//
archives

Frank Wu

Frank Wu has written 693 posts for Lost In The Sound

Listen: Timbaland – “Know Bout Me (feat. Jay Z, Drake, James Fauntleroy)”

GtfsyWO
Honestly, this entire track feels like a missed opportunity: no Drake hook, Timbo taking a turn on the mic, no Jay outside of the intro (which, depending on who you’re talking to in 2013 might be considered a blessing). There are, however, a few bright spots: check out the Timbaland-laced, Fauntleroy-graced “Know Bout Me” below, complete with some stu-stu-stu-stu-stutters from October’s Very Own.

Interview: Lydia

lydia
Lydia has been a staple of the indie rock scene now for almost a decade, but not without their fair share of ups and downs and all the lineup changes that came with it. We talked to Leighton about their new album Devil, released earlier this year, asking him about their new sound and their current tour with their friends from Cartel.

Questions by Kevin Ma.

The progression in Lydia’s sound from Paint it Golden to Devil is pretty clear, was this a deliberate act to reach out to newer fans or more of a natural change? Devil definitely sounds the happiest of your records to date.

We definitely didn’t set out to make a “certain kind of album.” I think it just ended up sounding more upbeat naturally. We also went with a new producer to make Devil, so that probably contributed to the slightly different sound as well.

The balance between keeping the old Lydia sound that fans love and opting for a more poppier sound is quite well done in Devil depite it seeming risky to attempt, how did you achieve this balance?

I really think it’s terrible to play it safe while writing. It’s one thing that I truly hate, when an artist puts out a record without taking any risks. There is really something to be said about stepping out of your comfort zone. Some amazing things can come from it.

Moments of ‘beauty’ have always been a part of what makes Lydia’s music so endearing to fans. Your past records didn’t have a problem in achieving these emotional, layered moments as they were sad in nature. Devil, being almost the opposite, still manages to achieve these moments. Was this the result of many conscientious decisions on your end or did it sort of magically happen during the recording process?

Honestly we were just trying to make the best songs we could. I feel like it would be a mistake to go into any creative project with a strong agenda. The guys and myself were very lucky to have the great team around us for the recording and release as well.

What’s the inspiration behind the Devil album artwork?

We get asked this a lot because, I guess, it’s so different from our previous artwork. We were going a slightly different direction with the music, and so we wanted to do the same with the artwork. Our manager and myself came up with an idea that slowly morphed into what you actually see as the artwork.

How have your musical inspirations for writing new songs changed with each record? Are there certain musicians that you’ll always look at for inspiration?

I really do try and look at every release, and song, completely different from anything we’ve done already. I think that in itself  as made the albums different. Also I would say we make a conscious effort of not forcing any songwriting. If its not there, it’s not there. Sometimes you just have to put the instrument down and come back to it later.

There are a lot of lines that have stuck with fans: “…it’s such a life to remember”, “When all we want is to be enough / When all we want is to feel enough”, and my personal favorite, “Darling, you fucked up”. What is your favorite line you have written?

Ha, I mean I wrote them all so I’m kind of biased, but I just love how the fans hold all the lyrics and songs so close and personal.

Favorite songs to play live? Best and/or craziest crowd reactions?

Um, we just put out a song called “Back to Bed” off of our new record Devil. This one got a whole lot of amazing Lydia fans pretty wild on tour.

Leighton, you have another project called The Cinema, how do you balance the song writing for both Lydia and The Cinema? How do the songs differ and influence one another?

I try my best while writing to keep both projects separate from each other. I love to write and produce both bands, but I feel like any “separate” project you do shouldn’t be too close to another. That said, I think it’s only human that some of the writing probably influences other parts.

What’s next for Lydia?

Lydia is going to be releasing a deluxe edition of our latest release Devil with 6 extra tracks on it. Then we will be on the road for a lot of the remainder of the year. Hope to see some yo’ faces out there, cheers!

