Kweku Collins nonchalantly releases something new.
Out of the blue, Kweku Collins released something new last night, very much under the radar. Taking it back to his, high school days, Kweku had "Meet Halfway" running around in his head, recorded it at home, and uploaded it to soundcloud. Consider this the warm-up, as Kweku gets ready for Pitchfork and has been hinting on social media for a potential new project of some kind.
https://soundcloud.com/kwekucollins/meet-me-halfway
Beastie Boys Book Gets Release, Available For Pre-Order
Here's something to get excited about if you are a fan of the Beastie Boys. Back in 2013, Mike D and Ad-Rock officially signed on for a memoir. Notorious for spending long hours in the studio discussing and then ordering take-out, the Beastie Boys took their time in finishing the book. Alas, the memoir now has an official title, release date, and is available for pre-order. Beastie Boys Book will hit shelves October 30th, and tell the story of the band's formation as well as numerous transformations over their 20+ year career. The book also includes rare photos, a graphic novel, map of the Beastie's New York, playlist accoutrements, and more.
"A panoramic experience that tells the story of Beastie Boys, a book as unique as the band itself—by band members AD-ROCK and Mike D, with contributions from Amy Poehler, Colson Whitehead, Spike Jonze, Wes Anderson, Luc Sante, and more."
And just for fun, here's the 1998 "Beastieography", which you can see it's all its glory. The video is completed with 1998's MTV commercials as well - truly like stepping into a time machine.
https://vimeo.com/68587522
Jack Larsen Introduces New EP with "Break"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0PygcvwbCo
On Saturday, Jack Larsen walked across the stage at the Auditorium Theatre, and accepted his diploma from Columbia College Chicago. Less than a week later, he will release his debut EP, Push-Ups, on Closed Sessions. It's a fitting turn of events for Larsen. His music centers on growing up, and that odd transition from teenage exuberance to the excitement, confusion, and definite pressure that comes upon entering your early twenties and exiting childhood. Last week, ahead of his college graduation, Larsen released "Break", the EP's first and only single that also serves as a summation of the thoughts, feelings, and memories that make up the EP. Connecting the dots through milestones in his childhood, Larsen captures the coming-of-age aesthetic poignantly.
I've spent a lot of time with "Break" and Push-Ups. In full-disclosure, Jack was a student of mine at Columbia College last fall. That's when I first encountered his music, and it's a major reason how we all got here. I think Push-Ups is going to strike a chord with a lost of listeners, and am proud and excited to support it on CS. But don't take my word for it. Listen and watch below.
https://soundcloud.com/closed-sessions/jack-larsen-break
theWHOevers Go All In on New Track "G4B"
I've been a champion of theWHOevers sound and style since the early days of the decade. "G4B", their latest release, sums up everything I love about the duo of JE$$E and Lloyd Dotdot. From the opening snare, this one is a banger. It's got the nostalgic boom-bap that has become a foundation of theWHOevers' sound, without being stale or stuck in the past -thanks in large part to the balance of Dot's rap with JE$$E's harmonizing. They approach the record differently, but cohesively, communicating the urgency and penning a letter of sorts to the music. In a way, "G4B" feels like a renewal of vows, once again pledging their devotion to the music. This is definitely a marriage I can get behind.
https://soundcloud.com/thewhoevers/g4b
Evidence Shuts Down LA in "Bad Publicity" featuring Krondon
"I'm done proving myself, to people I never met, a new rule in itself."
New drinking game - take a shot every time Evidence name-drops a rapper in "Bad Publicity". You won't get shit-faced, but you will catch a buzz as Slick Rick, Like from Pac Div, and Chuck Strangers all get shoutouts in one of the stand out tracks from Ev's phenomenal (no exaggeration) LP, Weather or Not. You can adjust the rules and also pour one up for the Keith Richards shoutout in the third verse, and if you do want to change your whole evening stretch the rules and drink to the Kendrick reference in verse 2.
You don't have to be drunk to enjoy this. Since the earliest days of Dilated videos, Ev has always been on point with the visuals. This is no exception as Ev and Krondon walk around an abandoned LA. Weather or Not has my vote for a top album of 2018.
Watch the new clip below, and peep our February interview with Evidence here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMKNADxrwKM
No One Told Me Bun B Dropped A New Record. I Need New Friends
"I don't talk loud, I don't move fast."
I also learned this week that B-Real dropped a new LP... back in February?! Man, I've been so busy lately, RH has definitely taken a bit of the back-burner. The semester at Columbia ends May 11th though, and we're about to be back our blog shit.
In March, I had a chance to catch Bun B at The FADER Fort and say what's up to the Trill OG. He told me a little bit about his new album and enjoying life. Both come to the forefront on his record, "Slow It Down", an ode to calming oneself with a little assist from some good greenery. Big KRIT produced this track and is around for the chorus. It's great to see/hear Bun B back at it. His new project is on the way.
Femdot Kicks off Delacreme 2 Season with "Alright"
“There’s something about coming up short, make you reach higher heights.”
Femdot has a great ability at writing, delivery, and storytelling. He showcases all of that on “Alright” the first single from his forthcoming LP, Delacreme 2, which Closed Sessions is releasing this summer.
I think the song and video both showcase Femdot’s best qualities, from the clever lyricism and delivery to the way he sticks to a theme behind the record. It’s a proper setup for the new album, and gives the listener context for who he is and what he’s about.
I also think that the video brings up memories of some early 90’s classic rap videos, paying homage but not biting or using a crutch of nostalgia. Fem is an emcee I’ve seen develop over the last 5 or 6 years since he was 15 or 16 years old and he was sending me music for posting on this blog the first time I was running tings.
I’m really excited to have him as part of Closed Sessions and work with him to put out what will be a very important project in the context of his career. The video is above, and the song is available on your streaming platform of choice right here.
YP Returns with "Nothing"
"Way before I heard of Rick Ross, everyday I was hustlin."
YP shows up and shows out on his new track/video for "Nothing". This one is a bar fiesta, and my first thought was to write up his whole first verse. I then realized that I don't have time for that. Enjoy.