Hip-Hop, Rap | San Williams – #drugs

Posted by on September 14, 2013

A few days ago, I was perusing SoundCloud when I stumbled upon a rapper by the name of San Williams. Going in to the song with skepticism, (as I do with all random SoundCloud songs), I was instantly caught off-guard by San Williams distinct sound. A dark and raspy voice, the emcee has some bottled up emotion that spills on to each of his tracks. One in particular, “#drugs”, tells the tail of Williams quarrels with the drug game and his past experiences, speaking often times with a very pejorative tone towards the drug culture and those who use.

The song is powerful to say the least and the message behind really drives the whole project. Look below for what inspired San to write this song and also to stream/download the song itself.

San’s first encounter with drugs:
School had just ended. I was in third grade so instead of going to aftercare, I got to wait in the gym with the other big kids. On the average day, I’d sit in the gym for an hour or so till my mom picked me up, but this time my mom was already there. I knew something was wrong because as soon as I sat down I could see my mother’s eyes were red as if she had been crying.

“San, your dad was arrested today,” She whimpered as we pulled away from school. “ He was arrested for something that I just cant explain right now, but you will find out sooner or later, and when you do find out…” She then looked me straight in my eyes, the same way my father gave me that day on his bed “… When you find out just know that everything he did, he did for you.”

As we drove past our house my mother told me that we were going to visit him and the entire car ride there I felt numb, a feeling I still hold in my heart, a numbness that spreads from the edges of my toes to the crown of my head and throughout my soul. As we arrived at the station we began a process that to this day I still perform: starting with the waiting room then to the metal detectors and then to the holding area. My mother my sister and I walked towards the door with the guard in front and in we went.

Cracked glass smeared with a decades worth of filth and lies separated the two of us…

Exclusive, Featured, Interviews | Tom Swoon Interview [FNT Exclusive] + “Asura” Edit

Posted by on August 19, 2013

Tom SwoonPolish producer / DJ, Dorian Tomasiak or Tom Swoon, formerly Pixel Cheese, has been on a meteoric rise in the past year or two, with his brand of melodic big-room house that has seen strong support from the likes of Avicii, Nervo, Paul Oakenfold and others. Just two years out of high school, he still can’t believe that 3 years ago he was making bootlegs and remixes as Pixel Cheese and here he is now headlining his own shows and playing main stage at some of the biggest festivals in Europe. He has had a busy summer, touring the globe playing in Ibiza, the European festival circuit, some shows here in the US, with an upcoming gig at Creamfields. Last week he was in New York for a show at Lavo and we had the chance to ask him about a variety of topics from his DJing style, advice for new producers (Digidoric was his very first producer name) and what he has coming up. Read the full interview after the jump and check out his free edit with NYC duo, Filtercrush of their impressive track with Jack & Jordan “Asura”. If you don’t like the “Clarity” vocals on top, the instrumental mix will be coming soon.

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Hip-Hop, Rap | ScHoolBoy Q – Collard Greens (ft. Kendrick Lamar) [Video]

Posted by on August 7, 2013

I say with ease that ScHoolBoy Q is one of my favorite “new school” rappers, that is, if he’s even considered new school. Already with a full-length album under his belt the Compton native is one of the most watched artists of 2013. His sophomore LP Oxymoron will feature “Collard Greens” and is already one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

Calling in TDE associate, Kendrick Lamar, to drop a verse and Gwen Bunn/THC for the instrumental, Q pulled out all the stops. “Collard Greens” is definitely a “check me out now, h8rz” kind-of song and K.Dot along with ScHoolBoy both make sure to strut their stuff.

The video is eventful to say the least, and even features a few cameos from Macklemore. Check it out, enjoy, and stay on high-alert for Oxymoron coming soon.

DO SOMETHING

FYI | Your Favorite DJs Before They Made It Big

Posted by on August 1, 2013

Tiesto, Armin & Ferry

You have seen posts before by other blogs with pictures of DJs when they were little kids or even teenagers. That is cute and all, but here we want to show you when they were looking like goons, in that phase of their professional life they would probably rather forget, when they were young and reckless and not always ready for the camera. Some of them do look like they were born for the camera (see Fatboy Slim, Pete Tong & Carl Cox), but others: oh boy, let’s have some fun on this special Throwback Thursday. Before you move on, please bask in how goonish Tiesto, Armin and Ferry look in that picture. Armin had his law degree at that point. Imagine being represented in court by him; unreal.

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Hip-Hop | Just Juice – It’s Like That

Posted by on July 26, 2013

It seems like the new sound is the old sound. People are fiend-ing for that old-school hip-hop, and Juice is the dealer. His newest release “It’s Like That” is fully equip with vinyl scratches, 90’s drum kit, and of course a seamless delivery. Juice has been busy this summer before heading back off to school in the fall, so hopefully we’ll be getting some new music very soon!

Be on the look out for Juice to team back up with his brother and long-time rapping partner, Mojo, in the near future as well. Enjoy, and scoop up the free download. It’s like that y’all.

Hip-Hop, Rap | Devin Miles – Sundress

Posted by on July 25, 2013

I think most guys can agree that there isn’t much better than a hot summer’s day with plenty of beautiful women in sundresses. Devin Miles seems to share that sentiment and has released a song paying homage to the spectacle of the sundress. The sunny months may seem like they’re running short, but a song like this will make you think they lasts for eternity. Ricquo Jones plays us the soft and sweet sounds of summer while Devin’s vocals compliment so perfectly.

Don’t think too much about going back to school, having to go work, or anything really. Just sit back, grab a lemonade and let the song take you away.