Listen: Hoodie Allen – Crew Cuts

crew_cuts_cover_final
Before he embarks on a 28 city tour, the always-hard-working Hoodie Allen first made sure to drop his new 11-track album Crew Cuts. I say this every time Hoodie releases a new project, but it’s clear that he’s been working hard on polishing his sound, diversifying his style (even adding some doo-whop influences in), and improving on his craft. This time around, the former Googler lines up quite a few of his big-name friends (Chiddy Bang, Chance The Rapper, G-Eazy, Skizzy Mars) to rap all over his melodic, laid-back beats. Oh, and it’s free, so be sure to download the MP3s or stream on Soundcloud below.

DOWNLOAD: Hoodie Allen – Crew Cuts

Listen: Drake – “Started From The Bottom”

_STR8556
Since releasing his Take Care near the end of 2011, Drake has been keeping his solo material close to the heart, only making occasional appearances with his blistering verses and hooks on other artists’ songs (see ASAP Rocky‘s “F**kin’ Problem”Future‘s “Fo’ Real”, Lil Wayne‘s “Love Me” for examples). So there’s something inherently exciting about “Started From The Bottom,” the Mike Zombie and 40-assisted debut single from Drizzy’s next solo album. It’s a little bit repetitive — probably to help silence everyone who still claims that Drake’s career was gifted to him on a Degrassi-greased plate or that he just somehow stumbled haphazardly onto the world stage, but the bottom line here (no pun intended) is that he’s worked hard for everything he has now and that he’s here to stay.

Here’s what Drake had to say about it on the OVO blog:

My good friends,

It has truly been too long. I assume you’re all keeping well and making the most of this year that has been given to us. Today is the day to begin sharing my newest work with you. This is the first single off of my upcoming album. I feel sometimes that people don’t have enough information about my beginnings and therefore they make up a life story for me that isn’t consistent with actual events. My family and my second family (consisting of the best friends anybody could ever have) all struggled and worked extremely hard to make all this happen. I did not buy my way into this spot and it was the furthest thing from easy to achieve. I am proud of every part of my past and I’m excited for this song to find a place in your life as well. I didn’t feel I needed any interviews or radio or press to launch this song. It felt right to come back to the site that I started on and release it to the people that started here with me. Judging by this post, the tour that we’ve been planning, the conversations about new songs and album artwork…I think it’s safe to say we’re back together again. Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

“You don’t have to ask me how I’m doing…just listen to the music” – K.Samir

Listen: A$AP Rocky – “F*ckin Problem (feat. Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar)”

Wow, this track is a problem. Less than half an hour ago and with no prior warning, A$AP Rocky announced to his Twitter followers that a new track would be released later today. “F*ckin Problem” is that song, which comes loaded with features from Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar, as well as production from Drake’s right-hand-man and producer Noah “40” Shebib. Stream or grab the MP3 below, courtesy of Rocky himself. “F*ckin Problem” is the latest single to drop from PMF’s upcoming album LongLiveA$AP, scheduled for release on October 31 through A$AP Worldwide, Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records.

MP3: A$AP Rocky – “F*ckin Problem (feat. Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar) [prod. 40]”

Dates for Rocky’s current LONGLIVEA$AP tour can be found here.

Listen: Kendrick Lamar – “Compton (feat. Dr. Dre)”

In just three weeks, rap’s new messiah Kendrick Lamar will release his highly-anticipated new album good kid, m.A.A.d. city. Today, we get an exclusive sneak peek of the album with an ode to the city of Compton. Teaming up with legends Dr. Dre and Just Blaze, Kendrick and Dre flow viciously for four minutes on “Compton”, which according to the pre-order tracklisting on iTunes, will serve as the 12th and final track on the standard version of the album. Interestingly enough, the much-talked-about track with Lady Gaga does not appear on the tracklisting, although “Poetic Justice” with Drake still remains. Check out the song below courtesy of TDE’s mixing specialist Ali.

