Hip-Hop, Review, Videos | Reflecting on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “The Heist” [Review & Documentary]
Posted by Grubeats on October 25, 2012
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First off, thank you to Jabari Presents for this fantastic production.
By now, many of you have hopefully scraped the wax out of your ears and christened your drums to the incredible art featured on Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ debut LP, The Heist. Yes it reached the #2 spot on Billboard, yes it sold 78,000+ units in week one, and yes the duo accomplished this all independently, but that is not why this project is so special to me and so many others. Mack and Ryan are still the kids you used to play neighborhood ball with. They’re still the guys who will shake your hand or take a picture with any fan on the street. They’re still representing authenticity for the people.
“The Heist” will be in consideration for the album of the year come December, that’s without question. What may fly under the radar is the amount of blood, sweat, tears, and man hours that went into this project by both Mack and Ryan. Lacking anything but determination and perseverance, this documentary shines light on what it means to be an independent artist working at such an eminent level. There are no handouts, no pampering, no CEO black cards. Loyalty, love, determination, resilience and passion for the art is the driver. If you are unable to see the transparency in their music, this album may not hold the same weight, but there is enough versatility on the project that you should still be able to connect with one or two records. On a final note, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis will forever hold my respect. Although I’ve never met them personally, their music is honest, open and genuine enough to lead me to believe otherwise.
Below I’ve listed some of my personal highlights if you haven’t listened to the album and need a starting point. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the album, positive or negative, so please sound off in the comments section.
Most Creative Beat: “Thrift Shop”
Drum & Bass, Preview | Etherwood – Give It Up (Hospital Records “Sick Music 3” Announcement)
Posted by Mach on October 24, 2012
I just have not been able to get enough of this over the past day. Etherwood first made his big appearance with his collaboration remix with Jakwob of Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games.” Etherwood is one of the most underrated Liquid Drum & Bass producers out there. Of course that will change once this releases on Hospital Records’ new upcoming compilation “Sick Music 3.” The compilation consists of 28 tracks from Fred V & Grafix, Netsky, Gridlok, Muffler, Dany Byrd, Etherwood (of course), and many more. This great collection of music from Hospital Records is releasing Monday, November 26th. For the time being enjoy this preview of Etherwoods beautiful work.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TRACK-LIST AND PRE-ORDER “SICK MUSIC 3”
Hip-Hop, Rap | Kendrick Lamar – The Heart Pt. 3 (Prod. by Tae Beast)
Posted by J_Salzer on October 20, 2012
Nobody can touch Kendrick Lamar right now. I’ve been accused of being “on his dick” by many, many, readers. Although I’m very offended(not) by that, it doesn’t change my opinion or (non homosexual) love for Kendrick Lamar. His album, “good kid, mAAd city,” will without a doubt be one of the most complete projects of 2012, and I encourage everyone to support the Compton native when it releases tomorrow. This track is no different, packed with signature Kendrick emotional bars and an eerie beat. Grab the download below courtesy of TDE Entertainment.
Mashups | Nammo – Carly Rae’s Good Hangover
Posted by Mach on August 29, 2012
Nammo is kind of like Houdini when it comes to releases, he releases something good then he disappears for a while. Well all that is about to change. I can’t tell you all of Nammo’s secrets, but I promise this perfectionist doesn’t plan to disappoint. For now you will just have to wait while listening to his newest Mashup. Nammo’s goal when creating a mashup is to first, make sure it is party and dance floor ready. Second, he wants familiarity with the vocals to allow people to sing-a-long and enjoy themselves more. This is a great track to add to your final days of Summer playlist.
SAMPLES USED
Owl City Ft. Carly Rae Jepson – Good Time
Taio Cruz – Hangover (Hardwell Remix)
Afrojack – Lionheart
LMFAO Ft. Lil Jon – Shots
Hip-Hop, Videos | PropaneLv – Cool Again (Produced by DJ Frank-DuX)
Posted by A on August 12, 2012
“I’m always saying I can change in an instant, but why change when you never see forgiveness.”
Portland representer, PropaneLV, has been on fire lately. From being featured on WorldStarHipHop to Warren G reaching out to him after watching his videos, it’s safe to assume we’ve got another rising star on our hands. Directed by Esteelo Films and produced by Frank-DuX, Propane’s new “Cool Again” video showcases his propensity for rapping and singing with a cerebral track recorded in MaxiMedia studios in Dallas. Download PropaneLV’s new track via his Facebook page below. Big shout out to Colin Landforce for putting in that work!
Dubstep, Moombahton | D!RTY AUD!O – Diamond Swagga
Posted by Sev on May 28, 2012
These past few days have felt like a musical Christmas. It has just been monster release, after monster release, after monster release. We are still trying to cut through all this music, but it has been hard with so many good tracks to distract you through the process. Being a big fan of both of these artist and avid supporters of them, D!RTY AUD!O is slowly making himself more known to the EDM scene. Getting a big release through Heavy Artillery records accompanied by a remix from Phrenik as well, what more could you want from an EP? This original Moombahton track brings a new “Swagga” to the genre if I may say. This popping laser sounding synth that D!RTY AUD!O likes to incorporate, makes it difficult not to enjoy this track. Not to mention, Phrenik bringing a heavy hitting dubstep remix that is sure to punch a hole through your face (metiphorically speaking). The best part is both artist change up their seconds drops making the tracks even more interesting to listen to. Grab both of these tracks on Beatport HERE
Dubstep | Singularity and JacM
Posted by Mach on May 6, 2012
This is an amazing melodic track from Singularity. The vocals from Steffi Nguyen sound beautiful and are perfectly placed on this track. The video depicts a day in the life of a music lover, finishing off with a homeless man who brings a couple of laughs. Never really heard anything from Singularity before, glad this track of his is going to change that.
Going from crunchy melodic tune to this beautiful chilled out dubstep remix of Bon Iver. After snagging best new artist of the year from the likes of Skrillex and Nicki Minaj, Bon Iver’s vocals never seem to disappoint a listener. This incredible remix from JacM adds a ton more of emotion to Bon Iver’s already breath taking vocals. Sit back and let it take you away on this lazy Sunday.