When artists begin collaborating with each other online, there’s really no telling what’s going to happen. They might only collaborate on a few tracks through e-mail, or they could end up releasing volumes of vivacious music. Tyler Keyes & M.i collaborated copiously on the 2011 album Prep Time; this was done entirely through phone calls and e-mails. After visiting Austin, Texas for the South By Southwest Festival, Keyes left the Twin Cities to form a more proximal working relationship with M.i – a bold and wise choice.
Archive for the Video Category
Album Review: M.i & Tyler Keyes, Pushing Keyes
Posted in Album Review, Music Reviews, Video with tags Blu, Jaylib, M.i, OnCue, Prep Time, Pushing Keyes, The Foreign Exchange, Tyler Keyes on Thursday, June 27, 2013 by Tim AlthausThe D.O.T.-How We All Lie
Posted in Life Perspectives from T.S. Niebeling, Mind Inversion Exclusive, Music News, News, Video with tags CD Release, Chuck Klosterman, http://dirtyterry.com, http://mpsscene.com, london, May 6th, Mike Skinner, minneapolis, Rob Harvey, Terry Scott Niebeling, The D.O.T., the streets, USA on Friday, April 12, 2013 by TSNAfter Mike Skinner put The Streets to rest after 5 albums I didn’t think I would hear much from the bloke. I waited for some time, and nothing… I followed Skinner on his blog http://mikeskinner.so and watched for him to put out something new. Nothing happened… I mean, there were some new posts and interesting photos, and words, but no music. And then-a few months back, I became aware that I was literally on Mike Skinner’s personal emailing list. A message popped up from one of my favorite anti-mainstream mainstream artists. I had received an email from the man as if he had risen from the grave. I was bestowed upon some great and inspiring new sound. Kaboom!
And here it is in video form incase you missed it. (above)
This catchy tune takes a few listens to warm up to. You know I am crazy, so I sat around all day banging this shit out on loud, macbook style. My GF got a little mad, by the end I was singing along (out of tune of course) and getting scolded. I felt I knew the song and the artist a little more, I felt there was promise in this new material. May I say I am a bit excited for the full length album? I felt the video was entertaining (I had heard about this filming technique in Boulder, CO). After listening to this song, and viewing the innovative video, I realized that what The D.O.T. was doing was actually pretty good. I felt the same emotion that I had gotten from a lot of The Streets’ albums after the first and second listen, “Cult classic, not bestseller”. But sales don’t matter, the sound is important, and this song is very catchy and has an incredibly memorable melody. I woke this morning singing the chorus.
Before this message from Mike Skinner, I had little knowledge of The D.O.T., I assumed Skinner produced the songs. I had no idea who the singer was. So let me fill you in:
They have some interesting videos, venue tickets, downloadable songs, and other merchandise.
The D.O.T. project’s site is visually appealing and artsy, while remaining easy to navigate.
In all honesty I love how abstract and collectively cool Skinner is overall; most (universally), if not all of The Streets’ material is exceptionally well made, as Chuck Klosterman wrote-he (Skinner) is ‘advanced’ as an artist. The music he puts out is real and relatable, there is an essence of humanity within his lyrics and delivery. Also, Rob Harvey, of The Music, sounds great on vocals, and harmonizes well with Skinner. At times I feel that Skinner wants to put more vocals into the song; however, it sounds pleasant the way it is presented.
Happily I am intrigued and I want to hear more. If you could hook it up with a free CD, Mr. Skinner, that would be excellent, pre-release if possible??? Thanks.
Watch out for The D.O.T.’s new album “Diary” due to drop May 6, 2013.
Because Geezers truly need excitement.
