We love (x3) Kat Dahlia. The Miami-based artist’s potent, refreshing cross-genre mix of R&B, Hip Hop & Latin music (Dahlia’s the daughter of Cuban-born parents) is delivered vocally on tracks like “Gangsta” and “Clocks” with the power, conviction and (most importantly) killer instinct of a real and singular star. The level and quality to which Kat’s able to reach out and pull at both her empirical and emotional experiences and then so effectively translate them out into her vocal is really quite unique and special. When Kat Dahlia sings, it’s really real. We’re very pleased to present below the B3 Premiere of Kat Dahlia’s new mixtape “Seeds” and new single “Happy And I Know It”. Do not sleep.
Jams, jams, more jams, yes – so many noteworthy jams this week! Here’s a round up mix of more tracks that were spinning the hard drives at b3sci these past few days. So get into a few more tunes that you may, or not, have missed below:
Southern – Shout It
Amatorski – Needle in the Hay (Elliott Smith cover)
Night Terrors of 1927 – Young and Vicious
Wayward – Love Jones
Justin Bieber – Hold Tight (Adam Snow Late Night Edit)
Turtle – Who Knows
Elephant – Snowday
Sasha Keable – Careless Over You
Chelsea Lankes – Ghost
Le Trouble – Real Talk (Part 2)
Criminal Hygiene – Rearrange
Kilter – Hold Me (feat. YOUTH)
Avriel – Failed Messiah
Francis and the Lights – If They Don’t Come Tomorrow
Backbone – Blank Field
Run DMT – Starlight ft. Betty (Kodak To Graph Remix)
Lots happening this week at B3SCI HQ, from announcing CMJ shows to premieres. Here’s a quick look at some tracks that have made their way through our personal rotation this week. Have a spin at them below, and get familiar with something else pretty damn cool that happened this week here.
The Chain Gang Of 1974 – Sleepwalking
Adulescens – Wings
Jarell Perry – Getaway (w/ Thurz) (Rambo Hollywood Remix)
Growing up in Philadelphia spoiled me with rap. Hip-Hop is such a competitive industry and supremely versatile. The current, friendly, mainstream hip-hop scene is lame and produces too much lackluster stuff which would never fly in my hometown. “Local” mediocrity doesn’t apply to Philly’s lyricism. In fact, many new trends and sounds were played out in Illy Philly quite a while ago; the city is often ahead of its time. This tape is comprised of 8 gems from 8 different camps with 8 different styles. Notice many “notable” names are not included. This is the underground stuff, the good stuff. Review and Mixtape by Teddy Pendergrass
In continuation of my thoughts that Philly indeed birthed some of the most talented emcees of this generation (read more here), I’d like to rant on the current state of hip-hop in the 215. In all honesty, I find myself critiquing every rap song I hear, and interestingly enough, I always seem to lose myself into dozens and dozens of track replays from unsigned Philly rappers. Why do I get so bored with most emcees world wide, but can’t get enough of people that you never heard of? I’d guess it has something to do with my theory on mainstream v. independent rap. That popping artists rarely have the passion to match lyricists who are still at the bottom.
Mont Brown – ARF EP
Astronauts Really Fly (aka ARF) is Jay-Z’s undiscovered, competition. If you listen to all Mont Brown’s songs it has everything you could ask for from hip-hop and more. “Reachin” from the ARF EP is an extraordinary example. I can see the Philly ladies and gents alike playing this song loudly from their car stereos. Mont is definitely putting his heart into rap. I remember I saw a review for Danny Brown before he was this big. Anthony Fantano said Danny really figured it out with XXX, showcasing the importance of passionate and honest lyrics. Mont Brown is doing this but too many seem to be sleeping on it. Pace-O Beats’ small part in “Reachin,” is flawless. It’s pop music, man. What more do you want? Astronauts Really Fly could go on tour with Bruno Mars easy. Bruno Mars should sign Mont Brown for more “street” hits.
Philadelphia has a second force to be reckoned with as well. I’d like to introduce you to The Bakery Boys. This crew is for real, and some necessary competition for the dominant Odd Future. Bouts always make the game more interesting, right? Let’s review some Baked projects.
