Tee Harris & DJ P. Foreal- Sleepwalker

Negroes on Ice (Prince Paul and PP's son DJ P. Foreal) presents DJ P. Foreal's production debut and 19 year old Tee Harris' unveiling to the hip hop world, Sleepwalker.

Endless potential spills over 17-tracks full of youthful boasts and cocky toasts to future super stardom, women, and wack MCs. Tee Harris has many shining moments (Popular, Lady's Man, Lost in a Dream), but seems to have the best chemistry with P. Foreal, who shows he is ready to prove his own worth in the midst of his father's legacy.

Here is the standout track from the tape and the free download below.

Popular by TeeHarris

Download: Tee Harris & DJ P. Foreal- Sleepwalker (Bandcamp) // Mediafire

One Be Lo- Break of Dawn ft. Deep Rooted & Alphabet Soup (Prod. 14KT)

As we wait on the release of L.A.B.O.R. and B.A.B.Y., Nahshid Sulaiman, better known as One Be Lo, has released a new mixtape entitled Laborhood Part 1 featuring a collection of songs that One Be Lo has made guest appearances on, aside from solo material. Part One features 14 tracks, Mixed by D Will. This rare collection spans over the last decade, highlighting various artists throughout the Laborhood.

the 15-track mixtape features: RoSpit, T Calmese, Zhao, Deep Rooted, Mr Brady, The AZtexts, Fat Ray, T3, Phatboy Chef, Marv Won, Jamal Bufford, Fatt Father, Black Milk, Dub Sonata, 14KT, K Kruz, Longshot, Ka Di, Derek Caraway, Decompoze, Futuristic, Moe Dirdee, D Will, and Stik Figa.
You can purchase the tape for the Lo price of $3 by visiting One Be Lo's bandcamp page here. 

Here are to tracks from the tape. Break of Dawn is from Deep Rooted's underground classic, The Second Coming and Alphabet Soup features One Be Lo rockin' a Gift of Gab-like concept over a 14kt glossed production. 

Break of Dawn ft. Deep Rooted (Prod. Mr. Brady)


Alphabet Soup (Prod. 14KT)

Bless Escro- The Blessed LP

Thanks to VerBS' twitterings I came across this dope new LP from fellow Leimart Park based master of ceremonies Bless Escro.

Bless' The Blessed LP isn't your average Southern California recording. The soulful, summery, and experimental sounds that we familiarize with other emerging South Central LA artists are replaced with a more tough and gritty style reminiscent of New York. Despite the contrast of style versus birth location, Escro brings a a form of tenacity and spunk that, in my opinion, is much needed in LA's new progressive and sprightly hip hop circle.

As heard on standout cuts like Discovery, Bloody Suicide, Heaven's Step, and Verbal Blessings, Bless Escro displays unlimited lyrical prowess and an intriguing style that bubbles well over EBO's brazen beats. On this unveiling, Bless shows that his recipe of south central strife and tales from LA's underbelly is the perfect inverse to the electronic/bounce-bap spirit that surrounds the palm jungle.

Here is the song with VerBS from the free LP, a dope video with some Bless verses, as well as the download link. Holler at Bless Escro on twitter and tell him what you think.

Verbal Blessing feat Verbs (prod. by EBO) by BlessEscro

Free Download: Bless Escro- The Blessed EP (Bandcamp) // Mediafire

A Chosen-Few LA Street Comp. from Flaco on Vimeo.

Video: ADaD- It's Mine

MC ADaD promo video for September's "P.S....IM NEXT" mixtape featuring production from Wajeed, Exile, Illmind, Tensei Beats, Ta-Ku (Australia), ADaD and many more.

Scarub- The California EP

Scarub's latest free offering, The California EP, is a perfect heat stroke survival soundtrack best served with a beach, tall long island iced tea, and a SoCal South American Betty. Full of relaxing rhymes and luminous production from Eligh, Fat Jack, and CAV, the EP shows a different yet refreshing sound from one of the most slept on members of the Living Legends crew.

Direct Download Here or stream/download singles below.

