Why Music Blogging STILL Matters in 2013

Last week I had some time to sit around and ponder a few things about not only my music blog, but music blogging in general. If you are an avid reader of...

Video: Dead Times - "Centuries"


I'm always into artists or groups who aren't afraid to expand on a common genre, like the new surge of R&B music. LA duo Dead Times are doing it right and create a warm, yet relaxed feel on the song "Centuries." The pair returns with this song and release a new video, which is a time-lapsed visual of a woman dancing. I think it captures the vibe of the song quite well. Check it out below.

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Gilbere Forte – PRAY (Mixtape)


Over the last week or so we got a taste of Philly rapper Gilbere Forte's new music from his PRAY mixtape. It was sounding pretty damn good and I was looking forward to hearing the whole project, which is now out. This tape features ten tracks and guest appearances from Active Child, De Carlo, and Nylo. You can stream the entire thing below and if you are feeling it, you can download for free right here.

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JMSN – Live At Red Bull Studios (EP)


One thing I have to respect about Red Bull, is they seem to have their hands (or wings) in everything and anything cool. Their was some recent video of JMSN performing live at the Red Bull Studios in Los Angeles with a full live band. Yet, he decided to not only release that song, but the full session as a free live EP to download, or to purchase on iTunes if you are feeling generous. The 5 songs he performed all can be found on his debut album †Priscilla†. Stream and download the live session below.

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Disclosure ft. Eliza Doolittle – "You & Me" (Baauer Remix)


Yeah yeah yeah, I know this song was all over the web yesterday but I wanted some time to actually listen to Baauer's full remix of Disclosure and Eliza Doolittle's "You & Me." I wasn't sure what to expect, but when the song came to an end I found myself really enjoying it. On this remix, Baauer adds in some trap flare and increases the pitch of the vocals, creating a whole new fast-paced dance environment. He also shows us that he is more than just the viral hit of "Harlem Shake," which although I knew the talents were there, I could tell it would take some convincing for others. Stream below.

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Beau Young Prince - "Roll Bounce"


If there is one thing I can count one, it's that DMV rapper Beau Young Prince will always provide a smooth new banger, which is what he did on "Roll Bounce." This has those summertime grooves that will have you rolling your windows down, bumpin' those speakers, and just cruising into the night. His flow is a solid fit for the crisp production from Kings and I hope these guys can link up in the near future. Stream and download below.

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Ryan Hemsworth - "Perfectly"


Just when you think a new week will go by without a Ryan Hemsworth tune, he goes and releases something else to lift my spirits. This time an original song called "Perfectly," which will be off his upcoming EP, Still Awake, out next week. The light and atmospheric track is a perfect transition for this warm weather and showcases more of the talents from the Canadian producer. Stream below.

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The Notorious B.I.G. - "Everyday Struggle" (Dead Battery Remix)


I'm usually slightly skeptical of remixes of any Notorious B.I.G. remixes, but Austrian producer Dead Battery did a solid job on the classic "Everyday Struggle." On his version he leaves the powerful lyrics and flow from the master emcee, but spins it with some heavy bass and a new piano arrangement. If you are looking for a new party song or something to add to a mix, then this would probably be a good choice. Stream and download below.

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Andrea - Cruising (EP)


Let's be honest for a minute, we all know the start to a new week can suck. But Andrea's new Cruising EP will relax you and help you appreciate a new day. It's been a steady rise for the Parisian producer who found some notice remixing some tunes, but it's the chillwave originals that will send crisp vibes throughout your body.

Yet, there is more to his formula than chillwave, with a ton of experimental and use of sounds that form a cohesive listen. This was released May 12th via Moose Records, and I think is something you guys will truly enjoy. Stream below.

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Gilbere Forte – "Anigma"


Gilbere Forte is just two days away from dropping his new project PRAY, but shared a new track called "Anigma." This song ain't no joke, bringing some rough bars over a harsh beat featuring a vocal sample that gives it that extra spice. Forte sounds super hungry on the last track or two from this project, so I'm certainly pretty interested in hearing the whole record. Stream below.

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Video: Bad Rabbits - "Can't Fool Me"


Boston natives Bad Rabbits are back with a new video for their recent single "Can't Fool Me." This song will be on their new record called American Love, which is out tomorrow and you all better get yourself a copy. These guys bring the funk, alternative, R&B, and attitude in each song and I'm amazed that these guys haven't blown up. Oh, they are gaining popularity and people are catching on, but these guys are too fucking legit to not be dominating the music charts.

