Indie Shuffle » hip-hop

Wu-Tang Clan – Execution in Autumn

Philip Friedman — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:51:28 +0000

Sounds like: Nas, Ghostface Killah, Rza

Song: Wu-Tang Clan - Execution in Autumn [download here]

What's so good?

Yeah, you read that title right. A brand new Wu-Tang track, and it’s classic Wu.

The excitement of a brand new Wu-Tang album is continuing to grow as they released a brand new track entitled “Execution in Autumn” today. It’s got the signature Wu Tang flavor, featuring verses from the likes of Rza, Ghostface, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, and U-God over beats that sound like they were straight off of The 36 Chambers, care of Frank Dukes. The boys sound as good as they did when I was a young buck in high school, not changing who they are or reflecting on how hip-hop has changed. Instead Wu-Tang continues to hit you in the mouth with their rhymes and their beats, exactly how hip-hop is meant to be.

You can pay what you want for the track right here, and keep your fingers crossed for the release of A Better Tomorrow in July.

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1. Original post: Wu-Tang Clan – Execution in Autumn

2. Posted in: hip-hop, NaS, ghostface killah, wu-tang, raekwon

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

The Weeknd – Kiss Land

Jason Grishkoff — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:39:14 +0000

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Sounds like: Drake, Frank Ocean

Song: The Weeknd - Kiss Land [download here]

What's so good?

So, The Weeknd is lining up to release a brand new album titled Kiss Land, and last night revealed the first official single — by the same title.

It’s got all the signature Abel Tesfaye elements: dirty language, a bit of shit talking, sex, and uhhh, lots of whining. The only real standouts for me are: 1) the bridge and transition that takes place around the 3-minute mark; and 2) the fact that the song is almost 8 minutes long. But hey, I guess that’s acceptable if you look at this as two separate tracks in one.

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1. Original post: The Weeknd – Kiss Land

2. Posted in: hip-hop, R&B, rnb, the weeknd, drake

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

French Montana – Gifted (Ft. The Weeknd)

Jason Grishkoff — Wed, 15 May 2013 21:45:14 +0000

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Sounds like: Drake, G-Eazy, Asher Roth, Dizzy Wright

Song: French Montana - Gifted (Ft. The Weeknd) [download here]

What's so good?

I think we might be about to encounter a spate of new music from The Weeknd’s camp. Yesterday he teased a new single called “John Carpenter,” and today he’s joining forces with French Montana on a new song titled “Gifted.”

The song, a typically emo R&B meets hip-hop mashup, is set to appear on French Montana’s upcoming LP, Pardon My French, available on May 21st.

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1. Original post: French Montana – Gifted (Ft. The Weeknd)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, rnb, the weeknd, drake, french montana

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Solange – Looks Good With Trouble Ft. Kendrick Lamar

sweeneykovar — Wed, 15 May 2013 20:58:45 +0000

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Sounds like: Sonnymoon, Knxwledge, Empress Of, Kendrick Lamar

Song: Solange - Looks Good With Trouble Ft. Kendrick Lamar [download here]

What's so good?

Though I’m definitely late to the Solange party, I would say she is my favorite Knowles. I’m no Bey hater, I recognize her importance in the pop culture continuum and all that jazz, but to be frank I can’t listen to her. Beyonce’s songs always make me extremely self-conscious, and by the time she’s telling me to “put a ring on it,” I’m painfully aware I probably can’t afford that ring. Solange, on the other hand, is a more enjoyable listening experience for me.

Her TRUE EP was awesome; pop with substance, sweet but weighty. From the fantastically dapper trans-continental video for “Losing You” to the bittersweet shuffle of “Some Things Never Seem To Fucking Work,” the project was teenage summer love encapsulated. I can almost swear I feel a warm breeze when some of those synths hit.

As an added treat to recently announcing the formation of her new label, SAINT Records, she also released a new version of “Looks Good With Trouble” from the TRUE EP, now featuring 100% more rhymes from Compton’s own Kendrick Lamar.

