Blog: Musiq Soulchild Interview

Musiq Soulchild speaks on his choices and favorite/standouts from the new LP, what the latest project consists of musically, giving his fans a great show every time out, what lessons he’s picked up throughout his career, and which artists he would like to collaborate with that he hasn’t already in his career. If you haven’t already, purchase the album, and be sure to peep that smooth joint Medicine.

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Video: Wale ft.Tiara Thomas – The Cloud

With all the Maybach Music material being released, surprising to see a solo Wale track. Me being a big fan of Wale (forgetting his mainstream anthem with the gaga) has to post this. Video for his 2010 track "The Cloud" which is accompanied by the beautiful Tiara Thomas with acoustic and vocals.
Everybody come over for a chilled gathering on this one...

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New Track: River James - In My Blood

Virginia's indie folk band, River James has just unleashed their self-titled debut EP. This is their new single "In My Blood." The dreamy track is accompanied by impressions from the band on an adventurous road trip. 

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Video: NIO tha Gift – One Life To Live

Richmond's NIO Tha gift's first track from his Super HERO mixtape...

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New Track: J. Cole - How High

Instead of being premiered by Cole via his Twitter as usual, this was found on a new, unofficial mixtape that popped up yesterday. The song is called "How High" and yes, the subject matter does touch a bit on the obvious. There's no word yet on whether this is a piece of Cole's album or just something he had in the vault, but it's a good listen.
Check it out below.

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Alter.Hip.Soul - Track Of May: Skyzoo - Written in the drums

Remember Skyzoo from 106 and Park's Freestyle Friday? Well he is back with a fresh joint called "Written in the Drums".

Even though Drake's "Dreams money can't buy" took the most views and download by far - This track has that certain authenticity to it, which is hard to come by these days

.
Listen & Download Below:

Another honorable mention: Drake - Dreams Money Can't Buy

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Video: One Chance - Cowabunga

Heres the first release of their project "Ain't no room for talkin" brought to you by BLKDMNDS. Add a rap verse on to this, and they may have a hit.

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News: Nas Tells the world his new album title...

Although Nasir scrapped the Lost Tapes 2, he’s ready to get the ball moving with his next album, Life Is Good (which he announced on Twitter this morning). Rap Radar says that producers Swizz Beatz, DJ Premier, Alchemist, Dr. Dre, Kanye West and RZA have reached out to him to work on the project. It is also very likely to feature the crooning talents of Frank Ocean.....if you look at the title a different way "Life is G.O.O.D" might say some more. we shall see.
Stay tuned.

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New Mixtape: Chiddy Bang – Peanut Butter & Swelly

Chiddy Bang have been releasing this mix-tape week by week, track by track. Here is the full mix-tape, all tracks produced by Xaphoon (the white boy) . Watch out for their next tape "Breakfast".

Download Here

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Ol' Skool joint of the day: Big L - Put It On

Download

Probably one of the most underrated rappers from the 90's - mad propz to Big L.

R.I.P.

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"One Chance" gets their second chance with new mixtape.

I’ve been waiting for a new project from my favourite underground band, One Chance since their "Private" tape in 2006....Yep, you R&B blog enthusiasts might have noticed many songs and demos by these dudes during the past few-5 years. (Including solo tracks by lead vocalist, Rob Brent)

Discovered by Usher back in 04', they jumped straight on the scene with two tracks for the "In The Mix" movie soundtrack (which starred Usher and Emmanuelle Chiqui ;). They then had a huge hit (well what i thought) in "Look at her" which featured D4L's Fabo....Despite the nice vocals, good dance beat and catchy tune, the single resulted in a flop. Cats were not ready.
Five years and Hundreds of tracks later they join the Nappy Boy Entertainment roster. 


"Aint No Room For Talkin'" features production and appearances from T-Pain, Young Fyre, Bangladesh & Young Cash. This tape is not up-to par with their previous work, but still a must have for the R&B fans out there.

