Brand new visuals from Tyler, the Creator directed by the young man himself. He also produced the track.
Hype is something we’ve all become accustomed to. Every day there seems to be a new ‘it’ artist / band who has descended upon our earlobes to alter our minds and shift our perceptions. It is essential however to distinguish between the nonsensical d*ck riding type of hype, and that which is backed by genuine credential. Something which I admit is at times very difficult to determine especially given this ever-changing, everyone-is-a-rapper-slash-producer era in which we currently dwell.
I would strongly argue that Tyler is someone who is displaying authenticated talent though. Some will not like what he says, some will sneer at what he does, but the fact is – he’s not only brave enough to commit to his cause, but he is in all actuality – a good emcee too. Controversy is controversy and it sells, and while the majority attempt to hide behind it, some shine through it. What ever happened to that white guy from Detroit who rapped about putting nails in his eye lids? Yeah.
Not to mention, he’s also only 19 years old and like any 19 year old has a lot to learn, but I reckon with enough time and dedication – we may just see a generational speaker.
On the subject of the aforementioned video and song – I think both are pretty hard.
Hopeless romantic? Love maker? Shameless opportunist? Which ever category you belong to, this little mix put together by ess85 should be right up your street.
“Love:Beats” compiles 10 futuristic, panty-dropping beats to help you get down this coming February 14th (and beyond)”. I think we can all uniformly place two solid gun fingers in the air for this little treat.
Featuring songs from fLako, Electric Wire Hustle, Steve SpaceK, The Roots and the man himself – this 10 track love coercer will surely help you get yours.
…And if it doesn’t, least it sounds good!
ess85 recently released a FreEP titled Neon – we’d highly recommend you check it out.
I was sent an advance copy of Animal Inside, the forthcoming extended player from producer Yult and singer Tanya Auclair last week. I loved Tanya’s debut FreEP, it’s something I regularly go back to, so I was excited to hear what this new project sounded like it. Thankfully, I wasn’t disappointed.
Animal Inside inhabits a unique position somewhere between Bjork and Flying Lotus. It’s filled with quirky, off centre sounds, which are all-absorbing. Auclair’s unique vocal delivery accentuates Yult’s left-field productions brilliantly, which in turn creates something mystical and atmospheric.
Animal Inside is released on Feburary 21st, the EP’s first single comes out next week.
‘Casuality of Love’ is Jessie J’s second U.S single, the piano led ballad is the perfect showcase for her beautiful and strong (and tender) vocals. The song doesn’t blow me away, her voice does though. But having said that ‘Casuality of Love’ is far from a bad track – I hope it does well in the States.
Jesse Boykins III covers James Blake’s rendition of ‘Limit To Your Love’ during a show in NYC earlier this week. Have a look at how he delivers the song, incorporating a rather swag reggae break towards the end. I’d like to hear a fully recorded / mastered version of this. Boykins – make it happen!
Oh and before any of you smart asses (lol) call me out, I’m fully aware that ‘Limit’ is a Feist song, but Jesse is covering James Blake’s version. It’s a strange one, haha.
This is especially true when the pop star in question is Lady Gaga, who’s music I’ve never been a fan of BUT whom I fully respect as someone who has revolutionised a great deal in a very short amount of time.
Without question, Gaga is one of the most important and influential artists around at the moment (alongside Kanye West). And while I love what she represents (showmanship, artistry etc), I have never enjoyed her music (‘Telephone’ & ‘Bad Romance’, the exceptions) – but I was keeping an open mind in regards to her new material. Unfortunately her new single ‘Born This Way’ isn’t really doing to it.
Pop heads will love it. The pink pound will too. “It doesn’t matter if you love him or capital ‘H’, ‘I’, ‘M’ / because you were born this way baby” sings the superstar, a message clearly drenched in American politics. And once again, Gaga holds my respect for being brave enough to have her lead single be so politically charged, however the over-camp, washed out beat, the lackluster melody – it’s all a bit corny and a bit rubbish.
Jennifer Hudson paid Oprah a visit this week for an emotional interview and to perform her new single ‘Where You At’. The Oscar & Grammy winner opens up, for the first time to Winfrey about the tragedy that struck her family two years ago, her weight loss and more. Watch a snippet of the interview up top and check Hudson’s performance after the jump…
Jennifer’s performance of ‘Where You At’ had made me like the song a little more than I did when I first heard it. I don’t think it’s the strongest single, but she can sing the phone book and make it sound good.
