Yesterdays Universe drops next month. The record consists of releases by Yesterdays New Quintet (aka Madlib aka Otis Jackson Jr.) and introduces a new collection of artist names created by Madlib: The Jazzistics, The Young Jazz Rebels, Jackson Conti, Suntouch and the Jahari Massamba Unit.
From 2000-2007 Madlib produced and arranged the Yesterdays New Quintet and their affiliate projects. You can just chalk it up to another solid release by the talented Madlib and the wonderful Stones Throw label. Check out a track off the upcoming record. Read Filter magazine's review here.
Yeah another Justice track. While the indie loved Justice might be just about everywhere these days its well deserved. Cross sign is one of the best albums of the year, just listen to "Phantom II" or "Genesis" and tell me differently. Here is a great great remix (might just be better than the original) of the MJ tribute track "D.A.N.C.E." Check it out.
Some find Prince as a bit of a polarizing figure but I have nothing but love for the dude. One of the best artists of all time. Literally. Well, check out this essential mix by AG favorite U-Tern. Its full of unreleased and rare mixes. Check out the track list here. Download it here.
Some nice things going on for the Sonics. I was a big Ray Allen fan, but his fragile ankles were a liability and hes on the downside of his career, so getting a top notch talent for him is fantastic (Celtics fans have got to be out of their mind right now...that franchise is hopeless...they are the new Clippers). Durant and Green is a great start to rebuilding. Can't wait...now lets just hope they stay in Seattle where they need to be.
On another note my other favorite b-ball squad drafted the most annoying dude in sports. I thought they needed a low post scorer? Uhhh Noah can't shoot to save his life and hes just a crappier version of Tyrus Thomas.
Cansei de Ser Sexy or just CSS have remixed a great little track by the Cribs (see the video here). CSS give it that electro-fuck sound and it definately gives the track new life. Both are good...check it out. The Cribs record comes out July 17th.
For some reason my blog isn't showing up remotely organized in Firefox. I have ZERO idea what is causing the problem. If any one has any idea that would be awesome or how long the blog hasn't been working in Firefox that would be a big help as well. Thanks.
Issue me a late pass on this one. The Cool Kids aka Chuck and Mikey hail from my new hometown of Chicago IL. Their upcoming debut is Bake Sale and if the music on their myspace is any indication its going to be a reeealll big hip hop record this year. "88" and "Mickey Rocks" are already on constant rotation and all I can do is stream them...
These dude's deliberate and steady beats are a nice switch up from all that commercial stuff coming out these days...their heavy beats and clever lyrics are perfect and their new record is heavily anticipated. The new record is out on on Fools Gold Records founded by A-trak and Catchdubs. Check out a track.
Its amazing how some bands/groups/acts can stay relivent over decades and others just seem to come out with the same old tired sound that they released on their debut. First Chemical Brothers are not one of those groups. They consistantly change with the times. Their new record We Are the Night is a fantastic example of this.
This lady is a monster. She is single handly bringing R&B to its knees. She is so classic in her sound but yet breaths such fresh air into the genre. Shes a megastar...maybe she'll be going by Winehouse or just Amy soon...
Digital Invaders is a group of producers from around the world. Their new album is aptly named Invasion and features a gifted Chicago producer going by the name Bless 1.
I would describe Bless' sound as very Madlib-like which of course is a compliment. I can hear his love for Ayatollah come out in his beats as well. Now, we won't let his head get all big thinking he's the next Madlib but his track "Strong 78" which shows up on this free downloadable record is certainly impressive. Be sure to give it a listen its very well done.
Get the whole record here. All the sharing is legit so don't be shy. Download it and check it out. Also we are looking forward to Bless 1's album which is coming out soonish and is going to be free to download through his myspace so don't miss that either.
Trapped in the Asylum is the debut record from Lost Souls/Skillmega member Wise. The record is released on Heroic Records and is out now. Wise's "S.I.T.C." is a wonderful summer track about living in a city. The beat is perfect and runs well under Wise's delivery.
