Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Kanye & Lupe v. MGMT v. Justice


The verses from "Touch the Sky" over the track from the Justice remix of MGMT's "Electric Feel" (how dope is that video, btw?)

Buss it.

Bring Back the Crew Tracks!!!

Let me state this clearly:
"Swagger Like Us" is nuts in a car door awful. It makes me violent. I feel like I should receive financial compensation for mental anguish every time I hear it.

Remember in the 90's when a bunch of emcees would hop on the same joint and it would be the hottest shit out? It was like a competition or friendly battle wrapped into one track as each rapper tried to out-spit whoever went before him.

I miss those day. I miss New York! Damn!

Rock with me for a minute . . .
(I don't care if this takes up half my damn front page, son!!!)

LL Cool J (before the wheels fell off) ft. Keith Murray, Prodigy, Fat Joe & Foxy Brown - I Shot Ya (Remix)


LL ft. Method Man, Redman, Canibus, & DMX - 4,3,2,1


EPMD ft. Method Man, Redman & Lady Luck - Symphony 2000


A Tribe Called Quest ft. Leaders of the New School - Scenario


Noreaga ft. Nature, Big Pun, Cam'Ron, Jadakiss, Styles P


...aaaaand finally, let's go WAY back . . .

Marley Marly ft. Masta Ace, Craig G, Kool G Rap & Big Daddy Kane - The Symphony

Mooninites by Etnies

Brilliant.
If you're not a dork, and don't recognize the face on the shoes . . .behold:

I Love the Older Ladies



Oh, my f***. That's fantastic.

Another Way To Die



...and now we have a video.

This song is frustrating. It's like a barking dog (I mean that in a good way) that someone is holding back on a leash. As a White Stripes song or a solo record for Jack, this would have been great. Louder. Heavier. I'm still training my ears to remove Alicia Keys' voice. I've never been a fan of hers, other than...you know...visually.

T.I. ft. Justin Timberlake - Dead and Gone



From the new album, Paper Trail

This song is interesting to me for a couple of reasons:
1. Last time we heard T.I., Timberlake and Timbaland on the same track, it was on "My Love". If that track was a person, it would have been beating T.I. in the face with a meat tenderizer. It was kinda ugly listening to him struggle to keep up. Not so this time. Tip done went and got nice. Thumbs up.
2. We've gotten to a point in music (and life in general) where it's perfectly acceptable for a former Mickey Mouse Club member, boy band superstar and Britney Spears cherry-popper to sing hooks about "homies dead and gone". Word? This new world is strange, but it entertaining.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Dancefloor Dale




Directed by Eric Wareheim (Tim & Eric) in association with Warp Records and Warp Films. Music by Flying Lotus. Co Directed/ Animation by Devin Flynn. Co Directed/ Edited by Eric Fensler. More info at dancefloordale.com

Yeah. You just watched that.
The Jam: "Parisian Goldfish" by Flying Lotus

R.I.P. New York Baseball



The perfect summary of the 2008 baseball season here in the tri-state area:

"Fumbling his confidence
And wondering why the world has passed him by
Hoping that he's bid for more than arguments
And failed attempts to fly, fly

We were meant to live for so much more
Have we lost ourselves?
Somewhere we live inside
Somewhere we live inside
We were meant to live for so much more
Have we lost ourselves?
Somewhere we live inside

Dreaming about providence
And whether mice or men have second tries
Maybe we've been livin with our eyes half open
Maybe we're bent and broken, broken

We were meant to live for so much more . . ."

It's time for us all to come together again. It's time for the healing to begin.

Odd thing about baseball in this part of the country. We have two teams meant to contend for the World Series every year. A combined fanbase of tens of millions that engulf the better part of 3-4 states. Yet...other than about 2 weeks a year during inter-league play, Yankees and Mets fans generally don't give a shit about one another. The range of emotion for the other team usually goes from "eh, whatever" to "eh, whatever...at least their local.".

Not so this year. As both squads went from "crap" to "f***ing pathetic" this season (with only the Mets having any hope in September . . .but they play in the useless friggin' National League, so shove your Johan Santana right up your asses . . .ahem . . .sorry), fans lashed out . . .at eachother. Yanks and Mets fans collectively destroyed all historic levels of schadenfreude with each loss, because we were all miserable.

Now that we know for certain that both of our teams are complete and utter shit...I think it's time to give peace a chance. Toast marshmallows with your friend sobbing into his David Wright jersey. See that guy setting his "Farewell, Yankee Stadium" merchandise on fire in a dumpster? Give him a hug. We were meant to live for so much more . . .but we lost ourselves.

