Friday, August 31, 2007

LISTEN: Strong Arm Steady - One Step ft Talib Kweli (Prod. by Evidence)

DOWNLOAD Strong Arm Steady - One Step ft Talib Kweli (MP3)
DOWNLOAD Strong Arm Steady - Streetlights ft Talib Kweli (Prod. by Evidence) (MP3) Removed per request


Strong Arm Steady dropped their new album Deep Hearted this week. This track features Talib Kweli and production from Evidence. Actually I posted a new track that also features Talib and removed the other one per label request.

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VIDEO: Murs - Murray's Revenge

I am actually a big fan of Murs's music (aside from the new single), unlike Eskay, but we're both posting this video because the concept is just that cool and original. (Via NahRight.)

Murs - Murray's Revenge (Prod. by 9th Wonder)

Bonus Watch the original Mike Tyson's Punch Out commercial.

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INTERVIEW: Lanz

Live from an IHOP in Minneapolis, Lanz and I spoke on the phone while she experienced life on the road in middle America. She is 18, and as you can see below a blond female, and on her first single 'Grow Up' she raps about her family life, abusive relationships, dropping out in 9th grade, and trying to make it. Visually speaking not the usual suspect for an interview on a Hip Hop blog. Ignore the "hard knocks/tough internship EPK" and give her a real shot by checking out her new music video. Based on the music I've heard so far this is no Hip Pop.


Now that's what the f*ck I call a chain reaction

W: You're about to play the first leg of your tour supporting Snoop Dogg. How does that feel? Did you see this coming when you were going around the NYC underground circuit? And how did you hook up with Snoop?

L: It feels great. It's an honor to be on the same bill with a legend like Snoop. Did I see it coming? Honestly, I have always set my sights high and always though my first time out on tour would be with one of the big rappers. Snoop and I are both represented by the William Morris Agency. My manager and agent got in touch with Snoop's agent and played him the music and he liked it. Based on the strength of the story and the music we hooked it up.

To read the full interview go HERE.

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Q-Tip + Common + Kanye + DJ Premier + Pete Rock?

Status Ain't Hood interviewed A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip. He spoke about a few things, included the alleged collaborative album with Common.


You Com, you think they'll really let us do this?

Q:I'm going on the road with Common, actually. I start September 22nd, and I'm looking forward to that. He and I, we're going to do an album together, too.
SAH: An entire collaborative album?
Q: Yeah.
SAH: How's that going to work? Are you going to do beats?
Q: Yeah, definitely. I'm going to do a lot of that, and we'll reach out to a Premier or Ye or Pete Rock.

Sigh, if only that would really happen. Read the whole interview here.

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Weekly Hip Hop News Round Up

This week's Weekly Hip Hop News Round Up over at BrooklynVegan is about to go up. A few excerpts below. To check out the full post go here in a little bit.

NEWS
MUSIC
  • For all the 80's babies: Flannel Crunk, a mashup of 90's alternative rock and current Hip Hop
  • DJ Honda is one of Japan's best Hip Hop exports. Check out some songs.

VIDEO
For more downloads, videos and more see here in a little bit.

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Thursday, August 30, 2007

LISTEN: Britney Spears - Gimme More (Produced by Nate 'Danja' Hills)

DOWNLOAD Britney Spears - Gimme More (Produced by Nate 'Danja' Hills) (MP3)



A 'sideways' post': My excuse for posting this is that this new Britney Spears track is produced by Timbaland protege Nate Hills aka Danja. It sounds like it could've been on Justin Timberlake or Nelly Furtado's last album. Danja inserts a boastie talk outro to the song in which he calls Britney 'legendary'. I'm not sure if Nate is concerned with his cred level, but he's not winning any points with that one. But he did craft a catchy tune. Britney starts this one off at her gulliest with "It's Britney, bitch." Sort of as gangsta as when JD started throwing diss tracks towards the aforementioned Timbaland and Dr. Dre. Same height too.

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LISTEN: Beanie Sigel - All Of The Above ft R. Kelly

DOWNLOAD Beanie Sigel - All Of The Above ft R. Kelly (MP3)


I don't think I can listen to any more Hip Hop songs that involve R. Kelly's tired one-note singing routine. Beanie Sigel brings the heat as always.

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LISTEN: Baby Elephant (Prince Paul) - How Does The Brain Wave? ft David Byrne

DOWNLOAD Baby Elephant - How Does The Brain Wave? ft David Byrne [Produced by Prince Paul] (MP3)


I'm going to make David Byrne sound really weird

A post from the left side of the spectrum. Known for his classic work with De La Soul, The Gravediggaz and many more, Prince Paul has long ago left the traditional mold of Hip Hop behind. This new project, Baby Elephant, is a collaboration with Bernie Worrell and Newkirk. A funk fantasia mix with Hip Hop beats and crazy left field vocals from the likes of indie rock forefather David Byrne, George Clinton, Shock G and uber-original talent Reggie Watts. Think Handsome Boy Modeling School meets Parliament being played on a boombox at a domino game between 1983's Prince and Roger Troutman. In Oakland.

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RIAA Puts Smack Down On DJ Premier


DJ Premier's Live From HQ podcast pretty much has been the best thing about the internet radio/podcasting. The RIAA put out a hit on Primo and shut him down. For now.

From the Live From HQ page:

I received a phone call this afternoon that broke my heart. The CEO of podcastpeople.com contacted our department to notify us that our site has been hit with a cease & desist order from the RIAA for broadcasting copywritten material. Additionally, our relationship with SIRIUS has been up and down since day one, and more recently has been difficult because of their concerns relating to a pending corporate merger and subscription rates. I feel that we have enough cause to fight this challenge-yet we don’t have the time, money, or legal resources to do so.

Basically, we will be able to continue publishing our own promotional content on the site(mixtapes,interviews,remixes,promos,etc.)-but no more “Live From HQ” episodes.
More here.

