Wait, the decade is almost over?

HIP-HOP
WITH A HEART ON ITS SLEEVE
Besides the heart on the sleeve displayed on PLAY COMME des GARÇONS shirts, hip-hop artists are showing a side of vulnerability and raw emotion that hasn't been seen for a while. Recently, more rappers have put their proverbial heart on their sleeve and rapped about lost love, loneliness and the lackluster party scene. This shift in lyrical content shows the things that fans are no longer satisfied with superficial babble and new musicians aren't satisfied feeding nonsense to their fans. In addition, these songs reveal the things that give them inspiration and it provides confessions about family and relationship struggles that continue to exist despite their fame. This emotion based form of hip-hop is commonly associated with artists like Kanye West and Kid Cudi, whose most recent albums stuck to this method of storytelling. In addition, artists like XV, G-Eazy, Alex Ludovico and Drake write about their rise of fame and the realities that come along with fame, not just the perks. Perhaps venting was done in the past by showing bravado, but the future leaders of hip-hop are showing that your the realest when you reach your musical center.

Drake - Fear (mp3)


XV - Mirror's Edge (mp3)


G-Eazy - This is It (listen)
Also check out the NEW SONG,
SB Dunks ft. Team Robot (Scratches by DJ CoolHand) (mp3)


Alex Ludovico - 100 Milligrams (listen)
Download the mixtape, The Reawakening (zip)



Complex Presents: The 100 Best T-Shirts Of The 2000’s

#1 Supreme "Kate Moss" (2004)
#2 J$ "King of NY" (2003)
#3 Invisible:Man "Think" (2000)
#4 Stüssy "HAZE World Tour" (2006)
#5 SSUR "Ne Blatuy" (2005)
#6 Fucking Awesome "Gangster Situations" (2005)
#7 Bathing Ape "BAPE Camo" (2005)
#8 Staple "Gun Shop" (2000)
#9 AWOL/Rogue Status "Gun Show" (2006)
#10 Plain Gravy "It's So Easy" (2006)

Some of my favorites that made Complex's Top 100

#16 Rockers NYC "Peace = Haight" (2007)
#18 ALIFE "Wu-Tang Logo" (2006)
#32 Plain Gravy "Pharrell Can't Skate" (2006)
#35 Lemar and Dauley "Back Like 45" (2006)
#37 Original Fake "Warm Regards" (2009)
#40 St. Alfred "St Alfred YSL Logo" (2006)
#49 PLAY Comme des Garçons "PLAY" (2007)
#87 Original Fake "Apple" (2008)
#92 Freshjive "HIPSTERS" (2008)
#96 Rocksmith x UNDRCRWN "Keep Bouncin" (2008)via Complex

If you havent't already, check out Complex's
Top 100 Albums & Top 100 Sneakers

AND

Look out for Complex's Top 100 Style Trends, Top 100 Songs, Top 100 Brands and Top 100 Books

Will The Real MC's Please Stand Up

Will The Real MC's Please Stand Up

After watching hip-hop documentaries, seeing new music videos of major artists, going to hip-hop shows of local artists and hearing the mixtapes and LPs of my friends who have been tackling every aspect of the rap game for years.....

I began to wonder what makes a real MC.

And if new rappers are popping up everyday with overly simplistic lyrics and hit songs.
What are they called?

NOT HIP-HOP

Rather ignorance put into rhymes or bad pop music.
Unlike other styles of music, you can't have a good hip-hop song by simply having a good beat and catchy lyrics, because the verses of hip-hop songs show the lyrical talent of the artist and untalented rappers will quickly manifest themselves .
i.e. Soulja Boy, Flo Rida, Gucci Man ect.

After learning about a battle between acclaimed rapper Kool Moe Dee and Busy Bee at Harlem World in 1982, it occurred to me that there is two types of MCs. In this historic rap battle, Kool Moe Dee killed Busy Bee with his lyricism even though Busy Bee had an immense talent at hyping crowds. I learned that each understands the importance of hip-hop, but in different ways.

One type of MC embraces the poetic value of hip-hop and the other encompasses the form of hip-hop that focuses on live interaction. When we look at many musicians that embody true hip-hop it is clear what category they fit in. Artists like Common, Mos Def, Blu, KRS-One, Jay Electronica, Saul Williams, and Nas clear fit into the 'lyrical and poetic MCs'. I once heard that Nas is an amazing rapper, but he is incapable of making a club hit. The other group of MCs are the party rock/club types like Afrika Bambaataa, Rye Rye, The Cool Kids, Black Eyed Peas, Rob Base, Kid Sister and Theophilus London. Recently these types of musicians have been typecasted as 'hipster-hop' because they try to embody golden era hip-hop and incorporate electro and house music to their sound, which garnered them fans who typically listen to only electro and indie music i.e. hipsters.

