Exactly one year from the release of J. Cole‘s stellar debut album, Cole World: The Sideline Story, he gives us an absolutely awesome remix. I feel like I shouldn’t have to say much to convince you to check out Cole World and Major Lazer on the same track. The North Carolina representer throws some of his so-dope bars over his rendition of the incredibly chill Major Lazer hit, “Get Free.” Enjoy this treat below and look out for J. Cole to take over this year.
[MP3 Playlist] The Trap Dojo #1
Welcome to the first volume of The Trap Dojo. This new weekly feature on The Music Ninja will bring you playlists of some of the best new Trap Music being released. This first volume includes some brand new tracks as well as a few of the hottest trap anthems of this past summer, and examples of the versatility of the genre with the many different styles on display. If you regularly follow The Music Ninja, you may have a vague idea of what Trap Music is; or this may be a completely new musical experience for you. Trap, the label originally applied to Southern Hip-Hop artists like T.I., Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame and others, has now been adopted to describe this new musical movement, using the gangster beat of that Southern Hip-Hop, along with pumping 808 bass sounds, crisp snares and hi-hats, and mixing it with a more electronic sound. One of the fastest growing genres, Trap music is being promoted and produced by the likes of Diplo, Skrillex and some of the biggest names in EDM. Like any genre though, it is best to let the music speak for itself, so turn up your speakers, crank the bass up to “earthquake” and enjoy the first Trap Dojo.
Harlem Shake’
Major Lazer – Carnival 2012 Mix
To say that mega-producing group Major Lazer has had a hot summer, is an understatement. From remixes to Usher to No Doubt, dropping their critically acclaimed EP, dropping Switch as a partner and recruiting newcomers Walshy Fire and Jillionaire, and leaking dope track after dope track, Major Lazer continues stay busy with their new track “Carnival 2012 Mix”. Although there are some infusions of dubstep and electronic beats, this is mainly a Carribean party track. The crop-over friendly mashup of over 60 Dancehall and reggae tracks over a 71 minute session features the latest hits from major acts like Vybz Kartel, Movado, and many more. The group took to the web to release this mix as a preview for their upcoming hosting of the annual Notting Hill Carnival in London, which they are hosting. Be sure to stay posted for more upcoming leaks.
Tracklist:
[Remix] No Doubt – Settle Down (Major Lazer Remix)
When No Doubt announced their return to the studio earlier this year, fans were more than excited. After an 11-year hiatus, the classic group dropped their new single but didn’t maintain the same hype by the mediocrity of the reggae influenced “Settle Down”. Fortunately, during their break, mega-producer Diplo became a star in the music industry along with his Switch-collabo project, Major Lazer. Taking the long-awaited track and adding the proper heavy drums, some sirens, synthesized sounds and upping the tempo while still keeping Gwen Stefani’s iconic voice intact, Major Lazer did what it does best and accomplished making the remix better than the original. This dancehall track is great and returns the group to their genre-crossing routes that made their 2001 Rock Steady a classic.
No Doubt’s new album Push and Shove arrives September 25th via Interscope Records. Major Lazer’s Free the Universe drops November 6th.
[Hip-Hop/Reggae] Snoop Lion – La La La (Prod. Diplo & Ariel Rechtshaid)
Snoop Lion, aka Snoop Dogg, makes an interesting move trying his hand at a straight reggae track. I feel like he pulls it off alright, but what really stood out to me was the Diplo production. Always versatile, the Philly-based artist displays his electronic, islandy Major Lazer sound on this one. Few producers can match the minimal, but incredibly intricate style of Diplo. Along with this single, Snoop Lion announces his upcoming reggae LP, Reincarnated. The Doggfather sending good vibrations at a time when we could all use some.