...aesthetically speaking...

'Bout It, 'Bout It wit Sgld x B-Rock TONIGHT

2012 Year End

Top 10 Albums

10. TNGHT - s/t

Dynamic electronic production duo Hudson Mohawke and Lunice may not have created the trendy subgenre of "trap" music, but they set the standard for its overall sound.

Standouts: "Higher Ground"

9. Birdy - s/t

How this young lady wasn't talked about with the same intensity as Charlotte Church was a few years back is beyond me.  Both sickeningly cute winners of UK talent contests, Birdy has a much broader style range.  As unmistakable as some of the original songs are that she covers, she attacks them with an acute fragility that makes you listen to the lyrics for the first time and open your door to a helpless english lady with a heart of gold who's shivering standing in the rain.

Standouts: "Skinny Love"

8. XXYYXX - s/t

This young Florida producer embodies everything that is good about the post-dubstep genre.  While last year's genre-defining album by SBTRKT introduced the world to the genre, XXYYXX's album shaves off the sugar-coating that made the SBTRKT's introduction accessible to the masses.  There isn't a sound or note that doesn't envelop the listener in syrupy noire that fuses the seemingly polarizing moods of eroticism and the come-down from a high.

7. Cherub - Mom & Dad

If this list were based solely on how many times I listened to an album this would be #1.  It's impossibly catchy and danceable, but is equally appropriate for a party pre-game or chilling after-bar.  They are a more lyrical, less house-y version of Boombox and created an album that will never leave your summer home/cabin.

Standouts: "Doses & Mimosas", "Dear Body"

6. Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music

Killer Mike never went anywhere, but I'm sure he'd agree with me in saying that this is a comeback album.  It's an album so good, so unapologetic, so devoid of pretenses it was impossible for even the casual hip-hop listener to not catch wind of the record.  It definitely helped that future-producer El-P created the raw soundscape. 

Standouts: "Reagan", "R.A.P. Music"

5. Fiona Apple - Idler Wheel

How Fiona Apple can continue to write such deeply sad and introspective music after all of these years makes me worry for her mental health.  The plus side to her borderline insanity is that listeners continue to get some of the best songwriting of the year paired with a beautifully raw voice.  She also happened to give one of the best live performances I've seen in a long time at the State Theater.

Standouts: "Werewolf", "Jonathan"

4. Grimes - Visions

Forget sub-subgenres... Claire Boucher once described her style as "..a little like everything you've ever heard, the whole sounds like nothing you've ever heard."  None of these tracks should be on the same project and yet this album is one of the most cohesive albums I've heard all year.  Unlike the drug-addled nature of the sonics, taken in whole, the album leaves you satisfied... not wanting and not teetering on overdose.  It shows a tremendous amount of restraint and respect for the right dosage of elements.

Standouts: "Genesis", "Be A Body"

3. Kendrick Lamar - Good Kid, m.A.A.d City

Who else would have the guts to have an arsenal of producers at their helm to create radio singles and instead choose to make a concept album... on their major label debut?  And who would do that and have the skills and credibility to pull it off?  Only Kendrick.  While I personally would prefer to listen to his mixtapes, the artistry of this album cannot be denied.

Standouts: "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe", "Poetic Justice"

2. Lana Del Rey - Born To Die

This is modern-day Sinatra balladry at its best, sung by the stereotype of Americana who touches upon the dark undercurrents of western society against decadent backdrops from Emile Haynie (Kid Cudi, Eminem, Kanye West).

Standouts: "Born To Die", "Summertime Sadness"

1. Frank Ocean - Channel Orange

To show this must versatility on a major label debut is astounding.  From two-part songs with a house groove ("Pyramids") to a ballad about vaginas with a rapped verse from Andre 3000 ("Pink Matter"), the diversity of the album is overwhelming but handled like an industry veteran.  Each subject matter is approached from a refreshingly different point of view and treated with so much care that the listener can't help but wonder just how much of the inspiration was garnered from personal experiences.

