Sunday, February 21, 2010

Up N Coming

A few artists that have struck a chord with me in some way amidst the vast number of indie/underground hip hop mixtapes that are released. I really feel that any of these sing/songwriter/producer/rappers could get a big breakthrough in 2010.


Bobby Ray aka B.o.B. is well on his way to mainstream success at the age of 22. Releasing several successful mixtapes is building hype for his debut under T.I.'s Grand Hustle label. He has a fantastic flow and a voice that's easily recognizable and memorable. Check out his last couple of mixtapes and get excited for the potential of this Atlanta rapper/producer's April 27th release.





Novel is a proven talent in songwriting/producing/singing. Although having written for multiple stars including Talib Kweli, he's not attained much solo success. I've really enjoyed listens of his recent mixtapes "Suspended Animation" and collaboration with Joell Ortiz, "Defying the Predictable". Look out for his upcoming release, "The Audiobiography".





"Soon You'll Understand" is a mixtape by L.A. hip hop artist, Diz Gibran. This is a solid, under the radar release that caught me by surprise and has stayed in my itunes library while other mixtapes have faded to the trash. I love the production work by Moonshine and Diz has a passion for the music that is obvious in the tracks.



Chiddy Bang is a duo of college friends from Philadelphia with a pretty entertaining mixtape that has samples from all sorts of wild places such as Sufjan Stevens and Mary Poppins. Check out their recently released video for "Opposite of Adults". Love it.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Midlake



Let's try something different. I heard a song today by the Denton, Texas band, Midlake and was really struck by it. I have high hopes for their new album, Courage of Others so I thought I'd share the album with everyone and listen simultaneous to you. What do you think? If we like it, it looks like they'll be in San Francisco at the Great American Music Hall on March 4th.

_Michael

Thursday, February 4, 2010

February 2010 Mix



It's the first mix of 2010. I've never been one to make resolutions, but I am not afraid of new years optimism. Each year seems to get better and brings new experiences and opportunities. Just good old-fashioned happy. For this blog, a new year goes hand in hand with new music and the opportunity for me to share what's blasting on my headphones at all hours of the day as I roam around this city.

Not all new, but still tracks I was not afraid to spend a bit of time with in this compilation. Plus, a short ode to the late MJ to start us off on the ridiculous.




Setlist:
Mr. Flash - Dirty Bossa Nova
Private - My Secret Lover (Diplo Remix)
RJD2 - All For U (DJBN Atliens Remix)
Breakbot - Baby I'm Yours (ft. Irfane)
Miike Snow - Animal
Yelle - Ce' Jeu (The Twelves Remix)
Dangerous Muse - I Want It All
Boys Noize - Oh! (A-Trak Remix)
Leno Lovecraft - Space Fighter
Mika - We Are Golden (Calvin Harris Remix)
Calvin Harris - Merrymaking at My Place (Deadmau5 Remix)
Groove Armada - Paper Romance (Urchins Remix)
Rihanna - Hard (Chew Fu Remix)
The XX - Shelter (Death To The Throne Remix)
Dada Life - Let's Get Bleeped Tonight
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll (A-Trak Remix)