NO TO EVERYTHING

3 notes // reblog

ALEXANDER SPIT “THAT’S SPIT” (VIDEO)

Alexander Spit unveils brand new video for “That’s Spit”, the second visual accompaniment to the forthcoming “A Breathtaking Trip to That Otherside” LP. Following his homicidal-naked-chick-in-desert treatment for “A Breathtaking Trip” which dropped just before Christmas, “That’s Spit” sees him bound and gagged in the car boot of another not-so-unattractive young lady - perhaps dude should start more carefully considering his choice of female acquaintance?

“A Breathtaking Trip to That Otherside” drops on January 29th via DECON Records, I spoke to Spit about his recent DECON signing and forthcoming LP here.

PUBLISHED ON THE 405: http://thefourohfive.com/tv/alexander-spit-that-s-spit

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10 BEST RECORDS OF 2012 (IN MY HUMBLE OPINION)

10. Swans - The Seer (Young God Records)

09. DIIV - Oshin (Captured Tracks)

08. Merchandise - Children of Desire (Katorga Works)

07. Miguel - Kaleidoscope Dream (RCA)

06. Frank Ocean - Channel Orange (Mercury)

05. Death Grips - The Money Store (Epic Records)

This record would have probably featured higher on the list if Death Grips hadn’t spent the subsequent ten months throwing their shiny new Epic Records-bought toys out of their pram, repeatedly, and across a variety of social media platforms. The toddler tantrum-cum-PR stunt that clogged up the blogosphere, and the less-than-impressive cock-fronted follow-up really overshadowed what was actually an amazing record. Sadly, it’s likely to be the latter that they’re remembered for.

04. Ty Segall Band - Slaughterhouse (In The Red)

2012 has been a busy year for Ty Segall, racking up an impressive total of three full-length albums within the limited twelve month period - although Ty’s dedication to quantity in no way compromised quality on any of his three releases, it was second offering Slaughterhouse that really stood out . 40 minutes of sludgy, feverish garage rock occupying a much darker realm to any of his previous releases. Think Black Sabbath vs. The Stooges vs. …well, Ty Segall, because this sound most definitely belongs to him.

03. Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music (Williams Street)

Finally, a modern-day hip-hop record that isn’t brushing off its leather-clad shoulder and looking down at you over the rims of its hyper-expensive sunglasses (y’know, the ones it’s wearing even though we’re inside and it’s already like, pitch-black in here). Backed by an impressive production effort from El-P, Killer Mike has created a record that understands where it’s coming from - offering intelligent social commentary and anthems for the downtrodden. The intro to “JoJo’s Chillin’” boasts “this album was created entirely by Jaime and Mike” - and thank god for that, because nobody else could have done it better.

02. Cloud Nothings - Attack on Memory (Wichita Recordings)

“Attack on Memory” couldn’t be a more appropriate title for Cloud Nothings’ recent effort, only ten seconds into opening track “No Future/No Past” and the memory of Baldi’s fuzzed out pop-punk past is already fast fleeting. This is 30 minutes of pure mid-90’s noisy grunge nostalgia, just as you’d expect from the Steve Albini production credit. The change isn’t to everyone’s taste, but while Gotye and that-Korean-dude-from-YouTube exist as this year’s most popular singles, “everyone” clearly can’t be trusted with their own music taste.

01. Poliça - Give You The Ghost (Memphis Industries)

Considering that Justin Bieber’s entire career is reliant upon the existence of Auto-Tune, you wouldn’t expect that same tool to be the defining feature of this year’s best album - oh, but it is. Poliça’s debut effort sees a heavy reworking of Channy Leaneagh’s already well-known vocals, and the result is innovative, stimulating, and hauntingly beautiful. While 2012 has seen R&B warped and manipulated beyond recognisability, it makes sense that pop music should be in line to receive the same treatment, and it looks like Poliça are leading the pack. Tasteful Auto-Tune, who’d have thought it?

10 BEST RECORDS OF 2012 (IN MY HUMBLE OPINION)

10. Swans - The Seer (Young God Records)

09. DIIV - Oshin (Captured Tracks)

08. Merchandise - Children of Desire (Katorga Works)

07. Miguel - Kaleidoscope Dream (RCA)

06. Frank Ocean - Channel Orange (Mercury)

05. Death Grips - The Money Store (Epic Records)
This record would have probably featured higher on the list if Death Grips hadn’t spent the subsequent ten months throwing their shiny new Epic Records-bought toys out of their pram, repeatedly, and across a variety of social media platforms. The toddler tantrum-cum-PR stunt that clogged up the blogosphere, and the less-than-impressive cock-fronted follow-up really overshadowed what was actually an amazing record. Sadly, it’s likely to be the latter that they’re remembered for.

04. Ty Segall Band - Slaughterhouse (In The Red)
2012 has been a busy year for Ty Segall, racking up an impressive total of three full-length albums within the limited twelve month period - although Ty’s dedication to quantity in no way compromised quality on any of his three releases, it was second offering Slaughterhouse that really stood out . 40 minutes of sludgy, feverish garage rock occupying a much darker realm to any of his previous releases. Think Black Sabbath vs. The Stooges vs. …well, Ty Segall, because this sound most definitely belongs to him.

03. Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music (Williams Street)
Finally, a modern-day hip-hop record that isn’t brushing off its leather-clad shoulder and looking down at you over the rims of its hyper-expensive sunglasses (y’know, the ones it’s wearing even though we’re inside and it’s already like, pitch-black in here). Backed by an impressive production effort from El-P, Killer Mike has created a record that understands where it’s coming from - offering intelligent social commentary and anthems for the downtrodden. The intro to “JoJo’s Chillin’” boasts “this album was created entirely by Jaime and Mike” - and thank god for that, because nobody else could have done it better.

02. Cloud Nothings - Attack on Memory (Wichita Recordings)
“Attack on Memory” couldn’t be a more appropriate title for Cloud Nothings’ recent effort, only ten seconds into opening track “No Future/No Past” and the memory of Baldi’s fuzzed out pop-punk past is already fast fleeting. This is 30 minutes of pure mid-90’s noisy grunge nostalgia, just as you’d expect from the Steve Albini production credit. The change isn’t to everyone’s taste, but while Gotye and that-Korean-dude-from-YouTube exist as this year’s most popular singles, “everyone” clearly can’t be trusted with their own music taste.

01. Poliça - Give You The Ghost (Memphis Industries)
Considering that Justin Bieber’s entire career is reliant upon the existence of Auto-Tune, you wouldn’t expect that same tool to be the defining feature of this year’s best album - oh, but it is. Poliça’s debut effort sees a heavy reworking of Channy Leaneagh’s already well-known vocals, and the result is innovative, stimulating, and hauntingly beautiful. While 2012 has seen R&B warped and manipulated beyond recognisability, it makes sense that pop music should be in line to receive the same treatment, and it looks like Poliça are leading the pack. Tasteful Auto-Tune, who’d have thought it?

18 notes // reblog

ONES TO WATCH 2013

Haleek Maul

Releasing a mixtape before you’re legally allowed to have sex ain’t really no thing anymore, and love it or hate it there’s only so much blame you can place on Will Smith and his demon spawn. The issue with this wave of underage artists is that rather than opening doors for them, their youth is actually a constriction, one that’s accompanied by a loudly ticking time-bomb. While odes to Justin Bieber and anti-school anthems are all well and good for a teenager, the whole situation grows pretty uncomfortable once the artist has, y’know, hit puberty (google search: Blink-182). What sets Haleek Maul apart from his peers, is that his talent and the fact he can’t purchase alcohol really have nothing to do with one another; both Oxyconteen and Chrome Lips would be just as impressive if they’d come from someone twice his age, and in fact both sound as if they have done. In contrast with those dependent upon their teen-status, Haleek’s relative youth offers him a different opportunity: an abundance of time within which to develop his sound. When you consider that his lauded Oxyconteen EP is the starting point for said development, then this Barbados rapper’s prospects start to look pretty fucking exciting. Fingers crossed for a full-length debut, hey Haleek?

inc.

In spite of a 2010 debut under the moniker of Teen Inc, and a 3-track EP released through 4AD over a year ago, you’d be forgiven for not having heard of LA brothers “inc.” until like, right now. On first listen, the band’s discography screams of a B-sides-only Prince tribute act, and not an especially great one at that (I’m being nice, third, fourth, and fifth listens do nothing to alleviate the comparison either). Whilst their 3 EP may not have made the waves they’d intended, it certainly seems that third time’s the charm for the Aged brothers, and when previews of a forthcoming full-length started to appear it became apparent that the band’s as-good-as crushed velvet stage ensembles had finally been laid to rest (ish).

inc.’s debut album, no world, is set for a February 2013 release on 4AD - with two tracks, The Place and 5 Days, having made their way online already. The Artist’s influence still presents itself with little shame, but the brothers seem to have finally mastered the skill of paying homage without imitation, and by introducing a more prominent sense of melancholy in place of the “funk” that had dominated their previous releases, the sound is given a much needed update. After all, what’s more 21st century than overwhelming misery? The result is candle-lit, crotch-sweatingly smooth perfection, and the more blatant references to the late-90’s offer a refreshing change from the acts riding the R&B revival wave alongside them. Judging from no world’s previews, the brothers’ swoon-worthy UK debut, and the backing of a great label - inc. show a hell of a lot of promise for 2013, with enough talent to very quickly eclipse their ”The Artist Formerly Known as the Prince Cover Band” status.

XXYYXX

You could be excused for having missed the XXYYXX memo in what has been a frankly x-hausting year. With the blog world simultaneously selling XXXY, XV, The XX, Charli XCX, and of course, DMX and his brief (but brilliant) foray into the world of Christmas carolling, the bottom left corner of your keyboard hasn’t seen this much action since straight edge hardcore was like, a thing.

