TheLIGHT

NEW VIDEO | Tyler the Creator feat. Frank Ocean - "She"

2011-06-04T07:26:00.000-07:00

Between the dark story line and the beautiful appearance of my soon-to-be-except-he-doesn't-know-it-yet future hubby, "She" is a sick and twisted ode of fatal attraction with the appropriate visuals to do it justice. Goblin in stores and on iTunes now.

YOU OUGHTTA KNOW: Kreayshawn - "Gucci Gucci"

2011-06-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

Hip-hop has yet to hear or see anything like 21-year-old Natassia “Kreayshawn” Zolot. Oakland, CA’s latest bad girl dropped her viral video for “Gucci Gucci” not too long ago, and the visuals are spreading like rapid fire.

Rumor has it that the young rebel rapper nabbed a million-dollar deal with Sony, but while the blogs have gone crazy over the supposed signing, Kreayshawn is denying any solid confirmation, saying that “nothing is finalized yet" (Complex). “We’ve definitely been taking a whole bunch of meetings for the past week. We took meetings with every label. They’re not the only people we met with. We’ll make an announcement when everybody is ready, but right now, that’s basically just a rushed ahead rumor.”

Whether worthy of being deemed the greatest in hip-hop or not, her aesthetic appeal (or at least the way it commands attention) is almost undeniable. An alumnus of Berkeley Film School (she has a knack for film and directing) and daughter of an ex-punk rocker mom, her package as a whole is dynamic, which is made apparent by the millions of views she has gotten for “Gucci Gucci” and is also probably why Sony [supposedly] gave her a deal. See what the buzz is about below.

(Via Complex)

VIDEO | Theophilus London feat. Devonte Hynes - "Century Girl"

2011-04-05T12:17:00.000-07:00

Theophilus and Devonte Hynes (whom you may remember from "Flying Overseas" which also featured Miss Solange Knowles) team up yet again for the previously unreleased "Century Girl" a'la the Lovers Holiday movement. Here's to visuals making songs sound better than they already did to begin with. Video features a cameo by MTV's Liz of My Life as Liz.

Download: Theophilus London feat. Devonte Hynes - "Century Girl"

HEAVY ROTATION | The Music I Couldn't Get Enough of This Month: February

2011-02-28T17:57:00.000-08:00

1) Adele - "Rolling in the Deep (Jamie xx Shuffle)"
2) Black Coffee - "Superman"
3) Lykke Li - "I Follow Rivers (Tyler the Creator Mix)"
4) Toro y Moi - "New Beat"
5) Major Lazer & La Roux - "Bulletproof"
6) Tecla - "Playing Dress-Up (Ibe Remix)"
7) Dirty Money - "I Hate That You Love Me"
8) James Blake - "Limit To Your Love"
9) Theophilus London - "Strange Love"
10) Kim Ann Foxman - "What You Need"

BONUS: Major Lazer & La Roux - "I'm Not Your Lemonade"

THIS.. IS.. THE REMIX | Theophilus London - "Flying Overseas (Hasaan Insane Sade Mix)"

2011-02-20T08:56:00.000-08:00

The only thing I like more than Theophilus London's "Flying Overseas" is the fact that this "Flying Overseas" remix (found over at hypebeast) includes a sample of the sultry smooth "Keep Looking" instrumental from Sade's Stronger Than Pride. Fly high and start of on a mellow note this early Sunday afternoon with this free download. Bonus remixes (unfortunately not available for download) included below.

DOWNLOAD: Theophilus London - "Flying Overseas (Hasaan Insane Sade Mix)"

Theophilus London - "Flying Overseas (Soul Clap Remix)":

Theophilus London - "Calypso Blues (Natural Self Remix)":

NEW VIDEO | Kanye West - "All of the Lights"

2011-02-19T13:44:00.000-08:00

Chris Brown, eat your heart out - Rihanna is smoldering hot in Kanye's new video for "All of the Lights". Kanye appears to be fully redeemed and on his throne in this new Hype Williams-directed flick, and it's always nice to see Cudi's face. Photosensitive epileptics take caution, however; all the flashing lights (lights... lights...) may induce seizure.

YOU OUGHTTA KNOW | Tyler the Creator - "Yonkers"

2011-02-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

Because this song is way too dope to keep to myself. Disturbing footage alert.

NEW VIDEO | Cut Copy - "Need You Now"

2011-02-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

Check out the new video for Cut Copy's single "Need You Now" from their recently released Zonoscope (which, by the way, if you don't own it yet, you should probably fix that). Watch the video above, and then see what I had to say about the album over at URB.com.

(Via Stereogum)

NEW FRESH FRIDAYS | Tecla - Strangers Revisited

2011-02-11T09:58:00.000-08:00

After significant anticipation, Teclas Stranger's Revisited remix LP is finally here. Features remixes from Obey City, Ibe, Dash Speaks, Tom Cruz and more. Listen and download below.

HEAVY ROTATION | The Music I Couldn't Get Enough of This Month: January

2011-01-31T18:00:00.000-08:00

Only one month into 2011, and already it's been looking like a great year for music. Here are the tracks that burned holes through my earbuds the past 30 or so days:

1) Empty Chairs - "Take Me Away"
2) Kim Ann Foxman - "Creature"
3) Gorillaz - "Revolving Doors"
4) Tecla - "Technology"
5) Matt & Kim - "Cameras"
6) Chico Mann - "Ilusion de Ti"
7) Kid Sister - "Daydreaming (Douster Remix)"
8) Theophilus London & Sara Quin of Tegan and Sara - "Why Even Try"
9) Toro y Moi - "Still Sound"
10) Sleigh Bells - "Rill Rill"

BONUS: Sleigh Bells - "Tell 'Em (Diplo Remix)"

YOU OUGHTTA KNOW | Blind Benny - "Bad Dreams"

2011-01-29T15:07:00.000-08:00

Blind Benny's Jade, who was recently featured on MeLo-X's More Merch mixtape and has a remix with Tecla on Fat Tony's RABDARGAB: THE EPREVIEW, never ceases to blow me away. She's got this mesmerizing vocal timbre (which reminds me ever-so-slightly of Nelly Furtado's) and the talent of an artist that's uniquely her own. "Bad Dreams", which showcases the leading lady's ability as a spiritually-moving vocalist (she's recorded a lot of alternative pop numbers prior to this) serves as soaring testament to that, and the instrumental is pretty powerful, too. Listen, download and catch your goosebumps below.

http://blindbenny.bandcamp.com/
http://twitter.com/BlindBenny/
http://jadeismusic.com/

SONG OF THE DAY | Yelle - "Safari Disco Club"

2011-01-29T12:09:00.000-08:00

New single from French pop artist Yelle's forthcoming Safari Disco Club. Look out for the album's US/Canada release on March 29th.

NEW FRESH FRIDAYS | Lykke Li - "I Follow Rivers" (Video)

2011-01-28T08:30:00.000-08:00

Lykke Li does more than just follow rivers in her new video for "I Follow". Filmed on the island of Gotland, Narsholmen, the video captures Miss Li braving the harsh, cold winter in order to get to her seemingly lost man. The Swedish pop singer posted to her blog along with the premiere yesterday:

"A place like no other, a love like no other. A love like a drug, she loves like the river, a love caught on fire, fueled by desire. Where you running, who you running from? A love story with no end and no beginning."

You can watch the official video below.

