Jul 31, 2012

Alchemist X Planet Asia X Killer Ben X Tristate: Durag Dynasty



Alchemist has been the king of side-projects for a few years now! From The Step Brothers project with Evidence (which as yet to come out) to the Gangreen project with OhNo and friends, Alchemist keeps pushing the types of projects that HE wants to hear and does not appear to give a f**k what people think, to which I give him a standing ovation!

It is a huge motivator for all of the purists to have Alchemist on our side and a testament to creativity to his lack of concern for marketability on a major label. I love that he keeps dropping project after project to get these sounds out into the world and helping build the legend of underground MC's like Planet Asia and Killer Ben, Tristate.

Keep killing the game Alchemist and keep shining a light on quality music and music makers! Check the single "The World's Most Dangerous" above on SoundCloud. The album "360 Waves" is due out later this year.



Jul 30, 2012

Video: Elzhi - "Blue Widow"



It's nice to have Elzhi back on the grind! With his latest video for the single "Blue Widow, Elzhi keeps it pretty chill and smoothed out with a clean look and sound. Maybe I am not up on any of his upcoming releases but this seems to be a "loosey" for now and promoting a new future project. This shows promise for a new album of original material, so hopefully, he can keep it up.

CREDITS

Directed by Donavan Glover
Production Company Shot Selection Films (Shot-Selection.com)

Video: J.HURT " Chasing" ft. Faith James



Check out the promotional video above for the track" Chasing" featuring Faith James, produced by LuvJonez. Featured on J. HURTs Mixtape THE CLARITY.

Download the full album mixtape free at: http://www.datpiff.com/JHurt-Elephant-In-The-Room-Presents-The-Clarity-mixtape.374367.html
Support quality music!

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ADDITIONAL VIDEOS FOR J.HURT (PRODUCED BY LUVJONEZ)

Jul 29, 2012

MF Doom X Frank 151 Magazine



I only ever seem to find Frank 151 magazines in odd places and never when I am expecting to see it. However, I am and have always been fascinated by the coverage and detail of the subjects (interviews, etc.) and the concern for art in each issue with special illustrations and such.

This last issue (no. 48) felt like a free book on MF Doom and a cross reference of musicians he has worked with, his influence in the rap game, graf artists he worked with and other topics that give hella insight into the MF Doom movement (preview the issue above).

Among the articles in the mag is an interview with KEO, a friend and collaborator of MF Doom fro way back. He shares details about the process of developing the now infamous mask of Doom and other backstories about the influence of comic book culture and hip hop. Check the video for the interview below and try to track down a copy of issue 48 to read more about the legend of MF Doom.

KEO INTERVIEW






Jul 28, 2012

Nas X Jay Electronica: The big "What If?"


According to Nas, interviewed above on BBC radio, Jay Electronica was supposed to produced the entire "Untitled" album. What? I remember reading that Jay Elec gave Nas his demo and Nas liked it, but never before has there been any mention of him as a producer of anything other than an intro, let alone enough of one to hold down an entire album for a major label MC. How has this never been talked about before now?

"I wanted to get him to do the entire Untitled album, the N-word album. He had ideas. He was pulling records from J Dilla… He was pulling records, and he was there with me while I was working on it, and he did the first record on there and it would have been so ahead of its time, because no one at that time, he wasn’t signed, he wasn’t out there like that," Nas said.


"It would have been great right now to go back and say this dude produced my whole album years ago. It would have been cool. He’s ahead of his time like that. Now, yeah, but everyone knows who he is now and some of the mystique would be gone if he did that but who knows how it would come out? It would probably be crazy still."


Among other mentions of wanting to spit over Dilla beats, but not knowing who he was (yeah right), Nas goes on to mention his DJ Premier album that has yet to be made and discusses the new Life is Good.


Between breaking up the Illuminati Rothschild's and meditating in ancient temples, Jay Elec continues to carry buzz despite putting out only Sprite commercials and no albums to show for his time signed to Roc Nation. If this dude doesn't put something out on par of "Exhibit C", he may go the Ma$e route and be a homeless, preachy has been before we ever see the light.

I will still check for new Jay Elec until the world explodes and hope that he can hold down an entire album with no features and not turn into the modern day compilation album with techno-house rap songs that seem to happen to everyone in 2012 and beyond.

UPDATE: 
Not sure how legit this post is or if it will actually ever come out, but this teaser of the tracklist for Act II (the first official album) was posted by Jay Elec on his Twitter today. WTF! Note the Illuminati guest list.

