Music Vids

GOT BIG IN 2009
Kid Cudi



WILL BE BIG IN 2010
Yuri Jones

both are different to their genre
both are real artists with substance
...and they both wear skinny jeans lol

Steve Aoki = the greatness

Steve Aoki has been turning out remixes like crazy lately

Kid Cudi - Pursuit Of Happiness - (Steve Aoki Dance Remix) (mp3)

EXCELLENT!!!

Drake feat. Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Eminem - Forever (Steve Aoki Remix) (mp3)

basically the same song sped up besides a cool dubstep vibe during Eminem's verse

via Discopunk

Animal Collective released Fall Be Kind EP

and it received an 8.9 from Pitchfork

Graze (mp3)

my favorite track from the EP. It's about and it amazingly changes into a bouncy flute based melody that makes you feel like your at a medieval festival.

What Would I Want Sky (mp3)

The song contains the FIRST legally licensed sample from the Grateful Dead. Its basically about uncertainty and confusion.

A hip-hop head asked me who is my favorite hip-hop artist night now

I said J.Cole

I got respect

J. Cole - The Warm Up Mixtape (zip)

J. Cole - The Come Up Mixtape (zip)

J. Cole - "Losing My Balance" (LIVE) from By Any Means T.V. on Vimeo.

Truthfully my favorite hip-hop group for the moment is Chiddy Bang

they combine hip-hop, electro and indie

my 3 favorite music genres

Chiddy Bang - Fresh Like Us (mp3)

Chiddy Bang - On Our Way (mp3)

Chiddy Bang - Sooner or Later (mp3)

Chiddy Bang - Because (mp3)

via Kickin the Peanuts

My favorite hip-hop song at the moment is

Consequence ft. Kanye West, Kid Cudi, Common, Big Sean & John Legend – “Whatever U Want” (G.O.O.D. Music Remix) (mp3)

SORRY YEEZY, YOU WERE REPLACED WITH CUDI EASY

LADY GAGA
&
KID CUDI



MONSTER BALL TOUR

Lady Gaga said, "The Haus of Gaga had been designing 'The Monster Ball' for
premiere in 2010 at the O2 Arena in London, but due to diligent work and
preparation, 'The Monster Ball' will begin on November 27 in Montreal. 'The
Monster Ball' is a multimedia artistic experience in the style of the
first-ever 'pop electro opera.'"

The dates for "The Monster Ball" are:

November 27 – Montreal, Quebec, Canada – The Bell Center
November 28 – Toronto, Ontario, Canada – Air Canada Center
November 29 – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada – Scotiabank Place

December 01 – Boston, MA – Wang Center
December 02 – Boston, MA – Wang Center
December 03 – Camden, NJ – Susquehanna

December 09 – Vancouver, BC, Canada – Queen Elizabeth Theatre
December 10 – Vancouver, BC, Canada – Queen Elizabeth Theatre

December 13 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic
December 18 – Las Vegas, NV – TBD
December 19 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Sports Arena
December 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Nokia Theatre
December 29 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theater
December 31 – Miami, FL – Knight Center
January 03 – Orlando, FL – The Hard Rock
January 07 – St. Louis, MO – The Fox
January 08 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
January 09 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre
January 12 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theater
January 16 – Atlantic City, NJ – Borgata
January 20 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall
January 21 – New York, NY – Radio City Music Hall

via PR Newswire

via Reuters

via Dat New Cudi

via Gaga Daily

via Pretty Much Amazing

Negative Thinking

I Love Art School Girls

Brooklyn's Ninjasonik have teamed up with Mishka NYC again, but this time it isn't a mixtape, but a t-shirt in two different colorways. The New York graffiti artist Faro designed the shirt based on Ninjasonik's song 'Art School Girls'. Hopefully Faro, will have economic success like other New York graffers like CLAW who has moved up from spray paint to clothing lines. This Ninjasoni x Mishka collab tee is a great start, because like any other "urbanwear" brands, the shirt rings up to about $40 when you add shipping, so I think it will be adorned by many true Ninjasonik fans who have a little cash to spare.

