Minnehappiness

Brother Ali - The Bite Marked Heart freEP

2012-02-13T14:19:00.001-06:00

Get it here

Artwork by Minnehappiness native, Eric Inkala

Iggy Azalea, "Pu$$y"

2012-02-13T01:00:00.000-06:00

Two bangers = new fan.

Taste the rainbow, here's my skittles

Download Iggy Azalea's Ignorant Art here

Iggy Azalea, "The Last Song"

2012-02-13T00:34:00.000-06:00

Here's an interesting blend of a chopped-n-screwed beat, with some vintage Nicki Minaj-esque talk-rap. Gold star to the person who can name the Jay-Z song that's sampled at the end...

Spoek Mathambo, "Let Them Talk"

2012-02-09T09:31:00.000-06:00

First single off of Spoek Mathambo's upcoming follow-up to last year's excellent Mshini Wam. Father Creeper is coming out on Sub Pop March 13th.

More info about the project:

Mux Mool - Planet High School

2012-02-08T08:51:00.000-06:00

Ghostly International's introduction to Minnehappiness native Mux Mool's new project Planet High School out now.

Despite being accused as anti-human, repetitive, soulless, whatever, electronic music attracts the more devoted of idealists—the vinyl purist, the underground hero, the anonymous producer, etc. For Mux Mool, all his music connects to a certain outlook on life—basically, that the pre-established trajectory for adult life is being completely reimagined. He explains the concept behind his new album, Planet High School here and delves further into the concept in our Q & A below.

What high school did you go to?
I actually went to 2 different high schools. The first was Red Wing Senior High School in Red Wing, Minnesota. I went there for 9th and 10th grade. Over the summer I applied for an arts school called the Perpich Center for Arts Education (also known as Arts High) in Golden Valley, Minnesota.

How did you find your experience?
It was pretty awful for me. I had about 2-3 friends in Red Wing all together. I also started 10th grade at about 285 lbs. and had just gotten braces. I was also a weird kid who just drew pictures all the time. I would say Red Wing is not particularly known as a center for culture, and yeah, it was awkward. But 11th and 12th grade was much better. I moved to St. Paul, MN and lived with my dad and went to school with all the rejects who go to an art high school. Also, my best friend also got into the school so we got to hang out again. Arts High was a semi-open campus situation and you could call your teachers by their first names and didn’t have to ask to go to the bathroom or wander the hills. But, I hate homework, and so I never did any. Thus, I never graduated.

What music were you into?
Oh boy... uh I listened to a lot of Led Zeppelin, Beastie boys, Fatboy Slim and the soundtrack to Escape from LA, Prodigy, Chemical Brothers, Daft Punk. Uh, some Jimi Hendrix mixed in there, oh and also quite a bit of trance and house, but I listened to those in mixes mostly. Sasha's Xpander - loved that one.

What is Planet High School?
The Earth, as I see it.

What is the Planet High School cover all about?
It’s about showing all the things I have to do, some of the things I do for fun, how I’ve had to learn to do a lot of things and fill a lot of roles that I didn’t expect to, to be a professional musician. I just really don’t feel very one sided or one dimensional. I’m a full time musician which means that everything I do goes into that. It’s not always about just grinding and FORCING music out because you’re “hustling.” It’s about how I love the music that I do, therefore I do a lot of other things for it to make sure it’s presented properly. I guess that even for an internet savvy and internet oriented artist, I had no idea how much emailing I’d have to do. I don’t have a good mind for emailing.

If you could reform education in two ways, what would they be?
I would say that after 6th grade, kids shouldn’t have to ask to go to the bathroom. That’s just demeaning, but you don’t know any better, but really that’s weird! Also, my experience was one where I learned everything in my classes but struggled with the homework. The system itself is set up to herd the flock or designed for the majority. But I’ve known my whole entire conscious life what I wanted to do. I think if I had been allowed to work on those skills, or at LEAST not constantly get in trouble for drawing during class, not only would I have excelled in school, but I probably would have felt better throughout. Also, make school later in the day or at least mix up the schedule a bit. I have never been nor will I ever be a morning person, and I don’t even get to choose that. That’s biology. If every day is a terrible struggle just to stay awake, not only are you not learning, but you just despise what you’re doing. At least, I definitely did.

Drake, "Practice"

2012-02-04T16:15:00.001-06:00

Practice from OctobersVeryOwn on Vimeo.

Nicki vs. this chick... Battle of the Bubble-Butts!

oOoOO feat. Butterclock, "No Way Back"

2012-02-02T12:59:00.002-06:00

OOoOO f. Butterclock, "NoWayBack" by The FADER

First single off the upcoming Our Living Is Hurting Us EP due April 10th on Tri Angle.

Black Star performs "You Already Knew" on Fallon

2012-02-01T09:09:00.001-06:00

Late pass (don't know HOW I missed this). Talib Kweli and Mos Def performed on Jimmy Fallon back in early January to promote their upcoming free project to drop hopefully in March.

Nomination for Album Cover of the Year

2012-01-31T12:35:00.000-06:00

Get Cryphy: 4 Year Anniversary Mix

2012-01-30T12:11:00.000-06:00

The monthly Get Cryphy party is this Friday in the Record Room. The main event, the 4-Year Anniversary Party, is February 24th at First Ave's Mainroom!

