Pennies

The Cool Kids video for their song 'Pennies' was released a little bit ago and its a nice way to kick off the new year that could hold big things for this Chicago duo. I've been liking the vibe of this song more and more and this video really contributes to the song and helps take it to that next level. I can always tell if a video is good if it reinvigorates my enthusiasm for a track. And this video does just that. 

No I.D.

I've been really getting into tracking down some older stuff lately as new hip-hop seems to be kind of slow to start off the New Year. This usually happens as a lot of artists set releases for December for numerous reasons. But I have been enjoying some of these older albums, none more so than a few tracks I downloaded from Chicago producer No I.D. 

If you don't know, No I.D. is a Chicago legend. Not only has he produced some classic Chi-Town albums like Common's Resurrection, but he was also Kanye's mentor. Here's some tracks from his album Accept Your Own & Be Yourself. 

No I.D. - State to State

No I.D.- We Rock Like So

You Maaaadddd!

The inauguration was without a doubt a day of national celebration, and justifiably so. The first black president was ushered into office. There have been too many hip-hop tracks to count celebrating this historic event such as Jay-Z's 'History'. But at the same time, a lot of people (myself included) are ecstatic that George Bush is leaving office. Some are so happy they just can't hold it in, and one of these people was Young Jeezy and Jay-Z at a show days before the inauguration. 

I personally love the remix Jay-Z did for 'My President Is Black', but little did I know the people of Fox News thought otherwise. Check out Bill O'Reilly and Dennis Miller discussing how awful it is that these two rappers are 'spewing hate'. 

First off, I would also like to extend my thanks to those people that Young Jeezy mentioned. And does Bill really think people still like Bush at all? Even his own party won't welcome him in. I also hate how Dennis Miller acts like hip-hop invented the word 'hoes' and sexism in general. But besides all this, they criticize these two artists for words of 'hate' then go on a partisan rant about how Guantanamo is being closed. I can't help but watch this and be reminded of this precious piece of video. 

Anyways, here's a few tracks. 

Jay-Z- My President Is Black (D.C. Remix)

First Black President

As I'm sure you all know, Obama is ushered into the White House tomorrow and if you're like me you will be skipping a gym class (or whatever you may be doing) to watch the speech. There have been a plethora of Obama inspired pieces that have come to the light of day recently, some decent some bad some just strange. One that has stuck in my mind was a video put together by NYOIL that opens with Obama talking about the importance of the father in families, but the video is set to Marvin Gaye's 'What's Goin' On'. As the song loops Marvin I couldn't help but say wait a second, wasn't Marvin Gaye killed by his father?

But I digress. When I think Obama and the music that he inspired I think of two songs. Nas' 'Black President' and Young Jeezy's 'My President Is Black'. While I think Nas' track is the stronger of the two and addresses Obama's election and what it means in a more analytical way, Young Jeezy's track is much more celebratory. It is appropriate then that the video for Young Jeezy's ode to Obama be released just before his inauguration. Check it out. 

And I could never forget about the great Martin Luther King Jr. I feel like Obama is giving MLK day more meaning this year, as it becomes not just a day to remember the past but to celebrate the course our country is on with the inauguration looming. But I also always love MLK day because it means some Martin Luther King focused hip-hop tracks come out which are always a joy. I'm a sucker for the Dr. King-preacher voice samples. 

Overcome, Overcame

Cause there's a hundred black millionaires in the game

And the one thing that really trip me out

Is there's about to be one up in the White House

Snoop Dogg and Sly Stone- Doctor King Remember

Notorious

The movie Notorious was released today, and I had been listening to copious amounts of the great King of NYC to prepare for the occasion. However, as I went to start my car earlier today, I learned the sub-0 temperatures we have been enjoying here in Michigan had made my car battery as dead as the Pistons in Oklahoma City tonight. (Get rid of small ball, it's not working). Anyways, the night that was supposed to be me watching a Hollywood movie about a hip-hop legend has resulted in me drinking 24 oz. High Life and listening to the Notorious soundtrack. 