Then there are artists who do a little bit of both, like N.E.R.D, Kanye West, Souls of Mischief, Lupe Fiasco, Wale, and A Tribe Called Quest. Just because an artist is known for rapping lyrics that can be easily turned into spoken word, it doesn't mean they can't turn out a dance hit easily. Artists like Common showed it can be done. The party MC also ca show that they are capable of making fun and lighthearted songs that make people want to dance, while still having witty lyrics that incorporate wordplay and an understanding of hip-hop culture.


In the last five years I feel like hip-hop has changed. I am not speaking solely about the sound of hip-hop, but about the way it is distributed. Due to filesharing and the ubiquity of mixtapes, it has made it easily to produce, disseminate and promote hip-hop music. In the hip-hop industry, the internet is used to gain fans from mixtapes downloads on datpiff or plays on myspace. However, the dominate forms of communication still lies within the radio and television industry. True success seems to be reached only when your songs is played nationwide on the radio and your video is on MTV and BET. For example Drake unquestionably became famous in 2009, and not 2008 or 2007. Even though he has released four mixtapes, his most popular songs are the ones that are played on the radio and the majority of his fans don't know the songs on his most recent mixtape, let alone all four mixtapes in his discography. This creates tons of artists who are considered famous in the world of "underground" hip-hop, but seem to be completely unnoticed by radio and left to be played in snippets during commercial breaks of TV shows. However, some progress has been made because many of these artists are actually acknowledged by the websites of music networks years before they play their music.

Like many things in life, it takes time to achieve success. We can only hope that our favorite underground MCs don't change their "sound", "direction", or "image" in the realm between mixtape popularity that the time they finally bubble up the surface of mainstreamdom. I personally believe artists like Drake has changed a lot from his first mixtape and video to his most recent work. Many fans also hope that most people won't limit an artist's potential to their first single. For example many people have not been able to get a good impression of the total package of Kid Cudi, because the Crookers remix of Day n Nite has been the only song played on the radio for all of this past winter, spring and most of this summer. His ability as a true hip-hop artist is best shown through his mixtapes and radio freestyles, because it shows that he tackles a range of subjects about individuality and emotion.


When it comes to progress, it goes from the internet to television to radio. Blogs and social networking sites and music blog aggregator site has allowed people to access music as soon as it is released to the masses. Everything is realtime and it allows for more communication and opinions than radio and television. However, even though radio has more live programming, television uses the internet to get an understanding of the best new artists coming up. Even before they have new music videos available to broadcast, television conducts interviews and live performances. Lastly radio comes into the picture. Usually when a songs are announced on the radio nationally, it has been know by internet fans for weeks to sometimes over a year in advance. People are not worried about pirating, because the song hasn't even been released as a single on itunes yet. Just like it is a known fact that radio still takes part in Pay To Play methods (PAYOLA), whether it includes middlemen known as promoters or not, record companies are also responsible for exposing to new music via the internet when they leak entire albums, future singles, or demos. This process produces buzz and it doesn't hinder a lot of sells, because despite popular belief, many people still purchase cds physically, through music purchasing sites or at least download it illegally after it has been officially released and has gained exposure from the radio and television.

Luckily despite all of this controversy, many fellow musicians know of these underground musicians before they get big. It is likely you will see up-and-coming musicians featured on the mixtapes of big stars. Also it is common to see cameos of them in music videos or simply seen together in party pics.


So what is my advice as someone who is not an expert, but an advent follower of the underground music scene of various genres of music.


1. Be yourself
Luckily we live in a generation where people appreciate individuality. So much so that people are mindlessly following individualistic trends that don't represent their self at all. It is becoming more and more apparent when a person is being their self or copying a trend. Based on the different cultures that exist in different regions of America and the musical influences people have, being yourself is simply making music you like about your life experiences. Also the sound of music changes every year, but it is important to stay with the times while not loosing what made you a unique and interesting artist.

2. Record music
Make mixtapes, EPs, LPs, or simply get featured on other people's songs. Do whatever it takes to get your name out there. If you are truly talented you will be getting thousands of plays on myspace, reverbnation, imeem or whatever site you prefer to use. This will lead to other people to promote your music and send links to download your music on blogs. Once you have enough songs, make mixtapes and distribute them for free and sell cds once you have a market that will feed into that concept. In addition, being featured on another artist's successful song is just as good as having your own successful song. Your first objective is to get your name out there. Also try to get your music on COLLEGE radio. Unlike normal radio, college radio stations arent concerned about having artists pay to play their songs. The idea of building a local scene and supporting local artists is in the framework of college radio.

