. RedBull New York

The absolute scum of the earth (with respect to the shitbags from Toronto) are coming up to Giants Stadium this Sunday afternoon.



If you only come with me to one game a year...this is the one. Trust me.
The true and good people of New Jersey and NYC stand proud against the Skinhead, pseudo-Nazi, fascist regime of DC United.


The will be excessive drinking, artistic use of profanity, at least 3 near-fights on the field and a good dozen fights in the stadium.


Don't miss this chance to see what it REALLY means to be the home team at a sporting event. Find out what a true rivalry is!

Swizz Beats - "That Oprah"

Can't lie...this is kinda hot. Swizzie is on my shortlist for favorite producers ever. When it comes to him picking up a mic...ehhhhh, not so much. Pretty much how it works with this jam. The lyrics are straight Flintstones (stone age, basic, not advanced) but Swizz isn't an emcee and never claimed to be. I have to give him alot of credit for flipping "Viva la Vida" though. I dig it.

Speaking of "Viva la Vida", maybe I'm the only person who hasn't seen the video before today, but here it goes:

Viva la vida from Thibault Poix on Vimeo.

Talib Kweli Documentary

This is the preview for an upcoming documentary that follows (greatest emcee of all time) Talib Kweli from 1999 (ironic) to the present day. Full of guest appearance from everyone back in the Rawkus days up until now, this is sure to be great.

Getting Complex With N.E.R.D. and Lupe

Complex Magazine has a pair of good interviews with N.E.R.D. and Lupe Fiasco for their annual Style & Design issue. Good shit.

I Heart Jean Grae

I'm gonna ask Jean if I can have her babies.



Fantastic.

A History Lesson of Sorts

So I was sliding through the interweb tubes and landed on this retrospective interview Teddy Reilly did in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the release of Guy.
That got me to thinking, "I wonder how many people knew that Pharrell wrote Teddy's verse for'Rumpshaker' waaaaaay back in the day?"
Or "Who knew that the Neptunes started out as studio apprentices for T.R. when they were kids.
Or better yet, who knew that the Neptunes' first production credit wasn't actually 'Superthug', but SWV's 'Use Your Heart' "?

Let all that info soak in for a minute. It's all insane, but true.

The Air YEEZY!!!

Oh . . .shit.
(from Sole Collector via TOW...by the way footie fans with good taste, you need to get down with the Winger ASAP)

The high-top is making a really nice comeback, isn't it?

We've been hearing about these kicks for months, and finally Sole Collector is giving us the goods. I definitely approve, these are fly as hell.

The Cool Kids, "worth more than 9 gold infants"

So the English have this thingeddy thing called Black Cab Sessions where random artists hop in the back of a taxi and do whatever it is they do. The latest edition was with the Cool Kids and they kicked some of that ol' lunch table/park bench shit.

Timing Is Everything!

From Gawker.

A theater in Portland, OR was changing their marquee from Hancock to The Dark Knight, and inadvertently advertised an art film I did in college.