Pharoahe Monch - Welcome to the Terrordome

Welcome To The Terrordome from W.A.R. Media on Vimeo.

Mr. Monch has presented us with a video for his adaptation of the Public Enemy classic.

Maroon 5 Remix Album

I know . . .sounds a little sketchy. Until you read the tracklisting:

1. "If I Never See Your Face Again" Feat.
Cross - Swizz Beats
2. "Wake Up Call" Feat.
Mary J Blige - Mark Ronson
3."Sunday Morning" - Questlove
4."Makes Me Wonder" - Just Blaze
5."This Love" - Tricky Stewart
6."She Will Be Loved" - Pharrell Williams
7."Shiver" - DJ Quik
8. "Wake Up Call" Feat.
David Banner - David Banner
9. "Harder to Breathe" Feat.
The Cool Kids - Cool Kids
10."Little Of Your Time" - Bloodshy and Avant
11."Little Of Your Time" - of Montreal
12."Goodnight Goodnight" - Deerhoof
13."Not Falling Apart" - Tiesto
14."Better That We Break" - Ali Shaheed Muhammad
15."Secret" - DJ Premier
16."Woman" - Sam Farrar of Phantom Planet
17."This Love" - Cut Copy
18. "If I Never See Your Face Again" Feat.
Rihanna - Paul Oakenfold

Go ahead and read that through a second time. That's some SERIOUS work!

Call & Response: The Remix Album will be released on Dec. 9.

Election Night on Current TV

As if Election Night wasn't already fascinating enough, Current TV has upped the ante with pundit-free coverage and a live DJ set by none other than Diplo.

Current is by far the best thing on television. Channel 366 if you have DirecTV.

Mad Men

I haven't seen a single minute of a single episode (yet), but how dope is that theme song (and whoever that red-headed lady is)?!

For the curious, it's "A Beautiful Mine" by RJD2.

Art of Fresh - Out of This World

Shove some of this up your weekend!

What we have here is an accidental gem, folks. If you like hip-hop and "chill" music (remember that? what happened???), I strongly advise you to check out Art of Fresh and their new album, Back to the Earth. They sound like an updated version of Camp Lo. I dig it.

Dice Raw - Life Fame Death

Life Fame Death


Love this song . . .
Seriously though, can we PLEASE get D.R. a decent record deal, because he deserves much better videos than this. He's been making good music for a long time now.

Kids Incorporated - Stay Up (Viagra [Illmind Yo' Bisiness Remix])

Hee hee!
This is officially my jam for at least the next 3 days.

So no one is confused, Kids Incorporated is actually 88 Keys, Alchemist and Evidence (of Dialated Peoples).

Listen/Download HERE.

Joe Budden - Better Me

Budden + Incubus sample = Good shit

Steel Band Does the National Anthem

Found by The Original Winger.

This video (reason #347 why soccer is the greatest game around) is from the start of the recent World Cup qualifier match between the USA and hosts Trinidad & Tobago.

I want this played whenever I walk into a room.

I'll always have a soft spot for T&T's national team, a.k.a. the Soca Warriors, because they're squad worth half a damn reppin' the West Indies. No, that does not include Jamaica.

Joe Budden: Halfway House

I'm slippin', people. I meant to pass this your way DAYS ago. Sorry...it's been a looooong week and a half.

Let me give you a tip . . .
If you ever find yourself in a conversation, and the question "Who's the nicest emcee out that doesn't get enough publicity?"...there are only 2 acceptable answers: Joell Ortiz, and Joe Budden.

Only Xenu knows when we'll ever get a proper album release from Joe Budden, but while we wait, he's been blessing us with mixtapes that put everyone else's albums to shame. If you're not up on the Mood Muzik (pts. 1-3) series...you have work to do.

Fresh out this week is another classic from the best Jersey has ever seen. Halfway House, a 14-track collection of pure, lyric-driven hip-hop that will have your rewind button filing for a restraining order against you.

Download HERE.

Viva La Hova

Ey! Put the sandwich down. This is big stuff.
What we have here is a 19 track mixtape mashup (we need a new word for this, ASAP) of Jay-Z verses, Chris Martin hooks and Coldplay tracks. This was bound to happen, right?
Confused? Remember the Jay-Z/Beatles smashery, The Grey Album, that Danger Mouse did a few years ago? This is along those lines.

This project was completed by Mick Boogie, Terry Urban and a gang of guest producers who had an appreciation for the music.