This new mix-tape features a couple of oldies: The deep ballad "So Emotional" (personal fave) which was meant to feature on their tape back in 06' and another track you might notice is T-Pain's "No Name" from 2008.
Tracklisting & download link below.

Download (Hulkshare)

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Producer Check...Check Check: Cloud Beats

Here is a Jazz/Hip-Hop beat maker from Brooklyn. His jazz samples are beautifully combined with those soulful looped vocals on that heavy kick drum beat.
Check out one of his earlier tapes below.

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New Track: Busta Rhymes ft. LL Cool J - Killin' Em

Using LL’s 1990 hit ‘Jingling Baby’, These two heavyweight Hip Hop vets "killin" cats on this joint. To call this beat simple would be an understatement...funny enough there’s still room for synths.

While your listening to this, try and take note of all the people they diss. LL takes stabs at in his verse with lines like “Wanna impress me? Start manning up/ Say something that sounds like you piss standin up.”  - Guess who?

Listen & Download above

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New Track: Beyonce - 1+1 (Written by The-Dream)

… This is more like it B. Use that powerful voice to call for your man. Damn. This sounds good, the best thing I’ve heard from 4 yet. Power ballad type ish. You go Girl.

And despite still not warming to ‘Run the World (Girls)’, She proved her star quality while performing at  the billboard awards last week - not that she even needed to.



Check her out as she performs it on the American Idol Final

The track was written and produced by The-Dream. He up'd his pen game on this one.  Check out his demo version below.

 

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New Remix - The Naked & Famous – Young Blood (SposhRock Remix)

"Young Blood" is one of my favourite tracks from last year - and my #1 song on the 2010 Triple J Top 100. Here it is totally transformed by DJ SposhRock who creates what he calls a mash between Indie, Witch House and Chillwave. The result? A heavily filtered dance track that not only feels good to the ears but also on your feet if you have your bass loud enough.
Listen & Download:

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Artist Check, Check Check: Billa Qause

This beatmaker hailing from Athens, Greece – Billa Qause approaches his music by adding vintage hip-hop beats to blues, swing and early 50′s sounds whilst chopping up the melodies and vocals. This results in a highly chilled track that can by appreciated by both the hip-hop fan and the chillster. Comment on what you think!
"I Walk Alone" Listen & Download:





 

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New Track: Mickey Factz - The Finer Things

Mickey Factz is always releasing free tunes for the fans. His new one "The Finer Things" is produced by an up-and-coming beatmaker by the name of KeY Wane and from the sounds of it,hoping to be hearing more of him in the future. Check it out below:

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New EP: Holy Other

Holy Other a producer that has jumped between Manchester, Gothenburg and Berlin is getting ready to release his new EP. As you listen to the EP, you begin to realise it is as difficult to place the music in a box, as it is to pin the producer to a city.

With "Feel something" being of slow tempo, "Yr Love" with its atmospheric beat and female looped vocal to tell a story of love and sorrow. Looking past the sorrow, there are glimpses of hope once ‘Touch’ and the mid tempo title track ‘With U’ comes in. Filled with dramatic double kicks, stuttering, breathy vocals -  It’s easy to think of  a post dub new era. Overall, the EP has a good mixture that goes beyond the norm. Have a listen:

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Artist Check, Check Check: Ovall

This segment is just making sure you guys are equip with all the right music to feed your ears. They may be artists you love, hate, never heard of or are soon to love.
Todays band is one that i heard while traveling overseas. Their name is Ovall, a spiritual jazz/hip-hop band based in Tokyo.  


The band is led by Shingo Suzuki (bass/keyboard) whose recent solo album as trackmaker "The Abstract Truth" has been a worldwide success. In "The Abstract Truth", he collaborated with various international artists such as Hocus Pocus from France, Blu, and Moka Only. Ovall's lineup also includes Shingo Sekiguchi (Guitar) and mabanua (Drums). Shingo Sekiguchi is a jazz guitarist whose solid plays can also be heard in his solo album ''vusik''. mabanua, himself also being a trackmaker, is the artist of the moment in Japanese hip-hop scene as his album "done already" featuring international figures such as AKIL the MC of Jurassic 5, Kev Brown and Eshe (Arrested Development) has caught attentions of heads not only in Japan but overseas. With each member bringing unique musicianship and solid skill to the table, the band's approach to hip-hop with fusion of live instrumentals and sampling takes listeners to the world of "Absolute Mixture Music" as Shingo Suzuki calls the style of Ovall."