Standouts: "Pyramids", "Crack Rock"

~honorable mentions~
Purity Ring - Shrines
Sean Price - Mic Tyson
Solange - True
Jessie Ware - Devotion
Beach House - Bloom
Thavius Beck - Heavens Bleed Sunshine
Dr. John - Locked Down 

Best Covers 

Best Mixtape

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Best Music Videos

10. Disclosure, "Latch"

9. JJAMZ, "Heartbeat"

8. D E N A, "Cash, Diamond Rings, Swimming Pools"

7. Danny Brown, "Grown Up"

6. Isaiah Toothtaker, "Champion Cuffer" (NSFW)

5. Jack White, "Freedom At 21"

4. Trinidad James, "All Gold Everything"

3. Major Lazer, "Get Free"

2. XXYYXX, "About You"

1. El-P, "Full Retard"
 

Blue Sky Black Death x Deniro Farrar - Cliff of Death

HAPPY APOCALYPSE#GetItWhileYouCan

"Love Sosa" cover by Niykee Heaton

After The Smoke, "Can't Deny" in-the-lab

B-Rock reviews XXL's The Break artist, Skewby

In the second installment of my reviews of artists on XXL's The Break series, I take a look at Memphis emcee, Skewby.  I appreciated what I found.  Check out the full review here:
B-Rock's review of Memphis emcee, Skewby

Onyx, "Belly of the Beast" (prod. Audible Doctor)

My favorite track off of The Audible Doctor's excellent JB beat tape, Brownies, gets some legends spitting fire.

Professor P & DJ Akilles, "Pro & Ak For President"

Guest Judge on XXL's "The Break"

I'll be the guest judge for the month of November on XXL's "The Break" series online. Check out my review and some music from up-and-coming Philly group, Inner City Hustlers here.  Stay tuned for the next installment next week.

Neon Hitch, "Gucci Gucci"

better 

best

Dimitry Killstorm & DJ Name - Make A Scene

Charli XCX - Super Ultra Mixtape

RAC - Chapter One (Int'l Version)

There are very few producers whose remixes are significantly better than the originals. I've never heard a bad remix by this guy. The collection is no different.

Disclosure, "Latch"

Red Bull Thre3style Finals and the Judges

RedBull Thre3style | Chicago from DJ Jazzy Jeff on Vimeo.

Lil Kim x Suff Daddy, "Crush On You (B-Rock lounge edit)"

After The Smoke - Garcus Marvey

Ableton Push

Doomtree Blowout 8

Trinidad James, "All Gold Everything"

"Pop the Molly, I'm sweatin'! Whoo!"

The Melker Project, "Binders Full of Women (Mitt Romney Remix)

 

Lana Del Rey, "Ride"

Sky Ferreira, "Everything Is Embarrassing"

This is easy to fall in love with.

R.eye.P. Micheal Larsen (11/9/1981 - 10/16/2010)

Talking Heads x Broke For Free, "Once In A Broke Lifetime (B-Rock blendit)"

beat by Broke For Free

Raz Fresco x ChillxWill - No Hookz FreEP

Ask me how two kids, one from Toronto and the other from Washington, were able to manifest some of the best parts of gritty early-90's New York hip-hop in a freEP.  I don't know, but if you don't believe me it would behoove you to download this excellent hip-hop refresher.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

Official direct download link

Planet Terrordome//Friday Oct. 12th//Nomad

#PlanetTerrordome

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, "Same Love"

This is an important song, especially for the hip-hop genre.

Jeremih, "Fuck U All The Time (Shlohmo Remix)"

DOWNLOAD LINK

Four Color Zack's Red Bull Thr3style winning set

Thanks to Mike 2600 for posting the video and his wife for capturing this on video.

Icona Pop, "I Love It (Melker Project Remix)"

One of my favorite tracks of the summer was Icona Pop's "I Love It" and it just got remixed by one of my favorite new mash-up/remix artists, Scott Melker.

Download link

Mike Mictlan - SNAXXX!

Fresh out the oven!  Mike Mictlan drops a project he's been hinting at for a while if you follow him on twitter.

SNAXXX features production by 2% Muck, Paper Tiger, DJ Rich-Dog, and Mike Frey, plus awesome guest verses from the likes of Lizzo, Greg Grease, Freez, Spyder Baybie Raw Dog, La Manchita, and P.O.S.  You can stream the whole thing below from Soundcloud if you wanna get a feel for the album before downloading (might need to refresh the page if it isn’t showing up).