DJ Sleeper 8 Minutes of Moombahton

2012-01-29T09:51:00.000-06:00

I've been following DJ Sleeper for the last two years. I love his style as he seamlessly and mind-bogglingly quickly blends vastly different genres into a cohesive party mix. In his latest 8-minute quick-mix he gets it in with a moombahton theme, a genre I am still not fully up on yet. But this mix provides an excellent introduction to those who don't know and a source of inspiration for DJ's like myself. In his words...

My favorite style of music to spin right now! Moombahton combines latin rhythms with electronic sounds and vice versa.

It’s genius because it’s the best of both worlds.

You get all the power/aggression/wobbles of Electronica and merge it with all the funky/groovy/soul of Latin music.

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble x Outkast, "Spottie"

2012-01-25T13:29:00.001-06:00

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - Spottie by ArtDontSleep

School of Seven Bells, "Lafaye"

2012-01-25T12:51:00.002-06:00

School of Seven Bells - Lafaye by Vagrant Records

I saw SVIIB the last time they were in town at 7th Street and it was euphoric. They'll be at the Triple Rock this time around on Friday, April 27th. Get your tix and a free MP3 courtesy of Ghostly.

Logic, "Young Sinatra III"

2012-01-23T18:29:00.000-06:00

Not bad for a DJ-turned-emcee... especially since the cuts on this track are nice. You can check more Logic off his free mixtape, Young Sinatra.

***UPDATE***
Logic, "Young Sinatra III" download

Beat Junkies play with the new Rane Sixty-Two

2012-01-23T18:09:00.000-06:00

Doomtree, "Bangarang"

2012-01-19T09:18:00.001-06:00

The banger off of No Kings gets some visuals. Grab the album here or your local Best Buy.

Santigold, "Big Mouth"

2012-01-19T08:53:00.001-06:00

Sleigh Bells, "Comeback Kid"

2012-01-17T12:02:00.001-06:00

Comeback Kid by Sleigh Bells

Reign Of Terror due February 14th on Mom+Pop Records.

Usher x oOoOO - My Moody Way (B-Rock blendit)

2012-01-16T17:53:00.000-06:00

Usher x oOoOO - My Moody Way (B-Rock blendit) by DJ B-Rock

Anchormen feat. Big Zach, "The Essence"

2012-01-16T16:04:00.001-06:00

Upcoming Ableton Competitor: Bitwig Studio

2012-01-16T10:35:00.002-06:00

No official announcement on when this new production software will be arriving, but it looks quite slick. It's no coincidence that the interfaces and even workflow seem reminiscent of Ableton as Bitwig was founded by former Ableton employees. via Synthopia

DJ Brace, "Synesthasia"

2012-01-10T18:54:00.000-06:00

DJ Brace - SYNESTHASIA from Bill Acheson on Vimeo.

The Brown Bag Allstar affiliate's project is out now.

Michael Kiwanuka, "Home Again"

2012-01-10T10:14:00.000-06:00

Some brand new nu-soul from across the pond. He's been compared to the likes of Otis Redding. Of course, that's nothing to take lightly. I know I don't. But from what I've heard and seen, this guy's legit. His debut album by the same name of the single, Home Again, is due March 26th out on Polydor. You can get the single and two other tracks now on iTunes.

Useful Instrumentals from Different Mothers pt 2

2012-01-09T23:23:00.000-06:00

Classic mid-90's ('96 to be exact) instrumentals from two legends, each with distinct styles. First up, a DJ Premier instrumental for Group Home with his signature deep bass line...

Group Home, "Suspended In Time (instrumental)"

*bonus* Group Home, "Suspended In Time (Groove Remix)"

Next up is one of my favorite remixes. The late J Dilla lays an instrumental that somehow brings out the soft-side of the otherwise hard Woo-HAH Busta acapella. I have not come across a remix that transforms a song as much as this.

Busta Rhymes, "Woo-HAH!! Got You All In Check (The Jay-Dee Bounce Remix)"

*bonus* Busta Rhymes, "Everything Remains Raw (instrumental)" produced by Easy Mo Bee

Franz Diego, "Waggin On The Scene"

2012-01-09T11:40:00.001-06:00

Tune-Yards, "Gangsta (B-Rock Don't Come To My Hood party edit)

2012-01-06T14:33:00.000-06:00

Tune-Yards - Gangsta (B-Rock Don't Come To My Hood party edit) by DJ B-Rock

Brother Ali, "Writer's Block"

2012-01-03T15:52:00.000-06:00

Church.

Download

Blu & Exile - Give Me My Flowers...

2012-01-02T09:12:00.000-06:00

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://bisforcookieandapplebaums.bandcamp.com/album/give-me-my-flowers-while-i-can-smell-them"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;give me my flowers while i can smell them by exile &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; blu&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

One of my all-time favorite emcee-and-producer duos dropped a Xmas present last week.

Gab Gotcha, "The Purple 7"

2012-01-01T16:02:00.000-06:00

Classic New York hip-hop stylee from Gab Gotcha, a Wu Music Group artist collective (unfortunately their domain name rights just expired on 12/30/11. It'll probably be re-upped soon-->www.WuGotcha.com). Dig it.

