Beats, Rhymes, & Life: Travels of A Tribe Called Quest

According to Above Ground Magazine, A Tribe Called Quest documentary entitled Beats, Rhymes, & Life: Travels of A Tribe Called Quest, is getting released to the public sometime in July 2011. After a great showing at Sundance, I'm really excited to see what this movie has in store. Tribe has always been one of my favorite hip hop groups, so you know I'm buggin' out about right now. Luckily, one of the places it's getting its release is Cinema 21 in Portland. I know where I'll be the day this comes out.

The one thing I'm a little unsure about is how much of the video is approved by ATCQ. Controversy over the video began after Q-Tip tweeted that Tribe didn't approve of a few portions of the film, and called on director Michael Rappaport to respect the groups wishes. That's definitely not going to stop me from watching it, but I will remember to take it with a grain of salt.

Here's the Official Site for the film, and you can find a full list of cities and theaters the documentary is being released in the ORIGINAL ARTICLE.

VIDEO!: Zion I & The Grouch - Healing of the Nation

Zumbi, AmpLive and The Grouch dropped their second LP, Heroes in the Healing of the Nation on March 22, and this is a video they filmed for one of the album tracks. Spazzoid strobes in the beginning, Zumbi going apeshit, and kids with sledgehammers make for one hell of a ride. The visuals compliment Amp's angry guitar riffs and sharp snare hits really well and if nothing else, it's good to see this crew back in action

P.S. Fun Fact: The album contains absolutely no swearing. Not very common in hip hop these days.

Check out Zion I over at Zionicrew.com, where you can cop the album, and some Zion I #swag.

You can also snag the LP over at The Grouch's site.

Seen over at one of our favorite music blogs, P&P.

The Stepkids - Shadows on Behalf/La La 12"

Although newly debuting on Stones Throw Records, The Stepkids are not strangers to the music scene. As individual performers and musicians, they have shared the stage with Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, and 50 Cent, just to name a few. Now, as a brand-new three piece, The Stepkids focus on a smooth blend of funk, soul, blues, jazz, crafting a sound equal parts old-school nostalgia and new-school experimentation. Think funky psychedelia for the 21st century. Their debut 12" is out on a limited colored vinyl release, and can be grabbed here. Both sides of the record available for streaming listen below.

The Stepkids - Shadows On Behalf by stonesthrow
The Stepkids - La La by stonesthrow

Get Lifted hits the radio w/ Manter Banter

The one and only Manter Banter, Portland State Radio's (KPSU) hit music and talk show kindly allowed me to put together a guest playlist for their radio show a couple weeks back, and we want to make sure you guys have a chance to grab the entire set!

Hit the jump for the tracklist and download. 

Matthewdavid - Outmind LP

Buried in the hazy smoke somewhere between 1980's electronic movie scores and the analog beatz future-sound of the 21st century, Matthewdavid's new "Outmind LP" is a gorgeous, complex blend of warm sounds and densely layered tones. The LA-based producer is notorious for his use of old tapes and other analog media in his creation process, and one listen to the standout track "Like You Mean It" reveals countless samples bubbling to a bumping, albeit opaque surface. Definitely worth repeated listens. You can cop the album in electronic format here, or on vinyl at Ninjatune. The whole album is available for streaming below, thanks to alteredzones.com for the upload.

Matthewdavid: Outmind by alteredzones

MiM0SA - 58 Degrees EP

Today I've got another "I can't believe I haven't posted on this guy yet" posts for you. Mim0sa has long been my favorite dubstep artist, mainly because of the clear influence hip hop has on his electronic sound. The newest of his releases, 58 Degrees, finds him exploring a slightly heavier sound than before, and the songs fly by at a slightly faster pace, but it's till the same Mim0sa we know and love. Full of hip hop samples, big drops, and what even seems to be some D&B influence, 58 Degrees does not disappoint.

If you're in the Eugene area, Mim0sa will be playing live at WOW Hall this Thursday, April 28. Paper Diamond, from the Pretty Light's Music label if opening, and from what I hear, both are amazing performers. Get your tickets HERE.

Mim0sa - 58 Degrees -----> Just click on the album cover to download!

Double Dutch House

I never knew double dutch was so fucking intense! Just thought I'd throw that out there. Anyways, time for a double dose of dutch house bangers from the two biggest names in the genre.

First, we've got Chuckie's remix of 3OH3!'s "My First Kiss". I really dislike the original, but for some reason I've loved almost every remix I've heard of this track, and this is no exception. Big synths on the build, wild 3OH3! bridge, fat dutch drop, RAGE. Yeah, that's a pretty adequate breakdown of the song.

3OH3! - My First Kiss (Chuckie Extended Remix) [Feat. Ke$ha]

Next, Afrojack's remix of Rihanna's smash single "Who's that Chick?". Afrojack is just on a different level. He picks the perfect songs to remix, his builds are really pieces of art, and every single drop gets me up on my feet and moving, no matter tired I am.

Rihanna - Who's That Chick (Afrojack Remix)

Domo Genesis - Cashmere

Domo Genesis from Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All dropped a single just in time for 4/20. The sluggish jazz guitar beat compliments Domo's signature flow perfectly. This is why he's hot? No, that is why he's blazing. So spark up, let the colored vapors in, and "smoke weed until you feel like a zen master."