The Bakery Boys – FourEver EP
The title cut off the FourEver EP feels like old Roots but more raw, un-cut. “B-A-K-E-D.“ The Bakery Boys have crazy flow and team chemistry. The last verse is the most unique from Diabolicool (more reviewed on him below). Listen to his words closely; it’s pretty jarring but pure awesomeness. The track “Love Lost” shows range. It’s reminiscent of early 90’s fly rap, style and fun. The emcees like the chicks and can describe their infatuation ever so smoothly. Great tune.
“4:20” is slow, baking music. I admire how the Bakery Boys know to offer multiple sounds. And their flow has yet to become tiresome. The instrumental is amazing. While the Nate Dogg sample is probably my least favorite part, of the tape, it doesn’t stop me from listening again. Closing track “Salute” hits hard with some Cali rhythm. Rappers, definitely, have influence and youth in Philly have always loved California. The hook is a standout. Young hooliganism is ever present with The Bakery Boys and it’s captivating. I also love that nothing about these guys’ music forces the “Philly sound” stereotype.
I feel this EP really captures the mind-state of young street life. It’s not so violent but it’s real. It’s crazy ironic that rappers in their 30s are lying about what they’re really involved with, and the rappers in their teens are genuine and honest. This tape is pure quality. It’s my second favorite of 2013. Philly’s really holding it down as the initial track on my list is from Mont Brown. Variety man, that’s all it’s about in music and both these Philly camps have that down.
Diabolicool – Terrible EP
In introduction to this last review, Diabolicool is super strange. But his unique style is precisely what makes the Baked kids fierce competition. It’s important to not only be able to give the listeners what they want, but to also offer things they have never experienced before… things that may take some time to get used to.
Diabolicool x EARDRUM – Uh Oh
“Uh Oh (Intro)” let’s you adjust to the weird, otherly personality of Diabolicool and the gritty EARDRUM production style just right. Listen closely to connect with his lyricism or you’re not going to like him. “I’m the coolest cat like a snow leopard.”
Diabolicool x EARDRUM – Terrible
“Terrible” is an engaging psychological set-up. I like his creepy vibe that you can also bounce to. Remember Mobb Deep’s haunting beats? This is the new era of that, clearly. He’s got flow man. The transitions are classic. This is very impressive.
Diabolicool x EARDRUM – Big Bad Bastard
Now onto “Big Bad Bastard.” Diabolicool is confident in his style and skills. It’s super lyrical rap music. The album has introspect/intellect. Realize EARDRUM is the featured producer and capable of anthems.
Diabolicool x EARDRUM – Doctor Strange
“Doctor Strange” showcases Diabolicool’s alienated attitude. There is tons of humor in this track. “Ejected sperm on a fucking perm.” He doesn’t want to be taken too seriously over this spacey instrumental.
Diabolicool x EARDRUM – Freddy
“FREDDY” is horrific, with the incredible and only EP feature. I see aggression towards the enemy. They have hard shit, for the streets, which is huge in Philly. Diabolicool is so weird with this third eye shit (and everything else) but I can’t get enough of it. “I’m on fire like Richard Pryor.” Blah Blah Blah Favorite. <3
Diabolicool x EARDRUM – Looney Tunes
“Looney Tunes” is like old Obie Trice but not really. I love jokey hip-hop. And Diabolicool is fucking looney, “busting nuts in loose cunts.”
Diabolicool x EARDRUM – Try Me
“Try Me” is the perfect close. While The Bakery Boys really have the boom bap rap down pact. Everyone likes that stuff. “Knock, Knock.”
So yeah, maybe you think this guy is ripping another movement but I honestly don’t feel that way. Lots of kids, these days, have pride in their bazaar behavior. Just because more than one person is odd doesn’t mean he/she is ripping the other. It’s just an indicator of how much times have changed. This tape gets two thumbs up and is my third favorite body of work in the last few months. Philly all day, son.
In conclusion, While they’re certainly rough around the edges, you can see incredible potential with The Bakery Boys. Comedy, youth, versatility, honesty, originality and rebellion are needed, in the rap game, and that’s exactly what they offer. Astronauts Really Fly, on the other hand, represents crossover music. Top 40 needs Mont Brown and Pace-O on their radar. It’s so good that hopefully it’ll “pop” soon. It has to.