NEW VIDEO | Sleigh Bells - "Rill Rill"

2011-01-27T09:20:00.000-08:00

Sleigh Bells' video for "Rill Rill", which just debuted on MTV, is sick. Literally. Derek Miller's dead, bloody body gets shoved out of a moving car and all sorts of other eerie, chilling nonsense. But it's cool, though. And so is this song. Watch the brand new video below.

NEW VIDEO | Toro y Moi - "Still Sound"

2011-01-26T11:16:00.000-08:00

Here it is, the Steven Daniel's-directed video for Toro y Moi's "Still Sound" which is now purchasable via iTunes (only $0.99 for 4:29 of timeless, disco-nostalgic bliss, y'all). Underneath the Pine due out February 22nd.

WEDNESDAY MORNING WAKE-UP | Theophilus London - "Why Even Try"

2011-01-26T10:13:00.001-08:00

Theophilus London premiered this song (featuring Tegan & Sara's Sara Quin) via free download last night, and it absolutely sexed my ears. The delicious track is from his upcoming Lovers Holiday EP that's slated for a February 8th release via Warner Bros, and I haven't been able to turn it off. Press play below and we'll make this an auricular orgy.

DOWNLOAD: Theophilus London feat. Sara Quin - "Why Even Try"

JUST CAN'T GET ENOUGH | Machinedrum - "Late Night Operation"

2011-01-24T22:08:00.000-08:00

Featuring Theophilus London (from 2009's Want to 1 2?). Let's move.

MUSIC MONDAY PICK | Tecla - Strangers In Masks (2010)

2011-01-24T15:32:00.000-08:00

From tecla.bandcamp.com:

"TECLA challenges the listener with lyrics that make you confront prolonged notions of beauty, sexuality and gender while still making you dance. She takes you on her very personal journey through her life as an NYC native born to Haitian and Italian parents turned outcast to freak to performer."

And if that description isn't enough to get you to listen to 2010's Strangers In Masks, I don't know what is. So go head; whatchu waitin' on? Check out "See The Rainbows" from the album below, and then download the album in full at the following bandcamp link.

http://tecla.bandcamp.com/
http://myspace.com/teclaesposito
http://twitter.com/RebelTec

NEW FRESH FRIDAYS | Matt and Kim - "Cameras" (Video)

2011-01-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

One accidental prod in the studio leads to Matt and Kim duking it out in their latest video for "Cameras". Check out the bloody duel below, and then cop Sidewalks, if you haven't already; it's one of those albums you just really should have.

BEHIND THE SCENES | 10 Minutes w/Chaz Van Queen

2011-01-21T11:14:00.000-08:00

So you heard Songs From Away and wondered what goes into the creative process of Mr. VanRandom. Here's a 10-minute inside look into the studio with Chaz Van Queen as he puts together song, which is quite sick, I might add.

http://chazvanqueen.bandcamp.com/
http://twitter.com/chazvanqueen/

NEW VIDEO | Ninjasonik feat. Spank Rock - "Global"

2011-01-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

New Ninjasonik featuring Spank rock shot in Amsterdam. Nice seeing Spank's face in something new.

THIS JUST IN | Kid Sister feat. Gucci Mane - "Gucci Rag Top" (Produced by Scoop DeVille)

2011-01-19T17:32:00.000-08:00

Kid Sister emerged with her Kiss Kiss Kiss mixtape last week, and my eardrums have not functioned the same ever since. Not only have we listeners probably burned about 1,000+ calories or more since downloading it, but none of us can seem to turn off "Gucci Rag Top" to save our lives and it's starting to become a [good] problem. To make matters worse, Scoop DeVille blessed the web with the full version of the banger not too long ago (which appropriately features Gucci Mane), also announcing that he'll be the one responsible for producing Kid Sis' entire next album and that "Gucci Rag" is the first single (yes, I know - bananas, right? I'm just as excited). No official word on when that'll be released just yet, but until then, try not to blow out your speakers (or your ears, for that matter) listening to this on repeat; you're gonna need them to blast what's sure to be a hell of an album.

WHERE'VE I HEARD THAT?!: MC Luscious - "Boom I Got Your Boyfriend" (Fast-forward to the 1:40 mark)

VIDEO OF THE DAY | Chico Mann - "Ya Yo Se"

2011-01-19T15:31:00.000-08:00

One of the most incredible fusions of musical flavors I've ever heard in my life. Your ears won't know what hit them.

Who is Chico Mann?:

"The sounds of Africa have taken multi-instrumentalist Chico Mann—aka Marcos García—all over the world. So itʼs ﬁtting that after spending years learning to speak Afrobeat, albeit with a Cuban accent, Chico Mann has employed several dialects to make a larger musical statement, creating a hybrid of Afro-Cuban rhythms, Afrobeat and classic freestyle that has emerged to be one of the new, vibrant musical styles of today.

Born in New York City to Cuban parents—his mother a pianist and disc jockey, his father a record label head and producer of merengue records—a young Chico started early, diving headlong into the spheres of guitar, piano, and break dancing; the works of Willie Colón, Fela Kuti, Lisa Lisa, and Afrika Bambaataa led the way. His father told him to steer clear of the business, but did he really have a choice?. . ."

Read the rest at chicomann.com and get your fix.

WEDNESDAY MORNING WAKE-UP | Kid Sister - Kiss Kiss Kiss (Mixtape)

2011-01-12T11:26:00.000-08:00

And just when I thought she faded away into one-hit wonderdom, here she comes with a mixtape whose production I had no idea about (which is odd, considering I've sorta kinda been something like a Kid Sister diehard since the days of "Pro Nails"). A sweatshop, to say the least, Kiss Kiss Kiss packs quite a punch. Just about every track on here is high-energy, bass heavy and gyration-inducing, making this very suitable for your next house party or fat-burning work out session. Consider this Kid Sister's 'New Workout Plan'. I'll be rockin' to this during my next visit to the treadmill for sure.

1. Kissin-tro
2. Kiss Kiss Kiss
3. Work Them
4. Green Velvet - Everybody Wants
5. Carte Blanche - Do! Do! Do! (Original / Laidback Luke Remix)
6. Daydreaming (Douster Remix)
7. Lookout Weekend (feat. Nina Sky)
8. Gucci Rag Top (feat. Gucci Mane)
9. Click Clack (Show It Off)
10. Don't Stop Movin
11. Right Hand Hi (Caspa Remix)
12. Paul Wall - Imma Get It
13. Jo-DE-Ci (feat. DJ Gant-Man)

Download: Fool's Gold Presents: Kid Sister - Kiss Kiss Kiss (Mixed by Nick Catchdubs)

YOU OUGHTTA KNOW | Empty Chairs - Empty Chairs EP

2011-01-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

Large sonic soundscape, introspective lyrics and a haunting voice that could make you cry with a single tug of a heartstring - what more could you ask for from a Brooklyn-based chillwave/rock collective? If you've had $3 lying around and have found yourself wondering, "Damn, what can I do with 3$?", then wonder no longer, my friend; your answer's right here.

Purchase and hear the EP in its entirety here.

NEW VIDEO | Lykke Li - "Get Some"

2011-01-11T10:12:00.000-08:00

"I'm your prostitute. You gon' get some."

How's that for being frank? Lykke Li is giving me every reason to believe that we should expect the unexpected on her upcoming album.

