Future Classic: Fred Fades & Ivan Ave “Reaping”
Seeing as their album titled “Fruitful” is only coming out on December 4th, I probably shouldn’t jump the gun and declare this a “future classic” just based on their first single. But judging from the work i’ve heard so far from producer Fred Fades and Ivan Ave I’m going to pre-emptively …
WOKE (Flying Lotus, Shabazz Palaces, Thundercat) “The Lavishments of Light Looking”
Flying Lotus, Shabazz Palaces (formerly of Digable Planets), and Thundercat are combining forces on a new project called WOKE that has all the potential to be one of the finest “super group” records in a long time. It will surely push a few boundaries… The first peak into the project is the track “The Lavishments …
Classic Mixes: Dj Babu / Kankick “Comprehension” Cassette Tape (1999)
I heard about this classic mixtape through Kutmah who named it as one of his favorite mixes of all-time. So I decided to dig it out and found a copy floating out there. The mixtape is from the late 90’s and was distributed through Fat Beats. It featured Babu of …
Future Classic: Sampa The Great “The Great Mixtape”
Whenever I go on the road for some DJ dates, I always fill up the iPod Classic with all of the newest releases and other music on my daunting “to-listen” pile. After hours in airport and train station waiting lines there is always at least one release that jumps out …
Future Classic: Ivan Ave “Machines”
I am currently on tour in Europe so I don’t have as much time as usual to do my intensive weekly research, however I still keep tabs on my current go-to / can’t miss artists when they release something new. The young Norwegian MC with the slick & smooth voice …
Future Classic: Scienze “A Travelling Man Vol.4”
At a time where you often have to try and scream louder than the next person in hopes of getting your content noticed, some people do the complete opposite. Focus on the quality of the product, release with 0 hype and hope that it somehow resonates through all the clutter. …
Forgotten Treasure: The Ahmad Jamal Trio “The Awakening” (1970) + Samples
Ahmad Jamal is without a doubt one of the last true jazz giants who is still active. Armed with his piano, the Pittsburg native delivered a legendary trio session at the beginning of the 70’s. After having produced close to 20 albums for Chess Records and sub-labels Argo and Cadet, …
Future Classic: Finale “Odds & Ends”
via Mello Music Group: Finale needed to live. Such a fundamental and basic idea often gets overlooked in the fast food mentality of popular culture. You can make music without something to say, but it rarely lasts. The records that stick with us are usually those with a deeper understanding …
Classic Mixes: Dj Premier “New York Reality Check 101″ (1997)
This CD is a compilation of independent New York City artists from 1997. It is arranged & presented by Haze (New York City graffiti artist) & mixed by DJ Premier. Blends, mixes, scratches and all that slick stuff: DJ Premier. Album mixed at Premier’s Crib. The various intro/outro/skit tracks on this …
Oddisee – Belong To The World (Official Video)
Oddisee says: “Belong to the World” is a song about making a transition from feeling like i didnt fit it to anything, into understanding we belong to everything. It is a song about understanding that the world is bigger than the small things we want to be a part of. …
Future Classic: Capone-N-Noreaga “Lessons”
I was reading through the latest rap news and releases this morning: Meek Mill wants to run for mayor of Chicago, Drake releases a diss track to Meek for riding Nicky Minaj’s coattails, Fetty Wap has two songs in the top 10… Maybe it’s an age thing. Maybe I don’t understand, …
“Rapping to the Beat” 1981 Report by ABC News
When the mainstream media reports on an emerging artistic movement or even new technology it’s usually pretty cringe-worthy. Much like the hilarious 1994 TV feature on “what is the internet“, this 1981 TV report on ABC News will make you laugh, shake your head is disbelief and make you realize how far …