The video is pretty standard, but has enough style and coolness to reflect the song perfectly. I don't think these guys ever make music short of fresh. Check it out below.

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PARTYNEXTDOOR – "Wus Good / Curious"


Drake and OVO affiliated artist PARTYNEXTDOOR dropped off a new song this weekend called "Wus Good/ Curious," which he also produced. As a similar fashion to The Weeknd when he first popped in the scene, there is still a bit of mystery behind this artist and not much is really known. However, that seems to be somewhat of an alluring feature along with the good music. Stream and download the jam below.

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Video: Lana Del Rey - "Young & Beautiful"


We've already been able to stream Lana Del Rey's contribution to the Great Gatsby soundtrack with a song called "Young & Beautiful," but now she shares the visual for it. Directed by Chris Sweeney, he creates a vintage atmosphere featuring Lana in a 1920's dress along with a full orchestra backing her up. The whole look and vibe of the video is a solid match to the emotion of the song. Watch below.

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The Dream ft. Jay-Z - “High Art”


Previously, The-Dream had mentioned that his new record IV Play would feature some big names in the industry and on the latest single, "High Art" he wasn't kidding. For this one he snagged Jay-Z to lay down some verses on the chill beat, as The-Dream provides us with those auto-tunes vocals that he has crafted quite well.  You can stream the single below and the new record is out May 28th.

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Dada Life - "Boing Clash Boom" (Major Lazer Remix)


Anytime I spot something to do with Major Lazer I get a bit hyped up and I get ready to turn my speakers at full volume. The latest from Diplo's crew is a trap remix of Dada Life's "Boing Clash Boom," which originally had a pretty big electro sound. If this doesn't get you turned up for the weekend, then I'm not sure what will because Major Lazer added in a ton of energy to this. Stream below.

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Gilbere Forté - "Nolita" featuring Active Child


Philly rapper Gilbere Forte is long overdue for some serious notice, but as he continues to grind I know his time will come. His latest song is called "Nolita" featuring the crooning of Active Child and production from Raak. This is slightly different from the straight hip hop sound, as there are a few genres being put together in this, but the result speaks for itself. This track will be on Forte's upcoming PRAY album, out next week.

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Video: Gary Clark Jr. - "Numb"


If there is anyone that can be called the modern day Jimi Hendrix, then Gary Clark Jr. would be the closest to that title. The blues rocker is back with a black and white video for the infectious guitar-driven tune "Numb." The visual shows us some of Gary's female problems but he deals with it by hopping in his car, cruising the roads, and playing some guitar. Boss status.

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Cashmere Cat for Diplo & Friends BBC Radio 1


As I've said before Diplo and his radio show on BBC always deliver some great hour or longer mixes, featuring some of the best producers and upcoming producers in the electronic world. On this past weekend's show he featured a mysterious, yet excellent producer that goes by Cashmere Cat. The mix is just shy of an hour by a few seconds, but blends a bunch of tracks that will for sure get your iPod and playlists grooving. You can stream it below and also download for free, which is always the beauty of Diplo & Friends.

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Tracklist:
Intro (Aurora Piano)
Cassie - All My Love
Cashmere Cat - Mirror Maru
DJ Tev - Up In It (Cashmere Cat Eurosonic Edit)
DJ Tray - Bugatti
Wiley - Colder (Samename Edit)
Trippy Turtle - Senorita
Shlohmo - Later
DJ Tray - All The Time
Jeremih - 773 Love (Cashmere Cat Edit)
Holy Other - Past Tension
Cashmere Cat - Kiss Kiss (LidoLido Remix)
Drake - Girls Love Beyonce
August Alsina - Sucka
Future - No Love
Trae - Slammin Doorz
Cashmere Cat - Aurora
Drake ft 2Chainz - No Lie (Cashmere Cat Edit)
Trippy Turtle - Damn Those Jeans
DJ Yolo Bear - Freeki Ho
Samename - Mishima Curse
DJ Tray - Men In Black Theme
Hermitude - HyperParadise (Flume Remix)
Sinjin Hawke - I´m On One (Cashmere Cat little drums version)
Miguel - Do You… (Cashmere Cat Remix)
The-Dream - Rockin That Shit
Fantasia - Without Me
Kanye, Raekwon+++ - The Morning
Cashmere Cat - Paws
Village - Love On The Line
Cashmere Cat - Mirror Maru (Mike Gip "Jerseys Handsome DJ", Boomclap Edit)
Trippy Turtle - I´m Sprung / Mirror Maru
DJ Tricks "Mr. Shake Ya Speakers" - Love You Down
Feadz & Kito - Wettex (Cashmere Cat Remix)
Mindless Behavior - Used To Be