Mishka x Ninjasonik Darth Baño Mixtape (zip)

Buy Mishka's 'Ninjasonik Art School Girl Tee' in white HERE

Buy Mishka's 'Ninjasonik Art School Girl Tee' in black HERE
Art School Girls Music Video




Works by Faro

via Rev McFly's of Ninjasonik's blog

Where's @KidCudi
Many of Kid Cudi's hardcore fans immediately realized that he deleted his twitter account, even though it was days before the release of his first album. There was a lot of speculation of why he did it. It ranged for the belief that he was upset about how Universal Motown allowed misspellings to end up on his album titles. It was apparent that Motown hit a nerve with another new hip-hop artist. If you can recall, Drake recently publicized his negative feeling about Motown's president, Sylvia Rhone in Fader magazine. However, soon after there was an blast of videos of his apology to her around the Internet. Unlike, Drake who made his feeling known and visible at newsstands across America, Kid Cudi vented his feelings about Motown via twitter. Many fans thought, Kid Cudi deleted his entire twitter account in an attempt to keep good relations with his music label.
via DDotOmen

Other fans thought he was tired of divulging his private thoughts to the world on twitter. This is coupled with his action of deleting his blog as well, which also showed his inner most feeling.
Heather Widener of Herfection, finally got to the bottom of the story with a interview with the moon man himself. In the interview Kid Cudi said, "I wanted to keep my mind to myself again, u kno, like how it use to be. i put so much of ME into my music i gotta draw the line somewhere. plus my words fall into the wrong hands a lot." Kid Cudi gave a very understanding explaination that makes us realized that celebrities are human and that it must be hard to go from relatively obscure to a household name to the younger generation over the passage of a few months. Despite the fact that Kid Cudi helps to represent many people who feel like an outsider, that doesn't mean we need to know his every thought and follow every aspect of his life. His job is a musician and he has shown that he has the ability to make us relate to him through his music.


Green Wavves
The indie group Wavves will soon be in New Orleans thanks to Tulane’s radio station WTUL. They will headline the show at Howlin Wolf on October 8th and will be joined by Ganglinans and New Orleans’ Caddywhompus. The Wavves show is just one of many indie shows occurring this fall. So far, She Wants Revenge, Kill Hannah, Datarock, Esser, and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart have passed into town. In October, Phoenix and Chairlift will start the first day of the month at Tipitinas, Dan Deacon will be at Big Top October 7th, Japandroids will be at One Eyed Jacks on November 1st and that’s just in a single month.

OCTOBER
Thursday October 1 @ Tipitina’s – Phoenix, Chairlift
Wednesday October 7 @ Big Top – Dan Deacon, Nuclear Power Pants, Pumpkin
Thursday October 8 @ Howlin Wolf – Wavves, Ganglians, Caddywhompus
Friday October 16 @ One Eyed Jacks – Japandroids
Friday October 31 – Sunday November 1 @ City Park – Voodoo Music Experience

NOVEMBER
Sunday November 1 @ One Eyed Jacks – Pnuma pa, Sage Francis, Emancipatro
Sunday November 15 @ Republic – Say Anything, Eisley, Moneen, Miniature Tigers
Wednesday November 18 @ Tipitina’s – Camera Obscura
Friday November 27 @ Howlin Wolf 8pm $20 -- Misfits

Lolla Experience

LOLLA IS OVER
BUT WE HAVEN'T RECOVERED

FROM THE GREATNESS OF IT ALL

This past weekend, people from all over flocked to Chicago to partake in Lollapalooza festivities. It is noted as one of the biggest summer music festivals of the world that supports artists that range from Crystal Castles to Snoop Dogg to Fleet Foxes. The festivities ranged from pre-parties, post-parties, free parties and of course tons of talented artists performing for massive crowds.