Mick Boogie spoke with allhiphop.com about the mixtape:

"Jay and [Coldplay frontman] Chris [Martin] represent all that is right with modern music and art and have collaborated a few times in recent years to great results," Mick Boogie told AllHipHop.com. "So why not extend that concept over an entire album? I thought when Danger Mouse did the Grey Album, it was just remarkable. And while I didn’t like every song on there, when it was on, it was absolutely some of the most amazing stuff I had heard. Same with the Jay-Z/Linkin Park project. So we tried to take a collaboration that was already organic and make it real and also extend that quality level throughout the entire project."

"As we began piecing together the correct verses to match the correct beats, it became clear how truly amazing this project really is," Mick Boogie boasted "This is what real music is supposed to sound like. The lyrical elegance of Shawn Carter, the vocal magic of Chris Martin, the finely tuned instruments of Coldplay, the creative visions by our team of producers, and lastly, our analysis of which Jay verse best fit each track. If you love Jay-Z and you're not into Coldplay, this is for you. If you love Coldplay, but don't mess with Hip-Hop, this is for you. If you love all good music, this is definitely for you. We hope this project bridges the gap between genres, fans, and generations."

Download it HERE

Bloc Party

Because I love taunting my friends with the fact that I saw Bloc Party for free and they didn't.
It's just the kind of sweetheart I am,

"New" M.I.A.

You might not have had these jams yet, so this could be worth your while.
M.I.A. has released an EP today, with the "Boyz" remix featuring Jay-Z, and two "new" songs, "Shells" (snippet) and "Far Far".

I'm down with both of these, but I'm still waiting for the release of "What I Got" and "Big Branch" . . .in this country anyway.

Ludacris ft. Common - Do The Right Thing

Let this end any doubt that Luda is an official hip-hop head.
A beat from 9th Wonder and he even referred to his co-star "Common Sense".

Check out some behind the scenes studio footage here.

Your Plans For Tonight

Without a doubt, The Carps are my favorite band in that realm of bands that are infinitely better than everyone else, yet no one has a clue who they are. Their lack of exposure is frustrating for ME, so I can only imagine what they must be dealing with themselves.

Tonight, I will finally get to see The Carps over in the City, as part of the CMJ marathon. I am, in a word...giddy.

Behold the greatness:
"Heaven's Gates & Hell's Flames"


"Veronica Belmont"


"All The Damn Kids" (Greatest thing ever?? Post-punk soca!!)

Mos Def is BACK!!

FACT!

Foreign Exchange ft. Muhsinah - Daykeeper

"DAYKEEPER" VIDEO

Palin

Wait for it . . .wait for it . . .wait for it . . .

A Special Dedication

Boxcar Racer - Watch The World

"I watched Virginia get rid of Langley . . .and its secrets too.
I held your hand, and sat there knowing that we'd make it through"

"A Short Love Story In Stop Motion"

A SHORT LOVE STORY IN STOP MOTION from Carlos Lascano on Vimeo.

Watch in HD here.

Apparently, tonight is the night for jaw-droppingly amazing animation.
If you're thinking that the melody in the background sounds familiar, you're not crazy. It's Sigur Ros' "Hoppipolla". Don't worry...I won't tell your friends that that video and song really got to you. It's not your fault. The song's not even in English, and it's impossible not to get emotional when you hear it.

Or better yet...click here and be amazed at the fact that you didn't know that We Are Scientists covered the song (same vid, different audio).

The Owl

The owl | Emmanuel Ho
Uploaded by Festival-Mecal

I was looking for something else and I saw this.
Blew...my...mind.

Evidence ft. Phonte, Blu & Will.i.am

Okayplayer is on fire today!
This is dope. Nice to see Will.i.am remember his roots every now and then, and Khrysis killed the beat.

Listen/Download

Official CMJ 2008 Mixtape

This FREE mixtape should be all the proof you need that CMJ is the shit.
Artists include:
Dialated Peoples, Skyzoo, Wale, Chaundon, Sha Stimuli, The Knux, U-N-I, Royce Da 5'9", Black Milk & Pharaohe Monch.

Yeah! Download it here.

CMJ is Here

Yup, the CMJ Music marathon is here.
If you're a regular reader of this blog, then there's a 99.9% chance that at least 10 bands/artists that you like will be performing in NYC sometime between tonight and Saturday.

To put it plainly, there is no bigger or better event than CMJ. I would have to be a madman to try and run through the list of artists and venues for you. Luckily you can find it all and sort it conveniently right here.

Don't forget...with shows come after parties and random DJ sets. Get your friends together, map out your week(end). The streets will be over run with (legal aged) Nicks and Noras. Don't miss out!