*Bonus Tracks:
The following tracks are random but it’ll let any doubters know that The Bakery Boys have a host of material that’ll get your head bopping.
Keep Fresh Alive – Jave x Tires
“Jave x Tires” is so trill. Oowops and tube socks are included in this freestyle that makes you disregard its originator. Lil Jave talks about life’s decisions with a natural smirk. The true skater lifestyle should add some more attention.
“Represent” lets leader TJ Atoms display his excellent storytelling ability over some more golden-era nostalgia.
Music surrounds us, all day every day, and with the amount of music being released, it’s easy to miss great tracks. We’ve put together a selection of songs that have been in the audiosphere for a few years now, but seemingly haven’t garnered the attention that they deserved. So whether or not you’ve already heard these songs or overlooked them, they are well worth the listen. By Desiree Autobee
*Tracks and year(s) released are as follows.
Best Youth – Honey Trap (2011)
Caroline Smith & The Goodnight Sleeps – Calliope (2011)
Future Trends – How Can I Be (2010)
Donora – Boom Boom (2011)
Ra Ra Rasputin – Forward (2011)
Clive Tanaka Y Su Orquestra – Neu Chicago (2011)
NewVillager – Cocoon House (2011)
1,2,3 – Work (2011)
Jonathan Johansson – Redan Glomda (2011)
Motopony – God Damn Girl (2010)
Burning Hotels – Beard (2011)
Discovery – Swing Tree (2009)
Summer Camp – I Want You (2011)
Brite Futures – Too Young To Kill (2011)
Summer Heart – Please Stay (2011)
The Death Set – Can You Seen Straight (2011)
Wild Beasts – All The King’s Men (2009)
Nathaniel Rateliff – Shroud (2010)
Teenage Bad Girl – X Girl (2011)
ANR – It’s Around You (2011)
I come across so much music. I’m not a self-described hipster who hates anything mainstream. But I do notice that a lot of indie labeled stuff is shitting on what the media is forcing us to watch and listen to. This article addresses a variety of tracks to see which side is better in the club genre House, Mainstream or Independent? Let’s let a few random small fan base soundcloud discoveries, count as something “Independent”. And we’ll let some recent top ranking Beatport House tracks represent the “Mainstream”. Here’s our commentary on the topic, and chime-in with your thoughts in the comments section below!
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INDEPENDENT
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John Monkman – Follow Me feat. Liz Cass (Original Mix)
John Monkman has 208 followers on Twitter. So I’m putting him on the indie side. The funk intro is great in “Follow Me.” The vocals are smooth and classy. The waves surely hook you in. Liz Cass is a good choice for singer. The bass waves are groovy. “Heeewwwwhuhuhuuuuuu” is so tingling. I like “Follow Me” but it’s missing something that says SUPER STAR. If Monkman doesn’t sell out, some more money/shine could bring this title to fruition.
Blondish – Distant Lover feat. Thomas Gandey (Original Mix)
Blondish is mentioned a lot by Pete Tong. They’re semi-mainstream I guess. “Distant Lover” has a nice trance, Egyptian groove. It’s missing that special something to take it to the next level though. Blondish for sure knows that vocals are back in. However Thomas Gandey’s singing goes in circles rather than a straight line. Instead, I’d prefer to be kept off-guard with the lyrics and/or switch-up the beat somewhere in these 7+ minutes.
Teenage Mutants – Out Of Time (Finnebassen Remix)
This track is so stunning… at first. The track should have just been 3 minutes long and then ended. Contrary to popular belief, good House is not just all about a hot beat and vocals. You have to make every minute have key differences that necessitate the songs length. Finnebassen is quasi mainstream, he should know better than to be this repetitive.
Enzo Saccone’s 2013 Deep House Set
This is literally the best mix that I have heard since DJ Tiesto’s In Search of Sunrise 7: Asia, which is extremely mainstream. And Enzo Saccone is the most “underground” artist on this list! While his artwork is so, “yeah, I did this myself,” the music is so “yeah, I did this myself and awesomely at that.” Saccone is actually taking risks. It’s so unique and refreshing. The best type of music exudes said qualities.