The California EP by Scarub

You're Alright, Kid (Baje One Documentary)

Here is a great documentary short on Junk Science front man, Baje One (Michaelangelo Tumbarello), that was directed, shot, and edited by Reuben Atlas. It captures me around the time when I started Modern Shark and when me and Snaf released “A Miraculous Kind Of Machine”.

Since I was out of commission when Junk Science and Scott Thorough released their Phoenix Down album in May, I've also added their video for "Pixelated" below.

Aceyalone- Pray for Rain

Aceyalone dropped this track years ago when Myspace was an acceptable social network and recently put it up as a free download on his Soundcloud page. I think I let out a "hallefuckinlujah" that it wasn't another reggaeton/doo-wop debacle. Thanks, Acey!

pray for rain by Aceyalone

Willie Evans Jr.- Moon Foot

Jacksonville, Florida based Rapper/Producer Willie Evans Jr., formerly of the group Asamov, has just released his new solo album. His new album Introducin' is fully produced by Willie Evans Jr. and tells the story of a kid (Willie) who can't learn music the traditional way so he decides to use the MPC to express himself.

Moon Foot is my favorite cut from the record and features Willie Evans sporting a Doom-esque flow over an infectious beat and sampled hook.

You can purchase Introducin' here.

The Love Junkies- Need a Light

Fresh off my late night Netflix viewing of the fantastic 1996 Rockumentary HYPE!, a Doug Pray film about the popularity of grunge rock in the early to mid-1990s in Seattle, I had the urge to cop an EP that was on my wish list since last month from an emerging Western Australian grunge band known as The Love Junkies.

The Love Junkies are yet another random Bandcamp find of mine. There debut self titled EP appeared out of nowhere amidst a gaggle of grunge garbage and instantly awoke memories of early 90's Seattle grunge-- Mudhoney, Gas Huffer, The Melvins, Mother Love Bone-- the good shit that used to make a Nirvana fiend chase the tiger even more. The proverbial cherry on top of this new relationship with the Junkies is another familiar and admired sound they incorporate into their flanneled interior: squealing electric chords from White Striped guitars that will have you screaming, "Ecky Thump!" For me, this is a lethal combo of my most esteemed rock gods. Ears exploding never felt so good.

The intro track on the EP is all you need to become a love junkie. Need a Light is the high point of a band full of 19-year old grease ball kids that want to prove they can rock Oceania and beyond. There is no potential to be heard in the record, the band's capacity reveals itself at the minute mark when Mitch McDonald lets loose his axe and larynx, and then the rest falls into place.

Here is the download for Need a Light, as well as the full EP stream/buy link below.



Stream/Purchase the EP

Free EP: Aleon Craft- Craft Singles

Check the coverage, get the free EP.

Aleon Craft explores the other side of the music spectrum to present Craft Singles, featuring 8 deluxe slices from the indie rock world. Craft makes it no secret that is he often feels misunderstood and unfairly labeled as a “rapper.” He writes, “People think I’m weird because I think abstractly” over Girls’ Carolina, a 7:44 minute master piece. Frequently pulling inspiration from different genres, Craft Singles was conceived by Aleon Craft after many sessions of listening to new music with 808 Blake of SMKA. “Craft Single is a collection of songs by a few of the artists that I vibe out to on my down time, and who I highly respect. Come take this ride with me, and I know you’ll enjoy it,” says Craft.

Download EP: Aleon Craft- Craft Singles // Mediafire

Doc Waffles- The King's English ft. SelfSays

Posting this on the strength of the SelfSays feature alone, but Doc Waffles seems to have some interesting content on his new EP. He also kind of sounds like Paul Barman's cooler, less annoying younger brother.

It has been five years since Detroit antiquarian bookslinger and hip hop emcee, Doc Waffles  released his last record, titled Golf View Drive. His new album titled Seizure Suit Farms features beats from Eddie Logix and Sheefy McFly, a collaboration with SelfSays, and includes esoteric references to Jurassic Park, 19th Century Norwegian crime novels, oral hygiene, the emotional health of pop icons, and the feeling of a brand new pair of socks. The EP will serve as a prologue to the much anticipated How To Shoot Quail LP due to release this fall.

Myth- My Summertime Jam ft. MC Eiht

Myth of the Strange Fruit Project lets loose a perfect summer jam from his forthcoming solo project which has yet to receive a title. Production comes courtesy of Theory Hazit and Strange Fruit core, S1.

