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THEESatisfaction // QueenS (Our Sunday Best)

Shabazz Palaces protégés THEESatisfaction (Stasia Irons and Catherine Harris-White bka Cat and Stas) are the antithesis to the music industry cash cow, ala Nicki Minaj (No disrespect, just a fact). So the chances of hearing these cool and positively energetic dames on American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest anytime soon? HA! Forget about it. And, I’m fairly certain they’re alright with not ripping Victoria Secret’s runway or culling a brutish male altar-ego too. Mainly because these young hip hop heads aren’t interested in artifice, nope not even a lil’ bit. And, you can best believe both like nothing better than to shake it up a bit and bust out pop culture and put its fickleness on front street, if you catch my drift. According to various sources, the duo met at college and discovered not a few mutual interests, ranging from classic, circa 70’s R&B to Funk and Jazz influences, an affinity for William the Shakespeare, and not surprisingly the sounds and ethos of 80’s and 90’s hip hop. Together, their sound is heavily steeped in, not only R&B and the like, but thought-provoking observations on a world not seen through rose-colored lenses. Peep the newly minted single “Queens” to understand where they’re coming from. THEESatisfaction are releasing their debut LP awE naturalE via Sub Pop on March 27th. You can also cop the free download of the single QueenS here. Peace. Continue reading “THEESatisfaction // QueenS (Our Sunday Best)”

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shabazz palaces // are you… can you… were you? (felt) (official video)

Seattle-based hip-hop off-shoot Shabazz Palaces is a lot of things. For one, they aren’t in any way, shape or form typical of what one might expect from the world of rap, or any other genre for that matter. But, I imagine you’re going to be alright with the sound soon to be emanating from your speakers. Shabazz Palaces is led by Ishmael Butler aka Palaceer Lazaro. Ring a bell? No? That’s cool. However, there was a time when Ishmael Butler was also known by another name, he was ‘Butterfly‘ of Grammy award-winning jazz-rap group Digible Planets.

That was way back in the day, eons ago by industry standards of measuring time and space. And much like his past namesake, the ‘Butterfly’ has undergone another metamorphosis. With his latest project, under the guise of  Palaceer Lazaro he has joined forces with multi-instrumentalist Tendai Maraire and formed the mysterious, celestial anti-body known as Shabazz Palaces.

Previously, the duo self-released the eclectic EPs, Eagles Soar, Oil Flows, as well as The Seven New, each stretching the boundaries of hip-hop into musical Pythagorean theorems. Now, we have the Black Up LP, which is so aptly released via the legendary Sub-Pop Records. After the jump, we have the first official video for the track “Are You… Can You… Were You? (Felt).” I highly recommend an oxygen tank, a space suit and a good pair of 3D glasses for your ears. Peace. Continue reading “shabazz palaces // are you… can you… were you? (felt) (official video)”

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Oughtasight – Losing My Mind

I popped open this song like a chilled can of your favorite carbonated beverage. It fizzled. Hissed. Releasing a mist of pure effervescence; so refreshing. I am impressed (not an easy feat) and a bit elated. This guy Oughtasight sculpted an ideal blend of acid jazz, hip hop with whimsical pop references; and riding above the fray such witty and observant lyrics. It’s a winner winner chicken dinner. Continue reading “Oughtasight – Losing My Mind”

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The Truth – Handsome Boy Modeling School (Ft. Roison & J-Dilla)

A thing echos because it cannot die, doesn’t want to give up the ghost and risk forgetfulness. So, it reverberates from the past and slithers and slinks a way into your heart space. It sets its eyes upon your ears and whispers in jazzy notes, enwraping your brain cells in coiled shimmer; laying claim to your full attention. Yes, this is a blast from the past but how it shines, Handsome Boy Modeling School (Chest Rockwell (Prince Paul) and Nathaniel Merriwether (Dan the Automator), circa 1999. I ain’t much for words around here, so just chill for a beat or two and experience something potent and oh so powerful. I’m serving up two songs here, “A Truth” taken from The Musical Curriculum From The: Handsome Boy Modeling School (1999) and then there is their sexily clad “I’ve Been Thinking (Ft. Cat Power)” from HBMS‘s  2004 LP White People. Your ears will fall in love. Peace.

“A Truth”

 

“I’ve Been Thinking (Ft. Cat Power)”

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Childish Gambino – Heartbeat (aRod Remix)

Sir Donald is riding high these days, and I suspect in more ways than one. With the release of his stunna’ LP Camp (which dropped Nov. 15th) there comes a smidgen of validation. Yes, self-proclaimed squares are not only cool; but this one can rap his ass off too. And not that it means anything, but Camp is currently resting at #2 on iTunes these days. What’s all the fuss about Childish Gambino you may ask? I’ll just let you rock out to “Heartbeat” superbly remixed by aRod.  “I’m going straight for your thighs like the cake you ate!” Stop it D. you’re killing ’em. Peace.


(Via GottaDanceDirty™)

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Pretty Lights – It’s Tricky (Run DMC – SSX Remix)

What better way to pay homage to one of Hip Hops most enduring and genre defining groups than to offer up this stargazing and star-scraping remix by none other than Pretty Lights. Colorado-based mixoligist/producer Derek Vincent Smith, aka Pretty Lights gives it up with a sickness, and raises the bar high (really high). If anyone else dare deigns to take it upon themselves to re-mix anything else by Run DMC they better bring it or stay at home. Check out the video below after the jump for the total experience. Hell, the incredible laser-light theatrics alone, which accompany the ultra-über remix, will make your mouth drop and your feet dance the C-Walk. For your Pretty Lights gratification, I got you covered. Also, check out “I Know The Truth” and “Still Rockin” below the below. Peace. Continue reading “Pretty Lights – It’s Tricky (Run DMC – SSX Remix)”

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Has-Lo – Conversation B

Like a long lost memory when rap was, if not purer then fresh, and inundated with “good feel” vibes. Philadelphia’s very own Has-Lo is set to drop his spectacular Conversation B LP November 15th. This album is sick with it, and with good reason with some of the hottest underground producers under the sun. Listen to all 14 tracks below and marvel at the supremacy of Has-Lo. Peace.

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Macklemore and Ryan Lewis – Wings

Don’t front. Let’s keep it real. I like this cut for what is attempts to do. To dismantle (even a little bit) our perception and compulsion for the material thing. To sever the ties that strangle and bind us up in unnecessary pursuits for attainable but oft times needless things. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis crushed it, hit the fucking nail on the head with this one propelling “Wings” out and up into the stratosphere. You feel this one right there in the chest, or rather in your cerebral cortex. It gets complex. And really, rap is the perfect medium to present this conversation. Phil Knight you may have tricked us but M&RL are helping us to see things differently. Two thumbs up, way up. Peace.

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Drake – Motto (Ft. Lil Wayne) Hey Zeus Remix

So many heads out here are eagerly anticipating the release of Drake‘s forthcoming LP Take Care. And with good reason, one look at some of the names expected to share space on the various tracks is impressive indeed: Stevie Wonder, Lil Wayne, and The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) , that’s just the short list. However, you don’t have to wait to get a little slice of what’s to come. The track “Motto” is a rapper’s delight (Ha!) and more than a little braggadocio. But really that’s to be expected from two of the illest rappers out here today. Check ’em out while Drizzy and Weezy drop rhymes over this T-Minus production. Peace. Continue reading “Drake – Motto (Ft. Lil Wayne) Hey Zeus Remix”