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LISTEN: KRS One Interview

STREAM KRS One Interview PT. 1 (MP3)

KRS One, The Teacher

Just Blaze posted a great interview with KRS One. He speaks on the state of hip hop, international Hip Hop, top 10 lists, and much more. A must-listen.

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SEE: Next Level Street Art

DOWNLOAD Classified - 5th Element (MP3)

Hey kids, remember Graffiti? The 3rd element of Hip Hop? WK Interact is hitting the streets of NYC with some crazy next level street art. Now that it's obviously Canada day on SitDownStandUp I thought I'd share a track by my favorite Canadian MC: Classified


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LISTEN: Belly - I'm The Man ft Kurupt

DOWNLOAD Belly - I'm The Man ft Kurupt (MP3)

Belly is touted as Canada's #1 MC, has toured with Snoop Dogg (like Lanz), opened up for Nas, and he enlists Kurupt on 'I'm The Man'. Sounds like 50 would include it on Curtis.

Belly - I'm The Man ft Kurupt (video)

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Wednesday, August 29, 2007

LISTEN: N.O.R.E. - Noreality (Full Album)

STREAM N.O.R.E. - Noreality (Full Album)


Photo via Fader

N.O.R.E.'s new album Noreality, with the lame cover, comes out today (8/28) on Babygrande. It features Capone, Styles P, Three Six Mafia, Tru Life, Jadakiss, Swizz Beatz, Kanye West, and Peedi Peedi.

Related Mr. Swizz Beatz speaks on the beat he gave Nore.

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LISTEN: Biggie, Wu Tang & 2Pac Demo Tapes

DOWNLOAD 2Pac - Thug Life Demo (1994) (MP3)
DOWNLOAD Wu Tang Clan - Demo Tape (1992) (MP3) via TSS
DOWNLOAD The Notorious B.I.G. - Biggie Smalls Demo '92/'93 (MP3)

The Notorious B.I.G., Wu Tang Clan and 2Pac. Whose demo bumps the hardest? (*Including Pac's Thug Life demo is technically unfair since it was a demo for an album, not to get a deal. But it's all we've got!)

"No Problemo, Just Play The Demo..."

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LISTEN: Zimbabwe Legit - Evil That Men Do ft Prince Po & Stic.man

DOWNLOAD Zimbabwe Legit - Evil That Men Do ft Prince Po & Stic.man (MP3)
STREAM Zimbabwe Legit - 3 More Songs (MySpace)

Prince Po of Organized Konfusion and Sticman of Dead Prez are featured on this great track off of Zimbabwe Legit's upcoming album House Of Stone. Surprisingly strong throwback beats referencing the early 90's with relevant lyrics and just the right amount of high-profile guest MC's.

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VIDEO: Snoop & George Constanza In A Horror Movie

Life has a way of surprising you. Never thought I'd be posting about Snoop Dogg and Jason Alexander, of Seinfeld fame, starring in a horror movie together. Snoop Dogg's Hood Of Horror is coming out on DVD September 11th. Apparently this was in theaters in May?

Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror Trailer

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LISTEN: Rosco P. Coldchain - My Screw’s Loose

DOWNLOAD Rosco P. Coldchain - My Screw’s Loose (MP3) via TSS



Rosco P Coldchain has been a favorite dark horse of mine since his guest spots on the first Clipse album. Someone please clean up his Wikipedia page. It's embarrassingly incomplete, and inaccurate. "..similar to Busta Rhymes", really?

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Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Murs Invites A Critical Beatdown

DOWNLOAD Murs & 9th Wonder - Yesterday & Today (MP3) via Jefitoblog


Murs is waiting for you under the pier

The homie Murs will release his next album, Murs For President, on Warner Brothers as we know. He talks about it in this Urb interview.

A big chunk of the interview is taken up by talk about a backlash for going to a major label.

“Money has never been a motivation for me to do shit,” he says. “But if I’m going to change hip-hop—and I love hip-hop—and I’m offered a chance to be an infl uence on making a positive change, I’d be an asshole to tell Warner Bros., No. I’ve done all I can do in the independent scene.” [.....]"This is something I have to do, for me, as a black man, as a man, as Nicholas Carter, as Murs. And if you guys don’t understand, if you think I’m selling out, then fuck you. Suck my dick. Fight me when you see me. Fuck you, I’ll spit on you. I’m my own man.”

Lets hope no crazy Jukie takes him up on that offer. Full interview here.

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LISTEN: Big Shug - Play It RMX ft Royce 5'9", Termanology, Singapore Kane (DJ Premier)

DOWNLOAD Big Shug - Play It (RMX) ft Royce Da 5'9", Termanology & Singapore Kane [Produced by DJ Premier] (MP3)


Photo via Soulmind

Not sure who Singapore Kane is, but Royce 5'9" and Termanology over a DJ Premier track will always peak my interest. Big Shug does his thing too. Via Spine Mag.

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Maino Signs To Atlantic

DOWNLOAD Maino - Take It Like A Man (MP3)


Photo by Seth Kushner

Brooklyn's Maino has been signed to a deal with Atlantic Records and will be releasing Death Before Dishonor in early 2008. His new book publishing company is also set to release Gangstas Don't Die so we already know that Maino will be consistent in his choice of topic matter. 50 Cent made a phone call on his behalf and T.I. was supportive in the matter as well. Interestingly 50 doesn't mention him when going through names of up-and-coming New York rappers in his OnSmash interview.

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VIDEO: Lanz - Grow Up

Lanz is an 18 year old blond girl signed to Interscope Records. I expect lots of Eminem comparisons not so much for the obvious similarity in color schemes, but more so for the topic matter of the few songs I've heard so far. Personal stuff, family drama, abusive relationships, etc. I'm curious to see how she will be received by the Hip Hop community at large, especially on her current tour supporting Snoop Dogg. Her TV Movie-esque EPK can be found here.