Jean Grae, "U&Me&EveryoneWeKnow"

2012-01-01T15:44:00.000-06:00

My favorite female emcee drops a brand new, heartfelt jam over a silky M-Phazes beat. Great way to start the new year. Her highly-anticipated Cake or Death still doesn't have a release date as Jean says, "I think the idea is when it’s right, when everything sounds like what it’s really supposed to sound like instead of rushing to get everything out, then it’ll come out."

Jean Grae, "U&Me&EveryoneWeKnow"

2011 Year-End Lists

2011-12-29T16:02:00.001-06:00

TIME! I went to the wire listening to everything of note that I could get my ears on. I listened, documented, re-listened, ranked and now summarized all things significant (at least to myself, and hopefully fellow readers) in the world of music over the past year. These lists are merely meant to provide insight into art maybe you've missed and should consider, or to potentially reconsider. At the very least, I hope to provide some amusement as I try and document the year in music for myself and others. Enjoy!

Top 25 Albums of the Year

1. The Weeknd, House of Balloons

Abel Tesfayeintroduced a whole new sound and, in my opinion, a whole new genre,single-handedly. I haven’t heard anythingthat’s so original, catchy and encompasses such a particular mood all at thesame time since the xx’s debut.

standout: "Loft Music"

2. Drake, Take Care

This is a terrible hip-hop album and an even worse R&Balbum. But if you go into it without agenre expectation as boundaries, you will be rewarded with musical aestheticsthat are matched perfectly with thematic songs full of emotions from lonelinessto braggadocio, all fighting ferociously against a well-grounded tether. It’s no coincidence that both the Weeknd andDrake had two of the best albums of the year. They created a brand (OVOX’O) based on a sound that no-one can resist:glass-candy-induced sexiness.

standouts: “HYFR”, “Make Me Proud”

3. Big K.R.I.T., Return of 4eva (mixtape)

With one fell swoop Big K.R.I.T. drops an album that hip-hop heads have been waiting for since '96 and adds some new soul, from an old soul.

standout: “The Vent”

4. Kendrick Lamar, Overly Dedicated (mixtape)

Kendrick Lamar is the emcee I was most excited to discoverin 2011. His range of topics is broaderthan any artist I can think of: from the on-going gang violence of Compton to internaldialogue of choosing a life of drugs to relationships to racial divides...

standouts: “The Heart Pt. 2”, “Cut You Off”, “Ignorance Is Bliss”, “R.O.T.C.”

5. Nikkiya, Speakher (mixtape)

Nikkiya is the protégé of Will “Supahotbeats’’ (Yelawolf’smain-producer-credited with most of TrunkMuzik). And boy did he pick theright woman to work with. At times hervoice sounds like the late Amy Winehouse, but at the same time can ride a beatwith the sing-songy ease of Lauryn Hill. With an R&B artist, Will is able to expand his production repertoireinto dance and even dubstep-esque tracks. This mixtape has a little bit of everything and nearly avoids a misstep withthe consistency of the overall sound. Unfortunately, they squeezed a promo track (“It’s In The Game”) made forvideogame developer, EA Sports. Thismixtape is only one skip away from being the best R&B album I heard allyear.

standout: “Favorite Things”

6. SBTRKT, SBTRKT

It seems like anyone can produce a dubstep and/orpost-dubstep album that people will fawn over. The ease of production and the lack of discerning taste has created twopolarizing camps of people: love or hate. I fall in the middle because I can tell the difference between some kidhaving fun throwing as many off-kilter drums and random bass wobbles aspossible versus carefully crafted sonic landscapes. And that is exactly what Aaron Jerome hasdone on what I’d put a flag in as the standard of the post-dubstep genre.

standout: “Never Never”

7. Lykke Li, Wounded Rhymes

My favorite Swedish import now darker, more grown up andstill sexy as ever... summed up by thefantastic video for “Sadness Is A Blessing”.

standout: “I Follow Rivers”

8. Low, C'mon

One of the best opening tracks to an album with “Try ToSleep”. Can you be broody and bad-asswhile a banjo plays in the background?: “All you guys out there trying to actlike Al Green… you’re all WEAK!” Yes! An incredibly strong albumthat runs out of character and whose pace slows around “Majesty/Magic”

standout: “Witches”

9. Girls, Father, Son and Holy Ghost

To follow up 2009’s near-perfect “Album” is quite achallenge. I think they had theexpectations in mind when they released the “Broken Dreams Club” EP last yearto cleanse our palettes, help to shift the fans’ ears to a slight change insound and to hopefully avoid the dreaded ‘sophomore slump’. Master plan or not, they successfully dodged the industry curse and went on to produce an album lyrically and sonically much more mature than the myriad of hipster bands enjoying their fifteen minutes of fame. I see Girls' career lasting many more albums and those albums making many more Best Of lists.

standouts: “Saying I Love You”, “Alex”

10. Adele, 21

5.7 million records (and counting) can’t be wrong. (400k Xmas week!)

standouts: you've heard them all

11. Foster The People, Torches

Definitely the summer anthem… not just “Pumped Up Kicks”,but the whole album. These guys did whatFree Energy did last summer on an exponential scale. Hook after hook with Mark Foster’shigh-pitched, lo-fi vocals becoming instantly familiar with everybody’s inneryouth. It’s an album that lives up to itshype.

