The time has come and passed since Big K.R.I.T. put out 4eva N a Day, but it's not too late to mention this wonderful piece of art released a few months ago.
The Meridian, Mississippi emcee has the ability to paint a vivid picture of what a typical day back home entails. K.R.I.T. crafts each and every beat himself and has no features (save for the guitar and saxophone accompaniment). The result is a cohesive story, so detailed that you feel you were beside him all day. He has a knack for creating a backdrop that allows him to blend potent lyricism and melodic hooks while staying true to the message of the song.
The record is extremely personal with interludes featuring his father, tracks about his grandmother, and verses detailing the conflict between staying true to his art and meeting record label demands. Take a listen to the first track to see how Krizzle's day begins, followed by a few other of my favorites from the album.
Big K.R.I.T. - "Wake Up" (Saxophone by Willie B) (4eva N a Day)
Big K.R.I.T. - "4eva N a Day (Theme)" (4eva N a Day)
Big K.R.I.T. - "Country Rap Tunes" (4eva N a Day)
This last track really breaks down how tough it is to maintain your integrity as an artist when signed to a major record label. With hard work, perseverance, and a deep dedication to his craft, Big K.R.I.T. has been able to consistently put out honest and timeless music reminiscent of Outkast, UGK and Devin The Dude.
Big K.R.I.T. - "Handwriting" (4eva N a Day)
Big K.R.I.T.'s 4eva N a Day is available for free download through his website.
If you're feeling K.R.I.T.'s music, be sure to go out and support his Def Jam debut, Live from the Underground, dropping next Tuesday (June 5th)!
Show alert! Wiz Khalifa along with some of my favorites are performing this Friday, April 2oth, at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. It is sold out through the box office, but tickets are still available through other online retailers (i.e. stub hub or craigslist).
ScHoolboy Q ft. A$AP Rocky - "Hands on the Wheel"
I've been listening to ScHoolboy Q'sHabits & Contradictions nonstop and can't wait to see the performance live. Another act to look for is A$AP Rocky, who has quite a buzz and should put on a good show as well.
A$AP Rocky - "Peso"
I'll be updating The Vent with more posts and music shortly, have a safe and happy 4/20!
Hey friends, sorry it's been so long since my last post. I just returned home after spending the last couple weeks in Israel (new job with Waze!), and I'm just now getting around to writing about all the great music I've been enjoying.
Before I get into all of the amazing full length albums recently released (I'm looking at you Cris Cab, Big K.R.I.T. & Rafael Casal), I thought I would share a song that really made an impact on me during my trip overseas.
If you know me, you wouldn't be surprised that I brought my own mix CD to play in the car as I commuted to work everyday in Tel Aviv. While the same CD played twice a day for two weeks can get tiring, there were a few stand out tracks that never got old - "Blessed" being one of them.
Schoolboy Q is a friend and label mate of Kendrick Lamar (along with Ab-Soul and Jay Rock of the Top Dawg Entertainment camp). Q often credits his friends in TDE as the catalyst that made him change his life from street gangster to rap artist, and the song "Blessed" really gives you an inside look at how deep (and lifesaving) their friendship has become.
In the first two verses, Q paints a picture of what he was going through and how sometimes it could be a necessity to stick to the street code. What starts as a calm and quiet musical backdrop, builds in intensity to match Q's tone; this effect really makes the emotion behind his words hit home.
"Story of a gun-clapper really trying to make a change"
But, it's the third verse from Kendrick Lamar that really seals the deal. This is a verse dedicated to his friend, meant to be inspiration and a constant reminder of their story and how everything they're doing now is for the better. The way Kendrick is able to mimic the beat with his delivery is remarkable and just adds to the laundry list of why he will have a long career.
During my senior year of high school ('04-'05), two of my best friends accompanied me to an underground warehouse show in Oakland, California. I was there to check out Collectiv Records artists Bleez (Matt Jocelyn) and Bumbalo, but was lucky enough to witness the whole Rec League crew with Ashkon and Richie Cunning. Another awesome group that rocked the house was The Instant Messengers (including Alexander Spit). This night really made me fall in love with discovering new and often overlooked artists, and gave me a whole new perspective of what musical offerings were still out there to be found and appreciated.
