Thursday, January 30, 2014

Major Lazer-Aerosol Can (feat. Pharrell)

After it's appearance on Holy Ship!!!, Major Lazer's new song featuring Pharrell has finally been released. Though Pharrell had arguably his biggest year ever in 2013, we didn't hear much of him rapping, as most of his success came from production, the Despicable Me 2 Soundtrack, and his feature in "Blurred Lines." But over Major Lazer's trap beat, Pharrell brings something fresh that reminds me of his days in N.E.R.D.

Cam'ron & A-Trak-Humphrey


Harlem rapper Cam'ron releases the first single from his upcoming EP with Fool's Gold dance producer A-Trak, Federal Reserve. A-Trak's upbeat background provides impressive production for Cam'ron's bars. Look forward to Federal Reserve, rumored to be released this spring.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Big Sean-1st Quarter Freestyle


After releasing his album Hall of Fame album back in September, Big Sean is back in a big way. With production help from Key Wane and fellow G.O.O.D. Music member Travi$ Scott, the Detroit rapper spits 6 minutes of awesome bars.

George Ezra-Cassy O'


Bristol singer-songwriter George Ezra releases his new single "Cassey O'" from his upcoming album of the same name, out March 16. The track showcases the musician's signature deep vocals that were first heard on his 2013 EP Did You Hear The Rain? that included the hit "Budapest."

Collins.-Stupid Shit


Collins. releases his new single "Stupid Shit" off his upcoming mixtape Sincerely, The Mixtape, out February 14. The Phoenix, Arizona native parodies off modern hip-hop's awful lyricism and proves his own strengths over Qux's beat.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

J. Cole & Dreamville Records-Revenge Of The Dreamers

For J. Cole's 29th birthday today, he announced that his own Dreamville Records had signed a partnership with Jimmy Iovine's Interscope records. In addition, he dropped a surprise 11-track mixtape featuring songs by artists of Dreamville Records. 5 of the songs are his and he also has 2 features on the project.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.-Rush Into Love (feat. Slim from 112 & Chuck Inglish)

Detroit indie pop duo Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. drops their new single from their upcoming mixtape Produce. "Rush Into Love" features a verse from Cool Kids' Chuck Inglish and vocals from Slim, along with a lot of synthesizers. Also, take a second to admire the beauty of the new SoundCloud player, which finally allows listeners to fully admire the album art.

Isaiah Rashad-Cilvia Demo


The newest member of Top Dawg Entertainment released his debut album Cilvia Demo today. Cilvia Demo is the first of 6 albums set to be released by T.D.E this year, and it completely lives up to the hype. Isaiah Rashad was a small rapper out of Chattanooga, North Carolina that T.D.E. picked up back in September. He said that he wanted this album to be something that you could just play in the background, and not necessarily bangers like Schoolboy Q makes his living off of. I'm happy to say that he has completely achieved that goal and created a stellar debut album, proving that he is worthy of T.D.E.'s attention.

Monday, January 27, 2014

QuESt, Castro, Jon Bellion & Logic-24 Freestyle

2013 was a pretty big year for groups like Top Dawg Entertainment and Save Money, but one group that's poised to have a big 2014 is Visionary Music Group. With Logic prepping his debut album and criminally underrated QuESt hopefully working on a new project, VMG will soon be a well known name. The group released a single today for Logic's 24th birthday and it's definitely a sign of what these guys are capable of. Clearly these guys have chemistry together, and all of them, even Jon Bellion, can spit fire.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Imagine Dragons-Radioactive (feat. Kendrick Lamar)

Kendrick Lamar was nominated for 7 awards for tonight's 56th annual Grammy Awards, and guess how many he won. 0. Not to take anything away from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, who also created a great album with The Heist, but Kendrick Lamar made a classic album in 2012. good kid, m.A.A.d. city will be looked back on as a classic, no doubt in my mind. Not only did he get snubbed for Album of The Year, but he also lost Best Rap Album. Fortunately, the night wasn't a total disappointment for K. Dot thanks to the unexpectedly incredible collab performance with Imagine Dragons, which was undoubtedly the best show at the Grammy's. Kendrick also wrote an awesome verse for the remix of "Radioactive", which can be purchased on iTunes.

