Following Tang’s lead, here is a sweet little downloadable ditty from that guy Theophilus London. I really dig this RAC (remix artist collective) version over the album version – the bright, poppy keys, and the airy vocals of Sara Q (of Tegan and Sara fame) make this jam remind me of some of that early Paula Abdul – you know like those video-duets with the totally slept on MC Skat Kat.

Enjoy!
Theophilus London – Why Even Try (RAC Remix) by TheophilusLondon

Uh son. Shabazz Palaces doing what they do, live in the studio of Seattle’s beloved independent radio station KEXP. Coming through with style, substance, and unfuckwittable creative veracity – these 206 luminaries demonstrate they have been around the block and see into its future. In this intimate, in-studio session, they perform a few cuts from Black Up, the first album since their recent signing to the world-renowned, Seattle-based independent label Sub Pop. Do yourself a favor and cop Black Up here.

Here is a spooky banger from Copenhagen based one man show, CHLLNGR, a.k.a. Steve Borth. Some experimental dub leaves me feeling like I’m lost in an underground reggae cavern. CHLLNGR beats are driven smartly by crispy claps and pulsing bass, the synths on “Ask For” funk hard – reminiscent of MC breed’s ’91′G anthem “No Future in Yo’ Frontin.“ Look out for the CHLLNGR full length HAVEN set to drop on Green Owl this July.  Also see the ear-gems below. Good lookin out to the homies @Dutty Artz.

The XX “Islands” (CHLLNGR remiXX) by CHLLNGR
CHLLNGR VS DE TROPIX “People Dem Shouting” by CHLLNGR

A 2nd generation member of the avant-garde LA collective Project Blowed, Open Mike Eagle reps 1/3 of Thirsty Fish alongside fellow emcees Psychosiz and the notorious GrindTime tested battler Dumbfounded.

Working up a much deserved buzz lately, OME glides with concise wit and a bassy-smooth voice over this dope headnodic beat – production courtesy of Willie Green. Download “Nightmares” here, the first single from OME’s forthcoming Rappers Will Die of Natural Causes.

It’s definitely exciting to hear Hip Hop like this getting recognized in the midst of the swag crusades. OME pays homage well to the unapologetic creative lineage of left coast Hip Hop communities like the Good Life Cafe and Project Blowed.

When I saw this new video on UGSMAG, purveyors of new hiphop media for those seeking refuge from the swag and trap stylings of the day, I rushed to the record shop and copped the album Dialogue. After listening through and blabbing to the homies about how dope the whole album is, I was surprised to find out that the album actually came out in 2009. I’m more than a little embarrassed for managing to sleep on Thavius Beck, cause the album is more creative and cutting edge than most of the hip hop I’ve heard for a minute.

“Go” and the rest of Dialogue speak to my love for lyricism. Beck’s rapid fire delivery kinda reminds of me of Living Legends Eligh, however unlike many dense rhymers he shares space with his epic, degenerate beats in a sonic dialogue that shatters the standard verse/bar formula. If I had to go into battle against an army of soulless terminators – this is what I would bump before facing my fate. A Mush records signee and certified Ableton guru, Beck boasts collaborations ranging from Cedric Bixler-Zavala of The Mars Volta, Saul Williams’, and 2MEX.  I will be  watching/hoping for some new face-mashing music from dude soon.

While our spoiled LxNxM brothers are dropping tequila shots, and dropping pounds traversing under the hot- ass sun of downtown Austin at SXSW, it’s only right that me and the Krieganator – without the slightest shred of jealousy – soldier on to bring you that new new.

Enter the Dropping Gems crew “a collective of musicians based in the Pacific Northwest. Our goal is to share a particular vision of the future of humanity as it’s expressed in the form of electronic music. So we produce and release albums, and create events for people to come hear us and those that we love and respect”. This combination of ambitious vision and love shines through the amphibious, conscious-percolating sound layers of Gem Drops.  Representing the crews first digital compilation, and featuring a mindful selection of other U.S. based electronic innovators – all of the proceeds of Gem Drops are entirely committed to raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Listening through, I haven’t been this pumped about an electronic compilation since the first Beat Dimensions in ’07.

Don’t be a cheapskate when you name your price for this album. Whet your appetite for future-hop and support a good cause. For $15 you can get the handmade CD with artwork.  Don’t sleep on these big beats made by big hearts.

The Medulla Transmissions is the soundtrack for your long overdue inner-space road trip.  Your navigator is Renaissance man Jahon Mikal; a classically trained pianist, dancer, singer, producer, and reader of auras.

Throughout the decidedly future-funk, electro orchestra of Transmissions – Jahon Mikal’s other artistic confluences can be heard – from the fundamental hip hop mastery of his big bro/hip hop vet Vitamin D to his current work with the up-and-coming Seattle based Hip-Doo-Woppers The Heartfelts. The album also features vocal support from emcee/dance artist Maxie Jamal.

The complex beats and lyrical harmonies are so polished but maintain an organic vibe that is autonomic like the functions of the medulla, kinda like the art behind the simple act of breathing. Fresh.

Please show love and offer what you can, for this this pay- what-you can download album.

Twas our our local pal Dj WD4D who first put me on to Blank and Kytt. These humble gents hailing from the U.K west-midlands have been prolific for a minute now, smashing out lots of free music for the masses. The B&K sound connects with a brain tickling, off-timey bounce – anchored by a distinctly hip hop thump. B&K’s jams make me feel like I unlocked a secret, dope hip hop show level in Super Mario World.

This splendid mix, a good sampling of the range of B&K’s influences plus a few original cuts, comes courtesy of the funky fellows over at Astro-Nautico, just in time to serenade Spring out of hibernation for a slow dance.

Download B&K’s creations at their soundcloud, for an interview with Blank and Kytt and two exclusive tracks, check out the very fresh Hyponik site.

Here is some interesting new sound courtesy of one Ben Bronfman, enviro-creative renaissiance man and beau to M.I.A.  Beyond having a hand in the the production of Kanye’s “Monster”, dude is doing big thangs like co-founding Global Thermostat, a revolutionary carbon capture firm that separates CO2 directly from the air, or more recently becoming a principal in Algae Systems LLC, a third-generation bio-fuel company that takes waste water from cities and (using CO2 captured by GT) generates Jet-Fuel and Diesel fuel. That’s what I call going hard in the paint kids.

Founder of Green Owl, an environmentally conscious record label & apparel brand – Bronfman recently released this single “Gold” from his new group Teachers.  Also check out his eerie stripped down & rocked out remix of “Monster”.

Shouts to Checktheweather.net, a national online community and web platform to support and amplify the voice of young people of color in the US fighting for environmental justice,  for the good look and the good work!

TEACHERS — GOLD by Teachers
Monster (Teachers remix) by Teachers