3. Online promotion
All major blogs that post mp3s are listed on websites called music blog aggregator sites. These sites are like search engines for all the songs posted on blogs on the internet. Most blog posted songs come with some background of the artist or at least a link to their myspace page. Blogs also include interviews with artists, it is important to never refuse an interview, because people will appreciate your music more if they know your mission and your history. Also have a well designed website that has your pictures, songs, mixtapes, videos so fans can get a feel of you as an artist and encourages them to buy your music and go to your shows.

4. Shows/Tour
It's great to e known your talents among your friends, but word of moth and a myspace page can take you only so far. Shows at local venues is essential for people to hear your music, even if you have cds distributed, there is nothing hearing music live. Also there is no need to be too arrogant that you will not perform at open mics, talent shows, loft/house parties, and events at high schools or colleges. If you can build a community of peers that support your music you will have devout fan that will stay with you throughout your career. They form PR teams by word of mouth and have the opportunity to hit untapped fans across the country. Also ake sure you get their emails so you can continue to contact them.

5. Magazine promotion
Just like the cover of Rolling Stone magazine had signified superstardom in the past, gaining the cover or even a mention in certain magazines has a great relationship to future success. It seems like every single hip-hop artist (and artists of other genres) have be listed in either URB Magazine or XXL when they were considered obscure, but by the next year they we're getting radio play or at least somewhat know. For the last few years XXL magazine has created a yearly list of The Leaders of the New School. It is a list of new hip-hop artists who are destined to make a great impact on the industry the following year. URB Magazine.has a list called the Next 1000 which is compiled by artists who submit their demo, then URB Magazine editors select 10-20 artists each week to be featured on the site. Then people vote on the artist and every few months the NEXT 1000 is published in the magazine with the artists who have the most votes. The last day for July-September 2009 submissions is September 18th 2009.

XXL's Leaders of the New School (Nov '07)
Lupe Fiasco
Plies
Rich Boy
Lil' Boosie
Gorilla Zoe
Papoose
Young Dro
Saigon
Crooked I
Joell Ortiz


XXL's Leaders of the New School (Dec '08)
Kid Cudi
Asher Roth
Curren$y
Wale
Mickey Factz
Charles Hamilton
Blu
B.o.B.
Cory Gunz
Ace Hood


URB's Top 100 (mar/apr '08)

kid cudi
mickey factz
teyana taylor
88 keys
holy ghost!
wiz khalifa
rye rye
dj klever
jackie chain
treasure fingers
ocelot
south rakkas crew
ghostland observatory
totally michael
willy joy
chip tha ripper
really doe
dj zebo
million $ mano
mic terror
peachcake
heartsrevolution
pacific division
flying lotus
glass candy
mixhell
does it offend you, yeah?
late of the pier
no kids
the teenagers
sinden
enter shikari
jay electronica



URB Next 100 (May '09)

URB's Next 100. from Matt McDonald on Vimeo.

N.A.S.A.
sounds like: Well produced Grammy peformance, which means all of your new favorite performing together from Santigold to Lykke Li to Spank Rock to The Cool Kids.

Drake
sounds like: The opposite of what a rapper backed by Disney would look like, but has the attractive clean cut look that makes girls pine and guys jealous.

Asher Roth
sounds like: this generation's version of the Beastie Boys. Not because of his lack of melinin, but because he has lyrical skills but stays true to himself which means diverging for current hip-hop trends.

Prodigy
Asher Roth
Skyzoo,
Acid Girls,
Cory Nitta,
The Whip,
Wavves,
Colin Monroe,
Claire Hux,
Theophilus London,
Bird Peterson,
Buraka Sistema,
Felix Cartal,
Mapei,
Brokencyde,
U-N-I,
Passion Pit,
AC Slater,
Old Money,
PJDP,
Dances With White Girls,
Thieves Like Us,
Ninjasonik,
Keys N Krates,
Miike Snow