XXYYXX’s debut effort “Still Sound” dropped all the way back in 2011, a 10-track LP of bedroom-produced hip-hop instrumentals which, although displaying promise, ultimately felt incomplete and lacked the edge needed to make a real impact. When the teen-producer returned earlier this year however, it was clear that his sound had undergone some serious development. With bleak, atmospheric soundscapes and enough R&B vocal samples to make a Now That’s What I Call Music! compilation jealous, 2012 has seen this once ignorable lo-fi bedroom project blossom into something vastly more substantial. It certainly feels like the producer has found what works from him, and the project is crying out for a more definitive release (everything to date has been offered up for free via Bandcamp). Considering the progress made over the last twelve months, it’s almost impossible not to be excited about the twelve that XXYYXX now has ahead of him - one to keep and eye on, for sure.

PUBLISHED ON THE 405: http://thefourohfive.com/news/article/the-405-ones-to-watch-for-2013

ONES TO WATCH 2013

Haleek Maul
Releasing a mixtape before you’re legally allowed to have sex ain’t really no thing anymore, and love it or hate it there’s only so much blame you can place on Will Smith and his demon spawn. The issue with this wave of underage artists is that rather than opening doors for them, their youth is actually a constriction, one that’s accompanied by a loudly ticking time-bomb. While odes to Justin Bieber and anti-school anthems are all well and good for a teenager, the whole situation grows pretty uncomfortable once the artist has, y’know, hit puberty (google search: Blink-182). What sets Haleek Maul apart from his peers, is that his talent and the fact he can’t purchase alcohol really have nothing to do with one another; both Oxyconteen and Chrome Lips would be just as impressive if they’d come from someone twice his age, and in fact both sound as if they have done. In contrast with those dependent upon their teen-status, Haleek’s relative youth offers him a different opportunity: an abundance of time within which to develop his sound. When you consider that his lauded Oxyconteen EP is the starting point for said development, then this Barbados rapper’s prospects start to look pretty fucking exciting. Fingers crossed for a full-length debut, hey Haleek?

inc.
In spite of a 2010 debut under the moniker of Teen Inc, and a 3-track EP released through 4AD over a year ago, you’d be forgiven for not having heard of LA brothers “inc.” until like, right now. On first listen, the band’s discography screams of a B-sides-only Prince tribute act, and not an especially great one at that (I’m being nice, third, fourth, and fifth listens do nothing to alleviate the comparison either). Whilst their 3 EP may not have made the waves they’d intended, it certainly seems that third time’s the charm for the Aged brothers, and when previews of a forthcoming full-length started to appear it became apparent that the band’s as-good-as crushed velvet stage ensembles had finally been laid to rest (ish).
inc.’s debut album, no world, is set for a February 2013 release on 4AD - with two tracks, The Place and 5 Days, having made their way online already. The Artist’s influence still presents itself with little shame, but the brothers seem to have finally mastered the skill of paying homage without imitation, and by introducing a more prominent sense of melancholy in place of the “funk” that had dominated their previous releases, the sound is given a much needed update. After all, what’s more 21st century than overwhelming misery? The result is candle-lit, crotch-sweatingly smooth perfection, and the more blatant references to the late-90’s offer a refreshing change from the acts riding the R&B revival wave alongside them. Judging from no world’s previews, the brothers’ swoon-worthy UK debut, and the backing of a great label - inc. show a hell of a lot of promise for 2013, with enough talent to very quickly eclipse their ”The Artist Formerly Known as the Prince Cover Band” status.

XXYYXX
You could be excused for having missed the XXYYXX memo in what has been a frankly x-hausting year. With the blog world simultaneously selling XXXY, XV, The XX, Charli XCX, and of course, DMX and his brief (but brilliant) foray into the world of Christmas carolling, the bottom left corner of your keyboard hasn’t seen this much action since straight edge hardcore was like, a thing.
XXYYXX’s debut effort “Still Sound” dropped all the way back in 2011, a 10-track LP of bedroom-produced hip-hop instrumentals which, although displaying promise, ultimately felt incomplete and lacked the edge needed to make a real impact. When the teen-producer returned earlier this year however, it was clear that his sound had undergone some serious development. With bleak, atmospheric soundscapes and enough R&B vocal samples to make a Now That’s What I Call Music! compilation jealous, 2012 has seen this once ignorable lo-fi bedroom project blossom into something vastly more substantial. It certainly feels like the producer has found what works from him, and the project is crying out for a more definitive release (everything to date has been offered up for free via Bandcamp). Considering the progress made over the last twelve months, it’s almost impossible not to be excited about the twelve that XXYYXX now has ahead of him - one to keep and eye on, for sure.

PUBLISHED ON THE 405: http://thefourohfive.com/news/article/the-405-ones-to-watch-for-2013

8 notes // reblog

BEST RECORDS OF 2012: THE LONG LIST

The End of Year List, aka. music journalism’s five filthiest words. It’s time to pump up your already over-inflated sense of self-importance and attempt to convince the world that you haven’t spent 2012 with Taylor Swift “Never Ever” on a constant loop (it’s okay, I completely understand). As the blogosphere works itself into a frenzy categorising every aspect of the previous twelve months into CTR-friendly slideshows, I reserve my right to indecisiveness, and I’m kicking off proceedings with a fuss-free long list of thirty records.

