One good remix deserves another. This is a rap remix of the amazing already-blogged-about indie band Local Natives, done by tropical Jewish indie band Fool’s Gold (!? yes, i know.), featuring underground no-name rapper Aristotle Pop a Bottle (via Pitchfork).
Local Natives - Wide Eyes (Fools Gold Remix feat. Aristotle Pop a Bottle)
- Ryan
The thing about a rapper like Wiz Khalifa is that he’s at once familiar and different at the same time. At the age of 22, his three main topics are about getting high (I’m making an understatement here), getting money, and “taking your bitch,” all spit with a nasally flow, but somehow he manages to not sound like Lil’ Wayne. He sets himself apart with his attention to sonic detail — he manages sick internal rhymes, an above average voice when singing his hooks, and a good ear for left-field samples (this song samples Pink Floyd - Keep Talking). B.A.R. is the title track from one of his many mixtapes (including one with like-minded stoner rapper Curren$y) that you can download from his Myspace (link above).
Wiz Khalifa - B.A.R. (Burn After Rolling)
- Ryan
I shouldn’t have to introduce the concept of the mashup, but here goes: using music software, clever “DJs” combine two or more often completely different songs into an enjoyable new one. Obviously this is a product of our MP3 generation, where everyone has virtually limitless access to the music they want. The possibilty of two songs getting mashed together is endless, too — as long as the pitches of the songs match cleanly with at least a little editing.
One of the better mashup providers out there, The Hood Internet, specializes in weaving well-known rap songs into well-known indie rock (which to the general public, isn’t always well-known). Take this song, “Walk in the Park is Over” which puts Drake’s “Over” over the dream pop band Beach House’s “Walk in the Park” instrumental. The result is too perfect: Drake’s verses catch the drum pattern with ease, the beat rises just when it’s supposed to like in the original song.
You may download the full mixtape, cleverly titled “Trillwave” (if you’ve been following us regularly, you know this is a chillwave reference) right here: http://www.thehoodinternet.com/2010/07/hood-x-mishka-trillwave.html
And if you liked the song, check out my favorite one they’ve ever done real quick:
The Hood Internet - Two Weeks Of Hip Hop (Dead Prez x Grizzly Bear) by hoodinternet
- Ryan
I’m sure you’ve all heard of Lupe Fiasco before but I’m not so sure you all have heard some of the more personal and touching tracks he’s made. This song is a reality check that I thoroughly enjoy. From, “Can’t burn his cross ‘cuz he can’t afford the gasoline.” to, “Turn they whole culture to a mockery.”, his lines throughout the whole song are amazing. Listen up and appreciate his outlook and approach on things we deal with during life.
Lupe Fiasco - American Terrorist
-Trey
North Carolina-based rapper J. Cole has been buzzing for a few years without even dropping an official album. Yet he’s already comfortable in the rap industry, having appeared on Jay-Z’s The Blueprint 3 album and signed to Jay-Z’s very own Roc Nation record label. His style could best be described by himself:
“My momma told me to speak like you got a college degree
You see I can, but I won’t
Cause I’m saying that I want
Plus the slang that I speak, don’t change that I’m deep”(from “Can I Live”)
J. Cole - Lights Please
- Ryan
“I shock you like an eel, Electric Feel, Jay Electra.” - Jay Electronica, “Exhibit C”
Yeah, if you haven’t heard of Jay Elec yet, he’s like the new Nas. He also rapped over the Eternal Sunshine theme song.
- Ryan
A while ago I ran a spread on an underground genre called chillwave. Even more underground is the electronic music trend of witch house. Think of witch house as if chillwave were hipster Halloween party music (so if you needed a soundtrack for this weekend, I’ve done the work for you). With some unpronounceable names and an overdose on the witch theme, I can’t even tell if “witch house” artists take themselves seriously. Still, it’s interesting to follow a musical trend from the moment that it pops up – most of these artists don’t have any legit albums and burn their music on CD-Rs.
Musically, they all sound like ghostly versions of Crystal Castles, except the production is more bass heavy, sort of like hip-hop beats. This makes sense because most witch house artists come from Houston, which is best known for the rap scene there. Often they’ll throw in pitched up or slowed down vocals to create the “witch” effect. I know, it sounds like I’m making all this shit up, but it’s true:
White Ring
White Ring - Roses by majorrager
///▲▲▲\\ (pronounced VOID) 
///▲▲▲\\ - Beta Tape Warp by majorrager
Balam Acab
Balam Acab - See Birds (Moon) by subraw
Salem – Redlights
oOoOO
OOoOO - BurnoutEyess by oh-Oo!
- Ryan
Indeed it has been a good year. I see some interesting left field picks here. I haven’t heard Flying Lotus yet, but I have a feeling he’ll be appearing on many a year end list. I agree with the rest of the list but I do have to raise an eyebrow at Rolo Tomassi. - Ryan
It was hard to pick just 10! It’s been a good year.
1. Flying Lotus - Cosmogramma/Pattern + Grid World
2. Big Boi - Sir Luscious Leftfoot
3. Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest
4. Sleigh Bells - Treats
5. No Age - Everything in Between
6. Best Coast - Crazy For You
7. Teebs - Ardour
8. Salem - King Night
9. Rolo Tomassi - Cosmology
10. Arcade Fire - The Suburbsthnx! -Michelle.
