Lupe Fiasco is one of the most critically acclaimed emcees of the last few years with successful albums Food & Liquor and The Cool both being regarded as classics by many hip hop fans. As successful as his music is (often music with a message), he is also equally controversial. Whether in the the form of a track like “Bitch Bad” addressing conventional labels for women or in the process of being taken off of presidential inauguration performance stages for anti-government rants, Lupe frequently has folks talking. Whether or not his music, activism, or antics move you or are completely hit-or-miss, it is certain that he is dedicated to raising the level of social awareness among his mostly youth fan base. This week he continues in this tradition in promotion of upcoming album Tetsuo & Youth, with a new free single titled “Animal Pharm”. The new track reinterprets and is named after George Orwell’s 1945 allegorical novel Animal Farm which reflects events leading up to the violent 1917 Russian Revolution and subsequent Stalin era. They are portrayed using animal characters on a farm. Lupe’s lyricism is really stellar on this release and comparisons phenomenal. Have a listen! Read more »
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Goodie Mob feat. Janelle Monae // “Special Education”
May 22nd, 2013 by Daniel Richman
You guys remember when Cee Lo wasn’t singing in commercials for the Super Bowl and was instead making conscious slappers with his fellow ATLiens in Goodie Mob? I know it’s been a while, and he’s certainly had his share of solo hits in the meantime, but a couple days ago Cee Lo announced that Goodie Mob, after a lengthy hiatus, would be releasing a new LP later this year titled Age Against The Machine (2013). This single off the new record dropped yesterday, and it combines that signature laid-back southern tempo with a bone-jarring bass and a catchy hook from Janelle Monae. While it feels lifetimes ago that the raspy-throated chanteur was lacing a soulful hook/verse on Field Mob’s “All I Know” (2003), Cee Lo’s longtime fans, and fans of Atlanta hip-hop should be encouraged. After hearing this track’s inspired lyrics and trunk-rattling potential, it’s hard not to get excited about the direction the new album might be headed. Thoughts?
Cheers!
Betty Who: You’re In Love
May 21st, 2013 by Ben Lusher
Check out the new video from songstress Betty Who. With her own brand of Indie-Pop, infused with pulsing synths and irresistible hooks, Betty has been quickly gaining a lot of press, most notably from MTV Buzzworthy and Billboard.com. Her style is reminiscent of the best of the 80s, while the top-notch production rockets it forward to the present. This song is simply infectious, and the video, directed by Evan Savitt, is impeccable. I was lucky enough to play keyboards with Betty on a recent show in NYC, and I can honestly say that few performers possess her energy and unique ability to connect to her fans (or as she calls them, the Who Crew.) Watch the video, You’re In Love, right here:
Tera Melos: “Bite”
May 16th, 2013 by Brandon Hornsby-Selvin
Check out wacky new single and music video “Bite” recently released by Sacramento trio Tera Melos. Known for their more experimental leaning music, the band caught my attention with their wild rhythmic changes and patterns, improvisation,and unconventional method of putting together songs. They don’t exactly fit very nicely into any specific genre but when their unique fluster of interesting sounds is decipherable, the listener can find influences ranging from jazz to various styles of electronic and rock music. They’re also considered contemporary innovators of the “math rock” genre, of which their asymmetrical time signatures and complex rhythms are characteristic. “Bite” is off X’ed Out, their recently released fourth album. Read more »