Matt & Kim - Daylight

This is my jam. Finally a video.
FACT: If you don't like Matt & Kim, you might be Satan. Seriously.

This vid-jo is super...but nothing will ever top the magic of "Yeah Yeah".

DC Shoes Gets Fancy

(Via High Snobiety)

Looks like those skate rats on your block grew up and got jobs.
DC's Holiday collection sees a shift into the "lifestyle" section of your next Zumiez catalog. Hit the link above to check out the rest of the goods.

Kanye Explains Kanye

Kanye West visits Big Boy's Neighborhood from qdeezy on Vimeo.

This might give some fans the clarity they've been looking for as far as Kanye's new direction is concerned. Then again, it might confuse the hell out of you.

According to the pro-bloggers out there (the people who get paid for this and have actual industry connections...pffff) Kanye didn't want to do any interviews or promo for 808's and Heartbreak, but the label made their threats (as if label support means ANYTHING for an artist like Kanye West in the internet age) and he's decided to come out and give the people a little insight into what he's thinking these days.

Coldplay ft. Jay-Z - Lost (RMX)

The word of the day: Reciprocity!
This is the same "Lost" you already knew, just with a quick few bars from Chris' BFF.

::patented KB think face::

Wait a miunute . . .waaaaaaaait a minute!!! I know that verse! YES!
That shit was once upon a time a freestyle up at the Hot 97 studios with Funkmaster Flex before Kingdom Come dropped. Can't fool me, Hov!

More New Kanye . . .

"Coldest Winter"


I might like this with a few more listens (or someone else singing it).
Better than "Heartless", that's for sure.

I'm an a little concerned that all 3 songs I've heard from 808's and Heartbreak are pretty similar conceptually and sonically (I deeply apologize for using "Rolling Stone" rock-snob words, but I couldn't think of a better way to say it.)

UPDATE:
Word . . .so I've listened to it 4 times now. I'm officially down with this.
Ye's voice is still 8 kinds of terrible, but the song works.

However...after a brief trip around the webs, it doesn't appear that everyone agrees. Most Hip-Hop heads are pissed (the dreaded "Sell-out" tag is being thrown around kinda heavy in the skreetz). The rockers are more tolerant, but alot of them aren't buying it either. Looks like this will be the album that brings Kanye back to earth. Either that, or he will rise to full "Efph you, I do what I want" status and see these reactions as a personal triumph. I'm hoping for Plan B.

I'm not too big on artists that make music to please fans. Don't tell us what we like! We already know. Show us what you're down with, and let us decide if we agree.

So, success, or fail . . .I'm rollin' with Mr. West on this one.

Franz Ferdinand - Lucid Dreams

Oh, this is good money.
From the upcoming album, Tonight: Franz Ferdinand. Unfortunately it won't be released until Jan. 26.

Kanye West - Heartless

Ehhh . . .sounds better than it did live, but I'm still not too big on this. maybe i have to let it rock in the car, or something.

Oh, believe me, I'll have the download link soon enough. Kanye likes to make these things difficult. Artist that are equally internet-savvy to their fans can be problematic from time to time.

Eminem - I'm Having A Relapse

"Guess who's back . . ."
I missed that guy. Mr. Mathers confirmed in an interview the other day that he will be releasing an album before the end of the year.

Usain Bolt Tries Out for the Giants

"This thing weighs like 10lbs, man"
HA!

...and if you haven't seen this yet, you should.

Hey Champ - Cold Dust Girl

Newest members of Lupe Fiasco's label, 1st & 15th.
Check 'em out.

WHOOPS!!!

D'oh!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

Damn . . .

Christina Milian after work


That woman is unnecessarily fine.
There are 6 women walking this earth who are uglier than they're supposed to be, because Christina Milian was greedy as snatched all the fine for herself.

"Wait, wait, wait...Let me lift my foot up higher".
WORD, Christina?! For real?! Good grief, woman...play fair.

Don't front . . .when that leg went up on the desk with the piece of thigh meat on the side, you lost it.

Jazzanova ft. Phonte - Look What You're Doin' To Me

Phonte is still in crooner mode for this one.
From Jazzanova's (most soulful German's ever?) upcoming album, Of All The Things.

Statik Selektah ft. Skyzoo, Joell Ortiz & Talib Kweli - Talkin' 'bout You (Ladies)

New jam dedicated to all the wiminz.

Janelle Monae - Many Moons (Trackademicks RMX)

Ms. Monae is quickly becoming the lady version of Andre 3000...and she'd probably hate me for writing that. For the life of me, I'll never understand how/why she signed to Bad Boy.