It's amazing to see how the careers of these artists have changed over the years, but none more so than Ashkon. Up until 2010, he had been known on a smaller level in the Bay for his music, stage acting, and a couple funny Youtube videos.
Then this happened:
And this...
and more recently this:
Those of us Giants fans got to see him as the "Ultimate" fan before, during and after games. But I want to take this opportunity to showcase his music!
With his elementary school students singing the hook, Ashkon reminisces about home and all that it means to him.
Ashkon - "Hey Keezy"
Next, Ashkon teams up with Bumbalo for this Bay Area party track, hyphy back!
Ashkon ft. Bumbalo - "Beep Beep"
How about one more?
Ashkon - "Freedom"
Don't let the Youtube celebrity of Ashkon overshadow his other artistic output, check out the albums The Final Breakthrough and Speaks Louder Than Words for some inspirational, energetic and fun music!
Big K.R.I.T. leaked the first record, "Boobie Miles" from his new album (I refuse to call it a mixtape) 4eva N a Day, and it is so smooth! With a sincere message to spread throughout the song, I'll let K.R.I.T. tell it himself:
"the 1st song i wanted 2 release from #4evaNaDay is called Boobie Miles.
Its about over coming all the obstacles that block your dreams, the
sacrifices that come with how hard you have to go to obtain your goal,
giving your all no matter what the situation, the only difference
between a winner N a loser is a winner plays until he wins - K.R.I.T."
This track brings you into his state of mind at the time: a young artist
with all of the talent necessary to reach the top but wary of the
obstacles along the way. On the new single, we hear from an
artist literally on the brink of a life changing year; K.R.I.T. goes back
and guides that 'Hometown Hero' by providing poignant advice to succeed
on the big stage.
Be sure to keep an ear out for the whole project dropping February 20th, 2012. This is only the start, as Big K.R.I.T. will be following up 4eva N a Day with his major label debut, Live From The Underground later this year! If you need to catch up and check out 2011's classic, Return of 4eva, just start at The Beginning.
The production and song writing duo (Cyrano and Campa) known as The Cataracs released a new banger via YouTube home video, and I must say (even though I've been saying this since 2005), The Cataracs are going to be huge this year! Not that they haven't already gone like 5timesplatinum on the production and song writing front, but I think it's time they got the shine.
The Cataracs - "Synthesizer" (12)
If you've been in my car during the last 7 years then you probably already know I've been lightweight obsessed with The Cataracs since I first heard their songs "Hang Crooked" and "Blueberry Afghani" featuring The Pack ("Vans"). They might have started out as a rap group in Berkeley High, but their sound has evolved and you can no longer categorize their creations. Even with a heavy foundation in rap, the pair have been able to incorporate music from all over the world into their records.
I've assembled some essential listening (and viewing) that covers their whole discography (except mash-up-mixtapes and solowork). Instead of presenting it chronologically, I decided to mix it up into 4 groups. So if one song isn't your style, don't be afraid to try another. The songs featured are from Technohop Vol. 1 (2006), Technohop Vol. 2 (2007), The 13th Grade (2008), the Lingerie EP (2008), and their most recent full length - Songs We Sung in Showers (2009). (All of which are available to purchase on iTunes).
"Is It Him?" (Technohop Vol. 1)
"Daddy" (Technohop Vol. 2)
"Soap & Water" (The 13th Grade)
"The Sun" (Songs We Sung In Showers)
"Out In The Street" (Technohop Vol. 1)
"Rich Girl (ft. HD & Lil Rue)" (Technohop Vol. 2)
The Cataracs - "Julia" (Lingerie EP)
"Such A Girl" (Songs We Sung In Showers)
"The Toast (ft. Fariebo)" (Technohop Vol. 1)
"Blow" (Technohop Vol. 2)
The Cataracs - "Murder She Wrote" (The 13th Grade)
"In The Night" (Songs We Sung In Showers)
"Spaceboy" (Technohop Vol. 1)
"Polka Dots" (Lingerie EP)
"All That Matters" (The 13th Grade)
"Shooting Stars" (Songs We Sung In Showers)
Enjoy and keep a look out for their major label debut, 12, along with Dev's The Night The Sun Came Up, which they co-wrote and produced.
