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(Was) Popular
- VH1 Soul is dead, long live Centric posted on March 29, 2010
- The ten most popular indie-rap artists… posted on January 11, 2011
- Digable Planets fracture, cancel tour posted on March 22, 2009
- Superlists!: Top Ten Femcees posted on March 24, 2009
- The Plug One Q&A: Flying Lotus posted on June 10, 2008
- Review: Atmosphere, “To All My Friends, Blood Makes The Blade Holy” posted on September 9, 2010
- R.I.P. Paper Thin Walls posted on August 29, 2008
- Zion-I tour dates posted on February 25, 2009
- Vibe’s demise posted on July 1, 2009
- Why Plug One survives posted on March 17, 2010
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Category Archives: News
Columbia Pictures shuts down Mistah F.A.B.’s ghost ride
Anyone who saw Mistah F.A.B.’s video for "Ghost Ride It" could see that it would attract trouble. I mean, dude was driving around in a Delorean, just like Bill Murray and crew in the movie Ghostbusters. And the car was outfitted with a logo eerily similar to the Ghostbusters logo.
Well, on March 12, according to a press release issued by Mistah F.A.B.’s publicist, Columbia Pictures demanded the video be pulled from MTV (which frequently showed it on MTV Jams) as well as other television and Internet properties. According to the press release, the video drew 600,000 views on YouTube before the cease-and-desist action.
Subtle journeys with TV on the Radio
It’s been a week since I’ve updated Plug One with a news item. That’s what happens when the real world steps in. As a mostly one-man operation, I try to keep things popping on a semi-regular basis. Sometimes that doesn’t happen.
Coincidentally, I pretty much missed the boat on Subtle’s artistic success with Astralwerks. The group’s major label bow, For Hero: For Fool was one of last year’s most acclaimed albums, and they’ve toured behind it for several months now. Still, this is the first time I’ve posted about this project. Even their dates opening for the equally indescribable TV on the Radio already kicked off last month. I’d like my late pass now!
Pigeon John does North America
As a welcome addition to the Quannum family, LA rap vet Pigeon John seemed poised for great things last year. But too few took the time to spin his solid platter, Pigeon John and the Summertime Pool Party. Too bad, as it was one of the brighter spots last fall. Jay-Z’s got nothing on this guy.
Those unexposed to the talents of Pigeon John will have ample opportunity this spring. He will roam all around North America. He’s playing with hip-hop bands, he’s playing with indie-rock bands and he’s performing at a few Christian music festivals. He’s even hitting a few towns twice. Clearly, he wants to rap/sing a song for you.
if you haven’t seen Pigeon John perform, you’re missing out on a rousing experience. The guy, to use a phrase oft-associated with Rakim, can reach your grandmother. And bring the kids along…he does a profanity-free show!
Introducing Def Jux prospect Despot
If you don’t follow Definitive Jux closely, you may have missed the news that a new artist, Despot, joined the label last year. (I sure did.) For the past year, he has worked on his debut recordings for one of the biggest underground rap labels.
At some point he’s scheduled to release an EP, Hooray for Me, later this year. In the meantime, he’s dropped two singles, "Crap Artists" and "Homesickness," and a track for the recent Definitive Swim ("Get Rich or Try Dying").
You can get familiar with Despot when he hits the road with New York rhythm duo Ratatat. For those who don’t know, Ratatat is strictly guitars and drum machines. Decent stuff. The tour begins in mid-March and lasts through early April.
Adult Swim builds with Definitive Swim, Aqua Teen soundtrack
Last Tuesday, Definitive Jux became the latest indie rap label to collaborate with frat-boy icon Adult Swim. With Definitive Swim, it follows successful online releases from Danger Doom (Occult Hymn), Chocolate Industries (Chocolate Swim) and Stones Throw (Chrome Children 2). As with those efforts, Definitive Swim is a free download.
The microsite for Definitive Swim also features streaming audio of all ten tracks and an animated video for "Flyentology," the new single from El-P’s upcoming I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead. The song, which isn’t included in the download, features vocals from Trent Reznor; the clip is directed by Mundo Fase’s Daniel Garcia and Nathan Love. You can visit the microsite here.
Q-Tip petitions for “Kamaal’s” release
Before I say this, I want to say I have the utmost respect for Q-Tip as an artist. But he isn’t the best at giving you the straight story, as the Jungle Brothers will tell you.
