For the last couple of years the media, particularly the hipster media and the blogosphere, and the record buying public, have been having a somewhat passionate love-affair with "Coke Rap." If you've been living in a cave ( in which case, you probably live in Afghanistan, where "Opium Rap" is what's "hot in the streets" ) and aren't aware, "Coke Rap" is what music critics and would-be-journalists are calling Rap records whose lyrical content mainly focuses on discussing the trafficking of the illicit drug cocaine and it's deadly derivative, crack. Some of the big names in the Coke Rap genre have been artists such as the Diplomats, T.I., Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Clipse and Ghostface Killah, all of whom have garnered high praise from critics, bloggers, douchebags on internet message boards and run-of-the-mill fans alike. Though they may possess different levels of skill, and the artistic merit of their music may vary, all these artists have one thing in common; they pretty much typify the "Rapper" image and ethos of supposedly "keeping it real" and "representing" what's going on "in the streets." And for the most part, with the notable exception of Ghostface, their version of Coke Rap deals exclusively with dealing the drug, not taking it.

Enter emcee Travis McCoy and his band Gym Class Heroes. Yes, I said band. The quartet, from Geneva, New York, is notable for featuring Travis rapping over live instrumentation that blends elements of Jazz, Funk, Soul, Rock and most recently Pop-Punk, and for being the sole Rap act signed to Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz's Decaydance label. So you see, Gym Class Heroes is certainly an atypical Hip-Hop act if ever there was one. When I first discovered the then-unsigned band on the old MP3.com site back in the day their lyrical content centered around "greasy kid stuff," wearing hoodies, riding skateboards, tagging up graffiti and occasional social commentary on issues like police brutality. It was good stuff. In the ensuing years they've gone through a number of changes, both in personnel and in lyrical content. Their most recent incarnation found them presenting themselves as Backpacker Emo-Rap with hints of Indie and Pop-Punk creeping into the mix, sort of in the mold of Atmosphere. The release of their second Decaydance LP 'As Cruel As Schoolchildren' saw another slight shift more in the direction of the kitschy Pop-Punk favored by their label-head's band and associates like Cobra Starship, but still retained much of their previous effort's vibe.

The first time I sat down and listened to the 'As Cruel As Schoolchildren' LP I noticed a song titled "Viva La White Girl." I assumed, noting Travis' "Emo hipster Black guy" credentials, that the song would be a literal dedication to young Caucasian women, kind of like the material found on Bay area Indie-Rap act Kirby Dominant and Chris Sinister's 'Niggaz and White Girlz' concept album from a couple years back. I don't know what would have been more racist of me, assuming as I did that the hip Black guy must be rapping about his love of White women, or that the Black rapping guy must be using "White Girl" as a euphemism ( one which happens to be the Imageyenation posse's favorite by the way ) for cocaine. Either way, I picked the wrong one because the song turned out to be about cocaine. But unlike most Rap records about cocaine it's not about selling cocaine, or cooking cocaine, it's about doing cocaine, and not in a "white lines, don't do it" ( see note below ) sort of way either. Even so, I wasn't too taken aback by it. I listened to the first verse and was like "oh, it's a song about cocaine that interpolates Bobby Caldwell, interesting..." before hitting the skip button to skim through the rest of the album.

I didn't really think about the song too much until a week or two ago when a good friend of mine, a young hip Black girl who doesn't drink or do drugs herself, who happens to be a huge fan of all those Pop-Punk bands IMed me incredulously proclaiming "my friend thinks Travis McCoy is on drugs." "He probably is" I immediately responded, telling her about how one of the songs on their new album was about drugs, specifically cocaine. I quoted the lyrics, "we are lost, to the glamorous white girl," "put your nose to the speaker, then breathe in," "kiss your mirrors," and "isn't it fun, how music makes your lips numb" as evidence. This brought forth the truth, not that her friend thinks Travis is on drugs, but that her friend claims to know Travis is on drugs, and that this supposed knowledge stems from something other than assumptions based on the existence of the song "Viva La White Girl."

I realize that this is basically hearsay and that unsubstantiated third-hand rumors aren't necessarily true. But when I'm told that a guy who dedicated an entire song on his album to cocaine might actually enjoy partaking in cocaine every now and then I'm inclined to believe there's some truth to what I'm hearing. And if I'm being completely honest here I have to admit that I personally don't care whether an artist does drugs or makes songs about drugs. I'm almost 30 years old. I've grown up as part of the Hip-Hop generation. I've been listening to songs about drugs, from Eric Clapton's "Cocaine," to Melle Mel's "White Lines," to Laid Back's "White Horse," to Cypress Hill's "Stoned Is The Way Of The Walk," right on up to Clipse's Malice and Pusha rapping about how their "Pyrex is Jewish," and the fact of the matter is, I've never done drugs in my life. I've never sold drugs either. And a song has never influenced me to want to take drugs or to want to sell drugs. The few times during my lifetime I've ever contemplated taking drugs have been due to the fact that my life is horrible and I'm in terrible physical or emotional pain that I wish would go away. And the few times during my lifetime I've ever contemplated selling drugs have been due to the ( very simple ) fact that I'm fucking broke and need money. But like I said, I've never done either of those things. And none of the music I've ever listened to has made me want to do them.

