CSF

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble: "Spottieottiedopaliscious" (OutKast Cover)

The good folks over at ArtDontSleep sent over this track to celebrate their booking of Hypnotic Brass Ensemble for their event with EVFA "Homage". If you're in the Los Angeles area on February 23rd make sure to stop by Exchange LA for the event. Hypnotic Brass Ensemble is made up of eight brothers from the south side of Chicago. They're compositions are incredible and their cover of "Spottieottiedopaliscious" by OutKast is no exception.

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - Spottie by ArtDontSleep

by CSF

[RH Review] Rockie Fresh: Driving 88

"Just a young ni**a from Homewood who started thinkin' forward" raps the young MC in his closing track "So Long". The line summarizes a lot of things about Rockie. No more than two years ago he was an unknown artist from Chicago. Now he is at the forefront of a crop of new young artists emerging from the Chi and Driving 88 is a project that has the possibility to push his stock even higher. The first sound that reaches your eardrums is Doc Brown, saying "if my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're gonna see some serious shit." Well it seems that Rockie has hit his stride and finally hit that breaking point. While Driving 88 is without a doubt a statement of where Rockie is now, it is as much an examination of his past.

The track "Twenties" meshes future and past seamlessly. "When I was just a youngin' I had dreams of riding twenties" he rhymes, following this statement by saying "out here tryna get it while we living in our twenties." Dreams seem to have become reality for the young MC. And while Rockie fully acknowledges the extent of his success, he remains modest. This is what makes the album really special because it's easy to lose yourself in the hype, instead Rockie comes across as grateful, a nod to fans and a great example of his humbleness.

With a Delorean on the cover and a title referencing Back To The Future, Rockie has set the stage for a cohesive project with a very specific theme. The theme of success and achievement are strung throughout and drawn together by his choice of production. The low-fi synth is employed heavily throughout, reenforcing the project's themes. It sounds are a progression from The Otherside but without the dark edge. In the end Rockie has crafted a gem with Driving 88. He remains modest, not smug, even though he knows that he is the shit. He shuns conflict, rather thanking all of his haters and doubters for providing him with motivation. Rockie is moving swiftly towards the future and after a release like this one, be ready for him to shut shit down in 2012.

Grab Driving 88 here

Rockie Fresh: "Twenties" (Produced by The Gift)

Rockie Fresh: "Where I Wanna Be" Featuring Phil Ade (Produced by Blended Babies)

Rockie Fresh: "So Long" (Produced by Key Wane)

by CSF

[Mixtape] Rockie Fresh: Driving 88

After much anticipation Rockie Fresh's latest project is finally here. Driving 88 was recorded here in his hometown of Chicago, where "the hunger came back out" after he had spent a few months in Los Angeles [Check out In Studio Interview with Rockie]. The tape features Casey Veggies, Phil Ade, King Louie with production from The Gift, LPeezy, The Kickdrums, Blended Babies and others. Driving 88 is yet another successful project from the young artist and if you're unsure of whether to grab the tape check out our review of the project for some added assurance.

Download Driving 88: DatPiff - Official Site - Stream

Upcoming Tour Dates

1/26 • Chicago, IL • Reggies Rock Club (Release Show)
1/31 • Wichita, KS • The Cotilion (w/ Wale)
2/01 • Omaha, NE • Sokol Hall (w/ Wale)
2/02 • Des Moines, IA • Val Air Ballroom (w/ Wale)
2/09 • Iowa City, IA • Blue Moose (w/ OCD)

by CSF

[Video] The Internet: "Fastlane"

Odd Future is one wild group of artists and maybe the best way to see their range as creatives is by checking out The Internet. The Odd Future sub-group is composed of DJ Syd Tha Kyd and producer Matt Martian, who together compose some very dope sounds. "Fastlane" pairs a traditional boombap beat with some futuristic synths and Syd's mellow vocals. The accompanying video stars Syd and actress Jasmine Flemings as new-age bandits, following the couple as they venture through the west, committing robberies, assaults, and possibly even a homicide. The video was directed by Matt Alonzo, who also handled the treatment of their first video, "Cocaine". Not only are the two videos linked by the director, but the video for "Fastlane" ends where "Cocaine" picks up. Make sure to check out both videos and cop their debut Purple Naked Ladies, available on Itunes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0TEy1EitSDs

by CSF

[Tracklist] Kid Cudi & Dot Da Genius: WZRD

In a little over a month, on February 28th, Kid Cudi and Dot Da Genius will finally release their highly anticipated rock debut WZRD. The album marks a milestone in Cudi's career, as he branches out from his characteristic sound into the realm of rock-and-roll. While Kid Cudi undoubtably has the rockstar mentality, it is hard to say whether his escapade into the genre will be successful. I've been a Cudi fan since the beginning and will be listening closely. As well as hoping that WZRD doesn't end up becoming his Rebirth.

WZRD Tracklist

1. The Arrival
2. High Off Life
3. The Dream Time Machine
4. Love Hard
5. Live & Learn
6. Brake
7. Teleport 2 Me, Jamie (Feat. Desire)
8. Where Did You Sleep Last Night
9. Efflictim
10. The Upper Room

by CSF

[Video] ScHoolboy Q: "Hands On The Wheel" featuring A$AP Rocky

"Hands On The Wheel" is the product of a clash of titans; stoned, trippy, fucked up titans at that. Whenever ScHoolboy Q and A$AP Rocky come together, the final product is phenomenal [Check "Brand New Guy]. The latest collaboration comes off of ScHoolboy Q's recently released Habits & Contradictions, yet another step in TDE's march towards dominance. Directed by JeromeD, the video is a trippy as the cats who made it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=dGd9DTTrX4U

by CSF

The A$AP Mob on MTV's "The Check In"

MTV's brotherly duo of Eric and Jeff Rosenthal managed to catch up with a few members of the A$AP mob on 'The Check In' recently. The two may not have asked the crew the most substantive questions, but the end product is a great interview. Check out the hilarity that ensues as A$AP Rocky, Twelvy, and Yams share their take on South Harlem, the change from "pretty" to "gorgeous", the A$AP mob wives, among other topics.

by CSF