Lanz Tour Dates (Supporting Snoop Dogg)
Wed. 8/29/07 Myth Maplewood (Minneapolis), MN
Thu. 8/30/07 Rave Eagles Milwaukee, WI
Fri. 8/31/07 Chene Park Detroit, MI
Sat. 9/1/07 Love Washington, DC
Sun. 9/2/07 Charter One Chicago, IL
Tue. 9/4/07 Filmore Aud. Denver, CO.
Wed. 9/5/07 Belly Up Aspen, CO.
Thu. 9/6/07 The Depot Salt Lake City, UT
Fri. 9/7/07 Hard Rock Las Vegas, NV.
Sat. 9/8/07 Anselmo Amp Tuscon, AZ

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VIDEO: Tim Westwood Bloopers

Legendary radio DJ Tim Westwood is the UK host for Pimp My Ride. He is their Xzibit, with similar vocabulary, even a similar clothing style, except he is a skinny 50 year old white guy. Still, he's loveable. Here are some bloopers.


Via JumpOffTV.

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Monday, August 27, 2007

LISTEN: Kanye West - Homecoming ft Chris Martin

DOWNLOAD Kanye West - Homecoming ft Chris Martin (MP3) via CnK


You know when I heard that? When I was back home.

Kanye West is really impressing me lyrically and flow-wise on these tracks off of Graduation. While Coldplay's Chris Martin becomes the Nate Dogg of 06/07, 50 Cent loses again. Great song. Nice Jay-Z reference in the lyric.

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VIDEO: Don't Be Mad, UPS Is Hiring

Always was one of my favorite The Notorious B.I.G. lines.

Deconstructing Biggie

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LISTEN: Uncle Murda - Dear Summer Freestyle

DOWNLOAD Uncle Murda - Dear Summer Freestyle (MP3)

Still not sure what I think of Uncle Murda, but I do know I'm scared of him. When can we get an official album to judge him by?


Via NahRight.

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VIDEO: Consequence - Uncle Raheim


Courtesy of OnSmash

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LISTEN: 50 Cent Interview On Shade 45

DOWNLOAD 50 Cent Interview On Shade 45 (MP3) via Henry

Oh 50. U so crazy.


50 Cent Will 'Break Lil' Wayne's Neck'. Etch-A-Sketch Deal Pulled. cred

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LISTEN: Emily King - 'Walk In My Shoes' ft Lupe Fiasco

DOWNLOAD Emily King - Walk In My Shoes (RMX) ft Lupe Fiasco (MP3)
STREAM Emily King - Walk In My Shoes (RMX) ft Lupe Fiasco (QT)


Photo by Jason Bergman.

Lupe Fiasco drops a nice rapid fire mini verse on this Emily King remix.

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VIDEO: Common Drivin' Me Wild ft Lily Allen

The.....internet...is..one.....big..echoooooo...chamberrrrr

Great video, great song, great many hipster and pop culture references.
Update: replace with newer version with extra special effects.

Common - Drivin' Me Wild ft Lily Allen

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INTERVIEW: Aesop Rock

DOWNLOAD Aesop Rock - Citronella (MP3)
DOWNLOAD Aesop Rock - None Shall Pass (MP3)


(Photo Cred.)

Def Jux is releasing Aesop Rock's new album None Shall Pass August 28th. I dig it, and even the well-known underground Hip Hop lovers over at EW do. Check out BrooklynVegan in a minute for a more aesthetically pleasing version of this interview.

W: Many of your previous records had a pretty clear concept or theme at its core. Labor Days being the most obvious one. Was there a specific idea that None Shall Pass was born out of?

AR: I guess that would be me turning 30 and freaking out about it. (laughs) I went through a few life changes. Turned 30. Moved from New York to San Francisco. Stopped smoking cigarettes. A bunch of stuff happened and it influenced the writing. The writing on this album is more reflective, for lack of a better word. I didn't want to do any braggadocio, no first person stuff, and get more into stories. Vivid descriptions of a snapshot of a moment in High School, first job, etc. and how all those snapshots add to who I am now at 30 years old.

W: Do you ever think ahead further than one album?

AR: No, that doesn't make sense with my writing process. I couldn't have told you I was making None Shall Pass until I was 3/4ths in. I just stay busy, hope something sticks. I couldn't ever plan ahead aside from maybe a theme or name for a song. Usually the way it works is that I just write songs and then there is one song that comes along that will be the first one I'll decide to keep. That one will kind of set the stage for the album's feel. 'Catacumb Kids' was kind of the key record that sparked it for None Shall Pass in terms of it being a snap shot of an era without resorting to the cliche "back in the day" stuff.

W: You did a song with John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats for this album. Are there any other indie rock musicians whose music you enjoy and you'd want to work with?

AR: Not really. I don't really listen to so much of that stuff. Me listening to John's music goes back to my first year of college. My brother introduced me to The Mountain Goats and for me it stood out from that genre by leaps and bounds. I tried to get into other stuff, but nothing caught me the same as far as John's verbiage and delivery. I hadn't heard anything like it or any better since.

W: How about some mainstream Hip Hop artists? Anyone you'd be interested in working with?

AR: Totally. I love Timbaland and Clipse, Jay-Z. But I have to say part of why I worked with John is because we became friends over time. I don't like blind collaborations or just going around ringing doorbells to collaborate for collaboration's sake. I mean, not to say that if Timbaland would call I wouldn't do it (laughs). Especially if it was for his own project or something. Or if we'd meet and it became a mutual thing, then fuck yea. I tried it once before with Camp Lo on Bazooka Tooth, and that took a few days. We really hung out. One of the guys brought his kid down and everything. We just talked a lot and it became a family thing where we connected and it worked out well.