And for all of you physical content lovers out there, as I hope most of my readers are, be sure to check out the insane SNAXXX PAXXX offered up in a limited 300-piece run!  Cop it HERE!  Or download it digitally like a punk here.

JJAMZ, "Heartbeat"

They're playing the Triple Rock Oct. 28th.

Prof - KVP3

Available for free download NOW!

Charli XCX, "So Far Away"

Off the You're The One EP available now.

The Chalice, "Double Dutch"

Local hip-hop act The Chalice just put up this new track over the weekend.  They have an EP release show this Friday at 7th Street.

D-Styles at Blunt Club circa 2011

Tonight's internet journey took me to this fantastic piece of DJ showmanship.

IDEAWERKS Concert & Fundraising Event: Saturday, Powderhorn Park

I'll be helping to DJ this wonderful community.  Come by, say hi, learn more about the organization and space, and support your community!  And yes, the Y.N. RichKids will be performing their BANGER that has put the Twin Cities on blast!

Come support IDEAWERKS - An IPR, Powderhorn & East Phillips Park program geared to Inspire, Educate, Mentor & Influence the next generation of Creative and Informed Citizens!

EVENT HOSTED BY: Toki Wright
Performances by:
IDEAWERKS Students Steven Michaels & more! 

Y.N.Rich Kids of the youtube hit: "Hot Cheetos & Takis"
Maria Isa & Muja Massiah as Villa Rosa
Bomba Umoya
Bars &Measures
Regional Dialect
Black Pearll
Rockets to Nebraska
DJ Simone *Steppa* DuJour

Saturday September 22, 2012 3:00pm-7:30pm
Powderhorn Park - 3400 15th Ave S Mpls

Also:
Live Interactive Tour of the IDEAWERKS studio -
*Come check out our production and recording studio at Powderhorn Park and support our efforts to reach out to youth in both IDEAWERKS locations: Powderhorn, East Phillips and our most recent endeavor: Phillips Community Center.
DJ Tent
Breakdancers
Food Vendor
Door prizes

This event is FREE and for all ages! It is a family friendly show, so be a respectful homie :)

IDEAWERKS is a free after school program geared to teach youth Grades 7 & up music production and recording.

There will be music for the entire family and kids of all ages! Please come out to support IDEAWERKS program, students! They are our future! :) :)

Event is sponsored by:
KFAI Radio Without Boundaries
Lunch Cube - www.lunchcube.com 

Please check out our website to learn more about our program
www.ideawerks.org

IDEAWERKS Concert & Fundraising Event 

A$VP C4 Documentary

A$AP ROCKY: A$VP C4 from Luke Monaghan on Vimeo.

P.O.S., "Fuck Your Stuff"

Cherub - Mom & Dad (album stream)

This album has been on repeat since I came across it. It's worth more than a listen. And if you are digging Cherub you can catch them at the Triple Rock this Thursday. I'll be there.

2012 DMC Online Champion: Fong Fong (France)

Alex Pardee curates Halloween issue of Juxtapoz

From Alex Pardee's e-newsletter:

The issue hits newsstands all over the world in a few days on September 11, and I can't wait to show it off. The issue is packed full of artists who have influenced me for years, as well as some newer artists that are creating their own worlds in every aspect of art from scribbling on paper to making video games. Evan & the rest of the Juxtapoz staff were amazingly supportive of letting me showcase who I wanted and how I wanted to do it, which means that the issue has a good-sized fistful of absurdity amidst its Halloweenishness. Pink vomit, human bats, M. Night Shyamalan, the internet, dog dicks, old men, and a comic book artist who tried to give The Joker a vagina are just SOME of the fun things included amongst the articles and art that I have gathered together for this issue.

OTB All Wax w/special guest KING OTTO

This Tuesday September 4th we dust off the wax and play all-vinyl bangers all night with a very special guest, King Otto, whose rap record collection weighs a ton.

Brown Bag Allstars, "406 (Fat Beats Tribute)

While I only hit it up a couple of times, I'm proud to say that I made my pilgrimage and I will definitely miss it.

