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Aiming right for the feels
I’ve never really used this platform I’ve built to promote my own music...I don’t know why, but I wanted to share this. Billie Holiday holds a special place in my heart, and I always felt that if I even sampled her, I couldn’t do it justice, since I hold her music with such high regard.
Hopefully I did a good job of this. I had a lot of fun making it
Enjoy!
Flying Lotus Is For The People
Steve Ellison or otherwise known as Flying lotus, musical genius, sometimes cult leader and all around great guy went on a bit of a PSA (some are calling it a rant...I beg to differ) about the relationship between producers and rappers.
Now firstly to point out, not all rappers are the bad guys, but, as a producers myself, and someone who has been put on the spot where an artists wants me to make a track for them on the spot, I understand where he is coming from. the tweet reads “To producers. When a rapper invites u to the studio and asks u to make beats on the spot. Tell them to pay your fee on the spot, cuz fuck that“ and yes, they should get paid on the spot, because it is a ball ache. Hip Hop producers have emerged over the past few years as the superstars these days, people like Metro Boomin’, Dj Mustard, Noah “40″ Shebib, just a few big names, but this also applies to the Soundcloud producers who have made it big. Mr Carmak, Kaytranada, Sango.
But even with this rise, Hip Hop producers are still in the shadow of the rappers they give (sell) their beats to, instead of being at the same caliber as electronic producers, where it is them, featuring the vocalist, not the other way around, because of this Flylo drew attention to the fact that producers should be getting paid. Now as soon as I saw this, I knew big media outlets would take this out of context, or make it seem like it is, with click bait titles “Flying Lotus criticizes rappers!” (who’s surprised) Nope, he’s just raising awareness and sharing knowledge.
The way I see it is, always in my eyes (ears) the production comes first, if the track has a great beat behind it, but the lyrics are trash, it doesn’t take too much away (since you will be able to find an instrumental) and a lot of the time, if the beat is huge, then the rapper/vocalists will push themselves to do it justice, but if the lyrics are great but the beat is trash, then it will turn people off on a bigger scale, because who wants to listen to a 3 minute+ track in which the beat does nothing.
This also incited discussion, about collabs. Now obviously if the artist and producers both put input into the track, then yes, it might be forgivable to let a fee slide, but if the artist calls it a “collab” but sits back on their phone telling you what sound they like and don’t like, then that where the line is drawn, no matter how close you are to that artists, if they are getting paid, so should you.
Thanks Steve (I can call you Steve, right?) for bringing this to light a little more, it got me thinking a lot...something that Twitter rarely does these days.
Flylo
TDE is about to get a lot more interesting
(Another artist I wanted to add in repeated play, but this really needs its own post)
TDE, Top Dawg Entertainment. A label that shouldn’t really need any sort of introduction, so I’ll keep it short. Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock, SZA, Isaiah Rashad. That should do it.
Now they deepen their roster even more, broadening their Hip Hop & R&B depth chart by adding this new guy. A guy who literally came out of the blue, with all TDE artists tweeting “. @skiiiwalker ?” (and a feature on the new Jay Rock album “90059″) only for a few days later to be graced with his first single “Speed”
Now, this isn’t entirely your usual TDE release...but then again, what is usual with this label? They cover so many different aspects when it comes to hip hop, citing influence from all over the world. Jazz, soul, funk, electronic, R&B and many many more, but what interests me the most, is that it’s a little more obscure then what people are used to, or maybe expect. The first half of this track is something playing in reverse, while Lance raps over it, keeping himself shrouded in mystique. For only to lead into a synth heavy bass, tight sampled break, and rich chords, while we see him sing over the top, completely switching the feel of the track.
I personally love this direction, and that “obscurity” continues with this latest track “Could It Be” (which comes with a fantastic video) This track provides a hypnotizing plucked synth lead, while Lance is singing about trying to convince a girl to notice his love. I also want to mention, that the vocals aren’t straight forward either, they ride up and down the track, with all the air being sucked out of them, giving a very dark theme to the first half of this track. Again, like “Speed” did, the beat switches half way through to a much lighter tone. Lances harmonies lace the track to provide the main melody, but his main vocals again, ride up and down the track. Something that might turn people off, and it has.
I see comments saying that people “aren’t feeling this”. To the casual TDE listener, or hip hop listener, then I can see that yes, this is different, but that's the beauty of it. Trying to have a sound is very hard, especially on a label like this, where their artists are so diverse, and if people aren’t quickly adopting it, then it’s a sign of something good, people are talking about it, not just listening. It may take people multiply listens to really wrap their heads around it, but for me, I’m excited to hear the future of this guy, and by the looks of it, so are TDE.
Seriously, check him out.
Obsessed. MadBliss - Hibiscus (Feat. Naji)
I was going to include this in my next "Repeated Play" but I felt this deserved its own post.
I haven't had a track capture my attention so quickly and repeatedly for a while. It has literally (figuratively) been on repeat for the past 2 days. Now, even though MadBliss does a fantastic job on creating this sugary beat that uplifts any mood (even if you were at your peak, this wil take you higher), as soft chords fill up the track, whilst the drums play behind them, BUT, it's really Naji that steals the show.
