Kendrick Lamar enlists one of Britain’s biggest exports to assit on the latest remix of his seminal ‘Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe’ single. Not content dominating the adult-contemporary arena, Emeli Sande is introduced a new generation of hip hop followers by adding vocals to Lamar’s biggest track to date. A very smart move on both sides and the results are pretty nice, bonus. Who else could’ve got Sande to say “f*ck” and “p*ssy” on a track? 

via  X

At this point singer/songwriter/producer MNEK could release a full album of his refixes and probably shift a shitload of units. His reworks have all breathed new life into pop (culture) classics and now he’s at it again, this time with Jennifer Lopez’s ‘Waiting For Tonight’, mixed brilliantly with Sweet Female Attitude’s garage anthem ‘Flowers’. The self-produced beat is contorted and warped and as per usual – a book could be written on his vocal wizardry. Yep, we are besotted.

Here’s the lastet production from mysteriously rising British producer WATER. Having already released an EP entitled Sluts (which contrary to what it’s title may sugest actually paid surprising homage pop diva’s like Mariah Carey, Rihanna and Britney Spears), he’s back and steadily releasing new material from this forthcoming EP Lune. The new project will host the lead single ‘Every Pulse’, along with his newest release ‘Float – a charismatic and serine ballad which again features the angelically toned Stone Fox. Of course WATER wouldn’t be a contemporary music producer without concealing his identity (oh Burial, what did you start) so of course very little is known of this crusading producer, but whoever he is – he’s making a nice impression. Take a listen…

The b-side on Julio Bashmore & Kowton’s collaborative release Mirror Song is by far the rowdiest of their joint effort. Possessed by the restless spirit of grime ‘And What’ is charged by Kowton’s erratic drum programming and a series of ridiculously barbarous bassline drops. This will induce an involuntary screwface – suggested listening times: rush hour. Mirror Song is out now – make sure you get that.

There are very few singers as powerful and as arresting as Coco. O and even fewer producers able to produce her as well as her bandmate Robin Hannibal. The two stunned critics with their gorgeous debut in 2009 and are now beginning to ready the release of their anticipated sophomore album Avalanche. The album’s lead single titled ‘Better Off’ is a shimmering, subdued affair with warm tonal tendencies & smooth textures and is also the only track on the album with a featured artist. The duo are assisted by an unmistakable guest verse from Kendrick Lamar, who expressed his admiration for the Danish group when he sampled ‘Tiden Flyver’ (a single they released through their off-shoot group Boom Clap Bachelors) on his seminal ‘Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe’ single.

Having already featured on Tyler, the Creator’s new album and having caught the ear of Jay-Z – it could be a huge year for Quadron. Expect their new album Avalanche on June 4th.

As the release date for Disclosure’s debut album draws ever closer, the duo reveal a new album cut called ‘When a Fire Starts to Burn’. The song is funkier than their previous pure-garage releases and although it makes for interesting insight into what their new album will offer – it isn’t their strongest effort to date. Production aside, towards the end of the track the non-stop vocal loop begins to feel a little jarring. But make no mistake, this won’t make a bit of difference to the impending success of their debut album Settle - get ready for the Disclosure takeover, it official begins June 3rd.

Yo, Ciara looks like Ciara means business this time round. Her latest single ‘I’m Out’ features Nicki Minaj, who in all actuality is arguably the best thing on the record. But that said for the most part the track is pretty decent. Unfortunately a few cheesy lyrics and ad-libs throughout spoil it from being an all out banger and while it’s not as strong as her ‘Body Party’ single (one of her strongest to date) ‘I’m Out’ still has enough fire to keep people engaged. Expect Ci-Ci’s new self titled album in July.

Canadian producer Jacques Greene follows up his collaboration with Tinashe by teaming up with another compelling vocalist – How To Dress Well. Tom Krell’s fragile voice bounces confidently around Greene’s R&B infused house production. Both seem to instinctively bring out the best in each other. ‘On Your Side’ is title track taken off Jacques Greene’s forthcoming EP released June 3rd.

ItsNate’s advancing progression into the spacier realms of UK hip hop has in many ways helped broaden the limitations many heads from these shores impose on British rap. His work, along with the work from his Piff Gang associates have embraced the cloudier aesthetics of hip hop but does so in a typically London way – which by very definition stands it apart from anything Stateside.

His latest single ‘Easy’ was produced by Sumgii and features Piff Gang’s Milkavelli – take a listen as both emcees school you on just how ‘eaaaasy’ it is for them to do what they do. And if you haven’t already make sure you download a copy of Nate’s Never Average Talking Excellent tape which dropped back in September.

Premiered via Earmilk

If you’re having a shitty day Pharrell has something for you. ‘Happy’ is the infectious and unapologetic new mood-lifter produced and performed by Williams for the upcoming ‘Despicable Me 2′ soundtrack. Although the track is a bit of a novelty it does feature some dope production and beautiful/classic harmonies. It also feels perfectly suited for the film, not to mention like his performance on ‘Get Lucky’, has Pharrell sounding better than he ever has. The track will feature alongside two other new songs he’s produced for the movie – one of which will feature Cee-Lo Green.

In other Pharrell news – he recently sat down with Usher to film an episode of ARTIST TLK – take a look at their lengthy (and interesting) discussion after the jump.

via RS

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