Domo Genesis - Cashmere (LimeLinx Download)

Melodrama (Original Mix) - David Puentez

Edit: I'm a douche and in my hurry to get all of you the dopeness, I didn't do my research before posting. This is NOT Avicii, it's a David Puentez track.

Banger # 2 for the day!  This dude goes nuts on the synths, heavy bass, some hissing in the background. One of the things I find so interesting about house music is that it all sounds so similar, and yet it still makes me want to rage, even if it sounds just like the last song I heard. This will be destroying dancefloors near you very, very soon.

Melodrama (Original Mix) - David Puentez

Believe in Me Now (Prod. Swedish House Mafia) - Taio Cruz

UPDATE: This is a Taio track, not an SHM track, but it is produced by them. I changed the post up a bit to reflect the update. Also, Mediafire removed the song, so no download anymore, but you guys are smart enough to find one somewhere.

Well, they've done it again. I guess deep down, somewhere at least, we all expected it. We knew it had to happen; what better way for Swedish House Mafia to solidify their position squarely on top of the house music scene than for them to, for the 2nd year running, drop the song of the summer. Yes, ladies and gentleman, this shit is bananas. Although it's technically a Taio Cruz track, along with SHM's other big single on it's way, "Save The World Tonight", summer 2011 will certainly be their year (again?).

Oh, and since I've been off my blogger grind for awhile, in the next few days I'm going to be dropping a few of the biggest bangers you guys are going to here this summer, as a thank you for stickin' around while I took some time off.

This is just a 192 kbps version, so make sure to go out and buy this shit when it comes out.

Believe in Me Now (Feat. Taio Cruz) - Swedish House Mafia

Buy official SHM tracks on Beatport

Sade - The Moon and The Sky (Remix) [feat. Jay-Z]

My first memories of Sade take me back to grade school, driving in my mom's car, me staring out the window listening to her sing along to "Smooth Operator". While I think my mom would be much less down with the Jigga Man than her favorite smooth-soul fox, this Sade remix takes me to that same wistful place, routines connected to an observation of how we're all connected to each other, what was once possible, and where our journeys have taken us today. I ain't gon let you go.

The Moon And The Sky (Remix Featuring JAY Z) by SadeOfficial

Jeremiah Jae - Rappayamatantra EP

Chicago-native Jeremiah Jae is pure hotness. Blending a unique soft-spoken aesthetic with beautifully constructed beats (which he crafts himself), Jae is a completely new, interesting, and challenging voice in hip hop. Comparisons to Mos Def aside (especially on "$easons") Jae is a talented beatmaker, poet, and wordsmith, as well as a practiced musician in several disciplines. His latest, the Rappayamatantra EP, is a bridge between his previous work and his upcoming LP. Highlights include "$easons" and "Vertical Pupils". Click the name of the album link for more information and a full track listing. Video for "$easons" above, "Vertical Pupils" below.

Department of Sound - My Life

Although just a cursory demo track, Department of Sound have truly tapped into something beautiful with "My Life", a single recently released on the duo's blog. Comprised of MC Mellow Marsh and beat-smith Tristan Reveur, Department of Sound pairs a Northwest fresh flow with an organically created beat (Reveur is an accomplished guitar player and musician) to express a yearning creative streak. It's pos-vibe for sure, a song capable of brightening a day. As the vocal sample used as a hook in the chorus speaks, "If you're not making someone else's life better, than you're wasting your time." This is definitely not a waste of time. This is clearly a demo track, and has it's shortcomings, but I believe its a sign of good things to come. Stay tuned.

My Life by Department of Sound

Deltron 3030 - Deltron Event II

 

New Deltron album coming soon? Hallelujah.

BBU - No Pictures (Feat. Das Racist)

 

First of all, who knew The Hood Internet did more than mashups. This beat is hot though, and I'd love to see them doing more original productions if this is what they sound like.

As far as the entire song goes, I have to agree with Pitchfok, this one's a "love-it-or-hate-it" kinda deal. With that said, I didn't like it the first time I heard it, but after a couple listens I got into it, and now I really like it. For those of you that haven't heard of BBU before (like me), their official name is Bin Laden Blowin Up, and they're a hip hop group out of Chicago (just like The Hood Internet). On this track, they trade verses with Das Racist, dropping pop culture references out the ass while the same time keeping the level of social critique Das Racist is so well known for.

BBU - No Pictures (Feat. Das Racist)

BRAND NEW!: A-Trak - Ray Ban Vision (Remix) [Feat. Donnis, Pill, Danny Brown & CyHi Da Prynce]

A-Trak's remix of his banger "Ray Ban Vision" just dropped (litererally... he released it at noon) and it's a bangerrrr. He's enlisted some of the biggest upcoming names in hip hop to give us all new verses, retaining CyHi only on the chorus. Fortunately, A-Trak also avoided one of my biggest pet peeves in music, which is rappers releasing remixes of tracks which just add verses and don't change the production at all. Yeah, sometimes if I don't like the original verses and the new ones are raw then I don't mind, but usually it's just boring. Here, A-Trak has kept the original beat that made the song so great, but added in some scratches and a couple breaks between the chorus and each verse. Take notes aspiring remixers, this is the right way to do it.