good kid m.A.A.d. city Tracklist:
01. Sherane a.k.a Master Splinter’s Daughter
02. Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe
03. Backseat Freestyle
04. The Art of Peer Pressure
05. Money Trees (feat. Jay Rock)
06. Poetic Justice (feat. Drake)
07. good kid
08. m.A.A.d city (feat. MC Eiht)
09. Swimming Pools (Drank) [Extended Version]
10. Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst
11. Real (feat. Anna Wise)
12. Compton (feat. Dr. Dre)
13. The Recipe (feat. Dr. Dre) *
14. Black Boy Fly *
15. Now or Never (feat. Mary J. Blige) *
16. Collect Calls *
17. Swimming Pool (Drank) *

* = iTunes bonus track

Listen: Frank Ocean – “Blue Whale”

New Frank Ocean is always a treat and last night’s mysterious new “Blue Whale” is no different. This time, however, Ocean trades his falsetto and melodies for a couple of chilled-out rap verses. We’ve already heard him spit on “Oldie” and “She” with the rest of the Odd Future goons, but “Blue Whale” (which seems to be an old demo produced by Midi Mafia) is the most continuous and solid rap effort so far from the Def Jam singer. Check out the song on Ocean’s Tumblr below.

MP3: Frank Ocean – “Blue Whale”

Listen: Kanye West – “Clique (feat. Big Sean & Jay-Z) [prod. Hit-Boy]”

We’ve had a bit of a cruel summer waiting for the G.O.O.D. Music crew to finish up their ultra-hyped collaboration. Today, we get a brand new glimpse of the album with the second single to Cruel Summer, due out, ironically, this fall (September 16th to be exact). Kanye West teams up with Big Sean and Jay-Z to jump on some banging Hit Boy production, giving us yet another posse cut from the talented crew. If you enjoyed “Mercy” like most people did considering it already went platinum, you’ll love “Clique”, which pretty much falls in the exact same alley. The three rhymers drop their sixteens, Yeezy and Sean Don take care of the hook, and “N–gas in Paris” producer Hit Boy returns to his familiar position behind the boards for the Kanye-led clique. Oh gawd!

Download: A$AP Mob – Lords Never Die

The A$AP Mob drop off their new mixtape Lords Never Die to tide us over until Rocky‘s highly anticipated debut album drops on Halloween. Not only is the album artwork completely awesome, but we get a chance to sample more music from the lesser known members of the extremely talented group. The best part though? They all take turns over fantastic production from the likes of AraabMuzik and Clams Casino, while also bringing along Danny Brown and Gunplay for the ride.

DOWNLOAD: A$AP Mob – Lords Never Die

Lords Never Die Tracklisting:
01 Thuggin’ Noise [prod. Silky Johnson]
02 Full Metal Jacket [prod. 183rd]
03 Bangin On Waxx [prod. A$AP Ty Beats]
04 Coke & White Bitches: Chapter 2 [ft. Danny Brown, Fat Trel, Gunplay; prod. P on the Boards]
05 Bath Salt [ft. Flatbush Zombies; prod. P on the Boards]
06 Persian Wine [prod. Electro Beats]
07 Black Man [prod. Electro Beats]
08 Dope, Money, and Hoes [prod. AraabMuzik]
09 Work [prod. Chinza & Fly]
10 Y.N.R.E. [prod. AraabMuzik]
11 Purple Kisses [prod. VERYRVRE]
12 The Way It Go [prod. Milo]
13 Freeze [ft. Jim Jones; prod. Clams Casino]
14 Told Ya [ft. Bodega Bamz; prod. DJ Carnage]
15 Underground Killa$ [ft. Raekwon; prod. Simon]
16 Jay Reed [prod. P on the Boards]
17 Gotham City [prod. A$AP Ty Beats]
18 Choppas On Deck [prod. E-Smitty]