Latest record from Cambridge's own Nextmen. The duo consists of Dom Search (aka Dominic Betmead) and Brad Baloo (aka Brad Ellis). The album is entitled This Was Supposed to be the Future. A great upbeat summer listening record with heavy reggae influences it features vocals from Dallas (Fat Freddy's Drop) LSK (Faithless), Alice Russell, Niney The Observer and Kidz In The Hall.
Check out just one of the many stand out tracks on the upcoming record.
This king size dub album is a lion of a record roaring with dub plates, rarities and obscure gems. Dominated by the drums of Sly Dunbar it represents a golden period when Channel One held the key to much of what was to follow in reggae music. ~Pressure Sounds
One of my favorite labels around, Pressure Sounds was able to get me this advanced look at Drum Sound - More Gems From The Channel One Dub Room 1974-1980 by the Revolutionaries. The album is out June 25th and if you like dub this collection is certainly worth every penny. Check out a track.
The Reminder is one of my favorite records of the year with "1234" being a fantastic single. As her past track "Mushaboom" shows Feist's cool vocals are perfect for remixing. Here is a VanShe Technologic remix of the new single which is set to be released in the UK on the 23rd of July.
First off thanks for everyone for doing the contest. By far my most successful and with alot of participation. So thanks again. Hopefully contests and give aways will be a bit more common place as we move forward.
Some of my favorites were Charles Barkley, Tina Fey, Charles Mingus and of course the reader that said they would like to hang out with me and my "mum." I agreeded with alot of the lists but the one list that I liked top to bottom was Maxifast's of Bruce Lee, Sun Ra, Fatlip, ODB and Diplo. I will be sure to forward your email to the people at DFA to send out your prize pack.
Its hard to narrow any friends list down to just 5 famous people but I think mine in no particular order would be (I am going with they have to be alive right now, so Abe Lincoln and MLK Jr. are going to be left off the list):
1. Oscar Peterson 2. Clint Eastwood 3. Madlib 4. Sofia Coppola 5. Giles Peterson
Last Chance on the LCD Soundsystem Contest. I will pick a winner tonight when I get home from work (9:30 central). If you don't win you can still buy the record here.
I know I am certainly not the first person to tip you about this reggae classic but this track has been showing up on all sorts of reggae and dancehall comp records (The Biggest Dancehall Anthems 1979-82 Part 1, Rub UP) I have laying about the house. Track was originally released on the Volcano label in 1980 and was produced by Henry "Junjo" Lawes. Check it out.
New electro club pop record coming out by Cobra Dukes on Prestel. Prestel is a new label founded by Mylo's partner. Cobra Dukes are originally from Melbourne but are now living in London doing their thing. Check out a track.
Buck 65 once was a Canadian MC and Turntablist but has been moving his sound away from hip hop and more towards blues. On his recent tour with Sage Francis Buck 65 was selling a record entitled Porch. Check out photos of him and Sage at Bowery Ballroom in NYC here.
What is interesting is that Buck 65 is set to release his album Situation on September 18th and I am curious if its going to be more folky blues type spoken word than hip hop. Check out a track off the limited LP.
Eli (or) and Diplo (yeah another remix) have done a nice remix of the Justice's MJ tribute "D.A.N.C.E." The track will show up on a disc produced by the two along with some other remixes of "Bette Davis eyes," the kanye/daft punk remix, a michael jackson remix among others. Check out this rework of the Justice track.
Thought my work for the day was over. Then DSJ dropped this Diplo remix of Kanye West's "Stronger" edit of Daft Punk. Check it out. All Bmore but no Kanye vocals. Check it out! It'll get you through the weekend in style. Fresh.
First Bayani by the Blue Scholars is one of my favorite if not favorite hip hop album of the year. and now Gabriel Teodros does the NW proud once more. "No Label (Esma Remix)" is a fantastic track off a fantastic album. Check out LOVEWORK released on MassLine Records ASAP.
