[Hip-Hop] iiiso – Escape Rope

Portland based hip-hop artist, iiiso gives us a peak into his Pacific Northwest world, with visuals for his “Escape Rope,” the second single from his Ego Trip: Collection EP. iiiso trades in his darker, thought-provoking ways from his first single “In My Soul,” with a more chilled out introspective vibe on  his latest. Produced by HushDeGod, take a dive into some scenic greenery with iiiso, it’s a wave! 

cold cat, kick it in my old shoes
love to keep it old school
can’t say it aint happen like i told you!
posted in the rain forest, coastal

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[Hip-Hop] 11 LIT3S – KING KAIS PLANET

11 LIT3S
KING KAIS PLANET

Portuguese born singer and producer, 11 LIT3S releases his latest single ‘KING KAIS PLANET,’ debuted on XO Collective’s new division, XO Urban. The Portuguese talent’s music includes catchy hooks layered over trap-style beats mixed with hard hitting punchlines. This latest single is a track you won’t stop bumpin’.  Read below the inspiration behind the single, and press play.

‘KING KAIS PLANET was inspired by an apartment with an amazing view of Los Angeles and a very lasting experience I was having with a girl I was seeing at the time. The name King Kai’s planet was taken actually from Dragon Ball Z. KKP was a planet in which the characters would go to to train and recharge their energies. I want to create a parallel between this fictional and non fictional reality as in this LA apartment helicopters would  literally fly below us because we were so high.’

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The Music Ninja Presents: Mega Summer Playlist 2018

With the dog days of summer upon us, we think it’s important as ever to reflect on the past few months. For us, naturally, that reflection takes the form of our Mega Summer Playlist. These used to be a yearly tradition of ours that unfortunately fell by the wayside, but it is one that we sorely missed. We have been trying to keep the tradition alive with a much smaller taste for fans of our weekly radio show, but we’re finally ready to serve the full meal again…with a little added seasoning. Previously, we would separate the playlists by genre, but to spice things up this time we’re providing everything in one convenient package. With 385 songs and a run-time of nearly 24 hours(!), you’re certain to find at least something you like in here.

What this all means is that we’re big fans of summer at The Music Ninja and we hope you are too. There’s certainly a warmth to the season that results in some great music, but what you may not realize is how many different forms that can take. Our playlist is designed to follow the motions of going through a summer day–from the moment you open your eyes to the instant your head rests back on your pillow–and the wide spectrum of moods and emotions that accompany that journey. We hope you enjoy the ride and discover something new along the way! Listen to the preview below and make sure to follow the playlist on either Spotify or Apple Music to get the full experience.

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[Hip-Hop] Benjmn – Complicated

Benjmn
Complicated

There’s a certain mystique around minimal masterpieces. Although we don’t hold the answer to how to crack the catchy nature of a tune, we do have a prime example of a straightforward hit that doesn’t meddle in intricacies thanks to Benjmn.

Benjmn’s debut single is a slow-burning heater called “Complicated,” interestingly enough. Its minimal sound doesn’t live up to its name, but it’s not like we care given how incredible of a record this is. His alternative hip-hop style has just the right blend of sonic elements from various genres. He’s only one track in, but Benjmn has our full attention. He’s about to take yours, along with the top spot on your Spotify playlist.

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[Music Video] URBANO – Standing Ovation

Philadelphia’s own brother/sister duo URBANO have steadily become a force in the world of pop and hip-hop. The siblings have carved their own space fusing these two genres together with other styles, including electronic music. That’s just what they did with their latest record “Standing Ovation.”

Not only did these two drop this heater, but they paired it with a music video to match. The video plays a straightforward scenario and bounces back and forth between John and Ris as they take on celebrity scenes. It’s a fun visual for an even funner track that does manage to hype you up. Check it below and enjoy.

