Dan the Automator rework.

Typically any white suburban kid's entry into hip hop begins with "Rapper's delight." I wish I could claim that I fell in love with hip hop by listening to Cool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, Fab Five Freddy or the Treacherous Three but that simply would not be the truth. Sure I heard 2 Pac, Biggie, Snoop and N.W.A. in middle school but "gangster rap" (if that is what you wan't to call it) just was not for me. It was when I heard "Rapper's delight" on the radio as my dad drove me to my friend's house that I knew there was more to hip hop than rap. Long story short, I feel in love with the sound and haven't looked back.

Daniel M. Nakamura aka Dan the Automator has been making fantastic hip hop since 1989. His 1999 record with Prince Paul, So How's Your Girl? remains one of my favorite hip hop records of all time. Here it is Dan the Automator has a fresh take on "Rapper's Delight" and then that take has been remixed by some top notch talent. This 2009 version features Dan the Automator on the beat with Chali2na, along with Casual and Domino from the Hieroglyphics Crew. Check out a remix of the song. If you can't get into this then there is something wrong with you. Check it out:


Mp3: Dan the Automator - "Rapper's Delight" (Van She Remix)

Learn more here. Guess the track was made for some French Evian commercial.

New video from Charli 2na.

Chicago's own Charli 2na with a new video featuring Talib Kweli. Kweli is pedestrian at best but as always I love Charli's delivery and voice. The other dude in the video whoever he is gets no love. The beat on this track is great as well. Check it out.

Track is the single Charli's solo album, Fish Outta Water which comes out today on Decon Records. Video is directed by Decon's Yoram Benz and Jason Goldwatch.

How does auto-tune work?

Cool video from PBS' show Nova. Check it out. Sorry T-Pain the gig is up! Thank you KP for the tip.

Learn more: PBS page on Auto-Tune

Stevie Wonder's tribute to MJ.

Unreal. One legend to another legend. Miss you Michael.

The return of Reflection Eternal.

Hip hop stalwarts Talib Kweli and producer/DJ Hi-Tek have once again joined forces. Their debut, Train for Thought is a certified hip hop classic and their track "Move Somethin'" remains one of my all time favorite hip hop tracks. Their new record is Revolutions Per Minute and is due out this summer. Check out this video for the first single, "Back Again."

Peanut Butter Wolf's MJ tribute.

Part 1 from PBW of Stones Throw records.

Never can say goodbye.

"And when the groove is dead and gone. You know that love survives. So we can rock forever." - Michael Jackson

Mp3: Michael Jackson - "Never Can Say Goodbye" (Beatnick & K-Salaam Remix)

Rest in peace Michael.

Damn. Hard to think he is not with us anymore. It is a hard day. The greastest ever is gone. It really hasn't set in. A lot of feelings. I will miss you Michael. Thank you for all the wonderful music. You have left us too soon. My words just won't do.

Wax Tailor "Say Yes."

New music from French producer Wax Tailor. Tailor has made some strong records these last couple years with Tales of Forgotten Melodies and Hope & Sorrow. His new record is In the Mood for Life in stores in September.

New music from Air France.

New electro-pop jam from Analog Giant favorite Air France. Track is part II of "a love letter in three parts". I admittedly haven't found out what the love letter is about and have just been listening to this track.


mp3: Air France - "GBG belongs to us" (via GvB)

photo of Gothenburg's central station by kejsardavid

Mos Def's "Quiet Dog."

Guess its video Monday or I am just being lazy after a day of work. Regardless this is in a whole different direction then the last post. Mos Def is out and about hyping his new record The Ecstatic. The track "Quiet Dog" was played on David Letterman on the 8th. Check it out. Unlike his previous two records which I found a bit lacking Mos Def has really created a great record in The Ecstatic. Go get it if you have not yet.

Stan Bush's "The Touch."

Didn't see the last Transformers movie and not going to. Haven't seen the latest Transformers movie and not going to see that either...guess I have been on a bit of a Michael Bay boycott ever since I foolishly watched Pearl Harbor in the theater back in college. But you certainly need to check out this music video from the original animated cartoon Transformers movie. The song is vintage 80's gold and you can rest assured it has nothing to do with Mr. Bay. Check out the ripping electric guitar, inspirational lyrics and the high flying special effects.

Sage Francis' Sick of Wasting Time.

Activist and politically motivated Sage Francis has been a staple in the underground world of hip hop for a long time. He has created some absolutly fantastic tracks ("Slowdown Gandhi" and "Broken Wings" comes to mind). His new free mixtape features production from Buck 65 among others along with some pretty provacative lyrics and track titles. Get the album from Epitaph records and check out a track.


Mp3: Sage Francis - "Strange Fame" (via XLR8R)

Mp3 download: Get the entire Sick of Wasting Time album here.

photo by Strumoff.

Japan's best hip hop producers.

New record out on Universal Music. This features a bunch of talented Japanese producers, and several new songs from the AG loved, Nujabes. Album has a fantastic title that should give you a hint to the type of music featured. Mellow Beats, Friends & Lovers is certainly recommended by myself. Check out a track off the record.


