Kieran Hebden, also known as Four Tet; the UK-born electronic music genius has released his latest project for free. 0181 is a compilation of his early work between 1997-2001. These are often referred to as ‘B-Sides,’ ‘Rarities,’ or ‘Outtakes,’ I like to think of them as puzzle pieces that never found a home. Each piece of work paints an individual picture as you listen through the 40-minute composition. Not to mention, these pictures are incredibly vivid and distinct.
Released September 25, 2012 via 1st & 15th Records
In today’s Hip-Hop industry, the term “conscious rap” rarely finds it’s way to the top of the charts or trends. Lupe Fiasco, has the innate ability to conquer that. With talks about retirement, battles with his parent record company, and being trashed by fellow Chicago artist Chief Reef, the release of the next album seemed less than imminent. Luckily, overcoming fears and tribulations is one of Fiasco’s strong suits, subsequently giving us Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, Pt. 1.
“Even if I’m injured I’m gonna limp into the end zone”
David Morris, the West Virginia 24-year old goes by the name D-WHY. Residing in and around New York and Los Angeles, the man is making quite the name for himself. And while it sounded clever over Gambino’s “Freaks And Geeks,” it’s the best way to describe this multifaceted artist, “Jay-Z meets J. Christ meets Jay Leno meets J.Crew.”
Released June 26, 2012 via Maybach Music Group
Rick Ross and his MMG affiliates got it right the second time around. Self Made, Vol. 1 is a mixture of unoriginal, repetitive beats and bland lyricism that leaves you feeling slightly abandon by the genre you look to for inspiration. Volume 2 however, is a completely different story.
Released June 12, 2012 via Mom + Pop Records.
“I’m just as fucked up as they say/I can’t fake the daytime/Found an entrance to escape into the dark,” an opening line to set the precedence for the record. According to a letter, not a blog, but a letter frontman Emily Haines wrote to her family, friends and fans, Synthetica is about identifying with your own reflection, deciphering real from artificial.
Released May 22, 2012 via Arts & Crafts.
Her name is Al Spx, the enigmatic Toronto-native records under the name Cold Specks. At 24-years old, this Canadian has released a remarkable debut album I Predict A Graceful Expulsion.
