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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!

Watch: Azealia Banks – “1991”

Rising New York hip-hop artist Azealia Banks has just released the music video for “1991”. The 1991 EP was released earlier this year and has received overall good reviews for the singles “212” and “Liquorice”. Justin Mitchell, who has previously worked with KiD CuDi and Death Cab for Cutie, directed the music video that you can view below. In the music video, you can see Azealia Banks simply being Azealia Banks posing and dancing in this simplistic music video. Her debut album, Broke With Expensive Taste, has again been delayed to a further release date. So far the expected release date is February 12, 2013, but it wouldn’t be surprising if it was delayed again.

Listen: Closed Sessions, Vol. 2

Chicago-based independent hip-hop record label, Closed Sessions, has just dropped the full mixtape for Closed Sessions, Vol. 2. They have been dropping singles for the last couple months and Vol. 2 features classic hip-hop artists such as Blu and Raekwon and also many rising talents such as Freddie Gibbs, Action Bronson and Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire. You can also listen and download Vol. 1, which was released 2010. Check out a series of behind-the-scenes videos for the making of Closed Sessions, Vol. 2 here. Download or listen to the mixtape on Soundcloud below. You can also check out a trailer for Vol. 2 below.

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.

Listen: ANTHM – “Late Night Tithes”

ANTHM, also known as Mr. No Cosign, flips a sample from Little Dragon‘s “Precious” for the woozy “Late Night Tithes”. The former Duke grad and Wall Streeter takes a bit off his usual flow for this one, giving it a more laid back feel compared to his more hard-spitting material on Joy & Pain (grab that on his website here). This time though, he kicks some rhymes for the ladies and has a little bit of fun. You can stream and download from the player below.

Stream: Why? – Sod In The Seed

Why? recently released their new EP Sod In The Seed, which will be the first release since Eskimo Snow (2010) for this four-man indie/hip-hop/new-wave band out of Cincinnati, Ohio. Naturally, I’m excited for this EP since I have always been quite a big fan of Yoni Wolf and his extensive list of bands and collaborations including Clouddead, 13 & God, and Hymie’s Basement. The EP gives a different sound than their last LP Alopecia and the songs don’t carry as much of a dark feeling to them. I wasn’t digging it at first listen and the change took a bit to get used to, but eventually the songs really start to groove.

Why? will be preforming their new EP on their 2012 tour. You can stream the entire release below. Tour dates can be found further down the page.

Sod in the Seed EP Tracklist:
01. Sod in the Seed
02. For Someone
03. The Plan
04. Probably Cause
05. Twenty Seven
06. Shag Carpet

WHY? 2012 Tour Dates:
08/24 – Columbia, MO @ The Blue Note
08/25 – Norman, OK @ Opolis
08/26 – Santa Fe, NM @ SOL @ Santa Fe Brewing
08/27 – Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
08/28 – Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex
08/30 – San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
08/31 – Arcata, CA @ Arcata Playhouse
09/01 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
09/02 – Seattle, WA @ Bumbershoot Festival
09/03 – Boise, ID @ Reef
09/04 – Salt Lake City, UT @ In the Venue
09/05 – Englewood, CO @ The Gothic
09/06 – Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
09/07 – Lawrence, KS @ The Granada
09/08 – Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center
09/09 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
09/10 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
09/11 – Ithaca, NY @ The Haunt
09/12 – Cambridge, MA @ Middle East
09/13 – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
09/14 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
09/15 – Durham, NC @ Motorco Music Hall
09/16 – Asheville, NC @ Grey Eagle
09/17 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
09/18 – Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge
10/05 – Düsseldorf, DE @ New Fall Festival
10/06 – Evreux, FR @ L’Abordage
10/07 – Paris, FR @ Maroquinerie
10/08 – Brighton, UK @ Old Market
10/09 – London, UK @ Electric Ballroom
10/10 – Manchester, UK @ Central Methodist Church
10/11 – Bristol, UK @ Fleece
10/12 – Glasgow, UK @ SWG3
10/13 – Oxford, UK @ The Bullingdon
10/15 – Berlin, DE @ Volksbühne