The West Coast MC sounds more like Andre than usual as he details a lovelorn trip to London, stuck on a tour bus watching old Hollywood classics, wishing a certain someone was along for the ride. While I’m obviously being a bit of a dick (though not without reason), the two certainly have a musical chemistry that makes me wonder what more collaboration would sound like.

Don’t sleep on Solange (like I did) — she’s ill.

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1. Original post: Solange – Looks Good With Trouble Ft. Kendrick Lamar

2. Posted in: Electronic, female vocalist, hip-hop, electro pop, soul

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Rockie Fresh – Nothin Wrong With That

Zach Connett — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:29:02 +0000

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Sounds like: Future, Casey Veggies, Chance The Rapper, A$AP Rocky

Song: Rockie Fresh - Nothing Wrong With That [download here]

What's so good?

Electro pop and hip-hop? I think it’s fair to say that this relationship is somewhat unexplored, so it excites me to provide this track to our curated digital library.

Rockie Fresh is a name we’ve seen just a couple times in this community of tunes. The Maybach Music Group rapper just dropped his first project after the extremely stellar Electric Highway, titled The Birthday Tape. Only six songs in its entirety, it’s a short ride, but “Nothin Wrong With That” is heavy in the rotation right now, so I wanted to share it with you.

Like many past Rockie joints, the beat is on point. Those familiar with the band Carousel will pick up the sample immediately (psst, it’s their song “Games”). I haven’t found out who is behind the production yet, but seriously, kudos bro.

The lazy, auto-tune vocals don’t always work, but I’m feeling them on this one. Lyrics are something along the lines of smoking herb, drinking booze, partying, getting it in, and relationship problems that can stem from all of that. It’s nothing we haven’t heard before, but it’s fitting for the sound of the song. I’m diggin’ it and hope those of you making the discovery are bumping your head in electro-hop enjoyment.

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1. Original post: Rockie Fresh – Nothin Wrong With That

2. Posted in: hip-hop, electro pop, electronic hip-hop, rap, mixtape

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Chance The Rapper – Paranoia (Prod. Nosaj Thing)

sweeneykovar — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:39:00 +0000

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Song: Chance The Rapper - Paranoia (Prod. Nosaj Thing) [download here]

What's so good?

Chicago’s Chance The Rapper has built a buzz for himself in the past 16 months with his deft lyricism and melodic inflections. His latest tape, Acid Rap, seems to have cemented him as an up-and-coming rapper with commercial promise. I’ve yet to do my due diligence on young Chance but even a surface skim shows substance. It’s nice to see a young cat making an attempt at being creative without rehashing the past completely.

“Paranoia,” a bonus track on Acid Rap, is a collaboration with beat-scene wonderkid Nosaj Thing — and it’s pretty amazing. I hope the rest of the tape is as good. Over a brooding, slumping beat Chance starts and stops, going from an exhausted sing-song to a feverish urgency and back. It’s also really interesting to listen to the track in the context of a young person from Chicago rapping about his hometown, a city that has been plagued with extreme levels of youth violence for years.

It’s come out in interviews and articles that Chance’s latest tape was pretty self explanatory: many of the raps where recorded on acid. He goes a bit further to explain that his process would sometimes include freestyling on acid as a way to establish the skeleton of his tracks before fine-tuning them. I love this but I hope it doesn’t lead shittier rappers to think they can snort heroin and make some dope tracks.

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1. Original post: Chance The Rapper – Paranoia (Prod. Nosaj Thing)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, electronic hip-hop, experimental hip hop, mellow hip hop, nosaj thing

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Tink – When I’m Lit (The GTW rework)

Rachel Skotarczyk — Sun, 12 May 2013 15:21:20 +0000

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Sounds like: Azealia Banks, Tink, Iggy Azalea

Song: Tink - When I'm Lit (The GTW rework) [download here]

What's so good?

First I heard of the multi-talented Chicago producer The GTW, aka James King, was a 2010 release called Don’t Smoke The Cigarette. The album was an highly engaging combination of hip-hop, R&B, and electronic elements produced mostly by himself and a few friends, “Half-way Freaks” being one of the stand-out tracks. Those productions, paired with King’s distinctive voice and thought-provoking, sometimes playful, lyrics set The GTW aside as something special.

