Potholes In My Blog: Ab-Soul – These Days…

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1. Ab-Soul – These Days…
2. Watch: Outkast’s Andre 3000 As Jimi Hendrix In The Movie Trailer for “Jimi: All Is By My Side”
3. Danny Atoms – “Cry Wolf”
4. Dorian Concept Announces New Album, Shares Lead Single “Draft Culture”
5. Canibus – Fait Accompli
6. Listen to Mndsgn’s Delicious New Single, “Eggs”
7. Listen: Action Bronson, Black Thought & Royce Da 5’9″ Team Up For Statik Selektah’s “The Imperial”
8. Watch BINKBEATS’ Amazing Take On Shigeto’s “Ringleader”
9. Raphael Saadiq – “Gonna Miss U” (Bobby Womack Tribute)
10. Listen To Dillon Cooper’s New Single “T.D.K.”

Ab-Soul – These Days… Posted: 04 Jul 2014 06:05 AM PDT   Ab-Soul – These Days… TDE: 2014 While many see Kendrick Lamar as the heart of Top Dawg Entertainment, fans have grown to liken his labelmate Ab-Soul to the mind. An emcee known to boast about his brain power, his incredibly cerebral album Control System showed the world the captivating nature of his intelligence in 2012; the world is apparently better seen through the third eye than his other two (having had his eyesight impaired by a bout of Stevens-Johnson syndrome at ten years old). Calling These Days… a representation of "vibes of music and life right now and the past couple of years" in conversation with HipHopDX, it seems a fair bit has changed both in the mind and life of TDE's scholarly soul. All listen long, These Days… plays to a duality that will likely catch some fans of Soulo off guard. The incredibly brainy nature of his musical output has been scaled back in places in favor of tracks of a more accessible flavor. Though he has admitted in the past that he isn't one to "wear polo drawers and put two chains on" to conform with some of rap's most recognizable figures, he's certainly well aware of his use of commercially viable sounds on the record. "Swear to god it's the only time I use this flow," he says in the soul-inspired outro section of "Just Have Fun" before launching into a delivery reminiscent of the Migos triplets. "Hunnid Stax" sees him team up with ScHoolboy Q for a competition in who can amass the most synonyms for money into their verse, with Mac Miller lazily rhyming, "I'm trying to spend a hundred stacks every day of my life" on the hook. For Ab-Soul, the man who once rapped, “If you do it for the jewels or the new tennis shoes….Then you do it to pollute], it’s a notable change over the past few years. The DJ Mustard-inspired "Twact" takes a page straight from the southern rap playbook: “I get turnt, I get rowdy Backwood full of some of the loudest I'm fucked up, I get wasted That's a hundred dollar cup I just wasted” Where his references to his own drug use on past records once served as a method of ascension to higher planes of thought, they now seem to be a coping mechanism within his daily routines. “My girl died and I lost my mind/I'm off everything but heroin,” he raps on the Purity Ring-produced "God's Reign." It's only the start of abundant nods to marijuana, codeine and a number of other pharmaceuticals — all of which have seemingly dulled his senses to a degree. But the record isn't completely void of Ab-Soul's razor sharp wit. "Tree of Life" presents some expert wordplay coupled with a healthy dose of botany references (“Can't live without the benjamins/But I'm interested in photosynthesis”) while the J Cole-produced "Sapiosexual" puts a spin on intercourse as more of a mental exertion than a physical one. The psychotic, psychedelic nature of the aforementioned "Just Have Fun" races along, detailing the possibilities of mental expansion through narcotics with the main message being, "Do the drugs, don't let the drugs do you." As many learned with Control System, Ab-Soul offers up some of his best work when dealing with love and loss. While not as lyrically and emotionally gripping as "The Book of Soul" might have been, he exhibits a rare moment of catharsis with "Closure," drawling soulfully about relationships past and present over a dreary Shlomo sample. "Kendrick Lamar's Interlude" sees the return of Terrance Martin-produced jazz, serving as somewhat of a companion track to Ab-Soul's appearance on Lamar's digital album Section.80. Kendrick delivers a blistering performance with an angst previously unheard, with Ab-Soul declaring, "If I ain't better than Kendrick then nobody is." This concept of being a figure of worship is detailed more explicitly in "Stigmata," metaphorically likening himself to Jesus Christ through interpolating a hook from Nas' classic track "The Cross." The ominous, 'bad trip' vibes of "Ride Slow" result in the album’s darkest point, as Ab-Soul lines up alongside Danny Brown for bars that can only be described as truly neurotic (he allegedly recorded the first half of the song on acid). The record comes to a close with "W.R.O.H," a good indication of what a collaboration from Ab-Soul and vocalist JMSN would sound like, having had such a project shelved by the label after completion. What pushes its length to over 20 minutes is the inclusion of a lengthy rap battle pitting Ab-Soul against Daylyt. As tacked on as it feels, it turns out to be an impressive showing for Soulo, usually not recognized for any sort of battle rap work. On the fence between conscious and commercial, These Days... stands largely as a lateral step as opposed to a forward progression. Moments of Ab-Soul's mental brilliance are often contrasted by those which seem a bit too out of character for someone who has long prided himself on intellectually rising above the rest. Granted, it seems as if being expected to operate on an intellectually heightened level all the time can prove exhausting — in rap or in life. These days, who's got the time to think? 3.5 out of 5 stars 3.5 out of 5 You can purchase These Days… on Amazon.