NEW MUSIC | Lykke Li - "I Follow Rivers"

2011-01-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

And keeping up with today's unwritten spotlight on Swedish pop, I thought I'd share this little diddy from Swedish pop princess Lykke Li off of her upcoming Wounded Rhymes. Staying in tune with the upbeat demeanor of the previous "Get Some" (which I have yet to post here, I'll have to fix that), "I Follow Rivers" finds Lykke Li channeling into her inner ethereal goddess, adorning a somewhat tribal instrumental with those light and angelic vocals we Lykke Li fans have all come to know and love. Listen to the stream below and keep your ears open for Wounded Rhymes whose official album cover can be seen above.

Lykke Li - I Follow Rivers by dynmk

NEW VIDEO | Little Dragon - "My Step"

2011-01-11T09:45:00.000-08:00

Little Dragon has premiered their video for "My Step", giving me yet another reason to be excited about their upcoming shows with Theophilus London at the end of this month. Swedish pop music > any other breed of pop music you could possibly think of? I'm thinking so.

VIDEO OF THE DAY | Justin Hicks - "And I Bet"

2011-01-09T11:07:00.000-08:00

From 2010's Scratches From Mercy.

FAT TONY PRESENTS | East Coast Crawl 1/10-1/15

2011-01-07T10:53:00.000-08:00

This just in from Houston's favorite underground rapper:

"Since airport bars are so gotdamn expensive I'm goin in all Saturday night til my 6am flight Sunday morning to go on a short east coast. It begins this Monday, January 10 with the first show in D.C. followed by a show in Baltimore or Pittsburgh followed by New York then another show in D.C.. I'm getting around everywhere on bus, train, greyhound, bolt bus, hitchin' rides, and all kinda other kooky shit. I'm playing with some cool people like Das Racist in D.C. on Jan 14 too."

Sound good to you? Peep those tour dates and make it out, playa:

1/10 - WASHINGTON D.C. @ LIV NIGHTCLUB
http://dcrap.com/

1/11 - BALTIMORE or PITTSBURGH @ ??? (TBA / HELP!)
fattonyrap@gmail.com
http://fattonyrap.com/

1/12 - NEW YORK CITY @ THE SILENT BARN w/ FIASCO + GROOMS
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=165880636780534

1/13 - NEW YORK CITY @ HANGING OUT / HAVING FUN / OFF DAY
http://twitter.com/fattonyrap

1/14 - WASHINGTON D.C. @ ROCK ‘N’ ROLL HOTEL w/ DAS RACIST
http://www.ticketalternative.com/Events/12907.aspx

1/15 - HOUSTON @ THE FLAT (DJ SET) w/ SIMPLE SUCCESS + YOUNG $QUADDY [FRESH OUT]
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=161713907207617

And don't forget to show your love to http://fattonyrap.com and @fattonyrap. See you out here on the east coast.

HAPPY NEW YEAR | Snoop Dogg - "New Years Eve"

2010-12-31T10:33:00.000-08:00

Because I had to. To you and yours, mis amores. Drink responsibly.

YEAR-END REVIEW | TheLIGHT's Top 10 Albums of 2010

2010-12-31T08:01:00.000-08:00

In terms of music, 2010 was a great year that ended as strongly as it began. The former half of the year was kick-started byJay-Z's "On to the Next" as the year's first video to air (with plenty of controversy to follow, of course). Towards the middle, Lady GaGa unveiled the title and concept of her upcoming album. Hip-hop's most well-known band, The Roots, released their ninth studio album. Lauryn Hill re-emerged from the darkness. And, of course, Kanye came back to reclaim his throne and reigned supreme with his recent drop, earning a perfect rating from Pitchfork and becoming yet another reason why I can't travel anywhere without my earphones. Granted, there were definitely a lot of projects I missed out on this year, being a broke college student living in NY and all, but thank God I was able to muster up the cash to purchase following albums. I've even got a couple of mixtapes on here. Here's my top 10 picks from the past year.

1. Kanye West – My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
A no-brainer pick. Like hip-hop did to Sid Shaw in Brown Sugar, Kanye West reminded us why we all fell in love with his self-righteous behind in the first place with what was probably his most highly anticipated album of his entire career. Impeccable production and unexpected features (including one from the hilarious Chris Rock) make this one hard to turn off. I think I’ve listened to this album (whether in parts or in its entirety) at least once a day since its November 22nd release, and like all other ‘Ye classics, it hasn’t gotten old yet.

2. Kid Cudi – Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager
This album is more than just an album; it’s an experience. You’re going to feel like you’re on top of the world. You’re going to feel as if you’ve entered another dimension. You're goig to start seeing hues of green and purple and you won't want it to stop. You’re probably even going to want to lock yourself in your bedroom and spray paint all your windows black (thanks, “MANIAC”). I’ve never smoked weed before (or been this “high” off of an album) but I can imagine that if I did, this is what it would feel like. Play this one straight through, and don’t forget to play songs like “Marijuana,” and “Mr. Rager” on repeat a few times; they’re some of the best on the album.

3. Janelle Monae – The ArchAndroid

In a single word, masterpiece. Miss Monae blew me away from track 1 all the way through track 18, and, with flawless musical transitions, had me dancing for three tracks straight (“Dance or Die,” “Faster,” “Locked Inside”) without even realizing where time went. What I loved most about this album was that she fearlessly dared to be different. Commercial is the last adjective I would use to describe this album, and even though it may not be for everybody, reading the raving reviews that this album received makes it clear that anybody with any sort of substantial appreciation for music will love this.

4. Gorillaz – Plastic Beach
Breath-takingly brilliant. With live, classical instrumentation provided by The Syrian National Orchestra for Oriental Arabic Music (and Sinfonia ViVA, a chamber orchestra out of the UK), an opening track from the West Coast’s smoothest, Snoop Dogg, and one of the most amazing songs ever to be created (in my opinion, at least! - “Empire Ants” featuring Little Dragon), Plastic Beach is our favorite animated band’s most innovative piece of work yet.

5. N.E.R.D – Nothing
Pharrell, Chad and Shay seem to reinvent their sound with every album, and Nothing was no exception. Musically, the guys really took it back to the more golden of days with songs like “I’ve Seen The Light” (which happens to be one of my faves) and got me working up a sweat with others like “Party People,” “Hot-n-Fun” and “I Came To Jam”. Lyrically, it was all about the ladies (see “Perfect Defect,” “Nothing On You” and “Hypnotize U”). Maybe that’s why I love this album so much? Whatever the reason, this is some good stuff.

Check out the rest of the list along with the close contenders after the jump.

6. The Roots – How I Got Over

7. Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Pt. II: Return of the Ankh
8. Fat Tony – RABDARGAB
9. Justin Hicks – Scratches From Mercy (A last-minute discovery, and thank God I discovered it!)
10. Toro y Moi – Causers of This

Close contenders and note-worthy mentions (in no particular order):

Cee Lo - The Lady Killer
The Black Keys - Brothers
The xx - xx
Mark Ronson & The Business INTL - Record Collection
Kings of Leon - Come Around Sundown
Nas & Damian Marley - Distant Relatives
Francis and the Lights - Striking (An earlier release, but still brand-new to me!)
Those Chosen - 5IVE
Nina Sky - The Otherside
Theophilus London – I Want You
Gordon Voidwell - Ivy League Circus
Girl Talk - All Day

FRONT ROW FLICKS | Fat Tony @ Last Night's Wu Tang Show

2010-12-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

When your name is Fat Tony, anything is possible. Really. One second you're releasing an album and receiving nods from people like UGK's Bun B (no biggie, right?), and the next you're rockin' shows with hip-hop legends like The Wu Tang Clan. Above is an epic photograph taken at last night's Wu Tang show in Houston courtesy of The Houston Press. Forget the fact that he opened for The Wu - my dude has on a got damn mink coat lookin' like the definition of jazzy. I see you, Anthony.