Antwon - End of Earth EP
Billy Woods - History Will Absolve Me
Cloud Nothings - Attack on Memory

Death Grips - The Money Store
DIIV - Oshin
El-P - Cancer 4 Cure

Frank Ocean - Channel Orange
The Gaslamp Killer - Breakthrough

Grimes - Visions
Holograms - Holograms
Holy Other - Held
How To Dress Well - Total Loss
Jessie Ware - Devotion
Joey Bada$$ - 1999

Kendrick Lamar - good kid M.A.A.D city
Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music
LE1F - Dark York
The Men - Open Your Heart
Merchandise - Children of Desire
METZ - METZ
Miguel - Kaleidoscope Dream

Nas - Life is Good
Polica - Give You The Ghost
Purity Ring - Shrines
Schoolboy Q - Habits & Contradictions
Supreme Cuts x Haleek Maul - Chrome Lips

Swans - The Seer
TNGHT - TNGHT EP
Ty Segall Band - Slaughterhouse
White Lung - Sorry

BEST RECORDS OF 2012: THE LONG LIST

The End of Year List, aka. music journalism’s five filthiest words. It’s time to pump up your already over-inflated sense of self-importance and attempt to convince the world that you haven’t spent 2012 with Taylor Swift “Never Ever” on a constant loop (it’s okay, I completely understand). As the blogosphere works itself into a frenzy categorising every aspect of the previous twelve months into CTR-friendly slideshows, I reserve my right to indecisiveness, and I’m kicking off proceedings with a fuss-free long list of thirty records.
Antwon - End of Earth EP Billy Woods - History Will Absolve Me Cloud Nothings - Attack on Memory

Death Grips - The Money Store DIIV - Oshin El-P - Cancer 4 Cure

Frank Ocean - Channel Orange The Gaslamp Killer - Breakthrough

Grimes - VisionsHolograms - Holograms Holy Other - Held How To Dress Well - Total Loss Jessie Ware - Devotion Joey Bada$$ - 1999

Kendrick Lamar - good kid M.A.A.D city Killer Mike - R.A.P. Music LE1F - Dark York The Men - Open Your Heart Merchandise - Children of Desire METZ - METZ Miguel - Kaleidoscope Dream

Nas - Life is Good Polica - Give You The Ghost Purity Ring - Shrines Schoolboy Q - Habits & Contradictions Supreme Cuts x Haleek Maul - Chrome Lips

Swans - The Seer TNGHT - TNGHT EP Ty Segall Band - Slaughterhouse White Lung - Sorry

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UNGOOGLEABLE BAND OF THE WEEK: INC.

Ungoogleable band names… I know, right? This source of exasperation came crashing into my life while drafting an event press release; the headline act? Amateur Video. Being the sharp-minded individual that I am, I assumed I could effectively bypass the problem (and by problem I mean endless stream of porn) by fleshing out the search with just a little extra information. In case you weren’t aware, Amateur Video are a Liverpool-based hardcore punk band. Hardcore. Hardcore Amateur Video. Needless to say, the phenomenon of the ungoogleable band name had well and truly made itself known.

Whilst no others offer up quite as colourful an online experience as Amateur Video, ungoogleable is most certainly the trend du jour in the world of band names - everything from Bedroom Furniture to Thunder and Lightning to Girls (okay, safe search dependent that one can get interesting) are offering up their musical wares. This is a blog dedicated to those guys, because their SEO ain’t gonna get them anywhere on their own.

First up? “inc.”

It’s Wednesday evening and I’m in the middle of a crowded room working a slow-motion R&B body-roll and battling for eye contact with a greasy curtain-haired frontman sporting a dog tag, a parody long-sleeve, and a pair of baggy jeans. Did Tumblr win some sort of petition and the 90’s have genuinely been reinstated? Sadly not, this is in fact the debut London show of the fabulously ungoogleable “inc.”.

Want to know more? Here are your options:

No, that hasn’t got me body poppin’ and reaching for the baby oil either. The inc. that I’m referring to, being so cruelly ignored by everyone’s favourite search engine, are a pair of LA-based brothers currently riding the R&B revival wave alongside the likes of The Weeknd, Miguel, Frank Ocean, Jesse Boykins III, and How To Dress Well. Their debut album, no world, is set for a February 2013 release on 4AD - with two tracks, The Place, and 5 Days, having made their way online already. Both pay homage to the sound of the late-90’s in a more blatant manner than the brothers’ wave-sharing counterparts, although the near overwhelming sense of melancholy eliminates any feeling of datedness (we are the generation to so eagerly promote the notion of “forever alone”, after all). Judging from the previews we’ve had so far, and their swoon-worthy debut London performance, February 2013 looks set to be a candle-lit crotch-sweatingly good time.

Stream inc. “5 Days” now:

no world, full track listing:

1. The Place
2. Black Wings
3. Lifetime
4. 5 Days
5. Trust (Hell Below)
6. Your Tears
7. Angel
8. Seventeen
9. Desert Rose (War Prayer)
10. Careful
11. Nariah’s Song

http://www.official-inc.com
http://www.facebook.com/inc.life

UNGOOGLEABLE BAND OF THE WEEK: INC.

