First off, I just want to apologize for the lack of posting these last couple weeks. Sometimes there are only so many hours in a day and you have to prioritize. I have a few things on the go currently, just haven’t found the time to complete them. However, assuming i’m in the country, I dare not miss a Blues & Beats. So this week we have some new singles from Nicki Minaj and Rihanna, both of which have new projects that hit shelves today. Game’s new found grind is improving with every new track he drops. Kanye West decides to drop a handful of bars on RiRi’s “Diamonds,” and this remix has a blinding sparkle. Alt-J’s latest track found a place on the Silver Linings Playbook soundtrack. Also in the mix; a couple K.Dot remixes, some fresh sounds from Ra Ra Riot, The-Dream, Wale and more.
Alt-J – Buffalo (feat. Mountain Man)
Alt-J has made quite the name for themselves over this past year, their debut record An Awesome Wave was well received. This track found a home on the Silver Linings Playbook soundtrack with it’s dreamy, chillwave theme. Download “Buffalo” on 
Rihanna – Diamonds (Remix) [feat. Kanye West]
Kanye snaps on a this remix, delivering some passionate bars. It’s reminiscent of Wayne’s remix of “Lollipop,” where Ye murdered the track, leaving the listener either skipping to next track once he finished, or skipping back to the beginning. Get the remix on
Game is has been re-gaining my respect as of late. First with that intoxicating beat for “Holy Water,” then the tracklist showed me he’s settled some of his emotions (competition) down, and now these two joints. Produced by SAP, who’s also been on his grind lately, Game let’s this beat ride and chills on it.
Produced by Jake One. Pre-Order Jesus Piece on
RRR has yet to release a track where I said “ahh, this sucks.” The 5-piece indie pop group from New York has always made fun, upbeat tunes that suit almost any occasion. Beta Love (LP) is due out January. Get the single on
The once free mixtape 1977 is being officially re-releasing and will feature bonus material. I think it’s a bad move on Dream’s part (or the label). It’s rare you can get away convincing people to pay for something they already received for free (unless you’re The Weeknd). Regardless, this is one of the bonus tracks and in contention for top track on the tape.
Nicki Minaj – High School (feat. Lil Wayne)
Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up drops today, and this is one of the 9 new tracks. Nicki is back on her rapping business, Wayne delivers solid bars and Boi-1da delivers a YMCMB staple beat with the help of T-Minus.Get The Re-Up on
Bird Peterson – Swimming Pools (Bird Peterson Remix)
The Austin Texas DJ turns Kendrick’s heartfelt ballad out! There’s an abundance of intricately placed sounds and effects, a haunting bass-line and some unexpected switch-ups and drops. Thanks to @BobbyBolivia1 for the nod on this one.
Star Slinger – Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe (Star Slinger Via London Refix)
Once again, Star Slinger takes a track I am 100% content with, and adds a unique spin to it without cracking the foundation. On his docket this time, Kendrick Lamar, off GKMC.
Little Dragon – Sunshine (Shlohmo Remix)
Shlohmo gives tracks such a laid back vibe, where it’s almost lazy. That being said, the LA spinner always goes deep, to those grungy, grimy areas of the musical universe.
Joey Bada$$ – Waves (feat. Ab-Soul)
The young Brooklyn emcee recruits Black Hippy’s Ab-Soul for a soulful beat from Lee Bannon.
The three Haim sisters have another catchy indie pop track out, I look forward to the release of their first full-length. Get the double single on
The MMG wordsmith drops a freestyle-esque track, produced by No Credit, who adds some soulful samples.
Rihanna – Nobody’s Business (feat. Chris Brown)
Another promo track off Unapologetic right before the release, featuring her (ex)boyfriend Chris Brown with production from The-Dream. Buy the album on