K'Naan is an artist who knows the importance of words. If you're new to him, you probably have a lot of catching up to do, but start with his newly released EP - More Beautiful Than Silence. The following quote from an interview with K'Naan explains why he may be overlooked by the masses, but with his current attitude, that won't be the case much longer.
I got a lot of friends, rappers that we all
respect, and they know what I do, they know what I can do, and they
always [telling] me like, “K’Naan,
you need to go at them. You really need to explain this shit to them.”
And so, part of my response on the new record is really just to be that,
just to show people like, “Look, I can be explicitly direct about this
shit.” I took a place for such a long time of humble grace, in which I
would rather you figure this shit out before I gotta explain it. But I
think it’s time to explain it. [HHDX]
Check out the new single "Nothing to Lose" featuring Nas!
This is basically an update to the earlier post regarding The Getback. Rafael Casal just released a new video to the title track from his upcoming album Whoville. Check it out below and get ready because the project will be released a week from today!
Few things make me happier than an album I can play without skipping a track. You know? Those albums that play like a film or read like a really good book? They keep you entranced all the way through, listening to every word or instrument, sometimes forcing you to repeat a track just to catch a slick line. Well...that happened again, thanks to Daveed Diggs and The Getback crew. Also, it's pretty awesome to see an album named after an E-40 line.
Daveed Diggs ft. Rafael Casal - (Small Things)To A Giant
I've listened to Daveed Diggs' newest offering Small Things To A Giant
over 10 times and I'm still picking up gems like it's the first time
through. Diggs utilizes a combination of rapid-fire flows, soulful
harmonies and unique production to craft an album that touches on a
variety of topics. We learn about the ups and downs of growing up in a
disadvantaged city neighboring prosperity, and how Diggs brushes off the negativity and remembers - it's Small Things To A Giant!
We can all relate to that feeling when the end of the work week rolls around, and the undeniable urge to let loose is in the air. Daveed sums it up perfectly with this ode to the night.
Daveed Diggs - Night Time
The Getback crew is comprised of rappers, poets, actors, singers, musicians, writers, graphic designers, video
directors...pretty much the most complete set of talented
artists you'll find. This allows them to forge projects the way they
want to, in-house, and with complete creative control. The result of
this is outstanding pieces of work time and time again.
My favorite thing about The Getback collective is that they don't follow any conventions, they do what they want, how they want. Listening to the their older mixtape you can hear some concepts and melodies they were playing around with manifest itself into a more mature sound on their current projects. The use of live instrumentation and professional arrangement elevate their sound to another level. Take a listen to a mix of music (old and new) and you'll see they keep to a high standard of quality.
Here Rafael and Daveed go hook for hook, coming up with some pure gold along the way. Rafael Casal & Daveed Diggs - Diggs Challenges AD (Getback Mixtape)
One of my favorite tracks from the album - Daveed Diggs ft. Moe Green & Lauren Nagel - Don't Let Me Fall (Small Things To A Giant)
Rafael Casal ft. Daveed Diggs - It's A Love Thing (Bay Boy Mixtape)
Daveed Diggs ft. Rafael Casal - Go Boi (Small Things To A Giant)
Rafael Casal ft. Daveed Diggs - Ghostin' (Bay Boy Mixtape)
Daveed Diggs - F With Me (Getback Mixtape)
So there you have it, Daveed Diggs' debut album (for the free) and a brief intro to The Getback. For more music, videos, and information about upcoming performances follow the squad here: Rafael Casal, Daveed Diggs, Chinaka Hodge. And lookout for Rafael Casal's next album The Whoville LP dropping February 2nd, 2012!
The Team is back with their new Hell of a Night EP! So you know it's time to party like 2005 never left. For those who missed out on the greatness that Bay Area rap provided just prior to the Hyphy Movement taking off, let me (re)introduce you to The Team. Comprised of Clyde Carson, Kaz Kyzah and Mayne Mannish, this trio cranks out infectious music for the club but with that Bay Area gangsta rap twist. The Team is at their best when working with producer ShoNuff, who crafted their big album The Negro League. Luckily they have reunited for this extended player and haven't missed a step.
Just to bring you up to speed, let's revisit a couple of their hits from 6 years ago. "It's Getting Hot" and "I'm On One" had the radio and clubs going crazy, it seems they could still be smash hits, but The Team was just way ahead of the times.