Their sophisticated instrumentation, over the classic hip-hop beat with smooth vocals is a must for your music library.

Indulge youself in the next few tracks (Download Available): 


Take you Somewhere

Mary (Flying Beats)

Secret Time

Buy their album here - It Really is a treat.

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New Track: Lil Wayne - How to Love

Usually swaying between rap and rock music, Lil Wayne is never one to shy away from other genres. This is the case with the rumoured next single from his highly anticipated Tha Carter IV project. Entitled "How to Love," This jam (Prod by Detail) is an acoustic ballad that shows a new side of Weezy. Not sure if this will give him the radio airplay, but I sure think it is an interestingly different approach...much better than his rock experiment. He sounds quite good as a singer - maybe he took some lessons in jail? or Detail mastered his vocals till' there was no originality left.

Listen and download below - You be the judge.

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New Remix: Miguel Jonel - Sure Thing (Remix ft. Pusha T)

So its been over 2 years since I heard this track...but only now comes a reputable rapper to do a remix...G.O.O.D music's Pusha T. Ever since his Clipse days, this guy's contributions to R&B songs have been well received. This is no exception.
Listen and download below: 




Buy Miguel's "All I want is You" album HERE.

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Video: Diddy-Dirty Money - Looking for love (ft. Usher)

Diddy-Dirty Money's Last Train to Paris has been out for what ...6 months now? but yet it keeps on rolling singles with the video treatment (Diddy AKA Swag does have plenty' money). This time around, it is the Usher-powered "Looking for Love" that is put on the map. To be honest, I was not a fan of this track beforehand, however the director Colin Tilley has produced a visual that has reworked my opinion. Definitely worth checking out. 

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Video: Kendrick Lamar - HiiiPOWER

As one of the rap game's most promising newcomers, Kendrick Lamar has been gathering serious momentum lately. Adding more petrol to his engine, Mr. Lamar now delivers the visual for his conscious "HiiiPoWeR" track which will appear on his upcoming Section.80 project. This tracks is deep. Real Talk.



Download Here.

Its interesting to see how so many rappers have that "Kanye" influence in their tracks...

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New Track: Erick Sermon - Aint Me (ft. Rick Ross)

EPMD member Erick Sermon drops this old school replica track with the help of Rick Ross. Using a familiar sample from the Dennis Edward’s jam ‘Don’t Look Any Further’, later sampled by Biggie Smalls ‘Get Money’.

A true mash up involving a classic, a legend and a newbie. Listen and download

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New Track: Steve Arrington ft. Dam Funk - Goin' Hard

Steve Arrington is one of the best funk producers. He he combines his talents with the mod-funk genius Dam Funk. Stones  Listen below to the first single from this project, the Dam Funk magic is sprinkled perfectly all over this.

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New Track: Boozebus - Wasser (Original Mix)

“Wasser” is water in German. Definitely get a "water" feel from this track with it's basic house beat mixed with rhythmic strings, occasional beautiful chimes and cleverly designed xylophone riffs. Soak it in.

Lose yourself for the next 7 minutes in this...

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HOT REMIX: Notorious B.I.G. - Gimme The Loot (Superginger Remix)

A new generation of young European producers is on the come up. Today comes a dubstep translation of Biggie's timeless "Gimme the Loot" by Swedish 17-year-old producer Superginger. The talented beatsmith perfectly combines the elements of both genres.....This track makes me jizz.....oops. Listen & Download below!

Original - Notorious B.I.G - Gimmie the Loot

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Video: Rapsody ft. Mac Miller - Extra Extra

Wooo! My dude Mac Miller is back with another slick verse on Rapsody's "Extra Extra". Rhapsody ain't playing around with this one neither.
My favourite joint off the ‘Return Of The B-girl’  mixtape.