Ungoogleable band names… I know, right? This source of exasperation came crashing into my life while drafting an event press release; the headline act? Amateur Video. Being the sharp-minded individual that I am, I assumed I could effectively bypass the problem (and by problem I mean endless stream of porn) by fleshing out the search with just a little extra information. In case you weren’t aware, Amateur Video are a Liverpool-based hardcore punk band. Hardcore. Hardcore Amateur Video. Needless to say, the phenomenon of the ungoogleable band name had well and truly made itself known.
Whilst no others offer up quite as colourful an online experience as Amateur Video, ungoogleable is most certainly the trend du jour in the world of band names - everything from Bedroom Furniture to Thunder and Lightning to Girls (okay, safe search dependent that one can get interesting) are offering up their musical wares. This is a blog dedicated to those guys, because their SEO ain’t gonna get them anywhere on their own.
First up? “inc.”
It’s Wednesday evening and I’m in the middle of a crowded room working a slow-motion R&B body-roll and battling for eye contact with a greasy curtain-haired frontman sporting a dog tag, a parody long-sleeve, and a pair of baggy jeans. Did Tumblr win some sort of petition and the 90’s have genuinely been reinstated? Sadly not, this is in fact the debut London show of the fabulously ungoogleable “inc.”.
Want to know more? Here are your options:

No, that hasn’t got me body poppin’ and reaching for the baby oil either. The inc. that I’m referring to, being so cruelly ignored by everyone’s favourite search engine, are a pair of LA-based brothers currently riding the R&B revival wave alongside the likes of The Weeknd, Miguel, Frank Ocean, Jesse Boykins III, and How To Dress Well. Their debut album, no world, is set for a February 2013 release on 4AD - with two tracks, The Place, and 5 Days, having made their way online already. Both pay homage to the sound of the late-90’s in a more blatant manner than the brothers’ wave-sharing counterparts, although the near overwhelming sense of melancholy eliminates any feeling of datedness (we are the generation to so eagerly promote the notion of “forever alone”, after all). Judging from the previews we’ve had so far, and their swoon-worthy debut London performance, February 2013 looks set to be a candle-lit crotch-sweatingly good time.
Stream inc. “5 Days” now:

no world, full track listing:
1. The Place 2. Black Wings 3. Lifetime 4. 5 Days 5. Trust (Hell Below) 6. Your Tears 7. Angel 8. Seventeen 9. Desert Rose (War Prayer) 10. Careful 11. Nariah’s Song
http://www.official-inc.comhttp://www.facebook.com/inc.life

5 notes // reblog

405 RADIO PLAYLIST: UNDER 1.5K

In a world where Green Day have 25.5 million Facebook fans, and almost 120 thousand people use social media to declare their love for “that awkward moment when Adele turns up out of the blue uninvited”, it’s pretty depressing to think that these guys haven’t even mustered up a mere 1.5k likes… yet.

Ratking - Wikispeaks
Dominic Lord - Fashion Show
Elucid - Bank of America (ft. Billy Woods)
Haleek Maul - Gully (prod. Supreme Cuts)
Mont Brown - Hi Top Fade (ft. Chill Moody & Pace-O Beats)
Lakutis - Lakutis in the Haus
Lee Bannon x C Plus - Does It Better
Friendzone - Rest
J£zus Million - Knife
Young Triforce Cat Baron - I’m The Bible
Alby Daniels - This Dawn
Zodiac - Come (ft. Jesse Boykins III)
Eagles For Hands - Gliterall
Rules - I’m Patient
The-Drum - Omar
Howse - VBS

405 RADIO PLAYLIST: UNDER 1.5K

In a world where Green Day have 25.5 million Facebook fans, and almost 120 thousand people use social media to declare their love for “that awkward moment when Adele turns up out of the blue uninvited”, it’s pretty depressing to think that these guys haven’t even mustered up a mere 1.5k likes… yet.

Ratking - Wikispeaks Dominic Lord - Fashion ShowElucid - Bank of America (ft. Billy Woods)Haleek Maul - Gully (prod. Supreme Cuts)Mont Brown - Hi Top Fade (ft. Chill Moody & Pace-O Beats)Lakutis - Lakutis in the HausLee Bannon x C Plus - Does It Better Friendzone - Rest J£zus Million - Knife Young Triforce Cat Baron - I’m The BibleAlby Daniels - This DawnZodiac - Come (ft. Jesse Boykins III)Eagles For Hands - GliterallRules - I’m Patient The-Drum - OmarHowse - VBS

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Stream: Hot Sugar “MiDi Murder” EP

NYC producer/emoticon fanatic Nick Koenig aka “Hot Sugar” has been dropping some pretty sweet (pun intended) instrumentals for a while now. Taking a somewhat abstract approach, Koenig collects everyday noise irritants and transforms them into some of the more captivating and melodious compositions within his genre. Hot Sugar’s most recent project, a 7-track EP released through Scion A/V, features a stellar line-up of rising rappers including Haleek Maul, Antwon, Fat Tony, Big Baby Ghandi, Das Racist, and more. I still can’t quite discern whether the intro sample is inciting a feeling of nostalgia or nausea (dial-up internet, shudder), but this EP is definitely worthy of your time, and as luck would have it, absolutely none of your money.