Listen: Cam Meekins – “Sharks”

Cam Meekins is fresh off the releases of mixtapes Blazed and Confused 2, Cam Meekins’ Day Off, and 1993, and he hands us a new free track to listen to, providing us with the perfect soundtrack for SHARK WEEK!! Meekins’ new song is called “Sharks”, produced by Cam Meekins himself, and has a chilled out beat so the next time you’re on a commercial break, just click play and you’ll be able to chill along with the soothing vocals and Cam’s sick flow. You can grab the MP3 for yourself below and be sure to catch Shark Week on Discovery Channel this week.

MP3: Cam Meekins – “Sharks”

Review: Frank Ocean – Channel Orange

Frank Ocean – Channel Orange

Released: July 10, 2012
Label: Def Jam
Purchase: iTunes | Insound | Amazon

Frank Ocean‘s Channel Orange is a nightmare of an album to review, not because it’s a bad piece of work or even because of the circumstances that surrounded its release (read: Frank Ocean broke the ice about his still unclear sexuality just days before the album’s release with a painful recounting of his failed relationship with a man — a huge no-no in the heteronormative R&B world). Instead, the difficulty of reviewing Channel Orange lies in the fact that its such an intimate experience that it probably shouldn’t be dissected out of respect for Ocean. That emotional purity and the special way that Ocean seems to deliver it make Channel Orange an engaging and heartwarming listen from start to finish. He may be bisexual, but his pains and murmurs of unrequited love ring true to a much wider audience (it’s no wonder that he found success early on in his career writing songs for Beyoncé).

Interestingly enough, what makes Frank Ocean so particularly endearing may or may not even be the music he manages to make; his wit, charisma, and uncharacteristic nonchalance for someone with so much pain inside him carry him more than far enough. Perhaps even more interesting though, is that this doesn’t even matter in the grander scheme that is Channel Orange. From the bittersweet reminiscing of “Thinkin Bout You” to the outpour of regret and contemplation on “Bad Religion” to the ten-minute magnum opus that is “Pyramids”, Ocean spins a tale of desperation and heartbreak so real and so personal that we can discover exactly who Frank Ocean is, regardless of what we may or may not have heard about him. “This unrequited love, to me it’s nothing but a one-man cult and cyanide in my styrofoam cup. I could never make him love me,” he explains to a non-suspecting taxi-driver on “Bad Religion” — and suddenly, we know he has some secrets about his sexuality. On “Pink Matter”, he questions, “What do you think my brain is made for? Is it just a container for the mind?” — and we feel both his mind and brain at work. When Ocean’s flawless falsetto accentuates the hook on “Thinkin Bout You” and he croons, “Or do you not think so far ahead? Cause I’ve been thinking ’bout forever,”  we feel Ocean’s nostalgia for the past he loved and the future that never was, all in the present tense. Over the course of the album’s intentionally sparse 17 songs, we discover much about Ocean while at the same time, he encourages us to discover more about ourselves as he carefully pieces each vignette together and invites us to reflect alongside him.

Ocean is far from what you would normally expect from an R&B star, but he does represent everything that you’d hope to find in one. That, perhaps, is much more important.

9.5

Standout Tracks: “Bad Religion”, “Pyramids”, “Pink Matter (feat. André 3000)”, “Super Rich Kids (feat. Earl Sweatshirt)”

Download: Cazzie Jetson – theMighty

Cazzie Jetson of THEBLKHANDS has finally unveiled his new solo record, theMighty, placing the entire 18-song record up for free download on Bandcamp. On it, he drops slick flows over production work from ILLA of THEBLKHANDS, Wale-associated Best Kept Secret, Cazzie himself, and more. Narration throughout is provided by Dominic Serendip. You can get familiar with the Philly-based rapper’s work below and stay tuned for more from THEBLKHANDS.