You can download the track for free over at A-Trak's Facebook page. Just click the like button, and you've got yourself a link to one of the freshest remixes of the year so far.

DOWNLOAD

Burial - Street Halo EP

So Pitchfork, in all of there blogging wisdom has been blowing this track up recently. However, unlike the usual Pitchfork hype mechanizations, which can be shitty and WAY too hip, this EP actually deserves every ounce of accolade it has received so far. The three track Hyperdub release is a masterpiece, and is some of the first solo Burial material released in years. Burial essentially invented the dirty-dark-dub sound, and its lovely to hear him reinvent some of his own sounds while still staying just so, well... Burial. The A-Side of the record is available for listen below on a high quality vinyl rip.
Burial - Street Halo by casketcrashvigil

The Profits - Hello

 

Let me introduce you to three wise men known as The Profits. MCs Chip Locke and Nick Kahl hold down the mic, and their beats are provided courtesy of Kill The Hunter (Lane Mueller to his friends). You guys have seen Chip on here before (for his record "All That" which also features Kahl), and it certainly won't be the last time.

This track is the first leak off their upcoming debut mixtape, A Fictional Autobiography, and happens to be the only track not produced by Kill (This ones got a guy named MG on the boards). The tape drops at the end of this month, and Chip's second solo mixtape is set to drop this summer (He says we should cross our fingers for July).

Don't forget to show these guys love on Facebook, which has links to Chip's solo page where you can find a whole bunch more music, including a bunch of features by Nick and Kill.

The Profits - Hello by Chip Locke

TiRon & Ayomari - What You Waiting On

Sorry it's been a couple days guys, spring break and the beginning of the term have been super busy. We're back and better than ever though!

I hadn't heard of either TiRon or Ayomari until yesterday, when this video popped up on one of the music forums I read. After doing some research, it looks to me like these are two guys you're gonna wanna keep your eyes on. They're two young rappers out of LA, and have been working with artists like Blu, and Pac Div. If this video is a good indication of what their music sounds like, I'm gonna be all over the rest of their work. I would probably have downloaded their discographies already if it weren't for some space issues I'm having with my computer (aka I have too much music and my hard drive is full).

Back to the video though... Pretty original storyline for the video; I love the idea and it was filmed really well. Although the running makes for not the best lip syncing I've ever seen, they hold it together well enough (which is better than I could probably have done). These two are talented lyricists, and this track is definitely a motivational anthem. Go snag it now... What you waiting on?

TiRon & Ayomari - What You Waiting On

Childish Gambino - Freaks and Geeks (Star Slinger Remix)

Not to be a one note blog or anything, but this new Star Slinger banger is several forms of off the fuckin chain. To top it off, it's officially my spring break as of fourteen minutes ago. So kick back, crack a beer or two, blow a smoke, and vibe to this track. "Love is a trip, but fuckin is a sport. Is there Asian girls here? Minority report!"

Star Slinger - They Like It Slow (Remix)

Thanks to Peter for the inadvertent tip. New Star Slinger remix of a totally silly H-Town song. Watch the original video and laugh, and then listen to the remix and get down witchyobadself.

H-Town - They Like It Slow (Star Slinger Refix) by Star Slinger

The Glitch Mob - Beyond Monday

I came across this Glitch Mob music video/art project a few weeks back, and I'm really glad I've finally gotten around to posting it. I suppose most people would consider this a music video, but what I've read has said this was more a multi-medium project, and that the song was created specifically to be filmed along with the lights as more of a comprehensive art piece (albeit only for the video). With fat electronic bass, aggresive synths and a slightly hip hop feel, the audio portion of the video is pretty typical Glitch Mob, and even though the lights show is spectacular, I like that I can enjoy listening to the song by itself as well.

 The Glitch Mob - Beyond Monday

Burial/Four Tet/Thom Yorke - Ego/Mirror 12"

Burial's classic click and clack 808 kick, spun with Kieran Hebden's (aka Four Tet's) sample based MPD christ pose, with a Thom Yorke lilting vocal track dressed across the top of the track like a ragged curtain. It's excellent. It's incredible. It's three artists pushing each other toward greater heights while still grounding each other in recognizable style. This is the true definition of musical collaboration.

Burial, Four Tet & Thom Yorke - Ego/Mirror 12" by Izvinitie

Chip Tha Ripper - The Entrance (Music Video Debut)

Debuting today, Chip Tha Ripper has a brand new music video out. Shot with a 90's-era production vibe, Chip drops lines and trades flow with interspersed analog VCR video clips and close-ups of Tha Ripper meandering through a local bodega. Peep it below.

Chip Tha Ripper - The Entrance from illRoots.com on Vimeo.

J. Cole Roundup

I'm a little surprised I haven't done another J. Cole post sooner; I really can't emphasize enough how much I like this dudes raps and production. It's difficult for me to find a J. Cole song I don't like, so here's a little wrap-up of what the man's been up to lately.

J. Cole - Killers
 Cole describes life as a young man scared and on the run after killing a man.  He apologizes to his mother, telling her how sorry he is and about what his life could have been like. His delivery is raw and emotional, the simple production fits perfectly.