Apparently my young friend's associate who was so concerned about Travis McCoy's possible drug use isn't blessed with such mental fortitude though. Because this weekend my friend was IMing me once again, distraught that her friend wasn't just talking about famous people doing cocaine, she was doing cocaine herself! At first I didn't put two and two together that this was the same person who's proclamation about Travis' drug use had initiated the original discussion about "Viva La White Girl." But then it hit me, and I asked, "is this the same chick?" The answer came back a resounding "YES" accompanied by the sense-shattering revelation that she started doing it because of him! Now, I realize that this has less to do with the song "Viva La White Girl" ( though it's lyrical equation of fame and glamour with decadent drug use certainly plays a part in what I'm talking about here ) than it does with this young woman's perceived personal connection or possible personal interaction with a "celebrity" that she admires, looks up to, and apparently wants to be like. But that's the irony of the situation, because as I stated earlier, the image cultivated by Gym Class Heroes is not that of the typical "keep it real" Rap guys who supposedly rose up from "the streets" amidst a haze of gun smoke and narcotics only to promote the very lifestyle that could have killed them and continues to kill others on a daily basis. Yet the effect that the deceptively benign image they've cultivated may have had on at least one of their fans is exactly the sort of destruction that usually results from the actions of the real gangsters, drug dealers and street players who lurk behind the images and lifestyles glorified by Hip-Hop's more typical Coke Rap characters. And if that's not "keeping it real," even if it's not purporting to reflect what's "hot in the streets" or "going on in the hood," well, I don't know what is. Unfortunately, I'm not any more inclined to believe that getting "lost" to "glamour" and drug abuse is the sort of "real" we need to be "keeping" more of either.

I mean, I like the song "Viva La White Girl," just like I like Ghostface's "Kilo," Clipse's "Wamp Wamp" and Juelz Santana's "Oh Yes." But I also like Lupe Fiasco's "Kick Push." It warms my heart when I hear about kids in my hood getting into skateboarding or feeling validated in their non-conformity to ghetto-fabulousness because such a song exists. And I'd like to think that the Gym Class Heroes would probably be happier hearing that they were influencing kids to ride skateboards, do graffiti or wear hoodies like they used to rap about doing back in the day, rather than getting them hooked on the "new Coke."

Note:

I feel compelled to mention here that Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel's classic track "White Lines ( Don't Do It )," which dates back to Hip-Hop's infancy, wasn't originally planned as an anti-drug song at all. The song, with it's "get higher baby, and don't ever come down" refrain, was in fact conceived of as a pro-drug anthem. A close inspection of the lyrics still bears this fact out rather well. Rumor has it that the "don't do it" was added at the suggestion of Sugar Hill owner Sylvia Robinson in an effort to recreate the "positive" Rap vibe of The Furious Five's hit song "The Message." In reality, "White Lines" is basically a party jam about getting blitzed out on cocaine though, not a "conscious" Rap track warning against the perils of drug abuse. So, Coke Rap may not be the modern phenomenon that some music journalists would have you believe it is.

Today's video comes from super hot Brazilians Cansei de Ser Sexy.



Cansei de Ser Sexy (CSS) "Let's Make Love and Listen To Death From Above"

Dance sexy hipsters, dance.

Today the internet was on fire with news about the official announcement issued yesterday that legendary Rap crew Wu Tang Clan had reunited with Loud Records founder Steve Rifkind and would be releasing a new album, titled '8 Diagrams,' this Summer on his SRC label with distribution through Universal Records. According to AllHipHop the album will feature appearances from all the original Clan members, RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon the Chef, Ghostface Killah, Inspektah Deck, Masta Killa and U-God, as well as an unreleased performance from deceased group member Ol' Dirty Bastard. The project is being described by group mastermind RZA as an "adrenaline rush" for the Hip-Hop scene intended to "revive the spirit and the economics and bring in a wave of energy that has lately dissipated."

“This is the perfect time for us to come back, the stars are aligned,” RZA said. “It’s like when we first started with Steve. We put out real hip-hop at a time when it was turning into pop or R&B. We brought the focus back to the music in its rawest form, without studio polish or radio hooks.”

