RJD2 and Aaron Livingston are ICEBIRD

    RJD2 has come along way since his days at Def Jux. Releasing new albums and licensing a huge amount of his music to companies like Blackberry and shows like Madmen and CSI:NY. The last few releases from RJ saw him focusing on his singing and song writing, taking a lot of heat from his Hip Hop fans who would rather have some straight up beats. Well it looks like now he is ready to jump back behind the table and assume the position of production mastermind again. With a steadily growing career and unique sound he is starting to give producers like Danger Mouse a run for their money. After a feature on 'The Colossal" a working relationship with soul singer Aaron Livingston began and together they are 'Icebird'

Readying their debut album 'The Abandoned Lullaby" for Rj's label Electrical Connections to be released Oct 11th.

Atmosphere - The Last To Say (Video)

Slug and the band put out a new video for the track 'The Last To Say' Definitely one of the saddest videos i have ever seen but a very effective one. The video depicts how abuse runs in cycles while slug plays the ghostly observer offering advice.

Slug said words like this...

This is a song that I've wanted to write for a long time, and I guess I've been waiting for the proper music to join it. So when Anthony (Ant) handed me this beat, I felt like this could be the opportunity. Domestic violence is something that everyone has dealt with, directly or indirectly. The best way to prevent it is to get out of that relationship. There are a lot of organizations that help people get safe by removing them from those situations. Making someone aware of the situation you're in is difficult, but reaching out and asking for help and finding a way to protect yourself is the most important thing.

Buy The Family Sign on Itunes

Adult Swim's Summer Singles

 
Adult Swim is offering a new single every week for 10 weeks. The first one is from Swedish folk artist the Tallest Man on Earth, which is the only reason I am talking about this. 'Weather of a Killing Kind' is a rather somber one, tends to linger a little after the first listens.Can't wait for new music from this guy. Check it out below and head over to the Adult Swim website and download the new track.

South Park Nominated for 14 Tony Awards!

   South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are taking their first Broadway musical 'The Book of Mormon' to the Tony's. Nominated for a total of 14 awards including Best Musical, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Andrew Rannells), Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Rory O'Malley) and Best Choreography. This isn't their first round of awards either, these two have been nominated for Oscars, won Emmys and even a Peabody award. Sometimes I can't believe the funniness these two come up with. Check out new episodes from their 15th season on Comedy Central. 

Ice Cube Kicks Off Tour in Victoria, B.C

Legendary hip hop icon Ice Cube kicked off his first Canadian tour in over four years at a sold out show in Victoria on Sunday night. Ice Cube, who has been influencing mainstream 'gangsta rap' since the late 1980s, demonstrated through his energetic performance that he is still one of the most skilled and influential West Coast rappers to date. It was a pretty impressive performance, partly because Ice Cube is now in his 40s, but also because he was much more energetic and interactive with the crowd (chanting numerous times that "Victoria is in the middle of the mutha f**kin' West Coast") than many other artists of his calibre tend to be.

Check out a video below that we filmed in the middle of the madness in the crowd at Club 9one9 on Sunday night, in which Ice Cube performs "Hello" and "Natural Born Killaz":

Adele - 21

    There is some SERIOUS talent in this young singer/songwriter from the U.K. Adele released her 2nd album '21' to insane chart topping success, breaking U.K records like crazy. Critically acclaimed, its clearly destined for another very well deserved round at the Grammy's. Handled by pros like Rick Rubin and Paul Epworth, the production on this album isn't even a concern, it's flawless. However, she does lose a bit of my attention in some of the slower parts of the album. I believe she really tends shines in the foot-stomping, soul anthems like 'Rolling in the Deep.' A song which has been previously described as "dark, bluesy, gospel disco music." It's spawned remixes from all over, including one from The XX's Jamie XX that dominates Hype Machine. That's not the only hit either, this album is packed full of mind blowing displays of vocal ability that can easily be categorized as 'hits' (Rumour has it, Some one like you). This album sounds great on a first listen but I have to be honest, not every song jumped out to me on the first run through. Each listen though, a new song will sneak its way in to blow me away. Which is a good quality for an album to have.
    Adele is passionate and real, and at age 22 she probably has more soul and wisdom in her singing voice than most 60 year olds. She also has a one up on most of her competition due to the fact that she plays the guitar and actually writes her own songs. '21' is composed of these simple yet very classical and almost country arrangements with stories of bitter sweet love. Adele has said '21' was written mostly about her love life and most recent break up. She's stated that she was inspired by Mumford and Sons' album 'sigh no more' as it reminded her of her ex boyfriend. Pretty typical inspiration for an artist her age but the maturity in her songwriting and voice is what makes this album so amazing. '21' is a good listen for all types of music lovers.

Adele will be at the Orpheum Theatre in Vancouver on May 31st
 Buy it on Itunes here!


Adele - Rolling In The Deep (Radio Edit) by MMMusic


Check out John Legend's cover of 'Rolling in the Deep'

Classified - Hand Shakes and Middle Fingers

   Hand Shakes and Middle Fingers is Classified's 14th album! From a Canadian point of view it's a legend releasing another major album that will shape 'Canadian Hip Hop' for years. From a global perspective (American) Classified is an up and coming rapper releasing his sophomore LP to strong reviews. But with the success of his single 'O Canada' and the hype behind this album, I'm sure the rest of the world will take notice now.
   Expect the same hard-hitting production Class is known for, as well as a few cameos with underground legends Joe Budden and Brother Ali. Classified has said in interviews that he only likes to have features on his album by people he at least somewhat knows, so it's cool to see he keeps such good company (Brother Ali) Check out the video below too, Classified gets honest and tells you what's what. Buy it on Itunes! Support real Hip Hop. Check out Classified at Club 9one9 (Victoria B.C) on April 19th