Prince Po & Oh No-Toxic


Organized Konfusion member Prince Po collabs with Oh No for their new album, Animal Serum. Though short, "Toxic" reveals the chemistry the two have together through Oh No's piano beat and Po's bars.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Air Traffic Controller-Nordo

Ever had one of those times where you hear a song and you immediately know that the artist will be one of your favorites for years to come? As someone who looks at dozens of new songs every day, I strive for that feeling, and yesterday, I achieved it. The last time it happened was when I heard "Good Ass Intro" on Chance The Rapper's Acid Rap and I knew the rest of the album was going to be something that appealed to me specifically. I knew, within the first 45 seconds, that I had found something special. This was similar to how I felt when I pressed play on Air Traffic Controller's album Nordo. First of all, I have to give props to The Burning Ear for digging this band up. Nordo, Air Traffic Controller's sophomore album, was released on June 26, 2012. The name of the band also isn't random and meaningless like a lot of band names today, the frontman of ATC, Dave Munro, actually served as an air traffic controller in the Navy. ATC gathered some media attention with their single "You Know Me", which landed on a few websites' top singles lists and a even few called it one of the best albums of the year, but overall, this album definitely went overlooked. You know that moment in the movies where the guy is running through an airport to keep the girl of his dreams from getting on the plane, or when the underdog team starts to comeback and you just want to stand up and start cheering? That's the moment that ATC captures in Nordo. Songs like "You Know Me", "Hurry Hurry", and "If You Build It" just make me happy when I listen to them. Anytime I'm having a shitty day I feel like Nordo is the thing I could listen to to make everything seem alright. The link above only features 5 of the 12 tracks on the album, go to iTunes or Spotify to listen to the whole thing, you won't regret it.

Bad Suns-Transpose EP

Newcomers Bad Suns release their highly anticipated EP Transpose. The album features 4-tracks, including more rock focused songs like Cardiac Arrest and Transpose, along with "Salt", a song with a more dance-y sound. Hopefully Bad Suns can release a full-length album by the end of this year, as this glimpse of talent is very promising.

Damon Albarn-Everyday Robots (Video)


English musician Damon Albarn, who you may recognize as the lead singer of Gorrilaz, releases his video for his new single "Everyday Robots." The track will be featured on his upcoming solo album of the same name on August 29, 2014. The video, while certainly visually pleasing, falls way short of the signature style of the Gorrilaz' videos.

Bishop Nehru-You Stressin' (Prod. by Disclosure)

One artist who's bound to build a lot of momentum is 2014 is 17 year old NYC rapper Bishop Nehru. His spectacular mixtape strictlyFLOWZ from last year proved that despite his age, he has a much more mature flow and more sophisticated lyrics than most emcees. Recently, Bishop Nehru has been gaining some traction through his involvement with other big name artists. I first heard about him when Kendrick Lamar gave him props, but he's also toured with Wu-Tang Clan, is set to release a project with MF Doom sometime soon, and now is working with chart-topping English electronic artists Disclosure. The single sounds like a coming together of two different generations, the new electronic sound of Disclosure's beat and the old-school bars of Nehru.

Monday, January 20, 2014

ScHoolboy Q-Break The Bank

Not only did ScHoolboy Q drop the artwork for his new album Oxymoron today, but he also released a new single. It definitely sounds different than a lot of the stuff he's been releasing as of late, "Break The Bank" is reminiscent of the sound on his previous album Habits & Contradictions. Pickup Oxymoron Feb. 25.

Wet-No Lie (Noah Breakfast Remix ft. Spank Jones)

While you may not have heard the name before, you've probably heard some of his work. Formerly Xaphoon Jones, Noah Breakfast recently split from the duo known as Chiddy Bang, known best for their remix of MGMT's "Kids", titled "Opposite of Adults." After the split, Chiddy alone announced he was to release his new mixtape Baggage Claim in September. After releasing two singles, the mixtape didn't drop and no new release date has been set. Now, under his new moniker, Breakfast releases his remix of the up-and-coming band Wet's single, "No Lie." Noah Breakfast turns the song, which I found to be a little boring originally, into an infectious symphony of bass and Kelly Zutrau's beautiful singing voice. Rapper Spank Jones also adds a short but respectable verse. The remix is a great sign of what's to come from Noah Breakfast in the future. In his first release, he completed what I believe was an unfinished track.