TV On The Radio - Dancing Choose



...and check 'em rock it on a fire escape for Letterman.

Joell Ortiz - Can't You Tell



Ever wonder what Williamsbug, Brooklyn was before the hipster invasion?
There you go.

Skillz - Be Alright


Skillz "Be Alright" feat. Kornbread & Aaries from Okayplayer on Vimeo.

Kings of Leon





Well . . .it only took 4 albums, about 5 years, and one of the best SNL performances that I can remember, but I am finally, and officially a Kings of Leon fan.

I could never really mess with the Brooklyn-meets-Memphis thing from their past albums. I mean, conceptually I dug it, because there was NO ONE else on Earth making music like theirs . . .but when it came time to listen, I couldn't latch on.

After seeing them bust these 2 jams on SNL last week, I got the new album Only By The Night, ...that shit is fantastic. There's isn't a bad song on it. Lyrically, musically, conceptually, it's one of the best albums I've listened to this year. I know alot of my "peeps" don't mess with KoL, but this is my official stamp and plea. Get this album ASAP.

Cold War Kids - Loyalty to Loyalty



Am I the only jackass that didn't know a new Cold War Kids album came out last week? I am? Shit. Well, I still haven't heard anything other than "Something Is Not Right With Me" (meh.), so I have no opinion to offer . . .but I will after tonight when I go and "buy" it.

Breakfast Jams



After certain happenings this weekend, I am fully against the use of anything containing taurine. Instead, I offer an alternative. Sprinkle summa this good George McCrae funk on your Corn Flakes this morning, and you'll be good to go for the rest of the day.

Warning: There are possible side effects. Consumption of too much funk when your natural funk levels are low can result in spontaneous outbreaks like this. Use wisely.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Yes We Can!


Vote Obama TISA from derrick jeffrey on Vimeo.

In honor of the inevitable slaughter fest that is tonight's debate. I thought I'd bring back my favorite thing in the history of the internet. For real. This the single best thing that the internet has ever produced.

Obama, Tisa from Sa-Ra, Daedelus, neon graphics, an Isley Brothers sample, women dancing in day-glo spandex. COME ON! You can't beat this.

Cage Is Back



Cardboard City!

Yes, sir! Cage is back in the studio (with El-P, F. Sean and Aesop Rock), recording his new album, Depart From Me. I'm f***in' amped for this. Sounds like Cage might finally be in a better mood and taking a slightly different direction this time.

"Ibiza meets Clockwork Orange"? Nice.

Puma First Round Sketch



(Photos via Sole Collector)

That's a mighty fine shoe.
These new Pumas give the illusion of being hand-drawn. I don't know what they've been consuming over at Puma, but they need to share it wih the rest of the world. They've been the most creative brand (of mass produced) kicks for a few years running now. Unfortunately, there's no word on pricing /production numbers yet. Stay tuned.

The Knux - Bang Bang



I'll probably get egged for saying this, but I thought The Knux first song was marinated in whack juice and coated with a thick layer of "try hard", so I haven't checked for 'em since. Saw this today, though. Much better, but I'm still gonna need a bit more before I keep that second eye on them.

"This is my confession . . ."


T-Pain - Can't Believe It (Feat. Lil Wayne) from Chester Ebona on Vimeo.

I post this for 3 crucial reasons:

1. As much as I'd like to front on T-Pain, he keeps putting out shit (guest appearances not withstanding) that I mess with.
2. As a people, can we come together and decide that its time to dead YouTube and that Vimeo is where its at?
3. There's a $50 reward to anyone that can tell me what the f*** Wayne says in his verse.

Thank you for your time. "Fuego".

L.A. Riots Remixes Vol. 1

BAM! 45 minutes of non-stop remixery. When I say "non-stop", I mean non-stop. G'on get you some . . .for free (like a chicken sandwich and waffle fries)

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Remix Artist Collective - RAC Vol. 1


The fine folks at Stereogum are offering up a "bit of fried gold" for free. Portuguese remixificator, Remix Artist Collective has put together a SERIOUSLY outstanding collection of remixes for some of my favorite jams.


The fun doesn't end there, my friends. RAC's website has a shitload of other great songs that he's worked over, including a 4 song set called Nintendo vs. Sega, which is exactly what you're thinking it is.

Floor Butter

Nooka V Zenh Camoflague Watch

I'm not a huge fan of watches, because 90% of them bore me senseless...but this is 6 kinds of fresh. I have absolutely no idea what time it is looking at that thing, and I don't care. It can all be yours for the super low price of $265!

