The Audacity of Dope

There are some artists in this industry who are talented, and then there are a few that seem to be on another level, closer to genius status.  I won’t put the pressure on the homey Exile by calling him a genius, but he’s clearly working on another plane than your average ‘dope’ producer.  Between his beats, his live MPC performances, his beatboxing, and even his rapping, he hears things that we don’t, and puts sounds together in ways that we would never think to do.

A little while back, Ex came through Sound Session to talk all about his latest opus, Radio, an album crafted entirely out of sounds culled from his home radio.  He detailed the creative process behind the project and how it gave him a deeper respect for radio in general.  He also talked about his crazy live MPC sets with DJ Day, how his family influenced his music, his upcoming Boy Meets World album with Fashawn, a follow up to Blu’s Below The Heavens, and the 2892412931 other projects he’s got on his plate.  Check it all out right here:

Exile on Sound Session – http://www.mediafire.com/?gjnb13y1muj
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/610749136fb90d7d/)

If you haven’t already, cop Radio in stores now!

The long awaited visuals for Wale’s lead single have finally leaked and I think the clip came out pretty nice.  Definitely crisp and I dig the track, though the blatant M.I.A. swagger jacking from GaGa’s hook still seems a little weird to me.  I’m sure Cool & Dre or someone ran it by M.I.A., but I’d be curious to hear what she feels about the hook.

Anyway, hopefully this single will catch on and Wale can join the ranks of Asher, Cudi, and Drake as the only new cats to actually get a crossover hit.  One of my old workplaces, KIIS in LA, has already added it so that’s a great sign.

Here’s another new video from Wale and Rik Cordero for “Family Affair” while we’re at it:

Seattle folks: Wale will be performing at Bumbershoot this year…don’t miss it…

As I mentioned in the post for the most recent Sound Session, Krispy and Al from the Knux came through the studio to kick it and co-host last night’s show.  We talked about their next album, upcoming tour plans, an all-star remix to their “F!re” track that’s in the works, the Twitter phenomenon, and more. Plus, they even kicked a quick freestyle live over the air.

You can watch part of the interview above (including the freestyle) and/or download the audio below:

The Knux on Sound Session – http://www.mediafire.com/?aowymygdmhm
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/60507495869da4aa/)

In case you missed their first appearance on SNSS, click here.

Shout to the whole crew for coming through.  Be sure to cop Remind Me In 3 Days if you haven’t already and catch the Knux on tour in your town soon!

I love seeing the next generation of talent not only making great music but touching on issues way deeper than what most of their young peers are rapping about (“youuuuuuuuuuuuuuu”).  This joint is off C-San‘s The Birth, but keep an eye out for his next project dropping in June entitled, I Want To Work With Quik.  If he keeps dropping tracks like this, I can see that happening…

One of the rising stars in hip-hop, Los Angeles’ Nipsey Hussle, came through Sound Session recently to chop it up with J. Moore and myself while out here on tour with The Game.  Just like you’d expect with a dude that many see as a young Snoop, Nipsey was cool as hell.

We talked all about his background (including how he got the name), his upcoming South Central State of Mind debut album, whether he had any reservations on using the familiar Kris Kross sample on “Hussle In The House,” and more.  Plus, we delved a little deeper than most interviews I’ve seen with Nip as we talked about his East African roots, fatherhood, how he wants to change the stereotypes of gang culture, and the difficulties in walking the fine line between reporting on violence and glorifying it.  Don’t miss this one y’all…

Nipsey Hussle on Sound Session – http://www.mediafire.com/?ijmi0ynzaez
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/5924493404d4c2b2/ )

*throws up the dub with pride*

Hands down, my favorite part of hosting a radio show for the last decade (wow…i’m old) is helping shine light on folks who aren’t getting the respect they deserve.  Now, those within the industry obviously know how talented Focus is, but the general public is still a bit behind.  Recently, they’ve started to learn as he’s unleashed his “homage” series of songs dedicated towards some of his biggest inspirations (DJ Premier, J Dilla, and Pete Rock so far).

We had the chance to catch up with Focus on Sound Session and talk all about how that series came together and who will be next up to receive a homage production.  We also talked about his background (his dad was the bass player in Chic…what!?!), what it’s like working with Dre on Detox, his creative process, the development of his artist, Kida, why there are more good beats than good rappers, and much more.  You can even hear Kida’s new track with Focus, “Must Be Nice,” included in the interview.  Peep it:

Focus on Sound Session – http://www.mediafire.com/?u1ekwyj4zmn
(back up / streaming link – http://www.zshare.net/audio/5867236469e95e65/)

Be on the lookout for the next homage to drop real soon and please stop sleeping on this dude.  He flips every style better than most producers flip their specialties and he’s also taking music in his own direction at the same time.  Get familiar now or play catch up later.

Man, I’m kinda speechless right now.  The homies Y-O and Thurz have really outdone themselves with the new clip for “Hollywood Hiatus” off A Love Supreme.  Much respect to super director Tomas Whitmore who has directed all their clips (and El Prez’ “UAINTUPONTHIS!”), and they seem to get better each time.  All these joints are smashing major label videos right now.

Cop that Love Supreme if you haven’t already…hint: it’s free!

LOL @ comparisons between Em and Asher right now.  Asher’s actually making songs.  Em’s making the same joke of a single for the 6th time.  Shrug.

This is the next single by the way, featuring Cee-Lo if you couldn’t tell.  Footage shot by the homey Tunji and the alley oop from GregTheDude.

I take a huge L for not posting the new album from the longtime homies Y-O and Thurzday until a full 2 days after it dropped.  Argh @ me being super busy, but at least I’m finally getting this up here.  Besides, if you’re up on things, you should have already grabbed this.  If not, head on over to YOThurz.com and download the masterpiece.

I’ve been looking forward to this ever since Y-O and Thurz first talked about it damn near 2 years ago.  Then they came up to Sound Session at the end of last year and played us the snippets and I really got hype.  Now it’s finally here in full.  Ro Blvd on the beats, Yonas & Thurz on the mic.

Download immediately.

New video from the Custom Made crew, who I’ve been digging for a couple years now.  They’ve quietly been releasing some dope ish down there in Los Angeles, and certainly more grimy than most of the new stuff from the West.  Every now and then, you just have to step on someone’s sneakers you know?