Despite my disappointment in my car battery, this soundtrack is quite good as it compiles some rarer tracks with some of Biggies hits. I'll also put up Biggies unsigned hype demo that was made before he was signed after he was featured in Vibe. If your car is working, go check out Notorious!

Notorious B.I.G. Notorious

Notorious B.I.G. Demo

I'll Be In The Sky

A nice video for B.O.B.'s first single 'I'll Be In The Sky'. It has great energy and he plays up that martian theme that is everywhere. Speaking of martians, a lot of people are knocking B.O.B. these days for sounding too much like Andre 3000, particularly with this track. Obviously, the two bear resemblance, but I for one don't mind an artist heavily influenced by the great Andre 3K. Enjoy It! Track below. 

B.o.B.- I'll Be In The Sky

The Golden Hour

I've been really vibin' to this album from Ypsilanti's 14KT lately. He makes some nice Detroit style beats but he has other influences as well. The first track, titled 'The Waiting Room' shows off his diversity as it isn't so much a hip-hop beat but something that combines other aspects of electronic music. It keeps the booming bass of hip-hop and retains the space feel that has been huge lately, but it has that nice rhythm break in the middle that leads to the the sporadic light percussion and isn't as repetitive as some hip-hop beats. 

Basically, this album has been a real pleasant surprise. Highly recommended. 

14KT- The Waiting Room

14KT The Golden Hour

Shuv It

No shortage of remixed Santogold tracks these days. Just after Jay-Z used Santogold's 'Shove It' as a sample on his 'Brooklyn Go Hard' another remix has popped up this time with Project Pat and 3 6 Mafia. I like this one though because it gives the Santogold track a little more grit while keeping it Santogold's track. While 3 6 Mafia makes there presence known, they don't take it over, which I like because I can take only so much 3 6 Mafia. 

Shuv It- Santogold ft. Project Pat and 3 6 Mafia

There's Only One

Ann Arbor MC Buff1 has recently released his album titled There's Only One and it's got that nice midwestern vibe. My favorite song on this album is 'Dream Streets' and it even has a nice little video to go with it. The only thing I don't get about this song is Buff1 claims he's sick of eating burgers in that Taco Bell. Hamburger is now the midwest taco apparently. One can only guess what the midwestern burrito is. Coney dog perhaps? Anyways, here's the video for 'Dream Streets' with the track and album for download below. 

Buff1- Dream Streets

Buff1 There's Only One

Fuck the Police

I don't know how many of you have heard about this awful situation involving a young man named Oscar Grant in Oakland, but it makes the classic N.W.A. song very relevant. At a BART station in Oakland, a guy recorded the tragic shooting of a young, and unarmed, 22 year old by BART police on New Years Eve with there cell phone. Here it is. 

The shooting is bad enough as 3 policemen surround an already subdued Oscar Grant and with his face on the pavement shoot and kill him. But now I  am hearing various reasons why the police officer would commit murder like this and one is that he confused his gun for a taser, which is complete BS as he clearly steps back and shoots. Sure Oscar Grant was most likely less than a saint and from what I have read he was less than perfect. But nothing he had ever done justified what happened to him. 

When I think of incredibly sad situations like this, I in general think of 'Mad World' by Gary Jules. Therefore, it is only fitting that Novel gives a cover of the track in tribute to Oscar Grant. 

Novel- Mad World

Spit That Kurt Vonnegut

This song is one of the reasons I love hip-hop music. There is so much diversity within a single song. In this song alone, Jay Electronica makes various great references including American author Kurt Vonnegut, Jesus' apostle and betrayer Judas Iscariot, the Seattle grunge band Nirvana, andf 2008 presidential candidate John McCain. Plus he does it all so creatively on an ominous beat that flows well with Jay Electronica. This beat accentuates his lyrics very well and never overpowers him. Jay Electronica seems to be in complete control throughout this entire song and never lets the listeners attention stray. 