Step Brothers (Evidence x Alchemist) Will Release Lord Steppington in 2013
Posted in Album Update, Video with tags Alchemist, Evidence, Lord Steppington, Rhymesayers Entertainment, Step Brothers on Friday, January 4, 2013 by Tim AlthausFirst off, let me say that I can’t believe I’m writing this post; this project had almost reached Detox status for me.I realize that both of these dudes have been extremely busy over the last couple of years, but damn…
I feel as though all of my Hip-Hop prayers have been answered. I just peeped this video the other day on Ev’s twitter, and it got my super excited. I’ve been waiting for an Evidence and Alchemist full-length since they mentioned their Step Brothers project back in 2009. What makes this project even more special? It’s being released through Rhymesayers Entertainment – talk about dope. There are a few assumptions that I can make about Lord Steppington: First, the beats are going to be raw; the equivalent of having your skin scraped off after a fall on the pavement. Second, the album is going to be chocked full of humor; we all know that Evidence and Alchemist are hilarious dudes.
Here’s a little taste of what to expect:
Video: Danny Brown “Witit”
Posted in News, Video with tags Danny Brown, Fools Gold, ODB, Witit, XXX on Friday, November 2, 2012 by Dylan IsenseeOkay, I know I’m a bit late on this post. This video came out last week, but I wanted to post it just in case you haven’t seen it yet. If you know anything about Danny Brown, you know he can get pretty wild, and this video is no exception. I saw him with A$AP Rocky and Schoolboy Q a few weeks back and it was one of the best shows I have ever been to. I’m definitely looking forward to his album “ODB,” which is going to drop in 2013.
Video: Brown Bag AllStars, “406 (Fat Beats Tribute)” (Prod. By The Audible Doctor)
Posted in Media, Video with tags 406, Audible Doctor, Brown Bag AllStars, Fat Beats on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 by Tim AlthausThis video is just another excellent example of what I’ve come to expect from the Brown Bag AllStars. They always great production and deep lyrics that go beyond concepts covered in mainstream rap music – soulful, real life Hip-Hop.
For those of you who were oblivious, all of the cats from Brown Bag used to work at Fat Beats Records in New York, and this song is a dedication to the place that they once called home. From the memories of in-store performances, to the nervousness of going through their job interviews, this song covers it all. The Audible Doctor built a beat that – even if it stood alone – evokes emotion and storytelling. (Side Note: For all of my people in the Mid West, The Audible Doctor is actually originally from Madison, WI. So, I’d like to give him a shout.)
The beginning lines of Koncept’s verse do a great job of summing up the entire crew’s feelings:
“You ever have to say goodbye to your dearest friend/remembering the day he died, wishing he was here again”
Video: Skyzoo, “First Generation Rich” (Prod. By Jahlil Beats)
Posted in Album Update, Media, Video with tags A Dream Deferred, Dwyane Wade, First Generation Rich, Jahlil Beats, Skyzoo, Theo Vs. JJ on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 by Tim AlthausThese last few weeks have been amazing because Skyzoo has been releasing a tidal wave of material for the masses. In a post that I put up a couple weeks ago, I mentioned that Sky was supposed to be dropping a mixtape entitled Theo Vs. JJ: Dreams Vs. Reality. I was apprehensive as to whether or not it was going to come out because A Dream Deferred is right around the corner. After I got home from classes yesterday, I decided to go through my usual routine of checking my social media outlets, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that Skyzoo dropped a new video for the track “First Generation Rich” – which will be featured on Theo Vs. JJ: Dreams Vs. Reality.
Jahlil Beats (of Roc Nation) lays down a melodically mellow masterpiece that enables Skyzoo to carve out his lane and conduct his craft. In all reality, there was no reason to doubt whether or not Skyzoo was going to put out Theo Vs. JJ because I don’t think he’s capable of disappointing his fans. Based on the quality of The Great Debater, Skzyoo very well could be releasing two album-quality projects in back-to-back months – clearly nothing to complain about.
Make sure you download Theo Vs. JJ: Dreams Vs. Reality when it drops later this week; rest assured, there will definitely be a post here at Mind Inversion.