Stream / download Hot Sugar’s “MiDi Muder” now.

PUBLISHED ON THE 405: http://thefourohfive.com/news/article/hot-sugar-midi-murder-ep-listen

Stream: Hot Sugar “MiDi Murder” EP

NYC producer/emoticon fanatic Nick Koenig aka “Hot Sugar” has been dropping some pretty sweet (pun intended) instrumentals for a while now. Taking a somewhat abstract approach, Koenig collects everyday noise irritants and transforms them into some of the more captivating and melodious compositions within his genre. Hot Sugar’s most recent project, a 7-track EP released through Scion A/V, features a stellar line-up of rising rappers including Haleek Maul, Antwon, Fat Tony, Big Baby Ghandi, Das Racist, and more. I still can’t quite discern whether the intro sample is inciting a feeling of nostalgia or nausea (dial-up internet, shudder), but this EP is definitely worthy of your time, and as luck would have it, absolutely none of your money.Stream / download Hot Sugar’s “MiDi Muder” now.
PUBLISHED ON THE 405: http://thefourohfive.com/news/article/hot-sugar-midi-murder-ep-listen

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ARTIST PROFILE: ALEXANDER SPIT

It’s been a busy year for LA-based rapper/producer Alexander Spit, with three projects under his belt already and now a hot-off-the-press announcement that his “A Breathtaking Trip to that Otherside” LP will drop in January 2013. It’s an impressive feat for any artist to deliver more than one substantial release within a year, even more so if in spite of the limited timeframe each release manages to offer a natural but distinct progression from that which proceeded it - N.B. If you’ve spent the year letting Lil B spoil you like a rap game Super Sweet Sixteenther, then the above statement may seem unfounded. For argument’s sake let’s agree that, with fourteen releases in only ten months (including an 855-track mixtape and a debut into the world of “rock”), Lil B occupies a musical realm inaccessible to us mere mortals and can be discounted from such generalisations. #LOVEYOUBASEDGOD.

With regards to the driving force behind this year’s onslaught of material, Spit describes kick-starting 2012 with a need to feel creatively overwhelmed: “Last year I released only one project titled “These Long Strange Nights”, It was the result of me going through a lot of personal shit and experiencing the longest writer’s block of my life. When starting 2012, I really wanted to do my best to never experience something like that again, so I figured it was best to overwhelm myself creatively with several projects.”

Considering that 99.9% of Spit’s work is self-produced, a not-so-humble four releases would make even the most impassioned of artists feel overwhelmed. “I take a lot of pride in producing my own music”, he says, “any artist that produces their own music understands the work that goes into that and knows the amount of intelligence and craft it takes to accomplish that. Best part about it all is that it enables me to maintain a certain sound/vibe that I’m known for” - a point that has been demonstrated perfectly across the three very different releases he has dropped thus far in 2012: the hip-hop-focused “A Breathtaking Trip” EP, the R&B production of Bago’s “Sunday’s Best” EP, and the standout instrumental mixtape “Mansions”.

To date, every one of Spit’s releases have been offered up for free via his website, not that the missing price tag is in any way a reflection of their value in the grander sense. Over the past few years the quality distinction between free “mixtapes” and bonafied local-indie-record-store releases has lessened to the point of total irrelevance. Besides name-dropping the obvious example of 2011, this year has been punctuated with countless freebies all more than deserving of a spot on the coveted end of year lists alongside their iTunes-available counterparts. Think LE1F’s genre-bending “Dark Times”, Joey Bada$$’ outstanding debut “1999”, and let’s not forget Rick Ross’ latest endeavour “Rich Forever” (how apt). The success of Spit’s free material has seen him sign with New York label Decon Records, and his forthcoming LP will be the first product of this relationship: “For me… at the end of the day the most important thing is that my music sounds and is presented exactly how I envision with as little to no outside influence involved. Never in my career have I really went shopping for a deal but this past year I was approached by several labels. One of them being Decon.” Spit continues: “It’s a label run by folks that understand the importance in artistry and have been able to take my vision to the next level” …andwith features from The Alchemist, Action Bronson, Mr. Muthafuckin eXquire, and E-40, it’s safe to say that his commercial debut will be doing just that.

Stream Alexander Spit ft. The Alchemist “Getaway Car” now:

“A Breathtaking Trip to the Otherside” will be released via Decon Records on January 29, 2013. Full track listing below:

1. Black Magic On Blue Magic
2. Ride (Chicken Wit The Odds)
3. GREAT SCOTT!!!
4. That’s Spit / Space Echoes
5. A Breathtaking Trip feat. BAGO
6. NRML Ave Interlude
7. B.N.E. Remix feat. E-40 & Mr. MFN Exquire
8. Coastal / Hyperion co-prod. by Caleb Stone
9. Lakes
10. Getaway Car feat. Alchemist
11. Vodka Interlude prod. by In Transit
12. Artesia feat. Action Bronson
13. Pulp 2013 / Heroin Chic
14. Cinema Interlude
15. Honeymoon In A Motel Room
16. Sluts Kiss French co-prod. by Bobby Evans
17. Death By 27

PUBLISHED ON THE 405: http://thefourohfive.com/news/article/405-profile-alexander-spit

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405 RADIO PLAYLIST: HAPPY HALLOWEEN

An alternative approach to a Halloween soundtrack, because not every spoOooOoky playlist has to feature a “Monster Mash” techno remix and five samples of Goblin’s “Tenebre (Main Title)”, y’know?