MP3: Nujabes - "Child's Attraction"

Buy: Get Mellow Beats, Friends & Lovers here.

photo of DJ Mitsu the Beats by Hermosdef.

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.

The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble released their self titled record on May 8th. This fantastically tallented jazz and funk band hail from right here in Chicago. I certainly recommend checking out their record which this video is drawn from.

Q-Tip and Z-Trip tonight in Chicago.

If you haven't gotten your tickets yet you may be out of luck but Q-Tip and Z-Trip are playing live tonight at the Chicago House of Blues. Z-Trip the mashup king puts on a very entertaining live show and unlike some, he actually knows the art of mixing records. I have never seen Q-Tip live but as a hip hop fan I certainly celebrate his entire catalog. Looking forward to going tonight. Be sure to try and get down there and check it out. Hope to see you there.

I should mention that this is part of Bacardi's B-Live events. If you have not checked out their list of artists you certainly should cause it is quite impressive. However is running things there certainly knows good music.


Mp3: Nirvana - "Lounge Act" (Z-Trip Remix)


Mp3: Z-Trip - "Downtime"

Personally "Downtime" might be my favorite instrumental hip hop track of all-time...so smooth.

45 the Revenge of Soul.

New music from 45 aka SWING-O Japanese trackmaker, producer and pianist. His latest record is Revenge of Soul out on Origami records (sorry its all in Japanese). This is some vintage style throwback stuff here that you simply must listen to. Full of great production, soul this dude has been on more than 100 album as a producer, composer, pianist. This is some pretty amazing stuff. Check it out.

Mp3: 45 feat. Stephanie McKay - "I Believe"

Buy: Pick up Revenge of Soul here (iTunes).

New music from Onra.

New music from beatcrafter and producer Onra. I have been really enjoying Chinoiseries which I only stumbled upon a couple months ago. His latest is 1.0.8 and its equally as good. This Paris based producer certainly posses some "deft fingers" and a great knack for the hip hop beat. If you don't know Onra think RZA, Madlib and the late Dilla with obscure samples and killer drums. Get this 19 track record as soon as possible. Here is a sample.

Mp3: Onra - "Come Closer" (Kicks & Claps Edit)

Buy: Purchase 1.0.8 here.

AWOL One and Factor new music.

More new hip hop from an LA based emcee. This is new stuff from AWOL ONE aka Anthony Martin from East L.A. California. Now in his early 30's AWOL One feels that he has recorded his best album yet, the upcoming Fake Four release Owl Hours featuring Producer/DJ Factor is due out July 21st. Check out a track.

Mp3: AWOL One & Factor feat. Aesop Rock & Myka 9 - "Stand Up"

Buy: Get more info on the upcoming record here.

Music from Dumbfoundead.

Yes that is Dumbfoundead(sic) spelled with a "dead" instead of "ded." You should not let the lack of spelling prowess or play on words get in the way of this LA emcee who has heaps of talent (he has been rapping since he was 14). Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he came to reside in Koreatown, Los Angeles, at the age of 3 and discoverd Project Blowed at the age of 16.

Dumbfoundead is part of Team Swim, LA underground supergroup consisting of Open Mike Eagle ("Art Rap Party"), Dumbfoundead ("Junior College"), Sahtyre ("J-O-B"), and Alpha MC. His latest project is the record Fun with Dumb featuring some of the best underground hip hop has to offer. Check out a track.


Mp3: Dumbfoundead feat. Abstract Rude & Aceyalone - "One Day"

Buy: Get the record Fun with Dumb here.

Wale featuring Lady Gaga video.

I am not really into any Lady Gaga music but I do love Wale. Check out a video featuring them both.

President Obama in Cairo.

In case you missed this fantastic speech.

Paranoid video.

Ok so the last "Paranoid" video that was posted was not the final version. Here is the final version directed by Nabil and starring the lovely Rihanna. Check it out.

Machine Drum & Mr. London.

Machine Drum aka Travis Stewart glich, tech hip hop extraordinaire has teamed up with Theophilus London featured in this month's Fader magazine and hyped as URB's next 100. The result is great hip hop track. A bunch of people think differently but I am enjoying this. "Late Night Operation" is featured on Machine Drum's upcoming record Want to 1 2?

Mp3: Machine Drum feat. Theophilus London - "Late Night Operation"

Buy: Purchase Want to 1 2? It is out now get it here.

photo by Fader Magazine.

Contest: Daedelus/Poirier tickets.

Ghislain Poirier and Daedelus will be playing at the Funky Buddah Social Club on the 11th of June in Chicago. Both are Analog Giant favorites and I am certainly excited to check it out. I have pair of tickets to give away for the show. Only requirements is:

1. You live in Chicago.
2. You are planning on going.

It is first come first serve so just post in the comments your email contact and were you live and the first to post wins. Remember comments are moderated so don't lose it when you don't see your post right away. Good luck.