standout: “Helena Beat”

12. Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi, Rome

I don’t know much about 1970’s Italian film scores, but thisalbum transports the listener through time and space to something at oncenostalgic, yet so authentic. Norah Jonesrefreshes herself and captures the attention of a completely new generation bytrading in her sterile lab coat for elbow gloves and a boa in a smoke-filledpiano bar. And Jack White does what JackWhite does best. The fact that these twostellar singer/songwriters aren’t the highlights of the album proves howwell-orchestrated the artists are at painting a picture with classic instruments.

standout: “Two Against One”

13. Hunx & His Punx, Too Young To Be In Love

50’s punk-pop with the tongue-in-cheek flair of gaylead-singer Seth Bogart. Absolutelyfaaabulous fun!

standout: “Too Young To Be In Love”

14. Black Milk, Sean Price and Guilty Simpson, Random Axe

Gutter at its finest.

standout: “Monster Babies”

15. Booker T. Jones, The Road From Memphis

Booker T. Jones + B3 organ + Sharon Jones + Questlove + LouReed = easy

standout: “Representing Memphis”

16. Malcolm and Martin (DJ Revolution presents), Life Doesn't Frighten Me
standout: "Win Or Lose"

17. Prof, King Gampo
standout: "On My Way"

18. Astronautilis, Our Science
standout: "Secrets On Our Lips"

19. Sims, Bad Time Zoo
standout: "LMG"
20. Blood Orange, Coastal Grooves
standout: " Sutphin Boulevard", "S'Cooled"

21. Tron, Tron: Legacy Reconfigured
standout: "Derezzed (The Glitch Mob remix)"

22. Com Truise, Galactic Melt

standout: "Brokendate", "VHS Sex"

23. Layer Divide, Bodice Ripper

standout: "Labrador"

24. oOoOO, oOoOO

standout: "Hearts"

25. Shabazz Palaces, Black Up

standout: "An echo from the hosts that profess infinitum"

*Diamond Rings, Special Affections
*Toro Y Moi, Underneath The Pine
*Danny Brown, XXX
***Common, The Dreamer, The Believer
***Black Keys, El Camino

*of note
***not listened to, but likely have a shot at the Top 25:

Top Album Art of the Year

Worst Album Art of the Year

Best Music Videos of the Year

The 2011 Doe Bay Sessions - Kelli Schaefer from Sound on the Sound on Vimeo.

Lykke Li - Sadness is a Blessing (Director Tarik Saleh) from Lykke Li on Vimeo.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;iframe width="400" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7I6y_AXnAQw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Sims "LMG" (dir. Matt Scharenbroich) from Doomtree Records on Vimeo.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;iframe width="400" height="300" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7I6y_AXnAQw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

The Weeknd - Echoes of Silence

2011-12-23T09:12:00.003-06:00

The Weeknd - Echoes Of Silence by The_Weeknd

Kim Jung Il party-rocking

2011-12-22T10:55:00.002-06:00

Album Art of the Year Nomination

2011-12-19T01:14:00.003-06:00

Lee Fields, "You're The Kind of Girl"

2011-12-18T10:56:00.000-06:00

You're The Kind Of Girl by truthandsoulrecords

Sleigh Bells, "Born To Lose"

2011-12-16T12:50:00.000-06:00

Still loud, still fuggin' fuzzed-out guitar, still industrially large drums... still AWESOME!Reign of Terror is due February 14th you love-birds.

Drake x Lil Wayne, "Hell Yeah Fucking Lollipop (B-Rock blendit)

2011-12-11T18:59:00.001-06:00

Drake x Lil Wayne - Hell Yeah Fucking Lollipop (B-Rock blendit) by DJ B-Rock

One of my favorite tracks off of the surprisingly excellent new Drake album is HYFR. The problem is that it's hard to DJ it out since it starts with such a weak verse. So I used a go-to, Lil Wayne's "Lollipop", that happens to also be in the same key in replace of the first verse and kept the anthemic chorus. Enjoy!

Team Ghost, "High Hopes"

2011-12-11T10:42:00.001-06:00

With melodies and cotton-y vocals reminiscent of the xx combined with raw, fuzzed-out guitar licks and red-lining effects ala Sleigh Bells, Team Ghost has me hooked.

Celebrate what you can't see by TeamGhost

Polica, "Wandering Star" live in The Current studio

2011-12-09T10:28:00.001-06:00

Shake n Bake: Donuts w/P.O.S. and John Grider

2011-12-07T16:37:00.001-06:00

Sleigh Bells - Reign of Terror (teaser trailer)

2011-12-05T12:05:00.001-06:00

Sleigh Bells' debut record was one of my favorite records of 2010. When asked about their sophomore record, they claim it to be "louder." Due 1st quarter of 2012. Can... not.. wait!

"Infinity Guitars" video

Nomination for Worst Album Cover

2011-12-01T09:30:00.001-06:00

Schoolboy Q, "What's the Word?"

2011-11-30T15:46:00.001-06:00

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;G&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

This shit goes harder than a convict on a conjugal visit.

McKenzie Eddy, "Bees"

2011-11-30T12:07:00.001-06:00

Potentially known from the recent Hip-Hop & Love tour with Murs and Tabi Bonney, the platinum songstress and president of Bluroc records (helped A&R the fantastic Blakroc album) laces some light-hearted guitar melodies with some beautifully quirky lyrics. Her Young Platinum is available for free download.