Watch: Outkast’s Andre 3000 As Jimi Hendrix In The Movie Trailer for “Jimi: All Is By My Side” Posted: 03 Jul 2014 11:49 PM PDT We finally get the official trailer for the highly anticipated Jimi Hendrix biopic starring Outkast's Andre 3000. The movie is directed by Academy Award-winning writer-director John Ridley (12 Years A Slave). In the clip we see a young Jimi Hendrix before fame and notoriety as an unknown guitarist. The film reportedly depicts an intimate portrait of the sensitive young musician on the verge of rock stardom. Jimi: All Is By My Side is set to be released September 26 in theaters. You can watch the trailer below.

Danny Atoms – “Cry Wolf” Posted: 03 Jul 2014 11:48 PM PDT When I first heard Danny Atoms I thought it was James Fauntleroy recording under an alias. To say their voices are similar is an understatement. Outside of that “Cry Wolf” is fantastic and it definitely got my attention. The song is really well put together and Danny’s falsetto matches the pop/R&B production perfectly. The Bronx, NYC native is a talented singer, songwriter, producer and instrumentalist. Definitely looking forward to hearing more music from him. You can stream and download “‘Cry Wolf” below. Follow Danny Atoms on Twitter.

Dorian Concept Announces New Album, Shares Lead Single “Draft Culture” Posted: 03 Jul 2014 08:58 AM PDT As we inch closer toward the Fourth of July (and an extra day off work) here in the States, I’m gearing myself up for a few days filled with relaxation, music, and most definitely Mario Kart 8 to an unhealthy extent. But before I get there, I’m definitely down with sharing whatever I’m finding on the Interwebs—LIKE THIS NEW DORIAN CONCEPT TRACK. I feel like it’s been simply way too long since he’s dropped anything new. In looking at his page on Discogs, he’s clearly released some material since 2009′s great When Planets Explode, so it’s on me to keep up with his stuff, right? Sure, but I really just wanted a new album, which we will apparently all get to hear on Sept. 22 when he puts out Joined Ends on Ninja Tune. The first cut we’re hearing off the album is “Draft Culture,” a lovely instrumental joint with buzzing synthesizers, shuffling (but not too shuffling) drums, and enough layers to keep everything moving along nicely. In other words: I’d totally be dancing right now if I had it in me/wasn’t embarrassed. But if you decide to do that, more power to you. You can hear “Draft Culture” below.

