Jay-Z – The Blueprint 3 Tracklist

I am counting the days til the drop of Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 album. Scope out the tracklist below – some very tidy colloaborations coming from the Jigga Man, including the opening track with Australia’s Luke Steele.

 

[via Nah Right]

Radiohead – These Are My Twisted Words

New shit from Radiohead. Still pushing boundaries.

Rapper Feud Mirrors World Politics

NPR Music pointed me to an interesting article by Marc Lynch. A professor at George Washington University and the director of the Institute of Middle East Studies, Lynch is a rap fan and is interested in parallels between rap, political science and international relations.

Some of the greatest minds in national security have turned their attention to a classic problem: When there is one dominant power, the rest of the world tries to challenge it. That’s what happened to Britain in the 19th century and to the United States today. The same thing is happening in the world of rap.

Read the NPR Music article here and scope out Lynch’s full article here.

Grizzly Bear vs The Red Balloon

This clip is just overwhelmingly lovely! Using footage from Albert Lamorisse’s “La Ballon Rouge” (The Red Balloon), and music from Grizzly Bear’s “Veckatimest” J Tyler has crafted a real gem.

Is the Recession Killing Hip Hop Culture?

The Wall Street Journal had an intersting piece last week on how the recession has impacted hip hop culture – specifically the culture of bling:

After years of starring in rap-music lyrics and videos, “bling” is losing its ring…The recession is cramping the style of hip-hop artists and wannabes – many of whom are finding it difficult to afford the diamond-encrusted pendants and heavy gold chains they have long used to project an aura of outsized wealth.

In an attempt to keep up appearances, celebrity jewelers say rappers are asking them to make medallions with less-precious stones and metals. Some even whisper that the artists have begun requesting cubic zirconia, the synthetic diamond stand-in and QVC staple.

Hip-hop luminaries with the cash to keep it real are appalled. Bling aficionados fret that the art of “ice” is being watered down.

Read the full article here.

David Lynch vs Moby: Shot in the Back of the Head

The video is by director (excuse me, I mean auteur) David Lynch and the song is from Moby’s forthcoming album, Wait For Me.

Drum Set

I was at work today and a friend sent me the link to Drum Set. It provided hours of entertainment for my whole office. Turn the sound up on your computer, go here and play.

N.W.A. Movie?

It seems as if Notorious B.I.G.’s biopic is opening up doors for other legendary Hip Hop acts to tell their stories by way of the silver screen.

Sources are reporting that there is a N.W.A. (Niggaz With Attitude) biopic in the works that will highlight the rise and fall of N.W.A. The group were signed to Hip Hop’s bad boy, Suge Knight’s label, Death Row Records and included Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Eazy-E, and MC. Ren.

The movie is said to be produced by Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, and Tomica Wright (Eazy-E’s widow). It will chronicle the creation and dismantling of the group, the impact the group had on Hip Hop, and the tragic death of Eazy-E to AIDS.

Read more here.

MGMT’s ‘Kids’ Performed on the iPhone

Watch the Mentalists play ‘Kids’ by MGMT on their iPhones and iPod Touches. Apparently they are only using apps from the Apple App Store including Ocarina, Retro Synth, miniSynth and DigiDrummer Lite to make the track.

The Presets vs Eva Husson: If I Know You

If I Know You is my favourite track from The Presets Apocalypto album. I saw them play three times last year and was slightly bummed because they never once played it in their live set. I suppose it’s understandable - after all –  it is one of their darker, more lo-fi tracks. The new clip by French director Eva Husson does it full justice. Enjoy.

Fleet Foxes Robin Pecknold – “It Aint Me Babe”

 

Fleet Foxes front man Robin Pecknold has recorded a cover of the Dylan classic, “It Ain’t Me Babe” under his solo project, White Antelope. Acoustic guitar and lush harmonies – it doesn’t get much better. You can listen and download the track at Peenko.

MP3 Turntable Speaker Mixer

 

Ever wanted to be a superstar DJ but never had the pre-requisite turntable skillz? Never fear! These mini turntable-style speakers allow you to not only amplify your music, but let you scratch (ie – add fun pre-programmed sound effects to your jams) as well. Simply hook it up to your mp3 player and get your Mo Wax on! It’s perfect for dorm room parties or long plane/bus rides. Like it and want to know more? Go here.