Interview: DJ Khalil - In The Lab



Highly sought after Aftermath producer, DJ Khalil breaks down how he created the Clipse single, "Kinda Like A Big Deal" for this interview. Obviously, this in an older interview, but you get some good insight about the details of creating the music for some of the standout artists of mainstream and underground. 

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Jul 27, 2012

Fine Art Friday: Banksy, Escif, Joram Roukes

BANKSY: OLYMPICS AND EXPLOITATION
Banksy is no stranger to controversy and continues to cement his legend with clever jabs at the establishment, in this most recent work it is the Summer Olympics of 2012. With humor and wit, Banksy addresses the ridiculous fervor of the games in contrast to world poverty and exploited workers and countries. Check out his site for more here or check the images below for more details. Think about what you are really cheering for next time!




ESCIF: SENSITIVE STREET ART
Escif is quickly establishing himself as a force in the street art world. His thoughtful pieces remind me of Herbert Baglione and Os Gemeos, but his skill with black and white illustrations are always interactive in the space he posts them and I am a fan of his movement.

Escif's politically conscious and thought provoking street work attempts to bring awareness to many of the current political and social issues of his native Spain. Part of his newest work is entitled “Los Mercados Nos Dan La Bienvenida” translated to “Markets Welcome Us.” 


Check out more of his work here and see some highlights below.


Below from the "Market" series 


JORAM ROUKES
I have to admit that I am not too familiar with Joram's past work, but after discovering it, I have been fascinated by the textures and depth of his collage style. He uses abstract textures and surface movement with balanced heavy details of key areas of the faces that I find very skillful. I am a hue fan of the "mash-up" idea and his style crunches pop culture and what seems like Francis Bacon level horror and mixes them for a lethal combo. Roukes says of his work that they "refer to the moral dillemas one may find himself in, viewing todays western society." Ain't that the double truth! Check out his work online and below and check back for more in the future. (via Juxtapoz and ek)



Jul 26, 2012

New Music: LuvJonez - Mental Rental

LuvJonez - MENTAL RENTAL




Still building some of the promotional items up, but the new album is scheduled for release in 2 weeks.


Pre-order "Mental Rental" before August 7th, if interested! 

25 tracks of instrumental hip hop for your listening pleasure + bonus material! 

Check for it at:http://luvjonez.bandcamp.com/album/mental-rental

REKS - REBELutionary: Obedient Workers


Among the more insightful songs of REKS latest album REBELutionary, I keep coming back to the song "Obedient Workers" (video above). REKS gets his Public Enemy on as he discusses the soul-crushing poverty in out country and uses a quality George Carlin quote to drive the point home. I am glad to see an artist willing to take on harder subject matter and creating a mood of introspection, hardship and motivation for the listener.

There are many other quality tracks on the album, but this track particularly seems relevant to the current economy and class struggles of our world right now! Listen to the album below and support quality hip hop music! Follow REKS on Twitter for more updates.


Jul 25, 2012

SNEAKER CULTURE: RANKING NIKE SNEAKERS BY DECADE, BY STEPHEN CHEETHAM

Let the debate begin! London-based designer Stephen Cheetham has created a series of illustrations based on what he considers to be the best Nike’s of each decade starting with the 70s, 80s, 90s, and ending with our current 00s (double goose eggs).

I am not a sneaker head by nature, as my lean budget forces me to "window shop" only when it comes to new and shiny kicks, but I always appreciate well crafted foot wear, good design and color theory.








Obviously, the classic Air Jordan 1 is going to make the list, but check out the great illustrations below and judge for your self!    (via slamxhype and upper playground)






Jul 24, 2012

Interview: DJ Premier X Bumpy Knuckles: Ageism in Hip Hop


DJ Premier and Bumpy Knuckles AKA Freddie Foxxx recently sat down with OutDaBoxMedia to talk about many things, most of which was age discrimination in today's hip hop scene. The two musicians spoke specifically on the age gap in Hip Hop, corporate radio, and paying homage to those who came first. DJ Premier summed up his thoughts best by saying "The age thing is really one of the biggest problems that we face in Hip Hop right now. Because it seems like everybody wants to focus on ‘when should you stop.’ And you never stop something that you love.”


Check out the interview above and get some insight from hip hop heads who do it for the love of the culture and less about fame and fortune.


