Let CK.FM006 take you into the underground
Sean CK was a big part of rubyhornet version 1. Starting off as an intern, he rose up to key contributor and even held down the fort for a short time after I left. He had a classic interview with Sir Michael Rocks during the height of Cool Kids label-fuck-shit era. And he did a phone interview with Sean Price in our office stairway, came back in the room shaking, and erratically muttering "I can't believe I just talked to Sean Price."
To know Sean CK is simply to love CK.
He recently launched a weekly soundcloud radio show, uploading weekly mixes of his favorite songs. Most episodes have focused on electronic music, but for number 006, he decided to focus some new gems from the underground Hip Hop scene.
I hit him up for a description and he told me that he wanted to hit to branch out with a "largely hip-hop filled episode with lively, conscious lyrics from emerging artists."
Enjoy the episode above, and definitely look for CK to be involved as we continue moving forward.
"The Mayor" Documentary depicts Wiki's love for New York and gives an intimate look at an emerging new voice
Wiki is one of my favorite emcees. He's got a voice and flow that is unmistakable with prose delivered in deliberate, stabbing sentences. This short film traces Wiki's journey towards a rap career, and his parallel relationship with NYC, using the context of a 5-Borough tour that coincided with his recent LP, No Mountains In Manhattan.
Wiki teamed up with Boiler Room on the tour and film, making the footage intimate, raw and imperfect. In true Boiler Room fashion, Wiki took to non-traditional venues such as a Brooklyn Beer Hall, Staten Island Skate Park, Bronx backyard, Queens rooftop, and for the finale, took his talents to the storied Nuyorican Cafe.
Wiki travels to each show on public transportation. His journey to each venue simultaneously traces his upbringing in NYC. "Once you could take the train on your own... it's like you can do anything. And that could take you down any route. That can make you get into anything," Wiki says in the film.
As discussed in the 21-minute documentary, Wiki choose Hip Hop as early as 6th grade. Routinely hitting the Rec Center, which led to frequent subway trips en route to cyphers, shows, and parties. As he traveled he took in a fuller picture of what it meant to live and rep NYC in life and his music. That discovery remains a main element of his music, and a large reason why Wiki is embraced so heavily in New York that he has been bestowed the nickname of The Mayor. It's not just a false claim, or something he chooses to brag about, but a point of honor and significant muse.
"I always loved New York. It's always been that thing, I always wanted to represent.When I was younger I wanted the thing that said 'New York' on it. I wanted motherfuckers to know. I realized getting older that it's like, 'nah, you do you.' That's the best way to be New York."
The documentary follows Wiki through each performance as well as the planning and gives a glimpse into an artist that cares deeply for New York as well as the people that make the city what it is. It's further evidence of Wiki's endearing qualities as a emerging artist. The film also provides a new context with which to enjoy his album.
Now if only we can get him out here for a Digital Freshness.
Cae Jones - Hunnit [Video]
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Directed by Itenji Films and produced by KZA K' Lee, Cae Jones has unleashed his powerful new song & visual with "Hunnit". Cae displays a sing-song flow that he uses to carefully and confidently dissect the beat; a surgeon with the words. The calm of his delivery juxtaposed to the backdrop of the punk rock synth line and pumping drums creates an ever interesting dynamic between music and performer.
Shooting the video in his native habitat of Rochester, New York, Cae returns to his roots while expanding his horizons through music. His versatility and poise on the mic certainly make him stand out in a sea of carbon copy MCs.
Watch "Hunnit" above.
BoatHouse - "A Small Glimmer In The Distance"
I got a text yesterday from BoatHouse, "I'm gonna drop a beat on Soundcloud." A couple hours later, he hit me with the link to this jam, "A Small Glimmer In The Distance". The instrumental is light and fun, definitely something set for a quick soundcloud drop. I would say what the inspiring track is, but we ain't sample snitches over here.
Enjoy this jam below, and catch BoatHouse on Sunday at Bottom Lounge opening up for Smino and T-Pain.
Stefan Ponce - For A Girl (Feat. Rejjie Snow, Moxie Raia, & Julian Bell)
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Chicago producer Stefan Ponce enlisted a talented crew of songwriters and vocalists to create a piece of work that somehow transcends the sum of its parts with "For A Girl". The track is a groovy new age Funk/R&B record that would be perfect for cruising the lakeside. The drums swing within the pocket of the rhythm, the harmonies are rich, and every detail feels hashed out to the margins. Look no further than the guitar outro that comes in at the 3:10 mark, most acts wouldnt think to strip the song down that way. The attention to detail is clearly what separates Mr. Ponce from the rest. Listen for yourself above and think about that special someone.
Writing credits go to: rejjie snow, rayblk, stefan ponce, julian bell, william kurk, eddie sanchez