Chromeo DJ Set


Official after-party for the show.

Sports / Cardboard City


If you know me, then you know I love me some Cardboard City. Hands down, no questions or debate necessary, the dopest music collective this planet has ever seen. So, if you're in the area, I highly recommend checking out Sports' set tomorrow night.

And while you're at it (and I type this more emphatically than anything I've written on this blog) MAKE SURE you go through the Cardboard City friends list and get down on all of that good shit.

Matt & Kim - Daylight



Remember the Green Label Sound thing that I mentioned a little while ago?
Presenting jam #2. Who knew that Matt & Kim got funky?? I like a slight curveball every now and then. Well done.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Taking Back Sunday


Please allow me to vent for a second. I try my best to avaoid super negativity here, but sometimes I can't resist.

I happen to be a TBS fan. Louder Now is an incredible album, very high on my list for best LP's in this the 00's and one of the very few in that lane of music that I mess with. With that said . . .THIS is what Taking Back Sunday is supposed to look like . WITH FRED!!!

As far as I'm concerned Fred WAS Taking Back Sunday. It was his guitar, and his backing vocals that made TBS worth listening to. TBS with no Fred is Run DMC with no Jam Master Jay. It's a Ferrari with an automatic transmission. It's Kool-Aid with no sugar. All these things can still be good . . .but never great.

To make matters worse, Fred was "replaced" by the biggest fucking cheese ball alive..."Fazzi". Fazzi seems to be the kind of guy you want to to crack in the head with his Heinekin Light bottle, stomp on his fuckin' limited edition Converse and choke with his abnormally skinny tie. Worst of it, he's the kind of kid thet writes sentences like, "Hey Peeps, we izz in the midst of completing vox on the new Tee-Bee-Ess rekkid so I felt like droppin' a line..." ARGH!!

I don't even know where I'm going with this . . .I just needed to cyber yell after reading the billionth chumptastic bulletin from Fazzi.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Axe Dark Temptation



[2 minutes of stunned silence]

Wait . . .wait, wait wait.

Hold on a sec...

So there's a men's body spray and shower gel . . .and it smells like chocolate . . .

Is that what's happening? This is real?
Like, an actual THING . . .that I can own?

I'm sorry if I seem a little slow right now, it's because my mind was just blown.

So . . .I absolutely HAVE to buy this, right?! The potential for comedy and really awkward social situations is waaaaaay too high for me to NOT have this! To hell with the sub-prime mortgage crisis. How is this not the biggest news story in America?? I can literally go around as a Black man that smells like chocolate?!

Ladies and gentlemen, as of today, we are living in a new world. The ceiling for inappropriate humor has just been raised to levels that we never thought possible.

Jean Grae - Shadows Forever


Dammit, I love this woman.
"New" shit. Check it out.

Peter, Bjorn & John - Seaside Rock


Another mystery solved.

Peter, Bjorn & John's new LP, Seaside Rock is, in fact, an instrumental album. Here's the description:

"As homage to Peter Bjorn and John's respective Swedish hometowns, they wanted to feature the voice and dialect from each of the three areas they grew up in. So, apart from the instrumental soundtrack to the lonely childhood of northern Scandinavia, you can also hear three monologues about some sort of seaside. The stories are read by a real saxophone player from Norsjo, a grandfather from Vika and the hairdresser Siw from Pitea."

The LP is only available on white vinyl (dope), but when purchased here, it does include a coupon to download the tracks for free.

Greatest. Commercial. Ever.

Radiohead Remix Project


Radiohead are leaving the remix duties for "Reckoner" up to the masses. All the important bits of the song are available to download on iTunes. From there, any and everyone can create their own mini-masterpiece and upload it to the remix project site where fans can listen and vote on who's got the hotness. It's brought out some decent names already, including Diplo (thaaaaaat shit is the spicy brown mustard!!) and Flying Lotus. Should be interesting.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Kidz In The Hall ft. Estelle - Love Hangover



Nice. I was hoping they would make this a single.
This is the jam, son.

"Paris Tokyo" Remixes


Not sure exactly how many there will be once Mr. Fiasco is done posting. My guess: a few (that's a scientific estimate). Check 'em out . . .

. . .maybe I'll come back and say somethin' about 'em later, but I'm dumb lazy, and really, do you care what I have to say after you already heard the songs?

Saul Williams' Reaction to "Love Lockdown"


Sometimes, the gods of the interwebs work a bit of magic.