Interview: Blu

A little over five years ago, a still unknown rapper named Blu teamed up with Emanon producer Exile to release his debut album Below the Heavens, a record that captivated the hip-hop world and is still recognized as one of the few modern rap classics. Fueled by his sincere storytelling ability and a certain way with words, the Los Angeles rapper soon became a West Coast legend, landing a spot in XXL’s 2009 Freshman Class, teaming up with esteemed producers like The Alchemist and Madlib, securing a deal with Warner Bros. before defecting back to the more welcoming underground, and delivering two of the most thought-provoking verses on The Roots‘s How I Got Over. Along the way, the mysterious-yet-highly-respected poet and wordsmith also found himself experimenting with a lo-fi and experimental sound, stepping away from the soul-filled boom-bap beats he came up on and tackling work from experimental producers like Flying Lotus.

Despite such a star-studded resumé, Blu has remained much of an enigma for most mainstream audiences, while still becoming one of the most celebrated lyricists of all time, as well as my own all-time favorite rapper. To get a glimpse into his life and his artistry, I spoke to Blu over email and asked him about the many projects he’s currently tackling including the Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them release with Exile due out September 4th, the Bombay-produced solo album Good to be Home, and even reflected on Below the Heavens and j e s u s.

First off, you and Exile will be releasing the remastered Give Me My Flowers very soon. How are the studio dynamics between you two nowadays?

Well, we just cut a great tune last week, so great I wish it made the album but it will most likely be on my upcoming solo record. Right now, we are gearing up to hit the road. It’s been a while since we killed the road last and we are looking forward to a chance to do that again.

Below the Heavens recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. How do you feel about it looking back? Do you ever think of revisiting the Below the Heavens sessions? I know you told Complex you had around 75 songs recorded.

Evil politics behind those sessions, I wish I was the me aster behind those masters!

Bombay will be producing your new solo record Good to be Home and I haven’t been able to find much information about him. Can you give us an idea of how the album will sound production-wise?

Dope, phat, like a phat tape, phat soul, big.

What about lyrically? What themes are you aiming for this time around?

Cali man, so much inspiration there; it’s a record mirror the album I ever made called California Soul, an underground tape.

Are you interested in pursuing another record deal with a major in the future?

Yeah possibly, but right now it’s fun running shit down here!

How about those films you were planning on releasing?

Soon, come June.

Your recent single “Kiss the Sky” had a Lupe vocal sample on it and he once called you “the only emcee in the game that scares me.” Have you kept any contact with him? Will we ever see any new material from All City Chess Club or has that project already been abandoned?

Most likely, we talk every now and then but Lupe is killing the electro-rock sound and we killing that lo-fi soul map, so it’s like whenever we get on the same page, we will be definitely making something special. Jesus!

You, Sene, and ANTHM recently teamed up for “Young Leaders”. You’ve worked with both artists individually, is anything else in the works?

Yeah, we got a group called “RakimKRSOne&Chuck” — of course ANTHM is Chuck.

It sounds like you’re extremely busy with new projects right now. Can we expect a full RælBlz project in the future?

Yes, titled GRO produced under the moniker, GODleeBarnes. SD cassette shit!

You’ve also mentioned a new solo record with The Alchemist. Could you speak about that?

No.

Fair enough, what’s your songwriting process like?

I use a pen.

What happened to the No York band?

They fell off, and Todd finally got a girlfriend.

Your father is a reverend and you talk about your views on religion quite often in your music. From “A Man”, it appears you disagree with the institution of organized religion. What do you think needs to change? Do you and your father agree?

No, but yes. He sees me clearly, better than any fan would, coming from a more divine perspective, respectively, and I respect him to the utmost for upholding some high morals and values in Christianity and his faith.

How does the j e s u s LP play into this? Can you explain the “j e s u s” song?

It’s what I felt like telling “Jesus” in 2011 bro. I may make another song to him next year, GOD willing!

What constitutes success to you?

Respect.