Only last month he told Billboard that he secured the masters to his shelved 2002 album Kamaal the Abstract. It seemed like the cherry on a comeback that included his forthcoming (and already bootlegged) solo endeavor Live at the Renaissance. But if you visit his MySpace page, you’ll find a link to a petition asking former label Arista to release Kamaal.
"We, the fans of Q-Tip, have been waiting for the release of his second solo album Kamaal the Abstract since 2002," reads the petition. "While the album sits, the fans are ready to respond by signing this petition in hopes of an official release of this amazing album." What gives? I thought Q-Tip secured rights to the album from Arista!
Redman goes wild
When cats began blogging about a new Redman album and posting its amazing cover art, I was skeptical. After all, I’ve seen a lot of release dates come and go since the New Jersey rap icon dropped the middling Malpractice in 2001. Was this truly the return of Reggie Noble, I wondered? Or was Red Gone Wild turning into one of those classic "lost" albums like the RZA’s The Cure and Dr. Dre’s Detox?
It looks like the rumors are true. (Which isn’t always the case with bloggers…y’all know who you are.) Next month, Redman will make his long-awaited return with Redman Gone Wild…Thee Album. It’s scheduled to hit stores on March 27, and illegal download sites several days beforehand. A lead single produced by Timbaland, "Put It Down," is already percolating on urban radio.
Flying Lotus signs with Warp
Flying Lotus, the L.A. producer whose memorable debut 1983 signifies the L.A. beat scene’s current primacy, has signed with Warp Records. He revealed the news during a February 20 episode of BTS Radio, Andrew Meza’s two-hour show on CSU-Fullerton’s Titan Radio, where he spun a set alongside Michigan producer Samiyam.
With the signing, Flying Lotus joins an imprint that spawned trendsetting hip-hop artists Prefuse 73 and Anti-Pop Consortium as well as hip-hop-influeneced electronic acts like Autechre, Nightmares on Wax and Boards of Canada. "There’s a whole movement waiting to happen," he said during the broadcast.
Anticon figurehead Sole returns
Bad boy icon Tim "Sole" Holland has kept a low profile over the past few years. He lived in Spain, issued an album in 2005 (Live from Rome), and nurtured his Anticon emblem from a pioneer for underground hip-hop into an outpost for indie-pop mordancy.
He’s back in the States, living in Flagstaff, Ariz., collaborating with Skyrider and preparing to issue a new album. First, though, comes a instrumental joint under his pseudonym, Mansbestfriend. On May 29 he’ll issue Poly.sci.187, which translates to Political Science 187: "Political Science: This Shit’ll Kill You."
A press release from Anticon describes it as "filled with such sonic explorations. The album is an accomplished work that testifies not only to the fine art of experimentation, but to the aural abilities of Tim Holland, instrumentalist?may he be loud even in silence."
Styles of Beyond cracking on new album
It’s been almost four long-ass years since Styles of Beyond dropped their last album, the slightly disappointing Megadef. Some of you new jacks — and is it me, or does it seem like every major indie rapper is over 30? — may not remember that, back in the late 90s, the L.A. group was supposed to be one of the groups that blew up, thanks to the underground classic 2000 Fold.
But after all the crappy record deals and almost nearly breaking up, Styles found fortune with Mike Shinoda, the rap guy from Linkin Park. Shinoda featured them heavily on his solo bow as Fort Minor, The Rising Tied, took them on tour, and signed them to his boutique label, Machine Shop/Warner Bros. Styles have been "in the studio" for a while now, but it finally seems as if their trials and tribulations will come to fruition. A third Styles album is tentatively scheduled to drop in July, according to a Warner Bros. rep.
Ryu, who shares the group with Takbir, producer Vin Skully and DJ Cheapshot, posted an update on Styles’ MySpace page. He mentioned collabos with hyphy production dynamo Rick Rock from Federation, J-Dilla (R.I.P.), Apathy, Divine Styler, Celph Titled and the RZA.
Brother Ali presents the Undisputed Truth tour
Lots of heads hate on Rhymesayers. The backpacks, the earnest boom bap rhymes, the multicultural lineup … it’s all very oppressive. But you can’t knock their hustle. Over this decade, the Minneapolis crew built a reputation as indie-rap road warriors, carving out territory from major markets like New York City to small college towns like Humboldt, Calif. and Gainesville, Fla.