“I think people have to be not so self-centered when it comes to the presentation of the music meaning don’t get boggled down with the corporate radio and all that stuff, I mean that stuff is definitely necessary you can’t front on that, but that’s not what it’s all about. Because if you really about keeping the culture alive and relevant there’s ways to do that.” --Bumpy Knuckles


Jul 23, 2012

Video: Phonte ft. Median - Eternally


Phonte ft. Median - Eternally

Phonte serves up another quality video for the song "Eternally" from Charity Starts at Home. I am always glad to see an MC with a sense of humor and creativity.  Props to Price Films for the visuals and for making a somewhat repetitive loop from 9th into an interesting video about being on a "mission" to spread the word about real, grown man level, hip hop.

Support quality hip hop!

twitter.com/phontigallo
theforeignexchangemusic.com
twitter.com/pricefilms

Interview: Nas Talks about DJ Premier, Life Is Good



I am glad to see Nas still putting out music and enjoying the creative process. Though I will always be suspect of his collaboration talk with DJ Premier, since they both teased us with the idea (maybe I should blame Scratch magazine) back in 2006, I would still love to hear a full-length album of Nas and Preemo, Nas and Pete Rock, Nas and Large Professor, Nas and Jake One, Nas and Just Blaze, and many more will-never-happen combos. I will keep dreaming, but there is something to be said about the fact that people keep talking about it, including Nas. Hopefully it will happen before Nas is 70 years old. Keep hope alive!

Jul 22, 2012

New Music: Alex Chadwick - Louisiana Sky



Alex Chadwick, of 3rd Brillyance, has started to leak early tracks from his upcoming project entitled SOULdope later this year. Though not available to download, it shares some mellow, grown man hip-hop topics for the listener. It is always refreshing to hear non-nightclub friendly tracks to relax with and make you think about life. Stay tuned for more!

"I went into two worlds on this soulful soundscape. My adult life but sharing habitat with my mother and father. Peace and blessings to all who support my music!"  ---ALEX CHADWICK

Video: Kim Dotcom - Mr. President



THIS IS NOT HIP-HOP. THE MESSAGE IS WHAT MATTERS. IF YOU DONT KNOW WHO KIM DOTCOM IS OR WHAT THE STORY BEHIND THIS IS, KEEP YOUR NEGATIVE OPINIONS TO YOURSELF. ITS FAR FROM A CHART TOPPING SONG BUT IT STANDS FOR EVERYTHING THAT ANYONE VISITING BLOGS, YOUTUBE AND USER-CONTENT DRIVEN WEBSITES REGULARLY SHOULD AGREE WITH. (via HHB)

Yes, the song is cheese-mo (black eyed peas style) but the idea that we, as users of the internet, are having our options dictated by corporations and lobbyists should concern you and motivate you to take any action against legislation that prevents internet innovation, freedom of speech and the sharing of information. Sign the petition here.

To put it into a catchier song form, do as Chuck D said and "Fight the Power"

Jul 21, 2012

Movie: Girl Walk - All Day : Girl Talk Re-Imagined



GIRL TALK, the notorious mash-up, remix DJ/producer and critical darling, worked with a Kickstarter campaign to  create a long form music video/movie to support the most recent ALL DAY project and album. Though I find it hard to sit through the entire experience, the concept of creating a visual narrative to support the music is an interesting idea. You can go the the GIRLWALKALLDAY website  and click your way through the series of videos to illustrate the album. Maybe it is because I prefer to imagine my own visuals when I hear his work that I am not fond of the finished product, but maybe it will spark some ideas of your own to create fan videos/movies of your favorite entire album.

Jul 20, 2012

Fine Art Friday: July 20, 2012

INSTALLATION ART DONE RIGHT: THE WORK OF REGINA SILVEIRA


Though I am not vastly familiar with her work, Brazilian artist Regina Silveira does some amazing things with optical illusions to take advantage of the interior spaces and make the viewer feel as if they are floating over a weightless room. Check out more from here series ABYSAAL on her website here.
(via Juxtapoz)




MAURICIO LASANSKY (October 12, 1914 – April 2, 2012)


I have long been fascinated at the misery and mortality in Mauricio Lasasnky's work. He past away fairly recently but was an artist who was able to draw incredible detail from scratchy marks and textures  within his prints and paintings. The first work I ever saw of his was a series of drawings called the Nazi Drawings, dedicated to his family and the overall history of the Holocaust during WWII. I was amazed at the creativity and originality behind his work and the power of his statements. He made me realize that you can make work that is sad, depressing, and confrontational and beautiful to look at. This goes for music and art and any type of creativity, at least to me.