(Disclaimer: I would suggest using high quality speakers/headphones as latop/computer speakers will not do these songs justice).
The Team - "It's Getting Hot"
The Team - "I'm On One"
Next up are a couple of new joints from Hell of a Night.
The Team - "Slow Down"
The Team - "Better Player"
There you have it, the return of one of the best party music groups the Bay Area will ever hear. Get The Team's Hell of a Night EP for FREE, and have a great soundtrack for the long weekend!
And if you can find it, snag a case of some Hyphy Juice to go along with your drink of choice.
First I'd like to start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year!
Otherwise, I won't waste any time in letting you know that Talib Kweli and Res' phenomenal Hip-Hop/Soul/Funk/Alternative fusion band Idle Warship is performing tonight and tomorrow night (1/6 and 1/7) at Yoshi's in San Francisco. Not only will they be blessing us two days in a row, but they will be performing twice each night (8pm and 10pm).
Even though the pair have been performing under the Idle Warship moniker for the past 4 years, November 1st, 2011 marked the day their incredible debut album Habits of the Heart hit the shelves. Check out the latest video for their uptempo track "Laser Beams".
Idle Warship creates a unique soundscape by combining several genres. The result is a fun project consisting of potent lyricism from Kweli interlaced between Res' amazing voice. While the album stays upbeat for the most part, they do experiment with some slower ballads. All of which sound completely natural and further justify why collaborations of this caliber must continue! Below are a few of my favorite records from the album.
Idle Warship - "The Floor"
Idle Warship - "System Addict (feat. Jay Knocka and Jean Grae)"
I've had this album in constant rotation since it dropped, which is a strong indicator that Kendrick Lamar has a bright future in music (or at least in my library). Section.80 (a play on Section 8 and the 1980's) is a conceptual album, chronicling the various emotions, attitudes, and characters that represent the "80's Baby" generation. Topics and specific themes contained in this album are evident from the song titles alone ["A.D.H.D.", "Tammy's Song (Her Evils)", and "Poe Mans Dreams (His Vice)"]. The album plays like a very fluid movie, with thought-provoking content and high quality production. The interludes are perfect and provide a great narrative to the story, while the diverse instrumentation allows Kendrick to show off his unique and everchanging delivery. This is one of those works that you can get lost in, playing over and over, picking up new pieces to the puzzle with each spin.
"A.D.H.D." encapsulates so much about this generations disposition to drugs, differing view points in relationships, and just the daily life of a 20-30 year-old.
I’m in the house party trippin off my generation
Sippin cough syrup like its water, never no pancakes in the kitchen
Man, no wonder our lives is caught up in the daily superstition
That the world is bout to end, who gives a fuck? we never do listen
Unless it comes with an 808, a melody and some hoes
Playstation and some drank, technology bought my soul
Looking around and all I see is a big crowd, that’s product of me
And they probably relatives, relevant for a rebel’s dream
Yep, her president is black, she black too
Purple label on her back but that tab is light blue
She take it straight to the head, then she look at me
She got AD-HD…
On "Poe Man's Dreams", K.Dot describes his growth from a child into a man, while his motivation to succeed (family) remains unchanged.
I'd like to start it out from the bottom and build with ya
Be on my last dollar and split the bill with ya
I’m 23 with morals and plans of living cordial
Not rich, but wealthy. There's nothing you can tell me
My killings are not remorseful
The city got my back, and for that, I give them my torso.
I find the final third of the album really interesting. Each song seems to touch upon the different stages of grief and dealing with pain from the perspective of a man growing out of his youth.
"Chapter 10" leads off with a warning to the 80's Babies - "In time you'll learn this is about you", which could equate to overcoming Denial. The interlude ends with the instruction to "Show Your Pain", to look within and grow from adversity.
The Pain in "Keisha's Song (Her Pain)" is too sad to go into much detail, but unfortunately, not uncommon. In the end Kendrick makes sure to prevent anything like this from happening to his younger siblings, absolving him of any Guilt from lack of guidance.
My little sister eleven, I looked her right in the face
The day that I wrote this song, sat her down and pressed play.