So it’s only natural that Brother Ali would set off his forthcoming album The Undisputed Truth with a huge 40+ date tour (following a warm up date at the Paid Dues Festival). After you purchase the album on April 10, you can go see the big man in the flesh alongside DJ BK One, with hot prospect Psalm One opening and Twin Cities hypeman Toki Wright hosting. Trama, Reef the Lost Cauze, One Be Lo and Boom Bap Project will join him in select cities. Tour dates are below.
Marco Polo establishes “Port Authority”
I’m always shocked to discover artists whom, though seemingly unknown, end up being down with major artists as if they’ve been around all along. That’s sort of the case with Marco Polo. I’ve never heard of the guy, but he’s copping heat in Scratch, URB and a whole bunch of other joints. Though seemingly unknown, he’s worked behind the scenes over the past four years, producing tracks for Boot Camp Clik, Pumpkinhead, Rasco and Masta Ace.
The latter returns the favor on Marco Polo’s full-length debut, Port Authority. The disc features a bevy of underground names, including Wordsworth, Large Professor, Buckshot, AG, Sadat X, J*Davey and many others. It arrives via Soulspazm/Rawkus on May 1. You can taste the first single, "War" feat. Kardinal Offishall b/w "Hood Tales" feat. Kool G. Rap & DV Alias Khryst, through the links below.
Madlib & PB Wolf head to “The Other Side of L.A.”
As if I don’t write enough about Stones Throw, its affiliated artists and sundry products, here’s another news bit. Madlib and Peanut Butter Wolf, two of the masterminds (along with Egon) behind the label, will collaborate on a CD/DVD for Time Out magazine and Deaf, Dumb and Blind Recordings’ "The Other Side" series. Their installment, The Other Side: Los Angeles, will join excellent contributions from Fischerspooner, Damian Lazarus, Blackstrobe, and Ellen Allien (hers is due in April).
Madlib will compile the mix CD. Peanut Butter Wolf will make the DVD, which will document Stones Throw’s history through an interview and videos. The Other Side: Los Angeles is due May 8.
Plug Awards honors J-Dilla, random indie-rock bands
On Saturday, Feb. 10 the Plug Independent Music Awards took place at Irving Plaza in New York City. And although the late J-Dilla, as noted before, drew a slew of nominations, he didn’t win the big one for Album of the Year. That trophy went to indie-rock favorite Band of Horses and their Everything All the Time. Meanwhile Hip-Hop Album of the Year went to Spank Rock’s Yoyoyoyoyo, and DJ Album of the Year went to Girl Talk’s Night Ripper. Seems like when it comes to awarding deserving artists, the Plug Awards are just like the Grammys.
To be fair, though, J-Dilla picked up an award for Artist of the Year and Record Producer of the Year. I didn’t actually attend the awards, but with performances from El-P, comedian/host David Cross and backpack lovers Deerhoof, I am sure it was very amusing. You can check out the list of winners below. Peace to Amaechi.
Little Brother & Mick Boogie bring “Justus for All”
This morning, Cleveland DJ Mick Boogie and Durham, North Carolina’s finest Little Brother posted And Justus For All for free on the Internet. It’s the first offering from the group since producer 9th Wonder left the group. In fact, he only appears on two of the disc’s 27 tracks. Instead, Phonte and Big Pooh enlist RJD2, Oddisee, DJ Babu, Khrysis and Midi Mafia to kick down beats. Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Kardinal Offishal, Skillz, Chaundon, Rhymefest, Supastition, Cormega, AZ and others contribute guest shots.
"I worked more closely with Mick on this mixtape than I have with any ‘A&R’ on any album I’ve ever done," says Phonte in a joint interview with Mick Boogie for popular blog Nah Right.
Mick Boogie adds, "I met Little Brother a couple years ago when they did a show in Cleveland, then I saw them last summer. They were familiar with my CDs so we discussed doing something together. We worked very hand in hand on this. Hundreds of emails back and forth discussing beats, concepts, ideas, skits, promotion, guests? you name it. Definitely the most hands on I’ve ever been on any project."
You can download And Justus for All through several websites, including here, here and here.
Onry Ozzborn enlists Aesop Rock, Murs for new project
Seattle rap vet, Grayskul member and Oldominion leader Onry Ozzborn has created a new project, the Gigantics. "The Gigantics is a five member production team headed up by Onry Ozzborn," reads a MySpace bulletin sent by Oldominion. "It is unclear at this point in time exactly who the other members are, Onry’s being secretive about it."