Money Good as they say...Money Good.

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New Track: Common ft. Nas - Ghetto Dreams

This is a very exciting post for me...highly exciting. Normally I would not post a snippet - rather I would wait till the full version is released. However a new snippet was released with two of my favourite rappers, scrap that. My two favourite Hip-Hop artists of all time; Common Sense & Nasir Jones.
As you would have seen in the video of the week --> Common's recent spoken word performance at the White House was highly applauded worldwide. There could be no better time for the Chi-town native (upset for the bulls today) to release new music. His 9th studio album The Dreamer, The Believer is getting ready to drop. "Ghetto Dreams," which is rumoured to be Common's first single features Nas.
Even though this snippet is only 30 seconds long (ripped off Amazon), it serves as a promising indicator for people like me who have been waiting for a duet between the two legendary emcees. With production by No I.D., the track certainly has a classic, authentic hip-hop feel to it.
Check it out below and be on the lookout for the full song, which will supposedly be made available for purchase on June 23.

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Unreleased Weeknd tracks...

Apparently a track meant for Drake, "Birthday Suit" is from ’09 when The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) was part of a songwriting/production team called ‘The Noise’.



After this track resurfaced - 4 other unreleased tracks were leaked.

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Track: Kashflow - Mi$$on ft. Curren$y

Underground artist Kashflow from New Orleans, takes us into the studio for a behind the scenes look at the making of his brand new record “Paper Mission” featuring Curren$y. It will appear on his upcoming mixtape, Re-Enrollment 2: Everything’s Illuminated. 




Here is the end result for your audio players. 
Download

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D-Rose.

Been a fan of Mr. Rose since he's Memphis days and i congratulate the man on his MVP and snatching up the eastcoast (hopefully they can beat the heat!)
These Derrick Rose commercials are just WINNING. First he has the Powerade commercial with J.Cole’s “Blow Up” playing, and now his adidas commercial has Big Sean’s “I Do It”. Plus, it helps that he’s highly attractive =P

Cop the shoes Here!

...Yeah, i'm kinda on his D***

GO BULLS!

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Video: Pac Div – Fallin’

The second video from Pac Div’s ‘Mania!‘ mixtape.
“Fallin’” visually explores different types of relationships while serving as a companion piece to a yet-to-be-released video.

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Bringing back the 70s...

Don't touch that "x" button because of the Soul Train type video! I am feeling this cross between The Gap Band with this modern Cee lo ‘Forget You’ tale. Full of intense, funkadelic bass riffs with 70′s style em-singing and with the smooth sounds of my man Sparro.

Makes me wanna get my "Roll Bounce" on.

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Grieves - TOGETHER/APART Album release info

This is by no means a new genre, but for some reason listening to Grieves makes you sense that there is more to this tune and those lyrics.


"Having spent nearly two years on the road touring in support of 88 Keys and Counting, Grieves found himself returning home to a fractured reality. Reeling from turbulence in his career and heartbreak in his personal life mixed with coming down from the high of the support he received on the road Grieves conceptualized Together/Apart, an album that would address the bond music creates between each of us as individuals and as a whole despite the many distances we experience be they geographical or emotional."


His latest album “Together/Apart” will drop on the 21st of June 2011.
Listen To a few of the tracks below:

Grieves - Bloody Poetry 
- Download available via soundcloud

Grieves - On The Rocks

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You Better go home...

New Segment: This track really grinds my gears...



I hate when people classify Jason Derulo as R&B. He is strictly Pop. The Chris Brown wannabe who can't dance is back.
Here, just like Jason sampled Imogen Heap ”Hide And Seek” for his debut single, “Whatcha Say”, he samples two more tracks for his new album’s first single. This is another catchy pop dance track - entitled “Don’t Wanna Go Home.”  