J. Cole - Nothing Like It
Soulful beat. Cole going hard. Typical.

J. Cole - The Good Son Pt. 1
Short little track that surfaced recently... I wonder if there's more?

Video!: Snoop Dogg- On My Way (Feat. Mr. Porter)

New video from Snoop! This is some back in the day Snoop flow, and I'm loving it! Even the visuals feel like a music video circa- the early '90s, not 2011 (and in a good way). I've been really disappointed with Snoop's last two albums, but most of the stuff I've been hearing from Doggumentary, besides "Wet" has been really good. Tha Dogg is back ladies and gentleman, prepare yourself.

Doggumentary drops today (March 29)!

Mixtape!: Big K.R.I.T. - Return of 4Eva

Well hot damn, Big K.R.I.T. just made my night. Krit Wuz Here was probably the best mixtape of the year last year (debate it in the comments if you disagree, or show some love!), and now the man himself has decided to release what was originally going to be a full album for free on his website. Big features from Ludacris, Bun B, David Banner & more. Gooooooo get it. #realhiphop

Big K.R.I.T. - Return of 4Eva

Update: As I'm listening, standout tracks are the two singles, "Dreamin'" and "American Rapstar", as well as "Another Naive Individual Glorifying Greed and Ecouraging Racism" [See what he did there?] and "Free My Soul".

Adidas: Derrick Rose Is All In [Hip Hop Version]

  

Derrick Rose really is the man. And we all love hip hop.

Lil B - Illusions of Grandeur

Just posted this morning on WSHH.com (World Star Hip Hop), Lil B's latest song "Illusions of Grandeur" is an emotional confession of past sins and present revelations, set to a sweeping Enya-esque instrumental track with muted drums and beautiful sung vocal samples, courtesy of Imogen Heap. It's a gorgeous song, reaching a transcendence that rap rarely aspires to and even more rarely accomplishes. "One time to lose it all, you never learn you never fail, you never walk you never crawl." ~ Lil B the Based God

Koreless - Maria

A mere 19 years old, Koreless evokes the emotional side of dance music with a panache and flair little seen in the world electronic scene. His songs have a transcendent feeling associated with them, silky vocal samples warped and looped over ambient haze and the pop pop of complex natural drum tracks. It's dubstep for lonely souls, a sunset silhouetted through the smog of a city, a quiet last cigarette under a street light, a first kiss. It's pure cleanliness of production that makes Koreless stand out among not only the UK-beat scene, but the world in general. Check out his Jacques Greene Remix if you missed it, and catch a listen to his stellar track "Maria" below. Happy Friday everybody.

Blu Mar Ten - Nobody Here (Kastle Remix)

A little old, but I just came across this song today, and I'm in love a wittle ickle bit. The offbeat, smooth as molasses bass groove makes me melt into a puddle every time the pattern starts over. Definitely worth a listen and a download.

Alex Clare - Too Close (prod. by Diplo & Switch)

Amazing track with a totally silly video. Soulful UK ex-chef Alex Clare has a Diplo and Switch produced track out, and it's riggity rad. The song is awesome, groovy funk guitar lines hanging out behind the bowling alley with huge dubbed-out, blunted Diplo bass drops. It's a lovely combination. The video is cool too, if not more than a little ridiculous. It consists mainly of emotional close ups of Alex singing into the camera in an emotional voice, interspersed with intense clips of two dudes in blacked out fencing gear beating the shit out of each other with sticks. The meaning is unintelligible, but its definitely cool to watch. Enjoy.

TP - TP Is My Hero

Former UNC Tar Heel basketball player Terrance Petree played point guard, averaged around 2 points per game, is 6'1" and weighs in at 165. What is less well known is TP's talent on the mic. A free mixtape went up on DJBooth.net today, and it's awesome. 9th Wonder produced the project, along with beats from several other collaborators, such as Khrysis, Eric G, and Amp. The whole album bumps hard as a whole. Great pre-game, pre-work, inspirational go-hard hip hop. Cop it fo' FREE here ---> TP - TP Is My Hero (prod. by 9th Wonder)

Tha Breeze - So Easy

Everybody, say hello to my future wife, Natalie Portman. Yes, I know she's "married" and has a "child" on the way, but these are just minor roadblocks. We will be getting married someday. Why do I bring this up now? On their new record, "So Easy", Tha Breeze claim to have hit up Natalie Portman the night before they recorded the track. Which is totally believable. Just like I believe that someday, wedding bells will ring as she walks down the isle toward me. It's gonna happen. Have a little faith.

On a more serious note (or maybe it's a less serious note?), "So Easy" grabs a nice Commodores sample to compliment the sparse drum track and breezy (ha, see what I did there?) verses. This is a feel-good, sunny day, livin'-is-easy track from Tha Breeze, a hip hop duo out of Eugene, OR.

Tha Breeze is Trent Jones on the boards, and Teddy Hein on the mic. Check 'em out right over here on Facebook for more info and some older songs.

Tha Breeze - So Easy

Moodswing360 x Oakley | SXSW Mixtape - Benzi

We've got a brand new Benzi mixtape for ya, just in time for spring break. Benzi, as usual, has the party jam game on lock with this tape, which showcases artists on the Moodswing 360 label. Yeah, half the lyrics on this tape will probably make you gag, but since the only time you'll listen to to this tape is doing kegstands on the lawn over spring break, it probably doesn't matter much.

Click on the arrow right beneath the "info" button to download the party version (one long mp3) directly from the Soundcloud player.