You can check out more photographs here, and make sure to read the full Houston Press show review in which they describe Fat Tony as gobbling up the whole state of Texas. Yes, apparently his performance (and his coat) was that official.

Luv it, mayne!

VIDEO OF THE DAY | Miike Snow - "Burial"

2010-12-13T13:15:00.000-08:00

I always feel like I'm under water when I hear this, captive by the ocean of every note, every word, every pound of those drums. And in my mind I always see cool hues of greens and blues. The sonic scape that the instrumentation of Miike Snow's "Burial" paints, to me, is something else.

NEW VIDEO | CurT@!n$ - "God Bless Us All"

2010-12-13T13:08:00.000-08:00

CurT@!n$ went in on "God Bless Us All" from N.E.R.D.'s early November release, Nothing. N.E.R.D. loved the Scenario-directed video as much as I do.

THROWBACK THURSDAY | Hashim - "Al-Naafiysh (The Soul) Side B"

2010-12-09T15:28:00.000-08:00

WEDNESDAY MORNING WAKE-UP | Jinesis - "Pop Tune"

2010-12-08T05:53:00.000-08:00

From the sounds of this, New York City hip-hop producer Jinesis really knows how to set the mood. Get taken away with me this morning, won't you?:

"From the inception, the simple funky guitar licks belies the depth and hip-hop ambiance of this beat. Further beguiling of course, is the title 'PopTune'. As ironic as Jinesis juxapostion is I guess it could be said that this is actually an ANTI-pop tunein it's quiet effervescence."

And while you're at it, you might as well check this out, too:

Jinesis feat. Homeboy Sandman - "Maestro Madness"

VIDEO OF THE DAY | Francis and the Lights - "The Top"

2010-12-06T14:38:00.001-08:00

I just really, really like watching him dance is all this is.

NEW MUSIC | The xx - "You Got The Love (Theophilus London Remix)"

2010-12-03T16:56:00.000-08:00

I love covers. Even more, I love those certain covers that make an old and buried song come back to life with so much vitality and freshness that you'd think it was a brand new original. The xx's remix of Florence and the Machine's cover of 1986's "You Got The Love" is one of them, and as if it wasn't already good enough, Theophilus decided to put his own spin on it which came together oh-so nicely. Theophilus stream below.

The xx - "You Got The Love (Theophilus London Remix)" [Shout out to TSS]

NEW FRESH FRIDAYS | Kim Ann Foxman - "Creature"

2010-12-03T16:40:00.001-08:00

House music all night long! Hercules & Love Affair's Kim Ann Foxman just made my cold and dreary Friday evening a little bit warmer. Pump up the jam and work up a sweat of your own.

THURS. DEC 9TH @ ELLA | Chaz Van Queen W/Nina Sky & Sarah Rayani

2010-12-01T21:58:00.000-08:00

Next Thursday, December 9th, Chaz Van Queen will be performing with Nina Sky and Sarah Rayani @ Ella Lounge. WHAT?! Only a $10 cover charge for what's undoubtedly gonna be an amazing night?! No excuses NOT to be in attendance! See you there, NYC.

FRONT ROW FLICKS | Theophilus London @ La Boule Noire in Paris

2010-11-29T21:13:00.000-08:00

First performance of "Love Is Real" from the upcoming album.

MUSIC MONDAY PICK | Girl Talk - All Day

2010-11-29T13:49:00.001-08:00

Featuring crazy mash-ups of Beastie Boys, ODB, Missy E., Ke$ha, B.O.B., Jay Hova and more of the unexpected with all your favorite classics and then some. Download it here. You'll be glad you did.

VIDEO OF THE DAY | Tanya Morgan - "So Damn Down"

2010-11-24T08:59:00.001-08:00

Man, I hear this song and all I can think to myself is, "I remember it like it was yesterday." It was hotter than the devil's kitchen that '09 summer day in Brooklyn, but we stayed cool by lounging around in the apartment and playing this on repeat. Wave ya hands for hip-hop.

WEDNESDAY MORNING WAKE-UP | Ninjasonik - "Super Power"

2010-11-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

How about waking up your eyes and ears with this one? From their upcoming When Anxiety Attacks, here's the official video for Ninjasonik's "Super Power".

JUST BECAUSE | Cut Copy - "Far Away"

2010-11-23T17:11:00.000-08:00

Was listening to a remix of Empire Of The Sun's "Walking On A Dream" that for whatever reason made me think of this just now. Jam with me. You know you can't help it.

FRI. DEC 10TH @ TANDEM | Perfomances by Knifeshow, Old Money, Chaz Van Queen & More

2010-11-23T16:41:00.000-08:00

NEW MUSIC | Arabesque feat. Maylee Todd - "Three's Company"

2010-11-23T15:25:00.000-08:00

Arabesque dropped a new single earlier this month. The song, featuring Maylee Todd and appropriately titled "Three's Company," is "an ode to 80's sitcoms," he says. Hey, if you're going to make an ode, you might as well do it right, right? Besque sure did. Check it out and let me know how y'all are feeling about this one.

VIDEO | Interview w/Chaz Van Queen

2010-11-23T15:20:00.000-08:00

Get to know more about the man behind Songs From Away with this EPK bit.

YOU OUGHTTA KNOW | Chaz Van Queen - Songs From Away

2010-11-23T14:54:00.000-08:00

“Fresh, “ground-breaking,” “expressive,” “passionate,” “vitalizing”– these are all adjectives that come to mind when listening to the work of Chaz Van Queen, and while it’s not often that such assenting descriptions come to mind while listening to the work of a self-proclaimed “novice,” it’s quite apparent that Queen has been blessed with a certain drive, talent and fervor to break through those walls of such “novicism” while establishing himself as a promising artist worth keeping tabs on. All of this soulfully blended with some Stevie Wonder plus a little funkadelic hip-hop/soul yields the eclectic recipe for what became the concoction otherwise known as Songs From Away.

And “concoction” is a meticulously chosen word used to describe this collection of sonic artistry, because when trying to place Songs From into one fixed category, the LP proposes quite a challenge. The first half finds Queen expressing himself in a more upbeat manner with songs like “VanRandom” and “The Vicinity” taking center stage. Then you have “Green and Purple,” the quintessential smoking track with its low-key timbre and quirky vibes that’s trippy enough to send you on a high all on its own. Listeners will be pleasantly reminded of The Cool Kids when taking witness to the production of “StarStrucks,” and “Patronma” sounds like it was composed while Kanye sat in the studio next to Queen as it was happening.

Songs From Away eventually takes a turn into the realm of mellow at “The Middle” where we find Chaz welcoming listeners into the more intimate corners of his mind, setting the mood with the perfect balance of 70’s grooves and introspective lyrics in a manner that screams hip-hop roots. Surprisingly enough, coming from the newcomer, an air of seasoned musicianship shines through on tracks like “Jam Introspect” and “Falling 4 You” with live instruments being perfectly placed and utilized, sounding like the music we remember coming from the likes of Sade back in the day.