One the tracks he samples is 1993 Dance hit, “Show Me Love” by Robin S. Most Australian clubbers are very familiar with this track - which was also sampled by Michael Mind in his remake (Academy night club theme song =P).
Also the lyrics make references to the Jamaican folk song “Day-O (The Bannana Boat Song)”.  
It was produced by production duo, The Fliptones and is for his forthcoming album, Future History, coming soon from Beluga Heights/Warner Bros. Records.

Whats with the recent sampling of Ministry of Sound tracks? - first Beyonce, now Jason...


Download

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Video - Swedish House Mafia - Save The World Tonight (feat. John Martin)

SHMM new video for Save The World Tonight which features John Martin of Miike Snow. Great Mainstream Track. Pretty solid video.

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Billboard Music Awards 2011 (Las Vegas) - Highlight Performances

2011′s Billboard music award show was held last night in Las Vegas. Major winners of the night were Eminem and Justin Beiber who copped 6 awards each. Among his collection, Eminem took Top Artist and Top Rap Album. Other highlights of the night include, Rihanna frolicking with Britney Spears, Queen Mary J Blige with Lil’ Wayne and of course Beyonces 100 strong female army (Hate the song, but Pret-ty sick performance).

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Video: Frank Ocean - Acura Integurl

Posted last week, Frank Oceans's nostalgia, Ultra is geting a commercial release. Retail copy drops July 26th.
Here is a lil something from the mind of Mr. Ocean - Acura Integurl official video

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Bon Iver, Bon Iver leaked.

Bon Iver's self titled album is to be released on June 20th. It leaked on Wednesday and has had mixed reviews. I find this album different from their debut, but 'different' in the good way.
Each song on the album is named after or represents a place. Frontman, Justin Vernon has said that Beth/Rest, his favourite on the LP: "It's definitely the part where you pick up your joint and re-light it." (Remember people: Drugs are BAD ) =P
However this song does have that aspect to it and is my personal favorite followed by Perth, Calgary and Towers.


'Perth'
'Minnesota, WI'
'Holocene'
'Towers'
'Michicant'
'Hinnom, TX'
'Wash.'
'Calgary'
'Lisbon, OH'
'Beth/Rest'
Download

* This Link is for promotional purposes and is temporary. It will be taken down after a certain number of downloads. 

Please support Bon Iver with this album and buy the release on June 20th. 

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UK Label 'First World Records' celebrating birthday with new EP...

The independent UK Record label "First World Records" has a sweet line up of artists. This label has been going hard for a while now, and is probably one of the finer labels coming outta the UK.
Producing sounds of Funk, Hip-Hop, Soul, Reggae, beats and beyond!
They are celebrating their 7th birthday with this new EP...

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New EP: Brown Audio - "Brown Sound"

Brothers Sean Ace and Cya just put out a DOPE seven track EP which is perfect for a nice "chill" session. One of those tapes you play on your way back from Uni/work and just want to hear some smooth rhymes over even smoother beats. You can download it for $0.00 in 320kbs.
So give it a crack!

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Indie Electronic - Kilowatts & Vanek - Focus and Flow (2009 album)

But the theme of unique synergy does not only spread throughout the bands work structure, it is equally apparent in its music: You won’t find better vocals and more bittersweet melancholy in electronic music period. You have not yet heard these kind grooves and wicked effects in guitar ballads. KiloWatts & Vanek are simply beyond categories like “Laptop-Folk or “Glitch Pop” as they unify harmonic flow, truly visionary focus and simply the best of the electronic and organic.

I am very late to this unique US/Belgium duo. 'Kilowatts & Vanek' surpised me by bringing the trippy electronic beats with vocals like a melancholic indie/rock band. I am really feeling the various combinations throughout the album. 

01 morningstar

02 after you

03 blue vapourtrails

04 solar flare

05 so strange

06 sinnerstate (edit)

07 combray

08 fall behind

09 pale butterflies & bloodshot eyes

10 odyssey

11 sudden flow

Download Album (Props to Pauls Boutique)

Preview the track Morningstar

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Video: Talent Couture – Never Will

"Never Will" is the first video off TC's project  "So Many Gems". It is produced by Chemist.
With TC's superb flow and the chilled beat, it's perfect for your Sunday afternoon.