Canibus – Fait Accompli Posted: 03 Jul 2014 04:20 AM PDT Canibus – Fait Accompli RBC Records: 2014 The first thing listeners hear on Fait Accompli, the 15th studio album from veteran rapper Canibus, is a sample of political rhetoric. The voices in the intro forecast a terrible future as they point their fingers at the evils of today's world: capitalist vultures, North Korean labor camps, a government that uses the constitution as toilet paper, and an ever-present Illuminati. These voice snippets, frequently smothered by a corny echo effect and an overwhelming sense of self-importance, tell the tale of a society on the precipice of collapse. Unfortunately, this prophetic opener actually predicts two dark futures. The first is the intended message; The Devil is all around us, and he's going to torment this nation until the demons destroy it. The second is the hidden message; The obnoxious voice samples are on every song, and they're going to torment this record until the listeners turn it off. This isn't an exaggeration. Every single track of Fait Accompli (with one exception) begins with a rant. Used in moderation these preachy sound bites could have been tasteful set dressing, but shoving them in the spotlight at every opportunity turns them into a gaudy distraction. There's something to be said for an album that says something, but this record leans on third-party commentators so heavily that Canibus himself ends up saying less than they do. When Canibus does speak, he talks a lot like the samples that precede him. There's a fiery indignation in his cadence that puts power behind every word. He raps with the same ferocity as the preachers condemning the roots of evil, and the conviction in his voice rivals that of the pundits making their thoughts heard on the interludes. There's a reason he has managed to hold on to his career for so long—he's a dedicated, determined MC who pours oceans of energy into every syllable. Electrifying delivery does not guarantee perfect verses, however, and the lyrical content of Canibus's bars doesn't measure up to his big talking. The biggest flaw here is the lack of concrete evidence to back up the controversial opinions on display. The album dedicates a lot of time to storytelling, but it leaves the details of the yarn painfully vague. In an era where political corruption scandals rear their head monthly, Canibus often forgoes referencing specific incidents in favor of tossing scary buzzwords about like an illuminati-fearing Glenn Beck. This album isn't going to convert anyone who isn't already convinced of the New World Order, but it might teach them a few hundred synonyms for "Lucifer." As far as beats go, LP Beats's instrumentals are neither divine masterpieces nor hellish abominations. Song structures take inspiration from old-school style, as in a beat will select a single motif and repeat it throughout the duration of the song, serving more as a soap box upon which Canibus can stand than as a musical composition that stands on its own. This classic pattern of hip-hop structure has proven its worth on some of the genre's greatest hits, but it only works if the repeated sounds are up to the task. Sadly, the beats of Fait Accompli, while serviceable, fail to match the aggressive atmosphere of the narrative. This is exemplified on the title track, which aims to kick off the album with indignation but is held back by an instrumental that refuses to hold its fist in the air as defiantly as the rapper on top of it. Its lead growls more than it roars, its drums slap more than they knock, and its repetition of the word "Luciferian" would rather waste 45 seconds and disappear than contribute to the beat. A few songs are also plagued with obvious clichés, such as military-style snare drums backing the angry speeches. Despite all of this, the instrumental package is consistently competent, with a few small victories like the surging vibe of "The Future" or the chilled routine of "Historic." Fait Accompli may have decent beats and an explosive MC on its side, but the music is being held hostage by the message. Integrating an eye-opening moral into a piece of art is a challenging task that presents a lot of difficulties, but Canibus's slapdash solution to these problems is sloppily packing exposition into the introduction of every song. There's fantastic ambition here that's dragged down at every turn by the overwhelmingly vague lyricism and underwhelmingly tame instrumentals. It's a scattered collection of lyrical diamonds buried in the massive rough of undeveloped ideas and overbearing rhetoric. In an album about sin, the biggest sin of them all is that the music isn't allowed to do the talking. 2 out of 5 stars 2 out of 5 You can purchase Fait Accompli on Amazon.

Listen to Mndsgn’s Delicious New Single, “Eggs” Posted: 02 Jul 2014 01:44 PM PDT “Eggs” is the latest jam from Mndsgn, the West Coast producer who recently inked a deal with Stones Throw to release his new album, Yawn Zen, in August. While that is great news and all—and it really is—we’re just now learning that the Los Angeles resident has another project dropping soon. It’s called Surface Outtakes and Stones Throw affiliate Leaving Records is putting out on cassette on July 8. So, yeah, we’re getting two new efforts from Mndsgn in, like, a month and a half’s time. Awesome. Speaking of awesome, you’re going to love this “Eggs” track if you’re hitting the wall this afternoon and looking for something to complement your laziness. I would typically be mad about a track making me this relaxed, but fuck it. You can hear “Eggs” below.

