Video: Fashawn - "The Beginning"

Among the many reasons I wanted to post the new single by Fashawn is the fact that he drops the phrase "The Double Truth" in his first verse, but mostly because it is a simple but dope beat produced by Evidence with Fash flowing confidently as he always does. Dropping the visuals for this latest single, entitled "The Beginning", Fash teamed up with Ev on the lo-fi creeper that sounds similar to his work with LMNO a few months back. Featuring graf artist TravMSK in the background of the video, Fashawn flexes his skills as a preview for "The Ecology" album dropping soon. Stay tuned for more from one of my favorite left coast emcees.

DOWNLOAD LINK
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-beginning-single/id737919447#

Fine Art Friday: Jimmy Nelson - "Before They Pass Away" Photo Essay

I have to admit that whenever I see a cultural history project by a white guy, I am immediately suspect of their motives and possible exploitation of the subject matter, as has often been the case historically. However, despite the potential monetary gains or potential deceit behind the work, I was impressed by the breadth and style of photographer Jimmy Nelson's "Before They Pass Away" project which documented the lives of  35 indigenous tribes in 5 continents over a three year period.

Listen: Rasco X Guilty Simspson - "Swam and Simpson" EP

After years of bouncing around with underground labels and lesser known albums, I was glad to see former Cali Agents emcee Rasco pop back up on the hip hop radar with a collabo album with Guilty Simpson. They recently teamed up for a short EP that showcases their unique flows over fairly mellow production. Hopefully, there is more to come from both of these cats, but this new project entitled "Swam and Simpson" will do for now.

DOWNLOAD LINK
http://swan-and-simpson.bandcamp.com/album/swan-simpson

Video: Paranom X Purpose - "Dayz Go By"

The crew at Ill Adrenaline Records continue to carry the torch for the boom bap, 90s golden era vibe of hip hop and just dropped another in a long string of solid releases with the new work from Paranom and Purpose. As a lead single for the upcoming "Life Outside The Frame" album from Paranom and Purpose, they recently dropped the video for "Dayz Go By" showing a chilled out vibe and clever wordplay that serve as a good preview for the overall album.

DOWNLOAD LINK
http://bit.ly/DayzGoBy

Video: Marco Polo - "G.U.R.U." feat. Talib Kweli X DJ Premier

Marco Polo recently dropped a proper dedication video for his tribute track "G.U.R.U." off the upcoming Port Authority 2: Directors Cut album. Teaming with Talib Kweli and GURUs Gangstarr brethren DJ Premier, MP and Kweli created a celebration of the life, legacy and "all of the vast accomplishments and great music Guru and DJ Premier gave us". Despite all the weirdness surrounding Gurus passing, the impact of Gangstarr and the respect they earned as a group, and as individuals, will always be what the hip hop community remembers. Check out the video for some lost footage of Guru and friends during their heyday and help honor of the mist respected emcees to ever touch the mic.

DOWNLOAD LINK
itunes.apple.com/us/album/g.u.r.u…mier/id637265221