Posts Tagged ‘rap’
The Streets release “Cyberspace and Reds”
Earlier this week The Streets sent iphone users on a soup-hunt for download access to his free mixtape “Cyberspace and Reds.” Well, today, the rest of the interwebs have been blessed with access to said mixtape. “Cyberspace and Reds” ain’t your typical Streets album – for one, it’s free, and secondly, and more importantly, there are lots of featuring artists, more than usual at least. While Mike Skinner raps on all the songs, he alone is only attributed to two songs – the rest are all features. This doesn’t dumb down the album, it’s just different. And well, let’s be honest, it’s not The Streets album fans truly desire.
“Computers and Blues” is what we’re waiting for, but there was such a plethora of ideas and material, “Cyberspace and Reds” just had to be put out (or at least I’m assuming). Mike Skinner is a lyrical and beat genius and this album is a backhanded way to prove it. While it may seem like a put down, this album is “leftovers.” Wonderful wonderful leftovers of the last and final Streets album. It’s a preview of the greatness that will be last words in the rap legacy that is The Streets – “Computers and Blues.”
Download “Cyberspace and Reds” here
“Computers and Blues” is out on February 7th on Atlantic.
Be Rad. Enjoy.
The Streets are back on the interwebs!
My favorite Englishman, Mike Skinner, has finally made his way back to the interwebs. Famous for being the mind and voice behind The Streets, Mike Skinner is one hell of a rapper and producer. About a year ago, though, he just disappeared. And by disappearing, I mean he stopped posting on his Twitter. I’m sure he still existed, but it’s not like I actually know the guy. Besides, he’s across the pond anyway. Anyway, last year, before he “disappeared,” he had been busy posting tons of demos from his up-coming album (which is rumored to be his last) and a slew of mini-mixes. So when he abruptly produced only silence I was surprised and franky, a little worried too. I’m not sure where he went or why, but it seems like his conscientious decision to rid himself of his phone for one year is the reason behind the internet silence. Whatever he had going on, I’m just glad The Streets are back in action!
Exactly one year after his last post from 2009, Mr. Skinner posted the URL to his new website. Since then, The Streets have been busy putting out vignette style videos and an occasional podcast to appease to minions. In addition to that, the official video for “Trust Me” just got posted too! The Streets’ return to the web hopefully is a signal that their new album will be hitting the streets soon. Well, actually, it wouldn’t be that soon; there is a countdown clock on his website that I am going to assume is for his new album. Anyway, check out my favorite mini-video and the official “Trust Me” video below and be sure to stay in the loop when it comes to all thing that are The Streets.
When it comes to rap, The Streets are my favorite. This quick witted Brit has the best lyrics and beats ever. American rappers got nothin’ on this guy.
Be Rad. Enjoy.
Mundane Mondaze Mash-Up 3: Runnin’ With The XX
It seems to me that most mash-ups have some rap or hip-hop involved. It makes sense though. Rap and hip-hop producers are notorious for sampling old soul and funk songs to make that new dope beat. In essence, mash-up producers have just turned the tables by sampling rap lyrics and then putting them over the beat of a different song. The process of producing a track has essentially been reversed. Rap, to me, isn’t the most accessible music genre to jump in to. For this reason, I really appreciate mash-ups as they are my key source of new rap actually worth listening to.
The XX are an indie band out of England that were all the rage last year and frankly still are. Their haunting minimalistic approach to making music is ideal for background music and falling asleep. Although, the intro track, aptly named “Intro,” is quite a heavy bass-tastaic beat that anyone would want to use. “Intro” has been used quite a bit now, but my favorite is the Biggie and 2Pac mashup by Quix and Elliot Caps. This track hits really nice and the monologues of Biggie and 2Pac fit so well into the song. Just barely hitting two and a half minutes this baby is short but sweet; you’ll definitely be hitting the repeat button.
The XX vs Biggie and 2Pac – Runnin’ With The XX (Quix and Elliot Blend)
Be Rad. Enjoy.
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