*Talent Couture's Sweatshirt is dope. 

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New Track: Javeon McCarthy - Love Without A Heart

The poms keep stepping up in the music game.  Javeon McCarthy delivers some sultry soulful lyrics over a 100bpm futuristic bass bumper - by Julio Bashmore. Beat sounds sweet.

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New Track from Theophilus - Last Name London.

"In baseball, he’s a five-tool player.  In basketball he’s a triple double threat.  No matter what genre he’s lyrically slicin’ & dicin’, Theophilus London gets the job done.   He’ll take a dreamwave track from Futurecop! & make it dreamier.  He’ll take an electro-sex song from Jimmy Edgar & make it electric.  And just when you think a tune by Ellie Goulding can’t get any better, he makes a pop tune POP."

His new single, “Last Name London”, is the first track off his highly anticipated debut LP “Timez Are Weird These Days” (Out July 19th)...This track is FiiYAH, Can not wait for the release.
- Shout outs to aRod from GDD & My man Mick C.

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New Track: Trae tha truth ft. Pusha T & Meek Mill - So Far to go

The man who everybody in Aus remembers as the "deep voice cat" is back. Trae Tha Truth teams up with GOOD Music’s Pusha T (Yeeeaa budddaay!) and Maybach music group's Meek Mill for the first release off his upcoming Undisputed project, a collaboration with Don Cannon. 
Download

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RIP Aaliyah

I have not liked a Timbaland track since JT's golden run...But this track  ‘See You Again’, a dedication to the late Aaliyah, is different. Pretty sure this beat is straight outta Timbo’s vault  - Not a newly composed beat...that must explain it.

Not only is the beat working here, but Tawanna’s voice and melody (from the late 90′s/early 00′s flow) suits this track real well. It reminds me of the sound/style of R&B I love the most. 

Those who know what im talking about, know what i'm talking about.

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I used to roc a Fitted, now i roc a Snapback.

One of my favourite rappers in the game right now - Mr. Mac Miller. Been a fan of this dude for a year now and he keeps getting better. This 19yr old Jewish kid from Pittsburgh has got so much swag!
He just released his video for the track "Wear My Hat" which is featured on his mixtape "Best day ever" (Cop that now!).

Buy His New EP "On and On and Beyond" here.

*Please do not sleep on this guy.

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New Track: Drake - Dreams Money Can't Buy

...Yes, another Drake track today, but what do you expect? - The Kid doesn't sleep.
So don't sleep on this!

Drake said: “This is a song that I felt the need to share. Not my single. Just a piece of my story. Hear me out though…Take Care.”
I Understand why this ain't no single - but that does not decrease it's value. I am really feelin' Drake on this with his witty lyrics, flow like no other and a slick sample. 

Drake - Dreams Money Can Buy
Download

‘Dreams Money Can Buy’ samples Jai Paul’s ‘BTSU’ :

Download

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SBTRKT Single - Drizzy Jumps on another one...

Well, this is interesting. Drizzy jumps on SBTRKT’s new single featuring Yukimi Nagano, adding his own verse to the already stellar track. I think it’s dope that Drake’s ear caught up on this...Have a Listen.

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Alt-Electronic: Disclosure - Carnival

Are two teens from South London really going to be the motive to bring the hipsters and non-dancers back to the dancefloor?
Looks like it.

Brotherly duo, Disclosure have been thrown around the Indi/Pop scence for some months now.  But this track has been on repeat on my itunes for the past 3 weeks - Definitely caught my ears by surprise. This post 2-step, pre-dance vocal, reworked garage number – or can i just call it ‘dance’ music? will hopefully also impress the alt-community, 

All credits due to these blokes for their production. With it's looped soul female vocals, irregular snare patterns, quick paced pads and that natural build to every good "dance" track.

Treat Yourself:

Disclosure - Carnival

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