You can read more about him and his impact on the art world at the website dedicated to his work LASANKYART.







TILT SHIFT MADNESS: MINIATURE SPAIN 


The trend of using this effect never seems to get old to me. It makes me think of how, as a kid, I envisioned the world when playing with GI JOEs and Legos. I'm not sure if I could sit through a feature-length movie of it, but I like it in small doses so far. Thanks to Joerg Daiber and SpoonFilm for the video. Check out more of this work at Youtube and more ( @spoonfilm, Facebook)

Jul 19, 2012

New Music: Free Download: J HURT - The Clarity

No stranger to posts here on The Double Truth, J Hurt just released a new, free mixtape titled The Clarity. It features introspective verses and a throwback style that I am honored to be a part of. I have four features with J on the project, with many more to come. Check out the album, download and spread the word. Support quality music from a young, inspirational hip hop head and refreshingly honest MC! Follow J Hurt on Twitter and Tumblr 

Jul 18, 2012

Video: "FrankenWeenie" by Tim Burton


Kind of a left field post for me, but I am long time fan of the gothic work of Tim Burton. I am looking forward to this film for many reasons: the humor, the stop motion animation, the lack of musical numbers, and the black and white homage to the old school horror movies of the past. I hope the film is as intriguing as the trailer, but I will check it out regardless.

Jul 17, 2012

Dibia$e - Podcast: Music To Zone Out to


For the initiated, Dibia$e is an experimental, hip hop producer in the vein of Flying Lotus and the J Dilla beat tapes. Though some of it is stronger than other parts, on the whole Dibia$e always brings a fresh perspective and new sets of ideas to how to construct more mellow, trippy, jazzed out tunes for the beat heads out there.  Check out more of his stuff floating around on Youtube and itunes, but if you are a fan of the Left Coast experimental beatsmiths, then you will like this.

Insightful interview from the Red Bull crew showing Dibia$e at work:

Jul 16, 2012

Flying Lotus X Thom Yorke

Flying Lotus is not everyone's cup of tea, but if you enjoy more experimental, electronic jazz, grimey hip-hop he is a good fit for your earholes. Lotus has been doing his thing for a while and received much fanfare and critical acclaim from his past release Cosmogramma. That album featured a guest appearance from Radiohead's Thom Yorke's on "...And The World Laughs With You,"  and apparently Yorke will guest once again on the new Flying Lotus album Until The Quiet Comes, set to drop this fall. Should make for an interesting collabo and maybe we will get a full-length project from these two, one day.


Check out the video from Cosmogramma below and keep your ears open for more news on the new album soon!

Flying Lotus - And The World Laughs With You

 

Flying Lotus - Kill Your Co-Workers

Jul 15, 2012

Video: Ka - Up Against Goliath


Ka continues to churn out mellow heat-rocks with each new video and song that he posts. It is nice to see such an underground stand-out, still doing his thing with some DIY motivations. Ka has been bubbling for a while, with features on GZA projects and other notable MC's tracks, but likes to push his own music without much fanfare or guests, a nice departure from the compilation style albums released these days heavy on guests and light on substance.

Check out more of Ka's history and music on his BrownsvilleKa site and support organic, real hip-hop.

"Since I don't depend on my music to eat, it's given me the freedom to have fun and not expect anything from it" ---KA

Jul 13, 2012

Fine Art Friday: July 13, 2012

KRIS KUKSI

I had a chance to see this guy's work in Miami in the early 2000's and was struck by the incredible detail (almost microscopic) in his elaborate sculptures of monochrome, miniatures. There is really no way to do his work justice with descriptions, but if you get a chance to see it in person, you will be in a trance when looking at the tiny and fascinating elements in each piece.

Check out the link for his site for more details and news. Always dope!









JESSE HAZELIP


Jesse Hazelip is an artist I first saw in magazines like Juxtapoz and street art websites, but have since seen in person. Though the subject matter seems obscure at first, he is heavily interested in the idea of extinction and past cultures dying out. He honors them with abstract forms of World War II planes attached to buffalo and heron forms best described by the artist here:


"The work is actually about life and the decisions we make throughout.  There are remnants from the past that include death, and we should reflect upon them. But I’m hoping that people come out of this thinking about how we can learn from our mistakes and make this journey more pleasant.  We only have a short time in our lives to be active and make a difference.  I think we should focus our energy collectively to make this short existence meaningful."