My Summertime Jam by Myth (Strange Fruit Proj)

The Rubix Qube Exclusive- The Real Scene

The Philadelphia Record Company presents PREFACE by The Rubix Qube Exclusive. Preface is the second installment of the intergalactic Rubix Qube releases, a series of experimental hip hop EPs pushing the boundaries of space and time with stellar production.

The Rubix Qube is made up of Philadelphia rapper Emcee Unless and Grammy nominated producer/musician, Rick Friedrich, who you might know best from his contributions to The Roots' How I Got Over record.

The slithering psychedelic sound of The Real Scene immediately caught my attention when I was listening to the EP and I was lucky enough to get the rights to the free download. Unless told me that this standout single will get the video treatment soon, so stay tuned. PREFACE is now available for a Luniz.

The Real Scene

Video: Alpha MC- Lets Get Drunk (LIVE @ KNOCKSTEADY)

Alpha MC performs a song at Knocksville.

Clay Hughes- Bitter Pill ft. Mac Lethal

Clay Hughes is a Kansas City based singer-songwriter equipped with syrupy vocals that easily melt over any type of production. Mix Citizen Cope with Ben Harper and a collection of ear rattling hip hop infused drums and you got Clay Hughes and The What, Hughes' side band that released an incredible debut EP at the beginning of the year called The Wrong Side of Crazy. Recently, Clay teamed up with KC hip hop producer JKR70 and created one of the most interesting records I've heard so far in 2011. Their album, The Whether Machine, seamlessly combines hip hop, downtempo, acoustic rock, blues, and pop featuring Clay on every track along with help from The Phantom, Mac Lethal, Jabee, Johnny Polygon, Lucid, and Irv Da Phenom.

This wild blend of genres was inspired by JKR70's lack of response from co-workers when playing his other music projects for the office. "A lot of time I play the music I've produced for my co-workers at my day job, and they are supportive, but seem unimpressed or alienated," JKR70 said. "I think 'The Whether Machine' is far more appealing to people from various walks of life. Bridging that gap between hip-hop and contemporary, as well as styles bordering on emo or adult alternative. Musically the album is as diverse as the group of people involved, a testament to the sum of its parts. It gives the listener the opportunity to openly claim whatever genre they choose to hear while still presenting a cohesive whole. Select tracks could instantly be pegged as some of the Midwest's best hip hop ("Gotta Soul") while others ("Walking, Understood"/"This Is Beautiful") could just as easily find themselves on an indie pop playlist.

Clay Hughes and JKR70 are onto something with this record. Not only does their chemistry bubble on every song, but their ability to blend various accessible genres into one cohesive project is a revelation. The mystery in Hughes' voice is the perfect accessory to JKR70's murky landscapes and, unlike other acts who attempt to blend numerous styles, Hughes and JKR never stray from their smoky signature sound making their first attempt at bridging genres a flawless success.

Here is my favorite cut from The Whether Machine, Bitter Pills, featuring Mac Lethal. You can stream the rest of the album below via Bandcamp.

Clay Hughes & JKR70- Bitter Pill ft. Mac Lethal

Damu the Fudgemunk- Truly Get Yours ft. Buff1

This beat is AMBROSIAL, son!

Think of it as a series of Singles, EPs & Non-Album tracks. Each record in this series will be limited to 700 7” units, never to be repressed. For those of you without turntables, the tracks will also be available digitally via iTunes, Amazon, etc.

Some records in this series might feature new, conceptual tracks, while others could feature instrumental versions of songs you may have heard (such as Damu’s Alexander Green Remix).  Some will feature demos or archive tracks (youtube beat videos, anyone?) while others might include collaborations with like-minded artists, or who knows… maybe even an occasional vocal track from Damu himself.

Each record will be different, but each will live up to what we are taking on as our motto going forward: Quality Over Quantity.

We’re telling you about the first record (pictured above) to kick things off, but after this one, the rest of the records in this series will drop with almost no advanced notice.

On Monday, we’ll kick things off by accepting pre-orders of RDF-i701, which will feature instrumental versions of When The Winter Comes & Truly Get Yours.

