I’ve been meaning to post this up for a bit, but as usual, better late than never. Besides is a collection of Shad’s recent guest appearances and remixes, all seamlessly blended by the one and only DJ T-Lo. The best writer in the game, IMO.
Download here.
Seattle: Come to Sol’s Yours Truly release party on Friday, January 20th, at Neumos to see Shad perform live! (and cop Sol’s new album too!)
Speaking of Shad, here’s a great mini-documentary about a recent trip to his family’s homeland, Rwanda. As I always tell MC’s, and really any young people in general, think global, not local.
This clip of Shad talking to kids at a middle school in Surrey, BC exemplifies why he’s one of my favorite MC’s. It’s one thing to be an incredibly talented rapper and musician, but when combined with intelligence and the realization that you have an obligation to help make the world a better place, it takes it to the next level. I wish more MC’s were as forward thinking and intelligent as Shad, so they could speak to our youth as well. As it stands now, there are probably less than 20 MC’s around that I’d encourage they go speak to kids. And that’s horrifying.
With the NBA lockout looming larger every day, I’ve already convinced myself that there won’t be a season. This way, if any good news breaks, it will be a pleasant surprise since I’ve already accepted disappointment. In its absence, I have a feeling I’ll be following more NHL this season, especially if our closest Pacific Northwest squad, the Canucks, can replicate their (regular) season success again. I’ll also have more interest if Nike keeps creating dope marketing collaborations like this one, highlighting Montreal’s P.K. Subban over a dope track by Canadian legend Saukrates.
Sound Session listeners will recognize this track from some of our recent episodes and it’s one of my favorite Pacific Northwest records of the year. JayKin played this for me when I dropped by Alife Vancouver a few weeks ago and I was hooked right away. Even with our fleeting summer weather, the vibe instantly puts you in a good mood. Combine the audio with dope shots of Vancouver at night (Gastown!) and you can’t go wrong.
Off JayKin’s Sneakers and Video Games 2 (Bonus), which you should download right here…RIGHT NOW!
Ah yes! After a few months of anxious waiting, we’ve received the follow up to The Weeknd’s House of Balloons in the form of Thursday, a 9 song EP that picks up where his debut left off. On my first few listens, no, it’s not quite as impressive as Balloons, but that isn’t much of a slight.
House of Balloons is an automatic classic in my book and Thursday has a few moments that live up to that level. Even the parts that don’t are still dope, but bottom line, either you like The Weeknd‘s sound or you don’t. There is no middle ground and this tape won’t change your mind one way or the other.
Personally, I love it.
Sexy/Emo/Baller/Depressed music all in one, perfect for the loft and for the upcoming cold season. I don’t think you’ll find a better 2am soundtrack this winter, but ladies, if you do, please let me know…
Download here.
“There’s so many things to do / So many people I need to talk to”
Coming off a few days worth of vacation in Canada, that quote kinda sums up how I feel about life right now. One of my favorite aspects to visiting a city like Vancouver is that the people up there are just far more friendly and outgoing (and interesting) than my fellow Americans. Sorry folks, it’s true. Every time I stepped out in Van City, I had fun conversations with people left and right. Plus, they all instantly treated me like family. Much appreciated y’all.
There are so many experiences I’m looking forward to having in life and if I can get green lights all along the trip like Aloe, life will be good.
If you’ve been coming to this blog for a while, you already know all about Shad. Even if you do, this interview actually gets in to some personal topics that you don’t often hear him talk about. And if you’re curious why folks think Shad is so dope, check the rhyme:
It seems like when folks aren’t discussing planking on Twitter (hip-hop, you’re late to the party on that one), they’re talking Drizzy. I’ve seen negative feedback from a lot of my friends and peers for “Marvin’s Room” and “Trust Issues,” but like pretty much all of Drake’s music, I like these records.
And as emo as people want to accuse Drake of being, there’s something pretty gully about dropping the official visuals for “Marvin’s Room” right after Chris Brown released his version. Wamp waaaaaamp.
“I’m talkin’ crazy girl, I’m lucky that you picked up…”
First came the above interview at SXSW and with Curren$y recently completing his Pacific Northwest trip, Nardwuar posted the follow up:
Nardwuar is obviously legendary, but for his bits to work, he needs the interviewee to play along. There have been plenty of good examples, but the interaction between these two is on another level. Plus, Curren$y’s personality is high comedy, no pun.