There's no word on who will be handling the production, but it's safe to assume RZA is keeping his hands on the reins this time and will be contributing the bulk of the beats. Whether or not any of the other "Wu Elementz" beatmakers such as 4th Disciple, Mathematics and True Master, or any of the newer generation such as Bronze Nazareth or Cilvaringz, will contribute tracks remains to be seen. The inclusion of outsiders who've worked closely with individual Clan members, such as MF Doom, Pete Rock and PF Cuttin' hasn't even been speculated on yet.

For my money the dopest, most "classic" sounding cut to come of the Clan recently came from a producer I've never even heard of before named Whyz Ruger. It's a joint called "Iron God Chamber" by Masta Killa featuring U-God, Method Man and RZA who is in rare form, dropping jewels as only he can, but hasn't since his guest verse on GZA's "4th Chamber." It was on Masta Killa's sophomore solo LP 'Made in Brooklyn' which dropped last year on the Nature Sounds label. Check it out for yourself below.

Masta Killa feat. U-God, RZA and Method Man "Iron God Chamber"

If as a collective they can come off as dope as the four members did on this joint I'm confident they can deliver a classic that can stand the test of time like the best of their catalog has. RZA seems to think they're on the right path, and is apparently out to prove other rapper's proclamations of Hip-Hop's demise premature. Summing his position up succinctly in his statement accompanying the announcement of the impending album he posed the rhetorical question "how could hip-hop be dead if Wu-Tang is forever?"

At such a young age, producer David "Disco D" Shayman had a lot of notches on his belt. From working on 50 Cent's track "The Ski Mask Way" to making K-Fed's "Papazao" actually have a decent beat, Disco D shined as a future star producer.

Which is why many of his friends are reacting to news that he committed suicide.

Upcoming producer David "Disco D" Shayman committed suicide today (Jan. 23) sources told AllHipHop.com.

The producer, who hailed from Ann Arbor MI, came to prominence as a DJ on the Detroit/Ann Arbor Hip-Hop/club scene...He had recently launched a Brazilian urban label called Gringo Louco which counted rap group Braza as artists on the label.

"We were good friends," DJ Vlad told AllHipHop.com. "I lived with him in Brazil for a couple weeks. We both had a love for that place. I just talked to him a couple days ago. It tore me up when I heard he died."

DJ Vlad's sentiments were echoed by a number of DJ's, producers artists and journalists that knew the producer, who was just 27-years-old.

Discobelle has a dedication to Disco D with some downloadable tracks. Also you can read more about him at Baller Status or on his MySpace page.

Or at least that's what the new video clip for her tune "The Littlest Things" would have us believe. All I know is she sure looks cute in this one, like a little silver-screen pixie.



If you're not into paying steep import prices, or you're not a filthy bootlegger, you should be happy to know that Lily Allen's pretty much universally loved debut disc 'Alright, Still' will hit store shelves here in the US on January 30th on the Capitol Records label.

One of the great things about living in London is being exposed to new music that you wouldn't necessarily hear in the States (unless of course you downloaded it off the Interweb). One of the latest bands that I was turned on to is Hadouken!, a "grime and indie hybrid" band. Hybrid is right, as their sound is eclectic. The band describes themselves as:

4 suburbanite kids grew up: alcohol/guitars/gigs/good times. a love for the British urban underground: Analogue met digital. Had a kid. three Leeds degrees, one art one psychology, one literature [one drumkit + drummer boy] 4 diets of music grades and production values. Two brothers, two lovers. A voice released.

Art and Alcohol. Definitely something the London scenesters would love.

(I guess this could be a British answer to Philly's Spankrock and Baltimore's club music. It could even be seen as a response to Japan's Tigarah. But all that is just me speculating.)

Hadouken! is catchy and definitely has global market potential, even if it is marketed to people in the "underground." NME.com has already called the group a band to watch in 2007 and they have some bloggers a buzz with their YouTube promo video.



In fact, they even have their own blog.

The band's next move is a UK tour with UK rapper Plan B, who has already provided rhymes on one of their remixes. It seems that, at the rate they are going, they'll be doing a global tour pretty soon.

Check out their track "That Boy That Girl"

Hadouken! "That Boy That Girl"

Noblesse Oblige "Quel Genre De Garcon"

Bi-lingual sex in bunny costumes?

Indeed.

With all the hype surrounding the imminent release of El-P's sophomore solo LP 'I'll Sleep When You're Dead' it seems as though people have forgotten all about the rest of Definitive Jux's extensive artist roster. Yes, people occasionally bring up Cannibal Ox, mostly to wonder why they've never released another damn album. And there was that controversy last summer over RJD2 leaving the label ( incidentally, I'm listening to his Folk/Alternative album 'The Third Hand' right now and it is fucking ahhhhhhsome ) to pursue art forms other than Hip-Hop. But why isn't anybody talking about Aesop Rock? Or Cage? Or Despot for that matter? Well, there's still no news on when that Despot album ( edit: see below, I lied ) is finally going to see the light of day, but both Aesop Rock and Cage have new projects on the horizon.