Friday:
Kid Cudi, Kings of Leon, Crookers, Peter Bjorn and John, Simian Mobile Disco, Depeche Mode, A-Trak, Fleet Foxes, The Bloody Beetroots, Crystal Castles, Asher Roth, Hollywood Holt, Dark Wave Disco, The Knux, Hey Champ, Manchester Orchestra, Hockey, The Decemberists, The Virgins, DJ Mel, Amazing Baby
& more

Kid Cudi
Kings of Leon

Fleet Foxes

Crystal Castles

The Knux

of Montreal

Asher Roth

Hey Champ

The Decemberists

Manchester Orchestra

Hockey



Saturday:
Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Diplo, Animal Collective, Bassnectar, TV on the Radio, LA Riots, Santigold, Lyke Li, No Age, Hercules and Love Affair, Arctic Monkeys, Coheed and Cambria, Chairlift, Los Campesinos!, Atmosphere, Miike Snow, Moneypenny
& more

Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Santigold

Animal Collective

TV on the Radio

Lykke Li

Los Campesions!

Arctic Monkeys

Moneypenny


Sunday:
Passion Pit, Vampire Weekend, The Killers, Deadmau5, MSTRKRT, Snoop Dogg, Silversun Pickups, Boys Noize, Snoop, Dogg, The Glitch Mob, Cold War Kids, Dan Deacon, The Hood Internet, He Say She Say, Cage the Elephant, Kaiser Cheif, Portugal The Man, Ra Ra Riot, Bat For Lashes, Yello Fever, Friendly Fires
& more

Passion Pit

The Killers

Cage the Elephant

Snoop Dogg

Dan Deacon

The Hood Internet

----
AFTER THE PARTY
ITS THE AFTER-PARTY

Kid Cudi & Crookers Performing Together For First Time



I CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT YEAR
pictures via Metromix

bang that

New Jams

The Knux - Fuck You (mp3)
via Passion of the Weiss

Nas - Film (mp3)
via Pigeons and Planes

XV- Everybody's Nobody (zip)
via 2dopeboys

Discovery - Osaka Loop Line (mp3)
via Pigeons and Planes

Miike Snow - Animal (Peter Bjorn & John Remix) (mp3)
via Pigeons and Planes

Santigold - I'm a Lady (Benny Blanco Remix) (mp3)
via Boom Boom Chik

Kid Cudi - Call Me Moon Man (mp3)
via Pigeons and Planes

Clipse feat. Pharrell & Keri Hilson - All Eyes On Me (mp3)
via mixtape maestro

Clipse Feat. Pharrell - I'm Good (mp3)
via The Smoking Section

The Bloody Beetroots - It’s Better A DJ On 2 Turntables (mp3)

The Bloody Beetroots - House n°84 (mp3)
via Sex 4 Ears

The Bloody Beetroots - Second Streets Have No Name (feat. Beta Bow) (mp3)
via nightmagnets

The Bloody Beetroots - Anacletus (mp3)
via discopunk

The Bloody Beetroots – Have Mercy on Us (feat. Cècile) (mp3)
via squeegie

The Bloody Beetroots - I Love the Bloody Beetroots (Extended) (mp3)
via discopunk

The Bloody Beetroots - Theolonius (King Voodoo) (mp3)
via Nashville Nights

MSTRKRFT – Heartbreaker ft. John Legend (Wolfgang Gartner Remix) (mp3)
via Not Many Experts

Julian Plenti - Games For Days (mp3)
Lead singer of Interpol assumes an alter ego
via MBV

Fukkk Offf - Rave Is King (mp3)

Fukkk Offf - Rock Paper Scissors (mp3)
via Disco Punk

Calvin Harris - Ready for the Weekend ft. Mary Pearce (mp3)
via spacetoasters

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.