Of course, the fact that Songs From Away is so assorted is not to be mistaken as a flaw for even a second, as this actually ends up being the one single quality that makes the LP as satisfyingly innovative as it is. There’s a little something for everyone and everything, every mood and every occasion. It’s a beautifully painted portrait of Queen’s colorful journey through space and time as he knows it and has plenty of stops through ecstasy and elation along the way. It is the look into the mind of a blossoming artist baring his soul by appealing to both the ears and emotions of listeners. In short, music needs more artists like Chaz Van Queen, because they’re the ones who keep things unblemished, diverse and true.

VIDEO OF THE DAY | Gordon Voidwell - "Ivy League Circus"

2010-11-23T08:24:00.001-08:00

Between all the neon colors and those horn-rimmed glasses, Gordon Voidwell almost made me forget what decade I was in. Check out the video for the Prince-esque "Ivy League Circus" above, then make your way over to iTunes to download the EP which includes a remix of this track and the contagiously funky "Paradise's Parody".

MUSIC MONDAY PICK | Theophilus London Feat. Solange - "Flying Overseas"

2010-11-22T09:50:00.000-08:00

New audible bliss from NYC's own Theophilus London featuring sassy songstress Solange Knowles. Just takes you away, doesn't it? I'm in la-la-love.

NEW VIDEO | Katy B feat. Ms. Dynamite - "Lights On"

2010-10-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

After success with her banger, "Katy On A Mission," Ms. Katy B is back with her next single, "Lights On." The video, which features Ms. Dynamite, premiered yesterday, and I'm still moving my hips. Look out for that single release via Rinse Recordings on December 13th.

WEDNESDAY MORNING WAKE-UP | Man on the Moon II: Legend of Mr. Rager Preview

2010-10-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

If you weren't already getting excited, wake your ears up and do so. This album preview (thank God for YouTube) gives us enough of a taste to keep our mouths watering all the way until November 9th. Press play and follow along with the tracklist below, then leave your comments and let me know which songs you're feelin' the most. Some of my faves? "Don't Play This Song," "Marijuana," "Mojo So Dope," "Wild'n Cuz I'm Young," and "Mr. Rager."

Tracklist:

Act 1 - The World I Am Ruling
1. Scott Mescudi Vs The World feat. Cee-Lo
2. REVOFEV
Act 2 - A Stronger Trip
3. Don't Play This Song feat. Mary J. Blige
4. We Aite (Wake Your Mind Up)
5. Marijuana
6. Mojo So Dope
Act 3 - Party On
7. Ashin' Kusher
8. Erase Me feat. Kanye West
9. Wild'n Cuz Im Young
10. The Mood
Act 4 - The Transformation
11. MANIAC feat. Cage & St. Vincent
12. Mr. Rager
13. These Worries feat. Mary J. Blige
14. The End feat. GLC, Chip Tha Ripper & Nicole Wray
Act 5 - You Live & You Learn
15. All Along
16. GHOST!
17. Trapped In My Mind

MUSIC MONDAY PICK | Fat Tony - RABDARGAB

2010-10-25T08:26:00.000-07:00

Houston's Fat Tony isn't 'bad meaning bad but bad meaning good,' and if you had any reason to question the validity of that statement, RABDARGAB (Read a Book, Do a Report, Get a Buck) should do an adequate job putting it all into perspective for you. But what is it that makes the October 19th drop so damn note-worthy? Is it the production by Supreeme's own Tom Cruz? Could be. What about that MURS feature? Shoot, most likely, but behind all that fancy gloss lies something worth way more than just appealing sound and ear-catching names. It's undeniable that Tony's humble and passionate persona on top of his witty and intelligent rhymes make his breed of music something to pay close attention to. At a time when good hip-hop is almost as rare as a four-leaf clover, Anthony Obi is letting us know that it still exists and he's doing so from the bottom of his heart.

Download RABDARGAB HERE.

Songs to definitely check out: "Rap Babies," "Luv It Mayne," "Nigga U Ain't Fat" & "Bad"

And while you're at it, get even more familiar via all your favorite social networks:

Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/fattonyrap

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fat-Tony/9656164815

MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fattonyrap

FRI. NOV 5TH @ SOUTHPAW | NYC, Will You Be In Attendance?

2010-10-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

NEW MUSIC | Kanye West - "Don't Look Down"

2010-10-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

Featuring Mos Def, Lupe and Big Sean. How are we feeling about this one? I'm not quite so sure yet.

YOU OUGHTTA KNOW | Katy B

2010-10-21T18:35:00.000-07:00

Sultry vocals, fly demeanor, intoxicating music... What more can you ask for from a dubstep/house artist? If you're a house head like I am, not much. Granted, the club has never really been my scene, but you can bet that if it were Katy B night, I'd be there gettin' it in. I first heard the funky English singer-songwriter being played at Webster Hall on October 12th when I went to the Mark Ronson & Business INTL show and haven't been able to take my ears off of her music ever since. Check out "Katy on a Mission" and "Louder" below and get as addicted as I did.

Katy B - "Katy on a Mission":

Katy B - "Louder":

URB.COM REVIEW | ¡MAYDAY! - Stuck on an Island

2010-10-21T18:16:00.000-07:00

Penned by moi via URB.com:

When listeners first met ¡MAYDAY!, their sound was predominately hip-hop. Over the years, however, they have allowed their timbre to evolve, sharing stages with Daft Punk and collaborating with musical gems ranging from the brilliantly oddballish Devin the Dude to the far-out Cee-Lo. Their video for “Groundhog Day,” which featured the Gnarls Barkley half, premiered on YouTube in 2007, breaking two million views in less than two days and receiving hefty recognition from major media figures including the New York Times. Packaging both their success and growth into a brand new album, ¡MAYDAY! returns with Stuck on an Island, an artistic reflection of how the happenings of the past few years have shaped them into who they are now and where they ultimately plan to be.

Straddling the bar of hip-hop and a more alternative appeal, the album opens up with “I’ll Be Gone,” a funky, futuristic number on the grounds of Mark Ronson and K-OS. Venturing far, far away from their previous work, its deep, rattling bass line shakes, rattles and rolls as melodic vocals glide into Travie McCoy-esque rap and piano chords rage in the background. Songs like “Lost Highway” take on a darker persona with an ominous and murky boom, while “Transparent,” sounding like something produced underwater, possesses a muffled, smothered quality of resonance. A few more songs in, and we’ve reached “On 2 Someth’n,” which keeps the infectious ball rolling with the adornment of sassy female vocalist, Jovi Rockwell. With its punchy beats and contagious melodies, this 19-track compilation makes it difficult to sit still.

Following an obviously more eclectic and eccentric path, the album finds the group experimenting with a more untried sound, producing an album of urban music with a little more electro and pop/rock than there is boom-bap. The reason? As quoted by website Music Remedy, producer/guitarist Plex Luthor stated that Stuck on an Island displays ¡MAYDAY!’s intentions “to make sure the world knows musicians from this city can compete culturally with the best of them.” Was their goal met? After one rotation, it’s appealingly undeniable to the ears that it was.

NEW VIDEO | Nina Sky - "You Ain't Got It (Funk That)"

2010-10-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

Rap-Up.com gave us a first look at the ladies' new video for "You Ain't Got It (Funk That)" a few days ago. According to Rap-Up, here's what Natalie had to say about the first video to come off of The Other Side EP:

"We wanted to shoot a video that was reminiscent of Sagat’s ‘Funk Dat’ video, which is the song we sampled for ‘You Ain’t Got It.’ It was important to us that Treezy [director] captured the same vibe and grainy look as the original video, so we shot half in the city streets with our friends. To contrast the street element and give a softer, more modern feel, we splashed it with colorful shots, some green screen action, and bam! ‘You Ain’t Got It’ came to life."