RIP DJ AM

Today marks the anniversary of DJ AM's early passing.

Diplo feat. Amber of The Dirty Projectors, "Get Free"

Nominated for music video of the year... by me.

Slug, Mally, Mike the Martyr and Haphduzn, "Shameless" (prod. Dimitry Killstorm)

Fred The Godson ft Jim Jones, "Spike Lee"

My pick for BANGER off of Fred the Godson's excellent mixtape Gordo Frederico available now from all your favorite download authorities.

Donnis, "Absolutely feat. IAMSU & Jay Ant"

New BANGER!

P.O.S. performs "Bumper"

Off his forthcoming album We Don't Even Live Here. Pre-order here.

Grimes performs "Genesis" on Fallon

So in love with this girl.

Prof, "New Kid feat. Yelawolf"

Squidbillies Yelawolf intro

Eurowerks 6 recap by Lowdownlabs

Eurowerks 6 from Sean Davis on Vimeo.

Thanks to my guy Tommy, aka Honest12, I was able to be a part of this annual event and got to rock some vinyl for the auto elite.

Hopsin, "Ill Mind of Hopsin 5"

M.I.A., "Come Walk With Me"

Here's a snippet from a potential track from M.I.A.'s next album looking at a December release.

Vybz Kartel, "Go Go Wine"

I don't really get into reggae, but Vybz Kartel'z Kingston Story has been getting heavy rotation in my whip. Produced entirely by Dre Skull, it's a much-needed update to a still-distinctly reggae/dancehall sound.

Download "My Crew" from the album for free via soundcloud here.

Drake, "Make Me Proud feat. Nicki Minaj (Kid Smpl remix)"

Download more of his stuff here: Kid Smpl's bandcamp

Nomination for Best Album Art

Suff Daddy - Suff Sells free beat tape

I've been a fan of Suff Daddy and everyone over the seas at the Melting Pot Music label. If you've been following me for a while you would have caught a thing or two posted here. In my internet scourings I just found Suff Daddy's recent work, albeit a month late. Click to his bandcamp for a free download and be sure to check out more of his stuff if you're digging it.

A-Trak: Don't Push My Buttons

I rarely post entire articles, but I found this important and also very well written.  One of my favorite DJ's, A-Trak, dissects the current "DJ-as-button-pushers" headlines and controversy incredibly well.  This article comes from Huffington Post:


There's a new buzz-word in the world of DJing: "Button Pushers." As the DJ moves from club booths to festival stages, the equipment has become increasingly varied. And as the lines continue to blur between a DJ who mixes and a producer who presses play, questions of authenticity have been raised. I should mention that I am a DJ myself. I won five world DJ championships (yes, there is such a thing) at a young age, and this has been my career for 15 years, so I feel a certain responsibility to weigh in on the subject.

Traditionally, a DJ spun vinyl records on turntables and would change his set every night. So what about guys who play on laptops? Those who spend more time raising their hands than mixing? Or those whose presence is lost behind intricate light shows? Esteemed electronic producer deadmau5, who recently graced the cover of rock bible Rolling Stone wearing his namesake, robo-rodent mask, decided to blow the whistle himself with a refreshingly frank tumblr post entitled "We All Hit Play." Explaining how his pre-planned stage show works, he admits that the term "live" is an overstatement. But his tone is strangely defensive and he unjustly lumps DJs into the argument, reducing their craft to mindless beat-matching: "I had that skill down when I was 3."

Coincidentally, the same week the DJ world was set a-twitter (literally) by SNL-worthy videos of Paris Hilton's inaugural DJ set. In fact, this DJ-as-Milli-Vanilli debate started simmering last summer with the emergence of a YouTube clip entitled "Steve Angello -- How To Fake Your Fans." It showed the Swedish House Mafia DJ playing 15 minutes of a pre-recorded set from a single CD deck. He later explained that this was the finale of a show where fireworks, pyro and CO2 were timed with certain cues and that it was impossible to perform this segment while mixing live. Having seen Steve mix in front of me many times I can attest to his (actually remarkable) DJ skills. But let's back up a bit: fireworks, pyro and CO2 with house music? Something new is going on here...