Kid Cudi and The Pappers At Nite

The music video for Kid Cudi's upcoming single 'Heaven at Nite' was leaked online on June 6th and was quickly removed from Youtube. However the video can still be seen on an Imeem, it was directed by Va$htie Kola and the video is a party scene that is reminiscent of Hollywood Holt's video for his song 'Hollywood'. It features many cameos including The Retro Kidz and Team Facelift

As of now it is not planned on being on his debut album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day, which will be released on August 25th. The song however was on his mixtape, A Kid Named Cudi. The song 'Heaven at Nite' uses the beat from Ratatat's 'Tacobel Canon'. Despite the brief release of 'Heaven at Nite', Kid Cudi's next single will be 'Make Her Say'. Kid Cudi fans were introduced to the song 'Poke Her Face' which features Kanye West and Common, and samples Lady Gaga's 'Poke Her Face' this past April. 'Make Her Say' is the same song as 'Poke Her Face', but had the name was changed to make it more pleasing for radio listeners. Kid Cudi's third single will be 'Sky Might Fall' and it is featured on his mixtape, Dat Kid From Cleveland, along with 'Make Her Say'.

Kid Cudi - Make Her Say (featuring Kanye West & Common) (formerly 'Poke Her Face') (mp3)
Kid Cudi - Sky Might Fall (mp3)
Kid Cudi - a KiD named CuDi (mixtape) (zip)
Kid Cudi - Dat Kid From Cleveland (mixtape) (zip)

The new official video for 'Heaven At Nite' can be viewed
HERE

Last year a behind the scenes video of the video shoot for 'Heaven At Nite' was posted



Other Videos Directed by Va$htie Kola





Kid Cudi at B96 SummerBash

Kid Cudi at the B96 Pepsi Summer Bash Pt. 2 from Tony Carrillo on Vimeo.

Kid Cudi at the B96 Pepsi Summer Bash from Tony Carrillo on Vimeo.

via Dat New Cudi

The Great Hangover Tour Dates

w/ Kid Cudi & Asher Roth

July 14 – Boston, MA – House of Blues – w/ B.O.B and 88 Keys
July 15 – New York, NY – Nokia Theater – w/ B.O.B and 88 Keys
July 16 – Mariaville, NY – Indian Lookout – w/ B.O.B. and 88 Keys
July 17 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues – w/ B.O.B. and 88 Keys
July 18 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak – w/ B.O.B. and 88 Keys
July 20 – Kansas City, MO – Voodoo Lounge – w/ B.O.B. and Pac Div
July 21 – Denver, CO – Ogden – w/ B.O.B. and Pac Div
July 22 – Salt Lake City, UT – Harry O’s – w/ B.O.B and Pac Div
July 23 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues – w/ B.O.B and Pac Div
July 24 – San Francisco, CA – Regency Theatre – w/ B.O.B. and Pac Div
July 26 – Los Angeles, CA – House of Blues – w/ B.O.B. and Pac Div
July 27 – Phoenix, AZ – Marquee – w/ B.O.B. and Pac Div
July 29 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues – w/ B.O.B. and Pac Div
July 30 – Austin, TX – Stubbs – w/ B.O.B. and Pac Div
July 31 – Houston, TX – House of Blues – w/ B.O.B and Pac Div
August 2 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle – w/ B.O.B. and Pac Div
August 3 – Norfolk, VA – Norva – w/ B.O.B. and 88 Keys
August 4 – Baltimore, MD – Rams Head – w/ B.O.B. and 88 Keys
August 5 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club – w/ B.O.B. and 88 Keys

Kid Cudi and The Pappers At Nite
Kid Cudi is officially a celebrity now, the papperazi are following him now, its not TMZ, but it's something. Apparently he parties with Apple from Black Eyed Peas (the guy with the mohawk), he only has nice words to say about Kanye, and he wants his own cartoon.
How To Make It As A Spacefish In America?

Leaders Of The New Cool

My favorite info service, TWITTER, now has something called Trending Topics, which informs you about the most twitted topics of the time.

