Listen To This: 1/30/10

I've been home and awake for about 20 minutes total today, and I'm falling asleep as I type, so I'll just post the links (which are kind of in order of how much I like them). Not a bad day music-wise, so I will probs go back and add some descriptions and stuff tomorrow.  Also, be sure to check back Monday for the link for B.o.B's new mixtape, May 25th.

B.o.B. ft. Asher Roth- F*#k The Money (prod. by Kanye West)

Tape Deck Apocalypse- TDA Quick Mix 2

Bun B- Pants On The Ground

Big Sean-Supa Dupa Lemonade:


UPDATE!!!-I was glow-bowling the night before I made this post, and Young (Yung?) Money's Bed Rock came on [my thoughts on the song: liked Drake, Lloyd killed the hook, Lil' Wayne was standard Lil' Wayne (bad), the other two were average/bad (one of them ended his verse with the words "grocery bag" completely out of context), and Nicki Minaj was gross and annoying].  However, I was thinking about that song, and realized that I had a Wale freestyle over that beat which somehow made it to my iPod but not the blog. So here it is, embarrassingly late.

Wale- Bedrock Freestyle

via 2dopeboyz

BONUS: Newest Kanye West  Rant 
Good stuff, Ye.

ANOTHER BONUS?!?!: Stross the Boss- Lemonade Freestyle

Something I Like: B.o.B

I've said it twice, and I'll keep on saying it.  This guy is gonna be big. I said it with Wale, I said it with KiD CuDi, and now I'm saying it about B.o.B. Listen to these mixtapes (and if you don't want to download them all, I recommend at least downloading B.o.B vs Bobby Ray and Who The F#*k is B.o.B?).  I hope you guys like him, because I do, and I'm gonna keep posting about him until you do like him or until you stop reading the blog (whichever comes first, hopefully the first option).

Click here for links to download all of B.o.B's mixtapes

Listen To This: The Crash

Here is a new track from Daft Punk (if you haven't heard of Daft Punk, I'm surprised you know how to turn your computer on and off) presumably from the soundtrack to Tron:Legacy.  The song is average for a Daft Punk, and a lot of it is more mood than music, if that makes sense.  The song gets going a little more around the 6 minute mark, but in my opinion there is still not much there.  Give it a listen, and decide for yourself.

Daft Punk- The Crash

via kanYe UniverseCity

BONUS: Tron: Legacy trailer. Looks sick.

Listen To This: Enter The Magical Mystery Chambers

Tonight we have a mashup album by British music teacher Tom Caruana, who combined vocals from the Wu Tang Clan with beats sampled from The Beatles, a concept extremely similar to DJ Danger Mouse's Gray Album, which did the same except with Jay-Z vocals.  I hadn't really listened to any Wu Tang before, but I'm really liking what I'm hearing as far as vocals, and the beats are all spot on.  Beatles devotees will have fun trying to place the samples, as they are all chopped up a great deal.  Also, you can now follow using your Facebook account, so all you have to do is go down on the side and click follow. Please invite some friends along too.

Wu Tang Clan vs. The Beatles- Enter The Magical Mystery Chambers

via kanYe's Blog

History Lesson: Major Tom (Coming Home)

The spacing, timing, and content of these segments will be completely random and unpredictable (if you are a new reader or have forgotten, this segment deals with older songs which I enjoy).  Most of the time, I will hear something somewhere which will remind me of an older song, prompting a post like this one.  In this case, I was inspired by a Lincoln MKZ commercial featuring a cover of tonight's song, Major Tom (Coming Home) by Peter Schilling, which I am sure all of you have heard at least once in your lives.  The haunting verses, backed by pounding drums and and a nice synth riff, give way to a simple unforgettable melody in the chorus.  I haven't heard this song since I was very young, but I still recognized the chorus immediately.  Don't forget to rate and comment.

 Major Tom (Coming Home)

Peter Schilling

Error in the System (1983)

Listen To This: On Top of the World

Here is another cut from Roc Nation's newest star, J. Cole.  I was expecting the beat to be from TI's On Top of the World (great song by the way), but it is actually from a Lupe track.  Enjoy.

J. Cole- On Top of the World

via 2dopeboyz

Listen To This: 1/24/10

Sometimes I'm gonna do these instead of individual posts for each song. I have a few songs to post today, nothing real special, so I'm just gonna throw them up and see what you guys think.

First up is this snippet from an unreleased Lupe Fiasco song. The full song and other unreleased songs will be available for download soon on a mixtape entitled Vintage Fiasco.  Also the guy introducing the song makes a farting noise with his mouth when he says "preorder".

Lupe Fiasco- Hey Lupe (snippet)

Next up is a song featuring Jay-Z, Bono, The Edge & Rihanna.  I don't have a download link, but you can pick it up and donate to Haiti for 99 cents on iTunes even though, quite frankly, there are much better ways to donate.

This is a remake by Kanye West and Mr. Hudson of their track off of Mr. Hudson's Straight No Chaser.  It was a little too pop for me, but I know some of you will enjoy it.