This is probably my favorite video of theirs to date. Watch it above.

FRONT ROW FLICKS | Those Chosen @ A3C Hip Hop Festival 2010

2010-10-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

Those Chosen tore up the A3C Hip Hop Festival in Atlanta not too long ago. With a dope little introduction done by none other than Rhymefest, the video embedded above includes performances of both "Just What I Say" and "Spare Tires." Press play and check it out.

NEW MUSIC | CRS (Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West & Pharrell) - "Don't Stop!"

2010-10-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

Incase you missed this week's GOOD Friday installment mentioned in the previous post...

VIDEO | Lupe Talks CRS' Latest Banger "Don't Stop!"

2010-10-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

Apparently, "Don't Stop!" is two years old. Really? Makes me wonder what else they have up their sleeve.

ALBUM WATCH | Lenny Kravitz

2010-10-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

It seems we have an upcoming Lenny Kravitz album on our hands. From Facebook:

In case you missed this the first time, the making of the song "Super Love." From one of the early sessions for the as-yet-to-be-titled next Lenny album. Enjoy. We are gonna start reposting videos we posted before we had so many fans and followers. - TeamLK

Be sure to follow Lenny Facebook and stay updated on the project that looks like it's slated for 2011 release.

VIDEO OF THE DAY | Colin Munroe - "I Want Those Flashing Lights"

2010-10-05T18:10:00.000-07:00

Remember this one? It blew my mind the first time I heard it - can't even begin to tell you how many plays it got in my iTunes library. If you've been wondering what happened to him (like I have), Colin Munroe has recently released two singles from his upcoming Revox Suite. One of them can be heard here.

YOU OUGHTTA KNOW | Dee 1 - "Jay, 50 and Weezy"

2010-10-03T17:37:00.000-07:00

This 504-bred rapper's powerful persona and provoking lyrics have earned him the privilege of performing alongside acts such as Lupe Fiasco, The Roots, The Clipse, Musiq Soulchild, and many more. "Bold" and "unapologetic," as described on his YouTube page, Dee-1 has absolutely no shame in voicing his opinion. In his latest "Jay, 50 and Weezy," the teacher-turned-rapper addresses some controversial topics attached to some of the biggest names in this generation of hip-hop. And did he even try to sugar coat? Not at all. This is probably one of the boldest messages spoken from an unsigned artist that I've heard in a minute. Press play, sit back and listen closely.

VIDEO OF THE DAY | The Temper Trap - "Sweet Disposition"

2010-10-02T00:38:00.000-07:00

Loving this song right now. Thanks, Coke ad.

NEW FRESH FRIDAYS | D'Angelo Makes a Surprise Record Collection Cameo and More

2010-10-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

Friendly Fires excites fans with a free download from their NY House-inspired LP, Suck My Deck. Meanwhile, the avant-garde iMayDay! is back with a new track featuring Jovi Rockwell, and D'Angelo releases his inner Cee-Lo/Sam Sparro for "Glass Mountain Trust" off of Mark Ronson's recently unveiled Record Collection. Check them all out and whet your aural whistle below.

Friendly Fires - "Stay Here"

Mark Ronson feat. D'Angelo - "Glass Mountain Trust"

iMayDay! feat. Jovi Rockwell - "On 2 Someth'n"

THROWBACK THURSDAY | Jimmy Fallon & Justin Timberlake Give A History of Rap

2010-09-30T09:18:00.000-07:00

Alright, so I know this isn't necessarily a throwback per se... but Justin and Jimmy covered such a great handful of classics in this bit from Late Night that I couldn't help but post. Add the fact that they had The Roots backing them up, and you can most definitely say that this made my morning (and maybe even rekindled my 1999 school girl crush on Mr. Timberlake - just sayin').

WEDNESDAY MORNING WAKE-UP | N.E.R.D. - "Hypnotize"

2010-09-29T04:56:00.000-07:00

N.E.R.D. debuted "Hypnotize" live on David Letterman last night, and the music blogs are eating it up. If you're having a bit of trouble getting out of bed this morning or maybe even finding yourself a bit overwhelmed with everything you have to do today, maybe this Daft Punk-produced serenade will calm your nerves and do you some good. Nothing due in stores November 2nd.

ALBUM WATCH | Jazmine Sullivan - Love Me Back

2010-09-26T12:56:00.000-07:00

After recently blowing up Hot 97 with her latest "Holding You Down (Goin' In Circles)," R&B's rising soulful songstress has unveiled both the album art and tracklisting for her upcoming Love Me Back. The album is set to be released on October 5th, so mark your calendars and check out "Holding You Down" here if you've been living under a rock.

Tracklisting:

1. Holding You Down (Goin’ In Circles)
2. 10 Seconds
3. Good Enough
4. Don’t Make Me Wait
5. Love You Long Time
6. Redemption
7. Excuse Me
8. U Get On My Nerves
9. Stuttering
10. In Vain
11. Famous
12. Luv Back

YOU OUGHTTA KNOW | Diggy Simmons Feat. Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell - "Oh Yeah!"

2010-09-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

Have you heard Diggy's Airborne mixtape yet? If not, maybe this will give you some incentive. My favorite track from the compilation, the song features the prolific Lupe Fiasco as well as N.E.R.D's leading man/Neptunes producer Pharrell Williams. Diggy has matured, which is undeniable listening to both the change in his voice and the upgrade in his bar delivery. Not only that, but the production on this one will take you on a rare trip like astral travel. Press play, take a ride on Diggy's ship, and get lost in space. Mixtape can be downloaded here.

BEHIND THE SCENES | On the Shoot of KOL's "Radioactive"

2010-09-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

Kings of Leon was kind enough to give fans a glimpse of what it was like behind the scenes on the shoot of "Radioactive" from their upcoming Come Around Sundown. Press play below and watch as the guys interact with the kids, talk about what it was like working with a live choir, and even catch some dope magic tricks in the beginning of the video.

NEW VIDEO | Arabesque - "Clear My Head"

2010-09-12T10:55:00.000-07:00

This one was featured a couple of days ago as a part of New Fresh Fridays. Check out the video for the single from Nuclear Ambition.

VIDEO OF THE DAY | Those Chosen - "Lava Lampin"

2010-09-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

I gave you the track - now lay your eyes on the visuals. Those Chosen does it big in their cleanest video to date. Haven't copped that FWMJ's Rappers I Know Presents J. Bizness 3P Series v.5 EP yet? Do so here.

NEW FRESH FRIDAYS | New Music From Mark Ronson, Arabesque, Robyn and Snoop

2010-09-10T08:59:00.000-07:00

So tell me...What do you get when you combine rap and hip-hop with a good dose of powerpop and some dope artist features? Today's installment of New Fresh Fridays, of course, duh. With all of this new and innovative music swirling about and breaking ground, I couldn't leave you guys in the dark and let it go unnoticed, no way. Mark Ronson, Besque and Robyn have all been on their grind putting out their new projects, and this is some of the hottest of what they have to offer as of late. Happy Friday!

Mark Ronson & The Business INTL Feat. Kyle Falconer and Spank Rock - "The Bike Song"

By far my favorite from today's installment. Mark Ronson awes me yet again with this single from his upcoming Record Collection which is shaping up to be something worth getting excited about. In the previously posted "Bang Bang Bang," the England-born New Yorker who had three top ten hits with the success of his last album nodded at ex-ATCQ frontman Q-Tip for a feature. This time around, he's grabbed Kyle Falconer of The View along with the boldly raucous Spank Rock and I'm loving it like a-lot-a-lot-a-lot.