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MAINSTREAM
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Criminal Vibes – Song 2 (Club Mix)
Is a memorable sample what makes this track win? I’ll defer to you – the readers. Does it really have anything special to it? Echoes? Waves of synth? For me, it’s boring.
Gary Caos – Soul Power ’74 (Sax Power 2K13)
Another sample that sounds familiar. But where is the innovation? I like this more than “Song 2” but I still am getting my yawn-on. Build-ups are not supposed to feel like a task for the listener. It’s supposed to be the hook before the hook. I’ll pass.
My Digital Enemy – My Lips (My Digital Enemy Remix)
This is the third best release currently rated on Beatport. The top tracks all have the same primary characteristic: trendy sample. Get some exciting stuff if you’re going to sample guys. It’s a turn off otherwise, for me at least.
Raw Silk – Do It To The Music (Federico Scavo Remix)
Ok, this sample is more engaging. “Do It To The Music” is definitely the best track, on the Beatport list, that I’m referring to. The track has the quality master feel. Nevertheless this track has no replay value for me. The song is too repetitive and not sexy enough. I hate saxophone use in club music. The fact that Enzo Saccone can pull it off, and this guy on Ultra Records can’t, is mind-boggling.
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CONCLUSION
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While some lack the expensive tools, many independent artists seem to have the real passion and drive. Both independent and mainstream house scenes seem to be failing at gaining my full on support. But I’m picky. I base the win completely on Enzo Saccone. He not only made me listen along for 40 minutes (so rare), but he used a sax right, which I thought was impossible. Keep an eye on this one.
B3SCI has teamed up with the good peeps at Danger Village to drop this exclusive mix of their choice Spring 2013 worthy jams. Owner Beth Martinez curates the mix track by track below. Hibernation doesn’t stand a chance.
1) holychild “Best Friends”
This song sets the tone perfectly for what I want to come across in this mix. For spring we’re looking to brighter, organic sounds threaded through with good feelings of friendship and laughter. Shifting away from the electronic-heavy vibes of the last mix, this song feels like all things lovely and light while still twisting in the confrontational vocal edge.
2) Denai Moore “Gone”
In February I put a British songstress, Laura Mvula, on the mix. Denai Moore comes from the same city, and this stripped down rendition of this ballad reveals how stringently gorgeous her vocals are without embellishment. I obviously love high-produced material, but nothing goes straight to your heart like these soulful vocals.
3) Rainy Milo “This Thing of Ours”
We can’t stop listening to Rainy Milo. The tone of her voice is lovely and this song is excellent.
4) Autre Ne Veut “Counting”
One of my favorite bands I saw at SXSW and one of my favorite albums of the year so far.
5) Jagwar Ma “The Throw”
Convoluted textures and excellent progression. Somehow Jagwar Ma is the only Australian band on this mix.
6) Freedom Fry “Friends and Enemies”
A breezy song about Frenemies. I love how Freedom Fry is able to make intelligent songwriting sound simple.
7) Mystery Skulls “Ghost”
If you want to get pumped up for anything, put this song on. Pay attention to this guy.
8) Mikael Cronin “Weight”
It’s a melodic and bombastic cocktail. I wish more rock bands were able to write songs like these.
9) Shelter Point “Braille”
Shelter Point makes delicately ardent music. The alien sounds in this song keep making me think my phone is ringing.
10) Shlomo ft HTDW “Don’t Say No”
I love everything about How to Dress Well and this Shlomo collab is so fab. Tom Krell’s vocals lead well into the next artist…
11) Justin Timberlake “Mirrors”
This is probably the most adult-contempo song I’ve ever truly loved. It feels like such a progression in his career, and lyrically I think it’s a very mature assessment of the evolution of a “grown-up” relationship. It feels like a true love song to me, which is always my favorite thing.
12) Sigur Ros “Brennistein”
I’m loving the weightier sound of this song. Leave it to Sigur Ros to make “heavy” sound “gorgeous.”
