Author Archives: Baseer Ahmad

IshDARR – Vibe (Prod. Jean Kengz) [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Baseer Ahmad - February 4, 2015

IshDARR
Vibe (Prod. Jean Kengz)

Milwaukee isn’t typically thought of as a hotbed for up and coming hip-hop talent, but all that is about to change with names like WebsterX, Vonny Del Fresco, and IshDARR poised to put the city on the map. The latter of the trio has given us the opportunity today to premiere his brand new track, “Vibe.” The first single from his upcoming full length debut project, Old Soul, Young Spirit, IshDARR invites you to “Vibe” with him as he spits vivacious rhymes over a smooth, jazzy instrumental provided by French producer Jean Kengz. Armed with a confident exuberance and melodic flow, it’s pretty clear that the 18 year old spitter has a bright future ahead of him.

Check out the tune above, and be on the lookout for Old Soul, Young Spirit, set to drop the first week of March.

Hip/Hop

STWO – Eden (Nightizm Remix) [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Baseer Ahmad - February 2, 2015

Stwo
Eden (Nightizm Remix)

Soundcloud

Last week HW&W artist Stwo revealed the winners of his “Eden” remix contest, narrowing down a field of over 400 submissions to just 13. While you may feel like you’ve already had your fill of “Eden” remixes, we’re here to tell you why you need to make room for at least one more. Clocking in at just under six minutes, Nightizm‘s extended reimagining makes for an extremely engrossing listen marked by hypnotic synths, haunting bass and crackling snares. Whereas the original presents itself as an introduction building up to something much larger, Nightizm’s rendition takes a different approach, choosing to arrange an experience that is truly immersive from start to finish.

This rendition of “Eden” is yet another remarkable tune to add to Nightizm’s already impressive resumé. Download the track above, and if you’re not familiar with him yet, make sure to check out the rest of the Toronto native’s excellent catalog over on his official SoundCloud page.

[NEW] Big Sean – Blessings (Feat. Drake & Kanye West)

Posted by Baseer Ahmad - January 29, 2015

Big Sean
Blessings ft. Drake & Kanye West

Soundcloud

Days after announcing his upcoming third studio album, Dark Sky Paradise, Big Sean has decided to share the second single from the project, this time receiving some “Blessings” from longtime buddy Drake. If the project name wasn’t already a dead giveaway, it seems as if Sean is aiming for a much more ominous direction with this upcoming release, which could serve as a foil to his mentor Kanye, who seems to be headed in the opposite direction these days. Regardless, Sean Don always makes for a fun listen, and whether you love him or hate him, chances are you won’t be able to avoid him once the project drops on February 24th.

UPDATE: Kanye West added to the official version of the single.

Hip/Hop

[Electronic] Shlohmo – Buried

Posted by Baseer Ahmad - January 27, 2015

shlohmo
BURIED

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Widely recognized for his work on the alternative R&B front with artists like Jeremih & BANKS, it should not be forgotten that Henry Laufer, aka Shlohmo, can stand tall as a solo act. Lest you still have any doubt in his abilities, the gifted producer is gearing up to release a new LP titled Dark Red on April 7th. If that title isn’t ominous enough for you though, Laufer also decided to share his latest single, “Buried.”

Although it’s still January, we’re ready to declare “Buried” as one of the most incredible songs of 2015. On the surface, “Buried” epitomizes many of the qualities we’ve grown accustomed to from Shlohmo’s music–murky, eerie, visceral, foreboding–but it steadily builds into something more. Possibly his most ambitious record to date, “Buried” completely flips the script, as it hijacks the senses and takes the listener on a majestic journey through mercurial synths, grungy guitar riffs and crashing hi hats that will leave you gasping for air. If this expansive masterpiece doesn’t convince you to pre-order the album on iTunes, we’re not sure what will. Maybe a few words from the man himself might help:

When I started working on Dark Red about two and a half years ago, I had just moved back to LA and built a small studio in my apartment, mostly with my dad’s old gear from the 80s. I had just lost some people close to me and was dealing with another loved one’s health issues. I was all over the place mentally, and I think it reflects in this record whether I like it or not.