W: Mainstream Hip Hop seems to be spiraling down in popularity right now. What are your thoughts on the state of underground Hip Hop?

AR: I think it's going down also to be honest. (laughs) The underground craze hit its peak in 2001/2002 with Def Jux, Stones Throw, Rhymesayers and other underground labels getting popular. But once you get past being people's critical darling, in order to get the same praise your new stuff has to be five times better than before, because there won't be that 'new artist' shock anymore. I just hope that people can appreciate diversity and originality again. The underground always focused so hard on staying true to their art, and in the mean time saw the mainstream take off doing the opposite. In the underground you're not suppose to be a biter, you're suppose to bring your own shit to the table. No one in those crews is suppose to sound alike, all different styles. But then in the mainstream you'll see a whole crew with one style. So I'm hoping maybe people will once again appreciate that originality and the diversity again, but I don't see it happening. (laughs)

W: Your upcoming tour features Black Moth Super Rainbow. They're kind of a rock band, but when I listened to them I connected them to Hip Hop right away as well. How did you hook up with them?

AR: I was looking to not do a bill with just 5 Hip Hop acts like I have on previous tours. That was cool too, but I wanted to switch it up and bring a band that my fans could appreciate. It was also important that it was a new band and just about the music, not about relationships. I came across BMSR, because my wife is a booking agent and she was sent their cd. They don't have a traditional Hip Hop sound, but they also don't have a traditional rock sound. But they do have sort of a Hip Hop drum pattern that I could rhyme over. It's not Hip Hop, but it's music I would sample to make Hip Hop. We also talked to Battles about doing a tour, and Octopus Project, but it worked out in the end with BMSR.

W: Can we expect more kazoo on upcoming Aesop Rock albums? ('Hands', the album bonus track, features a kazoo solo.)

AR(laughs) That was Jeremy Fish actually, the illustrator who also did the album artwork. (Aesop and Jeremy connected over similar bitter feelings about their respective industries). He wanted to play the kazoo on the record all along and while I was waiting for El-P to get his track to me I made one last song. I called Jeremy and told him it was now or never, so he came over, bought a kazoo on the way and he ended up being the last sound on the record. It was a one-taker. He has since retired his kazoo. We decided he wasn't going to ever outdo this performance.

Check out Aesop Rock's great new album None Shall Pass (Def Jux) in stores tomorrow

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Friday, August 24, 2007

LISTEN: Galactic - From The Corner To The Block ft Juvenile

DOWNLOAD Galactic - From The Corner To The Block ft Juvenile & The Soul Rebels Brass Band (MP3)

Hot organic track with Juvenile showcasing an old-school flow over some great live horns. This track was performed on Jimmy Kimmel back in March. David Fricke kind of digs it.

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VIDEO: Heroes Season 2 Preview

Comic books and Hip Hop go together very well. Heroes was one of two tv shows I watched last season and I secretly loved it. Brought me back to those days where I was listening to EPMD on my walkman while reading Spiderman kick some villain ass.

This is the preview for Season 2. My response is just: "Um...what?"


Thanks Rachael!

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Listen: Copperpot - Art of Rap feat. Masta Ace & EdoG

DOWNLOAD Copperpot - Art of Rap feat. Masta Ace & EdoG (MP3)


"Whatever happened to the art of rap?
That part of rap in fact is dead and buried like an artifact"

Off of the excellent and as-of-yet slept on album Wyla. Check out Copperpot here.

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VIDEO: Swizz Beatz On N.O.R.E.

DOWNLOAD N.O.R.E. - Set If Off (MP3) via Prefix

Swizz Beatz calls Nore his 'old cousin' who he can never say no too, giving him the 'Set If Off' beat, and gets some of his own album promo in there. Check out the artwork and tracklist for Nore's upcoming Noreality (Babygrand).

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Thursday, August 23, 2007

Tonight: Cause @ Rap Fanatic Power 105.1

DOWNLOAD Cause - More Than Music (MP3)
DOWNLOAD Cause - Click Clack (MP3)

Cause, who previously performed as part of Cross-Pollination, is performing at the Rap Fanatic showcase hosted by Power 105.1 tonight. Go check out this promising newbie to the Bronx rap scene at The Remote Lounge (327 Bowery btw. 2nd & 3rd), 9:00pm.

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Common & Lily Allen Photos

Common's video for 'Driving Me Wild' features Lily Allen. Eskay already had a few screencaps a few days ago. Here's a few more. The video premieres on MTV (they play music videos??!?) August 27th.



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News Round Up

My weekly Hip Hop News Roundup just went up over at BrooklynVegan. A few items from that post below. Make sure to go over there for much more news, downloads, a contest, videos and show listings.


Vegan's only support my round-ups, not these guys'

NEWS
- MF Doom sends a poser to perform in his mask?
- Blender interviews RZA, who also shares his top 10 list of hottest MC's out right now here. I think you'll be surprised at his list. What is your list?
- Cormega will be releasing two projects from his Legal Hustle imprint this year, with one of them being a producer instrumental series titled Legal Hustle Presents Got Beats?. The disc will feature beats from DJ Premier, Alchemist, Ayatollah, Buckwild, Ski Beats, Heatmakerz and more.
- TSS reminisces and relives the Up In Smoke tour.
- Hi Tek is set to release his third solo album.

MUSIC
- Check out this Lupe approved mixtape by Gemini.
- Spliff Huxtable shares some Black Milk instrumentals.
- FromDaBricks shares his Top 5 Pete Rock remixes.
- Check out Little Brother's 'Good Clothes' and Killah Priest's 'Happy' off of their respective new albums.

VIDEO
- Hip Hop History: Jay-Z + Jaz-O.
- Kanye West performs his stellar new song Big Brother, dedicated to Jay-Z.

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It Was All Good Just A Week Ago

Did everyone decide to be friends again without telling anyone? Jay-Z, Diddy, Kanye West, T.I. and 50 Cent performed at Screamfest at Madison Garden in New York last night. MTV reports.