Damu The Fudgemunk ft. Buff1 - Truly Get Yours by Redefinition Records

Hawthorne Headhunters- If You Were My Baby

I'm late to the Hawthorne Headhunters party, but I'm amped I didn't miss much. Due to the strength of this new cut from their upcoming LP, I got their self titled EP from 2009. If you are a fan of Dam Funk, Platinum Pied Pipers, or Sa-Ra, I'd highly recommend checking out their bugged-out-at-midnight jams. Shit is fresh!

In search of some new, Black Spade migrated out west to soak up the vibrant Southern California vibes and promptly met producer Proh Mic at the famed Do-Over. The two hit it off and began toying with music, soon bringing I, Ced, another St. Louis expat in LA, into the fold. The collective was taking shape and drew their moniker from 'Ced’s residence in Hawthorne, California. The St. Louis natives reached out to their old comrade Coultrain and he eventually moved out to LA as well. A jam session at the HVW8 gallery solidified the group’s identity and the creative relationship with it’s owner resulted in an eponymous EP in 2009. Made up of songs done with no intention of release, the EP was the first physical manifestation of Hawthorne Headhunters on HVW8 Records in 2009.

The creative process of the newly formed group was very natural. Members of the group liken the approach to that of old Jazz musicians; organic and instinctual, drawing from whatever influences they were feeling and writing about whatever was on their mind. ;  They began plotting a full length record, but Proh Mic and  Ced decided to pursue solo endeavors instead of focusing on the group and ‘Train and Spade became the official torch-bearers of Hawthorne Headhunters. The duo went in the studio and Myriad of Now was recorded, a 14-track collection of Funk, Electro, R and more that speaks on spirituality, sexuality and everything in between. Carrying on the lineage of Black music dating back to the Blues and the inception of Jazz, Hawthorne Headhunters melt influences together to break new ground.

During the summer of 2011 Los Angeles based label, Plug Research Music, picked up distribution of the album from HVW8 which brings us to the release of the first single from Myriad of Now called “If You Were My Baby (Reprise)” which also features the track “Teleport".

Hawthorne Headhunters- If You Were My Baby/Cop on iTunes


Hawthorne Headhunters- U Say (from self titled EP)

Valentin Stip- Anytime Will Do

Now onto its sixth release, Nicolas Jaar's personal imprint, Clown and Sunset, has established itself as a respected disseminator of quirky downtempo house music. With Anytime Will Do, the debut EP from Valentin Stip, the label adds a fresh new face to its roster that slots in nicely with the label's intimate aesthetic. Hailing from Montreal, Stip is a 19-year-old, classically schooled pianist who recently turned his attention towards electronic experimentation. The result is muted and thoughtful sound that blends Stip's piano work floating on top of a bedrock collage of found sounds. - XLR8R

Here is the title track from Valentin's debut EP that dropped at the end of June. Full EP stream available below on Soundcloud.

Valentin Stip- Anytime Will Do


CS006 Valentin Stip - Anytime Will Do EP by Clown and Sunset

Aleon Craft- Don't Gotta Work It Out x Broken Paradise x Carolina (Speed of Sound) x Cameras

I'm a bit behind on my Aleon Craft.

Aleon is working on his new Craft Singles project that's set to release tomorrow (Tuesday, July 19th).  Craft tackles and re-works popular records from Tame Impala, Fitz & The Tantrums, Deer Hunter, Matt & Kim, Cults, Mansions on the Moon, TV Girl, and Girls.

Aleon Craft explores the other side of the music spectrum to present Craft Singles, featuring 8 deluxe slices from the indie rock world. Craft makes it no secret that is he often feels misunderstood and unfairly labeled as a “rapper.” He writes, “People think I’m weird because I think abstractly” over Girls’ Carolina, a 7:44 minute master piece. Frequently pulling inspiration from different genres, Craft Singles was conceived by Aleon Craft after many sessions of listening to new music with 808 Blake of SMKA. “Craft Single is a collection of songs by a few of the artists that I vibe out to on my down time, and who I highly respect. Come take this ride with me, and I know you’ll enjoy it,” says Craft.

