Category Archives: News

Gonjasufi’s “A Sufi And A Killer”

The Low End Theory scene in Los Angeles has produced a lot of new artists and sounds in recent months, some of it outstanding and, unfortunately, much of it derivative and mediocre. Then there’s Gonjasufi. First appearing on the 2007 … Continue reading

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2Mex’s “Back”

This video is seven minutes long…too long. But it has some impressive shots of the Los Alamitos Race Course, and hey, it’s 2Mex (with beats by Deeskee). Hopefully it’s a teaser for his forthcoming Strange Famous album. Directed by Ryan … Continue reading

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Coolzey’s “Look”

You’ve seen him on the undercard for dozens of indie-rap shows and wondered, “Who’s that white dude?” Now watch him cavort with Mexican wrestlers and buxom women. Directed by Jonathon Narducci and Brian Morrow. Taken from The Honey, which drops … Continue reading

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Collective Efforts’ “Crazy Things”

Here’s some ATL flavor from Collective Efforts, which is part of Sound Tribe Sector 9’s camp. Their new album, Freezing World, drops February 16 on 1320 Records. Directed by Matt Ackerman and Chris Watson of Green Leather Sofa Productions.

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Coming soon: The Plug One 50 returns!

Tomorrow, I’ll enter the retrospective phase of the year with my fourth annual roundup of the year’s best releases. I’ll count down the year’s best albums, singles, and a few other surprises. After that comes the Plug One 2000s, a … Continue reading

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I.B.E.’s “Make The Road By Walkin'”

Decent conscious rap by Minneapolis’ I.B.E. (Intelligent Black Enterprise), with Rhymesayers’ Toki Wright on a second-verse assist. Directed by Stevie Kane of One Light Collective. Taken from I.B.E.’s The Feel mixtape, which you can download here.

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Georgia Anne Muldrow’s “Roses”

Georgia Anne Muldrow’s best song to date gets an excellent treatment. It honors her homey, down-to-Earth vibe while adding graphic elements that make for a very nice clip. Directed by Ogechi. Taken from Umsindo. Props to Frolab.com for the link.

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The Wrap Up – December 14, 2009

As the days get shorter, the news gets slower: Giant magazine bites the dust, moves to online (nymag.com) Pioneering social network Friendster changes owners, shifts focus to Asia (reuters.com) 2010 Grammy Award nominations announced (grammy.com) RIP Monty Stark from Stark … Continue reading

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Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness”

Kid Cudi plus Mick Boogie, Drake, Consequence, socialite Daphne Guinness and members of MGMT and Ratatat equals a champagne-soaked NYE-style party. Directed by Brody Baker of KnowMore Productions (the same guy behind Animal Collective’s drippy “My Girls” clip). From Man … Continue reading

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Mos Def’s “Supermagic”

Artist of the year candidate appropriates a one-cam strategy to unique (if slightly annoying) effect. Apologies for the OnSmash.com linkage, I didn’t look for a non-site-affiliated clip this time. Directed by Dribblez & Weirdcore. Taken from The Ecstatic.

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Dam-Funk’s “Mirrors”

Dam-Funk brings the funk to a few needy souls. But will the white kids listen? Look out for a cameo by Nite Jewel. Directed by Henry DeMaio. From Toeachizown, in stores now.

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Rita J’s “No Regrets”

From the All Natural family of artists. Check for the shot of Tone B. Nimble in the vinyl stacks. Filmed by Corey Fuentes and edited by Konee Rok. From Artist Workshop, in stores now.

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Dessa’s “A Badly Broken Code”

Earlier this year, I included Minneapolis singer/rapper/poet Dessa on a list of ten dope MCs (not the ten best, as I mistakenly wrote, just ten good ones). I included her on the strength of a few appearances on Doomtree’s self-titled … Continue reading

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RJD2 plots 2010 tour

While most musicians are hunkering down at mom’s house for the winter, RJD2 is plotting a tour itinerary for next year in support of his forthcoming album, The Colossus. The four month run encompasses most of the country and features … Continue reading

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The Wrap Up: “Ten anticipated albums for 2009”

On January 1, I posted a list of “Ten anticipated albums for 2009.” How did I do? As the year draws to a close, it appears that out of 20 albums on the list, 15 were released (counting Thavius Beck’s … Continue reading

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Raekwon’s “Surgical Gloves”

The only reason I’m posting this is because the track is so f’ing banging. To all you mainstream rappers trying to replicate those $500 K video shoots from back in the day with $20 K and a flip-cam operated by … Continue reading

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Felt’s “Felt Chewed Up”

Not exactly backpack thugs, but definitely backpack party rap — in a good way. From Felt 3: A Tribute to Rosie Perez, in stores now.

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Shafiq Husayn’s “Lil Girl”

Lots of pretty ladies in this one…as well as cameos from Wood “Barksdale” Harris, Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu, Jay Electronica and other L.A. soul peeps some of y’all will recognize. Directed by Greg Ponstingl. From Shafiq En’ A-Free-Kah, in stores … Continue reading

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Blockhead’s “The Music Scene”

Aesop Rock’s longtime collaborator Blockhead has released his fourth album, The Music Scene. Earlier this month, Ninja Tune posted a digital version for sale on its website (as well as retailers such as Amazon and eMusic); the CD and vinyl … Continue reading

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Georgia Anne Muldrow’s “Kings Ballad”

In 2009, Georgia Anne Muldrow dropped three albums (including a compilation and a set of early demos) and saw her excellent ballad “Roses” re-interpreted by Mos Def. On January 26, she’ll continue with Kings Ballad, a new set for Ubiquity … Continue reading

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