Like it? Download it here.

Robyn Feat. Snoop Dogg - "U Should Know Better"

On this single from Robyn's Body Talk Pt 2, the Swedish recording artist partners up yet again with past tag teamer Snoop (remember the "Sensual Seduction" remix?) and lets everybody know that she's quite the force to be reckoned with. Her comely, sing-songy bar delivery combined with Snoop's laid back swag and occasional melodics over this sweat shop of a song seem like they would be an odd mix, but ironically enough, they work.

Arabesque - "Clear My Head"

Toronto's Arabesque (not to be mistaken for the lady disco trio from Germany) released his Nuclear Ambition over the summer, and the Canadian hip-hop scene hasn't been the same ever since. "Clear My Head" is just one of the treasures to be heard from the recent drop. Close your eyes and get lost in it, and then you may want to head over to iTunes and download the album in its entirety.

RUN AND TELL THAT, HOMEBOY! | Shinobi Ninja Covers "The Bed Intruder Song"

2010-09-09T17:58:00.000-07:00

And this is exactly why the untame and unruly Brooklyn-based band is one of my favorites.

VIDEO | ON THE RISE: Roc Nation Signee Willow Smith Chats W/Ryan Seacrest

2010-09-09T15:25:00.001-07:00

Willow Smith brought a smile to my face after me listening to "Whip My Hair" and watching this recent interview with Ryan Seacrest shortly after. In the almost nine minutes that she was on air, you'll learn not only that she's confident and poised with personality for days, but it's evident that this rising 9-year-old star has as much of a head on her shoulders as she does a future. Jay-Z, who just signed her to Roc Nation, called in to share his two cents, saying that he knew she was a star from the moment he met her and even going as far as comparing her to a young Michael Jackson. Do you think she's going to blow up as much as everyone expects? After this bit, I'm convinced. Watch and share.

THE PREMIERE | Rihanna - "Only Girl (In The World)" [Album Art and Song]

2010-09-09T11:15:00.000-07:00

Setting spark to the anticipation of the Novemeber 16th release of Loud, RihannaNow.com premiered "Only Girl (In The World)" today. The song, whose dance floor vibes reveal a deviation from the darker tones of her last project, was produced by the Grammy award-winning Stargate team ("Irreplaceable," "Hate That I Love You" and "Don't Stop the Music") and allows Rihanna to showcase a sense of liberation as she lets go and powerfully belts out melodies in a whole new way. I'm gonna be the Debbie Downer to go ahead and say that the only true downfall of this track is the lackluster lyrics. Do you think they're up to par with the overall production? Take a listen at RihannaNow.com (the song will open in a new window and play automatically) and let me know!

NEW VIDEO | Maroon 5 Wants To "Give A Little More"

2010-09-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

Maroon 5’s new video captures Adam, Jesse, Mickey, James and Matt playing in a steamy venue filled with racy occurrences and enough sexual tension to make the camera explode. “Give A Little More,” the second single to follow after “Misery,” is undeniably much funkier and dancier than its predecessor. Its enticing guise and upbeat tenor make it a song that fans and new listeners alike will find irresistible. Watch the video and get lost in the moment before the release of Hands All Over later this month.

NEW VIDEO | Kings of Leon - "Radioactive"

2010-09-08T19:09:00.000-07:00

The first single to be released from their upcoming album (due out in October of this year), "Radioactive" pays homage to home and childhood through its message and gospel influence. Get geared up for Come Around Sundown by watching the video above.

NEW MUSIC | J. Cole is 'Villematic'

2010-09-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that only an artist of his caliber could get away with dubbing a Nas classic and putting his face on it. In his latest web release, "Villematic," J. Cole hops on what has now become the very familiar "Devil In A New Dress" instrumental without a trace of disappointment - yet another reason to get excited for the release of his upcoming album.

NEW VIDEO | Cee-Lo - "F*** You"

2010-09-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

Sure, it may not be the most eloquently stated, but come on... You know it's funny. Genius of its catchy hook and retro pop/soul production put aside, this little 60's-inspired diddy had me chuckling by the 0:17 minute mark. Press play to see why.

FWMJ PRESENTS... | J. Bizness 3P Series Vol. 5: Those Chosen

2010-09-04T20:56:00.000-07:00

Those Chosen recently pumped out this three-track EP to coincide with their feature in a monthly series hosted by FWMJ's Rappers I Know. Produced by J. Bizness, the project gives listeners a taste of what's to come as the California trio continues to rise and make thier mark in the future of what we all have come to know and love as hip-hop. Check out "Lava Lampin'" below and then be sure to cop the EP over at thosechosen.bandcamp.com.

NEW MUSIC | Kanye West - "Devil In A New Dress"

2010-09-04T20:46:00.000-07:00

And the GOOD Friday hits keep coming, this one being called "Devil In A New Dress." The new music is shaping up well. Promising album on the way? I'd say so, but be your own judge:

Download the track here.

NEW MUSIC | Kanye West - "Monster"

2010-08-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

So how about August 27th? Needless to say, Friday found me in a very excited state after Kanye blasted via Twitter that he would be collaborating with Jay-Z on a five-track venture titled Watch the Throne. Setting spark to his new tradition, GOOD Fridays, 'Ye dropped a mammoth of a single, "Monster," which features not just Jay, but also Rick Ross, Bon Iver and Nicki Minaj. And am I mad at Nicki being on the track despite me being far from a fan? Not at all. With a verse like hers, epic bars from Hov and a flow as swanky as Kanye's, the only thing I'm really mad at is the fact that I have to wait until the release of the project to hear the rest of the songs. Really, though?! Damn you and your cliff-hanger-leaving greatness, Kanye.

ALBUM WATCH | MuteMath - Armistice Live

2010-08-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

Get ready, lovers of alternative rock and everything MuteMath, because on September 21, 2010, the New Orleans collective will be releasing an epic DVD/CD combo which will feature 90 minutes of live concert footage. Not only will it include a "Making of Armistice" Documentary, but fans will also get a chance to see Spotlight Live from Japan and get to look at some unreleased studio vlogs. You can pre-order now at mutemath.com , and, in doing so, you will receive a digital download of the CD on the release date plus live bonus tracks and a lithograph. What?! Really? My calendar is already marked.

THROWBACK THURSDAYS | Nightcrawlers - "Push the Feeling On"

2010-08-12T09:58:00.000-07:00

First of all, before anything else, let's talk about house music and how important it is for any and every house head to have this as a staple in their collection. Second of all, let's also talk about how, despite the fact that he pretty much sold out after M.I.A.M.I. and El Mariel, Pitbull stole my heart with "Hotel Room Service" merely because of the sample alone. Released in 1992 by British house music group the Nightcrawlers, the song actually didn't receive mainstream popularity in the US until 1993. The song then later achieved most of it's recognition in 1995 when it was re-released, and went on to be released yet again in both 2003 and 2007 before Bob Sinclar put his spin on the track in 2008 for a remix of Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music" and it was sampled yet again by Pitbull in 2009 (whew!). Talk about pushing the feeling on, right? Because if this song's legacy doesn't scream long-lasting musical vitality, I don't know what does.

HIP-HOP'S BIRTHDAY WAS YESTERDAY...

2010-08-12T09:50:00.000-07:00

...And I wanted to share this in its honor.