If you want the tracked out version, hit up the link at the bottom of the post.

BENZI | Moodswing360 x Oakley | SXSW Mixtape | Hosted by Sky Blu of LMFAO by benzi

Moodswing360 x Oakley | SXSW Mixtape - Benzi (Seperate Tracks Version)

Hoyt Latte - Breaking (Up) Bad

This. Looks. So. Good. I want it right about... now. Since that's not possible, I guess I'll have to stick with this coffee sippin' hip hop track, which, theoretically, would go along perfectly with a latte just like this one. This is a song off of Brooklyn-based coffee hop group Hoyt Latte's January EP, one of twelve EPs they plan on releasing this year. In case you hadn't guessed based on the name of the EP, they'll be releasing one each month.

Go take a look at their Bandcamp for free downloads of both the EPs they've released so far, as well as their introductory mixtape.

Hoyt Latte - Breaking (Up) Bad

Tyga - Light Dreams

I never expected much from Tyga, seeing as "Coconut Juice" was the first song I ever heard by him. I've been hearing some consistently good verses from him lately though, and his production has come a little more towards the classic hip hop sound I enjoy. I'm excited to see what he's got in store.

Tyga - Light Dreams

Lupe Fiasco - Stereo Sun

Some new Lupe, and word is this was cut from Lasers. I purposely haven't touched on the topic of "Lasers" so far, so this is going to be the one and only time I do it. The number of times I have flip flopped on how I felt about the album before it came out, and since the it's come out is countless. However, I've recently made my final decision. Drumroll please.....

LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem (Feat. Lauren Bennett & Goon Rock)

This is another one of those "I can't believe I'm actually posting this" moments. I don't want to talk about the fact that I'm posting an LMFAO song. The only reason I'm posting this is for the DOPE ass instrumental. I think I want to make an edit of this song that keeps the hype phrases right before the drop, as well as the chorus, but cuts out all the terrible verses in between. If I can find an instrumental and acapella, I will definitely do it and get it up here. Until now, just rage to this version and pretend it's not LMFAO.

LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem (Feat. Lauren Bennett & Goon Rock)

"Gem Drops" Compilation Disk!

The Dropping Gems crew, based out of Portland, OR, recently released a 21-track compilation disk of all new material "that expresses everything we love about experimental electronic hip-hop-inspired music today. We went to those we trust: friends, family, and artists from all corners of the U.S. who push boundaries and infuse their work with heart and soul. Gem Drops brings together a diverse array of styles, but remains focused on spotlighting the kind of future-sound sensibility that makes modern music worth listening to."

The disk is available on the Dropping Gems bandcamp page, complete with a name-your-price option. However, all proceeds from the sale of "Gem Drops" benefits the American Cancer Institute and their continuing research into a cure. It's a great cause, with an added bonus of a hand-made, hand-decorated physical CD for anyone who donates $15 or more. Be sure to include shipping information in your order if you decide to go this route.

The comp disc features Shigeto, Devonwho, Juj, Connie Hawkins, and Sumsun, among numerous others. It's a rad collection of music, and proves that beat heads are capable of more altruistic endeavors than smoking blunts and listening to J Dilla.

Closer To That Situation by Connie Hawkins

Primus - My Name is Mud (Eskmo Remix)

Fresh off of Eskmo's twitter, this song is a few years old, but bumps all the harder because of it. My name is mud, my name is mud...

My Name is Mud - Primus (Eskmo Remix) (2008) by Eskmo

Shigeto - Full Circle Remixes EP

Brooklyn-based producer Zach Saginaw aka Shigeto recently dropped an EP of stellar remixes from his Ghostly International debut album "Full Circle". Samiyam, Take, Mike Slott and Om Unit provide tracks, among other excellent company from the world's premier electronica scene. The album begins with a new Shigeto track, a tribal bass voodoo shouting banger entitled "Sacrificial". Grab a listen below.


01 Sacrificial by SHIGETO

Pretty Lights - Empire State of Mind (Remix) [Feat. Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G. & Alicia Keys]

Pretty Lights released a remixtape recently, with a bunch of unreleased remixes that he'd been playing at live shows for the past year or so, and this is one of the best of the bunch. Derek takes Biggie's "Juicy" acapella, drops it over the "Empire State of Mind" beat with Key's chorus and adds in a few very subtle womps and some bass. It's the song he's been closing his shows with, and it never fails to get the crowd moving like crazy. Having seen this track firsthand at a Pretty Lights show last year, it definitely has some sentimental value, but anyone who enjoys at least one of these two songs (which is everyone, right?) will love this.


Head on on over to Pretty Lights Music to grab the rest of the remix pack, or any of Pretty Light's other work (It's all free)!


Pretty Lights - Empire State of Mind (Remix) [Feat. Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G. & Alicia Keys]

Drake - November 18th

Throwback off of Drake's stepping stone to success, So FarGone. God, he's so damn smooth. This song drips steez.