artists who are no so well known
from May '09 URB 100

Makers of Sense,
Lauren Flax,
Diz Gibran,
Alex B,
Tim Exile,
Truckasauras,
Loose Shus,
House of House,
Miami Horror,
Ultrnx,
Keelay and Zaire,
U-Tern,
Mibiase,
Temper Trap,
Autodrone,
Derek Plaslaiko,
The Golden Filter,
Don Rimini,
Mexicans With Guns,
Muja Messiah,
lackfinger,
The Japanese Popstars,
Eli Escobar,
Spree Wilson,
J-Philip,
The Qemist,
Warpaint,
Simcity,
Mux Mool,
Mungolian Jet Set,
Micah James,
New Look,
Xrabit and DMG,
Boss in Drama,
The Pains of Being Pure at Heart,
Hired Gun,
Blonde Acid Cult,
VV Brown,
Sleepy Eyes of Death,
John Roberts,
Mayer Hawthorne,
The Asteroids Galaxy Tour,
Kuroma,
Young Lords,
The Morning After Girls,
Cazals,
ApSci,
Pezzner,
suckers,
King Roc,
Amazing Baby,
Memory Cassette,
shur-i-kan,
Rainbow,
Arabia,
Jobber,
Sweat Shop Union,
Tiago la,
The Praire Cartel,
Breakbot,
Buff1,
Freddie Gibbs,
thecocknbullkid
Zaki Ibrahim,
Deastro,
nancy,
Riz MC,
Siriusmo
Ro Blvd,
Enfant Terrible,
Seth Troxler,
Kissy Sell Out

-------

My predictions for URB NEXT 100
in 2010

XV
sounds like: first time you heard Lupe Fiasco, but with Kid Cud insecurites and electro appreciation
XV - Start A War f. Colin Munroe (mp3)
XV - In Due Time (remix) (mp3)
XV - Everybody's Nobody (mp3)
XV - Mirror's Edge (mp3)
XV- Dopeman (mp3)
XV - A.D.D. (mp3)
XV - The Square In The Circle (zip)
XV - Complex (BUY HERE)


thedeathset
sound like: brooklyn's answer to fun punk rock.
The Death Set - Negative Thinking (Treasure Fingers Remix) (mp3)





CurT@!n$
sounds like: brooklyn hip-hop
CurT@!n$ - I Been Hustling (mp3)
Jet Audio Feat. Outasight, Mickey Factz, Curt@!ns & Danny! - Stand Alone (mp3)
CurT@!n$ - C.R.E.A.M. (Ft. Gucci Mane, Mac Breezy & Webbz) (mp3)





Ill Cosby
sounds like: Chicago hip-hop with a edge that reminds you of the days of ODB.
Ill Cosby - Say No To Reggie (zip)


G-Eazy
sounds like: Vocals are reminescent of Lil Wayne but his flow is influenced by the Bay Area.
G-Eazy - The Epidemic LP (BUY HERE)
G-Eazy - Quarantine (zip)
G-Eazy - The Sikkis On The Planet (zip)
G-Eazy - The Tipping Point (zip)





Team Robot (Cypher! & Lu Smith)
sounds like:
N.E.R.D, Hollywood Holt, Ninjasonik, Kid Cudi
Lu Smith - Local Bar (mp3)
Cypher! - Tits & Ass (mp3)
G-Eazy - Freshaholic ft Cypher (mp3)
Cypher! - Forty4-Tours (zip)





Yuri
Yuri - Spotlight (mp3)
sounds like: New Orleans version of Theophilus London who is fighting the term of R&B


Kal!co Kali
sounds like: grills and skinny jeans
Kal!co Kali - Bang Til You Pass Out (mp3)
Kal!co Kali - Make You Famous (Tek Remix) (mp3)
Naledge - I'm In Chicago (Bitch) (Kali Remix) (mp3)
Kal!co Kali - City Is At War Kal!co Kali RMX (mp3)
Bang Until You Pass Out Starters RMX (mp3)
Bang Until You Pass Out H70s RMX (mp3)





Bin Laden Blowin' Up (BBU)
sounds like: Chicago dance hip-hop that is worthy of an 8 on Pitchfork.
BBU-Chi Don't Dance (mp3)
BBU - Jukin' On Land Mines (mp3)
BBU - Someboy Watchin' (mp3)




Alex Ludovico
sounds like: the type rapper that actually wears band tees and listens to their music
Alex Ludovico (formeraly Ill Eagle the Anti-Rapper) - Crack Rap Vs Hip-Hop (mp3)
Alex Ludovico - The Reawakening (zip)
Alex Ludovico (formeraly Ill Eagle the Anti-Rapper) - The Stendhal Syndrome (zip)
Alex Ludovico (formeraly Ill Eagle the Anti-Rapper) - The Wilhelm Scream (zip)



Nyle
sounds like: live hip-hop



Tabi Bonney
sound like: lazy boy flow
Tabi Bonney - night of the living dope johnnys revenge (mp3)
Tabi Bonney-Nuthin But A Hero (mp3)
Tabi Bonney - Beat Rock (mp3)
tabi bonney – radio feat. curren$y (mp3)
tabi bonney – rich kids (mp3)
Tabi Bonney - Dope (BUY HERE)




