Is This The Tracklisting To Jay Electronica’s Album Act 2: Patents of Nobility?

Posted in Album Update, News with tags , , , , on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 by Tim Althaus

I can’t even believe my eyes: is this picture going to disappear once I hit “publish”? Jay Electronica took to his Twitter page to unveil the tracklisting for his long-awaited album Act 2: The Patents of Nobility. I feel like this album was supposed to come out damn near two years ago… wait, that’s because it was. Didn’t Jay ElekYarmulke announce that his album was done in March? I even remember when Young Guru gave praise for Act 2, and he was so floored that it left him speechless.

Many of you may feel as though my tone is overly aggressive and slightly bitter: that’s because it is. I’ve been preaching about this man from the first time I heard him, and that was five years ago. He is a very mysterious person, and his lyrics are deep and powerful; Jay is the type of emcee that the game needs, and I’ve been saying that Act 2 could change the game for a long time.

I haven’t completely lost all of my faith, but as more time passes, it really gets harder for me to care. I’m a marketing major, and I understand that you need to drive up demand for your product, but when you give people empty promises and broken dreams, you’re only hurting yourself.

I still remember the first time I discovered Jay Electronica’s music: I was browsing files on SoulSeek, and I found a random file folder that had the name Style Wars EP. I figured I would give the dude’s music a chance; hell, he even had some J Dilla beats. From the first stanza of “Renaissance Man”, I was an instant fan: Style Wars was like nothing I had ever heard; it sounded like the future of Hip-Hop. When was the last time an emcee decided to rhyme over a movie score? The answer: never.

Even though I might be a little bit caustic in my convictions, I still have hope. I have hope that Act 2: The Patents of Nobility will see the light of day, and I hope that it hits me the same way the Style Wars EP did five long years ago. We all know that some things are better late than never, and I have the feeling Act II will be a perfect paradigm in proving the validity of this notion.

Editor’s Note: Where in the hell is “Dear Moleskine” on this tracklisting?

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Kaleem & Mastermind iDV (Feat. Slug) (Prod. By DJ Sidereel), “Northern Lights”

Posted in Audio, Local Love, Media with tags , , , , on Monday, July 30, 2012 by Tim Althaus

It still seems kind of weird to see Slug on Twitter, but following him definitely has its privileges; he’s funny, and he definitely shows mad support for other artists. Earlier today, Mr. Daley posted this track, and even though I’ve never heard of these two cats (I probably would if I lived in Minneapolis), I’m feeling it a great deal. Some of you listening may recognize the piano melody on this track from Fun’s hit “We Are Young”; I absolutely love the sample flip that DJ Sidereel came up with, and I think it’s the perfect feel for these cats to bust some catchy lines over.

Those who know me are aware that I love local music, and tracks like this are the perfect example. Minneapolis is such a magnificent city that is filled with unlimited musical potential, and it’s incredible to see just how deep the city’s talent runs. This is the type of stuff that Terry was talking about in his post about compassion in Hip-Hop; I know for a fact he would love to see that Slug is reaching out a helping hand to some local up-and-comers from the 612. I look forward to hearing more material from Kaleem & Mastermind iDV.

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Video: Elzhi, “Blue Widow”

Posted in Media, Video with tags , , on Monday, July 30, 2012 by Tim Althaus

I’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.

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Get the First Album by Beats Antique for Free

Posted in Album Download, Music News, News with tags , , , on Thursday, July 26, 2012 by Eric Gilardi

We haven’t put up any links to free music in a while so when Beats Antique made their first album available a couple a days ago, I figured it was worthy enough to put the word out. The belly dancing, Egyptian-Funk electronic group out of California really gives you a taste of what they are all about on their debut album. Follow this link to be thrown into a different world of sound on Tribal Derivations.

http://beatsantique.bandcamp.com/album/tribal-derivations

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Album Review: Koncept, Awaken

Posted in Album Review, Music Reviews with tags , , , , , , on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 by Tim Althaus

When looking at legendary groups throughout Hip-Hop history, two main elements become crystal clear: a strong in-house production team and a roster stacked with talented emcees. Collectives such as The Juice Crew and Diggin’ in the Crates exemplified the aforementioned credentials in the most incredible ways possible; however, that was the past tense, and in the present tense, cliques like the Brown Bag All-Stars are making seismic waves throughout the Hip-Hop community. Koncept is one of the lyricists that Brown Bag brings to the table, and if his debut album Awaken is a just a small sample of what we can expect from the New York City cooperative, it’s no surprise that East Coast legends like DJ Premier are giving them a co-sign.

Continue reading →

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Vote For M.i in the TDE Feature Contest!

Posted in Contests, Music News, News with tags , , , , , , on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 by Tim Althaus

Whether you realize it or not, this is a pretty big deal folks. M.i is a finalist in the Top Dawg Entertainment Feature Contest; emcees across the country have sent in tracks in the hopes of collaborating with an artist from the T.D.E. roster. According to what I’ve read, each artist was to submit a hook and verse using one of two instrumentals provided by the Top Dawg in-house production team. The winner will receive a collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Ab-Soul or Schoolboy Q.

I’m not surprised to say this, but M.i is one of five finalists left in the competition. Top Dawg Entertainment is one of the strongest forces in Hip-Hop right now; it seems as though everything they touch turns to gold. I know I’m going to do my part and push the button to vote. You could be helping a terrifically talented artist get the recognition that he deserves.