Mr. Hudson ft. Kanye West- Anyone But Him

This next track, a vintage Kanye West joint, will probably only appeal to die-hard West fans. The song is clearly unfinished, and the second verse is just jibberish.

Kanye West- What It Do (unfinished)

Last, but definitely not least, is As We Enter, a track from Nas and Damian Marley's collaboration album Distant Relatives. 

Nas and Damian Marley- As We Enter

all songs via 2dopeboyz

I haven't forgotten about The College Dropout and Outliers reviews.  I have no idea why I didn't work on them during the break, but that ship has sailed so I'm just gonna have to work on them at school and post them later this month.

Something I Like: The Making of Avatar

Here is a fascinating, in-depth, 22-minute look at the making of Avatar.  If you're someone who thinks Pandora and those giant blue aliens are real, I would recommend not watching this.

via Gizmodo

Listen To This: Resurrection

Kenna and Lupe, fresh off their ascent of Mount Kilamanjaro, have recorded a new track for Music for Relief in order to raise money for Haiti.  Enjoy the song, but keep in mind that there are people suffering greatly in Haiti and please donate here or through some other method. Don't forget to rate (be honest).

Lupe Fiasco and Kenna- Resurrection

via 2dopeboyz

Listen To This: Lovelier Than You

This song was released a few months ago, just before I started the blog, but I think it's worth a post.  Here is another song by B.o.B./Bobby Ray which showcases yet another side of him, a Bob Marley-esque crooner.  Expect a lot more about him before his mixtape and album drop.  He can rap, sing, write, produce, and play multiple instruments, and he deserves your support.

B.o.B aka Bobby Ray- Lovelier Than You

BONUS: Bobby Ray performing live on the Mo'nique show (performance starts around 2:25)

You can't ignore talent like this.

Something I Made: 99 Pants

Here is a new segment, Something I Made, which is, of course, exactly what it sounds like. I don't know how interested you guys will be in this kind of stuff, but I'm the boss so I'm gonna post it anyways.  This is an almost embarrassingly simple mash-up combining the legendary American Idol audition video of General Larry Platt with the instrumental from Jay-Z's 99 Problems.  Keep in mind, this is my first mash-up ever, and it was more of a test to see if I could even get 20 seconds of decent mashup. I tried to do some cooler stuff with it but everything ended up sounding a lot worse on the computer than it did in my head, so I just kept it simple.  The next step is to create a full length mashup song or a mix like those of Milkman or Super Mash Bro's.  Enjoy, and if you for some unexplainable reason want an mp3 copy let me know so I can put it up on Mediafire.

Something I Like: Long Exposure Animation

Long exposure animation is a film technique utilizing individual frames of long exposure pictures, which create allows photographers to capture light trails.  This technique was utilized in commercials for a telephone service (I don't remember which one).  However, I have never seen it done as beautifully as this.

Freezelight Magic Forest from FREEZELIGHT.RU on Vimeo.

via Gizmodo

Listen To This: I'm Beamin'

The Rhymefest tracks were good and all, but I'm excited that I finally have the go ahead to release the opening track off of Lupe Fiasco's LASERS.  I liked the leaked version better, but I couldn't find the download link, and this version is more than sufficient.  As with all Lupe tracks, this one requires your full attention and multiple listens in order to decipher the complex meanings and messages behind the song. I am almost too excited for his album to drop.

Lupe Fiasco- I'm Beamin'

via 2dopeboyz

Listen To This: Say Wassup & How High

 This first of two new music posts tonight features songs by Rhymefest, a talented Chicago rapper who actually won a Grammy for co-writing Jesus Walks with Kanye West.  Expect a lot more posts about him in the future.

Rhymefest f. Phonte- Say Wassup

Rhymefest f. Little Brother- How High

via 2dopeboyz

BONUS: Rhymefest vs Mexicano

Listen To This: The Biz

I can't download and listen to this song, but this is the newest song from B.o.B.'s upcoming mixtape May 25th, incidentally named because B.o.B.'s debut album drops on May 52nd.  Just playin' (I know, that really wasn't funny).  The download link for the mixtape, which drops next month, will definitely be up here so check back for that. 

B.o.B.- The Biz

Also, I updated the labels for all the posts, so take a gander at the tag cloud for anything interesting you may have missed.

Something I Like: TDA

For those who don’t know, Tape Deck Apocalypse (TDA for short) is an electronic music group comprised of Homestead seniors Pat Behrens and Jack Mitchell.  These young gentlemen create what can be only described as musical fusion, cutting, warping, twisting, and flipping (all terms I just made up on the spot) diverse samples in order to create epic hour-long musical journeys.  All of their mixes sound as good as those of any professional DJ. The sonically-gifted duo was even recently given a chance to play a Saturday Session show on 88.9 Radio Milwaukee.  So yeah, download all their stuff (All the mixes are good, but as a KiD CuDi fan I have to highlight the incredible things TDA does to Day ‘n Nite near the end of Devolution 909), and enjoy.  I understand at first you may not think this music is for you, but give it a chance.  In my opinion, the mixes are best enjoyed either at a crazy dance party or somewhere where you have the chance to sit back, relax, and really listen to the mixes in their entirety .