Listen: Action Bronson, Black Thought & Royce Da 5’9″ Team Up For Statik Selektah’s “The Imperial” Posted: 02 Jul 2014 01:33 PM PDT Praise forever be to Statik Selektah for getting together some of our favorite rappers on a single track. The latest example of this phenomenon is “The Imperial,” a low-key joint that nods along with horn and strings samples, steady drums, and just enough ticklin’ of the ivories. Oh, right, it also boasts fiery verses from Action Bronson, Royce Da 5’9″, and Black Thought—yes, in that order—with Thought absolutely bodying the beat like it said something foul about his moms. Sure, Bronsolino and Nickel-Nine sound great here rapping about getting head in the pool and whatnot, because of course they do. However, Black Thought?! GODDAMN! It’s like Statik was looping the beat and Thought just kept rapping… and rapping… and rapping. And thank the good rap gods that he did, because I needed some fire like this after the more narrative-heavy bars of the Roots’ latest record. You can hear the track below. It’s off Statik’s new album, What Goes Around, that drops Aug. 19.

Watch BINKBEATS’ Amazing Take On Shigeto’s “Ringleader” Posted: 02 Jul 2014 09:30 AM PDT Multi-instrumentalist and talented programmer BINKBEATS has given us goosebumps with his latest effort: a live remake of Shigeto‘s “Ringleader.” We’ve held both artists in very high regard, so this indirect pairing of creatives is a special moment. “Ringleader” is lifted from No Better Time Than Now, an incredible instrumental album released in 2013 that we could not stop raving about. If you’ve ever watched someone do anything at all and feel a hint of astounded jealously, you might run into a similar sentiment while witnessing ‘BEATS magic. Watch the stellar remake below; follow BINKBEATS and Shigeto on Twitter.

Raphael Saadiq – “Gonna Miss U” (Bobby Womack Tribute) Posted: 02 Jul 2014 07:35 AM PDT Bobby Womack’s storied life as a legendary musician for more than five decades came to a saddening close last Friday when he passed away. Before his untimely death at the age of 70, the R&B artist influenced countless others and impacted several generations. Such influence will surely continue, as made evident by the latest release from talented singer Raphael Saadiq. Born in 1966, the skilled crooner and producer has touched the souls of countless listeners for many years. Saadiq recently released a new song in tribute of Bobby Womack, appropriately titled “Gonna Miss U,” and its soaring vocals will undoubtedly strike a chord. Filled with longing, this record’s smooth soulfulness warrants an unlimited number of plays and a moment or two of respectful remembrance as we hold Womack’s legacy close to our hearts. Enjoy “Gonna Miss U” below. Follow Saadiq on Twitter.

Listen To Dillon Cooper’s New Single “T.D.K.” Posted: 02 Jul 2014 06:43 AM PDT I was first introduced to Dillon Cooper last spring; the first time I ever looked at the young New Yorker and felt like I was watching an artist with incredible potential came with the release of “Kung Foo” — not just because he gave Boston a nod in the sample-laden intro, either. With that record’s 90s-rooted production and innovative wordplay (“Loving this Cantata, Moonlight Sonata/Colombiana Mami know she want this Anaconda”) in mind, I joined a small army of others rabidly awaiting Coop’s Cozmik mixtape, which would go on to drop Jun. 2013. Partially because of its lengthy running time and partly due to its messy, recycling tendencies, the project left me feeling disappointed. Around the same time, Joey Bada$$ — yet another young, talented NYC emcee, and one who Cooper later performed with — dropped his Summer Knights project, the sophomore follow-up to his stellar 1999 debut. For similar reasons that plagued Dillon’s tape, SK singlehandedly took Joey out of my list of favorite rappers (something I’m still a bit saddened by). Fortunately, Cooper appears ready to try and bring himself to the next level of the rap game’s hierarchy. After signing with an indie label, he had unveiled a new single, and through Hot 97, no less. “T.D.K.,” or “The Dark Knight,” finds Dillon displaying a newfound mastery of his delivery, peddling references to Batman over organ-driven production, courtesy of The Arcitype. “I’m in the dark/with a cave, with the bats/where the fortress at?/Got corpses with white tees, and they Air Forces black/Who dat, who dat?/Retract, boom bap.” Stream “T.D.K.” below; follow Cooper on Twitter here.