Here’s what Skyzoo had to say about the concept behind “First Generation Rich”:
“The inspiration for “First Generation Rich” came from me watching an Oprah Winfrey special on the Miami Heat’s recent title win, and she asked Dwyane Wade about his life now, as opposed to when he was a kid in Chicago. He went on to talk about being the first one in his family to have any type of “real money”. In doing so, he used a slogan: “first generation rich”. Oprah acknowledged said slogan, thus signaling that she’d known of/used the term as well when describing what that new found life turns into, and just like that it hit me. FGR. First Generation Rich. The idea of being the first one in your family, the first generation on your side, to make it.”
“Produced by Roc Nation’s Jahlil Beats, the track said everything I needed it to before I even began to write to it. The idea behind the Theo Vs. JJ mixtape was to show the vast differences between highs and lows, living to win and winning to live, fortune and misfortune. FGR. So, shout out to #FGR and everyone who’s felt that feeling within them, this one’s for us.”
Album Update: P.O.S., We Don’t Even Live Here
Posted in Album Update, Media, Video with tags Bon Iver, Bumper, cecil otter, Lazerbeak, Mike Mictlan, p.o.s, Rhymesayers Entertainment, Sims, We Don't Even Live Here on Thursday, August 16, 2012 by Tim Althaus
Good music keeps oozing from the pores of the Hip-Hop Heavyweights over at Rhymesayers Entertainment. Aesop Rock just released another stellar album last month; Brother Ali is releasing his new album in September, and now it has been announced that P.O.S. will release his fourth studio album – We Don’t Even Live Here – on October 23rd.
According to the press release I read, We Don’t Even Live Here will favor more futuristic beats influenced by the Euro club scene. Even though P.O.S. is going to keep his Hip-Hop roots grounded by collaborating with regular names like Cecil Otter, Lazerbeak, Mike Mictlan and Sims, We Don’t Even Live Here will feature beats from artists like Boyz Noise & Housemeister – DJs who make dance-oriented music. Fans can also expect to hear Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver) lending his vocals to the album.
This will be Stef’s first album since he released the masterpiece Never Better back in 2009; three years is a long wait, so I’m definitely stoked to hear some new solo material is coming out. I’ve been a huge fan of everything he’s done so far, and I think that his strategy to shake things up could pay off big dividends.
Recently, Stef performed a live version of the lead single from We Don’t Even Live Here – “Bumper” – for Pitchfork City of Music, and if it’s any indication of what the album’s going to sound like, then listeners are in for a very interesting and intense ride. I know I can’t wait to buy my ticket.
Video: Elzhi, “Blue Widow”
Posted in Media, Video with tags Blue Widow, Donovan Glover, Elzhi on Monday, July 30, 2012 by Tim AlthausI’ve been living without the internet the past few days, and needless to say, it’s been rough. I logged on to Facebook today, and this video is one of the first things I saw. Usually I don’t bother with posting videos because of the redundancy, but if it’s something really dope I tend to; Elzhi is definitely the definition of dope. You might recall that I posted this track a few weeks back, and now “Blue Widow” is getting the visual treatment.
The video was directed by Donovan Glover, and although the concept is pretty simple, it’s extremely effective; actually, I don’t think the word whack is in Elzhi’s dictionary, and we all know that his vocabulary is pretty expansive.
SOJA Releases New Video for “Not Done Yet”
Posted in Media, Music News, News, Video with tags Breanne Racano, Central Services, Hawaii, Marc Carlini, Not Done Yet Video, SOJA, Strength to Survive on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 by Eric GilardiIn honor of reaching over 1 million Facebook fans SOJA released a new video for the song “Not Done Yet” off of Strength to Survive. The video is directed by Marc Carlini and was shot in the breathtaking Pololu Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. It features the beautiful Breanne Racano from HBO’s hit show Entourage.
Check out Mind Inversion’s other SOJA related articles:
Artist Interview with Jacob Hemphill
MIND INVERSION 