I spit that wonder rhymin' shit

Me and my conglomerates shall remain anonymous

Caught up in the finest shit

Get that type of media coverage Obama gets

Spit that Kurt Vonnegut 

That blow your brain Curt Cobain that Nirvana shit. 

Jay Electronica- Exhibit A (Transformations) 

Here's some other Jay Electronica that I've stumbled upon. This one is real old school as in Kurtis Blow flow old school. 

Jay Electronica- Trolley Stop

A nice little track produced by 14KT. 

Jay Electronica- Swagger Jackson's Revenge

Brooklyn Girls

Not a new song by any means, but a song I have gone back to lately because of its infectious hook. Charles Hamilton is another one of those names that has gotten a lot of buzz lately and this track is one of the main reasons why. But speaking of names getting buzz check out this video from MTV News that has a few interviews with some of the promising up and coming hip hop acts. 

MTV Shows

But back to the track Brooklyn Girls, its simply fun to listen to. Odes to Brooklyn are nothing new, but I think Charles Hamilton puts a nice spin on it with focusing on a certain part of the Brooklyn population. Check the video and the track below. 

Charles Hamilton- Brooklyn Girls

Mick Luter

Chi-town has been getting some much needed love lately but its still crazy how many talented people are undiscovered in the city of wind. Mick Luter is perfect evidence. It's always refreshing to hear some people older than me in an age when many rappers seem to be blowing up before they leave their teenage years. Here's a nice video from him that I've been feeling lately.

Here's a track from Mick with fellow Chicago MC Mic Terror. For those of you fortunate enough to remember the Nickelodeon show 'Doug' from your childhood, there is a reference at the opening of Mic Terror's verse to none other than The Beets.

Ooo Wee Ooo Killer Tofu

You don't want beef this what the fuck I'm gonna do

Mick Luter ft. Mic Terror- Here We Go

And speaking of strange rock bands and Chicago rappers, a weird rumor has surfaced that Lupe is the lead singer for a British rock band named Japanese Cartoon. That's not all, Lupe, according to this rumor, goes by the rock name Percival Fats and sings in a British accent. And no this isn't in the Kanye 808's and Heartbreak vein, Lupe is going full into the rock world with this, if its true. Check out these tracks. 

Japanese Cartoon- Heirplanes

Japanese Cartoon- Army

Who knows if this is true or not, but its funny either way because Lupe assuming some British accent and joining a rock band titled Japanese Cartoon is very plausible. 

Double Ladies

In case you didn't know, Beyonce is indeed Sasha Fierce and her song 'Single Ladies' has been everywhere recently. Therefore, it is only fitting that a remix pop up with her lyrically inclined husband Jay-Z. Kanye is thrown in there for good measure as the track gets a grittier feel as pounding bass replaces hand claps. 

Beyonce ft. Jay-Z & Kanye- Double Ladies (Government Remix)

N.A.S.A.

A nice spacey track that combines two of the hottest female artists that exploded this year mixed in with a certain Louis Vuitton Don. The mixture works fairly well for a nice up tempo track as Santogold gives a nice verse and Lykke Li contributes a very nice hook. 

When ya'll on 10 I'm on 11

I'm gonna make the news be on at 7

N.A.S.A. ft. Kanye West, Santogold & Lykke Li- Gifted

The Best Underground Producer

In my opinion, it's Detroit's own Black Milk. I found the perfect video to showcase his unique abilities as he puts together an INSANE beat in about oh 10 minutes. This video is from a while back too. Apparently he threw out this beat and I may never know why. 

 He has certainly carried the torch nicely for Dilla and is only improving. If you don't know about him, you need to get with it.  His third album titled Tronic was just released and it has some of the best beats I have heard in a while. I'll put it up for download, but go buy it if you appreciate it. 

Black Milk- Hold It Down

Black Milk Tronic