Denzel Curry & Deniro Farrar-Bow Down

Denzel Curry, the rapper behind 2013's impressive Nostalgic 64 album, lets loose a new single. Produced by D.K.A.D. and with some help from Charlotte native Deniro Farrar, "Bow Down" is an aggressive banger that proves Curry's range as an artist.

Raleigh Ritchie-Bloodsport

Recently, Raleigh Ritchie released his Black and Blue EP and it has been picking up a lot of momentum. The whole EP can be listened to for free on his Soundcloud page and you should give it a listen. Anyway, after doing a little bit of research, I found out I was actually already familiar with Ritchie. The up-and-coming artist can also be seen on "Game of Thrones" as Greyworm, the leader of Khaleesi's slave army. However, on "Bloodsport" and the rest of the EP, Ritchie proves he's more than just an emotionless killer.

Run The Jewels- 36" Chain (Blue Sky Black Death Remix)

Another remix off of the European release of Run The Jewels' self-titled album, the production duo known as Blue Sky Black Death create a downtempo remix of "36" Chain." The track veers away from the dynamic and energy-charged original to make a chill beat that works great with Killer Mike & El-P's bars.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Bad Suns-Transpose

My favorite newcomers, Bad Suns, release a new single from their Transpose EP of the same name, out Jan 21.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Woods-Leaves Like Grass

Brooklyn indie rock/pop group releases their single from their upcoming album With Light and With Love, out April 15.

Quelle Chris-Ghost At The Finish Line

So I couldn't find a lot of new good music today, but a couple a days ago, Quelle Chris released his absolutely horrifying video for "Ghost At The Finish Line" music video from the album of the same name, which was released back in October. I personally have my eye on Chris to be a breakout artist in 2014 if he keeps releasing new music. He has a very interesting style and a lot of the production on the album is additionally intriguing. If you like Rap Album One by Jonwayne, definitely check out Ghost At The Finish Line.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Mick Jenkins-Leonidas

Chicago native Mick Jenkins drops a new track for his upcoming mixtape, The Water[s]. The beat is pretty weak, featuring some punchy drums and eerie piano but no change up and not exciting enough for a 4 minute track. However, that only says more about Mick Jenkins, as he impressively changes up his flow multiple times to make this an enjoyable song.

QuESt-Fuck You Mean

A personal favorite of mine, Florida native QuESt releases his first single since 2012's superb Fear Not Failure EP. The rapper is planning to release an LP later this year, and this didn't even make the cut. He promises that the LP will be "10x better" than this track produced by 6ix. It says a lot about an artist when a song that showcases a rapper's skill such as this one does doesn't even make his album.

Gemini Club-Sparklers


Chicago band Gemini Club blend a catchy dance beat with rock on their single, "Sparklers."

Monday, January 13, 2014

Diplo-Revolution (Video)

Diplo releases an awesome video for his addicting banger, "Revolution."

Racing Glaciers-New Country


UK quintet Racing Glaciers release their new single from their Ahead of You Forever EP, out Feb. 2. They sound similar to Young The Giant, lots of energy and good vocals.

Little Simz-Mandarin Oranges (feat. Waldo)

British MC Little Simz teams up with Michigan's own Waldo to create "Mandarin Oranges." Produced by Sango, the upbeat melody compliments the two rapper's flows perfectly.

Saint Pepsi-Mr. Wonderful


Producer Saint Pepsi releases a new single off of his upcoming Gin City album, out February 25th. "Mr. Wonderful" is tagged as "Mario Kart Dream Trap" on Soundcloud, which as far as I'm aware is not a preexisting genre, but it definitely should be. This beat definitely sounds like something out of an old video game that would just play on repeat, and I would never get sick of it.

Tree-Probably Nu It


After releasing his first single, "Like Whoa", a week ago, Chicago native Tree drops his second. The 30 year old rapper-producer creates a smooth, calm jam thanks to his patient flow. "Probably Nu it" will be featured on his The @MCTreeG EP, due Jan. 21.

Sunday, January 12, 2014

John Butler Trio-Blame It On Me

Finally, I found some rock. As I have ranted about plenty of times before, Rock n Roll is a fastest dying genre, and it's a tragedy. However, I seem to have found something pretty close to it today. The John Butler Trio, who plan to release their album Flesh & Blood on Feb. 4th, dropped the first single "Blame It On Me." The track features a smooth guitar riff and John Butler's vocals create a positively bluegrass vibe.

