American politics continues to feel like a terrible Chuck Lorre produced sitcom. Now, Former Arkansas Governor and current Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee released a campaign video which parodies hit Adele song, Hello. 

The parody was posted on Huckabee’s YouTube channel last Wednesday. Over a karaoke version of the original song, a female vocalist sings about Iowa’s idiosyncrasies, ahead of its crucial caucus vote next week. “Hello, Sioux City,” she croons, as we see Huckabee attempting to emulate Adele’s stoic expression. “Your Woodbury County Supper Club has quite a cute baby / Try the pork chops / baked beans / Just as good as Pizza Ranch and La Mars ice cream.”

After addressing the state’s “arctic blasts and sub-zero chills,” the singer takes a shot at fellow presidential candidate Hilary Clinton, singing, “there’s just no difference between Obama and Hillary,” with a shot of Clinton dancing on The Ellen Show. It seems, however, that Clinton winning isn’t the worst of Huckabee’s fears, with the admission, “If Bernie wins, I’m gonna die.”

Over all, this video is pretty uncomfortable and I can’t help but think that it’s a really pretty desperate play at appealing to a more modern demographic. With that said, American politics never cease to amaze and entertain, perhaps Tony Abbott should have released a parody of his own.

Mike Huckabee is currently polling at an average of 2.2% in Iowa, putting him in eighth place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG_pEGVpQfc

 

 

While Kanye West has obviously been dominating headlines with his own WAVES news, another artist has released a track of the same name. R&B crooner Miguel has dropped a gorgeous remix of his 2015 song, similarly titled Waves, featuring bars from none other than Travis Scott.

Waves was originally released on Miguel’s beautiful 2015 album Wildheart, and the Scott-featuring remix has breathed new life into the seductive bedroom track. Blending Miguel’s signature neo-soul sensuality with Scott’s upbeat hip-hop, the track has been given a massive makeover.

The original track opens softly, with that seductive, syncopated blend of neo-soul and rock elements that made Miguel’s album so unique, and so cool. It then opens into a more disco-friendly, dance-floor ready beat, with a bright chorus and suggestive lyrics about riding that wave, surfin’ that wave, and so on. The remix, on the other hand, opens with a heavier beat and an atmosphere that’s immediately bigger, headier, and very Travis Scott, complete with a verse of his own, auto-tune, and Scott-savvy synth flickers.

Miguel was supposed to visit Australia late last year to perform at Soulfest, but unfortunately the event was cancelled just days before it was supposed to kick off. His album, Wildheart, was one of our favourites of 2015, so our fingers are crossed that he’ll be touching down soon!

 

When Apple created Siri, their intentions were pretty clear. The computer program in your iPhone was meant to act as a personal assistant or a ‘knowledge navigator,’ so it wasn’t immediately obvious to anyone that she would become a beat-boxing champion. As it happens, there’s a new trick that allows your phone to become the next  Shlomo.

As discovered recently, if you asked Siri to beatbox it would do so in a rather simplistic, unexciting way (she repeats cats and boots, which is apparently the rhyme that beat-boxers use to practice). Now it’s been discovered that if you ask Siri ‘what is 1 trillion to the tenth power’ (why someone asked that in the first place is anyones guess), she will rip into a very long and rhythmic beat. The beat is so good, that it’s prompted people into filming their own videos with them singing over the top. The result is entertaining, to say the least.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=77&v=rSqbgLnDU6k

There have been a few discoveries in the past pertaining to Siri’s hidden sense of humour. Every once in a while her responses go viral, like her reaction to being called the wrong name or even better, her reaction to Caitlyn Jenner being called by her birth name. This is the latest one to make the internet rounds, though apparently Siri’s beat-boxing prowess has been stored in our phones since last November.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2-065iwkHk

With Apple installing new features over time, it’s safe to assume we’ll be discovering treats like this for a long time to come. In the mean time, these videos are more than enough to satiate our boredom for the time being.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAPl7e1g0gs

Tinashe has dropped a sultry new track, Energy, further taunting us with material from her forthcoming second LP, Joyride. The follow up album to Aquarius, Joyride has yet to be given an official release date- but if songs like Player, and Energy are anything to go off, it looks like we’re in for a treat.

The track, produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, and featuring a verse from Juicy J, is a sensual slow burner. While Tinashe embodies the role of a seductress in this song, beckoning her partner to “hit me up like lightning“, Juicy J’s verse feels almost abrupt, and entirely unnecessary. “We doing jumping jacks, we do yoga / She exercise, she eat yoghurt,” he spits. “She read books and watch Oprah / I let her ride me, I’m her chauffeur“, while entertaining, it feels like the track deserved more both in terms of lyricism, and delivery – both of which his verse is severely lacking.

It’s unclear whether this is a cut from Joyride or not, as it was silently uploaded to the singer’s Soundcloud this week. If it is, let’s just quietly hope that any other guest verses on the album are much better than Juicy J’s.

