This classic track comes from 24 Hour Karate School, the latest compilation from Ski Beatz, the producer behind Jay-Z's Reasonable Doubt album. Mos is featured on many of the tracks, so don't sleep on the September 7th release. In the meantime, vibe out to Cream of the Planet.
Living Up to the Hype
7.07.2010
Before I moved out here, I kept hearing how great Brooklyn was. Anytime something gets talked up too much, it's pretty inevitable that you're gonna be disappointed because your expectations were set too high. For once, this proved to be untrue. Since moving to Brooklyn I am constantly amazed with how many layers it has to peel back.
So in honor of my admiration for my new home, here's a pretty dope blend and video done by the good folks at Cookin Soul.
Hello, Brooklyn. It's been a pleasure getting to know you.
Sounds, Smoke & Amsterdam
7.03.2010
I'm still convinced that one of the best things you can give someone is music. Luckily, since moving to NYC, I've met a good amount of people who know about music. How refreshing.
Through a music exchange, the homie Frei hyped me to some fellas out of Amsterdam by the name of Full Crate & Mar. I'm not sure what Amsterdam has in the water — but I think we all know what they have in the air — which must be part of the reason these musicians come out with some of the smoothest, most melodic, laid back music around. Full Crate & Mar definitely have a similar vibe to one of my favorite producers, Nicolay, the man behind The Foreign Exchange brilliance.
If you find yourself with a little down time this 4th of July weekend, cool out to some of these sounds. See if you can't see the smoke rising in the air as you let this song wash over you. Not to mention, this video is pretty awesome. You know I love when a video matches a song.
Note: Make sure you get to the 1:40 mark. After you've inhaled them in, if you want some more of their good stuff, cop their EP, Conversations With Her.
Through a music exchange, the homie Frei hyped me to some fellas out of Amsterdam by the name of Full Crate & Mar. I'm not sure what Amsterdam has in the water — but I think we all know what they have in the air — which must be part of the reason these musicians come out with some of the smoothest, most melodic, laid back music around. Full Crate & Mar definitely have a similar vibe to one of my favorite producers, Nicolay, the man behind The Foreign Exchange brilliance.
If you find yourself with a little down time this 4th of July weekend, cool out to some of these sounds. See if you can't see the smoke rising in the air as you let this song wash over you. Not to mention, this video is pretty awesome. You know I love when a video matches a song.
Note: Make sure you get to the 1:40 mark. After you've inhaled them in, if you want some more of their good stuff, cop their EP, Conversations With Her.
Helping You Get Over
6.21.2010
The Roots' latest album, How I Got Over, drops tomorrow and per usual, they came super correct. You might recall the first single video I posted back in February in honor of the anticipated classic albums of 2010. Having gotten my hands on a pre-release version, let me assure you The Roots do not disappoint. Below are two of my favorite tracks off the album, The Fire and Walk Alone.
UPDATE: since those vids got pulled for copywrite, check the new video for Dear God, 2.0.
Thankfully you never have to walk alone if you have the right tune running through your headphones. Music is therapy and The Roots are next level analysts. While I have no intention of thanking Drake for anything, the Roots I will definitely thank now.
UPDATE: since those vids got pulled for copywrite, check the new video for Dear God, 2.0.
Thankfully you never have to walk alone if you have the right tune running through your headphones. Music is therapy and The Roots are next level analysts. While I have no intention of thanking Drake for anything, the Roots I will definitely thank now.
Heavy Artillery
6.05.2010
You know, sometimes the crazier the world gets, the more I need loud music. Like maybe if the beat is hard enough I won't think about how insane 2010 has been so far.
Last week Kanye dropped his new single, Power, off his upcoming album Good Ass Job, that is reminiscent of the Jesus Walks militaristic gospel type beat that first brought Kanye into the game as an artist. Then we also have General Patton from Big Boi, off his July anticipated album, Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty, that also has that church choir meets marching band style.
Perhaps I'm not the only one in need of a loud, consistent base line this year. When the going gets tough, guess we all gotta find a way to reload, whether through religion or repetitive rhythm.
Visualizing the Great Spill
5.28.2010
This whole oil "spill" thing has made me stop and think about just how much stuff we "spill" onto the earth in general. There's a lot more being dumped into the oceans than just oil, unfortunately.
While the news has been pretty grim this year, ignorance won't help anyone. But sometimes it's pretty damn impossible to comprehend the magnitude of all that's going on. Thankfully we have artists like Chris Jordan who has taken the numbers and made art out of them, producing functional, educational and stimulating pieces that help bring it all to scale. His Running the Numbers exhibit showcases that while a photo is worth 1,000 words, it can also capture 106,000 aluminum cans.
Beware, Jordan might have you rethinking your own contribution to the Great Spill.
While the news has been pretty grim this year, ignorance won't help anyone. But sometimes it's pretty damn impossible to comprehend the magnitude of all that's going on. Thankfully we have artists like Chris Jordan who has taken the numbers and made art out of them, producing functional, educational and stimulating pieces that help bring it all to scale. His Running the Numbers exhibit showcases that while a photo is worth 1,000 words, it can also capture 106,000 aluminum cans.
Beware, Jordan might have you rethinking your own contribution to the Great Spill.
Music Musts
5.18.2010
Sorry y'all. Been a bit busy with moving and whatnot, but I'm trying to get back into this blog thang. Given that these two must-have albums dropped today, I couldn't let these pass without some screen time.
Ms. Moane's amazing funky unique style, coupled with features from Saul Williams and Big Boi, make this album a must buy. Amazon has it for $7.99. For less than the price of lunch you can have some feel-good music forever.
Anyone who heard Road to Zion knows that it's hard to deny that NaS and Junior Gong make a brilliant team. This album doesn't disappoint musically or lyrically, allowing both artists to explore their african roots. As Marley said in the New York Times' article, "By the time Africa is developed it will be the Wonderland of the world... But it nah go just drop out of the sky. So we have to put in work." While the amount of work Africa needs may seem daunting, at least now we've got some theme music to whistle to while we work.
Jannelle Monae - The ArchAndroid
Ms. Moane's amazing funky unique style, coupled with features from Saul Williams and Big Boi, make this album a must buy. Amazon has it for $7.99. For less than the price of lunch you can have some feel-good music forever.
NaS & Damian Marley - Distant Relatives
Anyone who heard Road to Zion knows that it's hard to deny that NaS and Junior Gong make a brilliant team. This album doesn't disappoint musically or lyrically, allowing both artists to explore their african roots. As Marley said in the New York Times' article, "By the time Africa is developed it will be the Wonderland of the world... But it nah go just drop out of the sky. So we have to put in work." While the amount of work Africa needs may seem daunting, at least now we've got some theme music to whistle to while we work.
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