So who are the "trending artists" in hip-hop right now?
the most blogged about
the most twitted about
and hyped about artist on campuses

Big Sean
Big Sean hailing from Detroit is one of the newest artists on Kanye West's GOOD Music record label. He met Kanye West in 2005 and had his song 'Getcha Song' featured on Kayne's mixtape, since then he has also worked with Pharrell Williams. His first mixtape, Finally Famous Vol. 1 was released in 2007 and his second mixtape, Finally Famous Vol. 2 was released this past April. His album, Finally Famous is planned to be released this year as well.
Big Sean - Supa Dupa (mp3)
Big Sean - Who Knows ft. Mike Posner (mp3)
Big Sean -- Finally Famous Vol. 1 (mixtape) (zip)
Big Sean - U Know Big Sean Finally Famous Vol. 2 (mixtape) (zip)

Drake
I feel like Drake is the most hyped artist right now. I think he definitely has the potential to crossover into an arena where all types of fans will like him. I first heard of Drake in the spring 2008, when I heard his verse for 'Overdose On Life', which also features, Travis McCoy and Mickey Factz. After hearing him spit, I knew the kid was a true MC. My research showed me that he was Jimmy (kid the the wheelchair) on the popular Noggin teen show Degrassi. I then download his 2006 mixtape release, Room For Improvement and his his 2007 mixtape Comeback Season. Since then he has released Heartbreak Drake and So Far Gone, which has gained the attention of the mainstream audience. I have noticed that there has been a little change in his sound over the years, but I know he will become SUCCESSFUL if he stays true to who he is. When I think of Drake, I think of a attractive young guys, who hails from Canada, but in greatly influenced by Houston rap and artists like Lil Wayne and Trey Songs. Drake has managed to gain suburban teenage fans who know him from Degrassi and urban fans who know him from the songs he has been featured on with Lil Wayne. It is rare to see a young artist with such a broad following before releasing an album. Drake is a triple threat because of his singing, rapping, and acting, which he all does very well. If he could also dance, he would be the male Beyonce. lol
Drake -- Take You Down (mp3)
Download all his mixtapes at the mixtape section on the right

The artists above are all talented, but I am always most impressed when an artists has talent and originality. This because a lot of people can lyrical skill, but it real artistry when you can make your music your own.


So here is my list of upcoming musicians who will "change the game":

Kid Cudi
I'll make this brief, because you probably have heard of his name, but you haven't heard of ALL of his music. He was made popular, when Crookers did a remix of his single, Day n Nite. In 2008, he released the mixtape, A Kid Named Cudi exclusively at 10.Deep's website. In April he released Dat Kid From Cleveland. As the title of the mixtape says, Kid Cudi is showing the world that good hip-hop comes from places in the midwest besides Chicago. He chooses to rap over all times of beats like LCD Soundsystem, Ratatat, and N.E.R.D without name dropping to gain popularity. Kid Cudi is a breath of fresh air to the rap game, from his Justice x Surface 2 Air leather jacket, to his lyrical content to his remixes. Kid Cudi is not a one his wonder, he is just wondering why you haven't tried to hear the rest of his amazing music.
His album, Man on the Moon, will be released August 25th

Kid Cudi -- Plain Pat & Emile Presents a KiD named CuDi (mixtape) (zip)
Kid Cudi -- Dat Kid From Cleveland (mixtape) (zip)
Kid Cudi -- The Anthem Mixtape The Best of Kid Cudi (w/ music, video, pictures and wallpaper) (zip)

via Cudi Fresh


Hollywood Holt
As a resident of Chicago, I could never forget to mention the Hollywood Holt. This dude doesn't try to be anyone but himself. That means he is a breakdancing, moped riding, four-finger ring wearing, tatted up rock star who loves to juke them hoes. This summer he is touring with Lady Sovereign and Chester French and in the past he toured with Kid Cudi.

Hollywood Holt -- Hollywood (mp3)
Hollywood Holt -- Throw A Kit On That Bitch (mp3)
His mixtape, Holt Goes To Hollywood is no longer downloadable, but you can still hear all of his tracks online.