Jay-Z, Diddy & 50 Cent (cred)

Jay-Z, Diddy & Kanye West & 50 Cent (cred)

Jay-Z, Diddy & Kanye West, T.I. & 50 Cent (cred)

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VIDEO: Hey Ya by Casey Shea, Kyle Ervin & Ryan

Last Tuesday (8/21) Engine Room Recordings threw a launch party for the soon to be released Guilt By Association compilation album (09/04). The party was part of the weekly concert series Cross-Pollination at Pianos in the Lower East Side of NYC. Casey Shea and Kyle Ervin picked the ever loved 'Hey Ya' (Outkast) as their cover of choice and recruited Ryan Vaughn on percussion. Stick around til after the first verse when the girl in front of the camera moves out of the way and crowd tunes in and erupted in a rapture sing-a-long and fascination with Casey's dancemoves and exclamation: "Shake it little bitch".


Video by the amazing Mop

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Wednesday, August 22, 2007

VIDEO: Common In The Studio


Common speaks on working with Lily Allen on 'Driving Me Wild'.

Related Watch the music videos for Common's latest two singles 'The People' and 'The Game'.

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Kanye To Star As Villain In New Spiderman Movie


Actually, that's not true. The picture above is one from a photoshoot accompanying the Kanye West interview in Complex Magazine.

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Diplo Tour Dates + MP3

DOWNLOAD Kanye West - "Stronger" (Diplo Remix) via AnalogGiant


I'm a little late on the Diplo band wagon, but even though I don't enjoy his collaborator M.I.A.'s new album, I am enjoying this man's work. Coming to a town near you soon.

Diplo Tour Dates
Thursday 9.13.07 Suite Dallas, TX*
Friday 9.14.07 The Mod Club Toronto, ON*
Saturday 9.15.07 Metro Chicago, IL*
Monday 9.17.07 MJQ Concourse Atlanta, GA
Wednesday 9.19.07 Holocene Portland, OR*
Thursday 9.20.07 Neumos Seattle, WA*
Friday 9.21.07 Echoplex Los Angeles, CA*
Saturday 9.22.07 Mezzanine San Francisco, CA*
Sunday 9.23.07 Plush Nightclub Vancouver, BC*
* with Switch

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Pop Beef vs Hip Hop Beef

DOWNLOAD John Lennon - How Do You Sleep? via IGIF
DOWNLOAD 50 Cent - Part Time Lover (Dissing Lil' Wayne/Baby) (MP3)


With all the current beef buzz provided, per tradition, by 50 Cent, I thought it'd be interesting to note that even The Beatles ended up releasing a string of 'diss songs' targeting each other. Including John Lennon's 'How Do You Sleep' where he ethers Paul McCartney. More Beatles diss songs here.

Related Watch a video of John Lennon singing 'How Do You Sleep'.

Related (not quite as related, but it made me laugh).

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Kanye Hearts Justin

DOWNLOAD Kanye West - Stronger (MP3) via IndieChristoph


Chain of events: The Daily Swarm pointed me to Fox News quoting XXL Magazine.

Kanye West keeps being himself and tells us "My biggest inspiration and biggest competition is Justin Timberlake. He's the only other person that gets an across-the-board response and respect level -- black radio, white radio." And no Kanye quote would be the same without a controversial comparison: "We push each other. I look at me and Justin like Prince and Michael Jackson in their day."

Related Nahright shares photos from the Common video shoot for the Kanye produced 'Driving Me Wild' ft Lily Allen.

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Tuesday, August 21, 2007

VIDEO: Method Man DVD Trailer

Method Man is releasing Live From The Sunset Strip October 30th. Now, I've been known to be very critical of Hip Hop concerts as a concept, because most of them suck, but Method Man was definitely on point at Rock The Bells earlier this month. The DVD is shot in High Definition, so you can see each individual seed in Meth's blunts on stage, at the House Of Blues in Hollywood, California. Tracklist below.


Photo part of my Rock The Bells set

Track List
Intro (Album 4:21)
Method Man
Bring The Pain
Ice Cream
All I Need
Grid Iron Rap
How High
What The Blood Clot
Suspect Chin Music
Fall Out
Ya’Meen
Is It Me
Problem
Say
Wu Tang Clan Ain’t Nothing To Fuck With
Triumph
Shimmy Shimmy Ya (Tribute to ODB)
Brooklyn Zoo
Judgement Day
Da Rockwilder

Method Man Live DVD Trailer

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VIDEO: R. Kelly's Trapped In The Closet

WATCH R. Kelly - Trapped In The Closet (Episodes 1-20) (Video)
DOWNLOAD R. Kelly - Real Talk (MP3) via Resonator


Where's my Boy Wonder?

I've never seen any of R.Kelly's Trapped In The Closet. I know, crazy right? I sure have heard about it a lot ever since it started. Maybe I will put some time aside and watch all the episodes (1-12) from 'Season 1' + episodes 13-20 of the 'current season' on IFC. Episodes 21 and 22, the last of the current season, will be added in the next two days as well.

The song above, 'Real Talk', is so Trapped In The Closet it should've just been included. Off of R. Kelly's horrendous new album Double Up

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KRS-One Signs To Duck Down

DOWNLOAD KRS-One - Hip Hop Lives (MP3) via AC


Big news for the guys over at Duck Down Records. XXL Magazine reports that this seminal New York label signed the legendary KRS One.

Buckshot told XXLMag.com. “He’s on my label now. We’re going hard, as far as production wise.” The article doesn't mention the nature or term of the deal.

A quick call to the KRS camp didn't give much clarity on that either. While we wait for details we can look back and see KRS and the Duck Down camp have always been close friends and tour mates, and this would be a natural match up. Could we maybe see a Buckshot & KRS-One collaborative LP? Or a one shot KRS-One release on Duck Down? Either way, I'm excited. This could be a great follow up to this year's great Hip Hop Lives album with Marley Marl.