Conveniently for me, two posts that I've made recently have been connected. Today on allhiphop.com, Saul Williams has written a piece centered around hip-hop fans' reactions to Kanye's "Love Lockdown". If you remember, a few days ago I wrote a blurb about Saul as his new video made its debut.

Check out his article. It's amazingly insightful and says alot of thing that the new "urban alternative" class has been thinking and saying to eachother for quite some time now.

Ne-Yo ft. Jamie Foxx & Fabolous - Miss Independent (She Got Her Own Remix)



Smoove! That's right, son. It's so smooth that you gotta throw a V in it.
I'm giving this type of jam a new name: "Blazer and Cognac Music"

While this may be some dope R&Bness, let me state something clearly:
Gentlemen, under NO circumstances do I want to see any of you in the club singing any part of this song to a girl you've known for less than 6 months. I'm sorry. Just stop it. ESPECIALLY you cats that wear polo shirts when you go out to decent spots, but the f***in' thing is a XXXL. You know who I'm talking about.

The Killers - Human



Behold, The Killers have returned, and the proclamation was found on a soccer site of all places.

Oh, Killers . . .you who managed to drop a b-side collection that was infinitely better than your last album. I'm never quite sure what to think of you people. Nor am I sure what to make of this jam. I don't know if I'm supposed to "dance", or sip herbal tea while I listen to this. Do I like it, or not? I have no idea. It sounds a Shiny Toy Guns remix of something that would fit nicely on Viva la Vida . . .as conceptualized by Brandon Flowers.

Not sayin' I don't like it. Just sayin' I don't know what I'm supposed to do with it.
However . . .I will say, with the utmost sincerity, that I hope The Bravery release a near identical song within the next month, so we can crack that old chestnut again. It was fun.

88 Keys ft. Kanye West - Stay Up (Viagra)



This jam has been around for a while. It was on that Can't Tell Me Nothin' mixtape that 'Ye dropped before Graduation. Looks like 88 Keys is getting ready to make his own official push, so this is getting the single treatment.

SebastiAn: A Fine Selection of Remixes



The hotness.

The French: Not good at much, but they can electro the f*** out of a jam. SebastiAn (of the Ed Banger crew) is very high on my list of electro re-jammificators, and this remix album (of other people's stuff not his own) is the goods. Get on it.

Check it out and buy (lolz) it here.
P.S. Do yourself a huge favor and watch that video again in full screen mode. Trust me.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Death Of The Muse: A Dilla Tribute


I'll give you the short version:
Since J-Dilla passed away, his mother has been having a rough time of things. There have been major legal issues regarding Dilla's estate, and as a result, Ms. Yancey (a.k.a. Ma Dukes) has since lost her house and is now having trouble paying medical bills as her own heath takes a turn for the worse.

To help out, production team Solillaquists of Sound have made a single from their new album available for download with a minumum $2 donation. 100% of the money goes to Ms. Yancey.

Read more here. Download/donate here.

Jack White & Alicia Keys - Another Way to Die



Theme for the new Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.
I know I'm on CPT with this one, but whatever. This is fire.

Pics and Vids From the Bloc Party Show



If you're a fan, and you weren't there . . .you have my deepest sympathies. It was a free show, but the Bloc damn sure didn't treat it like one.

Myspace Showcase: Nicky Savage



If you jam on stuff like Chromeo, and dig the whole rebirth of 80's electro thing . . .and I know you do . . .then you'll dig Nicky Savage. Check him out.

Osiris






The "Bronx" by Osiris.

Saw these this morning during my "travels". Kinda hot. Can't really see it in the pictures, but they're like a hybrid between skate shoes and old basketball high-tops. Best part is, they were only $70 and go up to size 13.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Get Down With The Swirl

Making Out Is Legal


That's what I'm screamin'.

Your mission for this weekend: Help fill this world with with ambiguously beige babies with hair that curls defiantly against combs, Luster's Pink Lotion and PCJ No-Lye Relaxer.

You know that Cambodian chick that works at the Quiznos down the street from your job? Now is the time! Don't be shy. Get them digits, son. Romance that girl somethin' terrible. Buy her a fine cognac. Bone down, and have yourselves a baby. Name him something blatantly antagonistic to racialists. Wong-Fu Jenkins . . .Tyrone Chung . . .some shit like that.

It's your legal and Xenu-given right to get your swirl on. Exercise it.

Dear Science Album Streaming

TV On The Radio's new album, Dear Science all up on their myspace page today.
Get you some.