I was lucky enough to meet and work with James around 2011, and let me say, his presence is as large and as great as his looming stature. In other words, there’s something about King that kind of takes your breath away. Possibly it’s his boundless creativity, his keen style, or just how sure he is about his craft. We formed a bond based on mutual artistic appreciation and I’ve kept up with him since then.

Originally from Nigeria and growing up as a young transplant in Chicago seems to have built an amalgamation of styles now intrinsic to Kings approach, something that he likes to call, “Chigerian.” His latest endeavor is a rework of fellow Chicagoan Tink, ”When I’m Lit.” It’s highly successful in that it far surpasses the original, it demonstrates King’s rolling tribal beats, and hints at his R&B and Chicago house influences.

Keep up with The GTW at his website and explore his other sounds via SoundCloud - there’s so much there to love.

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1. Original post: Tink – When I’m Lit (The GTW rework)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, remixes, R&B, rnb, beats

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Kendrick Lamar – Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe (Sly 5thAve Cover)

sweeneykovar — Sat, 11 May 2013 15:26:53 +0000

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Sounds like: Sene, Knxwledge

Song: Kendrick Lamar - Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe (Sly 5thAve Cover) [download here]

What's so good?

Folks have been saying that hip-hop is not “musical” since fanny packs were popular, maybe even before that. I guess one could see that arguments’ root, however flawed, but in 2013 there can be just as much effort and musical ability put into a rap song as any other.

Saxophonist Sly 5thAve comes from the hip-hop cannon, but is able to do so much more. A frequent collaborator with Sene and the Brooklyn artist collective The Clubhouse, he’s lent his musical chops to Sene’s Brooklyknight LP as well as a gang of other projects. His ability and hustle has not gone without notice; the Purple One recently tapped the brass player to join his band on tour.

That hasn’t made Sly hit the brakes, though. As part of an ongoing cover series, Sly recently released an instrumental cover of Kendrick Lamar’s “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe.” Along with a cast of characters labeled The ClubCasa Chamber Orchestra, he reinterprets Kendrick’s single into an instrumental, live-instrument interpretation.

The good folks at OkayPlayer explain a bit more:

“Well this is just all types of awesome. The homie Sly5thAve and The ClubCasa Chamber Orchestra are going to start putting out weekly releases of reinterpretations of popular songs, and they get things kicked off with this smoothed out cover of Kendrick Lamar‘s “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe.” The reinterpretation was produced by Sly (also on Saxes, Flutes, and Clarinets) featuring Jay Jennings (Trumpet, Flugelhorn), Joey Rayfield(Trombone), and mixed and mastered by Nolan Thies. Listen below, and look for a new one next week.”

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1. Original post: Kendrick Lamar – Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe (Sly 5thAve Cover)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, covers, Instrumental Hip Hop, Knxwledge, kendrick lamar

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Notorious B.I.G. vs Flume – Juicy Insane

hmcclure — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:13:01 +0000

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Sounds like: Notorious B.I.G., Flume

Song: Notorious B.I.G. vs Flume - Juicy Insane [download here]

What's so good?

Flume and Notorious B.I.G — not much in common, eh? Actually, when you consider these two artists, there are actually a few significant similarities. Both seemed to come from nowhere and gained overnight worldwide notoriety at a young age. Biggie’s debut album, Ready to Die, came out when he was just 22, while Flume’s self-titled LP was released just after his 21st birthday (let’s hope the latter sticks around a little longer than the former!).

What they most have in common, however, is the smoothness of their music. I remember watching a Biggie documentary which compared his rapping style to that of a jazz trumpeter — so on-point was his flow — while Flume’s silky beats contain a heavy hip-hop influence. If only there was a way to put the two of them together! Oh yeah, we live in the 21st century.

Perth natives Jaymee Franchina and Jeremy Smith have done exactly that, grafting some of Biggie’s most familiar raps over most of Flume’s back catalogue. I find that mash-ups often don’t suit, and are often just for novelty value, but these tracks work. This collection is available on Bandcamp for streaming; I’ve picked “Juicy Insane” as my favorite, what’s yours?