Here are the 4 leaks that have dropped so far:

Don’t Gotta Work It Out w/ Fitz & The Tantrums


Broken Paradise w/ Mansions On The Moon


Carolina (Speed of Sound) w/ Girls via DJ Booth

Cameras w/ Matt & Kim

VerBS- Feelings Getting in the Way

VerBS is a busy, busy man. Due to the blood, sweat, and beers behind the work that goes into putting on Leimart Park's monthly art walk, his DIY hip hop event BANANAS, and his endless bike treks across Los Angeles, he doesn't have any time for your feelings. What smart 24-year old would that wants to get shit accomplished?

This hyper active hip hopper does have time to drop off the first single to his forthcoming mix tape, The Progress 3: Manifest Awesome, the third tape in an excellent series that, along with his work with his Swim Team members (Oceans 11, Red Foxx with Alpha MC) and Intuition (Buzz EP), has made him one of the most anticipated new independent rappers coming out of Southern Calfornia.

Here is the new single that is produced by Listed of Seven Day. Stay tuned for the release of The Progress 3.



Bandcamp link

Video: Intuition- Best Fool

While giving James Harden and Brian Wilson a run for their beard money, Intuition finally put down the camera and Macbook and returned to the booth to perform his new unreleased track, Best Fool (produced by Equalibrum).

Rainbow Danger Club- Where Maps End

If you have an hour to kill sometime in the near future, I suggest you take a trip with the pride of Shanghai's budding indie rock scene, Rainbow Danger Club, and their incredible new project, Where Maps End.

As a follow up to their critically acclaimed 2010 release, New Atlantis, these unsung heroes of the progressive rock genre conjured up a 60 minute collage full of lush psychedelia, infectious vocal melodies, reverb laced guitars, airy synths, and complex compositions. Where Maps End is where some of the most interesting experimental albums in rock and roll history collide to form celestial fireworks that eventually birth a new (rock) star. Part Pink Floyd and part Arcade Fire's "The Funeral" with dashes of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and turn of the millennium Flaming Lips, Rainbow Danger Club's sophomore release is a majestic masterpiece that is sure to make the young quartet one of the most talked about international acts today and has the power and beauty to become their magnum opus.

This album of the year candidate is dramatic, adventurous, and haunting. The cohesive convergence of various sounds, instrument/vocal effects, and musical arrangements is supernatural. This is a record with many layers, many depths, many faces, many moons. Where Maps End is an enigmatic opera that deserves the world's ear.

Fire up the bowl. Fire up a candle. Put fire in your cortex. Celebrate a wonderful musical accomplishment.

Here are two of my favorite songs from the record, but single songs do the album no justice. Listen to it in full. You will not be sorry.

Live On in Photographs


Lego Sunrise (Instrumental track)


Download Album: Rainbow Danger Club- Where Maps End

Mister Bibal- Losange Jaures

Paris producer Mister Bibal released his new EP, Losange Juares, on True Flav Records yesterday. If you love sexy, spaced out synths and vintage west coast hip hop with a funk kick, then you will be all over this record.  Dam Funk meets DJ Quik meets Beat Maker Beat.

I just copped it for $5.73 US. It's well worth the lunch money.

Black Milk & Jack White- Brain x Royal Mega

Two of my favorite artists collide.

Black Milk - Brain by weallwantsome1

Black Milk - Royal Mega by weallwantsome1

It’s a pretty crazy feeling when you’re going about your regular, every day routine in the studio and all of sudden you get a phone call that Jack White wants to work with you. The email to my manager came from Jack White himself. My first reaction was one of shock that an artist like him, who most people would categorize as a rock star, would want to work with an independent hip-hop artist. My second reaction was surprise that he even knew I existed, even though we’re from the same city. Of course, my response was “Hell yeah! When and where do I need to be to make this happen?” A few back and forth emails led to my band (keyboardist AB; drummer Daru Jones and bassist Malik Hunter) and I taking a trip to Nashville to record at Jack’s home studio.