Nomination #5 for Album Cover of the Year

2011-11-27T01:18:00.001-06:00

Photo by my homie Tommy Ellis. You can check out more of his excellent captured images at Manos Del Norte. For booking, inquiries: tommywellis@gmail.com

Nomination #4 for Album Cover of the Year

2011-11-26T21:14:00.001-06:00

Florence & The Machine cover Drake's "Take Care"

2011-11-26T14:06:00.001-06:00

Two Florence & The Machine posts in one week? When they're killin' it like this... absolutely. On BBC 1's Live Lounge Special they tackle a Jamie xx-produced title track off of Drake's surprisingly excellent sophomore album, Take Care.

The Weeknd, "The Knowing"

2011-11-25T08:09:00.001-06:00

From the best album I've heard all year, House of Balloons.

Florence & The Machine "Shake It Out" on SNL

2011-11-21T08:24:00.001-06:00

2111119235853 by YardieGoals

Florence Welch gave the best musical performance I've ever seen on SNL this past weekend... just, wow.

Having trouble partying...?

2011-11-20T16:58:00.001-06:00

... let me help you with that. Bangarang!

What's better than Thanksgiving dinner...?

2011-11-20T16:31:00.001-06:00

... a good hip-hop show. Join myself, Wide Eyes, Haphduzn, Mavin MC and more this Thursday at the Nomad. Get there early... free PBR before 10:00. Whaaaaaa!!!!?

The Jezabels, "Easy To Love"

2011-11-20T09:16:00.001-06:00

This girl, er, band was in Minnehappiness Friday night at the 7th Street Entry and quickly made me a fan. They brought incredibly tight musicianship across the board all the way from Sydney. The icing on the cake is that Hayley Mary is incredibly sexy and can sing her ass off.

DJ Revolution, "The Cut"

2011-11-16T18:47:00.001-06:00

Beat Box Set from The Cut on Vimeo.

DJ Revolution gets down with The Bridge (Serato integrated with Ableton) to present another tasteful orchestration of turntablism and musicology.

Nitty Scott MC, "Tell Somebody"

2011-11-16T18:03:00.001-06:00

"Tell Somebody", off of my favorite female emcee's latest mixtape, Doobies and Popsicle Sticks, gets some visuals with Washington Square as a main backdrop.

Silky Detective

2011-11-13T13:52:00.001-06:00

Silky Detective by DJ B-Rock

Nitty Scott, MC - Doobies and Popsicle Sticks

2011-11-13T00:15:00.001-06:00

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

NYE PARTY w/PROF, BIG ZACH, ST. PAUL SLIM, FUNDO

2011-11-11T12:58:00.001-06:00

Facebook event

Tickets

Rare interview with DOOM

2011-11-09T14:08:00.001-06:00

Lecture: DOOM (Madrid 2011) from Red Bull Music Academy on Vimeo.

Gem Club, "Twins"

2011-11-05T08:40:00.000-05:00

Good morning, Minnehappiness. This graduation into a new day is brought to you by Gem Club. Their excellent new album on Hardly Out is out now.&amp;lt;a href="http://gemclub.bandcamp.com/album/breakers"&amp;gt;Breakers by Gem Club&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Victoria's Secret models x M83

2011-11-02T17:58:00.001-05:00

Yummy.

M83's excellent (9.1 on Bitchfork) Hurry Up, We're Dreaming double-disco album is available now. They are currently on a U.S. tour and will be at First Ave November 16th.

AM & Shawn Lee making the track

2011-10-30T23:18:00.000-05:00

I came across Shawn Lee's music through my love of Clutchy Hopkins' moody, breakbeat-centric downtempo instrumentals. Clutchy Hopkins and Shawn Lee are long-time collaborators. So when I saw that Shawn Lee was going to be playing at the Turf Club on November 11th with "AM", I had to know more. This behind-the-scenes look at the creation of their track, "Somebody Like You" really explains it all. It's definitely a welcome departure for Shawn Lee to be producing more pop-leaning, lighter songs. I'm looking forward to catching these two live here in Minnehappiness.

Halloween Bash w/ Plain Ole Bill, Last Word & B-Rock

2011-10-28T22:41:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow niiiiiiiight at Honey. RSVP ch'ere!

After last years successful Halloween Bash, Plain Ole Bill & Last Word have decided to do it again. This year we invited our good friend DJ B-Rock to join the party and grabbed our girl La Manchita to come and hold down hosting duties. Surprises all night long. Get down to Honey early for FREE Punch from 9-10 PM. We'll be dropping all the classic jams through out the night. BAMMER!

Lineup:
Plain Ole Bill
Last Word
B-Rock
Hosted by:
La Manchita

21 Plus
7 Bucks
8:30 PM - 2 AM
FREE punch from 9-10 PM

Lemolo: In Black and White

2011-10-23T23:50:00.001-05:00

Lemolo: In Black & White from Sound on the Sound on Vimeo.

The fantastic Seattle music blog, Sound On The Sound, has made me a routine visitor for many reasons, if not solely for their intimate in-studio recordings captured in romantic black-and-white cinematography. Many of these bring the raw talent of the artists out as much as any recording can. This two-song set by Lemolo is an excellent example. For another taste, check another recent post here.