Ninjasonik
Hailing from Brooklyn and expressing it to the fullest, Ninjasonik is a hip-hop group who has a punk rock lifestyle. Ninjasonik is the group that tours with REAL punk rock bands. They have shows with the same face to face contact as a basement rock show, they crowd surf all the time, and they even skateboard and drink Sparks. They also have songs about their extremely tight pants and their love of art school girls. They have released the Tight Pants EP on Brooklyn's Cheif Records and are constantly releasing new songs on their myspace page. So check out their music, check their twitter and go to one of theirs shows, because they are a force to be reckoned with.

Buy The Tight Pants EP HERE
Ninjasonik -- Tight Pants (mp3)
Ninjasonik -- Negative Thinking Tight Pants (mp3)
Ninjasonik -- The Mix 1 (mixtape) (zip)
Ninjasonik -- The Mix 2 (mixtape) (zip)


via Ninjafahkinsonik Youtube Page


Theophilus London
Theophilus London is another artist that proves that Chicago's biggest competition for having LEADERS OF THE NEW SCHOOL is Brooklyn artists. He is the type of artist that makes you forget completely about what genre of music you are listening to, until you are woken up by his fierce rhymes and flow. Theophilus takes MCs to a new level by using classic beats in a very unconventional manner. He recently modeled the Fall '08 line for the popular streetwear brand, Rocksmith and is known for having his own unique fashion style.

Theophilus London - JAM! (mp3)
Theophilus London - Leader of the New School (mp3)
Theophilus London -- Jam! (mixtape) (zip)
Theophilus London--This Charming Mixtape (mixtape) (zip)









Travis McCoy
He is currently the rapper/lead singer of upstate New York's Gym Class Heroes, which is a band that had a lot changes in the way that they sound since their first independently album, ...For The Kids came out in 2004, whether is is personal "maturity" or industry influence, the group has went through a lot of transformations. However outside of his main project, Travis McCoy has had several impressive side projects over the years. One project is Bernie Allen with DJ Sie-1, who produced the mixtape, Who Is Bernie Allen. The other is Tequila Mockingbird with Nicholas Scimeca (partner of the successful music oriented Angel & Kings nightclubs). Besides his work with others, he is venturing out on is own with a solo career and he already has a deal on T-Pains record label (whom he toured with this past winter).

Travis McCoy -- Can't Wait feat. Stress (mp3)
Travis McCoy -- Let's Get In On (mp3)
Bernie Allen -- Who Is Bernie Allen (mixtape) (zip)
Tequila Mockingbird -- Snowglobe (mp3)
Gym Class Heroes -- ...For The Kids (1st GCH album that is not sold in stores) (zip)


via 2dopeboyz


Tyga
He is Travis McCoy's cousin and is an hip-hop artist on Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment and also Decaydance Records, which mostly supports alternative bands. The fact that Tyga is signed to two very different record label shows that he is a very unique rapper and that he has the opportunity to do things that have never been done before. He is best known for his song, 'Coconut Juice', which features Travis McCoy. I read a YouTube comment for the video, that said it was confusing for Lil Wayne to be in the video because Tyga was a 'rocker', which meant he couldn't be a rapper. It is very rare for someone so mix up a rapper with a rock musician, so I was impressed to see he achieved such a mix up. Tyga shows his fans that your image is unrelated to the musical content you put out.
Buy his album, No Introduction HERE
Download all his mixtapes at the mixtape section on the right

via 2dopeboyz


Shwayze
Shwayze is hip-hop musician from Malibu, California that connects hip-hop with alternative music. Shwayze is technically the name of a solo artist, but all of his songs feature Cisco Adler. They are best know for their song, Buzzin and they had a MTV reality show with the same name. When people think of California hip-hop, they think about the gangster rap of Oakland and Longbeach, but Shwayze makes music that goes with the laid back side of California is that usually represented with more rock artists than hip-hop. Shwayze's first studio album, Shwayze, got a lot of attention and reached to the 10th Billboard chart position. It rumoured that their new single 'Rock n Roll', which has been remixed by Kanye West and The Knux will be on a new album titled that will be released in May.
Buy the self-titled album, Shwayze HERE