HWLS-001

The Australian production team of Ta-Ku & Kit Pop release a bass heavy hip-hop beat. The two are working on their EP now.

Kendrick Lamar-Sing That Shit (20syl Juicy Remix)


I heard this around when it was first released a little over a week ago and have been listening to it ever since. I just now realized how selfish I've been by not posting it to I.M.G. French-Producer 20syl brilliantly combines Kendrick Lamar's "Blow My High (Members Only)" and The Game's "The City" to spawn an impressive banger. There are so many Kendrick Lamar remixes that are released every day, but this one is something special. It's something I just don't see myself getting sick of.

Drake-Best I Ever Had (K Theory Remix)


K Theory, who have been treating their fans to plenty of music recently, releases a remix of some old-school Drake. Adding in some great bass and synths that make me forget just how great this song is.

Kid Ink-Murda (feat. Pusha T)

Kid Ink recently released his new album My Own Lane and it certainly exceeded my expectations. This is probably my favorite off the album, but there are definitely more solid tracks on the album.

Mansionair-Hold Me Down (feat. Revier)

Mansionair, the Sydney-based electronic duo consisting of Alex Nicholis and Lochlan Bostack, works with Revier to create their new single, "Hold Me Down." Mansionair's production creates a chill, smooth vibe that never seems to get boring. Jack Frogatt of Revier's slow vocals only add to the calming tone of this track.

Tomas Barfod-Pulsing (feat. Nina Kinert)

Two years after his Salton Seas album, Danish electro-pop artist Tomas Barfod teams up with Swedish singer Nina Kinert to create this beautiful track. Kinert's emotionally-charged vocals on "Pulsing" are only improved by Barfod's exciting and bold beats. Tomas Barfod's EP, Pulsing, will be available on iTunes February 18th. Pre-order now.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Bishop Nehru-Mobb Dizzle (Video)

The 16 year old phenom releases the visual for the "Mobb Dizzle" off his strictlyFLOWz EP. Nehru is currently working on a project with DOOM, which will hopefully drop sometime in the near future.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Fickle Friends-Swim

Brighton-based pop band Fickle Friends release their first official single that sounds straight out of summer. The smooth guitars create an almost Kygo-like sound and the vocals make this a great feel-good track.

Jonwayne-The Come Up (feat. Scoop DeVille) (Video)


Underrated rapper Jonwayne releases his 2-for-1 music video for "The Come Up" featuring Scoop DeVille off of his Rap Album One.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Common-War

Sorry, I'm going a little overboard with the Chicago rap, but Common just released a new song. After announcing his upcoming Nobody Smiling LP with No I.D., he releases it's first single "War." He's back.

ProbCause-One of A Kind (feat. The O'My's)


Even more good music coming out of Chicago! Chance The Rapper collaborators Probcause and The O'My's drop a collab track together. ProbCause is working on his new project, Bonafyde Compilation, due out in February.

Neak-XII

So Chicago native Neak recently released his album XII. It's 17 tracks long, free, and definitely solid. There's some pretty cool production on this album and even a trap remix, too.

The Fratellis-Costello Music

If you're wondering why I haven't been posting more often, it's not because I've given up on this blog. Honestly, there hasn't been much new music that I've liked recently. Audio Push dropped a track with Logic, but it was definitely a letdown. Alex Wiley released some new shit, his first since Club Wiley (6/4/13), but the songs were pretty weak. And Lil' Durk was supposed to drop his mixtape Fuckery yesterday but apparently DEFJAM told him to sit on it.There has been some great news, though. Common, Jack White, and Clipse are working on new albums, not to mention that the Clipse album will be produced by The Neptunes. So anyways, I've had to go back into my library and find some old stuff to listen to. One of the bands that I'm always listening to is The Fratellis. The Fratellis are one of the few good Rock bands still making music. Their debut album, Costello Music, is one of the best albums of the 00's. It's possible you've heard a few tracks off of it before, but if you're looking for some new music, give this album a try.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Del The Funky Homosapien-Iller Than Most


The former Hieroglyphics MC releases a surprise mixtape produced entirely by himself. Definitely worth the listen.