Los Angeles based producer Elusive just dropped this gem on the internet, hinting at what's to come from the veteran beatmaker. Lacing up the track's vocals is the talented producer/vocalist Nite Jewel, who is well known for her previous collaborations with another L.A. sonic staple, Dam-Funk. The sounds and layers from "Rinse Cycle" are a culmination of the decades of work and experimentation that has been a fixture in Elusive's repertoire. From a history of dirty loops to Jazz infused compositions, his growth and dedication to his craft is finding weight in the right places. There is much to look forward to when his new album, Fusion Swing, drops on March 24th on Alpha Pup Records.
Goldie - I Adore You
Legendary Drum & Bass pioneer Goldie recently dropped the first music video from his highly anticipated forth-coming album The Journey Man. While juggling an acting career and other artistic endeavors keeps him constantly booked, the Metalheadz captain has not forgotten to give care to the music and scene that has provided much for his vocation. "I Adore You" has Goldie teaming up with label mates Ulterior Motive on an emotive tune that arouses feelings of love and longing from the shared collective consciousness of the human spirit. The video's telling narrative brings the pulsating drums and melodic vocals into syncopated harmony, as sight and sound becomes one cohesive lesson in compassion. The Journey Man drops on June 16th, 2017.
The Blaze - Territory
French producer/director tandem, The Blaze have released a new music video, 'Territory'. The opening scenes are visceral and the raw emotion is present throughout the entire narrative of a man's homecoming. Watch here:
Raisinheads 2nd 7" Vinyl Release
Grabbing our copy of the 2nd 7" vinyl release, featuring 2 DJ friendly boogie edits that pay tribute to the one 'n only, endless lover, Lionel Richie. Co-production efforts shared by one of our own, DJ Shea Butter, as well as our extended family- SmoovGroovs & DSTRUKT, plus Anya Kvitka on vocals ❤️
Presales are up now at raisinheads.bandcamp.com ✨
"On the A-side, Dstrukt takes Lionel’s classic hit “Serves You Right” and crafts a 112 BPM DJ friendly edit that fits right into your Disco/Boogie set. The drums are crisp and thumpy, the chopped vocals give it a classic 80s feel, the sample stays true to itself, and the added percussion in the intro will make for the perfect blend. This joint will Serve You Right from start to finish, pun intended.
The B-side, "Love Will Find a Way" (BVMO REMIX) finds it’s way back to the soul. This remix staysfaithful to the sample keeping it’s soulful synthy chords and funky bass groove with additional vocal accompaniment from vocalist Anya Kvitka. Remastered drums with added build up FX gives the track a modern touch with an analog feel. This 107 BPM groove will put some soul in your two-step."
Vocals: Anya Kvitka
Producer credits: Sheabutter | Dstrukt | SmoovGroovs
Album Review: The XX, I See You
The XX, I See You. 13 January 2017. Young Turks.
The XX have released their third full length album I See You to rave reviews.
Continuing their successful brand of emotive and synergistic ballads I See You houses within its tracks the growth and maturity see by band mates Jamie, Romy, and Oliver. Opening track "Dangerous" sprinkles a bold horn chorus that repeats throughout the song, an introduction that is not soft and quiet, but loud and important. Besides their stand out single "Hold On" the track "Say Something Loving" sounds ready for the perfect theatrical soundtrack. Powerful in its songwriting it opens the heart to the yearning on two voices calling out to each other.
The final track "Test Me" is a call to people, the way relationships withstand (or crumble) through the elements of life. A fitting song to close one of 2017 most stand out albums thus far. - Dandiggity
Album Review: Rihanna, ANTI
Rihanna. ANTI. 28 January 2016. Roc Nation Records.
The first couple notes of the opening track on Rihanna’s anticipated eighth studio album (three years & some months since her last), ANTI, immediately opens with a punch that transforms into the grit of 12-bit crushed drum sounds. Immediately, I am won.
The opening track, titled ‘Consideration’ features the sultry vocal accompaniment by SZA (of Top Dawg Entertainment). I’m still so enamored by this track, that I have to pause the album & sink my claws in a little deeper.
A producer by the name of Scum. is listed in the track credits, also known by his alias, The Antydote. This Chattanooga based producer is prominent on emerging artist Isaiah Rashad’s entire catalogue, Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Complexion’ and claimed by TDE as an in-house producer. The God (as my friends who pay attention to this kind of stuff would say), Kuk Harrell is also listed as the vocal engineer on not only this track but throughout the entire album. Harrell, a golden globe nominee has worked with the likes of Mary J. Blige and Beyonce; his previous ties to Rihanna’s vocal production for ‘Umbrella’ earned him his first Grammy.
The cohesiveness of ANTI is wrapped around the synergy of two attributes- stripped down production that makes you feel as if Travis Scott is lurking just around the next phrase (it’s Lit!), in turn lending emphasis to the vocal and lyrical context of the album.
I’m sure by now we’re all familiar with the only radio hit on the album, ‘Work’ featuring Drake, but here are a couple other favorites on the album - ‘James Joint’ plays out like it was made for/by The Internet; the third track is ‘Kiss It Better’ and we’re already building on a slow winding simmer; ‘Woo’ was produced by Hit-Boy with co-production and vocals by Travis Scott, & rightfully so- will have you ready to twist your shirt off and throw it in the air all while reciting the lyrics (Bet she could never make you cry / Cuz the scars on your heart are still mine / Tell me that she couldn’t get this deep); the cover of Tame Impala’s ‘Same Ol’ Mistakes’ is sound, but surprisingly safe; ‘Love On the Brain’ is a ballad-type that transcends doo-wop in 2016; ‘Higher’ juxtaposes Rihanna’s smoky vocal registers against another ballad-type love song.
The overall feel of the album and lyrical context make it very clear that there are no pop fluff fairytales being sold. As 2016 saw the revival of the album, Rihanna’s early adoption proved that you can simultaneously exist as a pop-hit songstress and album princessa. - Caroline Beleno