Check out the song below:

Tinashe Joyride tour dates:

May 21 – West End, Australia @ Max Watts
May 24 – Newtown, Australia @ Enmore Theatre
May 25 – Melbourne, Australia @ The Forum
May 26 – Northbridge, Australia @ Metro City

Tickets here

Kieran Hebden, better known by his stage name Four Tet, was pretty consistent last year in terms of releasing new music. Thankfully, it seems like 2016 will be no different, with the producer uploading two new tracks in one day to SoundCloud, from his own label Text Records.

Both tracks are collaborative efforts, the first, Mothers/Dark(TEXT038) with Melbourne-based producer Designer; the second, Flip Side/Disparate (TEXT039) with UK producer Champion. They will also be released as 12-inches, “available in all good record shops soon”.

Both tracks are thumping pieces of work, similar in tone but individualistic enough as to set them apart. There are some definite influences by each guest producer as well, which we could probably guess is a pretty big deal when you’re making a track with none other than Four Tet. While Mothers/Dark harbours a more psychedelic, house feel to it, it’s counterpart Flip Side/Disparate is more bass-centric, with the song growing increasingly better towards it’s exceptional end.

Four Tet’s collab partners have hardly been keeping quiet in their own rights as well. Last year we heard Designer’s Dark, whilst Champion released an incredible remix of Kool Fm from his sixth LP, Beautiful Rewind.

Take a listen to the two tracks below:

In today’s uplifting news, 2 Chainz has donated a five-bedroom, two-bathroom house to a family of 11. Previously, the family had been living in a two-bedroom space that was infested with mould and pests.

2 Chainz, alongside his TRU foundation, found out about the family through a GoFundMe page that was set up by Atlantan Progression Church, who set up the page after discovering the family was struggling to get by. The family was days away from eviction, as the father of 9 was sick and couldn’t work. Now, thanks to 2 Chainz, the family gets a year of life bill and stress free, as they figure things out.

“This right here ain’t gonna save me taxes,” The rapper said of his endeavour. “It’s in the beginning of the year. I’m looking forward to seeing their smiles. I’m looking forward to the kids growing up knowing that Uncle 2 Chainz came through… Keep praying. You gotta have faith. You gotta believe.”

This isn’t the first charitable thing the rapper has done, however. Over the holiday period, 2 Chainz has been donating money made from the huge sales of his Dabbin’ Santa Christmas sweaters. The rapper has previously supplied a struggling family with a minivan and has helped a disabled veteran pay rent.

2 Chainz posted a video of him welcoming the family to their new home on Youtube yesterday. It’s heart-warming, to say the least.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkUiq0X-ALo

It’s only been a minute since we heard the (alleged) news that Kanye West is planning on releasing a David Bowie tribute album, but somehow petitions aimed at stopping this from happening have already gained thousands of signatures.

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone, really. Kanye is as fiercely hated as he is loved, and his career moves are often met with rage from his detractors- even his headlining position at Glastonbury gained him 100k petitioners calling for his cancellation. The petition against the album, started by ‘Peter Piranha’, states that “David Bowie was one of the single most important musicians of the 20th and 21st century, it would be a sacrilege to let it be ruined by Kanye West,” with many clearly agreeing.

However, it’s interesting to note that the album is yet to be confirmed by anyone from West’s camp. News of the album was originally posted by The Daily Star, who quoted “a source close to the rapper” (as per). According to this reliable source, Yeezus wants to pay tribute to the legendary performer by recording a mix of straight covers, and some tracks with his own spin. The Daily Star also claims that Kanye pictures himself as a successor to Bowie, and is “determined to carry on David’s work as a musical innovator. He says that the torch has been passed to him.”

In actuality, it’s very likely that The Daily Star’s trusted source may not be so close to Kanye at all, and that a tribute album is not in the works. Though, with all this fuss, we may have just given him an idea.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBAtAM7vtgc&w=560&h=315]

David Bowie‘s legacy extends so much further than the music world. Comedian and actor Ricky Gervais has provided insight into a decade long friendship with the thin white duke, in an inspired piece for The Hollywood Reporter. Growing up in a working class England, Gervais idolised Bowie. It wasn’t until his show The Office became a hit, that their friendship began. Gervais’ essay is touching, and relatable for anyone who was effected by David Bowie- regardless of whether you knew him personally or not.

“After the show I saw the tweets and was trying to find out if it were a hoax — and it wasn’t. Our relationship was bizarre and surreal, and I felt so privileged to know him. I never forgot he was my hero, even when he became my friend. I somehow divorced the two concepts in my head. When I talked to people, I talked about this rock star who changed my whole outlook. He put my life in color. He made me believe: You can do anything; you’re a working-class kid in Reading; creativity is freedom. Ability is a poor man’s wealth. I loved everything he did. He never let me down, even at the end. I’ve never seen a more dignified ending.