"Don't know why it happens every time we alone / But here we are again and I swear I'm in my zone / So I'ma sip this drink till that motherfucker gone / Than you go get undressed and we gon' get it on"

Drake - November 18th

Lil' B - Base For Your Face (Feat. Jean Grae & Phonte) [Prod. 9th Wonder]

 

I swore to myself I'd never post Lil' B on this blog. Although I do love swag, I can't stand listening to the self-proclaimed BASEDgod shouting it over every single beat he gets on. Oh and who the fuck wants to be Ellen Degeneres? Or Paris Hilton. Lil' B is one interesting dude. Despite my promise, this record is too good to deny posting. You've got my interest B, now keep it up and you'll have yourself a new fan. Anyway, you know 9th Wonder goes in on the beat, with a sexy sample and booming drums (AKA he's get some bass for your face). Lil' B lays down a nice verse, and it turns out he actually has a lot more to say than just "swag". Plus, you know Phonte and and Jean are doin' their thing.

#SWAG

Lil' B - Base For Your Face (Feat. Jean Grae & Phonte)

Video!: DOGSTEP! (Dubstep Dancing Dogs)

This is preposterous (my new favorite word of late). That is all.
 

Dirty South Joe & Flufftronix - Luvstep 2

Let me introduce you to the best dubstep mix you've never heard. On Valentines Day 2010, producers Dirty South Joe & Flufftronix dropped their first Luvstep mix, and they've done it again this year. I haven't decided which one I like better yet, but I think I'm just going to pretend they're one long, continuous mix so I don't have too. Honestly, they could be the same mix; Dirty South Joe and Fluff did a great job of sticking to the same sort of tracks on this second mix. This is really melodic, chilled out dubstep. Everyone loves a good face melter once in awhile, but this is the dubstep that I really love.

Hit the jump for the tracklist and download.

Gold Panda - Marriage EP

UK producer Gold Panda dropped a new EP on Ghostly International beginning of this last month. The title track "Marriage" is a house-music get down viewed from a cruising altitude of 20,000 feet, and the stellar Star Slinger, Baths, Halls, and Forest Swords remixes filling out the rest of the album solidify the vibe of the EP while also expanding the overall context of the sound. One track viewed from five different angles, Star Slinger's bassy groove versus Bath's pastoral echoes versus Forest Sword's entire restructuring of the song with sung children's choir vocal samples. It's a fabulous body of music, and one that is definitely worth picking up on vinyl, if they ever get around to pressing it. Check out the Ghostly International store to pick up the digital release.

Gold Panda: Marriage EP by Gold Panda

Video!: Chris Brown - Real Hip Hop Shit

Chris Brown on a song called "Real Hip Hop Shit"? I'm intrigued. Chris Brown rapping on a song called "Real Hip Hop Shit"? And he goes in for the entire song, not just the half-rap, half-singing he usually does? Now I'm really intrigued. I don't think it's half bad. What about you guys?

DJ Cones - Latitude (Feat. Kanye West, Drake & Lupe Fiasco)

 

Can't tell you guys how much I like this record. I've been bumping it for a year or so now, and it's honestly one of the best mashups/remixes I've ever heard. A lush piano loop, great verses, and a bangin' chorus (albeit all of the lyrics are recycled, but I hadn't heard a couple of the verses before I got this) make this one a must-have addition for your iTunes. GET IT. NOW.

This is off DJ Cones first mixtape, Beatconector Presents Stethoscope Remix-Mixtape Vol.1 (back when he was called Beatconector. There's some great stuff on that mixtape, so hit the link and grab it.

Check out DJ Cones on Myspace, where you can find links to his YouTube page, and his newest mixtape, DJ Cones Stethoscope Vol.2 Remixtape.

DJ Cones - Latitude (Feat. Kanye West, Drake & Lupe Fiasco)

Beans

Brooklyn-based MC Beans is out of his fucking mind. This is hip-hop, i guess, but its more unexpected than anything else. Beans is the style master of his own style. His Cut Chemist-esque attack on the mic is unparalleled, and certainly interesting to listen to. His latest album "End it All" is out on Anticon records, and features a host of production contributors, with heads like Nobody, Four Tet, and Tobacco banging out beats.

"..the landscape of NY has changed w/ more things we don't need like more MC's or another Duane Reade scratch and sniff your whole aura is flora most rappers bore me rotten like a dead skunk orgy or a girl jus laying there these weak fucks is lame spit on her back and pretend I came ...."



And here's the DJ Nobody produced cut here...



Check it wreck it read it.

Freddie Gibbs - Something New (Feat. YP)

Yes, those are speakers. Oh, and yes, this is the car you should be bumping this next song in. Anything less, and the speakers really won't do it justice.

So do you guys remember that one time, where Dr. Dre came out with one of the best hip hop albums of all time? And remember that time when "Xxplosive" (and every other song on that record, for that matter) was a cut? Producer Million $ Mano does. Here, he pulls the same sample (Soul Mann & the Brothers cover of "Bumpy's Lament" by Isaac Hayes) that "Xxplosive" uses and flips it and makes it his own. Freddie Gibbs owns this beat, and his smooth flow just feels right over the soulful production.

"I take a blunt to the face / And then I turn up the bass"

Freddie Gibbs - Something New (Feat. YP)

Mixtape!: Chip Tha Ripper - Gift Raps

Brand spankin' new Chip that Rip for all you heads out there. The entire tape is produced by Chuck Inglish (except for a two tracks), and his signature deep bass pervades the entire thing. I think The Cleveland Show was better, but this is a solid effort. It dropped at midnight tonight (east coast time), and #GIFTRAPS is a trending topic on twitter right now, so expect big things from Chip and Chuck/The Cool Kids in 2011. They both have official albums dropping, and are getting mad hype from all over the place.