Oh, and Meagan Grandall, if you happen upon this... will you marry me?

Jay-Z x Orgone, "The City Is Mine (B-Rock's Dark Falls blend)

2011-10-22T13:03:00.001-05:00

The City Is Mine (B-Rock's Dark Falls blend) by DJ B-Rock

Nasty

2011-10-20T23:48:00.001-05:00

It's about time that Nasty's blackout over a bare-bones track gets a similarly classic set of visuals.

Big Quarters, "C'mon"

2011-10-17T08:02:00.001-05:00

Party Like A Young Commie available for pre-order now.

Kendrick Lamar, "Rigarmortis"

2011-10-16T21:23:00.000-05:00

Doomtree "No Kings" pre-order

2011-10-14T08:03:00.001-05:00

Doomtree "The Grand Experiment" by doomtree

From the Doomtree newsletter:

Doomtree’s second collaborative record is called No Kings. It’s our boldest collective effort to date. It hits the street on November 22nd. And it is officially available for pre-order today.

We’ve printed up both CDs and a double-vinyl package. Standard and deluxe pre-order options are available in either format. All packages include two clear 5” x 5” No Kings stickers, a double-sided 12” x 18” glossy poster autographed by all seven members of the crew, and a chance to win a pair of tickets to all seven nights of this year’s Blowout at First Avenue in Minneapolis. We’ll draw a winner every week.

Deluxe pre-order packages also include a black nickel metal pin of the No Kings logo, a limited-edition No Kings screen printed t-shirt, and a limited edition No Kings screen printed commemorative box (both available only during this pre-order)

In addition, one lucky pre-orderer will receive a golden ticket to the Blowout. This ticket will grant the holder VIP access to all 7 shows, a backstage tour of First Avenue, a night’s stay at a four-star Minneapolis hotel, and $77.77 to devote towards transportation—or to blow at the bar.

Pre-order here

2011 BET Cypher: Shady 2.0

2011-10-12T12:26:00.001-05:00

Dam-Funk, "Hood Pass Intact"

2011-10-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I haven't posted this before. A perfect video that captures much of what Dam-Funk is all about. Also happens to be one of my favorite beats. He's performing tonight at 7th Street. This is a can't-miss show as the openers include my favorite local DJ, Mike 2600, as well as beatsmith and turntable technician Andrew BrodR.

DOOMTREE BLOWOUT VII: rocking First Ave for a WEEK!

2011-10-11T16:06:00.000-05:00

Just announced!!! Taken from the First Ave website...

Yup, you read it right. Last year they took on a blizzard and this year, the best rap crew in Minneapolis is taking over First Avenue for an entire week for their annual Doomtree Blowout.

To kickstart Doomtree Blowout VII, from Sunday, December 4th - Thursday, December 8th members of Doomtree will take over our booking department and curate shows in the 7th St. Entry (see below for the schedule). They'll take a quick breather then get ready for the full crew doing two nights in the Mainroom on Friday, December 9th and Saturday, December 10th. And to celebrate a feat such as this, there'll be an Doomtree Blowout VII Afterparty in the 7th St. Entry following the Mainroom show.

This Friday from 4pm - 6pm members of Doomtree will be at The Depot Tavern selling discounted tickets to the curated 7th St Entry shows and tickets for the Mainroom shows (I bet Mike Mictlan will even give you a high five).

General on sale is this Saturday, October 15 at noon.

It's a lot to take in so let's break it down:

Sunday, December 4, 2011

7th St Entry

89.3 The Current presents

Doomtree presents Blowout Sunday: Curated by Sims

$7 at The Depot Presale/$10/8pm/18+

Monday, December 5, 2011

7th St Entry

89.3 The Current presents

Doomtree presents Blowout Monday: Curated by Mike Mictlan

$7 at The Depot Presale/$10/8pm/18+

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

7th St Entry

89.3 The Current presents

Doomtree presents Blowout Tuesday: Curated by Dessa

$7 at The Depot Presale/$10/8pm/18+

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

7th St Entry

89.3 The Current presents

Doomtree presents Blowout Wednesday: Curated by P.O.S.

$7 at The Depot Presale/$10/8pm/18+

Thursday, December 8, 2011

7th St Entry

89.3 The Current presents

Doomtree presents Blowout Thursday:

Curated by Cecil Otter

$7 at The Depot Presale/$10/8pm/18+

Friday, December 9
Mainroom
89.3 The Current presents

DOOMTREE BLOWOUT VII

$15.00/9:00pm/21+

Saturday, December 10
Mainroom
89.3 The Current presents

DOOMTREE BLOWOUT VII

$15.00/6:00pm/AA

Saturday, December 10
7th St Entry

DOOMTREE BLOWOUT VII AFTERPARTY

$5.00/9:30pm/18+

Kendrick Lamar, "A.D.H.D."

2011-10-10T02:31:00.000-05:00

I'll keep co-signing and posting until this dude blows up... because he will.

DJ AM at Serato's 10-year Party

2011-10-09T20:29:00.000-05:00

DJ AM at Serato X from Serato Audio Research on Vimeo.

Came across this in my web travels tonight. He was such a talent with so much musical passion and knowledge. R.I.P. Adam Goldstein. You have inspired many, including myself. You are missed.