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1. Original post: Notorious B.I.G. vs Flume – Juicy Insane

2. Posted in: hip-hop, mashup, hip-hop remixes, flume, notorious big

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Logic – Young Jedi

Zach Connett — Fri, 10 May 2013 12:40:48 +0000

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Sounds like: Drake, G-Eazy, Asher Roth, Dizzy Wright

Song: Logic - Young Jedi [download here]

What's so good?

Logic just dropped a new mixtape titled Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever, which pretty much made my day.

The dude from Maryland, whose birth name is Sir Robert Bryson Hall II, will soon be gracing the cover of XXL Magazine as part of their annual Freshman class. In my opinion this is well deserved: Young Sinatra has to be one of the smoothest up-and-coming lyricists in the game today. And now with his fourth mixtape in as many years, it’s obvious this gent knows what he’s doing in this rap game.

I’m hesitant to say that this is his best mixtape yet, as 2012′s Young Sinatra: Undeniable was extremely dope. The new one needs to marinate a bit more, but I will stamp it as a must download in the meantime.

The highlight for me is “Young Jedi,” which has some superb flow, and is graced with a wavy verse from Las Vegas rapper and fellow ’13 XXL Freshman Dizzy Wright. Other stand-outs are “The End” which has a nice Adele/Skyfall sample, and “On The Low” which features a couple well-known cats in Kid Ink (an XXL Freshman class alum) and Trinidad James (that all gold everything dude and fellow ’13 Freshman classmate). There are 20 songs on Welcome to Forever; plenty to feast on.

For more on Logic, check out our post on him last year.

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1. Original post: Logic – Young Jedi

2. Posted in: hip-hop, rap, drake, mixtape, XXL

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Gilbere Forte – Nolita (Ft. Active Child)

Aaron Blum — Thu, 09 May 2013 13:05:38 +0000

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Sounds like: J Cole, Sean Rose

Song: Gilbere Forte - Nolita (Ft. Active Child) [download here]

What's so good?

A track featuring Active Child? Yes please. When I saw this new track by Gilbere Forte come through the wire featuring Active Child, it was a no-brainer to give this one a listen.

Even though we first saw Gilbere Forte appear last year with his single “Pray,” this is my first glimpse of the Philly hip-hop artist. I must say, I am a fan of Mr. Forte at this point.

“Nolita” is slower hip-hop ballad that features the hard-to-miss harp sounds of Active Child and the impeccable vocals of Pat Grossi. Gilbere’s flows on the new track are equally praiseworthy.

“Nolita” is the second single from Forte’s upcoming project, Pray, which is due out May 15, 2013.

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1. Original post: Gilbere Forte – Nolita (Ft. Active Child)

2. Posted in: hip-hop, downtempo, R&B, electronic hip-hop, rnb

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Chief Keef – Love Sosa (RL Grime Remix)

Zach Connett — Tue, 07 May 2013 15:00:27 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Flosstradamus, Flux Pavilion, Sound Remedy, A-Trak

Song: Chief Keef - Love Sosa (RL Grime Remix) [download here]

What's so good?

As if Chief Keef wasn’t grimey enough, this “Love Sosa (RL Grime remix)” is just wicked. If you are a fiend for trap remixes and gnarly drops, RL Grime is going to please you with this one.

Young Henry Steinway, who has put his own spin on the famous childhood author RL Stine for his stage name, is doing his thing here. This “Love Sosa” remix feels like it could be background music in a Goosebumps audio book , like “Stay Out of The Basement“ or maybe “Revenge of the Lawn Gnomes.” Of course, Chief Keef would be playing the protagonist instead of some wimpy kid from the ‘burbs. Now there’s something I would read!

I haven’t heard any Chief Keef remixes like this, and RL Grime does a solid job turning the Chicago hood anthem into a trap beat for the club.

Young Steinway will soon hit the road en route to Texas, where he will join Tyler The Creator, G-Eazy, Big Boi, Earl Sweatshirt, and more at the 1st Annual Jambalaya Festival.