Zomby - Witch Hunt
Death Grips - Blood Creepin
Antwon - Sittin In Hell
Schoolboy Q - Nightmare on Figg St.
Waka Flocka Flame - Murda (White Ring 2k12 Remix)
Alexander Spit - Facemelter
ϟ†Nϟ - Suicide
Crystal Castles - Plague
Austra - Spellwork
Chelsea Wolfe - Demons
Naomi Punk - Burned Body
Ty Segall Band - Death
The Soft Moon - Die Life

405 RADIO PLAYLIST: HAPPY HALLOWEEN

An alternative approach to a Halloween soundtrack, because not every spoOooOoky playlist has to feature a “Monster Mash” techno remix and five samples of Goblin’s “Tenebre (Main Title)”, y’know?

Zomby - Witch HuntDeath Grips - Blood Creepin Antwon - Sittin In Hell Schoolboy Q - Nightmare on Figg St. Waka Flocka Flame - Murda (White Ring 2k12 Remix) Alexander Spit - Facemelter ϟ†Nϟ - Suicide Crystal Castles - Plague Austra - Spellwork Chelsea Wolfe - Demons Naomi Punk - Burned Body Ty Segall Band - Death The Soft Moon - Die Life

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405 RADIO PLAYLIST: RAPS ABOUT SNACKS

Because girls, cars, and money are like, SO last year - featuring the likes of Fat Tony, Mr Muthafuckin eXquire, Action Bronson, the Jet Age of Tomorrow, and MF Doom: http://i.mixcloud.com/CBptS3

Action Bronson - Jerk Chicken (ft. Maffew Ragazino)
Nas - Fried Chicken (ft. Busta Rhymes)
Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire - Chicken Spot Rock (ft. Dallas Tha Kid)
Dead Prez - Be Healthy
Fat Tony - Nigga U Ain’t Fat
Action Bronson - Brunch
Notorious B.I.G. - Big Poppa
Smoov-E - Mr. Biscuits
Tyler, The Creator - Burger (ft. Hodgy Beats)
Billy Woods - Sour Grapes (ft. Elucid)
The Jet Age of Tomorrow - LunchBox (ft. Vince Staples & JQ)
Flatbush Zombies - Breakfast AT ePiffanies (ft. Erick Arc Elliott)
Main Attrakionz - Vegetables
Kreayshawn - Breakfast (Syrup) (ft. 2 Chainz)
Azealia Banks - Liquorice
Danny Brown - Monopoly
Das Racist - Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell

405 RADIO PLAYLIST: RAPS ABOUT SNACKS

Because girls, cars, and money are like, SO last year - featuring the likes of Fat Tony, Mr Muthafuckin eXquire, Action Bronson, the Jet Age of Tomorrow, and MF Doom: http://i.mixcloud.com/CBptS3

Action Bronson - Jerk Chicken (ft. Maffew Ragazino)Nas - Fried Chicken (ft. Busta Rhymes)Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire - Chicken Spot Rock (ft. Dallas Tha Kid)Dead Prez - Be HealthyFat Tony - Nigga U Ain’t FatAction Bronson - BrunchNotorious B.I.G. - Big PoppaSmoov-E - Mr. BiscuitsTyler, The Creator - Burger (ft. Hodgy Beats)Billy Woods - Sour Grapes (ft. Elucid)The Jet Age of Tomorrow - LunchBox (ft. Vince Staples & JQ)Flatbush Zombies - Breakfast AT ePiffanies (ft. Erick Arc Elliott)Main Attrakionz - VegetablesKreayshawn - Breakfast (Syrup) (ft. 2 Chainz)Azealia Banks - LiquoriceDanny Brown - MonopolyDas Racist - Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell

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ARTIST PROFILE: B L A C K I E

All musicians derive influence from an artist that has preceded them (unless you’re like, Mr Bungle, because I don’t think anyone can claim responsibility for inspiring that one). When paying homage to those who have influenced you, there’s a tendency to lean upon the age old concept of “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”. In some cases, musicians adhere to this so heavily that the final result is nothing more than a glorified cover band. That’s not to say that success can’t been found in the blatant ripping-off of your idols: it’s been almost 20-years since Muse began their career as a Radiohead tribute act, and only two years ago Fireflies by The Postal Service Owl City became the 20th most downloaded song of all time.

Forging a career through imitation can be especially rewarding when the artist who inspires you are themselves unknown. I imagine only a meager percentage of Tyler, The Creator’s one million (and rising) Twitter followers are aware that Necro has had a penchant for abusive and sexually depraved rap lyrics since 1998.