Back in November Aesop announced, via his Myspace page, that he had a new album due the first half of 2007. He revealed that the album was titled 'None Shall Pass' and noted that the majority of the album's production would come courtesy of Blockhead and himself, with both El-P and Rob Sonic contributing a track a piece. Well, 2007 is now here of course, and though there still isn't an official release date set he's just posted a minute-long snippet of the title track on his MySpace page to whet fan's appetites. He also added that the track would also appear on some 'Def Swim' project which is supposed to be available from the Adult Swim website on February 26th.

Similarly, Cage is amping up excitement for his forthcoming sophomore outing on Def Jux, titled 'Depart From Me,' which is apparently supposed to come out this Spring. He also has a new snippet on his MySpace page for a song called "Blood Boy" which is taken from 'Depart From Me,'

I've gotta say the up-tempo psuedo-Disco production on "None Shall Pass" has me really excited for the album of the same name. I don't think Aesop is fucking around, and I like that... a lot. The Cage is... well.. exactly what I expected; somber, disturbing and vivid. The beat knocks though, and the electric piano is really fresh, and Cage's storytelling is as ill as ever.

It looks like Def Jux is gonna have a really good year.

Despot Update!

Imageyenation darling Despot also has a cut on that 'Def Swim' compilation that is coming out from Definitive Jux in conjunction with Adult Swim on February 26th. The tune in question is called "Get Rich or Try Dying" and you should visit Despot's MySpace page to hear a snippet of it. It's funky. Like, whoa!

The diminutive red-head will also be going out on tour with hipster favorites Ratatat this Spring. Here's some of the upcoming dates.

March 15th - Boston, Massachusetts - Paradise Rock Club
March 17th - Cleveland, Ohio - Beachland Ballroom
March 18th - Gambier, Ohio - Kenyon College
March 19th - Newport, Kentucky - Southgate House
March 21st - Chicago, Illinois - Logan Square Auditorium
March 23rd - Denver, Colorado - Bluebird Theatre
March 24th - Salt Lake City, Utah - In The Venue
March 26th - Portland, Oregon - Wonder Ballroom
March 27th - Seattle, Washington - Neumo's
April 16th - Carrboro, North Carolina - Cat's Cradle
April 18th - New York, New York - Webster Hall

More dates are forthcoming though, so keep checking back to his MySpace for up-to-date info.

According to a bulletin he just posted today he will have an EP due out on Definitive Jux at some point in the spring ( but there was a question mark here ) and his full length will ( hopefully ) be coming next year.

The sexiest man in Rock 'n' Roll, and the ( second ) best band in modern popular music, have released the best music video since Muse's "Knights Of Cydonia."



I'm talking about Kevin Barnes and Of Montreal, and their video for "Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse," from their new album 'Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?' of course.

The video's got lots of eye make-up, sparkles, skin-tight body suits, spaceships, a bear in a suit, angels, lite-brite people, and a shark. The album's got 12 freakin' sweet tracks, and it comes out Monday on Polyvinyl Records.

But this ( fan made? ) video for Jamie Kennedy and Stu Stone's "Circle Circle Dot Dot" is really freakin' cool.

Underrated, best in the game, the brokest rapper you know, Sean Price, also known as Donkey Sean Jr., Decepticon Sean, P-Body and now Jesus Price Superstar, amongst other aliases, is back. And he's taking you to Church! The former Heltah Skeltah emcee and Boot Camp Clik stalwart is set to drop the follow up to his classic solo debut 'Monkey Barz' titled 'Jesus Price Superstar' on January 30th on the Duck Down label.

The heavily anticipated sophomore LP finds Price collaborating with many of the same beat-makers who helped make 'Monkey Barz' what it was. Little Brother's 9th Wonder and his Justus League homie Khrysis laced the majority of the LP with both Moss and PF Cuttin' returning as well, while new collaborators Ill Mind, Tommy Tee, 10 of the Triad and Masse round out the production lineup. Guest emcees include Price's partner from Heltah Skeltah The Rockness Monsta, BCC General and Black Moon front-man Buckshot, Smif-n-Wessun's Steel, Sadat X and Phonte of Little Brother.

Check the tracklist for more in-depth info.