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1. Original post: Chief Keef – Love Sosa (RL Grime Remix)

2. Posted in: Electronic, hip-hop, remixes, rap, trap

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Queens D.Light – Everything Special

sweeneykovar — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:22:29 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Ras_G, Invincible, Thee Satisfaction

Song: Queens D.Light - Everything Special [download here]

What's so good?

As a culture/genre/industry of its own, hip-hop houses a continuum within itself. You can have two songs that are based on syncopated rhythms with rhyming, metered vocals that are vastly different from each other in style, content, and audience.

Boom-bap hip-hop is perhaps least popular now than ever. A verse over a looped sample and staccato drums is now some 20+ years removed from the height of its esteem. The doesn’t mean it’s any less powerful of an iteration, or that it still can’t be tweaked to sound fresh in 2013.

Queens D.Light is a self-described griot coming out of Oakland, and when I first heard “Everything Special,” I was hooked by its brevity and earnestness. In less than two minutes, Queens freaks a lazy horn loop into self-assured and unapologetically positive music. There are no magnanimous boasts or shock statements and she weaves Yoruba and Kemetic influences without being self-congratulatory about it.

A film worker as well as musician, you can catch more of Queens D.Light on her Tumblr. “Everything Special” is the single from upcoming her debut project, California Wildflower.

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1. Original post: Queens D.Light – Everything Special

2. Posted in: hip-hop, underground hip hop, ras_g, female rapper, bay area

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Smokey Robotic – Unlike Anyone

Christiana Bartolini — Mon, 06 May 2013 22:30:23 +0000

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Sounds like: N.E.R.D., Oncue

Song: Smokey Robotic - Unlike Anyone [download here]

What's so good?

Smokey Robotic’s latest video for “Unlike Anyone” is an eye-catching and intriguing depiction on hitting rock bottom and getting lifted back up by a saving grace who’s unlike anyone.

You can tell that the artful visuals were thought out and calculated. The video follows the struggle of a guy who’s lost and then found, but the in-between is the main focus. The journey of falling down and clawing your way back to sanity is something I think a lot of us can relate to. The chaos and confusion of life is only human, but acknowledging it and choosing to battle it until it’s gone — instead of letting it win — is what “Unlike Anyone” represents. The light at the end of the tunnel is always brighter when you have a stand-up person guiding you out.

The visuals in this video are metaphorically striking. The take-home message? If you just slow down and be mindful, you can see the beauty in many more things than originally perceived. A balloon filled with liquid being popped by a needle is too quick for the naked eye to truly comprehend, but when slowed down, it’s hypnotizing. The delicate dance of a pencil hitting the ground. Crumbling ash from a cigarette. A lighter igniting. These are all things that we pay no mind to.

Perhaps it’s time we took a step back. But don’t forget to check out Smokey Robotic’s latest album, Musium, for an incredibly innovative and cutting edge creation!

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1. Original post: Smokey Robotic – Unlike Anyone

2. Posted in: hip-hop, dance, R&B, experimental hip hop, electro soul

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

2 Chainz & Wiz Khalifa – We Own It

Aaron Blum — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:21:07 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Jay Z, Pusha T

Song: 2 Chainz & Wiz Khalifa - We Own It [download here]

What's so good?

While this new track may not be our typical “indie” post, here at Indie Shuffle we try to keep our horizons (and posts) broad. Sometimes there are exceptions for stepping out of our norm, and today, this track by 2 Chainz and Wiz Khalifa calls for an exception.

“We Own It” is an immediately catchy track that is riddled with various strings, piano notes, and an occasional whomp whomp that is surely to be the next mainstream blockbuster tune.

The track comes off the upcoming Fast & Furious 6 soundtrack, which is due out May 14, 2013. Other artists on the soundtrack include: Ludacris, Usher, T.I., Lil Wayne, and more.

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1. Original post: 2 Chainz & Wiz Khalifa – We Own It

2. Posted in: hip-hop, rap, jay z, Wiz Khalifa, pusha t

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Download: Jay-Z – 100$ Bill

Jason Grishkoff — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:52:01 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Kanye West

Song: Jay-Z - 100$ Bill [download here]

What's so good?