His is a new name to me, but I'm an instant fan, he completely makes the track his own. From the lyrics that just remind me of some tropical island, the infections in his vocals at different times to keep you on your toes and the harmonies during the chorus and at points through the verses, these are...purebliss (puns!). It is just a fantastically fun track, even if the instrumental doesn't change up, Naji does a great job keeping it fresh, constantly switching up his performance, singing, rapping, even toning it down and talking.
I can see this being played throughout my summer, and for even longer as the year goes on, to remind me of those warm evenings.
Listen Here
Naji
Madbliss
Repeated Play
So this makes it’s grand return. I forgot how hard it was to narrow down the best songs I’ve been listening to in the week. A very electric feel this week, so, on with the show!...blog post
Flume - The Greatest View (Feat. Isabella Manfredi)
There’s a lot of artists I would love to just sit down with and listen to them talk about anything, but next to Flying Lotus, ?uestlove and Prince, Flume would be in the top 5. There is just something about his production that just captivates me from the first listen, and carry’s on 4/5 years down the line, since the release, and in anticipation of his new album coming out (Hopefully very soon) I’ve been revisiting his catalogue.
Now I could of included one of his newer cuts, “Never Be Like You” or “Smoke & Retribution” which has KILLER Vince Staples feature, I always find myself back at his debut, maybe because during that time I was not only discovering my sound as a producer, but also, there was a huge shift in my musical preferences. Now, even though this wasn’t on the original version (was added later to the deluxe version) there is just something about the energy of this track. The smooth slow build, whist the vocals ride on top, that very seamlessly transition into this full horn section that give the track a new burst of energy, whilst maintaining the original track.
Oh, and the added sample (not sample) of J dilla & Quasimoto’s “Hydrant Game” is a great touch. unsure whether that was intentional, but hey, I tip my hat to you sir.
Listen
James Blake - Timeless
Holy crap, speaking of anticipated albums, “Radio Silence” is waaaaay up there, and if this an indication to how its going to be, I don’t think my body is ready.
I shouldn’t have to introduce this man by now. Debut album “James Blake” was phenomenal, boundary pushing when it came to UK electronic, sophomore album “Overgrown” still maintained those experimental elements, but added a bit more of a pop appeal with tracks like “Retrograde” & “Life Round Here” but this here, sounds like it is combining both album sounds.
James’ vocals are as always in another element, the subtle harmonies, that almost sound de-tuned to the main vocal, accompanied with a trebling organ and and booming beat, it all blends together to create something special. And the added guitar pluck sample (or what seems like a sample)that tortured me for hours, while trying to figure it out, which most people will know from 50 Cent’s “21 Questions” is a nice added touch to the beat switch. Really looking forward to what lays ahead for James in the coming months when, hopefully, he announces/releases his next full length album.
Listen
Jamie Isaac - Last Drip/ (Rejjie Snow Remix)
I’ve been following this guy for a while now, ever since his “I Will Be Cold Soon” EP back in 2013, I always made the comparison that he was a tamer James Blake, complete coincidence they are both in this post, but he always did a great job of combining somber jazz elements with electronic music, along with his beautiful vocals, to create something you don’t need to think about, just enjoy. Something he did exceptionally well on the follow up EP “Blue Break”
Now this year we see his debut album arrive, 12 tracks. I hoping for for more diversity, as well as his usually somber goodness, and I’m happy to hear, with this single, we are getting some of that diversity. Beautiful chords with a very overwhelming sub bass keep you riding through, whist Jamie serenades you through this track. But with some very active percussion in the back, just to keep things exciting. Lots of trap styled hats and kicks, which isn’t a bad thing at all, it’s great to hear this energized version of Jamie, and I hope we continue to hear this when the album is released on July 8th.
Now I couldn’t find the original version online, but there is a Rejjie Snow remix, which adds another element to Jamie’s music, hearing his instrumentals under a rap is a match made in heaven. Now I couldn’t hear just any rapper over this, but someone like Rejjie fits very well, someone who sounds just as sombre as Jamie, complimenting his work.
Listen
Where did this come from?!
New Kendrick Lamar!!
After winning 2 Grammys yesterday, it seems like he was thankful, so thankful in fact to give us another reason to talk about him. Much harsher then his previous single "i" but still as amazing, giving us more insight to why he will take over this year.
Seriously, I can not wait for his new album to drop. Keep them coming Kendrick
p.s, so much love for that outro!
Over the years I've seen and heard a lot of J Dilla tributes, but this one may take the cake...or perhaps take the donut. Seems more appropriate.
We have been graced with a 44 minute video that includes clips of samples and influences used for Dilla's infamous LP "Donuts" as well as downright strange clips all chopped up as if Dilla way a video editor, while the album plays in its entirety in the background. If you have yet to listen to the LP, now is a good time to do so.
The amount of time and effort that must of went into compiling these clips and putting them together is amazing. My hat goes off to whoever did this fantastic job.
Personal favorite, Oompa Lumpa's dancing to Gobstopper
RIP J Dilla
The Kids Doing No Wrong
Over the past couple of months, BJ has been posting a track a week, showing us his range, from his usual soul, to funk and hip hop, espiacially with this new track which brings us a remix of Kanye West's "Hold My Liquor" and dare I say...I would of preferred BJ to have been featured on the original, instead of chief keef.
BJ not only raps, but brings his soulful standard which I have loved ever since I first of him being featured on Kendrick Lamar & Ab-Souls early work. Paired with how much I enjoyed his debut album "Pineapple Now-Laters" I am hoping to see his next album to be a big one!