NEW VIDEO | Katy Perry - "Teenage Dream"

2010-08-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

New video from Katy Perry. Really liking this track. Very catchy.

RANDOM VIDEO | Nyle Shows Us How to Really 'Let the Built Build'

2010-08-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

Mainstream music is in desperate need of more videos like this one because nothing goes better with hip-hop than raw musicianship caught on camera in one take. Yes, you read correctly - featuring a young man by the name of Nyle and produced by Last Pictures/194 Recordings, this video was not only recorded in one shot "with audio being recorded simultaneously with the video," but it was also #4 on Spin's list of 20 Best Music Videos of 2009. That's how you 'let the beat build,' huh, Weezy? Wrong. Because, clearly, this is.

(Shouts to Aileen)

TWITTER TUESDAYS | And Today's Twitter Spotlight Goes To...

2010-08-10T08:35:00.000-07:00

Reason is self-explanatory.

BONUS: Did you happen to see the cartoons that were made out of some of 'Ye's first tweets over at Huffington Post? My favorites are 2, 5, 9 and 14. What are yours?

INTERVIEW | Adam Levine Talks to the Post

2010-08-09T13:46:00.000-07:00

Hey, rabid Maroon 5 fans. Ever wonder what *really* happens when "Adam Levine’s high-pitched pipes resonate"? NY Post has the answer for you, along with an interview where the California band's frontman talks about the direction of the new album and more. Check out what juice the NY Post was able to squeeze out here and gear up for the release of Hands All Over.

WHERE'VE I HEARD THAT?! | Lyn Collins - "Think (About It)"

2010-08-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

Lyn Collins. She was well known for her work with the late, great James Brown, and this particular collaboration happens to be her biggest and most well-known to date. Consisting of five breaks (one in particular that you younger heads are probably more familiar with than you may be thinking), the song has been sampled a myyyyriad of times and by various hip-hop and pop artists. So where've you heard it? Skip to the 1:22 mark to find out (you fail at life if you don't know at this point) and hear why it also happens to be the reason why 2-year-old me couldn't get enough of the song embedded after the jump.

Yeah, so when I was this many, "It Takes Two". Was. My. Jam. I, with my chubby cheeks and rolls for limbs, used to giddily sit back in the car seat that my mom would strap me up in and "Woo! Yeah!" along with the track like I couldn't help but do so. The 1988 hit ranked 37 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of Hip-Hop (and #1 on Miss Long's list of most memorable childhood songs) and was also certified platinum.

Listen to other songs that sample Lyn Collin's "Think":

K-os - "ELEctrik Heat The Seekwill"
DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince - "I Wanna Rock"
Ciara - "Make It Last Forever"

RANDOM VIDEO | Todrick Hall Sings McDonald's Order

2010-08-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

So imagine this:

You're an employee at your local fast food joint and your next customer steps up in line. You ask for their order, they take a breath, and then this happens. If this unsuspecting McDonalds cashier happened to be looking for something exciting to happen to him at work that day, Todrick Hall from last season's American Idol (and his crew) definitely gave it to him - catchy rhymes and all. "Ba-da-ba-ba-baa!" Yeah... I'm lovin' it.

(Shouts to Torie Michelle)

NEW VIDEO | Erykah Badu Feat. Rick Ross - "Window Seat (Remix) / Turn Me Away (Get MuNNY)"

2010-08-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

(Via The Smoking Section):

"It’s rare in the days of green screens and redundant themes that music videos are treated as a medium for storytelling. Providing the outlaw yin to the original video’s metaphorical yang, Erykah & Rick embark on a journey too big for one song to contain."

COVERED | Kings of Leon - "Use Somebody"

2010-08-07T12:42:00.000-07:00

When "Use Somebody" made its stellar debut back in 2008, nobody could get it out of their heads. And how could they when it was constantly being played on tv and radio? Not only did it receive roaring feedback in the U.S., but it topped charts in places such as the UK and Australia, remaining number on on airplay charts for over a month.

All of this lead up to the 52nd Grammy Awards, where the single went on to win awards for Record of the Year, Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Rock Song. No wonder its one of the most covered songs on video streaming sites, and out of sheer boredom, I decided to scour YouTube to find some of the best covers of "Use Somebody" that I could find. From Paramore's own Hayley Williams to a few lesser-known gems, see which ones made the cut after the jump.

Paramore - Live Acoustic Cover at BBC Radio 1:

Paramore's leading lady never ceases to give me goosebumps with her voice and this live acoustic cover at BBC Radio 1 Lounge is no exception. The ambience of the guys' guitar and soft accompanying vocals round this number off into something that is super sweet and definitely deserving of some replays.

DanJT87 - Live Acoustic Performance:

Meet Dan Talevski AKA DanJT87. He's an upcoming pop artist signed to Zone 4/Interscope Records and he's done tooonnns of other covers on his YouTube Channel. Seriously, I got lost on his page one day. When you're done watching his live acoustic performance, you can check them all out here. They're pretty good, especially his version of "No One".

Pixie Lott - Live Studio Cover:

When I first saw her name, I expected something like lucky charms and fairy dust to be coming out of her mouth. Boy, was I wrong. She takes charge with her individuality and owns it. Love.

Bridget Kelly - Live Piano Cover:

Some of you may already be familiar with this rising Roc Naton signee and some of you may not. She's shared the stage with Jay-Z to take Alicia's place in NYC's '09 anthem "Empire State of Mind" a number of times, and after this beautiful cover, she's set to make her mark as an artist worth watching over the next few months. You can learn more about her at http://rocnation.com/bridgetkelly/.

VIDEO OF THE DAY | Swedish House Mafia Feat. Pharrell - "One (Your Name)"

2010-08-06T11:40:00.000-07:00

Crazy song with even crazier visuals. "One" out on iTunes for download now.

BOUNCING CATS | Hip-Hop Brings Positive Change to Uganda in Upcoming Film

2010-08-06T10:08:00.000-07:00

From the streets of NY to the distress of Uganda, hip-hop is making a difference in places we would have never expected. In the upcoming film, Bouncing Cats (which features appearances from Mos Def, K'Naan and more), one man strives to make a change in his community through the power of b-boy culture and breakdance. Breakdance Project Uganda was established in 2006 by Uganda's Abraham "Abramz" Tekya, an A.I.D.S. orphan, with the dream to foster "a free workshop that would empower, rehabilitate and heal the community by teaching youth about b-boy culture." Watch the trailer and get inspired. Then, head over to bouncingcats.com to learn more.

NEW FRESH FRIDAYS | New Videos from Janelle Monáe, Kanye, Eminem & Rihanna

2010-08-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

I want to start doing something every Friday called 'New Fresh Fridays' where I dedicated at least one post to nothing but new music - whether that be albums that dropped during that week, videos, songs, you name it. And I guess you can say this one is a little half-a**ed being that two out of these three are no-brainers (I mean, because it's not like you haven't already seen them on the other however many handfuls of blogs hyping them up this morning), but I haven't worked out the kinks yet; bare with me.

Today we've got newness from Janelle, the Louis Vuitton Don, as well as Eminem featuring Rihanna. You can watch Janelle Monáe's self-proclaimed "emotion picture" for "Cold War", check out the moving portrait of "Power" and see Megan Fox co-star in "Love the Way You Lie" after the jump.

Janelle Monáe - "Cold War":

Kanye West - "Power":

Eminem feat. Rihanna - "Love the Way You Lie":