Related KRS-One recently performed in Brooklyn.

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LISTEN: Talib Kweli - Eardrum (Full Album)

STREAM Talib Kweli - Eardrum (Full Album).

I'm very impressed with Talib Kweli's progress as an MC and all round artist. His live performances have much improved and he's surpassed my early expectations with this cohesive release. He rides beats better and more consistently than he's done before. His beat selection and organic quality has also increased. A Talib album used to be 2 great stand out singles plus some ok-to-good stuff, but this time he brings us a cohesive and more subtle collection of songs. Front to back quality with a lot of warm, soulful Umah-meets-Boom Bap sounds and lyrics that make actual sense. I'm looking forward to see what he's going to do with his next one. Until then I will be grooving to this one. To read a more extensive review check out
Henry's thoughts on the album.

Rating: 7.4/10

Related: Watch the video for current single 'Hot Thing'.

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VIDEO: Aesop Rock - None Shall Pass

DOWNLOAD Aesop Rock - Citronella (MP3)
DOWNLOAD Aesop Rock - None Shall Pass (MP3)

That crazy Aesop Rock guy. He hid a behind-the-scenes video for his latest single 'None Shall Pass' behind some Aesop Rock trivia questions. Check out ImTryingToHelp.com, enter the code "None Shall Pass" and enter an hall of doors guarded by the same characters seen in artist Jeremy Fish’s artwork for None Shall Pass (8/28/07). Each door opens to a trivia question and if you make it to the final door you get to see the video. If that is too much trouble I'm sure it'll hit youtube soon.

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Monday, August 20, 2007

VIDEO: Joell Ortiz Rap City Freestyle

I keep telling you. Joell Ortiz is the real thing. Ever since I found that '125 Grams' EPK video a while back I've been a big fan of this guy. His love for Hip Hop as an art form shines through everything he does. His hunger and passion is so tangible in this video, and he's having fun with it too. Check the flow.

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Mini Roundup

A few interesting Hip Hop News items elsewhere. (If anyone knows how I can get rid of these flower bullet points and just have regular ones, hit me up.)

  • Japan's DJ Krush is releasing a DVD.
  • Lyric's Born is interviewed on CanIBringMyGat.
  • Weiss shares his thoughts on Wild Style's 25th Anniversary.
  • Soulico is playing Studio B this Saturday as part of the After The Jump Fest.
  • Attorney St explains the historal relevance of Kid N Play.
  • Nahright shares Snoop Dogg ft. The Game - I’m Here.
  • Kanye West previews two tracks off of Graduation. Great stuff.
  • Surprise, surprise. Jay-Z tops Forbes list for richest rappers.
  • Atmosphere release a tour only EP, Sad Clown Bad Summer - Number 9, with the best cover for a rap record in years.


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    This Weekend: After The Jump Fest

    As you probably have noticed on the many more dilligent blogs posting about the After The Jump Fest, taking place at Studio B in Brooklyn.

    Music Slut interviewed Spectrum and Soulico, David spoke to David Bruno, Music Snob had a chat with Jukebox The Ghost, Product Shop had a one on one with Riot In Belgium, and there's a whole lot else to find on the After The Jump website.

    Schedule Free Day Show

    2:00 PM (MetroMix.com Main Stage) The Teenage Prayers
    2:30 PM (CONCERT.TV Side Stage) Jukebox The Ghost
    3:00 PM (MetroMix.com Main Stage) Locksley
    3:30 PM (CONCERT.TV Side Stage) Bling Kong
    4:00 PM (MetroMix.com Main Stage) Golem
    4:30 PM (CONCERT.TV Side Stage) Goes Cube
    5:00 PM (MetroMix.com Main Stage) Ra Ra Riot
    5:30 PM (CONCERT.TV Side Stage) Apache Beat
    6:00 PM (MetroMix.com Main Stage) Spectrum

    Schedule Charity Night Show
    10:00 The Virgins
    11:00 Soulico
    12:00 Free Blood
    1:00 Riot In Belgium
    DJ Sets from
    Finger On The Pulse
    David Bruno (Slap You In Public)
    and special guests TBA

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    Friday, August 17, 2007

    VIDEO Talib Kweli - 16 Bar Freestyle

    Can't get away from 50 these days! Talib Kweli lays down a hot 16, over a the 'Amusement Park' beat, for the kids over at AOL Music. It's not a freestyle of course, which rapper still does that nowadays aside from Common the other day, but it's good. Nicely filmed too.


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    Swizz Beatz Performing In NYC

    I can go either way when it comes to Swizz Beatz. Sometimes I love what he does ('Hustler'), sometimes I hate it ('Touch It' anyone?).

    I wonder what the self-appointed One Man Band is like on a stage, and if he'll be all alone.

    Mark Ronson + YOYO London + Milkcrate present…
    YoYo NYC ft Swizz Beatz
    Wednesday August 22nd @ Love

    179 MacDougal (at 8th St)
    9pm – 4am
    $11 before 10:00
    also featuring Aaron LaCrate, The Knux, Seb Crew, Leo Greenslade
    To reserve tickets e-mail aseny@att.net

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    Watching 50 Self-Destruct (A Chronology)

    DOWNLOAD 50 Cent - Part Time Lover (Dissing Lil' Wayne/Baby) (MP3)
    DOWNLOAD 50 Cent - Southside ft Tony Yayo (Dissing Jimmy Iovine/Irv Gotti) (MP3)
    DOWNLOAD 50 Cent - We On Some Shit (Dissing Cam, Fat Joe, etc.) (MP3)


    Most appropriate album cover ever?

    Watching 50 Cent twist and turn the last couple of weeks has been interesting. Interesting like watching a car swerve out of bounds and towards an inescapable cliff.