Checkin' on getting permission to post some tracks off the album so stay tuned for that. Seeing the familiar Seattle spots makes me a bit homesick...just a bit. With the Blue Scholars, Common Market, Gabriel Teodros and The Physics the Seattle Hip Hop scene is strong.
Nosaj Thing a DJ has a knack for putting together some fantastic electronica productions. Hes made it to the semifinals of the Plastic Little remix contest (U-Tern and Cousin Cole are also represented in the semis).
Nosaj's Views/Octopus is a very nice disk. This unsigned artist puts his stuff out there with a 5 track disc (that is available through TTL).
MIA's "Boyz" video is a must see. As talked about before video was filmed on scene in Jamaica. Cool video. ALSO dont miss the new TI and Wyclef Jean song "You Know What it Is." Only complaint is the song would be better sans gunshot samples.
No its not the impeding doom that faced Atreyu and Bastain in the 80s classic. The Nothing is a jazz/ambient/hip hop producer who according to his website is from Tralfalmadore, California (anyone that has read Slaughter House 5 gets the reference).
His new instrumental album is entitled Life Decay and its The Nothing's second release. I can't really find much else about him. If you have more info PLEASE let me know. Loving this record. Check out a track.
Rare and limited edition vinyl giveaway. Sound of Silver is destined for one of the best albums the year. 4 prizes and the contest runs for a week!
Answer the question in the breakdown(s) section, include your EMAIL and I will choose one winner. Winner takes all 4 prizes. Good luck all. I will post the winner NEXT Tuesday (June 19th).
Prize Pack:
1 Sound of Silver double LP
1 "All My Friends" 12" single - European Import (Made In Holland) Side A: "All My Friends" (album version) Side B: "All My Friends" (B Harvey's Mix)
Robert Glasper is a Blue Note Records musician who released his debut Canvasin 2005 and his follow up In My Element came out this year. Admittedly I am not much of a expert of jazz I love the classics but have trouble finding the time to unearth new contemporary jazz talent. Glasper is just that.
On his new album he has a fantastic jazz track that pays tribute to J-Dilla and another fantastic blend of "Everything in its Right Place" by Radiohead and jazz classic "Maiden Voyage" by Herbie Hancock. Take a chance to check out this very talented dude.
Talib Kweli is due out at the end of next month (July 24th). Album has all sorts of crazy production from Just Blaze, Hi-Tek, will.i.am, Kanye West, Madlib, Pete Rock and more. Here is the intro track called "Everything Man" produced by Madlib.
While the group name isn't all that inventive or provacative The Cinematic Orchestra has been a favorite for quite some time. They are a jazz electronic outfit based out of the UK and are long time Ninja Tune staples. Every Day remains one of my favorite electronic downtempo jazz albums ever.
Their new album is a bit of a departure from their typical sound. The new record released on May 7th on Domino is not as heavily jazz influenced as their first three releases and almost has a more Air type quality to it. Take a listen to "To Build a Home" which is a fantastic opener.
Finally getting settled in. What a great place and what a drastic change from Vermont. Very very happy to be in the Midwest and soaking up one of the greatest cities on Earth. Enough about me lets get to business on some stuff to keep you occupied for the weekend. Hope everyone enjoys theirs! Peace.
Good Weather for Airstrikes Get a LCD Soundsystem track and the Franz cover here.
Fader Blog Official "Stronger" track by Kanye on that Daft Punk beat. I was too scared and took it down you can listen to it here. Also they have a LeBron theme song posted, it kinda sucks, but that is pretty much assumed when Paul Wall shows up. On the flipside Whale doesn't.
Palms Out Sounds Get another remix of Pharaohe Monch's "Body Baby" here.
Album take of one of the hottest tracks of the summer guaranteed. Off his upcoming album Graduation.