Robin Thicke ft. Wale & Mary J. Blige - Magic (Mark Ronson RMX)


Ronson's 60's band-ness with a bit of DC go-go drums splashed in. Not a bad combo.
Listen/Download

Blu's Rookie Year

I've been hyping Cali emcee, Blu, for months now. Hopefully, you've been listening . . .or reading hard . . .or whatever it is you do to a blog.

Okayplayer has done a write-up that's a bit of a retrospective at the end of Blu's rookie year, that will see him drop 3 outstanding albums in the short span of 13 months.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Flex is NOT an R. Kelly Fan



(From Nah Right)

This is pretty self-explanatory.
Side note: You know summer is truly over when Flex is back home in New York.

Dice Raw - Life Fame Death

(Courtesy of Okayplayer)

Dice Raw . . .official homeboy of The Roots and emcee of recently split Nouveau Riche (seriously . . .stop joking around and record an album. I'm really starting to think that you're actually done) shared a new joint recently, and I'm all about it. It's not often I get to say this, but I wish this song was longer.

If/when I get a download link, I'll share it. Hit the link above to rock it for now.

After the Show It's the Afterparty . . .

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

"Amazing" Baby?

In case you were wondering who was opening for Bloc Party tomorrow night, it's these dudes, Amazing Baby. One of those "we're from Brooklyn" bands. Yeah . . .sure you are.

To put it mildly, I won't be getting to Roseland Ballroom any earlier for these guys.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Saul Williams - DNA

After all this time, I still don't know what to think about Saul Williams. He's the type of artists that I'm cautious to pledge my allegiance to. When it comes to the typical pop artist, I don't have to put much thought into anything, because in the end . . .the music is just a snack. Disposable stuff designed to satisfy my sweet tooth. Nothing more than that. But Saul Williams is different. What he's presenting is good soul food . . .and that makes me a little apprehensive.

Is Saul Williams crazy creative, or just crazy? Is his spectacular bohemian image legit, or just a front. Do I have any specific reason to doubt Saul Williams? No. None whatsoever . . .beyond my natural skepticism, anyway (and maaaaaaybe that Nike commercial . . .and the fact that he stole my girl, Persia White...but I digress). Music with a message can be a powerful thing, and fraudulent artists have a special place in my F*** You Hall of Fame (give me a few beers and ask me what I think about Tupac Shakur someday).

The original point of this post was to hip you Saul's new video for "DNA". It's exclusive to Stereogum, you'll have to go there to peep it. I dig Saul Williams, and I think the "scene" needs a dude like him. Here's hoping he's for real.

Kardinall Offishall Does His Paper Planes RMX



This track is seeing about as many versions as "A Milli" these day, but whatevs. Here's another, this time from Kardi.

[Angry Author Rant: Wait! That reminds me . . .how friggin' HORRIBLE is that joint, "Swaggar Like Us"?? Were they kidding?! Is this song a joke, or a spoof, and I'm just not in on it? You're telling me that Jay-Z, T.I., Lil' Wayne and Kanye got together to record a jam (with an M.I.A. sample, no less) and THAT is what they came up with?! The four or them actually left their respective studios and said to themselves, "This is fire". For real? Word?! And while we're at it . . .Hip-hop, do me a big favor. Let's all get together, have a meeting, and as one, decide that there are to be no more songs that involve the concept of "swaggar" or "hating" for at least 5 years. Thank you.]

Back 2 The Basics: Free Mixtape


I've got a MEAN case of The Itis right now . . .so I'll let the folks at Okayplayer do all the heavy lifting on this one.

'Ye Delivers as Promised


Damn . . .wasn't expecting this to be a same-day delivery. I definitely appreciate it, though.

MUCH stronger hook, better drums, some added synthy bits. I approve.

The Cool Kids - Delivery Man



Remember this?

Well, now you have a proper video for it.
I know I've said it before . . .but The Cool Kids whole routine is starting to get a little stale. Time to switch up, boys . . .or run the risk of becoming this generation's . . .I won't even type it, but I will link it.

Disclaimer: If you have a classic movie up your sleeves, then ignore me.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Johnson & Johnson (Blu and Mainframe) - J&J



I swear, Blu seems to put out as many jams in '08 as Lil' Wayne did in '07 . . .except . . .I like these.

But anyway, what we have here is a a vid-jo from his latest project, a collab with producer, Mainframe, under the name Johnson & Johnson. Unless my count is off, this is Blu's 3rd "He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper" type album in the last year or two (Blu & Exile . . .C.R.A.C. Knuckles).

All 3 are extra dope. You need them shits. Go get 'em.

Johnson & Johnson drops on the 23rd.