Upon our arrival, Jack was the first person to greet us. From our brief discussion about music and things of that nature, I learned he discovered my music through the “Deadly Medley” video. Jack, a team of his musicians, my band and I wasted no time starting a jam session. I immediately felt the pressure of having to create two great songs in two days. Not only were we able to produce two tracks that we felt were great, but we were able to capture our individual sounds. I was prepared to follow Jack’s direction with the songs, but not long into the creative process it became clear that he wanted me to take the lead role as the producer. For a guy who is so well-respected and musically accomplished to humbly step into the recording room as one of many musicians and to trust me as the producer to do what I do best was pretty crazy and such an honor.

The jam sessions were recorded to tape, all on the first day. On the second day, I chose two of them to write to and spit my verses back to back. No “edit, undo” like recording digitally in Pro-Tools. On the third and final day, we toured Third Man Records (the most amazing place ever), shot photos for the project cover and sound checked for our show later that night. It was a great performance for an amazing crowd, but the craziest part of the night was seeing (and hearing) Jack White in the crowd, cheering us on like a fan and seeming to have more fun than everyone. As a bonus, the live show was recorded to tape (Black Milk Live at Third Man Records), and will be released on vinyl.

The time we spent in Nashville collaborating with Jack White was one of the greatest moments in my music career. It not only inspired me to continue to work hard as a producer, but also confirmed that staying true to my art, without compromise, can manifest into the type of rewards that money can’t buy.

- Black Milk 

Both tracks are available for purchase on iTunes or on 7″ vinyl

Video: Shabazz Palaces LIVE on Seattle's KEXP

Max Tannone- Ghostfunk

New York DJ Max Tannone has just crawled out of the lab to present hip hop fans with another remix album that pays homage to a favorite hometown hero, Ghostface Killah, and a collection of obscure African funk, high-life, and psychedelic rock jams.

Unlike a lot of other mashup/remix attempts, Ghostfunk is crisp, unblemished, and invigorating. Max is one of the few producers that has given a vivid new personality to a legend's catalog without compromising the integrity of the original records. Some singles, like "Three Bricks" from Fishscale (Three Lords), are revived by Tannone's fresh new foundation and puts the initial production to shame.

I missed his earlier stuff with Jay-Z and Radiohead and Mos Def meets Dub, but Ghostfunk has me prepared to download and consume it all tonight.

Here is "Three Lords" below. The download page of the full project has the artwork, downloads, and sample page.

Ghostfunk - 05 - Three Lords by Max Tannone

Download: Max Tannone- Ghostfunk

Residing in New York City, budding music producer Max Tannone has taken the sounds of his hometown heroes and crafted them into a number of unique remix albums. Max burst onto the scene in early 2009 with “Jaydiohead”, combining the sounds of rap king Jay-Z and British rockers Radiohead. Catching the ears of MTV, NBC, hundreds of blogs, music news sites, and vinyl bootleggers, the project had Jay-Z himself even tweeting “There are 3 or 4 real gems on Jaydiohead.”

Following Jaydiohead, the Beastie Boys contacted Max in spring 2009 for a special remix within a remix to promote the re-release of their seminal “Check Your Head” album. Entitled “Doublecheck Your Head”, Max deftly weaves the Beastie’s tracks within themselves to create a thrilling interpretation of the punk-rap classic.

Max’s latest release, Mos Dub, hit in spring 2010. Merging the styles of Brooklyn legend Mos Def with dub reggae masters like King Tubby and Lee “Scratch” Perry, Mos Dub is truly an innovative project that will undoubtedly spin at summer barbecues for many years to come. The sequel, Dub Kweli, featuring Mos Def’s oft-partner in crime Talib Kweli, was released in late August of 2010.

Shakey Graves- Roll the Bones

Shakey Graves is the alter ego of Austin, Texas based songwriter Alejandro Rose-Garcia. His collection of lo-fi glazed demos, Roll the Bones, is just a tiny glimpse of Alejandro's brilliance. This intimate collection of bedroom recordings and live performances expose his innate ability to pen infectious modern folk tunes that are sure to conjure up images of freight-hopping hobos, bootleg liquor cellars, and nomadic men following the paths of tumbleweeds.

