Just a few days after Kaytranada dropped the insane remix of TLC’s classic Diggin On You, our fav Canadian producer is back again, this time with a collaboration titled Sweet F’in Love with the sublime Alicia Keys. If you follow Kay deeply, though, you’ll know that the tune was actually hidden deep within his mixtape 0.001%, released late last year.
As you’d expect, it’s a match made in heaven, with each of these soulful artists tangling their sounds brilliantly together. While the beat has a classic Kaytranada groove, it does have a different sound, chopping interestingly down-tempo jazz keys and flipping it into a smooth bopping instrumental as he his keeps true to his sample-based roots. Combine this with his brilliantly swinging drum line and signature wobbling bass, and we’re in a total trance, topped by Alicia Keys’ vocals, which soar effortlessly over this beat. As she repeats the softly sung line, “sweet, sweet f-in’ love”, flexing her dynamic and sultry vocal range, it just leaves us wanting more and more – you’re probably gonna spin this one a couple times on repeat.
Interestingly enough the tune was actually posted on Keys’ husband, Swizz Beat’s Soundcloud page, but details into whether he had anything to do with the production is scarce.
In the meantime, take a listen to the pair’s incredible tune below!
Image: HW&W
Sure we all like to have a ball on the Australia Day public holiday, kicking back to the Hottest 100 countdown, but who’s to say you can’t have a wild time for Australia Day Eve too right? Luckily for you, the chaps at UNDR Ctrl and I OH YOU have got you covered with their latest collaboration.
Aimed at showcasing some of Sydney’s lesser known performance spaces, the result is Extra Pulp, the juiciest party in town. Featuring disco queen CC:DISCO!, electronic star Dreems, the amazing Juno Mars who will be toasting the new Jagwar Ma album, the smooth Simon Caldwell and the radicool Rimbombo, this lineup is sure to keep you grooving all night long.
It doesn’t end there though. To make the night as special as possible, Extra Pulp will be hosted underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge, at Pier One’s breathtaking deck. Worried you might get peckish? Don’t be, as there’s even some next level culinary treats courtesy of The Kerrigan food shack, satisfying your hunger all through the night.
Tickets are on sale now, starting at $25, which is hella cheap for this kind of shindig, so don’t sleep on it! For more information or to grab them right now, visit their website HERE!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v4oh-ovKq4
Image: I OH YOU
AJ Tracey certainly wasn’t lying when he said on Beats 1 he had some big overseas remixes in the works. Linking up with Florida’s Denzel Curry, it’s a massive move for each of them, who have both been having absolutely huge years.
From releasing his breakout album Imperial to being on the cover of this years XXL Freshmen series, Denzel has quickly become one of the most talked about artists to date. Similarly, AJ has been making some serious waves with his Lil Tracy EP, earning a spot on the BBC Sound of 2017 list, along with dropping one of the year’s biggest tunes, himself and Dave‘s grime anthem Thiago Silva.
Originally released in February, Denzel has returned for what is being branded as the ‘UK Remix’ of his single Knotty Head. The fast paced trap inspired beat fits perfectly with the AJ’s grime sharpened double time flow.
Armed with heavy, lyrically sharpened bars, there’s no doubt he absolutely murked this track. Denzel too comes through with a newly penned verse for the remix, even more energetic rhymes which cement his ‘punk-rap’ persona. It’s a shame that the rest of the track is basically the same, with Rick Ross’ verse being left untouched, but alas the track is hard as hell.
Filmed by AJ’s frequent cinematographer Mornix, the clip features the pair flexing in his area, outside West London’s Trellick Tower and again at London’s Jazz Café venue, yet another high quality visual from these collaborators.
If you didn’t already know, Denzel fans are in for a treat, as it’s less than two weeks until he touches down for a string of shows around the New Years period. Check out the tour dates and watch the remix below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjVbjZY5k9o
Denzel Curry Australian Tour Dates
31st December,
Origin Nye Festival, Perth
4th January,
The Basement, Sydney (Sold Out)
5th January,
The Toff In Town, Melbourne
Get festival tickets HERE, headline tickets HERE
Image: Stereogum
Childish Gambino’s latest album Awaken, My Love came as a surprise to many. Ditching his classic R&B rap ways, he managed to delve into a deep soul and funk infused sound, channeling the sounds he was exposed to in his younger years. Gambino hasn’t shied away from disclosing his influences, namely the major Parliament-Funkadelic influence, therefore how does George Clinton, the mastermind behind the legendary outfits feel?