But anyway . . . her jam "Many Moons" has been remixerated by personal favorites of mine, Trackademicks. Listen/Download

Passion Pit - Sleepyhead

PASSION PIT - SLEEPYHEAD from FunkySpaceMonkey on Vimeo.

Passion Pit is (are?) completely new to me, but I REALLY like this song/video.
The story is that their EP, The Chunk of Change, was originally recorded as a Valentine's Day gift for front-man Michael Angelakos' girlfriend.

+/- (Plus Minus) - Reeling In the Years

+/- is a definite fringe band for me.
I have the last album, I kinda dug it...didn't love it. When they show up on a trip through shuffle mode, I might roll with 'em...I might not.

they're never gonna be anyone's favorite, but they're worth keeping an eye on. Check out their new song here.

Since I'm already on My Soapbox...

It's an annual tradition that I go on a Columbus Day rageohol bender, to the detriment of whatever poor soul happens to wish me a "happy" one . . .somehow I completely missed it this year. I had no idea that yesterday was Thieving Rapist Murderer Fuck Day.

My bad.

After I bored you all shitless with my McCain-enduced blog-ocolypse earlier, I'll save the shit this time.

...and it's a REALLY slow news day, cut me some slack.

Q-Tip - Move

Q-Tip - "Move" from Three/21 Films on Vimeo.

The Real: Fall Out Day

Fall Out Day from jeff on Vimeo.

Oh, man...that's good stuff.
This video may have just shattered the record for longest set-up for a quick punchline, but it was worth it.

Lick A Shot For Obama!

[Note: This post was supposed to be a short blurb about something I heard on the radio and wanted to share, but it ended up free-falling into a political rant. Feel free to disagree with me, or skip the post entirely, I won't be offended. I know my opinion is as worthless as everyone else's in the grand scheme of things. Peace.]

Listen . . .I know what you're thinking . . .
"Is 'lick a shot for Barack Obama' REALLY the best phrasing possible"?
Eh, this is one of those times when you can't think too hard or be so literal.

I like this thing. Good music choice, and the Jay clip was a really nice find. Logical or not, Mr. Carter's words are a great reflection of why so much of "the hood" doesn't bother to vote. Personally, I'm absolutely AMAZED that so many Reagan (a.k.a. Satan) babies have enough faith in the Federal government that we even bother to jump on the Obama hope train.

Do I think Obama is the angel "we" all want him to be? Of course not. He is, after all, a politician. But honestly, friends...if McCain/Palin and this point in history isn't the definition of "unelectable", then I don't know what is.

Only 3 reasons to vote for John McCain:
1. You are rich (meh, fair enough).
2. You are racist (an asshole).
3. You vote along party lines, regardless of the issues or a candidate's policies (a moron).

As crazy as it sounds 4 years later, voting in Bush for a second term was far more defensible in 2004 than a McCain vote is in 2008. At least in '04 election, we were still coming out of the post- 9/11 hangover, we were still operating under the illusion that Saddam had WMDs pointed at our friends houses, and John FrankenKerry was completely useless and unappealing, even to Democrats.

But McCain?! Really?!

I have friends who intend to vote for John McCain, and when I ask them why, the only responses I ever get are " government spending" and "taxes". The simple and immediate reply is "well, what about Obama's plan to cut taxes for all families making less than $250K/yr . . .or that unjustified war in Iraq that's cost $845 billion directly, and affected our economy to the tune of an estimated $3 trillion?" The answer: "well...Democrats always spend, that's what they do". Wow...thanks for the input.

I fully respect everyone's right to an opinion...as long as it is at least somewhat informed. I'm just not getting that from McCain supporters. I'll end this rant with one question for anyone planning to vote Republican in November: In terms of the matters that the American government can influence, what about your life, the lives of those around you, America, or the world as a whole is better now than it was 4 to 8 years ago? If you are honestly and truly comfortable with your answer to that question . . .go ahead . . .vote McCain.

Donnie Baseball

Alright...I'm presently at a bar, watching various sports and consuming various wheat-based beverages. I had an idea...let's see if I can post with my BlackBerry. Excuse me, African-AmericanBerry.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this sentiment: If Don Mattingly's first World Series ring comes as a bench coach for the Dodgers...I'm going to fucking puke.

That is all.

Reckoner (Diplo RMX)

My bad, I meant to post this weeks ago and I forgot.
This was part of the remix contest I mentioned before. It got my vote.