I Apologize In Advance



I have to share this...

True Story: I'm on the phone with a customer, when completely out of nowhere, I hear Sam from "Lord of the Rings" in my head saying "mashed taters" over and over again. I completely lost my shit and busted out laughing. Rather than make up a story, what do I do? Hang up on the customer.

Then I go to the You Tubes to see if I can find the scene, and I got this instead. It is now 12:34 (my favorite minute of the day), I will be laughing until at least 2:30.

We Were Right, Kanye Was Wrong


Before I left for work this morning, (Yes, I have a job. I'm just as amazed as you are.) I wanted to download both versions of Love Lockdown, but I couldn't find them anywhere. Legally or otherwise. I figured I'd check the source. Didn't get the jams, but I did read this on Mr. West's blog:

The Good News:
"
Your prayers have been answered!! There's a new version of love Love Lockdown coming. We used new taiko drums and I re-sung it... it's being Mastered now...."

The Bad News:
"... if you don't like autotune... too bad cause I love it and have been using it since the College Dropout!!!"

On one hand, I REALLY do hate the T-Painification of all music . . .on the other hand, my Personal Code of Freshness clearly states that I must applaud any artist who does whatever the hell they feel like doing despite fans begging him to do otherwise.

Monday, September 15, 2008

50 vs. Kanye . . .again?



That 50 Cent fellow really does crack me up. He hasn't made a song that I liked in about 7-8 years, but he's one entertaining bastard. An arrogant, evil [marketing] genius.

We all remember him and Kanye going back and forth as they released albums on the same day a few months ago. It looks like it's gonna happen again, as both artist are set to release their next albums in December.

Personally, I love the WWE hype machine that goes into this stuff. Especially 50 vs. Kanye. These two and their "feud" are the ultimate microcosm of the changing face of hip-hop and the Black American male image in general . . .but I won't bore you with all that. The point is, it looks like we have 50 Cent vs. Kanye West: The Rematch, and I, for one, have my popcorn ready and will be enjoying the hell out of it.

Ed Hochuli vs. Norv Turner


Fact: NFL referee, Ed Hochuli can kick your dad's ass.
(not my dad, but definitely yours)

[Author's note: Have I mentioned sports even ONCE in this blog? No? Wow.]

By now, you must have heard/read about the amazingly horrible call he made in the Chargers vs. Broncos game yesterday. San Diego coach, Norv Turner made the deadly mistake of calling out Ed Hercules . . .I mean, Hochuli.

ESPN.com's D.J. Gallo has all the pre-fight info.

Chromeo Show . . .Yo (See, I can rhyme, son)


Well . . .it seems that today is the day for show announcements, so here's another:

Thurs., Oct. 2
Chromeo w/ Peanut Butter Wolf (dope)
Webster Hall. Gitcho tikitz.

Is October 2008 gonna go down as the greatest month in the history of live music?? All in NYC in October: Common, N.E.R.D., Chromeo, A-Trak v. Boys Noize, Justice & Ed Banger and MGMT. That's alotta jams.

Justice and Ed Banger Crew Rock the Apple


Awwwww, this is some shit, right here!
Thurs., Oct. 30 at Webster Hall, there's gonna be a series of DJ sets that will completely SHUT DOWN anything else happening on this blue planet (unless that damn Aoki kid shows up someplace).

[Pause for author rant: I still don't understand Steve Aoki's appeal. That dude is the laziest, no-mixin', i-pod shufflin' sum'bitch on the circuit. I've mixed better sets in my car. If his name was "Bob Jones", he'd never make a dime. I'm just sayin'.]

Read carefully: Justice. Busy P. Sebastian. So Me.
Damn.

Two things I don't understand are 1) How did I not know about this until now 2) How the hell are tickets still available?

Either way . . .you can get yours here. Be sure to wear your best colorful t-shit and tightest black leather jacket. I could be wrong, but I think they might be required (sarcasm).

Q-Tip - The Renaissance

FYI, it looks like there's finally a release date for Q-Tip's new album, The Renaissance . . .Nov.4
Mark that down in your Farmer's Almanac . . .or whatever it is you kids use to tell time these days. What is it? One of them E-Pods? The E-Pod Macintosh? That's it, right?

Ah, whatever. Damn kids. Check the video for his first single, "Gettin' Up" and groove accordingly.

Spend Halloween with MGMT


10/30
Webster Hall
with Helios Creed/Chrome (who?) and Bobb Trimble’s Flying Spiders (who??)