I know posting Jay-Z on an indie site is sacrilege and all, but I’m thoroughly impressed by this new track “100$ Bill.” Released as part of The Great Gatsby soundtrack, it follows up singles by Lana Del Rey, Sia and Florence + The Machine.

Without a doubt, this one’s got the most energy of the whole lot. Clean production, hectic percussion, and countless samples.

At this point I’m pretty excited about this movie! You can find details to download the album on iTunes here.

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1. Original post: Download: Jay-Z – 100$ Bill

2. Posted in: hip-hop, rap, kanye west, jay z

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Quasimoto – Planned Attack

sweeneykovar — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:01:33 +0000

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Sounds like: Madlib, J Dilla, Knxwledge

Song: Quasimoto - Planned Attack [download here]

What's so good?

From the smokey, idiosyncratic mind of Madlib emerges Quasimoto. Crudely drawn, yellow (or blue) and constantly armed with either a blunt or a brick, this miscreant has run amok in various soundscapes over the last decade plus.

First emerging on white-label vinyl he made his full debut with The Unseen followed by The Further Adventures of Lord Quas, the ass-grabbing, 40 oz-drinking bully has been bugged out since birth. With a voice that sounds like Alvin and a perspective that’s more in line with NWA, it’s easy to see that Quas’ music is anything but ordinary. A psychedelic re-imagining of classic break beats and old school hip-hop, Quas is informed by the past but in no means a torch bearer, moreso an iconoclast. The Quas projects were always dense, heady experiences. Many folks, myself included, found an initial aversion to the helium-voiced character soon gave way to an odd fondness for him.

After years of die-hard fans salivating for new Lord Quas material, Stones Throw has just announced the upcoming release of Yessir…Whatever, a retrospective of sorts that will feature 12 tracks composed over 12 years. It should be made clear this is not a proper Quasimoto album, it seems to be more of a compilation. Some are cleaned up versions of hard to find vinyl cuts, others have leaked onto cyberspace in different (sometimes better) form but some of the material is unreleased. The LP will be satisfying to any Quas collector but at this time it doesn’t feel like it packs the punch of the first two weird classics. It’s not as meaty, it’s actually very accessible considering the parties involved.

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1. Original post: Quasimoto – Planned Attack

2. Posted in: hip-hop, underground hip hop, j dilla, Los Angeles, madlib

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Benin City – My Love

David Peter Simon — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:26:22 +0000

Visit Indie Shuffle to download.

Sounds like: Daedelus, Nicolasas van Reenen, WU LYF

Song: Benin City - My Love [download here]

What's so good?

These three are on the verge of exploding the scene with British Afro-dub blues — they’re seriously something special.

Benin City is London-based Theo Buckingham, Tom Leaper, and Joshua Idehen. An eclectic band named after a Nigerian capital, their verse is persuasive, their drums powerful and their sax energizing. This is hip-hop rich with rock’n'roll, with all the originality of James Blake or radicalness of WU LYF when each respectively burst onto the blogosphere.

It’s no surprise the Huffington Post called them “one of the UK’s most exciting new bands” and people are tweeting things like “Genuinely the best song I’ve heard all year.” I’m 100% on board with that. The repeated rhythm in “My Love” should be enough to make anyone swoon into admiration.

I’m sure their debut, Fires In The Park, will wreak havoc — perhaps even literally starting fires in parks like London Fields. We’ll see. Until then, you can download this track, with its remixes, on their website. Don’t miss the lo-fi handheld music video by Hackney-based artist Charlie Behrens. Some bewitching visuals along Regent’s Canal.

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1. Original post: Benin City – My Love

2. Posted in: hip-hop, electronic hip-hop, london, wu lyf, jazz-hop

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Clams Casino – Bookfiend ft. DOOM

Philip Friedman — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:51:55 +0000

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Sounds like: Ghostface Killah, A$AP Rocky, Lil B, Shlohmo

Song: Clams Casino - Bookfiend Ft. DOOM [download here]

What's so good?

There is nothing better than showing up to work, turning on your computer, checking your SoundCloud stream, and finding a brand new Clams Casino track. And when the track is a collaboration with MF DOOM, you know it’s going to be a good day.

