-
(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
Categories
Archives
America's Most Blunted
Tag Archives: RJD2
RJD2’s “Let There Be Horns”
This isn’t exactly what I expected in regards to a video treatment for this track, but I guess it fits in with the current quirky/”indie” aesthetic. At least there weren’t any naked white guys running around (inside joke). Directed by … Continue reading
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
Track listing for RJD2’s “The Colossus”
As previously reported, RJD2 will release his fourth album, The Colossus, on January 10 via his new imprint, RJ’s Electrical Connections (with distribution by the Orchard). Phonte Coleman, Illogic and Kenna make guest appearances. Sonically, it mixes the singer-songwriter stylings … Continue reading
RJD2 returns with box set, “The Colossus”
Today, RJD2 wrote a lengthy MySpace post updating fans on his career. First, he announced that he has formed an independent label, RJ’s Electrical Connections, which will be distributed by the Orchard. (!K7 will handle distribution outside the States.) To … Continue reading
Dälek soldiers on with RJD2
Last month, Dälek went out on an all-too-brief tour with Russian Circles. Next month, the New Jersey alablasters will head on another short trip with RJD2 before retreating to familiar ground in Europe. It should be an interesting juxtaposition — … Continue reading
RJD2 heads back on tour
Columbus, Ohio producer RJD2 has carved out a dependably lucrative touring career. Thanks to his catalog, which includes one undisputed classic (Deadringer), a decent follow-up (Since We Last Spoke), and impressive production stints for others (Aceyalone’s Magnificent City, Soul Position’s … Continue reading
RJD2 & Busdriver expand tour schedule
It didn’t make sense. Why would Busdriver, one of the most acclaimed rappers of recent years, opt to do an indie-rock tour with Deerhoof ? And true, RJD2 set out to make an indie-rock album with the forthcoming The Third Hand. But couldn’t he have put together a bill that would entice his conservative ol’ rap fans to try some of his new material?
Well, fear not. RJD2 and Busdriver are not only joining forces, but venturing out to cities that weren’t initially scheduled. Busdriver will still open on Deerhoof’s Friend Opportunity tour, and then he’ll join RJD2. After a break for SXSW (Busdriver isn’t scheduled to be there, but that may change), the two musicians will soldier on together until April 23.
RJD2 rolls across the land
As the year winds down, RJD2’s The Third Down is starting to work its way through the DJs, newspaper and magazine hacks, college radio geeks and Internet whores that will be summoned to publicize its strengths to the international heads. As we wait in anticipation for its arrival we wonder: Will his singing surprise us with its remarkable depth? Or will it sound as weird as "Through the Walls" from Since We Last Spoke? No matter how it all turns out, he deserves some props for being a brave and fearless artist.
While you wait to hear it (with an open mind, of course), RJD2 is assembling a live band to take it on the road. The short tour winds through March, and will undoubtedly include a pit stop in Austin for SXSW. A longer excursion (Maybe another Definitive Jux package tour? Just kidding…) should follow later in the year.
RJD2 presents “The Third Hand”
Last fall, RJD2 left his longtime home Definitive Jux for XL Recordings, home to artists like Thom Yorke (of Radiohead) and Dizzee Rascal. The Philly-based beat maker gambled that XL will be a more suitable home for his new recordings, on which he mixes his DJ Shadow-like production with actual vocal numbers in greater quantity than his last album, 2003’s Since We Last Spoke.
Now RJD2 will release his third album, The Third Hand on March 6. Two tracks from the album are posted on his MySpace page. "You Never Had It So Good" is reflective of the droll, slightly nervous singing style RJ trumpeted through an interview with Pitchfork, and is reminiscent of Since We Last Spoke’s "Through the Walls." The second track, "Get It," seemingly returns to his yearning instrumental style. According to XL Recordings’ website, The Third Hand was entirely recorded by RJD2. He composed its music with an MPC 2000XL sampler/sequencer, analog synthesizers, electric pianos and guitars.