Recently, using the power of Kickstarter, Shakey received funding to record his first studio album. The album will be released Christmas 2011. "In my travels I have been inspired by so many folks from coast to coast, i have had the distinct honor of playing along side musicians that haunt me to the core, and been kept afloat by the kindness of friends and strangers. I want to make an album that utilizes this. A Shakey Graves family album. 12 brand new songs that stand as a tribute to everyone who has extended their hand, offered their couch, and perked up their ears."

If it's anything like Roll the Bones, consider my xmas gift to myself already taken care of. 

Here is my favorite Shakey Graves song from Roll the Bones. Full album download below. Also, be sure to check out footage of a Shakey Graves live show on the flip side.


"Built to Roam"

Download Album: Shakey Graves- Roll the Bones

El Radio Fantastique- How Does It Make You Feel?

As a living music-breathing entity, El Radio Fantastique's 8-piece band is a stitched together b-movie creature - part rumba band in purgatory, part cinematic chamber group, part shipwrecked serenade.

Their first single is was written by bandleader Giovanni DiMorente back in 1995. "In the literal sense it was about my time as a very small-time pop star in the late 80's - the sharks and devils I met and the choices I made. I gambled heavily with my musical integrity and lost hard. So, it's about a soul sucker that meets a chameleon - a meeting of opportunists that mesh seamlessly. In the end, if you have a conscience, somebody is left miserable... and you start again from there." 

I'm loving their first single and can't wait to hear more.  Take a look at all their photos on their facebook page for a better feel of the band's ethos. If they own that snail car that shoots flames out of it's feelers with the drummer at the top, I will give them all of my money.


Download: El Radio Fantastique- How Does It Make You Feel?

List of band members and instruments they play on the flip side. 

Video: Playdough- Ya Heard ft. Mr. Dibbs vs. The Black Keys

Dallas, TX, rapper Playdough is proving that, contrary to popular belief, playdough is serious business. His newest album, Hotdoggin, came out in May, and now he’s premiering his new video for “Ya Heard” featuring Mr. Dibbs vs. the Black Keys exclusively on CMJ.

Quincy Vidal- Saturday Morning

One of the blogosphere's most slept on new hip hop groups has returned with another blunted blessing. Quincy Vidal, made up of MC/Vocalist Le'Asha Julius and MC Caleb Eberhardt, join forces once again with beatsmith Still Weavens and bang out a beautiful ode to doing absolutely nothing.

If you are late to the Quincy Vidal part, make sure to check out my past coverage here (where you can also find all my old WhiskeyTeeth posts).

Download: Quincy Vidal- Saturday Morning

Stream it on the flip side.

MasterClass- MasterClass Compilation

Dig the Jesse Futerman EP? This is even better.

The self proclaimed "cut and paste music composer" known as MasterClass recently released a free 17-track compilation album that quickly glides over his short yet illustrious career. The collection has a dark atmosphere but is often flaked with buoyant notes of optimism and hope. Each cut is complex, well crafted, and enchanting, showcasing an already budding beatsmith blossoming into a loop luminary.

It would be a tragedy if it was left unheard.

Download: MasterClass- MasterClass Compilation (Bandcamp) // Mediafire

Jesse Futerman- Super Basement EP

I kid you not. I find at least 3-4 great albums on bandcamp every week.

My latest find is this superb 6-track EP from a relatively unknown Toronto, Canada bred producer, Jesse Futerman. His debut Super Basement EP that dropped last month on bandcamp is a fleeting glimpse into the gut of an artist with endless potential. The EP is refined and unpolluted. Futerman's minimalistic approach to production is reminiscent of artists like Freddie Joachim, Eric Lau, and newer beatsmiths from Japan who are well-known for their buttery smooth, jazz fused flips that age like vampires.

I don't have any more information on the guy, so grab the EP and fill in the blanks with the music. Here is a song that wasn't on the EP to give you an idea of his vibe.

Blue by jessefuterman

Download: Jesse Futerman- Super Basement EP (Bandcamp) // Mediafire

Toro Y Moi- Freak Love (Freddie Joachim Remix)

Freddie Joachim laces another ice frozen instrumental to cold lamp to. This is a remix of the Toro Y Moi single from his debut album Causers of This (2010).