The track is called “Bookfiend,” and it’s a super laid-back beat thrown down as only Clams Casino can do. It’s filled with ambient soundscapes with a hip-hop soul, with some soulful rhymes from MF DOOM mixed in — the perfect pair. The track has a bit of a jazz feel to it with its mellowness and the way DOOM’s voice melds with beat. I certainly hope we’ll see some more of these two working together because this definitely works.

If you’re anything like me, then “Bookfiend” might be the perfect way to start off your Monday, nice and slow.

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1. Original post: Clams Casino – Bookfiend ft. DOOM

2. Posted in: hip-hop, electronic hip-hop, Instrumental Hip Hop, shlohmo, mellow hip hop

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Marcato Republic – Deleted

Chad L.A. Roberts (G.I.L.D) — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:06:00 +0000

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Sounds like: Chevy Woods, Lex Luger, Juicy J

Song: Marcato Republic - Deleted [download here]

What's so good?

Johnny Astro has been featured on Indie Shuffle with his powerful track “Goodnight America” and his seamless sampling of Elle Goulding’s “Lights.” The Arlington, TX-based rapper, producer and songwriter is sharing his notoriety with longtime friends and peers, including Marcato Republic on his latest track “Deleted,” produced by Mr. Astro himself.

“Deleted” is a medley of lyricists fueling each line with meaning and substance. In fact, the message is the opposite of indulging in romper room and getting ‘deleted.’

I surely won’t delete this track from my shuffle. Watch MTV’s The Real World to catch more of Johnny Astro’s music.

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1. Original post: Marcato Republic – Deleted

2. Posted in: hip-hop, rap, Johnny Astro, juicy j

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Bugseed – Out of Love

Sean O — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 17:48:04 +0000

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Sounds like: Handbook, Prof.logik, Keor Meteor

Song: Bugseed - Out of Love [download here]

What's so good?

The other day I logged into SoundCloud with a specific purpose. I wanted to see if Tokyo-based producer Bugseed had released any new music. He hadn’t, but wouldn’t you know, I check back a day later and this lovely little track called “Out of Love” is sitting there.

Bugseed drew me in right away with those piano chords. Then the drums start to knock, and it’s just smooth sailing from there. The hella deep vibes on “Out of Love” are perfect for a weekend morning. Overall, it’s a gorgeous hip-hop instrumental from one of my favorite producers that I hope you find some time to enjoy.

So much good music coming out of Japan right now. Interested in hearing some of it? A good place to start would be Bugseed’s Bandcamp.

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1. Original post: Bugseed – Out of Love

2. Posted in: hip-hop, instrumental, Instrumental Hip Hop, beats, jazz-hop

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y – Cabana

Zach Connett — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:02:35 +0000

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Sounds like: Smoke DZA, Big Sean, King Chip, Mac Miller

Song: Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y - Cabana [download here]

What's so good?

On 4/20, stoners everywhere rejoiced as the highly anticipated Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y collaboration, Live in Concert – EP, was released for public enjoyment.

The last project these two high flyers dropped together was How Fly, which came out in August of 2009. This was a time well before Wiz sported studded leather jackets and Curren$y rocked a beard. Besides increased cash flow, countless shows under their belts, a few new records, and a baby, not much has changed with everyone’s favorites weed rappers.

Wiz and Spitta’s raps flow nicely per usual, but the beats are what really make this EP groove. The old school samples include plenty of jazzy horns, flute solos that rival Ron Burgandy at his best, and Havana-esque drum loops that sound like they were put down by the Buena Vista Social Club. The six song EP is short, but it sets a real nice kick-back vibe.

Check some hilarious behind the scenes Live In Concert -EP videos here, and if you want to cop for unlimited listening, you can find it for the price of $4.99 on iTunes.

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1. Original post: Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y – Cabana

2. Posted in: hip-hop, rap, Wiz Khalifa, jazz-hop, sample-based

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

D33J – Tide Songs

David Peter Simon — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:00:33 +0000

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Sounds like: Juj, Depakote, Black Moth Super Rainbow

Song: D33J - Park (Tape Version) [download here]

What's so good?