You can listen to the track below, and you can listen to the other artist’s tracks here as well as vote.

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5 Musts if You are a Lollapalooza 1st Timer

Posted in Music News, News with tags , , , , , , , , , on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 by Eric Gilardi

With Lollapalooza a little more than a week and since it will be my fourth year in attendance, I wanted to give you a list of 5 things you should experience at the Festival in Grant Park. I will be participating in all 5 of these “musts” again this year.

5. Eat a Lobster Corn Dog from Grahamwhich.
Ever since the first year of attending this festival, getting a lobster corn dog has been almost as much of a tradition as going to Lollapalooza. It comes from Chow Town’s Grahamwhich booth and the price should not deter you from trying the tasty morsel. It is festival friendly, as it is a breaded lobster tail on a stick with a tasty dipping sauce on the side. If you have one you will find yourself craving another in the future.

4. See a Show at the Google Plus Stage*.
The Google Plus Stage*, or “The Grove” as me and my friends call it, is a side stage where I highly recommend seeing a show. The stage was put in its current location when the grounds expanded 2 years ago. That was the year we saw Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros perform. During their set they made us all sit Indian-style for a song near the finish. It was a pleasant surprise that the crowd easily agreed and it is one moment from Lollapalooza that I will never forget.
*Google Plus Stage has changed to the Google Play Stage this year.

3. Get there Early and Try to Walk into 1 Show Blind.
The reason I say this is because the earlier you arrive the easier it is to beat the crowd. Also, seeing a band you have never heard of will either allow you to discover some new music or, you will realize a band is not for you, and then it is on to the next. I always enjoy arriving to Lollapalooza early so I can be pleasantly surprised by an early act, in addition to being able to walk right up to the stages and just having the ability to relax in space. The first year I attended on Friday we walked in and walked up to the main stage. That’s where I discovered Hey Champ. If I hadn’t gotten there early I would never have heard of Hey Champ so get out, live a little and be surprised.

2. Check Out the Farmer’s Market.
The Farmer’s Market was introduced in the past few years but I didn’t actually check it out until last year. It quickly became my favorite area of the festival to get good healthy food. It is a great alternative away from all the other booths that make up Chow Town. When you are attending a festival, such as Lollapalooza, it is important to keep your body in good shape. It takes a little longer to get your food from this area but it is well worth the wait. Last year, it happened to be right next to the Google Plus Stage so you can kill two “musts” with one stone. Grab some great healthy food and enjoy a show at the Google Plus Stage.

1. Get Lost at Perry’s.
Perry’s Tent is the heartbeat of Lollapalooza that can be heard from all around the grounds. It is something that when the music stops at another stage you hear the bass inviting you in for a little dance party fun. You should not try to fight the temptation to go in and let yourself go crazy. Just realize that once you enter you may not want to leave and there are other acts to see at Lollapalooza.

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Album Review: Purity Ring, Shrines

Posted in Album Review, Music News, Music Reviews, Reviews with tags , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on Monday, July 23, 2012 by Eric Gilardi

Canada is known for loving their strong bier and the sport of hockey. Lately, I have been loving the electronically hip music that they have been sending south of the border through the airwaves. Purity Ring is one of these bands that has been making my ears go fully erect. They are out of Montreal and have been slowly seducing their fans by releasing a single here and there over the past few years.

Their debut album, Shrines, comes out on July 24th but I was able to get my hands on it at their show this past Sunday night at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The album adds 7 fresh tracks to the previous 4 singles that have been floating about the worldwide web. Throughout the 11-track full-length album the elctro-pop duo provides a perfect blend of new wave digital beats along with beautiful lyrical melodies. Continue reading →

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Understanding Michael Angelakos of Passion Pit

Posted in Music News, News, Reviews, Writing Reviews with tags , , , , , , , on Friday, July 20, 2012 by Eric Gilardi

When I first read the message from Michael Angelakos on Passion Pit’s Facebook page about them canceling their current shows because he needed a mental health break, I thought: “What a crock of shit! Here you are in your mid 20’s, on top of the world and you need a mental health break?” Now, after reading Larry Fitzmaurice’s feature on Pitchfork yesterday, in entirety, I feel like a complete douche bag for thinking that way.

I have been a Passion Pit fan since Manners came out and I know it had been taking some time for the band to get their new album, Gossamer, put together. I have been wondering why but it seems the reasoning was more serious than I ever would have imagined. A depressed, clinically diagnosed bi-polar Michael had been fighting his inner most demons while trying to complete an album that record execs and fans had been patiently waiting for. Continue reading →

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Is the Festival Scene Becoming Over Saturated?

Posted in Music News, News with tags , , , , , , , on Thursday, July 19, 2012 by Eric Gilardi

Remember when going to a festival used to be something to boast about? When you used to have to travel out of your way to get to the destination of choice and that added to the experience in a good or a bad way? Today, you just have to wait for the next festival to, literally, pop-up in your backyard. When do we make the realization that there are too many music festivals and it just is not as unique anymore? Now, everyone including your mother will be going to a musical festival this year. Believe me, most people’s mothers wouldn’t make this scene as fun but it could add to that uniqueness.

I am not complaining about this recent trend as I will be attending the inaugural Summer Set Music and Camping Festival in late August. I will just say I am evoking my right to voice my opinion on this matter. Continue reading →

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