Sean Price 'Jesus Price Superstar' Duck Down

1. Intro: Jesus Price (Produced by PF Cuttin)
2. Like You (Produced by 10 For the Triad)
3. P-Body feat. Rock (Produced by 9th Wonder)
4. Cardiac feat. Buckshot, Ruste Juxx & Flood (Produced by G-Unit's Ill Mind)
5. Violent (Produced by 9th Wonder)
6. Da God feat. Sadat X & Buckshot (Produced by 10 For the Triad)
7. Oops Upside Your Head feat. Steele (Produced by MOSS)
8. Church feat. Rock and The Loudmouf Choir (Produced by Tommy Tee)
9. King Kong (Produced by Khrysis)
10. ONE (Produced by Khrysis)
11. You Already Know (Produced by 9th Wonder)
12. Directors Cut (Produced by Khrysis)
13. Let It Be Known feat. Phonte (Produced by 9th Wonder)
14. Hearing Aid feat. Chaundon (Produced by 9th Wonder)
15. Mess You Made feat. Block McCloud of Brooklyn Academy (Produced by Masse for Redline Beats)

Take a taste of the new album, and a trip in the way-back machine, all at once, as Sean P reunites with Rock on the 9th Wonder produced tune "P-Body" from 'Jesus Christ Superstar' at the link below.

Sean Price feat. Rock "P-Body"

And if you want a little insight into Price's writing process peep this little video documentary where he discusses what makes him tick as a writer.



He's a funny guy. And as you can see, he also likes cool hoodies.

So don't forget to go cop that 'Jesus Price Superstar' when it hits store shelves on January 30th on the Duck Down label.

I'm perfect.

Sexy video for a mash-up of Amsterdam native Mason's "Exceeder" and Princess Superstar's "Perfect".

Mason vs. Princess Superstar "Perfect (Exceeder)"

Simian Mobile Disco "Hustler"

How the game "Telephone" should be played...

The state of Colorado has had a rough couple of weeks. They got all kinds of crazy snow dumped on them, burying their cities and livestock alike. Then some douchebag on the OkayPlayer message boards was talking a bunch of smack about Colorado crowds sucking because the crowd at a Hip-Hop show he attended sang along to The Beatnuts when they used the N-word in their performance there. That doesn't have a whole lot to do with Denver-based Indie/Electronica sextet Constellations, other than the fact that they're from Colorado, and well, Colorado could sort-of use some good news right about now.

The good news is that these guys' new single "Necrogeister" is smokin' hot. The first couple seconds of the song sounds like an old Weather Report tune. But then the drums kick in and the groove puts one in mind of a hypothetical Hippie jam-band comprised of the members of Mobius Band and Black Moth Super Rainbow. A little over a minute in, this is reinforced by a change-up that is totally "Classic Rock." And just when you think you've got this band figured out the drums start to take on a more "four-on-the-floor" character that alludes to Disco influences. That's when synths and glitchy noises drop in, along with a haunting vocal that will surely draw comparisons to She Wants Revenge, Interpol and Joy Division. And that's where it goes totally Disco-Punk, like a lost track from The Rapture's 'Echoes' sessions. The track totally explodes in darkly danceable rapturous joy that's a little Jazzy jam-band, a lot Goth night Dance-Punk, and a nice amount Oldies radio, blended together by a robot. It's freakin' sweet, so check it out.

Constellations "Necrogeister"

And if you happen to be in Colorado check them out live, opening for The Album Leaf on January 23rd, Grizzly Bear on February 13th and Animal Collective on May 21st. More info can surely be found on their MySpace page, where you can also hear more music as well as offer them your friendship.

British sensation Lily Allen's acclaimed debut disc 'Alright, Still' will finally see release here in the states on January 30th, via Capitol Records. This release will be the first full-length CD in the U.S. to include "U-Myx" software, which allows fans to create their own remixes. The U.S. release will also feature two bonus tracks "Nan You're A Window Shopper" ( which has been floating around online forever, and I was personally glad when it got left off the original release of the album ) and "Smile ( Version Revisited )," a remix by Mark Ronson who's been killing shit of late with his production for Lily ( he produced the 'Emmanuelle' sampling "The Littlest Things" from 'Alright, Still' ) and Amy Winehouse.

She's also been tapped by the MTV networks for their first ever "MTV Discover & Download" tour. It's a seven city club tour that begins on February 5th in Los Angeles designed to introduce Lily to American audiences in an intimate way, something that has only been enjoyed by crowds overseas.

MTV Discover & Download Presents Lily Allen Tour Dates

February 5 – Los Angeles, CA – Henry Fonda Music Box

February 6 – San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall

February 8 – Chicago, IL – Metro

February 10 – New York, NY – Webster Hall

February 12 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts

February 16 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club

February 18 – Boston, MA – Axis

The outspoken, and sometimes controversial, Pop star has also taken time out from her busy schedule to sit down and speak her mind on a whole host of pressing topics. You can check out her thoughts on... things... via various streaming video formats at the links below.