On "Rigamortus", Kendrick blacks out on a rapid-fire flow with such proficiency that you cannot hear a single gasp for breath. This is pure Anger, resulting in the "execution" of any competition.
With "Kush & Corinthians" follow the Compton MC as he Reflects over life's ups and downs. On another listen, it's the perfect tune to vibe out and ponder those events that have brought you to your current state.
"Blow My High" touches on the need to Separate oneself from past bad influences and move Forward towards a Positive future. Also, it's a sweet ode to Aaliyah.
"Ab-Soul's Outro" is an inquisitive Realization and Reconstruction of self, brought to life in the form of spoken word stanzas over incredible live instrumentation.
"HiiiPoWeR" is an anthem for Acceptance of circumstances and Hope going forward, all over head-banging production from J.Cole.
Section.80 is definitely in my Top 5 for this year! Hit iTunes and support Kendrick Lamar for a steal at $8, you won't be disappointed.
Outasight is one of those artists (of a growing population) you could throw in the category of "rapper-turnt-singer", the fortunate thing for us is that he makes some incredible music. Outasight vocalizes over instrumentation pulling from what seems like every popular genre over the past 50+ years; Jazz, Soul, Funk, Rock and Hip-Hop fuse together with OU's singing and rapping to create the perfect mix of timeless music.
To get a taste of his varying style, feast your ears on "Further/Everything's Alright", the introduction to 2009's Further.
We might as well continue to the next track (this is a trend, you will end up listening to the whole thing) from Further, "Catch Me If You Can".
Now that you have an idea for what Outasight is about, let's move onto one of his strongest (most cohesive) albums, 2010's Never Say Never. "Ahh Yeah" mixes that classic sound from the 60's with modern day rap to create a tune that you won't soon forget.
As with Further, you can let Never Say Never ride all the way through and lose an hour just like that. Listen to "Dear Heartache" and continue the journey.
Outasight has the majority of his work available for download (mostly free too!) both on his website and his bandcamp. After digesting Further and Never Say Never, I suggest From Here to There. As explained on the intro, "it's not a mixtape, it's an album prequel!", which includes more features from his peers in the Hip-Hop realm.
I'll leave you with his latest single, "Tonight is the Night", which you may have heard on TV as Pepsi and X-Factor feature it heavily.
Trombone Shorty and the rest of his Jazz/Funk band Orleans Avenue are going to ring in the new year with back-to-back performances at The Fillmore on December 30th and 31st, 2011. If you haven't heard of this phenomenal group, it is time to get acquainted. Take a listen to the opening piece ("Buckjump") from the new album (For True) and I guarantee you won't be able to sit still.
Next, step into the world of Trombone Shorty and see how he gets down. This is the latest single "Do To Me" from his most recent album For True.
If you're anything like me, you'll feel compelled to see this show live. Luckily for us (in the Bay) Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue will be performing TWICE in less than a week (tickets). Just as a warning, I tried to go this show last February when they came to town, and it sold out fast. Need another incentive? Check out the sweet poster The Fillmore gave out for the last show (I'm assuming they'll do the same for this show as it will sell out).
So if you're in the Bay this upcoming New Years, or just happen to get the opportunity to see a Trombone Shorty performance, don't miss out!
Enjoy the music! Go to the shows! Support the artist!
Richie Cunningis San Francisco. This rapper/producer made the perfect soundtrack to The City - Night Train paints a vivid picture of the everyday life of a native. Plain and simple, he knows how to rap, and rap well. Not only that, he produces his own beats and they'll make you feel like you're back in Hip-Hop's "Golden Era" (the 90's obviously). Just like the city of San Francisco, Richie takes you through the ups and downs that life has to offer, and again like The City, you enjoy it all. I've had the pleasure to see Richie perform a good five or so times now since 2005 and his live show is exceptional. He gets the crowd rocking, has great humor, and best of all: it sounds like the actual CD. The worst shows are when performers are inaudible, rap over their own vocals, or just plain yell into the microphone. Richie Cunning is non of these things, and what you hear now is what you will hear at the show - awesomeness.
This first song is the title track, "Night Train", and is a great place to begin (even though it is one of the albums' closers).
Next, take a listen to Richie Cunning's "The City".