UPDATE: Hold on a sec . . .
I love it when I can update shit 4min after I meant to post it 3 weeks ago (don't try to understand that sentence, you'll hurt yourself).

According to Mr. Diplo, the Reckoner remix of his that we've been jammin' all this time was an unfinished demo that sprung a leak. HERE is the finished stuff, which he's calling "v2.0 Diplo in a Trainwreck". Honestly, I like the original alot better. The "new" one gets a little Jersey Shore for my taste.

Kanye West v. Radiohead - Reckoner Lockdown

Yep...it's exactly what the title says.
This works surprisingly well.

DJ Earworn has taken to two most remixed songs on the webs (with respect to "Paper Planes"), sat them in a room together with a bottle of strawberry Boone's Farm, and waited for the magic to happen. I like it. Video credit goes to Instamatic.

Little Brother: Separate But Equal (Drama Free)

Little Brother is re-releasing their mixtape, Separate But Equal. This time, without the unnecessary jibberish from DJ Drama. The re-issue will also include 3 unreleased songs, including "Passion Flower" (produced by 9th Wonder).

Def Grip

Since I recently (as in last week) decided to make BMX my new hobby, I though I'd pass along a site/blog that was right up my alley. Personally, I don't give a damn if I never land a trick in my life...but this site, DefGrip, has the goods I'm down with. Cultural stuff: clothes, photo essays, music, gear, design, customization bits. Freshness of the two-wheeled variety.

Plus Hi by Fucking Awesome x Etnies

(Sole Collector)

Only 715 pairs will be made available. $181.65 at Caliroots.

The Boy Has Been Killed

Well . . .we've lost another one.
After being dropped from their label just a month after the second album, Stars & The Sea (which wasn't released in the US), English band Boy Kill Boy have split.
The label's reasoning (according to BKB): "Guitar bands are 'over' ".

Yeah...

Oddisee 101 &102

I want to make sure that you pay attention when you read this post, so I'm going to make a bold claim:
Washington DC emcee/producer, Oddisee, is the most valuable figure in the traditional hip-hop scene since J-Dilla. Let that marinate for a minute.

Doubt my claim? I invite you to check out the 2-disc set he dropped a few weeks back, 101 & 102. I don't exaggerate in the slightest when I say that Oddisee is the only person out today that that has a legitimate place in both the Top 5 Emcees or Top 5 Producers conversation.

If that wasn't enough argument for you to buy this double album, let me run through (some of) the guest appearance list: Little Brother, Flying Lotus, M.E.D., Jean Grae, Kenn Starr and Don Will of Tonya Morgan . . .damn.

MySpace Showcase: Trek Life

Wow, posting on the weekend...this must be good.
I've been slow in the last few weeks checking up on friend request from artists, so I checked up today and found LA emcee, Trek Life.

He's got some really hot shit on his page, including some songs produced by Oddisee (more on him later). I'd like to give you some insight on his album, but I can't seem to find it right now. When I do, I'll be sure to let you all know what's up. If I don't...remind me

Weird Al Yankovic - Whatever You Like

Hee hee.
Weird Al re-spits T.I.'s jams to better reflect today's economy.

More Wale . . .

"5 Minutes" ft. Skyzoo from the upcoming mixtape, Back to the Feature.
You know I dig Wale. Skyzoo...eh...he's nice, but there's a limit to how many time I can listen to a rapper tell me who he's not, rather than who he is.

M.I.A. ft. Wale - Boyz (RMX)

Well then . . .looks like there's another remix of "Boyz" knockin' around this week. Interestingly enough, it has a direct conection to the Jay-Z version I told you about yesterday.

The difference is, this one with Wale will be the official remix of the song. M.I.A. has finally gotten mainstream attention thanks to "Paper Planes" (you have no idea how 'indie snob" I got once I started hearing it on the radio). Kind of ironic now, considering that she might not be releasing another album. So, with her new-found pop appeal, the label had decided to re-release "Boyz" as a single (it was actually the first single from Kala), and include this remix.

This is the 2nd time that Wale has thrown verses on this track. Elitaste has the full back story on this, the connection to Jay-Z and all the download links.

"Hunting For Witches" Live

More footage from the show you should have gone to, but didn't for some insane reason.

The Foreign Exchange: Leave It All Behind

"Blazer & Cognac" music of the highest order.
Leave It All Behind is the second album from The Foreign Exchange, a collaboration between Phonte of Little Brother (more of a singer in this incarnation) and Dutch producer, Nicolay.