The only thing I did know going into it, was that I wanted this one to be loud, and not just loud but really really f***ing loud. I wanted the sound of the thing to be devastating and violent. Recordings that force you to feel something even if that something isn’t good. I’m proud to have made something polarizing, a record that’s strong and undeniable even in its moments of pure anxiety and confusion. It’s tragic and painful at times, but that’s all part of it and I want that to be heard and felt. You don’t have to like it, just listen to it.

Listen to the tune above, and check out the tracklist for Dark Red after the jump.

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[NEW] Kaytranada – Drive Me Crazy (Feat. Vic Mensa)

Posted by Baseer Ahmad - January 27, 2015

KAYTRANADA
Drive Me Crazy (featuring Vic Mensa)

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After teasing the release of a new collaboration with Vic Mensa last night, super producer Kaytranada came through on his promise, dropping the heavily anticipated “Drive Me Crazy,” featuring the eclectic Chitown spitter. Drawing the listener in with some spastic bars, the song soon gives way to a melodic interlude, as Vic smoothly transitions into some soothing vocals, allowing the shimmering, revolving instrumental to truly breathe.

“Drive Me Crazy” is the second single from Kaytranada’s forthcoming LP on XL Recordings, set to drop later this year. We’d love to see a joint project from the pair at some point in the future, but for now listen to the tune above, and make sure to grab yourself a copy ASAP.

Lucki Eck$ – God Knows (Prod. Plu2o Nash) [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Baseer Ahmad - January 22, 2015

LUCKI ECK$
GOD KNOWS (Prod. PLU2ONASH)

Soundcloud

Today, we’re proud to bring you “God Knows,” the latest single from young Chicagoan, Lucki Eck$. Inspired by his predilection for Xanax, “God Knows” is a plodding, hazy number that falls right in line with the moody, yet mellow sound he’s established for himself over the last few years. The new track is an excerpt from the forthcoming Chicago Sight ‘N Sound mixtape, a joint effort curated by the FDC and 119 Productions that will showcase many of the city’s most talented up-and-coming artists. The exciting new project is currently set to include additional contributions from Mick Jenkins, Saba, Ibn Inglor, Jarred AG, The O’mys, Kami De Chukwu, Martin $ky, Hurt Everybody, GTW, J2K, and a slew of other Windy City natives. Listen to the tune above, and make sure to check out the mixtape when it drops on February 10th.

Hip/Hop

Voli – The Wander Years [TMN PREMIERE]

Posted by Baseer Ahmad - January 21, 2015

Voli
The Wander Years

Soundcloud

It’s been a long time since Voli has appeared on our radar. Last time we heard from the talented emcee he was tearing apart the instrumental for Drake’s “5 AM In Toronto.” Finally emerging from his cocoon a year and a half later though, it’s obvious that the Jersey native has evolved into something much more.

After getting a chance to listen through his upcoming album The Wall, it’s safe to say Voli can no longer be simply referred to as a rapper. That’s not a knock on his skills behind the mic, rather it’s an allusion to the fact that his musical aspirations align with being something transcendent. Nowhere is this more apparent than with his brand new single, “The Wander Years.” Our best descriptor for the powerfully uplifting piece would be electro-reggae-pop-rock, but there’s really no true way to define it. One thing that is abundantly clear is that Voli spent his months away honing a sound that’s distinctly unique, allowing him to craft meaningful music that draws influence from a variety of different genres and is able to connect with a broad audience.

“The Wander Years” is the type of record that inspires you to abandon conventions and rebel to stand up for what is yours. Though, if you have a little trouble figuring out what exactly that entails, the gifted musician may be able to help,

Being a rebel is as simple as doing what you honestly want to do. As an artist you’re constantly putting yourself out there for major criticism. Me, personally—I’m stubborn. The second someone tells me I can’t do something or that I’m not good at something, I’m going to prove them wrong. That’s where the rebellion comes in. I don’t think it has to be tied to anger—for me, it’s not. I’m just gonna do what I’m gonna do. People are always gonna try to fit you into their little box, but you can’t let that happen. You can’t let anyone else determine what kind of artist you should be.

Listen to the track above, and make sure to check out Voli’s upcoming album, The Wall, which you can pre-order on iTunes before it drops on February 24th