Sufjan Stevens: "Vesuvius"
Having graduated from the University of Illinois, I think I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for Sufjan Stevens. Musically I've always been partial to Michigan, but there's a sense of pride to see the big I on the shirt during his Illinoise tour. Now that he's scrapped the 50 States ideology, he's released a new album, The Age of Adz, which has freed him up to explore a great deal musically. The latest, his surprisingly electronic, using keyboards and synths to expand the sound that we've come to expect. "Vesuvius" is a soft piano ballad, that slowly grows into something fantastic.
via HPlusRecords
Crown Royale: "We Gotcha"
"Me and Rhett is winning, what are y'all doing?"
It took a little longer than expected, but the Buff1 and Rhettmatic LP, Crown Royale is finally ready for a 12/7/10 release. The LP features the coming together of the Mitten's Buff1 (Athletic Mic League) and L.A.'s DJ Rhettmatic (Beat Junkies). The album also features guest appearances from Eric Bobo, Fashawn, Bishop Lamont, Ras Kass, Guilty Simpson and more. "We Gotcha" is the LP's first single and is available for free download below. The video is coming soon as well.
Sene: "Return2Gold" feat Britain Parker
Unknown to us, Sene spent all of October out in Switzerland working with producer NoGames. The two co-produced a new LP entitled Metropolispeaker, and "Return2Gold" is the duo's first piece from the project. Grab it below.
Lungz: Buried Alive Free LP
Lungz returns with the release of his new street album, Buried Alive. The new LP is 13 new joints featuring production from J-Rell, Bigg Unit, QB & Nascent, Slot-A, Maja 7th, SC, and Don P, Nez & Rio and others. It also features guest appearances from artists such as YP, and Big Homie D.O.E. Download it below and also check out the new video for the album's intro.
Kanye West: KDWB Interview x MTV Europe Performance
"What if Michael Jackson could explain on Twitter why he hung the baby out the window?"
Kanye West has been doing several in-depth and revealing interviews lately in support of his forthcoming LP, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Several themes and statements have been repeated during each interview, I believe the GOP calls them "talking points". Amongst Kanye's talking points are being fearless in his art and expression, losing everything, and not listening to any restraints. This interview with Minnesota's KDWB, which appears more like a press conference, Kanye talks about all those things and also asks the question of what the world would be like if Michael Jackson had a twitter page. It's another interesting look into the life and times of Mr. West. Also after the jump is footage of Kanye joining 30 Seconds to Mars during their performance at the MTV Europe Awards. Kanye's new album drops 11/22.
Zeale: "Monzter Hozpital" video
Zeale is an emcee from Austin, Texas. I stumbled upon his music last night after I returned from a short trip to Florida for some R&R. I was catching up on FB friend/event requests, RH postings etc, when I saw that our homie Hollywood Holt (check out his new "So Appalled" video we just released) was tagged in some photos with the young emcee. I decided to check out some of Zeale's music, the first being this video for "Monzter Hozpital". The video included some really colorful and great shots, a chilling chorus, and Zeale's forceful-political center verses. It was a winning combination, earning Zeale a post on RubyHornet and a spot on my radar as 2010 turns to 2011. If you like what you see you can also preview and purchase Zeale's latest release, DISASTERKRFT.
Shawn Chrystopher: "The Hangover" [Radio Rip]
Bad choices make for good stories and good nights make for rough mornings. Shawn describes one of his own mornings after a night that probably ended in praying to the porcelain god. The song's sound reminds me of some of Cudi's material (and it kind of serves as the sequel to Cudder's "Memories") , using drawn out synth tones reminiscent of Ratatat and a sing-song delivery from Shawn. Unfortunately, this is a radio rip but you can get it DJ free when You, and Only You drops on December 7th. Make the jump to grab the track.