via Rah Almillio twitpics

The Knux
Hailing form New Orleans but commonly associated with Los Angeles, The Knux takes their individuality to a whole new level. Best of all, its not superficial by any means. This can be told from their music, they ability to play instruments, their associations with people like Steve Aoki, and from personal conversations I had with the guys. These fellas are no joke. This is the type of hip-hop group that can name their favorite old-school hip-hop artists, punk rock bands, indie bands and the biggest house and Drum n Bass songs without blinking an eye. They talk about they're real life experiences and even throw in New Orleans references that might seem esoteric to some fans. They have opened shows for Q-Tip, Lupe Fiasco, Common, Nas, The Roots, Shwayze and The Cool Kids; and now they're finally headlining their own shows.
Buy the album, Remind Me In Three Days HERE


Curren$y
Truthfully, I have never been a fan of many artist that come out of the south. Its not like there's not a lot talent, because it definitely exists. But the rap that is usually produced isn't my cup of tea. In a recent live interview I saw Curren$y conduct with 2cents and Crescent City Radio, he admitted that in past he tried to be a person that wasn't himself and now he's finally being himself. Now I know this is a line that commonly quoted by artists of all genres, but I believe it from Curren$y. I can tell from his lyrical content to the people featured on his NEW album. His first official album, This Aint No Mixtape, features fellow up-and-coming artists like Mickey Factz, Trademark Da Skydiver and Amanda Diva. Until now, Curren$y was known for his MANY mixtapes like 'Independence Day', 'Life At 30,000 Feet', and 'Fast Times At Ridgemont Fly'. The song that really sold me was 'Modern Day Hippie' from the mixtape, Fast Times At Ridgemont Fly. It's a quality song that he used the term 'hippie' and not an overworked term like 'rocker'' to express his individuality. Hippies were known for being nonconformists who took drugs and that's a simple way to describe Curren$y. Curren$y is the type of rapper than you'll randomly see in New Orleans at Fresh Prince night at The Republic or at Streetwear Sundays. He was also featured in 10.Deep's "Nineteen Ninety-Now" lookbook for their Spring '09 collection. To New Orleans he's a common face, but in the future I know his music will be known all over the place.

Download his mixtapes HERE
Buy his new first official cd, This Aint No Mixtape HERE



omg what a coincide?
THE KNUX, CURREN$Y AND TYGA will performing TOGETHER
in NEW ORLEAN'S HOWLIN WOLF ON THIS SATURDAY MAY 9 AT 8 PM.
The event is called the Grand Expo Benefit Concert. It will feature The Knux, Tyga, Curren$y, Slang Angus, S.O.U.L. FRESH, Team Robot and N.O. Capo. The host will be Wild Wayne from Q93 and Force Feed Radio and Dj Spin will dj. The Howlin Wolf is at 907 SOUTH PETERS in New Orleans, Louisiana and it will be extremely packed. All proceeds of this benefit will go to the 7th Ward Neighborhood Center, which helps restore New Orleans' 7th Ward. The event will also have free giveaways from Nike SB, Crooks N Castles, Married To the Mobb, Fresh Produce Daily and Fat Kids With Cake.

Before the show, The Knux will be on channel 6 at 9:30 am for an interview, then they will be PEACHES RECORDS for a meet & greet at 2pm. After the show, there will be an afterparty at The Republic (828 South Peters St) with special guests The Knux, Tyga, Curren$y, Drake, Dee-1, Team Robot, S.O.U.L. Fresh, Scooter and Detroit.

Drake will also be in town that day and even though I LOVE his music, I would rather see a show where everyone on the bill is really cutting edge, from the main acts to the the local acts like Team Robot (with Cypher and Lu Smith) and S.O.U.L FRESH.

Cypher -- Forty Four Tours (mixtape)
S.O.U.L FRESH--I Don't Want To Grow Up (mp3)



TEAM ROBOT
S.O.U.L. FRESH








Photos via STICKYFINGERZ

Melknee the RnR Ninja