On this ode to his town, Richie gives you a taste of San Francisco, and you can't be mad at lines like this:
I be the black hat, jacket and glove cement trooper / call
me the zen Buddha of the N-Judah / I saw the dynasty of Steve, Jerry
and Joe / I saw the Giants try to see how deep Barry could go / the SCO
heavy but I carry the load / Til everybody in America memorize my area
code (FRISCO!)
(Full disclosure: I used to ride the N-Judah all the time and have now run into Richie 4 times in the streets of SF...real life rap!)
OK, how can you not like music that samples great childhood movies? Below you will find the video for "Richie Cunning's Day Off" (word to Ferris).
And this next track samples Willy Wonka, which I've always wanted to hear in a beat, so my ears have been blessed. It's one of those amazing records that you can relate to and motivates you to keep working towards your goals. I believe a music video is coming soon, but for now, enjoy the audio to "Pure Imagination".
If you get the chance to see Richie Cunning live (next show is Dec. 8th @ 330 Ritch) don't miss out! He has three projects out that you can preview, download and purchase on his bandcamp. Also his twitter is hilarious if you're into that sort of thing.
Enjoy the music, see the shows, support the artist!
Tonight is the second performance of Left Coast Leaning 2011 held at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, featuring one of my favorite artists of all time, Rafael Casal, and his new play "The Limp".
YBCA and Youth Speaks' Living Word Project are proud to present the third edition of Left Coast Leaning. Artists chosen to participate in Left Coast Leaning
reflect the unique pulse of the West Coast arts scene and the festival
format enables audiences and artists to engage in a shared dialogue that
crosses performance disciplines. By celebrating the diversity of
cultures that lie at the heart of West Coast society, Left Coast Leaning
presents an alternative to the negative image of hip hop arts that is
projected by contemporary media and challenges artists and audiences to
viscerally engage with each other. Our hope is to shift marginalized
art forms such as spoken word, media arts, performance installation,
puppetry, deejaying and contemporary folklore from the periphery to the
center of contemporary performance. Left Coast Leaning
integrates disparate ideas both outside and within the city of San
Francisco to establish the Bay Area as a place for artists, scholars,
and arts lovers to encounter this dynamic and flourishing New Majority
American art form. (via)
I've been fortunate enough to attend several Youth Speaks and Brave New Voices spoken word competitions, and I must say, they are life changing experiences. If you have the opportunity to check this out, or any other Youth Speaks/Brave New Voices events, don't miss out!
Now, if you have missed out on the phenomenon that is Rafael Casal...it's time to catch up! Rafael is a poet/rapper/singer/video director/all around talent powerhouse who currently has 4 released projects attached to his name (some are easier to find than others). His full length The Monster LP, The Bay Boy Mixtape, The Getback Mixtape (I couldn't find a link..I guess only the diehards like myself have it. If I get enough requests I'll upload it for the masses), and one of my favorites As Good As Your Word.
Rafael Casal is one of those artists who knows the importance of words; he doesn't waste a single one throughout his rhymes. Below are a few videos so you can see what I'm talking about!
The lead single "Monster" off Rafael's The Monster LP
Rafael's first appearance on HBO's Def Poetry Jam performing "Barbie & Ken 101"
This is a great example of The Getback's live show. Rafael, Daveed and the rest of the band performing "B.A.Y."
Rafael schools us on some of the top Bay Area slang that has been adopted by the rest of the country.
Enjoy the music, see the shows, support the artist!
To kick things off right, let me introduce a song by an artist who has really gotten me excited for the future of Hip-Hop. This track inspired the title of this blog as well.
Big K.R.I.T. - The Vent (Return of 4eva)
This is the last track off of Big K.R.I.T.'s latest album (called a mixtape, but he is the sole producer and all of the music if original) Return of 4eva which is available for free download here. This will definitely be in my top 5 albums released this year.
Big K.R.I.T.'s appeal is his ability to create timeless music. K.R.I.T. writes lyrics with a message that is focused around a theme, and vary in content from serious to fun, basically everyday life. His instrumentation is incredible, and the beats are always jammin'.
Big K.R.I.T.'s major label (Def Jam) debut, Live From The Underground, is slated for an early 2012 release, but catch him on tour at a venue near you on The Smokers Club Tour launching in early October 2011.