Chip Tha Ripper - Gift Raps (Mixtape)

Video!: Gorillaz - On Melancholy Hill (Live Lounge Radio)

Another live, acoustic version of a song I love for you guys. For the past term, "On Melancholy Hill" has been my all-weather jam. I play it when I'm getting ready to go out, when I'm upset, or while I'm cooking dinner; it fits any occasion. The acoustic version strips down the original, getting rid of the catchy synths and replaces them with a xylophone, or maybe glockenspiel... Shit, maybe I should have paid attention in 5th grade music class. The guitar sounds raw and Alborn's wistful vocals make this a beautiful version of an already top notch song.

Gorillaz - On Melancholy Hill (Live Acoustic Version)

BONUS: Here's a great house mix of the original song, done by AN21 & Max Vangelis. Extra bass and the original melody, plus some great additions make this one is a definite keeper.

Gorillaz - On Melancholy Hill (AN21 & Max Vangeli Remix)

Make sure to listen to/buy the original over on iTunes; it's been one of my favorite songs of the past year.

Raekwon - Molasses (Feat. Ghostface Killah & Rick Ross)

Brand new Chef, ladies and gents. Well, more like a couple days old Chef, but that's new god damn it. I can't stand how music has no longevity anymore, especially in the blogosphere. I digress, however, from my original point. This song is a cut. Smooth like... Molasses? Funny how that works. Rae is on his usual wordsmith game, and Ghostface kills it per usual. Rozay, also as usual, is nothing special.


Shaolin Vs. Wu-Tang coming March 8th!

Raekwon - Molasses (Feat. Ghostface Killah & Rick Ross)
*Removed by request

Soul'd Out Music Festival

2011 is the year of the music festival. Although the festival scene has been going strong for over a decade now, in the past few years, festivals have seen increasing numbers, more hype, and not just at established festivals;  new festivals have been starting all across the country.

Soul'd Out Festivalm in Portland, Oregon, is one of those new festivals. Its first year was 2010, and its lineup included Pretty Lights, Gil Scott-Heron, Steel Pulse, and a 7-10 other artists who could all be placed under a very broad category of "soul". With Lauryn Hill, Mos Def, Ice Cube, Rusko, and more playing this years festival, the lineup is way bigger and much better than last years. With a slightly not-so-average festival schedule, Soul'd Out follows the form of Musicfest Northwest (another Portland festival), in that Soul'd Out will holds its events over a longer period of time (2 weeks) and at multiple different venues across the city.

Get venue info, tickets, schedules and more at Soul'd Out Productions website: souldoutfestival.com

A sampling:

Down for Whatever - Ice Cube

Burkina Faso - Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad

Soldier On (Rusko's F'kin Seagull Remix) - The Temper Trap

It's Kinda Like That

As a blogger, I have a (very) long list of songs and ideas for posts. As I was cruising the interwebz, I came across this gem, and I decided I had to interupt my planned programming because this was just too good to pass up. Take one (1) epicly awesome picture, add two (2) massive dubstep songs, put it in Blogger for 5 minutes at 350 degrees, and you have yourself a great post.

Oh, and yes, dubstep is kinda like that.

 White Satin (Original Mix) - Zeds Dead - Great Moody Blues sample. Zeds Dead always delivers.

 Cozza Frenzy (Bassnectar Mega-Bass Remix) - Bassnectar - Wasn't aware you could give this song more bass. You learn new things every day.

EDC 2011 Moves to Vegas

 

Electric Daisy Carnival, one of the world's bigget electronic music events, is moving to Las Vegas for it's Summer 2011 West Coast edition. Thoughts/complaints/props? Did Insomniac make the right move after all the turmoil at the Coliseum last year?

Here's the article:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/02/rave-embroiled-in-a-subject-of-conflict-of-interest-scandal-to-move-to-las-vegas-from-los-angeles-me.html

Flying Lotus @ Canberra

Just thought this video was the shit. That's it. That's all.



Sincerely,
Lanky Lightning

Miguel - All I Want Is You (Feat. J. Cole)

I'm really not sure why it's taken me so long to post this song, seeing as it was possibly my favorite song of 2010. OK, maybe not favorite, but at least top 5.  This was the single that directly preceded "Sure Thing", so again, I probably should have posted it first, but over here at Get Lifted, we JUST DON'T GIVE A FUCK. Anyways...... J. Cole on the track, Miguel is smooth as ever. Nothing else you need to know. This record is all killer, no filler.

Miguel - All I Want Is You (Feat. J. Cole)

Bibio - Excuses

Fresh off of the Warp Records website, Bibio aka Stephen Wilkinson has a brand new full length track available for listen of off his latest LP "Mind Bokeh", due for release in the next few weeks. The track begins as a dubbed out ballad, Wilkinson's voice lilting and wilting over a spaciously pulsing noir-disco atmosphere, before growing into a electric light kaleidoscope of analog sound, finally reaching a slapshod crescendo over voice clips and cut up found sounds. Truly a great track.



There is a fragment of time, which is not recorded. There is a moment of darkness...