Bullet
sounds like: space hip-hop
Bullet - Mr Robotic (mp3)
Bullet – Get It (produced by Chuck Inglish) (mp3)
Bullet - Back To The Lyrics (zip)
Bullet - Home Alone (zip)


Tanya Morgan
sounds like: a early 90s hip-hop groups
Tanya Morgan - So Damn Down (mp3)
Tanya Morgan - Bang N Boogie (mp3)
Tanya Morgan - Never Enough (mp3)
Tanya Morgan - The Drop (mp3)
Tanya Morgan - Tanya Morgan Is A Rap Group (zip)



Japanese Cartoon
sounds like: lo-fi British political music
Japanese Cartoon - Heirplanes (mp3)
Japanese Cartoon - ARMY (mp3)


Neiliyo
sounds like: mac book musician that combines electro and funk
Neiliyo - Copywriting 101: The Mixtape (zip)
Neiliyo - People Skills LP (zip)


Mikkey Halsted
sounds like: conscious Chicago hip-hop that breaks down issues in real life like liquor stores.
Mikkey Halsted - Hello (produced by Don Cannon and DJ TIMBUCK2) (mp3)




Vyle
sounds like: hip-hop with eloquence, electro beats and style
Vyle - Oh I Think Dey Like Hoodtronics Vol. 2 (zip)



S.O.L.E. FRESH
sounds like: Matt & Kim, Asher Roth, The Cool Kids
S.O.L.E. FRESH -- They So Fresh (mp3)
S.O.L.E. FRESH -- Dude Where's My Car (mp3)
S.O.L.E. FRESH -- I Don't Wanna Grow Up (mp3)


IMPOLITE SOCIETY
sounds like: lyrical rappers who rhyme with a purpose and skill
Impolite Society - Pseudo Cypher ft. Jay- Z (mp3)


Izza Kizza
sounds like:
Izza Kizza f. Colin Munroe - Connect The Dots (mp3)
Izza Kizza - hello (dj wool remix euro edit) (mp3)
Izza Kizza f. David Banner - Throw It Up (mp3)
Izza Kizza f. Lil Wayne & Birdman - It's Goin' Down (mp3)
Izza Kizza - The Wizard of Iz (zip)


Starter Djs
sounds like: electro-hop djs who make really good remixes
The Flavor - Official Remix Album (zip)


Dave Coresh
sounds likes: lyrical hip-hop that still appreciates and acknowleges the producer Rob Bates
Dave Coresh - Boy Wonder Vol. 1 (zip)
Dave Coresh - Boy Wonder Vol. 2: Bars and Beats (zip)


Force Feed Radio
sounds like: proof that New Orleans has an electro/dance scene
Force Feed Radio - Throwback Mix Vol. 1 & 2 (zip)
Force Feed Radio - Blood On The Dance Floor (zip)


Elevator Fight
sounds like: garage indie for ska fans with a raw energy from Zoe Kravitz


Tek
sounds like: the new school of chicago hip-hop

Shining Star from tek heartsyou on Vimeo.

Back To The Future aka Chicago stop of G-Eazy Epidemic Tour

Back To The Future
3 Kings
Live Show

The Wild Hare 3530 N. Clark Street
Tuesday July 21st
Doors 8pm / Show 9pm
Tickets: $15 (presale) / $20 Door

Rhymefest
Mikkey Halsted
Twon Gabz

G-Eazy
Impolite Society
Kamilah Sumner
Da G and Da Rock
WorldfamousKid
OLAALI
Al Kurfew
D. Meeks
Mikkey Streetz
Fable

I have tours in different area codes

Kanye West & Lady Gaga
Oct 04, 2009 HSBC Arena Buffalo, New York

Oct 07, 2009 TD Banknorth Garden Boston, Massachusetts

Oct 10, 2009 1st Mariner Arena Baltimore, Maryland

Oct 11, 2009 Wachovia Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Oct 13, 2009 Xcel Energy Center Saint Paul, Minnesota

