new music | Vibe by Gamebrand

While most of the country is enduring one of the craziest winters ever, a new duo by the name of Gamebrand (Brandon Canada and Derek Gamlan), decided to go ahead and set the pace for the upcoming summer with a new song titled Vibe. The track is one of eleven on their most recent project release called Pilot, and I must admit that Vibe has me anticipating a dope ass summer. It’s a fun-filled anthem that’s easily reminiscent of Will Smith’s Summertime and I can honestly say that I fuck with it. If given the proper promotion, Gamebrand could definitely conquer the airwaves with this single. Take a listen to the track below and see if it sets a new vibe to your season…literally. 

aural fixation | All We Do by Kaytranada x JMSN

It's my understanding that I had a late arrival on this young producer named Kaytranada but let's forget that aspect for a second as this track has me feeling some type of way. And yes, that's a beautiful thing. Kaytranada hails from the Canadian land and his sound is just as mature, as it is refreshing. For this track,  he linked up with another dope talent by the name of JMSN, who added a very addictive, melodic vibe to the record. I've been onto JMSN for awhile so I'm a little surprised that I missed this collaboration but better late than never. If you're into the soulful, dubstep movement then this will definitely appeal to you.   

aural fix | FUNd$

 

Shearz, Donte, and Chize of 1989 combined their talents to deliver a very raw + energetic record from the land of Virginia. The sound is reminiscent of Camp Lo and Wu Tang to me (sigh)....good shit. 

Culture | Stereotypes: Typical Hip-Hop

i am OTHER is the digital web channel created by Pharrell Williams and they have a show called Stereotypes. In the recent episode they touched on the topic of stereotypes within hip hop/rap music. They posed questions to a diverse selection of people throughout the streets of NYC and what I found to be most interesting is: 1. A lot of people still think that hip hop music is an audible evil 2. There is a really young, ignorant group of aspiring rappers coming up now (you will see a scene in the segment that will prove my point). Now in regards to things such as bitch, nigga, sexism, or the level of disrespect towards women,  those elements can be found in anything in this world. They can be found in family households, fashion, entertainment, a church...anywhere but that should not be a reason to disregard an entire collective altogether...all hip hop/rap music is not the same. That's my opinion. So check out the newest episode of Stereotypes below and let me know what you all think.

Visual | This Time

Maaaan finally a great song that is followed up by a quality produced visual. Pardon my inner geek, but since there is a new plethora of untalented video directors and record labels are tight with their artists' budgets, music videos are lacking these days. No true creative direction, no performance shots...just very Eh. However, I am more than pleased to see such a great artist like Melanie Fiona be presented in a beautiful light. The video provides some good energy and channels a little 90's R&B feel. I definitely approve. 

New Music | Up

Travi$ Scott is slowly but surely making his entrance into hip hop's showroom, not only as a rapper but as a very talented producer too. So far, his recent tracks have been pretty dope and with his new single titled "Up" featuring Casey Veggies...twenty-twelve is shaping up to be a good year for Mr. Scott. 

New Music | Ne-Yo

Lazy Love 

I'm an admirer of Ne-Yo's songwriting and singing talents so I'm excited about his upcoming album titled R.E.D. [Realizing Every Dream]. Lazy Love is a nice, smooth teaser of what is to come from the album. 

Listen Up: Clear Soul Forces

I can't say I know too much about the four guys who are Clear Soul Forces, except for...they make good ass music & they're based out of Detroit. I was put onto them about a month ago, and I've been on them every since. Now, let me say that I'm a fan of great music, regardless of genre, so I don't always preach that hip hop is dead  & yada yada but what I do like about some of these upcoming hip hop artists is that they actually care about the music that they're putting out. In the elements of production, lyrics, flows, and even their online presence, they're caring about how their artistry is presented; which is another thing I like about CSF because I can tell they care about their craft. With their collection, Detroit Revolution(s), they provide a great mix of sharp flows & lyricism on top of hip hop soul...which is a sound that I haven't heard out of Detroit in a minute. Maybe it's because I'm in the south? Eh, I don't know. But anyway, check out Detroit Revolution(s) below and you can hit CSF on Twitter: @ClearSoulForces 

Insight: The Black Creative Class

An interesting insight was provided on a panel where some young & Black creatives ventured into the depths of just what it means to be a Black creative and the different aspects of that journey. I thought it was highly interesting considering that I think within any creative industry,  non-Caucasian individuals (Black, Hispanic, Asian, etc.) do have to deal with and manage barriers that their Caucasian peers do not. If you are apart of the fashion, art, or even the entertainment industry, there has been a moment or two (maybe more) where you have to figuratively fight to make sure your artwork is not confined to your race. Just my opinion from my own experience and from what I've witnessed. Either way, check it out because the panel discussion was really good.





Part I

Part II

Part III 

Credit: XHIBIT P 

New Music: Daughters by Nas

I don't care what anyone says about this man, I will forever be in unconditional love with Mr. Jones, just as the day when I first saw the If I Rule the World video. Yep. 

New Music: My Life

Slaughterhouse x Cee-Lo Green 

I honestly don't believe people expected for this collective to have a solid delivery, but as each track begins to unravel from their upcoming debut album, Welcome To: Our House, doubters may be forced to eat their own words. 
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Also check out episode 5 of their Slaughterhouse tour video series. These guys are the epitome of raw entertainment. 

The Weeknd in Atl

Atlanta lovers, if you care for the oh-so melodic, The Weeknd...he will be performing live on May 2nd at The Center Stage Theatre. Tickets officially went on sale today so hurry and cop your crew's now. They will probably sell out fast as hell. Purchase here. 

*cues music" DIRRTYYY  DIANAAAAA!!