Highest stamp of approval on this one. This is good, chilled out music. Good job by them for picking a fall release date. The sounds go with the season. It's a nice R&B/down tempo electronic vibe. Think 2AM in a blue-lit lounge.

While you're banging around, be sure to check out their first album, Connected.

[Ah...that reminds me of another hidden gem (I originally had a massive brain fart and spelled "gem" with a "J", and then proceeded to laugh about it for 5min...I must have been thinking about her. HA!) that I need to hip you to: Owusu & Hannibal, a Danish R&B/electro duo. Their album, Living With Owusu & Hannibal came out in 2006, but it's incredible. Actually, now that I think about it, it was Phonte that told me about O&H in response to something I asked him on Myspace. That's why I love Myspace, it's like heaven for fans of lesser-known artists, because if you're clever enough, you can actually correspond with the people jamming in your iPod.]

Roscoe P. Coldchain is Back

Y'all remember Roscoe, right??
The dude with the REALLY unique flow that was down with Star Trak around the same time that Clipse first came around? No?!

Here's a refresher: "Delinquent". "Hot Damn" (3:08).

...and Mr. Coldchain is back after being "away" for a minute, and he's brought gifts in the form of a free mixtape.

M.I.A. ft. Jay-Z - Boyz (RMX)

I'm in full support of anything that gives me a reasonable excuse to do a Google image search for M.I.A. (currently holding spots 1-5 on my All-Time Women list). I didn't know this remix was coming, I'm not sure if this is something Jay went and did on his own . . .whatevs.

It's not earth-shattering, but its just kinda cool that it even exists.

Kanye West - Heartless

This was recorded during a recent show in LA.
I'm hoping this isn't on the album...not feeling it at all.
Judge for yourself.

I Love People

Aren't people just the BEST?

Murs - Can It Be

From Murs for President.
I'm down with damn near anything that samples the Jackson 5.

Kristen Wiig

By far the funniest SNL cast member over the last few years.

Oh . .
...and this is just...I don't know...just thinking out loud, here . . .
but uhh . . .if Kristen Wiig and the Lena Headey were to decide to wrestle in a room full of fun house mirrors, it might be the most surreal thing that has ever happened.

Bumpy Pitch

Let me share some things that I like to assume about you . . .the reader:
I assume that you are at least 11% cooler than everyone you know.
I assume that you like shit that just far enough left-of-center that you're in a perpetual state of fresh, without being a complete lunatic.
I assume that at some point you've said to yourself, "Damn...you know what would have been hot? If there was some proper throwback soccer gear like all the Mitchell & Ness stuff thats out for other sports . . .only I'm too fly to compromise my well-cultivated flyness".

BAM! Bumpy Pitch . . .get you some.

Nike Closing Ceremonies Air Force 1

(Sole Collector)

I have no words for this.

Reefer - Let It Go (Flying Lotus Remix)

I know nothing of this Reefer . . .but whenever I see a link that says "Flying Lotus Remix", I click on it. As always, it was well worth the trip . . .and "trip" is a pretty good way to describe this.

Check it out (from Stereogum).

U-N-I Does the Double

First up...
New single from the coming album Watermelon & Fried Chicken (you can't make these things up, people), "Soul Hop"



...and next

The "Beautiful Day" remix. There are like 423 verses on this jam, son.
Evidence, Big Pooh, Aloe Blacc, Fashawn, Mickey Factz, Theo and Kes Kaos . . .dag.
I wish they didn't take so long to do this, though. The beat from the original (and first half of this remix) might have been the summeriest of the summer.

Black Gold - Detroit

Who is Black Gold? Damn if I know. I saw them for the first time 10min ago.
If you efph with iTunes like I do, this is the free single of the week. I like it. It doesn't get "that's my jam" status, but it's a worthy addition to my massive digital choon empire.
The boys don't have a full album out yet, but they do have an EP that features 2 other pretty good songs and a Mad Decent (Diplo's crew) remix of "Detroit".

Atmosphere - You

Oh, this is all kinds of hot. Some good blue collar shit.
I've been waiting for Atmosphere to hit me with that one "sho-nuff" jam. This is it.