Talking to Hip Hop DX, Clinton revealed he has indeed listened to it, and he is a fan. “I just heard it [Awaken, My Love] one time and I like the songs. I’m aware of his music and know he’s into P-Funk so I know it’s going to be some good music.”
The compliments didn’t end there, with the legend making some huge comparisons which place Gambino next to legends, “I haven’t had a chance to get all the way into it, but when I did hear it, it sounded like a cross between P-Funk and Prince influence. I’m proud that he’s into the funk and glad him and others are bringing some new funk back.”
This all comes soon after Questlove called D’Angelo at 4am just to tell him to listen to the album because it’s that good. So whether or not the rap fans will accept the new Gambino, it looks like he’s found immense respect among funk and soul legends.
Currently George Clinton is hard at work contributing to Flying Lotus’ next project, alongside working on the upcoming Parliament album Medicaid Fraud Dog, the first since 2014.
Childish Gambino touches down in Australia in just over a week, performing at this year’s Falls Festival in Byron Bay, Marion Bay, Lorne and Fremantle and Field Day in Sydney.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp7eSUU9oy8
Image: Pigeons and Planes
After becoming one of this year’s most admirable and most talked about voices, it’s about time we had something to document Skepta‘s unique rise to fame. Now, Apple Music has released a full half-hour documentary which delves into the Tottenham rapper and producer’s career; the man who stands the forefront of the revitalisation of Grime.
For the past few years Skepta has been constantly generating a huge amount of buzz. 2014 saw the release of That’s Not Me, the mega-anthem which saw him toe-to-toe with his brother JME. It didn’t end there though, the massive It Ain’t Safe featuring Young Lord came next, and marked the pivotal beginning of the UK and New York link up. 2015 was the year of the co-signs, with Drake and Kanye West both weighing in on this much talked-about emcee. Not to mention the release of Shutdown, which undoubtably went on to become the UK’s anthem for the year.
Then came this year, 2016. After releasing his critically acclaimed fourth studio album Konnichiwa, he went on to earn himself the prestigious Mercury Prize, catapulting himself into peak worldwide success, all while staying true to his major values and remaining an independent and authentic artist.
This latest documentary, Skepta:Greatness Only, filmed in the week prior to his meteoric sold out Alexandra Palace headline show, walks us through these years; from his apparent mental breakdown in 2012, to the in-depth creation of That’s Not Me, he holds nothing back.
Presented and written by his sister, Beats 1 host Julie Adenuga, the film talks to those closest to him, who have been there from the very beginning: his managers Grace LaDoja and Sam Burton, tour manager Paddy London, his brother JME and mum Ify, alongside journalist Hattie Collins, soccer player Bradley Wright-Phillips, BBC’s DJ Semtex, designer Kritikal, MsM, PPP’s Charaf Tajer, Pharrell Williams, Guillame Schmidt, Roony Keefe and Jonny Banger. The film also features the likes of Section Boyz, Lethal Bizzle, Giggs, and Kano, serving as the greatest standing record of his career.
Watch the full documentary here or checkout the trailer below!