Click here for every TDA mix

History Lesson: Rain Is Falling

I was listening to this song today when I realized that I have only really been posting new hip hop music, which gives you readers an inaccurate picture of who I am.  Yes, I enjoy certain types of hip hop a great deal, but there is more to my music taste than that.  In these next 6 incredibly busy weeks, I would like to keep posting and introducing new music, but in the form of music that is (hopefully) new to you instead of brand-new music (follower Peter suggested that I call these sections History Lesson, which is a fantastic idead).  This way I have less work and hopefully you find another song or two you really enjoy.  Today's song is from Electric Light Orchestra, an innovative symphonic British rock band from the 70's.  I like to think of them as a combination of The Beatles and Daft Punk.  You have probably heard Mr. Blue Sky or Hold On Tight, so I decided to delve a little deeper into their catalog and found this, a brilliantly conceived, brilliantly performed ballad. There will not be download links, but I will include track info so you can hit up iTunes or any other legal or less than legal source for the song.

 Rain Is Falling

Electric Light Orchestra

Time (1981)

Listen To This: The Music Scene

Instrumental album, could be good, I don't know, too tired. It's one song, so listen to it. Or don't. Again, too tired. Bye

Blockhead – The Music Scene (Megamix)

via 2dopeboyz

Something I Like: 2009 Movie Mashup

Quite frankly, I'm embarrassed that I missed this one (it was on Today's Big Thing almost a week ago).  Whatever.  Follower Hannah, showed this to me (really? I got scooped by Hannah).   Thanks, Hannah.  Also, there will be a scarcity of posts as I become overwhelmed with everything I have to do.  I will try to keep you current on music I like, but any best of, review, or throwback posts will have to be postponed yet again.

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

I Liked It: KiD CuDi 1/6/10

Kid Cudi ruined my week.  And I mean that in the best way possible, because after that crazy concert, everything else just seems boring.  I have officially decided that concerts are pretty much the best way to spend your money, because you can't put a price on the fun and craziness of a good concert.  This concert, at The Rave in Milwaukee, was sold out and packed to capacity. Chip the Ripper opened, and did fine, although I could not understand a word he said (granted, I probably would have enjoyed his set more had I been more familiar with his music).  After he finished, there was a torturous 30-45 minute wait until Cudi came out.  As soon as he entered the stage, the crowd went crazy, and stayed crazy the whole night.  Cudi performed a mixture of old and new songs, ranging from Man on the Moon (The Anthem) off of his first mixtape through his latest recording, Memories.  I was going crazy along with everyone else while Cudi worked through his entire catalog, performing every one of my favorites except for The Prayer.  Cudi even gave us an acapella preview of a song from his next studio album, Cudder: The Revolution of Evolution, the full title of which was revealed for the first time. The only negatives were the abundance of young high-schoolers (most of which I suspect only came because they thought it was the cool thing to do and/or decided they wanted mommy and daddy to buy them tickets after hearing Day 'n Nite on Kiss FM) and haze of pot smoke which hung in the air.  All in all, the concert was an incredibly enjoyable experience due to Cudi's talents as an engaging entertainer. Next time Kid Cudi comes to town, get your tickets early, because they'll be going fast.

He's drinking apple juice....

photos "courtesy" of The Rave (I stole them)

Listen to This: Playground

I don't have much time today, but here's a song which was left off J. Cole's mixtape, The Come Up.  J. Cole is currently touring with Jay-Z, so that says a lot about him right there.  Enjoy.

J. Cole- Playground

via 2dopeboyz

Something I Like: Followers

I like when people follow the blog. It shows up on the lower right hand side and makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.  Because of the increased support, I would like to acknowledge the readers who requested a shout out via facebook.  Your name links to something which I think you might enjoy.  Please, sign up as a follower and invite your friends.  Thanks for the support!

Kirstie
Peter
Hannah
Kari
Kasey
Wink
Jon
Bolens

Yell at me if I forgot you.  Amy, you have your own section, so I don't wanna hear any complaints.  I have a busy weekend ahead of me, so I don't know if the College Dropout and Outliers reviews will be ready (current status of both: not started), so you can expect a few odds and ends, but nothing major with the exception of the KiD CuDi concert tomorrow.  I'll let you all know how that went on Thursday.  That's it, thanks for tuning in.

Something I Like: Avatar/Pocahantas

Follower Kari shared this to me in the comments, so I thought I would post it.  Keep in mind that I really liked this movie (you can read my review here)

The moral of this situation is that if you post something cool or funny in the comments, I might post it for everyone to see.  It's like sharing something on Facebook except a lot less people will see it!  Cool, right?
via Kari