Benedek feat Dam-Funk, "That's My Jam"

2011-10-09T19:29:00.000-05:00

Benedek feat Dam-Funk, "That's My Jam"

Benedek feat Dam-Funk, "That's My Jam (instrumental)"

...digitized from the 7", so they're far from quantized or mastered. But they still sound funkaLICIOUS!

Fergie x SBTRKT - Glamorous Pharoahs (B-Rock blendit)

2011-10-05T22:12:00.001-05:00

SBTRKT x Fergie - Glamorous Pharoahs (Big Pimpin ending) (B-Rock blendit) by DJ B-Rock

OTB Appreciation this Friday

2011-10-05T09:16:00.002-05:00

Black Mamba

2011-10-01T12:22:00.002-05:00

Trailer for a Nike film project due October 3rd. I'm sold.

Doe Bay Session - Kelli Schaefer

2011-09-30T00:37:00.001-05:00

The 2011 Doe Bay Sessions - Kelli Schaefer from Sound on the Sound on Vimeo.

I really don't know anything about Doe Bay Fest other than the facebook description ("Doe Bay Fest... it's hard to describe. A festival which is basically musicians on vacations with thier friends at one of the coolest places in the world for a holiday") and this video. Who knew hipsters could make such melodic, crystalline, hi-fi music? Ahhh, low-blow... in all seriousness, this is beautiful.

Adult Swim x Scion present {UNCLASSIFIED}

2011-09-29T13:13:00.001-05:00

Both Adult Swim and Scion have been fantastic at creating highly critical and influential compilations over the last few years. One of my personal faves was the Adult Swim collaboration with the now defunct Def Jux label. Scion also recently put out a short EP with long-time-but-currently-trending funk master, Dam-Funk. Now they both team up to bring together some of the hottest UK electronic artists in the scene including personal faves SBTRKT, Zomby and Boxcutter.

Adult Swim / Scion – [UNCLASSIFIED] http://www.dummymag.com/new-music/2011/09/27/burial-zomby-sbtrkt-actress-kode9-and-more-on-free-rarities-compilation/ by DummyMag

Official Site

Sims, "LMG"

2011-09-15T09:08:00.001-05:00

Sims "LMG" (dir. Matt Scharenbroich) from Doomtree Records on Vimeo.

Finally my favorite track off of Bad Time Zoo gets an amazing visual treatment. This was created over the course of a winter and more than "1,600 individual drawings, 400 cups of coffee, 60 markers and two ecstatic hands" went into the creation. Includes a link at the end to download the Wildlife EP.

J57 - The Analog Tape

2011-09-14T14:25:00.002-05:00

FWMJ's Producers I Know Presents: J57 "The Analog Tape". "The Analog Tape" is a dirty, dusty early 90's sounding beat tape produced entirely by J57.

I met J57 and the Audible Doctor (both of the Brown Bag Allstars) at the now-defunct Fat Beat NYC store. Both are not only chill dudes but are incredible producers and only put out quality versus quantity.

Download J57's The Analog Tape here

Kendrick Lamar, "Cut You Off"

2011-09-13T09:42:00.003-05:00

I normally gloss over live video posts on blogs but there was something undeniably genuine watching Kendrick Lamar rip a stage. I proceeded to download his most recent mixtape, O.D. (Overly Dedicated) and it hasn't left the rotation. He can move seamlessly from R&B to street to anthem without ever questioning what he's about. He is my favorite new emcee and OD is excellent front to back.

Download O.D. from datpiff

Numero Group: Titan (Candidate for Album Cover of the Year)

2011-09-09T14:48:00.001-05:00

Bemer, "Yoko (feat. Chris Brown, Wiz and Big K.R.I.T."

2011-09-09T14:19:00.001-05:00

Had to post this... some serious drifting in a rap video? Yes, please.

B-Rock - Summer Blends live mix

2011-09-09T02:18:00.001-05:00

Summer Blends by DJ B-Rock

Some selections from my "summer" crate that I blended together... live. I don't fake the funk.

DJ Unkut, 1st DMC Online Champion

2011-09-05T15:01:00.001-05:00

Soul Khan, "Lost Ones Freestyle"

2011-09-04T13:09:00.002-05:00

"You might win some, but you just got sonned"

Neon Indian's PAL198X synth-fomercial

2011-08-30T16:53:00.000-05:00

Neon Indian - Step Into the World With Your PAL198X from Neon Indian on Vimeo.

Lemonade, "The Place Where You Belong"

2011-08-30T10:29:00.005-05:00

The Place Where You Belong by LemonadeMusic

Fantastic cover of one of my favorite 80's jams, Shai's "The Place Where You Belong" via Lemonad's Tumblr page. On the Panther Sounds label.

Sims x Lazerbeak - Wildlife freEP

2011-08-29T12:17:00.001-05:00

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://sims.bandcamp.com/album/wildlife"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Wildlife by Sims&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Meenafresh's Saturday Session mixed by B-Rock

2011-08-27T11:22:00.002-05:00

Meenafresh's Saturday Sessions Mixed By DJ B Rock Volume 1 by KevinNottingham

Here's a new mixtape series I'm excited to be proud of for the Kevin Nottingham blog.

