Fine Art Friday: Daniel Stoupin - "Slow Life"

I have long been fascinated by macro-photography and macro-video of nature and the world around us all, and though it has little to do with hip hop in this context, the images in this video, entitled "Slow Life" by Daniel Stoupin, are fascinating and magical and hopefully might inspire you to appreciate "something" on a higher level. Stare at this for a while and hopefully you can knock the cobwebs out of your brain and make you think about the energy you put into the universe.

ARTIST WEBSITE
http://www.microworldsphotography.com/

Listen: Common - "The Beat Tape Project"

Always a fan of well executed remix projects and breathing new life into forgotten tracks, but as part of the newest release from The Beat Tape Project, entirely new instrumentals have been created in the overall vibe of an artist, in this case Common, without any vocals. The beats are mostly mellow, while some are experimental, but aimed at the vibe that Common, as an artist, inspires the producers showcased on the project. If only Common would reach out to aspiring producers and use a broader range of sounds, maybe he wouldn't be so heavily criticized for his beat selection and "softer" image. We can only hope he listens to stuff like this and realizes he should get some new A and Rs in his life. Props to the 35 beatmakers featured on the project!

DOWNLOAD LINK
http://thebeattapeproject.bandcamp.com/album/common-the-beat-tape-project

Listen: Booda French - "Dreams of Brooklyn"

Much buzzed about British rapper, Booda French and Brown Bag Allstar (producer and emcee) J57 just released a limited edition turquoise 7" vinyl via legendary label Fat Beats!  Booda and J57I have put out countless songs together in the past and have toured Europe together - but this project , the team explains, might be the "greatest accomplishment as collaborators". 

For those unaware, Booda French is revered as one of the greatest emcees, as well as one of the greatest (former) battle rappers to ever come out of England - and linking with Brooklyn's J57 turned out some of the best work to date. Stream the vinyl below and pick up a copy while you can!

DOWNLOAD LINK

http://www.fatbeats.com/products/booda-french-dreams-of-brooklyn-b-w-61-grace-7

Booda French "Dreams of Brooklyn" (Prod. by J57) -- SIDE A


Booda French "61 Grace" (Prod. by J57) -- SIDE B

Video: Ruby Ibarra - "Dance (The Movement)" ft. Bambu

Taking a moment to thank one of my favorite collaborators and Double Truth alumni, Cali emcee (and producer) Ruby Ibarra. She just dropped the visuals for the LuvJonez produced track "DANCE (The Movement)" from her "Lost In Translation" mixtape,  featuring fellow Cali representative Bambu (of Soul Assassins). The video touches on a subject familiar to anyone who carries an educated understanding of the world around us and how the "truth" can be distorted by the powers that be. Ruby continues to pave the way for more positive and progressive female emcee's and flexes her lyrical skills and knowledge of self on the track. Check it out and support one of hip hop's secret weapons!

DOWNLOAD LINK
Lost in translation mixtape

Video: DTMD- "Who's Next" ft. godlymC + Cortez

DC area true school squad DTMD (Dunc and Toine Makin Dollas) recently dropped the visuals for the track "Who's Next" with godlymC and Cortez Scratches by DJ Ragz. Always repping the DMV true school sound, DTMD shows you how to have fun with the music and still be a quality hip hop group bringing lyrics about living positive in the face of constantly facing life's obstacles (shady women, stress and negativity).

DOWNLOAD LINK
https://dtmd.bandcamp.com/album/3-out