Jul 12, 2012

Video: Nardwaur X DJ Premier


If you are not familiar with Nardwaur, he is somehow Canada's ambassador of rap music (at least when I have seen him) and nerdy outfits. He kinda looks like a Where's Waldo and Pee Wee Herman combo, but he does his research and always seems to impress the guests with his knowledge and records. They always seem to have a "come on, dude" look on their face until he hits with some history and they crack up at his know-how.

 Check out his interviews with Jay-Z, Pharrell, Odd Future and more floating around on Youtube. You might learn something new about your favorite artists!

Jul 11, 2012

Video: DC Shoes X San Francisco Streets


I have never been into stunt driving or car culture, but I will always appreciate some good HD footage of reckless driving in a GTA style! Damn, I wish I could drive like this at all times. The most impressive part is the fact that he is ripping the streets in a wack ass Ford Fiesta.

Jul 10, 2012

Movie: Big Fun in the Big Town: The Lost 1986 Hip Hop Documentary

A 1986 Dutch documentary on 'The Big Town' of New York, and its emerging Hip Hop scene back in the 1980s. Despite blurry images and Dutch sub-titles, you get to see some hidden footage of the early years of Hip Hop's infancy with Def Jam Records, Doug E Fresh, Grandmaster Flash and more.

Check out the link to the full movie below while you can!

BIG FUN IN THE BIG TOWN: THE LOST 1986 HIP HOP DOCUMENTARY

Jul 9, 2012

Interview: Brother Ali X Jake One

Here is a nice sneak peak at the upcoming Brother Ali and Jake One album Mourning In America and some behind-the-scenes talk about the spirit of the project and the creative process. Always dope to see an artist being honest and sharing the concepts behind their work with fans and the rest of the world. Looking forward to the album. Thanks to Rhymesayers for the video!

Jul 8, 2012

Eric B and Rakim: Paid in Full - 25 Years Later

25 Years later, Eric B and Rakim's legendary album Paid in Full still resonates with music fans. There has been much ink spilled about the influence of Rakim and his lyrical skills and how it changed the way rappers rapped, so I won't act like this is the first mention. The simple fact that this album can still set a party off 25 years later (Saturday, July 7 marks the 25th Anniversary since it was released) is pretty telling of the nostalgia and history that this album brings for hip hop heads and music fans in general.

The video clip above is actually the Coldcut remix, not the original album cut which was much shorter, but it still holds true to the music and rhythm of the original and helps showcase the song a bit better. For more performances and news about the history of the group and the music, check out the post at egotripland here. Enjoy and do your research if you don't know!

25 YEARS AND COUNTING

Jul 7, 2012

Album Review: Young Zee x Mr. Green - One Crazy Weekend


Mr. Green has been steadily building his legacy by working with underground heroes and members of the Outsidaz crew, of 90's Golden Era fame. Gaining attention from his work with Pace Won (2 albums, one of which is yet to be released) and most recently with Young Zee. Calling the project One Crazy Weekend, Green hooks the beats up with some old school chops and Young Zee drops his mixture of grown man talk and goofball/tough guy talk for a modern take of a throwback sound.

Stand out tracks for me are: Chillin with my kids, I love it, Weird, Home Town and Those Dayz.

Check out the promo video for "I Love It" below and stay tuned for more from both Green and Zee!

 

Jul 6, 2012

Fine Art Friday: July 6, 2012

STUDIO CROMIE: FASHION x NATURE



Don't typically talk about fashion or textiles on the site, but the idea of taking the city around me (us, everyone) and putting the things that inspire us directly onto a t-shirt is intriguing. I have always been a fan and amateur photographer of interesting textures of rusty metal, mold stains, faded paint and other time lapsed elements that are present in nature and cities everyday. This video from Studio Cromie, of Italy's FAME fest, gives me a bunch of cool ideas about doing exactly that. They took city walls and textures from the city of Grottaglie (Italy) and turned them into some better-than-your-average shirt patterns. Click the studio link to see more.



IGOR MORSKI


Polish artist and illustrator Igor Morski keeps churning out surreal images that are both crystal clear and ambiguous in subject. If you like Dali or Magritte, you should like these modern abstractions of the concepts of both those artists. These seem like good album covers for some spacey, instrumental music, but are fun to look at for a while to figure it out, if at all possible.


LUSH: GRAFFITI ARTIST AND ANGRY GUY


LUSH, a graf artist from Melbourne, Australia, seems to go to great lengths to offend and "piss off" people with attitude and offensive statements and images. He likes to be clever and come off as the anti-artist, but some of his work I find pretty interesting. I always support dissent against everything and when it is done in creative ways, I appreciate it that much more. Not all of his work is stuff that I like (who's really is) but here are some samples of his work that hints at the inner-skeptic mentality of his work. Click the tumblr link here to see more.



