[Video] Kanye West Performs Three New Songs + Rick Rubin Working On Yeezus
It's been really interesting to see the way Kanye West has been promoting his forthcoming opus, Yeezus, with a guerrilla-style marketing approach. Blogs, music critics and fans are all buzzing with the tidbits of content Kanye has let the masses hear, especially this morning since we've obtained footage of him performing three new records at New York’s Governors Ball festival (including one featuring King Louie!) and reports of Rick Rubin being helping Yeezy out as a executive producer. Watch the clips below and read the full report here.
http://youtu.be/5RDdsWm3uRU
http://youtu.be/DLjoXbEhXUY
http://youtu.be/TtGXW3kqdnM
[Video] Chance the Rapper: "Acid Rap Live"
Chance the Rapper has been blowing up since Acid Rap dropped. Appearing in a plethora of mainstream publications and top-rated lists with scheduled festival shows later this summer, culminating in a nationwide and European tour, Chano's everywhere these days. Of course, he puts on for his hometown, as evident at his two sold-out shows at the Metro, one of Chicago's most celebrated venues for music.
If you missed either of these shows, frequent Chance collaborator Austin Vessely compiled a documentary-style video of Chance's sets that you can watch below. Intermixed with some behind the scenes clips are performances of "Smoke Again" and "Pusha Man," as well as some cameos from notable Chicagoan musicians Macie Stewart and Greg Landfair.
Be sure to check out his remaining tour dates if you live outside of Chicago and haven't had a chance to check out Chance live.
http://youtu.be/N36QcJbWLyo
New Alamo Drafthouse "Don't Talk" PSA features Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke
To commemorate the theatrical release of Richard Linklater's Before Midnight, one of my Top 10 Summer Movies, the film's stars Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke recorded a "Don't Talk" PSA for the Alamo Drafthouse. For those who haven't been to a Drafthouse, which are primarily located in Texas, but have a few locations across the country, they talk movies very seriously. While food and drinks are served during the film, they have an intensely strict policy on phone use and talking during screenings. If you're caught using your phone or talking too loudly twice, you'll be kicked out with no refund offered. Like I said, serious stuff.
The series of "Don't Talk" PSAs are tongue-in-cheek videos that play prior to each screening to ensure people are following the rules. Some of them are outright hilarious, including this one of a voicemail left by an angry Drafthouse attendee who somehow wasn't aware of the rules. I'm waiting for the day for a Drafthouse to expand to Chicago. Until then, I'll have my memories of SXSW and these PSAs to tide me over.
[youtube id="YZhbZAW_Zp0" mode="normal" align="center"]
[via Flixist]
[Video] Much Ado About Nothing "I am an Ass" Clip
Joss Whedon is no stranger to geek circles. The creator of such highly-acclaimed TV series as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, and others, Whedon entered the majority of peoples' radars when he directed 2012's record breaking blockbuster, The Avengers. Unbeknownst to many people is that he also short, wrote, produced, and directed a black and white modern adaptation of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing directly after shooting ceased for the superhero film.
Shot during a relatively short 12 day schedule, Whedon's retelling of the Shakespeare classic stars a who's who of Whedon collaborators, including Nathan Fillion (Firefly), Amy Acker (Dollhouse), Alexis Denisof (Buffy), Clark Gregg (The Avengers), Fran Kanz (The Cabin in the Woods), and Sean Maher (Firefly). Much Ado About Nothing is about a a bumbling police constable, Dogberry (Fillion), who must investigate a scheme being plotted by Don John (Maher). In the clip below, aptly titled "I Am an Ass," Dogberry reacts hilariously to being called an ass by one of Don John's supporters, Conrade (Niki Lindhome).
Fans of Whedon will appreciate his sense of humor, especially when juxtaposed with Shakespeare's style of writing comedies. The black and white also helps create a film noir vibe to contrast with the adherence to Shakespearean language. Much Ado About Nothing will be coming to theaters on June 7th for a limited theatrical release.
http://youtu.be/lZwa0oDOvaU
[via IGN]
[Video] Talib Kweli X Chance the Rapper X Cory Mo Freestyle
Recently, Chicago superhero Chance the Rapper appeared on Showoff Radio with Statik Selektah to show off some freestyle skills. With him were Cory Mo and hip hop legend Talib Kweli. Each rapper cyphered over the "1 Track" beat by ASAP Rocky. Talib had the longest verse, but Chance definitely showed some good chops, too. Check out the video below.
http://youtu.be/SQI3K0ywAhQ
[via Al Lindstrom]
[Video] Pyyramids: "Paper Doll" (Live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno)
In support of their latest debut, Brightest Darkest Day, Pyyramids made their TV debut on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno last night, performing "Paper Doll" for the world to see/listen. If you missed the performance last night, we have a clip of the song below. Great job, guys! Hopefully the exposure will lead to even bigger and better things for you.
[iframe id="http://www.hulu.com/embed.html?eid=j_khqlsinhqdraxf9xjsiw&et=2489&st=2206&it=i2435"]
World War Z PSA Viral Video, Crisis Zero
The film adaptation of Max Brooks' World War Z is shaping up to be a huge blockbuster for Paramount Pictures with a reported $125m-$200m budget. Starring Brad Pitt (Moneyball), the film follows Pitt's character across the United States as he attempts to find a way to stop the zombie outbreak, known colloquially as the titular "World War Z." However, based on previously-released trailers, it seems as if the Marc Forster (Quantum of Solace)-directed film strays away from the book's tone.
Of course, Hollywood never sleeps, as is proven by this latest bit of promotion. A PSA video, entitled Crisis Zero, was recently released to hype the film (and its UK Facebook page) as its June 21st release date approaches. Part of the marketing ploy is to not explicably use the term "zombie," which is an interesting path to take, considering the rampant hype and excitement for anything zombie-related. You can watch Crisis Zero below.
http://youtu.be/p7TUqP8J86o
[via First Showing]
[Video] DJ Oreo: "#1DayAtATime" (Ep. 2)
DJ Oreo might not be a familiar name to our readers yet, nonetheless, at the rate this young Chicagoan is working, his name should be pretty recognizable by the end of the summer. Oreo currently DJ's for the 2008ighties' crew, Alex Wiley and Chance The Rapper, and his high-energy personality hypes both the emcee and the crowd unlike many modern-day DJ's who lack the charismatic trait and the ability to grasp the attitude of a venue. He recently started a vlog series that basically gives us a insider's view on what goes on behind-the-scenes for your favorite rapper's show. In episode two, he bids farewell to the KTD and Chance The Rapper March Madness tour with a hilariously dope song called "Bugatti Blues", watch below.
http://youtu.be/pkmegaAZR_Q