Lily Allen on Body Image

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Lily Allen on Fashion

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Lily Allen on the Internet Pt. 1

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Lily Allen on the Internet Pt. 2

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Lily Allen on the Internet Pt. 3

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If that's not enough for you, you should visit her YouTube page to see some other Lily Allen video goodies. And if you haven't already, go to the place that started it all, her MySpce page, and friend her up like you know you want to.

Though her long-awaited solo debut 'Trip The Light Fantastic' was largely fronted on, Digable Planets' resident goddess Ladybug Mecca is still pushing forward. Her newest release is a single for the album cut "Dog Star" featuring a remix by Kenny Dope of legendary production duo Masters at Works and guest vocals from Raheem Devaughn, as well as a couple of non-album bonus cuts.

Since she's still one of the cutest things on two legs you might also be interested to note that there's also a fresh new video clip for the "Dog Star ( Remix )." You can peep it at the link below in embedded Quicktime format.

Ladybug Mecca feat. Raheem Devaughn "Dog Star ( Kenny Dope Remix )"

Quicktime

Her sexy self is also all up in the video for Snoop Dogg's "Candy ( Drippin' Like Water )," a posse cut featuring E-40, MC Eight, Goldie Loc, Daz and Kurupt, that happens to feature a prominent Ladybug Mecca vocal sample.



I just wish the version in the video was the same one she has on her MySpace page which also features her dropping a slick little verse... because she's still "cool like dat." Speaking of which, her little nod to beating Snoop out for the Grammy is priceless.

Yes, those are a pair of custom Reebok's bearing a Mitchell Brothers logo. That photo showed up in my inbox, along with the MP3 below, in a cryptically brisk e-mail message of questionable origins.

It would seem that this new Mitchell Brothers track is exactly what one might expect to accompany such a visual, a love song dedicated to their footwear. The song concept, lyrics and chorus are actually pretty clever. But it's sonically a departure from the type of tracks that graced their last album, and it ( thankfully ) doesn't sound like anything from the last album from The Streets. It's not Grime. It's not Garage. It's way much more a genre-defying style all it's own, akin to the type of shit K-Os and Lily Allen put out. It's definitely different, but I like it. Give it a listen, you might like it too.

The Mitchell Brothers "Sole Mate"

And if you like it go make The Mitchell Brothers your friends on MySpace so you'll be amongst the first to know when they've completed their next album. And if you haven't already, cop their debut LP 'A Breath of Fresh Attire,' which was one of my favorite records of the year last year.

I'm gonna start off by saying that I am really not a fan of Ashanti. In fact, I'm really not a fan of Murder Inc. either. Sure they had some "club bangers" but that doesn't mean I went out and bought any albums.

But after hearing 7 Aurelius (aka Marcus Vest) and Ashanti's new track and I will admit...I can't stop playing it. It's a totally different sound to what she's put out before. And no, Ja Rule does not make a guest appearance.

It's got an 80's electro vibe that kinda reminds me of Vanity Six. It is a good track to get down either on the dance floor or in the bedroom. Or even just in your car. Whatever.

7 Aurelius feat. Ashanti "My Number Babe"

(Originally seen at Concrete Loop)

All I need in my life is. There is nothing like this.

Produced and directed by Daniel Garcia and Mixtape Club for Adult Swim and Stones Throw Records it's J. Dilla's track "Nothing Like This" off of 'Chrome Children'.

This is easily my favorite Dilla "love" song, and the fellas of Mixtape Club hooked up a great complimentary video.

J. Dilla "Nothing Like This"

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Oh and don't forget Stones Throw is re-releasing Dilla's 2003 EP 'Ruff Draft' as a deluxe 2-CD set with bonus vocal tracks, interludes and instrumentals this March.

The legend lives on.

"If there's wonky in my diction then do not think it's affliction."

Latest Hot Chip video. Fancy.

Hot Chip "Arrest Yourself"

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Not enough Hot Chip action for ya? Well because you've been good you get to watch Joe make sweet love to his Teisco 60-F (NSFW):

I love The Rapture and I miss sexy, sweaty summertime parties in Brooklyn.

I/we might just have to suck it up and go see these guys rock out next month as they venture up to Northampton, MA at my/our least favorite venue in the history of venues for their lone New England tourdate.

Oh and you can also peep the video in Quicktime.

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I don't normally do this, but Emeyesi beat me to posting the video and I had some more goodies, so I have to break into his post now to add some extra hoo-ha.

First off, I have a tasty lil' MP3 of "Woo Alright, Yeah Uh-Huh" for you to download and dance your little hipster ass off to.

The Rapture "Woo Alright, Yeah Uh-Huh"

Then there's a nice little list of all The Rapture's upcoming live dates, including the one at the local venue Emeyesi alluded to, see if you can guess which one it is.