Oct 15, 2009 Madison Square Garden Arena New York, New York

Oct 16, 2009 Nassau Coliseum Uniondale, New York

Oct 17, 2009 IZOD Center East Rutherford, New Jersey

Oct 28, 2009 Quicken Loans Arena Cleveland, Ohio

Oct 29, 2009 Verizon Center Washington, District of Columbia

Oct 31, 2009 Palace Of Auburn Hills Auburn Hills, Michigan

Nov 02, 2009 United Center Chicago, Illinois

Nov 05, 2009 Toyota Center Houston, Texas

Nov 07, 2009 New Orleans Arena New Orleans, Louisiana

Nov 08, 2009 American Airlines Center Dallas, Texas

Nov 10, 2009 US Airways Center Phoenix, Arizona

Nov 11, 2009 Cox Arena at Aztec Bowl San Diego, California

Nov 13, 2009 Mandalay Bay Events Center Las Vegas, Nevada

Nov 14, 2009 Honda Center Anaheim, California

Nov 16, 2009 Staples Center Los Angeles, California

Nov 18, 2009 Save Mart Center Fresno, California

Nov 20, 2009 ARCO Arena Sacremento, California

Nov 21, 2009 HP Pavilion At San Jose San Jose, California

Nov 22, 2009 HP Pavilion At San Jose San Jose, California

Dec 02, 2009 Pepsi Center Denver, Colorado

Dec 03, 2009 Tingley Coliseum Albuquerque, New Mexico

Dec 05, 2009 Sprint Center Kansas City, Missouri

Dec 06, 2009 Scottrade Center Saint Louis, Missouri

Dec 09, 2009 Bank Atlantic Ampitheater FT Lauderdale, Florida

Dec 11, 2009 Philips Arena Atlanta, Georgia

Dec 12, 2009 Greensboro Coliseum Complex Greensburo, North Carolina

Dec 13, 2009 Norfolk Scope Arena Norfolk, Virginia

Dec 15, 2009 Mohegan Sun Arena Uncasville, Connecticut
via Lady-Gaga.net



Matt & Kim
and
Amanda Blank (if indicated with +)
07/11/09 – Dallas, TX- House Of Blues
07/18/09 – Chicago, IL – Pitchfork Music Festival
08/27/09 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre+
08/28/09 – San Diego, CA – Street Scene 2009
08/29/09 – Visalia, CA – Howie & Sons Pizza & Beer Parlor+
08/30/09 – San Francisco, CA – Outside Lands
09/01/09 – Arcata, CA – Depot+
09/02/09 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theater+
09/03/09 – Vancouver, BC – Richards On Richards+
09/04/09 – Victoria, BC – Sugar+
09/05/09 – Seattle, WA – Bumbershoot
09/07/09 – Salt Lake City, UT – In The Venue+
09/08/09 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater+
09/10/09 – Minneapolis, MN – Triple Rock Social Club+
09/11/09 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre+
09/12/09 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge+
09/14/09 – Detroit, MI – Magic Stick+
09/16/09 – Washington D.C. – Black Cat+
09/29/09 – S. Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Showcase
09/30/09 – Montreal – Pop Montreal
10/02/09 – Buffalo, NY – Soundlab


Mos Def
Sunday August 2nd Mos Def with Jay Electronica House of Blues Chicago Chicago, IL
Saturday August 29 Most Def with NEW DATE Roseland Theater Portland, OR
Friday October 2nd to Sunday October 4th Austin City Limits Music Festival Austin Texas


Lollapalooza
August 7-9
Chicago, IL
Friday:
Kid Cudi, Crookers, Simian Mobile Disco (DJ Set), A-Trak, The Bloody Beetroots (DJ Set), Rye Rye, Crystal Castles, The Virgins, La Roux, Kings of Leon, Peter Bjorn and John, Asher Roth, Fleet Foxes, The Knux, Hey Champ, Manchester Orchestra, Dark Wave Disco

Saturday:
Santigold, Beastie Boys, Diplo, LA Riots, Animal collective, TV on the Radio, Lykke Li, Rise Against, No Age, Arctic Monkeys, Coheed and Cambria, Chairlift, Los Campesinos!, Atmosphere

Sunday:
MSTRKRFT, The Killers, Passion Pit, Vampire Weekend, Dan Deacon, Cold War Kids, Deadmau5, boys Noize, the Clitch Mob, Kaiser Chiefs, Cage the elephant, Hollywood Holt, He Say She Say, Portugal The Man, Ra Ra Riot, Yello Fever
via Lollapalooza website


Lollapalooza Aftershows
Friday August 7 at Congress Theater 17+
Crookers
Major Lazer
Simian Mobile Disco Dj Set
Bloody Beetroots Dj set
Kid Cudi
Rye Rye
Willy Joy
via Relode

Sunday August 7th at Bottom Lounge
MSTRKRFT
LA Riots
Dark Wave Disco

Sunday August 9 at Logan Square Auditorium (All Ages)
Deerhunter
No Age
Dan Deacon