10/31
Music Hall of Williamsburg
with Amazing Baby, Violens, Boy Crisis (I think I know who that is . . .maybe), Francis & the Lights


These "supporting" acts have taught me that there's still hope, and I may not be the full-on hipster douchebag I though I was. Either that, or MGMT are brilliant, and they know that if you make up any random band name, the Williamsburg set will instantly claim that they've been down with 'em for "dude, like for years. Waaaay before they sold out and went on that Noweigan talk show".

Pre-sale for tix is on Wednesday from 10A - 10P, normal sale begins on Friday. Take care of all of that action here.

Friday, September 12, 2008

Jadakiss - Who Run This



The hotness.
In case you didn't know, Jadakiss is now signed to Roc-A-Fella (what's left of it) and this single is what amounts to his thugged-out debutant ball . . .or something.

Hey, rest of America . . .take notes and stop putting out that garbage.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

TV On The Radio - Dancing Choose

Dancing Choose - TV On The Radio

Second single from Dear Science.

Raphael Saadiq ft. Jay-Z - Ohh Girl (RMX)



"Whooooo . . .y'all don't know nothin' 'bout that right there, boy!" - (C) Brobot: Aug. 26, 2008

That is the smoothest, grown-man shit I've heard in 2008. Right now, I wanna put on some fine Italian shoes, go to one of them spots where all the ladies are 30+, the walls are mahogany and everybody is sippin' some of that fine cognac they're granddaddy used to drink. Grab a pretty thang's hand and kick one of those old Chi-Lites type lines like, "Hey, girl . . .if you saw what I was seein' right now, you would see that we need to be seen . . .togetha. Yeah, sho' ya right." Awwww, shit!

While you're at it, check out the rest of Raphael Saadiq's new album The Way I See It. Man, if you don't have a woman, these jams will make you wanna go get one and give her a baby tonight.

Asher Roth vs. Heltah Skeltah



(From Nah Right)

That's the craziest headline I think I'll ever type.
By now, you MUST know who Asher Roth is . . RIGHT??? And if you don't remember Heltah Skeltah (or you aren't from the NY-area), allow me to refresh your memory.

BTW, if you don't have Mr. Roth's mixtape, The Greenhouse Effect, stop whatever it is you're doing right now and go download it. Trust me. The boy is nice.

Termanology ft. Bun B. - This Is How We Rock



I put you on this joint a way back. Were you paying attention? Here's your 2nd chance, because the official video is here.

Bun B shows up in the damnedest places these days, doesn't he??

Q-Tip - Gettin' Up



This is one of those jams that automatically puts you in a really good mood when it comes on. You just can't help it. It's good to have Q-Tip around again.

Gotta give Angie Martinez credit for playing this during her show . . .although, if I remember correctly, she might have some "incentives". I kid, I kid . . .whatever gets good music on the air, man.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Love Lockdown mp3


So . . .if you're like me, you've been semi-patiently waiting to hear the studio version of this.
Wait no more...here it is.

You know . . .I like the live version MUCH better. The delivery is better, the hook is alot stronger, the vocoder isn't as heavy. Still dope, though.

Bloc Party - Talons



The 2nd single from Intimacy.

If you're smart, you pre-ordered the album and got your digital copy last month (unlike the poor fools who are waiting for the CD release in October). If so, you might wanna check your e-mail, because there's a copy of this song waiting for you.

Oh yeah . . .I have the details for the free show I mentioned earlier. Hit me up, son(s)!

Homeless World Cup



Yeah, it's EXACTLY what it sounds like.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Matt & Kim - Good Ol' Fashion Nightmare

There's nothing better than finding good stuff by accident while you're doing something else.
Matt & Kim have finally released a new single (first in 2 years) for their upcoming album, Grand (no news on a release date). You can listen to/download it here.

Mountain Dew: Green Label Sound



The world's most fantastic non-alcoholic beverage, Mountain Dew has launched a bit of a musical initiative they're calling Green Label Sound. What's the purpose of this beyond sellin' me some soda? I have no idea, and don't give a rat's eye. Luckily for me, the first 2 artist they picked happen to be personal favorites. Above is the jam from The Cool Kids, and next in line is a new song from the vastly underrated duo, Matt & Kim, as well as 2 more artist sometime this fall. Stay tuned to the GLS site (or here). Each song will be downloadable (is that a word?) as they debut.

This has the distinct scent of a short, major-city, small venue tour. Hmmm . . .

Black Thought on Rap City

Citizens FOB: Welcom to the New Administration

Fall Out Boy does mixtapes? Who knew? With Clinton Sparks, no less.
I haven't checked this out yet, so this isn't necessarily an endorsement, just an FYI.