A large part of the attention that DJs are getting at the moment is due to the Electronic Dance Music explosion. There's another buzzword for you: EDM. For better or worse, this rising genre is dominated by laptop production whizzes who do not play live instruments. Thus, there are inherent challenges to what an EDM performance can be. Look no further than this year's Grammy Awards: the way David Guetta and deadmau5 were lumped with Chris Brown and the Foo Fighters seemed like an awkward foreign exchange, didn't it? But Guetta and Mr. Mau5's music is catchy and hugely successful. Fans want to experience it in large venues, so there is a need to build a show around it.
Festivals started spending millions equipping their stages with the biggest LED panels and brightest lights, competing with rivals all in the name of this "experience." Now we are in the middle of an arms race where every DJ tries to out-do the next one with shock and awe. As the performance aspect becomes predominant, a paradigm shift is underway. Crowds used to come see DJs for a musical journey. Now they expect to hear specific songs and furthermore, they want to see a show. I can attest to this myself: the craziest crowd response that I get in my sets is when I play my own tracks, and I built a huge, illuminated A-shaped structure that I bring to my biggest gigs. But one has to wonder, when so much emphasis is put on hit records and mise-en-scène: is there still room for DJ skills?

I come from the most technical tradition of hip hop DJing, known as turntablism. I practiced daily for years with monastic discipline, learning and creating intricate patterns of scratching, beat juggling and trick mixing. To me there is a certain romance to this arcane craft. To me this is DJing, an art that fascinates because it's a subversive way of playing music. In any genre -- whether it be hip hop or electronic music -- DJing is equal parts technique and selection. A good set is like a convincing speech: the message is as important as the delivery. The magic happens when the tracks are assembled in front of (and in reaction to) a given crowd. When a DJ mixes, his creative effort takes place on the spot. In contrast, for a performer like deadmau5, the creative tour de force takes place ahead of time, in the conceptual stages of his show, and he is then able to execute it like a theatre play. Good theatre is entertaining, it is moving and certainly has value. This is a classic dispute of apples and oranges, and deadmau5's only mistake in his tumblr post is trying to compare the two. I happen to know him; he's a smart guy and he can take a joke. I also think he doesn't fully understand -- or care for -- what DJing is at the core, but that doesn't take away from his talent.

Recently there was a very cogent editorial post on the EDM blog Dancing Astronaut entitled "Dance Music Has Gone Mainstream But It Doesn't Have To Sell Out." It accused EDM DJs of becoming complacent in their selection. The writer states: "What worries me is not that DJs are simply 'pressing play', but that they're pressing play on the same tracks in the same order night after night after night." This is very true and might be the source of deadmau5's confusion. For the DJs who bounce from venue to venue, playing the same set without the redeeming quality of a personalized stage production, there is no excuse. This laziness is actually giving "live" performances more value! After any big EDM festival, look up the DJ playlists. They're frighteningly similar. This scene is turning into a caricature. Explosions, private jets, standing on tables (I plead guilty to the latter), and now carbon copy playlists... The hair metal soap opera of EDM risks devaluing a culture that has waited for its big break for 30 years.

Real DJing lives when you witness someone play for hours and take risks, reading the crowd and surprising them at the same time. On festival stages, it makes sense to use fool-proof equipment and put together a spectacular show. In today's context, wouldn't it be fair to say that the holy grail is a live performance that has the flexibility to integrate true improvisation? That is the ultimate win-win. To the DJs who choose to bypass the LED screen arms race and stick to their decks, I respect that too. Just make sure you give your audience something new every night. If you want to play David to deadmau5's Goliath, earn it. Challenge yourself to challenge the crowd. And to all the new fans just discovering this genre, come to the shows with an open mind. Don't just wait to hear the songs you already know. There's a reason you're not watching a band. DJing is still at the cutting edge of new music. Let yourself be surprised.

Never Scared (B-Rock Harlem Shake blendit)

TNGHT, "Higher Ground" stream

From the Lunice x Hudson Mohawke EP due out next week on Warp x Lucky Me.

DJ AM - Live at Pure Nightclub (previously unreleased)

This comes via DJ Kevin Scott who was helping DJ AM put together a mix for Interscope that eventually got shelved due to clearance issues. The minute of dead air in the mix is when Tiffani Amber Thiessen, of Saved By The Bell & Beverly Hills 90210 fame, had her birthday cake brought out.