BMXin' It

Yup, yup. Your boy needed a new hobby . . .and he needs to friggin' exercise.
I am a firm believer that running is for the birds (by the way . . .have you heard?), so that was completely out of the question.
So what's a young urbanite to do? Get a bike. Ride number one will be the low-cost, brightly colored beauty you see above. Forget all that mountain bike and Lance Armstorng stuff. I can't be fly on a 12 speed, son. BMX gives me the hobby, a pain-free exercise (until I try to get fancy and bust my ass . . .maximum of 11 minutes), AND I get to satisfy my lust for cool lookin' shit and customization.
I'm gonna go ridonk with this thing, too. By the time I'm done, it's gonna look like a prop from a M.I.A. video. Right now, I'm thinking white wheels, yellow tires and purple handlebars. Oh, snap...and I already have the kicks to match.
_________________________________________________

UPDATE:
I done done it! I didn't get the bike in the pic above . . .I upgraded that bitch.
No simple Mongoose for me, I went semi-baller and got a GT Compe. Why? Because I've wanted a GT or Dyno since I was about 8 and my mom wouldn't give me one. TAKE THAT, MA!!!
I swapped out the stock black grips for the white joints right away. I thought about white wheels (same style), but the dude told me they were $150 a piece. Suddenly the black ones looked better. What I can, and probably will do, though is get them re-spoked with white ones and keep the black rims. That would only be about $60 and probably looks better anyway.

Gaze upon 20" of glory and freshiosity:

Obama Reps Cardboard City!!!

Definitely the most random and funniest shit I've seen in the last 15min.
I love you, internet.

Love Lockdown Video Premiere

LOVE LOCKDOWN from kwest on Vimeo.

UPDATE: Swapped out the Ellen premiere bit for some of that sweet high-defery.

Maybe the strangest place a video has ever made its debut.
Of the Million directions you thought this video might go in, I bet Miami Vice meets "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" wasn't one of them.

A Message to Today's "Cool" Kids

Tyga "AIM" from Decaydance TSM on Vimeo.

Dear Youth of America,

This might just be me getting old...but you kids have lost your collective mind. I'm very concerned about all of you. Have you seen the above video?! This is what you guys are down with these days. Are NONE OF YOU concerned with the fact that this Tyga fellow is nothing more than a walking, talking commercial? He doesn't even hide it well! I will bet you your lunch money that right now, Tyga is on his way to the bank with checks from Karmaloop, Wet Seal and AOL in his pocket. What happened to teen rebellion? Where's the outrage? DAMN! It's not even like Tyga is some sort of rare exception. Katy Perry tricked you into buying cherry Chap-Stick, and Chris Brown suckered you into paying 99 cents a pop for subliminal Double Mint Gum ads (but I hold Wrigley's stock, so I appreciate the help. This recession is a bitch).
What's the deal? Is it because of the internet? Are you so used to being bombarded with ads that you just don't notice (or care) anymore? You know what . . . this is Emo's fault. The emo rubber band finally snapped last year, and this candy-coated stuff is the result.
Kids, I'm begging you to fight back. Take notes from your older brothers and sisters. You know . . .those 25-30 year olds that you pretend to mock, but you're really trying your hardest to emulate (Don't front. You're 16, what the hell do you know about pashmina scarves and plastic Ray-Bans?). They've COMPLETELY rejected mass media. It's like they're on another planet. Everyone does they're own thing. No one owns anything with a label on it.
Listen . . .if you kids are going to be suckers for marketing, at least do it the way we old people do it. We create new things, pretend they're "underground" and then completely ignore the fact that 10 million other people actually have the exact same tastes, interests and opinions as we do. It's a pleasant way to live. You kids don't even bother lying to yourselves. You just go straight into the lemming line at the edge of the cliff . . .with a huge, Facebook sponsored smile on your faces. C'moooooooon! Live the lie!

Yours in earnest,
- FF&SS

Doin' it "Acapulco"

Yup. That's it.
Stop the world. I'm getting off.

I have no skull left, it was just vaporized.
It's all over . . .EVERYTHING that could ever possibly happen has actually happened.

If your mind isn't fully destroyed, and you aren't now reading this in the fetal position, on a full-on agoraphobic bender with a rosary in one hand and a plastic bottle of Jim Beam in the other...go ahead and check their Myspace page for a clearer, crowd-free version.

Universal Mind Control

Jam's been around forever, now we have a video.
It has a Pharrobot in it, hahahaha . . .sorry.

Mirror's Edge from EA

MIRROR'S EDGE Story trailer (HD) from Sean Capisonda on Vimeo.

I'm FINALLY gonna give in and go get a SeX-Box 360 (leave me alone, I spend WAY too much money on clothes and booze to be bothered with ludicrously over-priced video game systems). With the recent price drop and the Christmas discounts on the way...the time has come. While looking for an HD clip of NBA 2K9 (a game in which I am more than happy to bust that ass) I came across this. Looks good. Literally. No clue what the game is like.