When Death Grips arrived on the scene last year, bringing a “brand new” level of complexity to hip-hop and earning rave reviews across the board, there was one community of fans who were already more than familiar with the genre…

B L A C K I E (also known as B L A C K I E… All Caps With Spaces) has been championing the punk / hip-hop crossover, supposedly heralded by Death Grips, since early 2005. The similarity in sound between the two acts cannot be ignored, however, it seems that until now B L A C K I E himself has been.

While the past six months have seen Death Grips sign with LA Reid and soften (if only slightly) for a second release, B L A C K I E has been slogging his guts out harder than ever. “GEN”, his latest offering on Tooth Records, sees the artist’s most groundbreaking and downright punk move yet… an acoustic album.

By stripping back the overbearing wall of noise which usually dominates his style, you’re confronted with the basics: B L A C K I E’s guttural voice, and his domineering lyricism. The stark confrontation can be unsettling at times; surprisingly, removing the brutal assault of feedback from the mix only serves to heighten B L A C K I E’s formidibality. Not that he’s in the business of making friends here, this is notably the only live act I’ve ever seen cause actual distress to their audience. Hey, it worked for GG Allin, right?

At the time of writing this review, I can honestly say that nothing else exists to occupy a similar musical space to B L A C K I E’s fifth release. Individuality is short-lived though, chances are something will appear in the near future and will undeservedly receive more recognition.

Pick up a copy of B L A C K I E “Gen” here.

PUBLISHED ON THE 405: http://thefourohfive.com/news/article/405-profile-b-l-a-c-k-i-e

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DRAKE & AALIYAH: ENOUGH SAID

Borderline-pathological celebrity worship (no seriously it’s a real thing, it has a Wikipedia page and everything) is defined by psychotic over-identification with a celebrity.

Not to be judgemental over here, but I’d say releasing a duet with a deceased artist you’ve never met, whose face you have tattooed across your back, and who you’ve invited out for an all-expenses-paid dinner on the “day you finally meet” (what happened to YOLO, dude?) …now that’s definitely edging into “borderline-pathological” territory.

The fact that this photoshopped image of the two kicking back and enjoying some purple drank has been attached to the conversation only serves to make it even creepier (because Drizzy really needed some extra help in achieving that, you guys).

The inevitability that Drake will haul Aaliyah’s hologram on tour to support the entire collaborative album is almost overwhelming. Honest question though, can a 3D hologram file for a restraining order?

I guess it’s not all bad, if celebrity stalkers can now release legitimate collaborations without the input or consent of their idols, does this mean that a Miley Cyrus feat @MileyCyrusCarlx collaboration is on the horizon? Fuck, I hope so.

DRAKE & AALIYAH: ENOUGH SAID

Borderline-pathological celebrity worship (no seriously it’s a real thing, it has a Wikipedia page and everything) is defined by psychotic over-identification with a celebrity.
Not to be judgemental over here, but I’d say releasing a duet with a deceased artist you’ve never met, whose face you have tattooed across your back, and who you’ve invited out for an all-expenses-paid dinner on the “day you finally meet” (what happened to YOLO, dude?) …now that’s definitely edging into “borderline-pathological” territory.

The fact that this photoshopped image of the two kicking back and enjoying some purple drank has been attached to the conversation only serves to make it even creepier (because Drizzy really needed some extra help in achieving that, you guys).
The inevitability that Drake will haul Aaliyah’s hologram on tour to support the entire collaborative album is almost overwhelming. Honest question though, can a 3D hologram file for a restraining order?
I guess it’s not all bad, if celebrity stalkers can now release legitimate collaborations without the input or consent of their idols, does this mean that a Miley Cyrus feat @MileyCyrusCarlx collaboration is on the horizon? Fuck, I hope so.

0 notes // reblog

ALBUM REVIEW: DEATH GRIPS “MONEY STORE”

Artist: Death Grips
Album: The Money Store
Year: 2012

If Death Grips’ first record was the aural rendering of an abusive relationship, The Money Store is here with its arm around your shoulder whispering that you’re not going to get hurt anymore, baby. They’re still the same volatile asshole that fucked you up the first time round but now they’re plying you with trinkets and nuzzling your neck during the intervals. Problem is, I actually preferred having the shit plain kicked out of me. Guess I’m just a masochist.

7/10

PUBLISHED IN VICE MAGAZINE, VOLUME 10 ISSUE 4

ALBUM REVIEW: DEATH GRIPS “MONEY STORE”

Artist: Death GripsAlbum: The Money StoreYear: 2012
If Death Grips’ first record was the aural rendering of an abusive relationship, The Money Store is here with its arm around your shoulder whispering that you’re not going to get hurt anymore, baby. They’re still the same volatile asshole that fucked you up the first time round but now they’re plying you with trinkets and nuzzling your neck during the intervals. Problem is, I actually preferred having the shit plain kicked out of me. Guess I’m just a masochist.
7/10
PUBLISHED IN VICE MAGAZINE, VOLUME 10 ISSUE 4