The Art of Logo Design l PBS

Paper Tiger, "Gold Pass" and upcoming Summer EP

The-Drum - Sense Net FreEP

Jack White x Hype Williams, "Freedom at 21" music video

The-Dream, "Dope Bitch feat. Pusha T"

The-Dream "Dope Bitch" from IDJVID on Vimeo.

The R&B jam of the summer gets the visuals Brittany Dailey treatment.

The Tribe & Big Cats - Space

The xx, "Angels"

Their sophomore album, Coexist, is due 9/11 via Young Turks. Tracklist below.

Be sure to grab tix to their First Ave. show on October 19th once they go on sale. It will sell out.

1. Angels
2. Chained
3. Fiction
4. Try
5. Reunion
6. Sunset
7. Missing
8. Tides
9. Unfold
10. Swept Away
11. Our Song

Read more: http://www.thefader.com/2012/07/16/stream-the-xx-angels/#ixzz20nzFuvE7

Frank Ocean, "Swimming Pools (Drank)"

Planet Rock and Other Tales of the 808 - teaser

"Planet Rock and Other Tales of the 808" - Teaser 1 from You Know on Vimeo.

Behind Brother Ali's "Mourning In America and Dreaming In Color"

Album drops 8/21 via Rhymesayers.

B-Rock Flash Pack v.3

uh-HUH!... and another one.  Here we go.  You know the drill: you have 24 hours to download these bangin' DJ tools before I take them down.  Git-git-gittit!

Includes:

Big Sean - Sloppy (intro/outro no-tags edit)
Big Sean - Fireworkz feat Busta Rhymes (intro/outro no-tags edit)
Meek Mill - Racked Up Shawty (intro/outro edit)
Meek Mill - House Party remix (intro/outro edit)
Meek Mill - A1 Everything feat Kendrick Lamar (intro/outro edit)
Slim Thug - My Car feat Kirko Bangz, L.E.$. & Mug (intro/outro edit)
Dorrough - All We Do (intro/outro no-tags edit)
2 Chainz & Future - Parachute feat R. Kelly (B-Rock edit)
2 Chainz & Future - Mercy feat Pusha T (B-Rock intro/outro no-Kanye edit)
Dorrough - Maury Show (intro/outro edit)
Dorrough - I.D.G.A.F. (intro/outro no-tags edit)

*bonus*
UGK feat Outkast x Sleigh Bells - Rill Player's Anthem (B-Rock's Varsity Jacket Blend)

Sean Anonymous - Sean Anonymo

Whether Sean Anonymous knows or makes a conscious effort to do so, he is going down the road of being Minneapolis’ “People’s Champ”.  And if you didn’t know, Big Zach (aka Zachariah of Kanser and More Than Lights), has held this unofficial title for many years.  On the surface Sean doesn’t bare any resemblance to Zach: quite short in the presence of the tall, lanky Zach // unabashedly new school from the skinny jeans to the thrift-store glasses in contrast to Zach’s grunge-era backpacker outfits of XXL tee’s, baggy pants and ball sneakers // moves in quick, frantic motions versus the Ent-like hippy swag that is Zach’s confidence.  But the way that both have come up is the same.  Zach is a legend in Minneapolis' freestyle history winning multiple Loring Past Bar battles and owning the Dinkytowner.  I first caught Sean’s wit and somewhat spastic flow at the tail-end of an era of freestyle battles shortly after the Dinkytowner closed in May of 2009.  While some freestyle emcees focus on punch lines it was clear to me that Sean not only had punch lines but his brain and mouth worked so fast that he could come up with three times the amount of words in the same verse and luckily had a flow that would render it intelligible.  This skill unfortunately doesn’t translate well to written lyrics.  In some of Sean’s early recorded work I always felt that 1) he tried to cram too many words in a verse and 2) had a thin, high voice that was hard to listen to over an extended period of time.  This is quite a shame, because these weaknesses in the studio actually translate to an amazing live show.  His live shows earn instant respect and spur excitement that don't translate in the studio.  I went into his new album with hesitation because I think Sean is a fantastic emcee on the battle scene and as a live performer, just not on tape.