https://twitter.com/Beats1/status/810592352456687616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Image: The Fader
Just in case you missed any, we’ve pulled together the best music videos released in the last week for you to enjoy all in the one place. The year may be winding down but the videos are still pouring in from the likes of:
Dave – 71
South London’s rising star is back again, dropping the fourth music video from his incredible EP Six Paths. Yet another cinematic masterpiece pieced together by director LX, the clip sees Dave flexing around sunny Hollywood alongside his crew of friends. Whether he’s made it or not, each one of his videos is certainly making it seem that way, but it’s not in a glitzy, girls galore way, he’s worldwide, and it’s inspirational to say the least. Big ups Dave.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VAsCZLW4vk
6LACK – Ex Calling
If you haven’t already heard, 6LACK is Atlanta’s newest R&B talent. After releasing his incredible debut album last month, he’s now back with the eerie visuals to one of the highlight tracks, Ex Calling. A ghostly black and white video, packed with slick imagery and locations, this brooding 808-laced anthem is most definitely worth your attention.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rh0228Xx0A
REMI – Lose Sleep feat. Jordan Rakei
He’s released one of this year’s best albums, Divas And Demons, and is currently touring the country with another of the country’s finest in Baro, yet he’s still making waves – Melbourne’s own Remi has released another video from D.A.D. Lose Sleep is an extremely personal, introspective slow burner coveringthe racism and mental struggles Remi has faced. The video parallels this, it’s hazy and mysterious, centering around the nightlife he and collaborator Jordan Rakei find themselves in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPqh_nJSafc
DMA’s – Play It Out
One of Sydney’s most cherished exports in recent times, the lads from DMA’s, have returned with a video for the final track on their 2016 debut album Hills End. Play It Out is gritty, jangly indie rock heaven and is incidentally the first track they ever recorded as a band. The video too was their first ever, recorded years ago for a mere $20. On ya lads!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTW3KgxBHcQ
Electric Guest – Dear To Me
Oh yes! LA’s indietronica synthesiser kings are back with yet another feel good anthem. Filled with moody jingles, throwback synths, and an absolutely soaring chorus Dear To Me is an amazing comeback for the four-piece. Pairing this with another slick and smooth black and white clip, packed with lovey moments with couples, this is sure to pull your heartstrings. Also, see if you can spot the cameos from Andy Samberg and Haim!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1AmkMuB0pA
Dune Rats – Scott Green
Brisbane’s premiere punk rock trio are back again with perhaps their craziest release yet, Scott Green (as in ‘who’s got green?’). Featuring their signature gritty guitar riffs, slapping bass, and singalong lyrics, the Dunies are in their finest form here. If that couldn’t get any better, their drug laden music video comes alongside an interactive, choose your own adventure like video clip, making us wonder why every artist doesn’t do this with their videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul6VV8XW9xw
Fortunes – 501’s
Fortunes’ 501’s is hip-hop laced disco revival at its best. Backed by a seriously grooving bassline, chiming synth tones and booming beats, the Melbourne singer’s silky smooth vocals glide over the mix with ease. The clip too is masterfully created, sewn together with a stream of nostalgia, based around a hot summers day in the local laundromat. Definitely one to keep an eye on in 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSJkdTP9Ijc&feature=youtu.be
Novella – Does The Island Know
Shot in the style of a clip from the 80s, Novella’s latest single Does the Island Know definitely shares the same vintage, folky appeal too. A glimpse into their upcoming February album, ethereal harmonies shine through on the track, brilliantly wrapped up among a range of bouncy guitar strums and a bouncing bassline.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOn0VwwA7CY
Big Sean – Bounce Back
Chicago’s young stang Big Sean is going big with his latest trap infused banger. Booming 808 and rattling hi-hats ooze the fresh new sounds, no thanks to one Metro Boomin who provided additional production of on the track. Sean showcases a next level flow and lyrical capability on this one, mixing between harmonious singing and fast paced double time rapping with ease. The video is especially arty too, all saturated colours as Sean flexes around different areas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phr1pOFK1V8
PLTS – Call Me Out
Byron Bay’s much loved quartet PLTS are back again with another taste of beach rock bliss on Call Me Out. Wonderfully melancholic and introspective, the video shows the band in another light in serving as a tour video of sorts. From playing Tekken to hanging on tour with Brissie boys Columbus, it’s certainly an entertaining watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfwMSmIrvdY
Image: YouTube
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Charlamagne Tha God, radio presenter at New York’s Power 105.1, is known for his vocal opinions and in-depth interviews. While he typically looks toward his guests and their careers, speaking alongside Pharrell Williams today he looked back on his own, and sure enough his opinion on radio is worth talking about.