Press release regarding all this:
Citizens FOB Mixtape: Welcome to the New Administration features unreleased tracks from their upcoming album The Return - “Folie a Deux” debuting on November 4, 2008. The mixtape has a guest list that includes Seth Green, Ludacris, Gym Class Heroes, The Academy Is, Panic @ the Disco, Tyga, Cobra Startship, The Cab, Hey Monday, as well as artists from Fall Out Boy’s label Decaydance. MTV and The E! Channel will be airing segments of Clinton Sparks and Pete Wentz in the studio creating the mixtape.

Download it free from Clinton Sparks HERE.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Cut Copy - Lights & Sounds (Superdiscount Remix)


Hello again, people.
While I was searching for another remix of this song for someone else, I luckily stumbled over this one. I efphs widdit.

Joell Ortiz - Memories



Directed by Rik Cordero, kick of the quickie hip-hop video.
This jam is off of Ortiz upcoming mixtape, Free Agent.

And it looks like the dudes from The Real decided to crash the video shoot. Pretty funny stuff.

The Rosenthals' Rosenberg Flipcam Diary, Vol. 1 from jeff on Vimeo.

Foreign Exchange - Daykeeper


The first single from The Foreign Exchange's upcoming album, Leave It All Behind is now available as a free download. I haven't had a chance to hear it yet, because I'm having all kinds of trouble playing audio/video today, so I can't tell you what's up . . .but I trust Phonte and Nicolay to put out the hotness anyway. Enjoy.

N.E.R.D. Meets Bad Brains



That's some proper Afro Punk shit for your ass!

Preview: "Universal Mind Control"


Wow . . .we've gotten to the point that even music videos have trailers. Crazy, eh?
Billionaire Boys Club has given us one for my second favorite jam of the summer, Common's "Universal Mind Control".

From "Prince" to "Pharaoh"


Varitey.com has the details on Will Smith's newest project . . .

Will Smith puts on 'Pharaoh' hat
Actor set for Columbia's 'Last' film

Will Smith may next morph into a god.

"Braveheart" scribe Randall Wallace will write "The Last Pharaoh," a Columbia drama crafted as a vehicle for Smith to play Taharqa, the pharaoh who battled Assyrian invaders in ancient Egypt.

Smith, James Lassiter and Ken Stovitz will produce for Overbrook Entertainment.

Smith, who has long wanted to play the pharaoh, brought Wallace the Taharqa story.

The film will focus on his battles with Assyrian leader Esarhaddon starting in 677 B.C.

Smith next stars for Columbia in "Seven Pounds," a reteam with "Pursuit of Happyness" director Gabriele Muccino that Overbrook produced with Escape Artists.

Wallace will next direct a Mike Rich-scripted Disney film about Triple Crown-winning racehorse Secretariat and its owner, Penny Chenery. He also just signed on to a Jerry Bruckheimer-produced Disney adaptation of the WWII battle saga "Killing Rommel," which Wallace will write with author Steven Pressfield.

Bloc Party Wants To Tell You Something



More details to come shortly . . .I'll be back

The Most Unimportant Thing I've Ever Typed

Thinking out loud for a second (about totally inconsequential shit):

After that whole Chris-Brown-song-that-wasn't-really-a-song-but-actually-just-a-gum-ad fiasco, I wonder if Katy Perry got a nice healthy check from the folks at ChapStick for her shit. I'm just sayin'.

(UPDATED) Kanye West - Love Lockdown



Here we go, dear friends!

This is fresh as fuck. If you're not down with this song . . .don't even tell me.
I can predict the internet chatter for "tomorrow" already. KanYe fans that only listen to hip-hop are gonna hate this, but the eclectic fresh kids are gonna be all over it. This is my new jam.

Like I've said before (maybe in person and not on this blog), I'm a HUGE fan of artists who wake up in the morning, take a swig of vodka, and say to themselves, "Fuck it. I'm gonna do whatever the hell I feel like doing." THAT is what this song is. Radio won't be able to play this, TV won't know what to do with it, but dammit, it's a hot song. Cheers to Kanye!

[P.S. I expect this vid to be deleted by the time I wake up in the morning. I also assume that Mr. West will be posting something about this on Vimeo himself. One way or another, I'll keep it fresh for you.]
*****************************
9/8 Update:

Yeah, like I figured, all the vids of Kanye's performance have been yanked from the tubes by MTV, but they were nice enough to post a much better copy on the VMA site.