13) Phospherescent “Song For Zula”
I love how this song encapsulates the feeling of entrapment that comes with being broken in love. The epic lyrics here feel so out of place in modern pop music, it made me realize we don’t see many oathey songs these days. When did epic songwriting go the way of Homer?
14) Cloud Boat – “Youthern”
Been loving everything out of the Cloud Boat camp lately.
15) Active Child “Evening Ceremony”
Stunning church-wave at its finest.
16) Beach House “Troublemaker”
Like Real Estate, Beach House is a paradigm of a band that has the ability to continue refining their craft while retaining their singular sound. “Troublemaker” is a song I’ve had on repeat- the airier sounds fit well with spring’s breezes.
Deep House and UK Funky typically have vocals. Yet, many listeners now favor club tracks with no words. The oft-overlooked style is the theme of this mixtape. And, it may just make your shy Valentine do the nasty. By Teddy Pendergrass
Dennis Ferrer – Hey Hey (Club Mix) Ramtin K – Freedom (Mory Yacel Remix) Cloud 9 – Do You Want Me Baby (Dusky Remix)Maya Jane Coles – The High LifeMario Basanov Feat. Miss Bee – Just Think AboutTripzone and Ramtin K – Empty SpaceThyladomid & Adriatique – The L Way feat. B.P JohnsonFish Go Deep, Tracy K – The Cure and The Cause (Dennis Ferrer Remix)Black Coffee feat. Bucie – Turn Me OnPete Tong – Dawn ft. S.Y.F. (Blondish Remix)Skanky – Breach
Our cuz Ryan is back with his heatin/coolin best-of-the-month mix B3DECJAMMIES. Expect coolbombs from Chad Valley, Blue Hawaii, and Mikky Ekko as well as crunchy heaters from Black Moth Super Rainbow and Clinic. Listen HERE on Spotify.
TRACKLIST:
01. Chad Valley – Evening Surrender (Feat. El Perro Del Mar)
02. The Weeknd – Valerie
03. Flight Facilities – Clair De Lune (Feat. Christine Hoberg)
04. Mikky Ekko – Pull Me Down
05. Autre Ne Veut – Counting
06. Egyptian Hip Hop – SYH
07. Blue Hawaii – In Two
08. Blue Hawaii – In Two II
09. Main Attrakionz – Cloud Body (Feat. Grown Folk)
10. Crystal Castles – Pale Flesh
11. Tops – Double Vision
12. Chad Valley – Fall 4 U (Feat. Glasser)
13. Dirty Projectors – About to Die
14. Sweet Valley – Bros Beyond
15. Nutso – Blowing Up (Feat. Shabaam Sahdeeq & Royal Flush)
16. Major Lazer – Jah No Partial (Feat. Flux Pavilion)
17. Black Moth Super Rainbow – Gangs in the Garden
18. Arca – Brokeup
19. Doldrums – She is the Wave (Feat. Guy Dallas)
20. Clinic – King Kong
Los Angeles based music blog, BitCandy, has ventured through the breakneck blogosphere to bring B3SCI readers a selection of indie songs and sweet treats to soundtrack this fall season.
The Fall Indie Sampler 2012 mix features twelve shiny new artists that worked in conjunction with BitCandy to bring you this free compilation, which you can snatch up on the BitCandy home page. Check out the full track listing below, and don’t forget to buy these artists’ music if ya dig the free download!
Track List:
Ghosts – On An On
IO Echo – When The Lillies Die
Kids Without Instruments – Stardust
Yes Yes (Michael Ersing) – Ocean! Ocean!
Yagya – Tears Will Fall
The Hood Internet – Five Seconds Don’t Care
Wolf Larsen – If I Be Wrong
Jonti – Hornets Nest
JMSN – Girl (I Used To Know) [Mimosa Remix]
Freedom Fry – Earthquake
Night Sequels – We Ignite
No Ceremony /// – FEELSOLOW
*Whether you want to listen to free radio or check out our Curator’s latest finds, you are guaranteed a rewarding, and most importantly, crap-free experience at BitCandy. Also, if you enjoyed this (and we hope you did), feel free to also snatch up BitCandy’s Summer Indie Sampler 2012 from back in May!
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