Friday August 7 at Double Door 21+
TV on the Radio
Chairlift Friday

August 7 at Bottom Lounge 21+
Lykke Li
Miike Snow
Esser

Friday August 7 at Metro 18+
Arctic Monkey
Modey Lemon

Saturday August 8 at Metro 18+
Fleet Foxes
Dungen
via Lollapalooza site

Voodoo Music Experience 2009
October 30 - November 1
New Orleans, LA

Justice

The Cool Kids

The Knux

Q-tip

Brand New

Eminem

Wolfmother

D12

MuteMath

Janelle Monae

Kiss, Jane's Addiction, Widespread Panic, Flaming Lips
Ween, Silversun Pickups, Street Sweeper Social Club, Gogol Bordello, The Black Keys, The Pogues, Black Lips, All Time Low, Mates of State, My Name Is John Michael, The Vettes, Glasgow, George Clinton and P Funk All Stars, Trombone Shorty, Drive By Truckers, Rebirth Brass Band, Benjy Davis Project, All StarsEagles of Death Metal
Fischerspooner, Katey Red, Big Fredia, Sissy Nobby
via Nola.com

G-Eazy
The Epidemic Summer Tour

July 12th Washington DC - Cave in Bohemian Caverns (2001 11st St NW) 7:30 pm
get tickets HERE

July 17th Providence, RI - with Symmetry, 3d Glasses, and SWC Main at AS220 (115 Empire St) 9pm

July 21th Chicago, IL - with Rhymefest at The Wild Hare (3530 N Clark St) 9pm

July 30th Sacramento, CA - with Cool Kid Collective at Zokku Lounge (419 J St) 9pm

August 8 Phoenix, AZ - King and Duck Clothing 3pm

August 10th Albequerque, NM - Burt’s Tiki Lounge (313 Gold ave SW) 9pm 21+ NO COVER

August 12th Fayetville, TX - The Ameroplace 9pm

August 14th Austin, Tx - Headhunters (720 Red River Street) 9pm

August 15th Houston, TX - Notsuoh (314 Main Street) 9pm



MUSIC

The Bloody Beetroots -- Awesome (feat The Cool Kids) (mp3)
via Gotta Dance Dirty

Mr Hudson -- Everything Is Broken (Ft Kid Cudi) (mp3)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs -- Heads Will Roll (Passion Pit Remix) (mp3)

Consequence -- Whatever U Want (Feat. Kanye West & John Legend) (mp3)


Rye Rye ft. M.I.A. - Bang


Mr Hudson Feat Kanye West - Supernova

MR HUDSON [FEAT KANYE WEST] - SUPERNOVA from MrHudson on Vimeo.

Hip-Hip Is Cool Again

The close proximity of G-Eazy's show at Throwback, Kid Cudi's talk of retirement, Kanye's daily life, and Hollywood Holts upcoming performance at Streetwear Sundays on April 5th, has made me think about the best MCs of our time.

Who's your favorite MC?

Someone 'BIG'
Jay-Z, Lil Wayne ect.

Someone 'different'
Kanye, Pharrell, Lupe, Andre 3000 ect.

Someone from Cali
Mac Dre, Dr. Dre, Murs ect.

Someone who is 'oldschool'
Tupac, Biggie, KRS-One ect.

Someone local
Hollywood Holt, Chill Ill Ali, G-Eazy, Jay Greedy, Dave Coresh, Benny Nice, Cypher or Lu Smith of Team Robot. ect.

Someone who is up-and-coming
Kid Cudi, Wale, Drake, Mickey Factz, Theophilus London, Bobby Ray ect.

Someone non-traditional
Mickey Avalon, Rye Rye, MF Doom ect.

Someone conscious
Mos Def, Common, Nas, Lauryn Hill, Saul Williams, Jay Electronica ect.

Someone from a hip-hop group
Travis McCoy, Mickey Rocks, Method Man, Q-Tip, Naledge, Rev Mcfly ect.

All of the above are talented, but what makes them speak to you?

Throwback at the Republic was like something I have never seen before. I got there around 10pm aka recession buster hour and I heard what I consider, some of the best music that was ever played in a club. Which basically means my itunes library was played by DJ Damion Yancy.