01.25 The Club at Firestone Orlando, Florida
01/26 - The Beta Bar Tallahassee, Florida
01/27 - Masquerade Atlanta, Georgias
01/29 - Cat's Cradle Carrboro, North Carolina
01/30 - Starr Hill Music Hall Charlottesville, Virginia
01/31 - Headliners Music Hall Louisville, Kentucky
02/02 - 20th Century Theatre Cincinnati, Ohio
02/03 - Rex Theatre Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
02/05 - The Rave Milwaukee, Wisconsin
02/06 - Birdy's Indianapolis, Indiana
02/07 - The Basement Columbus, Ohio
02/09 - Sonar Baltimore, Maryland
02/10 - Pearl Street Northampton, Massachusetts

And finally, if you've never seen the video for "Get Myself Into It," the funky-ass first single from The Raptures most recent album 'Pieces Of The People We Love,' which is in stores now on Universal Records, you can watch it in Quicktime as well!

Love,

El Keter ben Tzadik

"The idea of two straight boys having an attraction, or there being an attraction that's unspeakable - that was the idea of that song." - Kele Okereke

"That" song? "I Still Remember."

The video? Right here.



For more on this song, the new album, sexuality and more check out this interview with Kele from The Observer.

The Los Angeles-based duo, comprised of vocalist Inara George and multi-instrumentalist Greg Kurstin, known as The Bird and The Bee released one of my favorite Pop songs of 2006; a pretty, but potty-mouthed Synthpop gem called "Fucking Boyfriend." That song, and the teaser EP it was from, titled 'Again and Again,' earned them a feature on this site a couple months back and more importantly a place on our year-end "Best of 2006" list.

We're only 10 short days into the year 2007 and The Bird and The Bee already well on their way to earning a place on this year's "Best Of" list. That place is pretty much assured by the release of their highly anticipated ( by me at least ) debut long-player, simply titled 'The Bird and The Bee,' which is due out on January 23rd, on the Metro Blue/Blue Note label.

You can preview a couple of tracks, "Again and Again" and "I'm A Broken Heart," which both mix very traditional, almost Bacharachian, '60s style Pop with elements of Electronica, via streaming Windows Media at the links below.

The Bird and The Bee "Again and Again"

The Bird and The Bee "I'm A Broken Heart"

And if you missed out when I featured "Fucking Boyfriend" a while back, you can snag an MP3 of the Peaches remix of that track below.

The Bird and The Bee "Fucking Boyfriend ( Peaches Remix )"

You'll also have the chance to catch them live, as they'll be performing as the musical guests on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' on NBC on January 25th.

Bay area Indie/Noise-Pop trio Deerhoof have had a spot in my record collection for a number of years, but they completely blew my mind with their last LP 'The Runners Four.' They're getting ready to do it all over again this month, as they prepare the release of their newest full-length 'Friend Opportunity.' Containing 10 tracks recorded primarily in guitarist John Dieterich's bedroom, and featuring 12 alternate covers by Scottish artist David Shrigley, the album is set for release on January 23rd, 2007 on the Kill Rock Stars/5RC label.

The first taste of the album, a track titled "+81," is a certified foot-stomper. Opening with a Stax-ish horn fanfare, the song finds vocalist Satomi Matsuzaki drizzling her sweetly precocious falseto over mountains of pumped-up Blues-Rock riffs, shuffling Garage-Rock rhythms and weird cell-phone noises. It's really fucking good. Check it out.

Deerhoof "+81"

The band will be taking their show on the road throughout the next few months as well. With dates both here in the states and abroud, they're bound to be coming somewhere near you. Check the listings below so you don't miss out.

1-17-Osaka, Japan - Umeda Shangri-la
1-19-Nagoya, Japan - Nagoya Quattro
1-20-Tokyo, Japan - Shinjuku Loft
1-24 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey
1-26 - New York, NY - Irving Plaza
1-27 - Chicago, IL - Metro
1-30 - San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
2-1 - Seattle, WA- Neumo's Crystal Ball Reading Room
2-2 - Vancouver, BC - Richards On Richards
2-3 - Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom
2-4 - Eugene, OR - W.O.W. Hall
2-11 - Washington, DC - Black Cat
2-12 - Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
2-13 - Asheville NC - Grey Eagle
2-14 - Charleston, SC - Cumberland's
2-15 - Columbia, SC - Headliners
2-16 - Jacksonville, FL - Jack Rabbits
2-17 - Miami, FL - Poplife
2-18 - Tampa, FL - Crowbar
2-19 - Orlando, FL - The Social
2-20 - Gainesville, FL - Common Grounds
2-21 - Athens, GA - 40 Watt Club
2-22 - Nashville, TN - Mercy Lounge
2-23 - Winston-Salem, NC - The Warehouse
2-24 - Charlottesville, VA - Sattellite Ballroom
2-25 - Baltimore, MD - Ottobar
3-2 - San Diego, CA - The Epicentre
3-3 - Tucson, AZ - Club Congress
3-4 - Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room
3-7 - Oklahoma City, OK - Conservatory
3-8 - Dallas, TX - Gypsy Tea Room
3-9 - Austin, TX - Emo's
3-10 - Houston, TX - Numbers

And don't forget to look for 'Friend Opportunity' in stores January 23rd, on the Kill Rock Stars/5RC label.