Video: Smith Westerns - "Varsity"


I'm pretty pumped about the new record, Soft Will, from Smith Westerns. This is the bands third record and will be released June 25th on Mom+Pop (in Europe on June 24 via Co-Op. But before then, the band released a video for the single "Varsity," which was directed by Alan Del Rio Ortiz.
"I wanted to make a non narrative video clip about young love without showing the usual conventions of going on dates or hanging out at the mall. We studied this couple as they would study themselves and each other in their dreams, and used abstractly sexual imagery to give it a hallucinogenic and hazy atmosphere,” says Del Rio Ortiz of the video.
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Phoenix - "Trying To Be Cool" (The Chainsmokers Remix)


Lately, alternative rockers Phoenix are quite popular when it comes to having remixes of their tunes and it seems producers are especially taking a liking to "Trying To Be Cool." Production duo The Chainsmokers give the song their touch, which is also their first new remix in roughly 8 weeks. Yet, they prove on this that they are not rusty and create a fun, bouncy tune that you can enjoy all day. If you like what you hear, you can download for free via their Facebook page. Stay tuned for more as these guys mentioned that have plenty of new material coming up.

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Logic - Young Sinatra: Welcome To Forever (Mixtape)


2013 is shaping up to be a big year for Maryland emcee Logic, who not only graced the cover of XXL but was also signed to Def Jam. It's been long overdue as he has put in work to make sure his craft is top notch and if you've noticed over the years, the kid has ridiculous talent. Yesterday, he released his latest mixtape called Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever. On this tape he not only shines with his bars and flow, but even his talents to produce, which seems almost an essential aspect to these upcoming rappers. He also added in some guest features from the likes of Trinidad James, Kid Ink, Dizzy Wright, and a few more. Stream and download below.

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Ta-Ku - "I Love Beyonce"


It seems like everyone has got love for Beyonce these days as Australian producer Ta-Ku decided to rework Drake's "Girls Love Beyonce" & Destiny Child's "Say My Name." For the last couple of months the electronic beat maker has been proving himself one to watch, which he again shows us with "I Love Beyonce." It is available to stream below and should appear on his upcoming Re-Twerk Vol. 2.

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Thundercat - "Oh Sheit It’s X" (Co-Produced by Flying Lotus)


When news emerged of a collaboration project between Thundercat and Flying Lotus, my brain nearly exploded from the utter awesomeness of this news. And to show us what they have been working on, the duo released a funky groove called "Oh Sheit It's X."  Literally, within a few seconds of the song starting I knew this was going to be the jam of the day, and I'm bumping this a lot. This will certainly improve your day and get you dancing around. Their joint project, Apocalypse, is out in early June. Stream below.

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Talib Kweli – Prisoner of Conscious (Album Stream)


If there is one rapper who crosses the underground, yet mainstream appeal, it would be Brooklyn rapper Talib Kweli. He has been grinding for years and is well respected among hip hop, and today he released his brand new album called Prisoner of Conscious, with features from Busta Rhymes, Miguel, Kendrick Lamar, and a few more. If you have been a fan of Kweli or just appreciate some good hip hop, then this is an album you'll want to check out below.

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A-1 - "Summertime Sadness" (Produced by Ryan Hemsworth)


We've sort of heard Ryan Hemsworth remix of Lana Del Rey's "Summertime Sadness," but this time San Francisco rapper A-1 hops on the beat to lay down some bars. I was actually wondering if anyone would hop on this beat because it has the right feel and vibe for an emcee to rip up. I'm getting really into this song and what A-1 did here, plus you can download for free.

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The xx - "Hot Like Fire" (BeazyTymes Remix)


The xx are one of the more influential bands from the UK in recent times and have taken their dream/pop sound to a different level than most. It's what makes their songs perfect for remixes, and the latest of "Hot Like Fire" fits right in. BeazyTymes remixed this and the 17 year old Chicago native added the right amount of chillwave and slight trap elements. It engages your ears from the beginning and does not let up. Stream below.

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