We been waiting for DTMD to drop their debut album since we fell in love The Basics EP they dropped in February ’10. After a slew of singles, videos and features the boys from Baltimore are back with a full album entitled Makin’ Dollas.
Released today, the LP features appearances from the likes of Kev Brown, yU and Oddisee and (with just one listen under my belt) sounds wicked.
Can’t tell you how happy I am that How To Make It In America has been picked up for a second season. There were rumors earlier this year it was being cut – this would have been a fuckery. Hands down one of the best TV shows to have come out over the past few years (this is especially true now Entourage is over. Sad times).
A big contributing factor to the show’s success has been it’s soundtrack, it’s already proven quite a powerful tastemaker (ask Aloe Blacc). In the run up season 2′s premiere on October 2nd (HBO), music supervisor Scott Vener has teamed up with Mick Boogie for the official mixtape for the new series. Download by clicking the cover up top and peep the soundtrack after the jump…
So, I was meant to attend the J. Cole listening session last night – unfortunately, I’ve been struck with ‘the man-flu’ and as we got a big week this week (#thesuite), decided against going.
It’s alright though, this new track from Cole World: Sideline Story(alongside, erm, the entire album) leaked today – so, we can all rejoice without having to actually leave our stations. ‘Nobody’s Perfect’ features Missy Elliott who sounds real fresh (something I don’t think I’ve said in a while) along side Sir Cole. I like the production, and generally everything about this track – like a perfect follow-up to Jermaine’s flip of Missy’s classic ‘Best Friends’ via Friday Night Lights late last year. Hopefully the album comes as correct – about to press play on that too.
As the title would suggest, the new 6-track EP channels a more Soulful influence, mixed with some 80′s Funk vibes (basslines come hard) and of course, incorporated throughout is that all important glitchy-boom-clap drive.
Listen & purchase Mechanical Soul via the bandcamp player below…
In celebration of his debut album + going straight in at #1 on the official UK album chart, Ed Sheeran has offered his fans a free EP appropriately titled Thank You. The extended player features two songs which aren’t on his LP (‘Fire Alarms’ & ‘She’), as well as a remix of ‘You Need Me, I Don’t Need You’ featuring Dot Rotton & Scrufizer. Listen & download by clicking the cover up top.
On a personal note – we’d like to say a big congratulations to Ed, we saw his grind from early on – his success is completely deserved. Biggup.
Despite having announced she’s taking a break from the music industry, a new (presumably previously unreleased) track from Jazmine Sullivan has surfaced called ‘Fly & Sexy’. Not sure when this song was recorded, I can only assume it was during the sessions of her last album – either way, it’s another dope song which unfortunately never saw the light of day.
I really hope she’s able to make the album she wants (needs) to make, soon.
I would have given my right arm and sold a member of my immediately family to have attended Prince’s NPG Festival in Copenhagen last month. Some may feel that’s a bit extreme and that’s fine.
For those like me unlucky enough to have not experienced it, Nikka Costa has our back. The powerhouse Soul singer has graciously uploaded a video of her and Prince performing jamming live on stage. It goes without saying that the spirit of Funk was all up in that place – Prince & his band provided the music while Costa did the damn thing with those vocals. Will never understand why that woman failed to blow up.
Frank Ocean drops the official video for ‘Swim Good’, his new single off nostagia:ULTRA. This, like ‘Novacane’, was directed by Nabil and yet again – he does a fantastic job.
I made no secret of not falling head over heels with Ocean’s debut free LP – I think he’s a fantastic songwriter and above all else, a promising artist – I just don’t feel he has produced a full body of work worthy of the adoration so many are freely offering.
I’m waiting for a more refined, more cohesive, more developed & focused album – the first was a little too sporadic and felt more like a stream of conciousness than anything else. Which, may I add, I feel is completely fine if packaged as a mixtape (where else can artists experiment if not on their mixtapes) but this was said to be an album, in which case – I was left somewhat disappointed.
Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard is unstoppable at the moment. Not content with being a globe trotting DJ, making music as one half of The 2 Bears, co-founding Greco-Roman Records and saving the world (I jest) – he’s also putting out his own solo material – the manifestation of which comes in the form of Gabriel, released last month.
The EP’s title track is a massive problem. Featuring sweet vocals from Valentina, the track possesses an instant skank, instant screwface House beat with a gospel choir backing. It’s disturbingly infectious. Watch the video up top, listen below.
Unfortunately, the following two songs fail to ignite the same excitement the opening number does. ‘All I Know’ is a 10 minute saga featuring vocals from Goddard himself – it’s a bit dreary and while it does ‘pick up’, it never really takes off. The EP rounds off with ‘Jump’, a “Theo Parrish-influenced” jawnt which unfortunately goes no where fast – the progression is endless and when it ‘peaks’, it quickly reverts back to the original loop.
For me, it’s all about the title track. And the subsequent dub version (found at the very end of the EP). It’s a problem, I’m telling you…
If you’re partial to hallucinogenics or generally down with some mind-twisting shit – it’s your time.
Stones Throw signees The Stepkids have released a horror-themed mixtape (exclusive for The Stool Pigeon), comprised of a motley crew of artists which include Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, David Bowie, Parliament, Gnarles Barkley and Ohio Players to name a few.
Running through acid Jazz, Psychedelic, Ska, Soul & Funk, the Horror Mixtape is a strange compilation that if in the right head space (which at the time of writing this, I am) works fantastically well. It’s all about mind-state. Get there.
The Horror Mixtape s a pre-curser to the groups forthcoming self-titled debut album due out on September 26th via Stones Throw.
Yes we are fans of the ‘alt-urban’ and yes we are certified purveyors of #soemoshswag and happily support those that push this. Since Active Child and How To Dress Well fall neatly into both categories, it is a pleasure to see this brand new video drop from the both of them.
Taken from Active Child’s debut, ‘Playing House’ is a chill wave, nu pop, falsetto ridden track. Swagged out with steamy R’n'B lashings and smooth synths, we digged this the first time without the video, now with the visuals it is definitely making that #soemoshswag playlist.
Frank Ocean expectedly drops an unusual visual to go alongside his endearing ballad. Filmed by LA based group High5 Collective, what else would you expect from Ocean?
It was nearly a year ago that I discovered Mount Kimbie for the first time and saw them do their thing in Manchester. The brand new video directed by Tyron Lebon is not far too detached from what I witnessed the music do to people that night.
Lebon’s hand held camera style fits perfectly with the slightly darkened Kimbie sound which can be found on their Crooks and Lovers LP. A year later and their album still sounds incredibly fresh, hopefully the boys will be releasing new material in the new year. Until then, watch up top…
Hot off the heels of unveiling his collaboration with Jay-Z, Cole releases the video for his latest single ‘Can’t Get Enough’ featuring R&B singer Trey Songz.