Here is a list of some artists played to prove my point:
Rye Rye
Hollywood Holt
N.A.S.A.
Kings of Leon
Kid Sister
MGMT
Lu Smith
Black Kids
The Ting Tings
AND MORE HEAD BANGING MUSIC

And that was just the warm up for the main event of the night. G-Eazy and Trombone Shorty performed and they tore the roof of the building. I was amazed to see such professionalism from G-Eazy, who is a sophomore at Loyola. But I guess age doesn't matter if your dedicated and have been in the business as long as he has. He started writing music at the age fourteen, he made 10 ALBUMS before coming to New Orleans and he has completed 3 (ALMOST 4) videos with Tyler Yee since he has been in New Orleans. Itunes even has Genius Recommendations for the dude. For his show, G-Eazy flew in from the Bay, his friend PL from Tha Slap Doctorz. I could tell that G believed a song featuring people must be preformed with the people featured in the song. This is something that is simply said, but is rarely done (i.e. the excitement over 'Swagger Like Us' at this years Grammys). G-Eazy preformed his single 'Nobody' with Riva, his single 'FRESH' with Riva, his single 'Apple of My Eye' with Erika Flowers, his single 'Candy Girl' with Greg Banks, and his very new single 'Freshaholic' with Cypher. I personally believe 'Freshaholic' was the best performance of the night, because it reminded me of N.E.R.D. when they preformed 'Spazz' in Chicago during the Glow In The Dark Tour. G-Eazy was jumping, Cypher was jumping, Blair was jumping, Lu from Team Robot was jumping and Trombone Shorty added an element by backing him with a full band. Artists like Trombone Shorty, Michael Franco, Adam Gertner, Sean Gary-Julian, Keenan McRae, Leland Baker and what I affectionately call, the rest of the band, took G-Eazy's hip-hop to another level. It was as if Ludacris and Sum 41's remix of 'Get Back', Lupe Fiasco's live shows and a classic New Orleans second line were placed together in a magic music blender and put on turbo.

Then when the retro music came in, DJ Yancy didn't forget to incorporate new hits of different genres. I was especially excited when he played Kid Cudi's 'Day n Night', which set a whole crew on the stage ablaze and when he played a great remix of Hollywood Holt's 'Hollywood'. I also could tell he was testing Bmore club music on his audience because I heard more of the 8/4 beats than in the past few weeks. Lastly, there was a strong presence of dressing up with the theme this week. It seemed like everyone wanted to be Will Smith, because hat bills were flipped high and neon colors definitely shined bright at the Republic. Throwback was definitely a success this and it was apparent from the large crowd.

Greg Banks and G-Eazy

Greg Banks and G-Eazy

G-Eazy

G-Eazy and Riva

Blair Taylor

Cypher and Lu catching air

Cypher and Michael Franco

G-Eazy upclose

Trombone Shorty

G-Eazy and Lu

Cypher

Tyler Yee

G-Eazy

G-Eazy and Erika Flowers

Blair Taylor

G-Eazy

G-Eazy

G-Eazy

PL of Slap Doctors

G-Eazy

I randomly befriended a crew of guys, who hapened to be in some of my favorite hardcore/metal bands, Emmure & Winds of Plague. They came to Throwback at The Republic after their show at The High Ground. Hopefully, next time Nick and Frankie will be able to stay on the stage. lol
Yes I like hardcore too. When I say I like EVERYTHING and I like rock, I REALLY mean it.

Nick from Winds of Plague had a boss Biggie tat

My bud Chinyelu on stage as usual

The stage was WILD

The floor was too

crowd participation

My fresh prince gear

fresh prince lookin girl

Yuri

myspace.com/songsforlove

G-Eazy mixtape

you suckas got served

G-Eazy's Death Wish Supras

Seeing G-Eazy's Supras, reminded me of the cool Death Wish decks

Thanks Chinyelu for the many pics

A few hours after G-Eazy's performance at Throwback, he began recording his album at Dockside Studios

He recorded live all day

When i say all day

I mean ALL DAY

From about 6am - 12am

yep EARLY Saturday to the end of the day

After listening to him lay down a few tracks, I would say everyone should get excited for:

maybe something trombone shorty-ish stuff

maybe something rock-ish stuff (but better than lil wayne)

maybe something acoustic-ish stuff

maybe something so cool that I can't express it in words

check for updates HERE ON HIS USTREAM PAGE

IF I WASN'T IN NEW ORLEANS, I WOULD BE IN MIAMI FOR:

THE FOOL'S GOLD MEGASHOWCASE AT WMC

Performances by: A-Trak, DJ Mehdi, Annie Mac, Treasure Fingers, Jokers of The Scene, nacho Lovers, Sammy Bananas, Nick Catchdubs and Lil Jon

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

THE IHEARTCOMIX/MAD DECENT/TURNTABLELAB/TROUBLE & BASS PARTY AT WMC

Performances by: Diplo, Switch, Spark Rock, Drop The Lime, Designer Drugs, Franki Chan, Oceot, Acid Girls, The Captain, Star Eyes, Mobroder, Da Hardy Boysm Roctakon, DJ Eli Escobar, Blu Jemz, Unemployed Lloyd, sTERRYo, Sega, Rusko, South Rakkas Crew, Party Squad, Toy Selectah

Melanie