[Mixtape] Kaytranada: "Instrumental Hip-hop Is Dead"
Today, Hypetrak released its latest artist-rendered mix from the ever-eclectic Kaytranada. Instrumental Hip-Hop Is Dead is described by Hypetrak as "an intriguing selection of hard-hitting unreleased production. Much closer to Dilla's Donuts than a DJ mix". Apparently, Kaytranada is declaring the end of instrumental hip-hop, just when it seemed to be making a comeback. His mix is a compilation of what he characterized as "some old hip hop beats" of his. It is a smattering of trap drums, heavy bass, and sample-laden interludes, all sandwiched inside of a comfortable synth sandwich that can carry you through the day with it's smooth transitions to airily different areas. Check out the full mix from Kaytranda streaming down below!
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Paul Rudd officially on board for Ant-Man
Two months after it was reported that Paul Rudd was shortlisted for Ant-Man, the Anchorman 2 actor has officially entered early negotiations to portray the superhero in the 2015 film. Joseph Gordon-Levitt was also being heavily considered for the role, but with his attachment to the Sandman project, Rudd became the de facto choice. No firm story details have been released, but the character playing Ant-Man will be the original Hank Pym and not Scott Lang. Director Edgar Wright and writer Joe Cornish have stated that the film works more as a stand-alone film rather than a cohesive part of the full Marvel Studios universe, but I'm sure Disney will ensure some type of cohesion will be in play that will tie it to the rest of the films.
As I stated in October, Rudd was my pick for Ant-Man, and it'll be great to have somebody like him on board along the likes of Vin Diesel, Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey, Jr., and the others. Do you think he fits well for the role? If not, who would you have rather seen behind the helmet? Let us know!
[via /Film]
[Mixtape] King L: "Drilluminati 2"
[Video] With Plowz You'll Never Shovel Again
As a kid, I couldn't wait until that first snow day of the year because I wouldn't have much else to do but play. As I got older, that changed because I was in charge of shoveling the longest driveway ever. I still enjoy winter, but there's nothing fun about getting up early to shovel snow just so you can get your car out. With Plowz, you'll never have to do that again because you can easily schedule a snowplow to the work for you. With the app, you'll be connected to local plow providers who you can schedule a time to plow your driveway. For $25, you can buy the service that Plowz provides all directly through the app in the comfort of your own bed. If you'd like more information, you can visit them directly here.
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[Via PLOWZ]
Joaquin Phoenix wanted for Batman vs. Superman
The mess that is Batman vs. Superman just became a bit cleaner today. Variety is reporting that Warner Bros. really want Joaquin Phoenix (Her) to portray an antagonist in the upcoming sequel to Man of Steel. While sources haven't confirmed the role, it's assumed to be for the film's main villain and Superman's greatest adversary, Lex Luthor. However, an official offer hasn't been made, and there's no indication that Phoenix would even want to take on the role.
As can be seen by his resume since 2010's controversial I'm Still Here, the actor has been more interested in visceral, smaller budget films in lieu of big Hollywood productions. The opportunity to join such a huge property, especially one that features a cast that includes Ben Affleck and the recently-announced Gal Gadot, is a tough one to balk at. Still, I'm holding on to the chance that Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston will ultimately be cast for the film.
Nevertheless, we'll report more as the story develops.
[via Variety]
[RH Feature] Marrow: The Second Time Around
Photo byNolis
Six months ago the dream was all but dead.
Kids These Days officially broke up on May 8, 2013. Two days later I was behind the wheel of my Chevy Trailblazer heading north to Wisconsin. The seven piece funk/soul/rock/hip-hop group that had captivated a generation of a city was no more, and they had retreated north to make sense of it all.
As I drove through the newly warm spring air with drummer Greg Landfair, his girlfriend and a friend, we listened to the eclectic sounds of Traphouse Rock and Hard Times. The group had spanned nearly four years together, essentially amounting to what would later be referred to as their “college days”. With college over, we pulled up to a hastily-erected sign on the side of a seldom-used street in what seemed like the middle of nowhere of Wisconsin to return to where it all began.
As we pulled up to the main house of the Postock farm, the ominous sounds of Macie Stewart’s voice could already be heard emanating from the large, old barn located just on the other side of the red brick structure.
For a group of young adults that achieved so much, the end of the band was almost jarringly abrupt. After a series of tense discussions and numerous arguments, Kids These Days rode out their tour through New York and called it quits. Horn players Nico Segal and J.P. Floyd left from there to join Frank Ocean on tour, Vic Mensa immediately embarked on a solo hip-hop career and the rest headed back to Chicago to figure everything out.
Wiz Khalifa: "Got Me Some More" (Prod. Young Chop)
The general of Taylor Gang finally released the final version of his collaboration with Chicago "Drill" producer extraordinaire Young Chop yesterday via his twitter account. It's been fun watching Young Chop foray his unique drill sound into national recognition and Wiz gets everyone excited with the track, set to be on his next release, Blacc Hollywood, which is slated for a 2014 release. The track was officially premiered earlier today on Sway in the Morning, and features Khalifa singing more often than we've heard in the past. Blacc Hollywood should prove to be one of the more interesting releases from the Pittsburgh rapper. More on that later, though. Check out "Got Me Some More" streaming below.
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[Trailer] Welcome to Yesterday
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It's getting to the point where found-footage films are running long in the tooth. What was once exciting and new is now played out and exploited. Welcome to Yesterday is yet another found-footage film, but with the added sci-fi element of time travel. Time travel films are my weakness, and I'd be lying if I said Welcome to Yesterday looks to at least chip the mold that has encumbered many other found-footage films.
Directed by Dean Israelite, Welcome to Yesterday centers on a group of high school friends that stumble upon the schematics for a time travel machine left behind by one of their fathers. Naturally, they use it for selfish means, like winning the lottery, passing a class, etc. However, their acts cause a ripple effect that leads to disastrous ramifications. The only solution? Going even further back in time to prevent the discovery.
/Film likens Welcome to Yesterday to Chronicle and Primer. I'm partially in agreement with them, except I don't think it'll go as deep, technically or ethically, as that film did. With Michael Bay set as the film's producer, expect at least a few explosions mixed in. I'm sold on the film... hopefully they re-think the name before everything is finalized. We'll all be welcomed to screen Welcome to Yesterday on February 28th.