    First his lead off singles for the new Curtin album fizzle out, leading to the album being pushed back to share a release date with Kanye West. Then 50 rips up his office over a the leaking of his upcoming single 'Follow My Lead' (featuring Robin Thicke).

    Following this he tells MTV to suck his Lil' 50 because he disagrees with his place on their Top 10 Hottest MCs list. Then he released a diss song targeting his label's boss, Jimmy Iovine, and his old buddy Irv Gotti. Yesterday he released a song dissing Lil' Wayne & Baby for no apparent reason. He also dislikes Jay-Z and Diddy.

    I wonder if he'll stick to his promise to quit Hip Hop if Kanye West outsells him in their mutual first weeks out of the box. (They are playing nice and sharing a Rolling Stone cover by the way.) He certainly has all eyes on him. What will 50's next move be? (The most likely place we'll reading about what's next is Nahright where Eskay keeps the 50 news coming in the most up to date way.)

    How ironic that originally Curtis was going to be titled Before I Self-Destruct. Will he escape this cliff?

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    M.I.A.'s Kala Album And How I Don't I Get It

    DOWNLOAD M.I.A. - Come Around ft Timbaland (MP3) via ScrableNetwork

    I like conspiracy theories. Love even. I enjoy seeing them in places they might not be at all. I see them all over, under, around and inside of the musical project M.I.A.. Specifically concerning her new album Kala.

    I don't usually ever write about music I don't really enjoy, but this case is different. The most interesting aspect of me not enjoying M.I.A.'s music is the high volume of people whose musical taste or skills I respect that adore her. Friends, music writers, other musicians, even geniuses like Timbaland all seem to go crazy for M.I.A.


    MS Paint is so back

    When her first album, Arular, came out I tried hard to enjoy it, but I was unsuccessful. Now with the impending release of her new one I was motivated to give it another try. I didn't even skip any tracks. It took all the way til the very last track for me to find something did indeed enjoy. And this was the uncharacteristically structured and flowing Timbaland produced and featured track Come Around.

    It's not so much that I dislike M.I.A.'s music, it's that I just don't get it. I can't find a groove to sit in. I like her sass, but I can't find any thing to hold onto in the music. What is the big deal?

    Even the steady 3 star whoring Rolling Stone gave it 4.5 stars. I throw my hands in the air.

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    Heidi Montag - Body Language ft Spencer Pratt

    DOWNLOAD Heidi Montag - Body Language ft Spencer Pratt (Radio Rip) (MP3)


    Heidi, Spencer & Lauren

    Lauren Conrad wins again.


    A 'sideways' post': For those not up on their celebrity gossip, and Lord know I wish I was one of you, these are all cast members of MTV's The Hills. They're fighting. The above MP3 is from Ryan Seacrest's radio show on KIIS FM.

    They sample Yaz for goodness sake. Spencer's pathetic 'rap' is my excuse for posting this.

    Thanks Harry

    Update just saw that Stereogum beat me to this by half a day.

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    VIDEO: Bloggers Are Monkeys

    Ha! This Brazilian ad compares bloggers to copy-pasting monkeys. I agree and this post is a case in point!


    Via BB

    For more funny stuff: Just Blaze just posted an MP3 of a great UPS Delivery Crank Yankers call from yesteryear. If you'd rather watch than just listen go here.

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    Wednesday, August 15, 2007

    Weekly Hip Hop News Roundup

    DOWNLOAD Common Market - My Pathology (MP3)
    DOWNLOAD Common Market - Succor MCs (Mp3)

    My "Wes' Weekly Hip Hop News Roundup" went up over at BrooklynVegan.

    A few items from the full post below.

    NEWS
    • Apparently 50 Cent had a breakdown and tore up his G-Unit offices while screaming on the phone to his label Interscope Records. Ms. Info had a post up that I discovered through this Nahright post. I then found that Ms. Info's post had mysteriously been deleted, not cached by google either. HipHopDX still has some excerpts from the original Ms Info post up. This all is apparently over 50's next single/video, Follow My Lead ft Robin Thicke being leaked. I'd link to it but it keeps getting deleted.
    • Timbaland + Justin Timberlake new project Madonna's new album.
    • David Banner tells Al Sharpton to go fuck himself.
    • UGK is released a (bloated) double album. The NY Times wrote a nice profile. Brandon shares his thoughts on the album.
    • Speaking of the Wu, BGDBoom has been doing a really great job with all of his Wu Tang related posts. Check out the past week or two here
    MUSIC
    • Looking for the perfect playlist for your next date? Download this collection of MP3s with the Pimp theme. The go to Metal Lungies to download some more with the "sexy" theme. Oh boy, you're going to be in like Flynn. In case it doesn't work out though go download this batch of song with the theme "Shit".
    VIDEO
    • OhWord went guerilla to capture this footage of Rakim performing at Rock The Bells.


    For many more news items, downloads, videos and a bunch of shows listed go over to Brooklynvegan.

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    Police Officer Down

    DOWNLOAD Tokyo Police Club - Your English is Good (MP3) via The Truth

    Must-see funny video of the day.

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    VIDEO: Kanye West + Peter, Bjorn & John

    They announced it would happen, and here we have it. Kanye West performed Young Folks with indie highlights Peter, Bjorn & John at the From Way Out West Festival in Gothenburg 2007.



    Via NahrightLite.

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    Why Not Call Cassidy To A Battle

    DOWNLOAD Cassidy - My Drink n My 2 Step (QT)


    Renowned for his battle skills, Cassidy is putting his fans to the test with his Battle Rap Contest. It takes place over 3 round, each two weeks long. Call 215-701-0998 to leave your best 16 bars. During week two Cassidy will leave a message announcing the top three rappers. Then to be really nerdy the three finalist will get to battle Cassidy over conference call. Yes, over conference call. How ungangsta. Better not call him on T Mobile and lose your signal 4 bars in.

