Forgotten Treasure: J Treds “Make it Happen” (1998)
I moved to London around a year ago and while I love the place, few cities teach you so quickly the importance of music like this. It’s the kind of record that ought to be encased within break in case of temporary insanity glass, complete with little hammer. One of …
Future Classic: KNLO “Long Jeu”
Knlo (aka Kenlo, aka Kenlo Craqnuques) remains one of Montreal’s best kept secrets. Ask anyone in the beats / hip-hop scene and they will all swear that he is one of the most talented, influential and unique artists we have. And as for the worldwide perspective, he deserves to be mentioned …
Forgotten Treasure: Saul Williams “Elohim (1972)”
In 1998, Ninja Tune, an independent UK record label, released the Elohim (1972) EP, debut release of poet, actor & MC, Saul Williams. Whilst heard from time to time in the years since, Twice the First Time, its standout track, has always seemed massively slept on. On Twice the First Time, …
Exclusive Premiere: The Mixtapers “We So Good” (Inkswel Remixes)
via Sonar Kollektiv: Whilst spending a few years busy in the studio and playing underground clubs in Berlin, Inkswel hooked up with Jurgen and the Jazzanova crew at Sonar Kollektiv. They ate spaghetti at a local Italian restaurant and discussed their love for all things music, fast forward a few …
Future Classic: NxWorries “Yes Lawd!” (Stones Throw)
Isn’t it great when a highly anticipated album delivers on the hype it created! NxWorries, the collabo between modern day JB Anderson.Paak and hazy producer Knxledge, had the world going crazy with the Suede/LinkUp 12″ and their aptly titled debut album Yes Lawd! makes me want to scream just that. It …
Future Classic: Complex Movements ” Beware of the Dandelions: Soundtrack”
The Beware of the Dandelions soundtrack immerses the listener in the story and sounds of the Beware of the Dandelions project. The music combines experimental approaches and elements of hip-hop, Detroit techno, house, and classical genres. The soundtrack highlights the musical evolution of Waajeed and Invincible/ill Weaver of Complex Movements, …
Future Classic: Lewis Parker “Release The Stress 12″ (King Underground Recordings)”
Lewis Parker stays deep in the pocket on his latest release with England based label King Underground. Hip-Hop is the type of music where, when listening you can instantly tell whether or not an artist lives, sweats and breathes it or is simply just dipping their toes into the infinitely …
Future Classic: I, CED “What Are We Looking For?”
If deep soulful, hip-hop inspired jams are what you are looking for, look no further. The St. Louis producer/musician (now living in LA), I, CED releases his first project in 5 years. After working behind-the-scenes with artists like Dâm-Funk, Shafiq Husayn (SA-RA), Shuggie Otis and Run The Jewels, I, CED’s latest …
Future Classic: Tay Sean “Leavings”
Seattle’s own Tay Sean takes hip-hop, dare we say music, to a whole new level with his latest release. Who knew rap music could bang so hard in a 7/8 time signature? Who is to say this is even “rap music” any longer? What is it? It’s something new, something …
Future Classic: Mark de Clive-Lowe “#bluenoteremixed volume 1”
Armed with a crateful of classics from Blue Note Records’ genre-defining years, Mark de Clive-Lowe has created a live-remix mixtape weaving from jazz to hip hop classics, to underground house and broken beat. Equal parts jazz musician, composer, DJ and production wizard, MdCL’s live performances are always a treat as …
Future Classic: Mndsgn “Body Wash”
I used to see Mndsgn as just another really talented producer who made dope beats. Following a few plays of Stones Throw released album ‘Body Wash’ it has become undeniable that he has reached a whole new level. ‘The underlying vibe of the new Mndsgn album is positive, with the core themes being about …
Future Classic: Alaclair Ensemble “Les Frères Cueilleurs”
Quebec hiphop supergroup Alaclair Ensemble are both trailblazers and charismatic leaders to the Quebec Rap Renaissance that is taking place in the province right now. After an interesting discussion with Lexis (who released his KNLO tribute mix recently) I started thinking about how much history the group has already traversed. …