Video: Planet Earth

All the special effects in the world and Hype Williams slow-motion in the world could not top the awesome shots of Earth captured from the International Space Station. Best use of the xx track "intro" that I have seen or heard so far. I hope I can see the planet from this perspective myself one day.

Jul 5, 2012

Hip Hop Education

Words, Beats & Life, Inc. is a great Hip Hop non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C. They provide after-school programs in break dancing, graffiti and mural arts, theatre, journalism, and strategy games (checkers and chess) among other things. I worked with them years ago and continue to contribute to the mission with donations and volunteering when possible. If you care about the upcoming generation of kids who are growing up in a world with less exposure to the "roots of hip hop" and positive role models in their lives, you should check out WBL and lend a hand if possible.

They are hosting a Teach-In this weekend called REMIXING THE ART OF SOCIAL CHANGE at Howard university in DC with guests like Kool Herc and David Banner hosting guest lectures about community involvement and awareness of social justice themes that impact the daily lives of youth in America and worldwide.

Jul 4, 2012

Thirstin Howl the 3rd: Jail Recipes


 I can't figure out why this man doesn't have his own cooking show after watching this, as I would stay glued to any food-related show with this much "flavor" (pun intended). It seems like a Chappelle Show skit gone wild, but Thirstin Howl, a legend of the hip hop underground Rawkus era, holds it down with in-depth and comical instructions on how to cook food on a budget, or in your Riker's Island jail cell....something for everybody.

Many more recipes and music videos available on the Thirstin Howl - Youtube Channel.

To see what Thirstin and his crew have been up to lately, check out this latest music video below with the 33rd and the 3rd crew. Not his strongest work, but I appreciate the bi-lingual flow that he brings to the table and his support of Spanish hip hop big or small:

Jul 3, 2012

Nas ft. Large Professor - Loco-Motive

Nas finishes up his recent leak-fest with another "Life Is Good" feature with LArge professor that has hints of "NY State of Mind" soundscapes and ultimately dedicated to all of the "trapped in the '90s niggas." Please let the rest of the album sound like this "classic" Nas we all know is hidden in the background.

Pusha T & Kanye West - New God Flow

Pusha T x Kanye West bringing some 2012 boom bap drums for his new single "NEW GOD FLOW". This is the type of track that I'm sure will be blasting out of cars all summer for anyone trying to avoid the Young Money pollution clogging up the airways. I am not the biggest fan of everything G.O.O.D. Music releases but this is more listenable then the euro-pop dance-a-thon currently all over "rap" radio. Check it to wreck it! Click the link on the title to download

SABZI - Yesler: Townfolk Series

Sabzi, of Common Market and Blue Scholars face, continues to bless the world with instrumental projects with steady regularity. He always supplies chill, downtempo, often grimey beats that play like background music at a hip hop and jazz night club. Sabzi has tons of music floating around the web (Bandcamp, etc.) so check out the most recent project above and check for more if you like it.


Jul 2, 2012

Album Review: Oddisee - People Hear What They See

Following Oddisee's career as a background player for Jazzy Jeff's The Magnificent to underground Berry Gordy of the beats, he has never seemed to lose his ability to impress with each new venture. From his Odd season mixes of instrumental and international collabos to rocking as 1/3 of the D.C. boom bap squad Diamond District to his now official solo debut, Oddisee always brings a true artistic vision to his projects. His latest release People Hear What They See looks like (the cover art) the flyer for a museum retrospective of an artist in his prime and the sound seems to fit that bill well. 


The standout tracks for me are "Ready to Rock"and "That Real" among others. Oddisee always combines the unpolished sounds of gritty music over boom bap drums so well that sometimes I forget to listen to the lyrics as anything other than another sound playing in the background. His southern drawl and more conscious lyrics combine to show a mature B-Boy on his global grind and I seem to make it through the entire album without needing to skip any songs or interludes. This is always a good thing, as it reminds me of the days when people cared about the whole album as a piece of art and not the compilation of producers and guest feature-fest that is the norm of todays rapper.


You can check out the Onion AV club review below and follow links to his Bandcamp and blogspot pages for more info.


Onion AV Club review 


Check out more Oddisee at his blog

Purchase new music by Oddisee and other Mello Music Group members on Bandcamp