He isn’t being secretive about the guest list for the album, which is currently titled Die Already. In addition to the massive Oldominion squad, Aesop Rock, Swollen Members, Awol One, 2Mex, P.O.S., Qwel, Murs, Jumbo and Vursatyl from Lifesavas, Vitamin D, N8 the Gr8 and many others will contribute features. Die Already doesn’t have a label home nor a release date yet, but should street sometime this year.
Mike Relm hangs with Blue Man Group, prepares for solo shot
I remember when DJ Relm was a fledgling turntablist in the post-Skratch Piklz Yay Area, battling kids with Supernatural Turntable Artists and putting out skratch records with hot Asian import models on the cover.
The man’s come a long way since them days. Now known as Mike Relm, the Bay Area musician is a DJ to the stars. Last year he toured with Mike Patton’s all-star troupe Peeping Tom; and this year he’s part of the Blue Man Group’s massive "How to be a Megastar Tour 2.0" production, spinning tracks during the opening set of a circus-style revue. The upcoming Aqua Teen Hunger Force flick (favored by Boston’s finest) will include his tracks, and he’s collaborating with the makers of the Disney Channel series "Too Many Robots" on a short film. These projects are appetizers for a full-length album set to street before the end of 2007.
Count Bass D sizes up the road
Have you ever seen Count Bass D live? The man is all over the place, punching keys on the sampler like it’s a piano, then turning around and busting a rhyme you can hear clear as day. He’s got head-knocking beats, too, as anyone who’s heard Dwight Spitz and MF Doom’s "Pot Holderz" will confirm.
Now you can experience the Count yourself when he hits your town … or a town that may be close to you. He’s touring in support of Act Your Waist Size, which came out last October on Fat Beats. Maspyke members Tableek & DJ Roddy Rod and punchline rapper Verbal Kent (who’s supporting his recent album Move with the Walls) will join him. The entire shebang, titled the SnoRock Rebel Tour, is sponsored by auto manufacturer/marketing whiz Scion.
Enterprising heads with promo/venue connects can reach out to Count Bass D, too. While the tour’s already in progress, he’s looking to add dates. Check out the booking information track in his MySpace standalone player. "If I mess with you, you want a show, you gotta send my deposit!"
Track listing, tour dates for El-P
While you mull over that sloppy-ass Super Bowl game, consider another event of magnitude — a new El-P album! After a five-year hiatus that saw him carefully navigating Definitive Jux through backlash criticism (S.A. Smash, anyone?) and a tentative comeback (thanks to Cage and the Perceptionists), Jamie Meline is ready to step back into the spotlight. His new album, I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead, is set for release on March 20, and it features a doozy of guests, from Trent Reznor and Cat Power to Def Jukkies Aesop Rock and Camu Tao. A teaser single, "Everything Must Go," has been spinning across college radio stations for weeks. And though it sounds like vintage El-P — his production style is as familiar as the RZA’s at this point — it doesn’t sound as weird as you might expect.
El-P will perform a handful of tastemaker shows when the album hits stores, including an appearance at Coachella. There’s no SXSW dates yet, but I’m sure it’s in the offing. In the meantime, check out the dates below.
Lex’s 2007 itinerary: Jneiro Jarel, Neon Neon, Doom & Ghost
Cutting-edge British imprint Lex Records has unveiled its lineup for 2007. On deck for new albums are Jneiro Jarel, Kid Acne, Neon Neon (a collaboration between Super Furry Animals leader Gruff Rhys and Boom Bip) and Fog. None of them have release dates, but are slated to come out during the next several months.
Lex also holds UK rights to the highly anticipated Ghostface Killah and MF Doom collabo, Swift & Changeable. The album has been delayed for nearly a year, undoubtedly to the politics involved in dropping an independent album by two of hip-hop’s most coveted artists. But everyone promises that it will finally come out this year. Nature Sounds has the U.S. rights, but Lex’s version should entice American trainspotters who like its amazing album covers. The label also hints that a new Danger Doom EP similar to last year’s Occult Hymn will soon arrive.
Posted in News
Tagged Fog, Ghostface Killah, Jneiro Jarel, Kid Acne, Lex Records, MF Doom, Neon Neon, Shape of Broad Minds
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