I kind of feel like I sleep on indie Hip-Hop label Nature Sounds a little bit. This is mainly due to the sad, sad fact that the dude who handles radio promotion for the label doesn't ever send me any of their records. So, I just never get to check out most of their random 12''s or albums unless I happen to hear something about them on my own and actively seek them out.

Unfortunately unless I hear something, usually a single or whatever, that's really dope I don't actively seek shit out like that. So I think I've probably missed out on some of their better releases in the past. It's been rumored that the long-awaited Ghostface/MF Doom collabo is going to be released through Nature Sounds though, so I guess it goes without saying that I'll be grabbing myself a copy of that regardless.

But Nature Sounds has a whole shitload of other artists, many of them Hip-Hop pioneers or slept-on veterans of some stripe, other than Doom and Ghost, down with their team. That's where their 'Natural Selection' compilation series, which showcases their roster in varying combinations, comes in. If you've been sleeping like me, you can start 2007 off right, and familiarize yourself with Nature Sounds lineup of artists by checking out 'Natural Selection 2.0,' a digital-only iTunes exclusive (it hits other digital retailers on January 23rd) compilation featuring new and exclusive joints from Pete Rock, D-Block, The Wu-Tang Clan, MF Doom, Talib Kweli, R.A. the Rugged Man, Hell Razah, DJ Babu, Little Brother and many more!

Various Artists 'Natural Selection 2.0'

1. Pete Rock feat. Styles P and Sheek Louch "914"
2. Hell Razah "Buried Alive"
3. R.A. The Rugged Man "Super"
4. Mathematics feat. Raekwon "Trees"
5. DJ Babu feat. Little Brother and Joe Scudda "Fan Mail"
6. Psycho Les, Al Tariq and Problems "Chedda"
7. DJ Babu feat. Defari "Truth Be Told"
8. Mathematics feat, U-God, Masta Killa, Buddah Bless and Solomon Childs "King Toast Queen"
9. Masta Killa feat. Inspectah Deck and GZA "Street Corners (Remix)"
10. Hell Razah feat. Talib Kweli and Viktor Vaughn "Project Jazz"
11. Psycho Les "Bonus Beat"
12. DJ Babu "Bonus Beat"

You can cop it now via the iTunes store or wait until January 23rd to get it at your favorite online digital distributor.

While you're weighing your options, check out this joint from the album, "Project Jazz" by former Sunz of Man member Hell Razah featuring Talib Kweli and Viktor Vaughn (a.k.a. MF Doom) trading verses over a Doom-produced flip of that track Will.i.am used for "Damn Girl" off the Justin Timberlake album!

Hell Razah feat. Talib Kweli and Viktor Vaughn "Project Jazz"

And as a bonus, here's another Doom-produced cut by Hell Razah, from the recent 'Burn Babylon Burn' mixtape, called "Rhythm N Poetry."

Hell Razah "Rhythm N Poetry (prod. by MF Doom)"

Produced entirely by Madlib, 'Liberation' is a free, internet-only release intended to promote Talib Kweli's new label, Blacksmith Records, and build buzz for his upcoming LP 'Eardrum,' which is due early in the New Year. The fact that it exists at all is a pretty big surprise to me, but the fact that it's a free internet download is an outright shock.

Talib Kweli & Madlib 'Liberation' (.zip)

1. "The Show"
2. "Funny Money"
3. "Time Is Right"
4. "Engine Runnin'" feat. Consequence
5. "Over the Counter"
6. "The Function" feat. Strong Arm Steady
7. "Happy Home"
8. "Soul Music" feat. Candice Anderson
9. "What Can I Do"

I'm only a couple of cuts in, but I'm liking most of what I'm hearing. Of course the beats from Madlib are dope. And some of the rapping sounds kind of like more vintage Kweli. But some of it is a little clumsy. And for whatever reason he's rapping like 50 Cent on at least one song. I was sort of hoping getting with a Indie-Rap hero like Madlib would bring Kweli back to his underground roots and make him really set the mike on fire. But no dice. That track with Consequence is heat though. If that shit had Kanye and Q-Tip on it we'd really be on to something. But like I said, Madlib breaks it down. And you can't complain about that.