I was looking at an email he sent me a few weeks ago. It was as funny and fresh and smart as any in the last 10 years I knew him. That’s integrity. That’s fucking privacy. All this about being one of the most worshipped artists in the world — he never fell for it. I remember the first time I went to see him, I didn’t know what to say. “You’re here for Mr. Jones?” I smiled — of course I was. Right then, David Bowie didn’t exist. His apartment was as amazing as you’d imagine. There was a 3D Picasso-esque sculpture in the middle — beautiful. He said, “My daughter likes to hit that with a hammer.”

I wrote the Extras scene about meeting your hero and him not being what you thought. I wrote the lyrics and called him and he said, “Sorry, I was eating a banana.” I thought that was funny. I asked if he could do something retro, something like “Life on Mars?” He said [sarcastically], “Sure, I’ll just knock off a quick little ‘Life on Mars?’ for you.” We laughed. And then he came and did the show and gave us exactly what Bowie was.

Later he was doing a benefit in New York for The High Line [park] and wanted me to do the show in Madison Square Garden. I said yes, “but only if you introduce me.” So he came out in a tuxedo, the crowd goes completely crazy, and then, a cappella, he started in with, ‘Chubby little loser … Please welcome Ricky Gervais.’ ” So that’s two highlights of my career with the same man.”

It’s now been reported that David Bowie was cremated in New York City. Tributes have flooded in for the late legend from across the globe, including concerts, events, cover songs and more. You can read our own obituary here, and read what fellow musicians have been saying here.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYJ2r16XyJQ&w=560&h=315]

Throughout their career, Run-DMC have been widely accepted as one of the most iconic hip-hop groups in history, with the group consistently staying at the forefront of the scene. It’s only fitting, then, that they will be receiving a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at next month’s ceremony.

Paving the way for, well, the entirety of hip-hop, they were the first hip-hop group to ever see an album go gold, with the release of their self-titled debut in 1984, and were the first rap group to ever be nominated for a Grammy. They were also the first rap group to earn platinum and multi-platinum records, the first to have a video air on MTV, the first to grace the cover of Rolling Stone, and more. This marks their first ever Grammy award.

Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy, made a statement regarding the award, stating that, “each year, The Academy has the distinct privilege of honouring those who have greatly contributed to our industry and cultural heritage, and this year we have a gifted and brilliant group of honourees. Their exceptional accomplishments, contributions, and artistry will continue to influence and inspire generations to come.” While Run-D.M.C absolutely meet all of the requirements above, this will be the first Grammy award they’ve won. Their last shot at a win was in 1986, when the trio was the first rap collective to be nominated for Best R&B Vocal Performance, as the rap category was yet to be formed.

Joseph “Reverund Run” Simmons (who formed Run-D.M.C in 1982 along with Darryl “DMC” Mcdaniels and Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell),  tweeted his pride at winning the award.

The Recording Academy will also be giving honorary awards to Celia Cruz, Earth Wind & Fire, John Cage, Ruth Brown, Jefferson Airplane, Herbie Hancock, and Linda Ronstadt.

The 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards will air on Sunday, Feb 15th.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-O5IHVhWj0&w=420&h=315]

When Seattle law student Jonathan Nichols changed his phone number, he picked one that would be easy to remember. As it happens, those easy numbers used to be none other than Sir Mix-A-Lot‘s digits, the man behind celebrated booty-anthem Baby Got Back. 

The first message received was a link to a YouTube video of a guy making beats out of a synthesiser, with the caption “check this guy out”. While understandably, Nichols dismissed the message as one person having the wrong number, it wasn’t long before he was inundated with messages, all intended for Sir Mix-A-Lot. He was receiving everything from offers of backstage passes, pictures of women in various stages of undress, and phone calls from car dealerships asking if he’d like to take their luxury cars out ‘for a spin’- “I’d love to,” Nichols would advise the salespeople. “But I think you have the wrong guy. I’m a broke law student.”

Eight months of these texts went by, until the day of revelation in mid-August. While Nichols was at a softball tournament, his phone started going “off the hook.” Photos of women with lips pursed, many ‘Love you’, and ‘Happy Birthday’ texts, more women, and one revealing reference to the 1992 rap hit, Baby Got Back. After his tournament, Nichols and his buddies did a Google search for the hip-hop artist, Sir Mix-A-Lot. Lo and behold, it was his birthday.

The Seattle Times caught up with the rapper. “Are you serious?” Sir Mix-A-Lot said when told of the story. “That is hilarious. Poor fella.” He did dole out some friendly advice for Nichols,  however. “Don’t check any text messages in front of your wife. That would be the first thing,” he says. “Tell him any really sexy pictures—little in the middle, and if she’s got much back—give them the new number.”

While Nichols could utilise this newfound power in many different ways (ie living the dream), he has instead chosen to use it as a funny anecdote. “When interviewers have asked me, ‘What’s something interesting that no one else knows?’ or when people I meet working political campaigns tell me about meeting Bill Clinton, I always say, ‘I have Sir Mix-A-Lot’s old phone number.'”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JphDdGV2TU&w=420&h=315]