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    Tuesday, August 14, 2007

    VIDEO: Petra Haden - Don't Stop Believin'

    The wonderful Kerri-ann Doherty and her Juicebox Films team directed this beautiful and charming music video set to Petra Haden's cover of Journey's Don't Stop Believin' off of the Guilt By Association album.

    Petra Haden - Don't Stop Believin'

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    New Counting Crows Song

    DOWNLOAD Counting Crows - Come Around (NEW) via IAFYAF


    One of my favorite blogs, I Am Fuel, You Are Friends, posted a brand spanking new Counting Crows song the other day. I'm a fan, I must admit. (They also posted about an album I worked on a few years back.)

    The Crows song is off of their upcoming (November 6th) album Saturday Nights, Sunday Mornings, a two-part concept album. "Saturday night is when you sin and Sunday is when you regret. Sinning is often done very loudly, angrily, bitterly, violently."

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    Monday, August 13, 2007

    VIDEO: Devendra Banhart - Don't Look Back In Anger

    Over at Engine Room Recordings we're very proud to announce the winning video! Watch below Andy Cahill's video for Devendra Banhart's cover of the Oasis song Don't Look Back In Anger.



    Andy is 21 years old, a student at the Rhode Island School of Design. He created the video over three tightly packed weeks in his parents' basement.

    I'll post some of the other videos later today.

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    VIDEO: Joell Ortiz - Latino/Brooklyn

    DOWNLOAD Joell Ortiz - Keep On Callin' via BrooklynVegan

    Great song, great artist, great video (shot in my neighborhood!).


    Video via Nahright

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    Friday, August 10, 2007

    Oh Snap.

    Apparently 50 Cent had a breakdown and tore up his G-Unit offices while screaming on the phone to his label Interscope Records. Ms. Info had a post up that I discovered through this Nahright post. I then found that Ms. Info's post had mysteriously been deleted, not cached by google either. HipHopDX still has some excerpts from the original Ms Info post up. This all is apparently over 50's next single/video, Follow My Lead ft Robin Thicke being leaked. Watch the video below.

    UPDATE Video Removed: This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Universal Music Group.

    Ms. Info excerpt via Hip HopDx.

    "50 was screaming into his blackberry phone, he was on a rampage, he ripped off the 70 inch plasma on the wall and then to top it off, he threw his phone straight thru the window of his executive office….shattering the glass all over thirtysomething street."

    The report alleges that the source of this outburst may be traced to the words he said before he threw the phone out of the window: "He yelled 'You’re fucking everything up, youre messing up my look, my album, so you know what, I’m on fuckin' vacation now. Fuck you and fuck Interscope."


    Bonus Listen to 50 being interviewed by Kay Slay last night.

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    The Funny Things That Happen In Holland

    A giant 7 foot Lego figure washed up on the beaches of the beautiful Dutch town of Zandvoort. I kid you not. Is this reconnaissance for the impending Lego invasion? Is this the smiley face fronting the evil legion of Lego doom?


    More about this story here and here.

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    New, And Great, Talib Kweli Video

    Clearly an homage to the Cam'ron dissing Jay-Z commercial for Hewlett-Packard, Talib gets creative in this great new video. Original Jay-Z commercial after that.
    Talib Kweli - Hot Thing

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    Thursday, August 09, 2007

    VIDEO: New Raekwon & Inspectah Deck

    Alright, alright. The subject line should've said new Ice Water video featuring Raekwon & Inspectah Deck, but really who cares much for this badly named group of Rae weedcariers? Off the upcoming album Raekwon Presents...Icewater, "Polluted Water" (August 28th, Babygrand).

    deleted because it was annoying how it would start all by itself everytime you visit the page

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    Initial CMJ Lineup Announced

    Today CMJ reports the initial line up of their CMJ Marathon. Pretty big names, which leaves me with the double feeling of: "Ooh I get to maybe see Spoon" vs. "Does Spoon really need to be promoted by CMJ as an up-and-coming band"?

    If you look at CMJ as a music festival I'd say the list below is pretty awesome. If you see it as a way to discover tons of the best new music you haven't heard yet, then this list of bands is already better than the star-studded one from last year.

    CMJ Marathon, confirmed bands:
    Spoon
    UNKLE
    Justice
    British Sea Power
    Mates Of State
    Coheed And Cambria
    Rodrido Y Gabriela
    Xiu Xiu
    Del Tha Funkee Homosapien
    Dirtbombs
    Mute Math
    Jesu
    Devin the Dude
    The Ponys
    Islands
    Dan Deacon
    Tiny Masters of Today
    Eisley
    Vietnam
    Little Brother
    Mickey Hart & Zakir Hussein
    Brother Ali
    Marnie Stern
    No Age
    Crystal Castles
    MSTRKRFT
    Chromeo
    The Brunettes
    1990s
    Ruins
    A-Trak
    Foreign Islands
    Kavinsky
    Simian Mobile Disco
    Deerhunter

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    Wednesday, August 08, 2007

    Bower Birds, A New Favorite

    DOWNLOAD Bowerbirds - In Our Talons (MP3)
    DOWNLOAD Bowerbirds - Dark Horse (MP3)


    Guys, are you sure Mr. Beaver is ok with us staying at his place?


    I understand I am doing the most bloggy thing ever: overenthusiastically announcing my love for a band, based on only two songs and a live video before I even hear the album. But by golly I really love these two songs and this one live video. Even the slight guitar mistake or two in Dark Horse!

    Once I get the album, and perhaps see them play (dates below), I will be able to better formulate my thoughts on The Bowerbirds.

    NYC Tour Dates w/The Mountain Goats
    10-01 New York, NY - The Bowery Ballroom
    10-02 Brooklyn, NY - Studio B

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