Here are some chilled out beats off label Anticon from Wedidit affiliate D33J. For those of you that don’t know, Anticon is the home of Baths and Wedidit boasts names like Juj and Shlohmo. D33j is in good company, and his debut EP reflects it.

This track, “Park (Tape Version),” is all about the beeps and bops, nicely paired with some lush vocals. Kinda like if Black Moth Super Rainbow and Aphex Twin had a beat baby. It’ll conjure images of driving down the coast on a sunny day — it’s definitely laid-back enough for the upcoming summer.

The EP drops via Anticon on April 30, and you can follow his remixes and refixes on SoundCloud. I particularly recommend his buzzing yet atmospheric version of Sigur Ros’s “Ekki Mukki.”

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1. Original post: D33J – Tide Songs

2. Posted in: hip-hop, beats, black moth super rainbow, instrumnetal hip-hop, wedidit

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Janelle Monáe – Q.U.E.E.N. (ft. Erykah Badu)

Kavit Sumud — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:13:06 +0000

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Sounds like: Erykah Badu, Lianne La Havas, Jill Scott

Song: Janelle Monáe - Q.U.E.E.N. (Ft. Erykah Badu) [download here]

What's so good?

Janelle Monáe is a hero of mine. Transgressed against for her sexuality by a cast of characters in a deeply patriarchal music genre, Monáe never shied away from the scene. Instead, she got the last laugh by releasing the now classic album, The ArchAndroid. On that LP, Monáe re-imagined herself cyborgean, transcending the human body and traditional identities to become a new kind of being, albeit one that struggled with emotion.

It was an album that came into my life as I needed to instill courage in myself to deal with a similar set of issues as Monáe, and it meant the world to me. In fact, “Cold War” is still my 7th favorite song of all time — yeah, I said all time.

“Q.U.E.E.N,” from the upcoming Electric Lady project, finds Monáe as defiant as ever and willing to finally (at least in part) engage with some of those struggles around her queer identity (among other things). The song was inspired by conversations that she continues to have with humanist goddess Erykah Badu, who is prominently featured. Overall, it comes across as anthemic as Monáe has ever been.

“Q.U.E.E.N.” is the perfect “fuck you” track to the close minded haters that litter the American public sphere. I’ll be honest y’all: I didn’t know whether to cry or dance or both the first time I heard the song. It’s just so beautiful for me…I missed Ms. Monáe so much.

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1. Original post: Janelle Monáe – Q.U.E.E.N. (ft. Erykah Badu)

2. Posted in: female vocalist, hip-hop, soul, funk, rnb

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.

Drake – Girls Love Beyonce Ft. James Fauntleroy

David Peter Simon — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:51:28 +0000

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Sounds like: The Weeknd, J. Cole, Lil' Wayne, Beyonce

Song: Drake - Girls Love Beyonce [download here]

What's so good?

Look, I know Drake is divisive. Some of you really don’t like him, and that’s cool. But I still think you can’t miss this smooth track. It’s a moody little ballad produced by Noah “40″ Shehib and features the silky voice of James Fauntleroy, the man responsible for much of JT’s The 20/20 Experience.

Typical Drake on the delivery: lyrics that melt into the beat with a backtrack that waxes and wanes. What really makes this track worthy of posting is how he twisted the legendary hook from Destiny Child’s “Say My Name.” I’m also digging the more melancholic and introspective side of his words; as always, he alludes to this ambiguous narrative that you can’t read. Either he’s totally self-absorbed with his life, or oddly unpretentious in sharing the ups and downs? I think you know where I stand.

No matter what you think, Drake’s on his way back, and we’re looking forward to covering the next album. There are a few tracks hinting an imminent release — check out the DJ Khaled/Rick Ross/Lil Wayne joint “No New Friends.” If interested, follow the ovo SoundCloud for more.

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1. Original post: Drake – Girls Love Beyonce Ft. James Fauntleroy

2. Posted in: hip-hop, R&B, rap, rnb, the weeknd

3. Find more music on Indie Shuffle's Indie Music Blog.