Hip-Hop, Rap | Cozz – Dreams (Video)

Posted by on March 11, 2014

Cozz, the newest offspring of the mighty land known as Los Angeles, has waged a full on war against Nissin brand Top Ramen. “Imagine if I stopped rhymin’ and settled for Top Ramen…” the emcee ferociously spits; speaking as if the superb taste and value of the Asian noodle soup is something to be eaten begrudgingly.

In all seriousness, I was quite awe-struck when I first stumbled upon the video for “Dreams”. The conviction and intensity that Cozz packs in to each line is not to be trifled with, nor is it something that one can fake. It is clear that the West-Coast upstart is determined to make these dreams of his a reality, no matter the costs.

Although I’m usually one to let the music speak for itself and leave the statistics at home, it’s important to note the 8,000 plus views that “Dreams” has accrued as his first ever released song, in a single week. I have high hopes for what is next out, and I’m sure you’ll be seeing it up on Fresh New Tracks once again, hopefully accompanied by some more pointless rambling about cheap soup.

Albums | Above & Beyond Tugs At The Heartstrings With Acoustic Album

Posted by on February 5, 2014

above & beyond acoustic

Above & Beyond first made the acoustic dream a reality back in June with 4 sold-out shows at London’s Porchester Hall and then again with two sold-out shows at the Los Angeles Greek Theater, where a Sonny Moore decided to sit in on bass for a tune. The trio described the impetus for creating the album “The acoustic project is a reconnection with the musicians that we were before we met”. As they have said, Above & Beyond are musicians who craft their electronic tracks using instruments and then create the parts from their instrumentation. Knowing that, such an endeavor not only seems possible, it seems likely that Tony, Paavo and Jono would come together to create this stunning piece of work. Watch / listen to the live performance at Porchester Hall and read on for the rest of the review. Grab the album on iTunes or their website, or enter our contest for a chance to win a copy plus other merch.

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Electronic | AWE – Crystals

Posted by on January 27, 2014

After the Annie Mac BBC Radio 1 ripped version of this song was posted, fans have been anxiously waiting for the release of “Crystals” by AWE, a 19 year old producer from Los Angeles. He began working on “Crystals” eight months ago, and it is being released along side a remix of it by Djemba Djemba on Plastician’s label Terrorhythm. Most of his work has a video game influence, and I can hear that in this electronic anthem. Three minutes longer than the radio rip version, this release is mesmerizing. It’s easy to get lost in the synths and repeating melody. Check it out on Beatport and look out for more tracks this year from AWE.

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Beatport: AWE – Crystals

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FYI | Al Walser: The Definitive Guide

Posted by on December 6, 2012

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKKnFaVMaig

If you’re among the dwindling percentage of the population that considers the Grammys to be a relevant barometer of today’s music scene, this was probably an exciting morning for you. Nominations for the 2013 awards (where we honor songs from 2012; yes, it’s all terribly confusing) have arrived — and in true Grammys fashion, there are some absolute curveballs thrown into an otherwise dull and predictable mix. Chief among them:

1. No nominations for Bieber. Cue mass Belieber outrage. God willing, however, the Biebs will still get tapped to perform, and in doing so will treat us to yet another glorious display of those drop crotch Hammer-pant legging things he so favors.

2. “Levels” was apparently released after October 2, 2011 and thus qualifies for a nomination.

3. Al Walser.

Since we’re assuming that this is the first you’re hearing of Al, we’ve prepared this handy guide to get you up to speed with the man of the hour. Check out the high budget marvel that is the above video, and then join us after the jump.

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Hip-Hop | Mr. Focus – Best In America ft. Los

Posted by on June 8, 2012

New cat on the scene hailing from Brooklyn by the name of Mr. Focus links with Bad Boy’s own, Los, for the first single off his upcoming mixtape.  I honestly don’t know much about this kid so I’ll keep it brief, but as always, Los holds his own on the track with a fine feature.  Below you’ll also find a new track Los let loose entitled, “Whoopin’ Ass” which is the signature speedy sound we’re accustomed to hearing from Los.

Focus on Facebook || Focus on Twitter

Lastly, Celtic’s fans, you’ll want this one if you don’t have it yet.  As I sunk deeply into the crevice of my couch witnessing a horrific game 6 performance from my Boston Celtics, this song came on my iPod this morning and hit me with a shot of epinephrine.  I’m all juiced up ready for game 7.  Listen for the Celtics references in this track and remember, The Crown Ain’t Safe!

Los on Facebook || Los on Twitter

Hip-Hop | Wale, Kid Ink, Los, Hopsin

Posted by on March 15, 2012

To be honest, I’m too preoccupied in the Madness right now to give you guys a decent write up.  Here’s my abbreviated synopsis. Wale jocks the popular track “Cashing Out” by Cash Out (clever title bro. P.S. you sound like Roscoe Dash), Kid Ink drops the second single off his debut LP, Los drops yet another joint, this time not a freestyle, and 2012 XXL Freshman Hopsin let’s go of a new song in honor of March Madness.

Wale – Cashin Out (Freestyle)

Kid Ink – Neva Gave A Fuck (Prod by DJ Invasion)

Los – Love It ft. Mia Rey & Fred The Godson

Hopsin – Hop Madness

Freestyle, Hip-Hop | Mystikal, Los

Posted by on March 13, 2012

[do action=”youtube” videoid=”_pN0ssyi8fI”/]

I shared this track a couple months back when it first dropped, trying to grip the fact that Mystikal was actually making a comeback with a new deal from Cash Money.  There are certain rappers voices that just get your adrenaline pumping, Mystikal is one of them.  Cue the Lil Wayne snowboard boots and plastic guitar with the Birdman billion dollar rhymes, this is an official CMB showcase.

Purchase on iTunes: Mystikal – Original ft. Birdman & Lil Wayne

Los comes back shooting with his second freestyle of the past 5 days.  This time going in over Young Jeezy’s “I Do”, Swagga Boy gives the fans something, just because he can.  Now if MGK would take a page from Los’ book and release some new music, Diddy may find some assurance in his Cleveland investment.