To my delight “Sean Anonymo” sees Sean Anonymous finding his stride and finding his voice.  My two biggest aforementioned hang-ups have all but been remedied.  He is more selective with his words and is more focused on a flow matching the beat and energy of the song instead of impressing with his staccato vocals.  And I believe it to be a combination of vocal-chord maturity, more smokes and studio mastering, but his voice, while far from full-bodied, is no longer ‘tinny’.  While his voice still doesn't quite match some of the braggadocio, it at least suits his style.

The standout track for me is "Sunny" where Sean effortlessly sets a scene of inviting a down-and-out lady into conversation and ultimately making her outlook brighter.  Whether the lyrics are directly based a real life event or not, it is something that is Sean through-and-through.  It's a track that I would use as an introduction of Sean Anonymous to someone who has never heard him.

Hype tracks like "Hands High" and "No B.S.", while fun, don't seem to deliver the earnestness that is intended.  Maybe it's because I've seen these tracks performed live and the vibe is impossible to deliver through speakers.  Luckily for everyone there will be plenty of opportunity to catch Sean Anonymous at his best: live and direct from the Nomad.  He's celebrating his first official solo debut with two back-to-back nights this Friday and Saturday.  If you've never caught this up-and-coming Minneap emcee I highly recommend checking out the shows.  And if you are familiar with him I'm sure I'll see you there. 

D E N A, "Cash, Diamond Rings, Swimming Pools"

Summer jammy.

Meet Charles Bradley via Noisey

I was fortunate enough to catch Mr. Bradley and band at the Fine Line earlier this year and it was one of the best shows I've seen in a long time. The next time he comes through, you must experience his energy and passion. You will not be disappointed.

Manchester Orchestra, "Simple Math" Winner of the Vimeo Music Video Award

The Tribe & Big Cats (TTxBC), "Dopeness"

Out Tha Box Tuesdays 2-Year Anniversary

Tomorrow night party people!

Dom Kennedy - Yellow Album

Black Milk live at Third Man Records

Hudson Mohawke x Lunice = TNGHT

xxyyxx, "Love Cloud"

New stuff from one of my favorite new producers, xxyyxx.

Ellie Goulding, "High For This (The Weeknd Cover)"

Ellie Goulding - High For This (The Weeknd Cover) by elliegoulding

Mix Master Mike for Serato

Bobby Womack, "Whatever Happened to The Times"

  
Off of The Bravest Man In The Universe out now on XL Records.

Backstage w/El-P before his C4C NYC concert

El-P and Killer Mike will both be in Minneapolis performing at the Fine Line on Thursday, July 5th.

Nomination for Best Album Art

Laurel Halo - Quarantine

Doomtree, "Beacons"

Get More: Doomtree, Beacon, Music, More Music Videos

Mike Davis aka Mike the 2600 King feature

A long-time friend of Mike Davis', Mark Saint Patrica, did a "visual essay" on local graphic designer, entrepreneur, party-rocker and pinball wizard.  It's a light-hearted, well-done piece worth checking out.

Nomination for Worst Album Art of the Year

This is really sad, because the late Dilla deserves something much more classy than this hodge-podge of styles.

The Weeknd to play First Ave. Sunday 6/17

 

Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday June 6th. 

Danny Brown, "Grown Up"

How did Danny Brown lose his front teeth? Now you know.

El-P, "The Full Retard"

Best.  Video.  Ever.

Off of the excellent Cancer For Cure out now.

Haphduzn, "Brand New Nostalgia"

Haphduzn's "Brand New Nostalgia" Music Video Premier

Via BeSceneMpls:

Here it is, the unofficial SUPER OFFICIAL Soundset pre-party: Haphduzn’s “Brand New Nostalgia” music video release, featuring performances from the beatboxin’ brotha, DJ Snuggles, the eyepatch-less pirate from the Southside, Greg Grease, the European cousin of Chris Rock (not really), Angelo Vescio, the butt record scratcher, DJ B-Rock, and thatguywithatattedneckthatwillwhoopyourassifyouactupbutisactuallyreallyniceandsmilesalot, Haphduzn. This video will be another Free Weather masterpiece and is set to be debuted during Haph’s set.
The door charge is $7, starts at 9PM and is 21+. And if you get there before 10, you get a free PBR (crowd goes wild).