Sincerely,
Lanky Lightning

P.S. An older Bibio track, "Fire Ant" is available for listen here. A personal favorite.

Chip Locke - All That (Feat. Nick Kahl)

 

Chip Locke is homegrown rap straight outta Portland, Oregon. His tight flow rolls perfectly over the soulful beat as he raps about blunts, bitches, and, well, you know.... Nick Kahl has a nice guest feature as well. You will be hearing a lot more great stuff from these guys, and it'll all definitely be coming through here for your listening pleasure.

Look forward to our upcoming post on his first mixtape Your Neighborhood Drug Dealer.

Check Chip out over at his Facebook  or his Soundcloud page.

All That (Feat. Nick Kahl) by Chip Locke

Lupe Fiasco - All Black Everything

God damn, Lupe up and done it again. If I was excited for March 8 before I heard this track, I don't even know how to describe how I feel now. Lupe has dropped what he describes on twitter as his "favorite record ever", and I'm gonna have to say he may be right. Over a really good amazing beat, Lupe imagines a world where slavery never happened, crack wasn't invented, and MLK Jr. reads Malcom X's eulogy. Lupe paints a picture of what the world could have been, in the hope that it will inspire us towards a better future.

Lu delivers one of my favorite lines in a long time when he describes a world where:

"Keepin' it real is not an understood concept / Yea, complexion's not a contest / Cuz racism has no context / Hip hop ain't got a section called conscious."

This really hit home because it's always been an inner struggle for me when listening to hip-hop to ignore the often misogynistic, homophobic, and generally ignorant lyrics that so many songs contain. Just imagine a world where people didn't go around labeling any hip hop with a positive message "conscious". A world where mainstream hip hop wasn't part of the problem, a world where I could turn on the radio and actually have the songs on it mean something. I'm rambling now, but I think I may have to do a post on this subject later, because I've still got a lot left to say.

In summary: #AllBlackEverything #March8th



Stream only right now. Support real music and buy Lasers, in stores March 8th.

Respect Your Roots - A Lounge-Hop Retrospective

What's good internet world? Lanky Lightning here, bringing you a couple'a way back play backs for the day. A DJ's got to respect his roots, see, and lately, I've been falling in love with early to late 90's jazz-hop turntablism. Oddly specific, you say? Not so. Artists like DJ Shadow, DJ Cam, Thievery Corporation, Dr. Octogon, MF Doom, Steinski, Madlib, and Blackanized (among many others) have been pursuing the artform for years now. Here's a quick sampling of three super fresh tracks for a brisk February morning.

First, Blackanized's absolutely amazing track "Vibe'brations". Hailing from Edinburgh, Joseph Malik met A.J. Nutall in the mid-90's, and immediately began cranking out high quality hip hop with integrity. Instrumental in launching the careers of Scotland Yard Emcee's and a young KT Tunstall, Blackanized released the Future Generations EP in 1999. The music is a beautiful mixture of soulful cool jazz sax runs and smooth scratched beats. Check it below.



Second, DJ Cam's "Mad Blunted Jazz". Released in 1995 by French turn-master Laurent Daumail, the entire album strikes me as lightyears ahead of its time in terms of overall vision and sound.



Third, the momumental track "The Motorcade Sped On", First released in 1987 by Steve "Steinski" Stein. The beat gained notoriety for its use of clips and snippets from the assassination of JFK and the accompanying news broadcasts. Steinski's greatest claim to fame is his creation of "The Lessons" with Doug "Double Dee" DiFranco, an extensive series of breakbeats and vocal clips that brought DJing and turntablism to the forefront of pop culture. Check out "The Motorcade Sped On" and "Country Grammar (Hydro Remix)" below.





Blunt/Fuck sesh anyone?

Sincerely,
Lanky Lightning

VIDEO!: Childish Gambino - Got This Money (Acoustic @ Ace Hotel)

Donald Glover aka 30 Rock Writer aka Member of Derrick Comedy aka Rapper? Glover has been releasing tapes since back in June of 2008, under the name Childish Gambino. This is an acoustic version of one of the songs off his newest album, Culdesac. You'll be seeing more from him here soon.

I don't think this is exactly the same version as in the video, but it's pretty much equivalent, and higher quality.

Got This Money (Acoustic @ Ace Hotel) - Childish Gambino

P.S. Artist name first now, followed by the song/video title. Switchin' it up. In case anyone cares.

Lunice - Freaky

LankyLightning in the place to be, bringing you the beat of the day. Here's Montreal producer Lunice's latest track "Freaky", arriving fresh off the twitter presses. The song is perfect mix of electronic beatzzz and hip hop swag. A Lunice-tweet almost sums up his approach to music better than I can...

@Lunice: "Some girls were yelling 'PLAY DUBSTEP' at my show, so I said 'HERE'S SOME NEW LUNICE DUBSTEP' and then just played rap. Lol!"

Teach me how to dougie indeed.



Just trying to keep the boob theme of the day going, you know how it is.

Here's a link to the free download, available off of RCRDLBL.com. I'm having mad troubles with the link so just copy and paste into your browser... http://rcrdlbl.com/artists/Lunice/track/Freaky

Here's a little clip of Lunice going a little bit dumb live. He's actually a fairly good breakdancer in addition to making good music...



Sincerely,
Lanky Lightning