Author Archives: Ash El Gamal

[Hip-Hop] Tyler Hawkins – Folks (prod. Yung H33M)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - May 18, 2017

Tyler Hawkins
Folks prod.Yung H33m

Following his 2016 solo EP, From That Land, Bay Area emcee Tyler Hawkins has returned recently with a string of singles showcasing his artistic evolution. While his debut felt like an origin story, Hawkins seems to be creating music that reflects the present. In doing so, he’s exploring new sonic palettes with his long-time collaborator Yung H33M, who continues expanding his production repertoire.

Hawkins’ latest release, “Folks,” puts a twist on the classic crew appreciation cut with wavy, eerie production and a downtempo flow. The combination of hard-hitting 808s, a reverb-ed chop and interspersed chimes make for a hypnotizing contrast perfect for an array of flows. “Folks,” with its melodic chorus, grows on you with every listen while showing another side to the duo of Hawkins and H33M. Check out this cut above along with his other recent releases below. “SV” and “Lyin” each give a different glimpse into Hawkins’ growth and we’re definitely excited to see what comes next–stay tuned!

Tyler Hawkins
S.V.

Soundcloud

Tyler Hawkins
LYIN prod. Yung H33m

Soundcloud

Hip/Hop

[Music Ninja Radio] Episode 78: Pop Explorations + Mini-Mix

Posted by Ash El Gamal - May 8, 2017

Music Ninja Radio is a weekly podcast broadcast live on San Francisco’s BFF.fm from 4-6PM PST every Friday.

Music Ninja Radio
Episode #78: Pop Explorations + Mini-Mix

Download

Soundcloud || Spotify || Tracklist

Built around new music from Gorillaz, HAIM & Sylvan Esso, this pre-recorded sesh became a meditation on pop music in the broadest sense. Highlighting some left field, up ‘n comers alongside those more established artists made for far-ranging sounds. To close the show, Ninja Ash took his XDJs out for a mini-mix of some vibey house tunes.

[Music Ninja Radio] Episode 77: Farewells, Premiers & Nü Nü

Posted by Ash El Gamal - May 1, 2017

Music Ninja Radio
Episode #77: Farewells, Premieres & Nü Nü

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Music Ninja Radio is a weekly podcast broadcast live on San Francisco’s BFF.fm from 4-6PM PST every Friday.

Soundcloud || Spotify || Tracklist

After a month out of the studio, we had a ton going on during this week’s episode of TMN Radio. Co-host Dom is embarking on a new life journey and will be moving to London next week so we bid him farewell for now–opening and closing the show with London-inspired tracks. We also had special guest Still Woozy to premiere his incredible first solo single and share some of his wide-ranging inspiration.

Of course, there was plenty of new music to share as well featuring Tyler Hawkins, Bobby Nourmand, Odesza, Yaeji, Mac DeMarco, Kendrick Lamar & more!

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Still Woozy – Vacation [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Ash El Gamal - May 1, 2017

Still Woozy
Vacation

Soundcloud

Although we normally associate Mondays with dread, the optimist inside tells us it’s an opportunity for a fresh start. Today, we’ve got a premiere that both literally and sonically embodies a sense of new beginnings. Still Woozy is a new project from Oakland’s Sven Gamsky, who’s voice you may recognize from his work as part of Ninja favorites Feed Me Jack.

“Vacation” may just be the perfect single for introductions–easing the listener in with an inviting guitar loop, minimal percussion and breezy vocals. As the song develops, however, electronic layers begin to seep through starting with a fluttering vocal chop at the first chorus. Wobbling synths follow shortly after and by the time the song comes to a close, the listener is fully enveloped by a blissful sonic eruption. The masterful progression of “Vacation” make it a truly transformative experience without any abrupt or jarring bridges–by the time you reach the finale you might wonder how you got there in the first place. The more you listen, the more the journey begins to reveal itself giving it endless replay value.

Take a trip with this one above (or below if on mobile) and keep your eye out for more music from Still Woozy.

PS This track was premiered live on Music Ninja Radio. Listen to the entire episode including an interview with Still Woozy here. Continue reading →

[Hip-Hop] Conrad Clifton – Nitemare (feat. Knesecary)

Posted by Ash El Gamal - April 4, 2017

Conrad Clifton
Nitemare (feat. Knesecary)

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Brooklyn producer Conrad Clifton first caught our attention with a dynamic remix that found a beautiful balance between elements of dreamy pop and hard-hitting trap. Often times, SoundCloud discoveries of that nature can lead to a dead end–many producers prove to be one-trick ponies, others seem to have struck lightning their one and only time. The most delightful cases, though, occur when a producer surprises you with both quality and sonic diversity. Such has been the case thus far with Clifton’s subsequent glimpses into his upcoming debut album, Beautiful Tragedy.

On his latest single, Clifton showcases yet another facet of his production talents with the help of Texas emcee Knesecary. “Nitemare” grows out of an eerie loop that leaves just the right amount of room for the vocals to glide between the cracks. As Knesecary’s rhymes get more complex so does the production making for an enveloping, mischievous build. Conrad was kind enough to give us some insight into how the song came together:

Most of my songs come from searching through random virtual instruments, and when I came across this echoing plucked string sound effect, it immediately felt like something you’d hear in a scary movie. For “Nitemare”, I literally built the whole track around it…I’ve known Knes for years, ever since I lived in Texas around 2000 – and we did a lot of songs together back then, but I’m really glad I was able to highlight his talent here. He translated what the music was saying with the perfection of a seasoned vet, and the craft of a true lover of Hip-Hop.

If you’re digging this tune, make sure to pre-order Beautiful Tragedy, which drops on April 28th. The release will also be the first on his label, Infinity Pool Recordings, which in his own words will focus on “forward-thinking Electronic music, and Hip-Hop.”

[Music Ninja Radio] Episode 76: Gorillaz, GoldLink & K-Dot

Posted by Ash El Gamal - March 27, 2017

Music Ninja Radio is a podcast recorded and broadcast live on San Francisco’s BFF.fm every Friday from 4-6PM PST.

ash.
Music Ninja Radio #76: Gorillaz, GoldLink & K-Dot

Download

Soundcloud || Spotify || Tracklist

Last week was a massive one for new music with both Gorillaz and Kendrick Lamar announcing upcoming albums. Episode #76 includes singles from both alongside a diverse mix of genres spanning electro-soul, indie pop, far out hip-hop and forward-thinking house. Other personal favorites from this episode include a dreamy remix from Conrad Clifton, summer-ready cuts from GoldLink‘s new album, Nite Jewel‘s effortless latest single & Djemba Djemba‘s future house take on Jnthn Stein.

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[Music Ninja Radio] Episode 75: The Return of Disco Dom

Posted by Ash El Gamal - March 20, 2017

Music Ninja Radio is a podcast recorded and broadcast live on San Francisco’s BFF.fm every Friday from 4-6PM PST.

Music Ninja Radio
Episode #75: The Return of Disco Dom

Download

Soundcloud || Spotify || Tracklist

With Ninja Dom back in the house, we ran down a few new hip-hop releases before closing out the show with an hour and a half of dance music. Standouts from this episode include selections from Smino‘s impressive debut, a Phil Collins-sampling loosie from Chris Malinchak, Ross From Friends’ latest lo-fi house masterpiece and a couple soulful productions from Jessie Rose‘s farewell project. Vibe with us above!