Eyes first, friends. Eyes first.

Opera On Tap

From Current TV

I'm no fan of opera, (except when my homeboy, the Phantom, is involved) but something about people belting out 300 year old jams with a scotch in their hand is dope to me.

Sean John Fall 2008

Hey . . .ummm . . .Diddy . . .
Word?! We rockin' belly sweaters this year, son?

That's what's hot in the streets?
Fur zip-up joints with the ruffles on the neck?
For real?! No lie...I think my mom has one of them jackets, B.

I can't pop bottles and "make love in the club" when me and the chick got the same clothes on, son.

Cool Breeze: Avalanche by Greedy Geniu$

Greedy Genius . . .check 'em out.
No word on price for these jammies, yet. I efphs with 'em, though.

When Vocoders Become Sentient

See more T-Pain videos at Funny or Die

Joke's on you people if you don't think this is real.
The robots are coming. 2012.

JOIN THE REVOLUTION!!!

Black Milk ft. Pharoahe Monch & Sean Price - The Matrix

New joint from Black Milk's album, Tronic (coming Oct. 28).
The beat sounds like it could be used for the Fei Long stage in a new Street Fighter game.

Listen/Download

Little Brother, Joe Scudda & Chaundon - On The Marquee

From (DJ) Static Selektah's upcoming album, Stick 2 The Script.

BNR Vol. 1

For my money, Boys Noize are the best remixificators in the buisness. Their record label, the conveniently named Boys Noize Records, has released its first compilation CD. They're no threat to Ed Banger's throne just yet...but I'm sure the French are on notice. I won't even mention that Boysnoize are German. Nope. The jokes are too easy. I won't do it.

...and while we're here, let me remind you that said Germans will be in the City with A-Trak on Friday night.

Your Horoscope . . .by El-P

Cardboard City / Def Jux emcee, El-P has a new hobby. Determining your future.

[Holy shit! I'm an idiot! Somehow in my vocoder-induced rage about crew tracks yesterday, I somehow skipped over the best one to come out this decade. Bad job by me. Allow me to make ammends:

The Weathermen (Cage, El-P, Aesop Rock, Tame 1 & Yak Ballz) - Left It To Us

BET's Rap City: DEAD!

Lovers of real hip-hop, REJOICE!
After 19 years on the air with steadily declining standards, BET has pulled the plug on the shuck-and-jive minstrel extravaganza known as "Rap City".

How bad are things in hip-hop? So bad that a 1-hr video/interview show can't get ratings on BET. It's no coincidence that the rise of the internet music scene is coinciding with the death of record sales and video shows (R.I.P. to TRL this year as well). Yup...hip-hop is dead, but Easter is right around the corner. I think the kids are waking up and finally understanding that there's much more available than the bullshit that Viacom and Clear Channel want to shove down their throats.

Now that I think about it, considering that MTV's TRL is also being flushed...maybe it's not just hip-hop that's dead, but the concept of pop music in general. Let's face it, in 2008, Lil' Wayne and Ne-Yo have the exact same core audience as Paramore and Jesse McCartney. Now that it's so much easier for any and every artist to reach a mass audience via the internet, maybe it just isn't possible to put together a 1-2 hour long block of songs that tens of millions of people are going to agree on anymore.

Video killed the radio star. Myspace killed the video star.

It Really DID Offend Him, Yeah?!

Absolute Stone-Cold Undeniable FACT:
"Musicians" make the worst music fans/critics/observationists. Every song is nitpicked down to the last note, and they seem to ignore all the things in music that happen on the right side of the brain. It's like they see each song as a huge math equation that has to be solved in a specific way.

I bring this up, because Does It Offend You, Yeah? posted some hate mail they got on Myspace this morning, and it reminded me of a argument I got into a few weeks ago about the virtues of British rock music. (No, I'm not calling DIOYY? rock music):

"Subject:
im sorry but

Body:
your guys music is terrible, you guys basically took the shittiest sound from the 80s and made it worse. and because kids today wouldnt know good music if it bit them in the ass you guys will get famous, so congratulations on your 15 minutes of fame for making really bad music. why dont you have your singer get a manly voice and stop singing like a 12 year old girl, and give your drummer more than 3 drums in his kit, and MAYBE tell your guitarist to turn the gain up a little on the distortion. better yet, give your hippie parents back their instruments from the 60s and go back to being emo kids cuttin your wrists in the bathrooom. or maybe you guys could jsut play some good damn music and stop witht his retro-rock garbage.
"

Wow.