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[Festival Preview/Playlist] The Underground Music Showcase 2018 – Denver, CO – 7/27-7/29

The 18th anniversary of one of Denver’s most storied music events, The Underground Music Showcase, is rapidly encroaching, bringing with it perhaps its heaviest-hitting lineup ever. What began as a one-night performance featuring just four bands, The UMS has steadily exploded into to a three-day music and arts festival featuring hundreds of performances. As the time draws nearer to what will no doubt be another incredible weekend of performances, this year taking place from July 27th – July 29th, it’s time to get our readers familiar with this year’s crop of highly established headliners and burgeoning local & national artists, spanning a plethora of genres and sounds.

Dotting the top end of this year’s addition of The Underground Music Showcase are more than a few TMN regulars. Among this year’s biggest highlights are the smooth indie-disco stylings of L.A. electronic duo Classixx, the infectious ciphers of B.J. the Chicago Kid, Deezie Brown & legendary hip-hop troupe Digable Planets, a healthy smattering of established indie acts including Greta Kline’s Frankie Cosmos project, ParallelephantsDeerhunter & Mothers, scuzzy rock sets from Alvvays, White Denim & Superchunk; not to mention the most eclectic handling of local talent we get to hear year after year including sets from olorado’s own CRL CRRLL, Aaron Bordas, Slow Caves, Bud Bronson & The Goodtimers and loads more.

Right now, special one-day GA tickets can be found for $40 over on their homepage with weekend passes for just $75. We’ll see you there in full force on July 27th, but until then, get in the UMS swing of things by streaming our playlist below.

’Alvvays – Party Police’
’Classixx – All You’re Waiting For’
’BJ the Chicago Kid – Smokin’ and Ridin’ (Feat. Freddie Gibbs & Problem)’
’Deerhunter – Nothing Ever Happened’
’Digable Planets – Rebirth of Slick (Cool like Dat)’
’Frankie Cosmos – “Sinister”‘
’Overcoats – Hold Me Close’
’Mothers – Blame Kit’
’Cloud Cult – Where It Starts’
’Gang Gang Dance – Glass Jar’
’Superchunk – Hello Hawk’
’Parallelephants – Reason Don’t Define’
’White Denim – Get Back To Love’
’Night Beats – Outta Mind’
’Jeff the Brotherhood – Black Cherry Pie’
’Deezie Brown – Sheepskin / Shayne’
’CRL CRRLL – M O N E Y’
’Aaron Bordas – As We Are (OriginalMix)’
’Bud Bronson & The Goodtimers – Cars’
’Slow Caves – Poser’

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#TMNMailbag #6: Astrolemo

Aside from a simple blurb on Facebook and Soundcloud, there’s not much I can share with you about Astrolemo, the person. Self-described as somewhere between “a drug-free Flying Lotus and a spicy Bonobo,” this enigmatic character is purposefully hidden behind a moniker and the anonymity that only the web can provide.

What I can tell you, is that since starting the #TMNMailbag series, this is far and away the most impressive submission I’ve received. As he mentions, his art beckons on notable acts like Flying Lotus and Bonobo. Personally, I also notices comparisons that lean towards a few other personal favorites — Tycho and Absofacto.

Typically, I like to feature the song that the artist submitted, and that alone. Today, though, I’m showcasing his last EP, as well as his most recent single.

Kicking things off is his most recent offering, “Haunting Me” is a deep and enveloping experience. Starting off with haunting keys and (assumedly) Astrolemo’s captivating vocals, the tune provides a layered and textural listen from start-to-finish. It’s pleasantly dreary, lending itself to a harmony with a relaxing Sunday rainstorm.

Next up is the title track from his last EP, “Stay with Me.” A bit more upbeat than the former, the experience comes to life with glowing, echoing vocals, and danceable percussion. It has plenty of drive, yet still maintains that all-encompassing soundscape that embodies his sound.

As I’m sure you’re convinced at this point, I’ll stop yammering and leave you be with this tasty little collection. After you’re done, make sure to throw this budding young act a follow on Facebook and Soundcloud. As of right now, he has less than 500 on both accounts, meaning you’ll be an early adopter. Get on it.

’Haunting Me’
’Stay With Me’
’Alone’
’Parallel Lovers’
’Lobster Graveyard’

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