So you must be wondering about the title... "Like Liquor for Punks"
Well. This is somewhat of a mash. It was created by Heartbeat da Producer (who's also artist) and he took Daft Punk beats and laid down Lupe Fiasco and Common tracks over top. Odd combination, but it works. He used material from Food and Liquor, Lupe's first EP. and Some older tracks fro Common. It really works. For a trial; see here.
Heartbeat has also release a full length, seen on his myspace. It's new to me, but is currently being searched for personal use. From the tracks given at the site, seems legit. But my ears will be the judge.
But yeah. If you like, check it out... click above.
Anyway. It's been a long work week, and going to be a wee bit longer with being in the city Thursday-Sunday. But whatev.
Kid Cudi. I know that you've heard of him before. He's one of those artists where you know the song, but not him. Well. Just to start; He did "Day 'N' Nite" and collaborated with Crookers (really dirty house music) for a remix (which, by the way, both videos are well done). He also made an appearance on a couple tracks on Kanye's 808s and Heartbreak. Recently, he with Mr. West and Common came together to make "Make Her Say", or to others "I Poke Her Face", which was the original song title. In my opinion, good song, but for some reason, already sick of it. Sorry.
But regardless, that's Kid Cudi so far. He's also graced the covers of XXL, where him and 9 other hip hop hopefuls were dubbed "Freshman", entering a new age of the genre. Plus so far, he's released 2 mixtapes, that I'm aware of atleast, that are quite good; A Kid Named Cudi & Dat Kid from Cleveland. (click the link to download the albums)
One track that got some attention, was "Sky Might Fall", where; a) it was produced by Kanye West, and b) it was played over the new Transformers 2 trailer. (Note: i know that the clip, ISN'T the trailer, but it works for this)
With this all said and done; Kid Cudi is currently working on release his first studio album to drop this August. Much anticipated. Also. There's word on that he's working on a collab with electronic duo, Ratatat, which I'm a fan and super stoked on. Unknown date, but look out for it.
Other than that, keep an eye on Cudi. He's real close to Kanye West, where he's signed under his G.O.O.D. Music label, so expect bigger and larger things on deck. I leave with a clip, from a previous post...
Shawn Corey Carter... or to us; Jay-Z. He's an icon in the music industry, building his "empire" slowly and steadily. Already, he's recorded 10 records, each going at least platinum, 8 Grammy awards, owner of the New Jersey Nets, married to Beyonce Knowles, founder of Rocawear, and its goes on and one. Very impressive.
Anyway. His latest work, not including new stuff from Blueprint 3, was American Gangster.
Jay-z's album American Gangster was inspired by the film, making this his first "concept" record.
Anyway. With the release of the album, an acapella version was released as well. This gave the opportunity for producers and DJs to create their own American Gangster album. Ever since its release, there are dozens upon dozens of remixed albums
I've heard my share of American Gangster remixes, but two in my mind stand out:
Chester French. Now, these guys have been getting alot of attention in 2008/2009.
In early 2008, they signed a record deal with Star Trak, Pharrell's label. But before even that, Pharrell and Kanye West were at a bidding war to be able to sign these guys to their respecting labels. Big deal! Also. Tidbit! It's surprising to me that both guys from Chester French, Maxwell Drummey and D.A. Wallach, are Harvard grads. And that their band name, Chester French, is named after the sculptor Daniel Chester French, who designed the Lincoln Memorial and other American mounuments.Clever.
Regardless. These guys are quite good! They have a very indie pop/rock feel, but for some reason are more well known in the hip-hop community. They've collaborated with artists like Common, Asher Roth [more on Asher soon], Talib Kweli, and of course Pharrell, and are continuing to push forward with their music.
So. With their success, they've recently released their first mixtape in April, as well as their first studio record; (click the pics to download)
Jacques Jams, Vol. 1: Endurance (sign up to download, its worth it)
Love the Future
Like I said, these guys are good. So check them out!
The Cool Kids: A hip-hop duo coming out of the Midwest. Not quite your typical hip-hip group. Mixes big bass and early 90's hip hop (EMPD, Public Enemy), and ties in alternative lyrics. (not about hustlin', pushin', pimpin', etc.)
Gone Fishing: This mixtape's got new stuff from Cool Kids. It's been in the works for a few months, and highly anticipated. Basically just a preview for their new LP soon to be dropped in latter 2009; When Fish Ride Bicycles. Anyway, Gone Fishing can be d/l'ed here. Bake Sale: Cool Kids first EP. Very good listen. Worth the extra time clicking and waiting to download. Here.
So you must be wondering about the title... "Like Liquor for Punks"