Soundset 2012 Mix by Get Cryphy

Soundset is this Sunday. Five years strong and the best line-up to date. Tix here.

Sleigh Bells, "Demons"

Sleigh Bells' sophomore album, Reign of Terror is out now.

Big Quarters, "New Plateau"

 Footage from the Welcome to MN tour where they opened for Atmosphere. Track off their recent Party Like A Young Commie

Lemonade, "Neptune"

From my new favorite album, Lemonade's Diver out now on True Panther

XXYYXX, "About You"

From the Florida native's self-titled album that you can grab here for cheap.

King Fantastic - SocioPoliticalPimpTalk EP

xxyyxx, "Hard In Da Paint (remix [via PURP IN DA DRANK])"

Hard In Da Paint (remix [via PURP IN DA DRANK])

Candidate for Worst Album Art of the Year

The cover to Arca's Stretch 1 EP

This is quite a strong candidate, too, as this looks like what a freshman in high-school would come up with after messing with a beta version of Photoshop for a week.

XXYYXX - XXYYXX

Icona Pop, "I Love It"

I smell summer jam

Brother Ali, "Not A Day Goes By"

Produced by Jake One.
Download song for free HERE

UGK feat Outkast x Sleigh Bells, "Rill Player's Anthem (B-Rock Varsity Jacket blend)"

I came across a Sleigh Bells blend that I was going to use so before I find out somebody did this I decided to finally finish this idea I've had for months now.  Enjoy!

http://www.mediafire.com/?tx2t3ffcqn5ye1p

Stream tracks from Killer Mike's nu classic - R.A.P. Music

K.Raydio, "The Way It Goes"

Max B x Isaiah Toothtaker (x Mishka), "Champion Cuffer" (NSFW)

I was introduced to Isaiah Toothtaker at the Triple Rock during a surprise P.O.S. show. His live performance made me a fan... and his connects to Mishka doesn't hurt either.

Jack White performs "Freedom at 21" on the Colbert Report

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

Jack White's solo debut Blunderbuss is out now.

El-P, "Tougher Colder Killer" feat Killer Mike and Despot

Wow, just... wow. My brain hurts from trying to get a grip on all those verses.  Cannot wait for the album out 5/22 via DefJux.

Beats TV Presents: Doomtree

Goblins.

Kanye, "Way Too Cold (Theraflu)" unofficial officially awesome video

Stream Santigold's "Master of My Make-Believe" on NPR

You can now stream Santigold's new album (out 5/1) here.

SK4MC, "Highlights"

Off of the Las Vegas rapper's mixtape here.

A. Wolf and Her Claws, "Zero to 60" live in The Current studio

From The Current's David Campbell:
Aby Wolf was chosen to partake in the Cedar Cultural Center's 416 Club Commission in 2011 and received a grant to explore a new electro-art-pop project that had been stewing in her mind. Recruiting the talents of Jesse Whitney, Linnea Mohn and Joey Van Phillips, Wolf created A. Wolf and Her Claws. Instead of a one-off performance as originally planned for the Cedar's winter season, a full-fledged band has been formed and there are no signs of slowing the momentum.

A. Wolf and Her Claws are performing this Saturday, April 21st at The Cedar Cultural Center.

Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap (Trailer)

Grimes performs live in the KEXP studio in Seattle

New Cage: "C U N Hell" (prod FSTLANE)

More new tracks are available at his SoundCloud.

Killer Mike & El-P talk "R.A.P. Music"

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R.A.P. Music is due out May 15th on Grand Hustle.

Nomination for Album Cover of the Year

Thavius Beck - Symphony of the Spheres

I discovered Thavius Beck and his excellent The Heavens Bleed Sunshine through Plug Research's e-mail blasts.  The Heavens is one of my favorite albums of 2012 so far, instrumental or otherwise.  So when I heard that he had a new project out as a free download I devoured it immediately.  This didn't blow me away like The Heavens did, but is still an excellent listen and worthy of your digital music library.