Toro Y Moi - Freak Love (Freddie Joachim Remix) by freddiejoachim

Free Album: The Nico Blues- Blame the Boredom, Blame the Basements

As a member of the Echo Boomer/Millenial generation, alternative rock from the 1990's holds a special place in my heart. A huge, achingly nostalgic spot in my right ventricle that throbs and pulsates with the slow building intro on Cherub Rock when Siamese Dream is played, flutters when someone actually remembers Hum, and skips a beat when someone asks, Who is Layne Staley? To me, it was the last era of rock and roll that mattered and, at the risk of sounding like a Rob Gordon-like former college DJ that mainlines Sonic Youth b-sides, I love when its remnants get dug up and used in music today.

A few flanneled and forgotten fossils of the early 90s were recently discovered in a basement in New York by an unknown yet quintessential alternative rock quintet known as The Nico Blues. Mixing the classic distorted roots of alt-rock with hints of Pavement, Mudhoney, and the more recent Silversun Pickups, The Nico Blues' debut album, Blame the Boredom, Blame the Basements, is a sublime combination of vintage college rock grunge and new era alternative pop.  

Celebrating the DIY ethos, The Nico Blues recorded, produced, and mixed the album in their home studio; however, the final product might surprise you. Instead of the endearing tape hiss kissed debuts and demos of the 90s, TNB's humble beginnings sound professional, cohesive, and seasoned. Their 9-track arrival sounds like a veteran band's departing opus with standout singles "Living Proof", "Three's a Crowd",  and "Folk Song #2". Unlike many newborn bands from the past and present day, their debut album doesn't come off as a charming yet disjointed peek into their future potential. Blame the Boredom, Blame the Basements listens as a grand accession to the alternative rock genre and feels like a cure for a 90s kid's broken heart.

Album Download via Bandcamp or TheNicoBlues.com

Common- Ghetto Dreams ft. Nas (Prod. No I.D.)

Has Common finally been cured of the Disco Aids virus? You be the judge.

Common - Ghetto Dreams feat NAS by Nasir Jones

ForteBowie- Impala

ForteBowie releases the last leak from the Something About #Bowie project. ForteBowie sampled the self-titled bonus track, "Pala" from an English dance punk band Friendly Fires. The SAB project comes out tomorrow! Get ready.

Track is smooth!

Free Album: Micah Brown- Down Like Hail

I was going through my 2011 album purchases and decided to revisit one of my favorite records of the group: Micah Brown's "Down Like Hail".

I wrote about the California bred soulfolk singer on another site. My rave review said:

Released on January 11th, 2011, Down Like Hail is an impressive unveiling. Thoughtful, diverse, and passionate, Micah woos the world with his woeful wails over a buffet of melodic folk and blues arrangements. "Cousin in Berlin" serves as the perfect first impression, teetering between classic slide guitar riffs and a spritely folk riff reminiscent of Winnie Cooper's on screen cue in the Wonder Years. "Down Like Hail" and "Parallel World" have country hues, which cradle Brown's vocals comfortably. "Frustratin' Woman" and "Coming of Age" both show his accessibility, dexterity, song writing abilities, and easily have the fire to make Micah Brown a household name. 

I was planning on uploading my favorite single from the record (Cousin in Berlin), but I saw that Micah is offering the album as a free download on his bandcamp page. I'd take advantage of his generosity ASAP and get yourself familiar with his refreshing blend of Blues, Country, and sun saturated Soulfolk. And while you are grabbing the file, take a look at two videos from the album below.

Download Album: Micah Brown- Down Like Hail

Freddie Joachim- Waves

Here is a new instrumental from one of my favorite producers, Freddie Joachim. Freddie remains one of the most consistent producers of the "new era" and is constantly dropping jazzy eargasms. Check out his bandcamp, soundcloud, and his label to catch up and stay connected.

Freddie Joachim - Waves by freddiejoachim

ForteBowie- Something About #Bowie Mixtape

Refined Hype, Donuts & Milk Hip Hip, Rock The Dub and The Girl They Call Es presents the second installment from Atlanta, Ga based artist ForteBowie, entitled Something About #Bowie. Something About #Bowie is compiled of aspirations, personal topics, and thoughts which he believes to be his diary of a 20 year old who is beginning to find his own direction in life.

Download Mixtape: ForteBowie- Something About #Bowie