Mp3: Kanye West - "Stronger" (Non-Radio!)
Support: Get to his official spot and myspace. Supposedly Kanye and Hype Williams recently got together to film the video and Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo are going to be in it.
First single and video off the new Blue Scholars album Bayani. "Back Home" is a great track with a hell of a message. Bring'em back home and let there be peace.
DJ K-Salaam featured in this months xlr8r magazine just sent me a fantastic remix of the smash dancehall hit "Come Around" by Collie Buddz. K-Salaam is definately a dude on the rise. Read his article here. Then download the mp3 and see what all the hype is about.
The new Justice record "(insert cross picture here)" is set to drop June 11th. While I am not crazy about the record as some there are some definately stand out tracks on the disc. The tracks "Genesis" and "Phantom Pt. II" will make the record worth a purchase.
TTL is taking stepping up their game by offering a cool Justice tour shirt along with your album pre-order. All for 20 bucks. Not bad at all. Check that out here.
Here is a remix by Justice of Daft Punk's "Human after all" thanks to Vice Records.
Just got this over from XL. Track is fantastic. Switch really does his thing on the production side and M.I.A. brings it as usual. The song is the confirmed first official single from M.I.A.'s upcoming second studio album Kala. Video for the single (which I don't have and I don't think has been released) was shot in Jamaica.
Buy: Pre-order Kalahere. New record is going to have Switch, Diplo, Timbaland, Bangladesh, and Danja producing tracks. 'Boyz' will be released as a limited 12"and USB stick on June 11th, the album follows on August 20th.
DJ Drastik Ottawa's own has won the Turnstylez Turnament (2003), Ottawa DMC Championship twice (03,04), is a Canadian DMC head to head (Supremacy) Champion (2004), Montreal DMC Champion (2005) and his latest accomplishment is an appearance in the 2005 DMC Canadian finals. He put together this fantastic MSTRKRFT mix. Check it out its fantastic.
Latest for Drastik is another great mix. He goes on the electro house kick (which you know I love see his Canadian brotherean DJ U-Tern). The mix features tracks from Spank Rock, Kelis, Daft Punk, Jesse Rose and a BUNCH more. Check it out here (zshare).
Fantastic song by new soul artist Kevin Michael. Dude is doing that irresistible blend of soul, funk, R&B and Pop that made me love Jamie Lindell so much. Check out his first single featuring Chicago's own Lupe.
Up and running. Finally got everything squared away. Give the player a run on your computer (be it Mac or PC) and let me know the results. I probably spent way to much time trying to figure it all out but I guess I am learning as I go. Hook me up with some feedback! Peace.
So...new things thanks to some friends' help and some extra time on my hands. I have finally gotten around to getting up a host so you can finally say goodbye to the loved YouSendit file hosting (ha I know that few are going to be sad about dis). I will also start using an embedded mp3 player so you can sample the track before you download it.
Once the new mp3 hosting domain is up and running I'll hope everyone can give me some feedback (positive and negative) about how its working for them. Until then Peace!
My latest buy is the CD/DVD combo (only 15 bucks at TTL) The Other Side of Los Angeles from Stones Throw. The pack includes a mix cd by the Beat Konducta himself and is excellent which is to be expected. The DVD is best described by TTL:
"For the DVD, Stones Throw head honcho Peanut Butter Wolf gives you a personal tour of all the best shopping spots, food (my favorite part), nightlife, sights and accommodations in downtown LA. It's kind of like something off the Travel Channel, but with dope beats and hosted by PBW so you know you can trust."
Yesterdays Universe drops next month. The record consists of releases by Yesterdays New Quintet (aka Madlib aka Otis Jackson Jr.) and introduces a new collection of artist names created by Madlib: The Jazzistics, The Young Jazz Rebels, Jackson Conti, Suntouch and the Jahari Massamba Unit.
Rare and limited edition vinyl giveaway. Sound of Silver is destined for one of the best albums the year. 