In the video below (at 38 min), Charlamagne says, “[radio] can amplify voices, but I don’t know if we [radio] can necessarily create them anymore.” Pharrell’s solution was to “turn them up”, but obviously that metaphor doesn’t make much sense, realistically. Major radio stations with huge competition are not going to take risks like that when it comes to new artists who they cannot bank on.
Although we lack the immense choices that US radio networks provide, Australia is lucky to have a fairly diverse radio landscape. In turn, perhaps unlike the USA, we’re also lucky in that less options means more people are listening to any one station – some of which still have the capacity to find new artists.
To be clear, this discussion is focusing on Australia, where radio is markedly different to the USA. Referring specifically to Charlamagne’s show and Power 105.1, we definitely don’t have such a strong, dedicated hip-hop presence.
At the top of the heap obviously lies the commercial stations who play Top 40 stuff. They don’t break artists and frankly they’re not expected to. But we also have triple j in the middle, and for better or worse, triple j remains to be the unopposed leader for the demographic of anybody reading this article, and many thousands more. In addition are regional community radio stations like FBi, 3RRR and 4ZZZ, who focus heavily on diverse, upcoming local talent.
For the most part, Charlamagne is totally right. Firstly, there are countless ways to discover music and for artists to break out in 2016 – radio is not as crucial as it once was. Not only are there plenty of podcasts, digital radio programs and playlists to follow in lieu of traditional radio, there are blogs, publications, streaming services, SoundCloud and countless more ways to discover music.
However, in the case of a station like triple j, who are lucky to be the definitive non-commercial national radio station, they can and do break artists to the masses – just not very often.
It’s true that most radio no longer discovers voices – that happens before it gets on air. Not only are there countless ways to find music, there are countless artists. For an artist to earn an add to radio rotation, they have to seriously stand out (or fit in, if you’re the ‘glass half empty’ type.) In the case of a triple j-level station, this almost always means building online hype first. It’s the internet that discovers them, while radio plucks them out and up into the spotlight.
Stations like FBi are more open to playing totally unknown artists, although you could argue that an artist usually still needs to graduate to a station with a wider audience to be truly created or broken.
We’re lucky to have wonderful platforms like triple j Unearthed, specifically designed to discover completely unknown artists, and to filter through to radio. As such, the occasional artist does still break on triple j – Flume, Courtney Barnett, Big Scary, Sampa the Great, Montaigne, Seekae, Remi and Gang of Youths are just some of many hundreds of examples.
Say what you will about triple j, but Australian radio does still have the capacity to discover artists and create voices. It’s just far, far less common and more difficult.
Although Charlamagne is also only talking about artists at an extremely high level of success, and widely commercial radio stations, it is nevertheless refreshing to hear this level of honesty from someone in his position. But this argument cannot be said definitely for all radio. The musical underground is bigger and better than ever, and sometimes – not often, but sometimes, radio still plays a very important role.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzaxXDZi-YU
Image: Vulture
It’s incredible to see just how far Chance The Rapper has come in the last year alone. Following the release of his third mixtape Colouring Book in May, a project which became the first stream-only album to make its way onto the Billboard 200 Albums chart, he’s since gone on to become one of hip-hop’s biggest stars, brushing shoulders with Kanye West and pop superstars Justin Bieber and Beyoncé.
Now to help us see things from his perspective, he’s released a short documentary which takes a look back at his seriously historic year, from performing with Kanye, meeting Katy Perry and Macklemore, filming the How Great music video with Jay Electronica, it’s extremely motivational and inspirational to say the least.
This comes just after Chance has been nominated for seven Grammy Awards, after her forced the academy to change their rules to allow his mixtape to be up for consideration. Perfect timing for Australian fans, as it’s now less than a month until Chano touches down in the country, performing at a number of New Years festivals and headline shows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iY3Z-rh6rns
Chance the Rapper Aus/NZ Festival Dates:
December 29: Rhythm and Vines, Waiohika Estate, New Zealand
December 30: Beyond The Valley, Lardner Park, Victoria
December 31: Origin NYE, Claremont Showgrounds, Perth
January 1: Field Day, The Domain, Sydney
Chance the Rapper Headline Dates:
January 3: The Big Top, Sydney
January 4: Festival Hall, Melbourne
Image: The West Review