Tracklist

ASAP Rocky – Peso

Rittz – Fulla Shit (feat. Yelawolf & Big K.R.I.T.) (Prod. by DJ Burn One)
PRGz – Trap Like Mine
Homeboy Sandman – Table Cloth (Feat. Fresh Daily)
Charizma & Peanut Butter Wolf – Apple Juice Break
Apathy – Check To Check prod Evidence
Dj Jazzy Jeff & Ayah – Notorious Remix feat. Freeway,Tona,Dosage
J Dilla – Crushin’ [Instrumental]
Confidence – Things Done Changed (Confidence Remix)
MED – This Is Your Life feat. MED & Blu, Produced by Exile
Hieroglyphics – You Never Knew
Jaylib – The Red
Elzhi – Halftime (Prod Will Sessions)
Black Milk – Play The Keys [instrumental]
Random Axe – Monster Babies
Skyzoo – Atypical
GZA – Shadow Boxing
Apathy – Stop What Ya Doin’ f. Celph Titled
The Audible Doctor – Soldier Pt. 2
Gangstarr – Mass Appeal
Headnodic – Surgeon General (feat. People Under The Stairs)
C-Rayz Walz – Blvck Gifted (Produced By Marley Marl)
CunninLynguists – Streets (instrumental)
Jazz Spastiks & Junclassic – Bust Ya Melon
Ultimate Breaks & Beats – It’s A New Day
Aloe Blacc – I Need a Dollar
Nas – Nasty
Prof – The Season

DMC Online Finals - DJ Ritchie Ruftone

2011-08-25T12:17:00.001-05:00

Rustie - Glass Swords opening track teaser

2011-08-24T13:09:00.002-05:00

Rustie - All Nite (taken from Glass Swords) by Rustie

Florence + the Machine, "What the Water Game Me"

2011-08-24T09:51:00.003-05:00

Indie darlings turned mass sensation provide us with a new track from their forthcoming sophomore effort and some visual teasers.

Oddisee, "The Blooming"

2011-08-19T16:08:00.001-05:00

&amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://mellomusicgroup.bandcamp.com/album/odd-seasons"&amp;amp;amp;gt;Odd Seasons by Oddisee&amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Off of Odd Seasons, available now.

The Weeknd - Thursday

2011-08-19T09:29:00.001-05:00

The Weeknd Thursday by the weeknd thursday

Gittit

J Dilla - Last Donut of the Night Contest Winner

2011-08-17T13:11:00.001-05:00

Peanut Butter Wolf: THANKS TO EVERYONE who entered. I watched every entry, wrote notes and put them in categories. I got input from the Stones Throw staff, artists on the label, friends and basically anyone I knew who had an opinion. Almost 2000 words of notes and countless hours of watching later and we have our winners.

I expected around 50 people to enter and ended up with 156. The original goal was to be able to find 15 “winners” to put on the Stones Throw youtube page (which I did), yet I ended up with 50 I felt were at least worth mentioning. Well, more than 50, but you gotta draw the line somewhere.

The top 5 were the hardest to put in order. I would’ve been happy with any combination of those ones, so my personal apologies to #2, #3, #4, and #5 for not winning first place. I hope to do a video in the future with each of you and others from the contest as well. (I’ve already approached a few of you).

Overall, lots of Doom, Dilla and Lord Quas in the contest. I think we could’ve made the contest strictly Donuts and the entries would’ve been just as cool.

Some guys got pretty intense with full cast and crew and others took found footage and did a great job on their own with editing. A lot of the songs like Lightworks, Fancy Clown, Strange Ways, Safety Dance, and Time (Donut Of The Heart) were chosen by multiple entries. And nobody made a Charizma video. L Glad a few of you made a Koushik video though. He’s still one of my fav Stones Throw artists.

Cast: Juha Ilmari Laine, Markku Laitinen, Rami Rusinen, Petra Lumioksa / Director of Photography: Jeremias Nieminen / Camera Operator: Antti Savolainen / Camera Asst: Sofia Palillo / Sound Engineer: Tuomas Vauhkonen / Sound Recording: Ilkka Kunttu / Gaffer: Jeremias Nieminen / Best Boy: Tuomas Peltonen / Runner: Petra Lumioksa / Catering: Petra Lumioksa. J Dilla's "Last Donut of the Night" is taken from the album Donuts (2006)

Prof - King Gampo

2011-08-16T11:39:00.004-05:00

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://profstophouse.bandcamp.com/album/king-gampo"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;King Gampo by Prof&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Available today from Prof's bandcamp. #BUCKABUCKA

Franz Diego, "Waggin on the Scene"

2011-08-12T00:21:00.003-05:00

Southside's [Minneapolis] own, Franz Diego just dropped a new BANGER bringing the WAG state of mind to the forefront. For the DJ's pleasure he wrapped it up in a bow with a clean version, instrumental, acapella and some choice drops for your SP-6. I raise my can of 4Loko...

GITTIT

*don't miss one of the hottest monthly parties in Minneapolis, TURNT UP!, this Friday. Hosted by Franz himself and featuring DJ's Gabe Garcia, Noam the Drummer and Willie Shu.

Evidence, "Same Folks feat. Fashawn"

2011-08-11T12:34:00.001-05:00

From Evidence's upcoming Rhymesayers debut.