Confirmed. The rumour mill started turning a few months back and was for good reason. June 26th 2011 in the Somerset field (that’s still in England, for you non-British folk) will see Beyonce headline on the final day of the infamous festival. She is set to close the largest open air, four day music fest with a 90 minute set.
*Breathe*
You know the WORLD and their gran’s dog will be watching that performance, expecting to see dancers et al, hit after banging hit and maybe even some surprise guests…DC reunion please. Thanks. Maybe.
Beyonce recently commented: “This really is the biggest festival in the world and I cannot wait to perform there. Everyone who attends is really appreciative of music and is in such a good mood that entire weekend. I’m pumped just thinking about that huge audience and soaking up their energy.”
I’m pumped too! Now all I have to do is get a ticket…lol
Been waiting for Mar to drop his latest ‘variation’, glad it’s finally here! This time round he’s paying tribute to the great Jay Dee, going in over Slum Village’s ’2u4u’. By now you guys know what it is with this dude – his voice is next and so you can only imagine how he sounds over a classic J.Dilla beat. Well, you don’t have to imagine too hard, just press play.
This happens to be one of my favourite Dilla beats too. Win win.
Listen and download (for free) via his bandcamp player below…
Watching this now for the first time – gimme a sec to review.
Hmm, can’t lie – I am a little disappointed with this. It looked quite promising at the very beginning but then after figuring out that nothing was actually going to happen I got a bit bored. Hurts me to say this, my love for Badu runs deep. Deeper than most other artists and I think FlyLo is a great visionary – but here, I was left wanting (a lot) more unfortunately.
Note: My views should not take away from the visuals of this piece – it looks great, I love the Tron-like universe Badu is floating through. I just feel as a video lacks story.
Please take note. This woman is amazing. Honestly. I’ve seen her and it would be hard to come across a female as beautiful, authetic and musically enchanting as Andreya Triana. A voice that seeps in your soul and songs that challenge you aurually- this concert is a must for all.
Triana will be coming to the famous Jazz Cafe headlining live with a full band for an one off date – Thursday 28th April. Plus there will be special guests-yet to be announced.
Tickets are £12.50 in advance and are available to buy now, from here. PinBoard will be supporting as always, so go get yours.
Here is some niceness from San Francisco based multi-instrumentalist Caural. Taken from his new EP titled “Die Before You Die”, which will be out on Dutch label Eat Concrete later this spring. Really great multi layered sampling which sounds like something produced inbetween some Long Arm and some Prefuse 73…Dope ish!
She just dropped the brand new video for her single ‘So Hard’ produced by the one and only Ski Beatz. I really like this song, think it’s a solid re-introduction. Her musical relationship with Ski Beatz is something I think works brilliantly, it’s great to see her doing what she loves to do again. Walker has been doing her thing for a minute now, it’s time for everyone (especially in this country) to get behind her and support the goodness she’s putting out. Ya hear?
Last night, during his Madison Sq Garden show, Prince performed The Time’s classic song ‘Cool’ (which was written, arranged and produced by Prince, naturally) – a very, very rare experience. Not only that but Questlove of the legendary Roots Crew was on stage helping him out on percussion. Argh!
Unbelievable. I would have died. I need to see this man live again. 3 times in London isn’t enough.
THAT guy.
Note: I will post pretty much every Prince performance video that finds it way onto YouTube. Lol. So, yes – back to back Purple posts will be something you’ll need to get used to. I can’t imagine anyone complaining, but thought I’d give you the heads up still.
I had to come off twitter early last night, too many of my American colleagues were having too much fun watching Prince live in concert at the legendary Madison Sq Garden in NYC. Kicking off his ‘Welcome 2 America’ tour, the Purple Yoda naturally rocked the roof off performing his biggest hits.
During one party of the show, Prince invites a couple ladies on stage to dance with him. Among them, my future wife, Kim Kardashian. After a few shy seconds on stage, Prince quickly (and jokingly) demanded “get off my stage” and ushered her back to her seat.
Never forget, Prince is that guy.
I’m sure some (bloggers) will blow this up into some sensationalist scandalous act but if you’ve ever seen Prince in concert you’ll know he not only brings the funk, but he also brings the funny. Straight after Kim K was off the stage he went to pick another lady out saying, “oh, she looks like she can get busy” but stopped her before saying “Oh, wait a minute – she’s got a wedding ring on”.
