Sure Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, and D’Angelo are great for getting down to business but you’re a future-conscious love maker and you want your booty music to reflect that. So I have decided to start making a semi-regular mix for America’s favorite past time, two Fridays a month.

I have compiled a playlist of my favorite R n’ B inspired future tracks from  the past year so you can do the dirty in style.

The playlist starts off with a remix of PARTYNEXTDOOR‘s Persian Rugs from M|M, complete with squeaky bed sounds. Next, we turn to our Australian brethren Chet Faker and Hayden James. 

Netherlands’ Cazz Major follows up with a Miguel remix that has gone wildly under appreciated.  Then we move on to some good old fashion R n’ B  with a Layzie edit of Raheem Devaughn‘s “Woman.”

The rest of the mix includes Ryan Hemsworth, Shintaro Sakamoto (Mayer Hawthorne Cover), and M!NT, with Bondax‘s Fire closing everything up.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/30090306″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Whether you’re getting nasty or not this is a great mix of chilled out future.

What songs should be added to this mix?

The post Fridays are for FƱcking: Episode 1 appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

Here we are again. Wednesday. That teasing little bitch. I woke up late on this Wednesday, as I do on most Wednesdays. To be honest, I wake up late on most days. As long as I’m being honest, I have no idea what I’m writing this for. I’m just trying to take up a little word count because my job requires that I write about things that are of absolutely no interest to me. Would you like to know what does interest me?

Basketball. Pizza that’s too hot for me to eat. Women that are way too hot for me to eat. Video games. Writing. Comedy. Booze. The color purple. True Detective.

But most of all, I love the weekend.

We’re a little more than halfway to the weekend. So close, yet so far. How will we make it? What will calm our restless souls until our fair-haired maiden Friday makes her arrival? We’ll listen to music. AWESOME music. God, this is so lame.

This week’s playlist is an exciting one. We’ve got lots of trap, as per usual. There’s some tasty-ass house music, a little bit of hip hop, a little bit of pop and even some chopped and screwed Kanye. There’s also a track in here that’s 9 months old (Cherry Pepsi) but I liked it so much that I had to include it.

If you don’t like it, write me an angry letter or something.

LET’S GO!

https://soundcloud.com/bigrichard-1/sets/big-richs-muhfuggin-mid-week

The post Big Rich’s Muhfuggin Mid-Week Mix Vol. 3 appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

But I do feel bad. And because I feel so badly, this week’s mid-week mix is 30 tracks large crossing all sorts of genres, but these tracks all have one thing in common. I picked them for you. They came from my heart.

Literally speaking, they came from my SoundCloud feed, but you know what I’m talking about.

These tracks are in no particular order, but I did put my favorite one first. Check it out y’all, and have a hell of a weekend!

https://soundcloud.com/bigrichard-1/sets/big-richs-muh-fuggin-mid-week

The post Big Rich’s Muhfuggin Mid-Week Mix Vol. 2 appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

But fret not, mine lovers of music. I’ve built a playlist that will help lift your spirits and quell your mid-week sorrows. So dry your eyes, stop playing flappy bird in the bathroom and get down to this mix I put together. It’s something I’ll do weekly. It’s my favorite tracks from Soundcloud that have been on my stream in the past week.

There’s no rhyme or reason to what’s on this list. I just added my favorite shit from the past week from the accounts I follow on Soundcloud. Hopefully your taste is similar to mine and you can jam at your stupid desk as hard as I am right now.

This week we’ve got a Fugees remix, some Lana, lots of delicious trap, a Showtek jam in celebration of their 1 million Facebook fans, a Bro Safari remix of MIA’s YALA that is just scrumptious and some other shit. Let me know if you like it, and I guess you can let me know if you don’t like it, too.

This is Big Rich’s Muhfuggin Mid-Week Mix.

Enjoy!

https://soundcloud.com/bigrichard-1/sets/richies-muh-fuggin-mid-week

The post Big Rich’s Muhfuggin Mid-Week Mix appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

In a study published in the journal of Neuroscience of Behavior and Physiology, it was found that a person’s ability to recognize images, letters, and numbers was faster when rock or classical music was playing in the background compared to when there was no music.

A similar effect was noted when workers on an assembly line listened to music. The workers who listened to music were more happy and efficient and made fewer errors.

So whatever type of music you like, as long as you’re listening to something, you’ll enjoy repetitive or boring tasks more and get them done faster.

It’s the whole “whistle while you work” mentality and I’ve used it at work and at home. I’ve decided to put together a list of the best mixes to listen to while you work. Some are old, some new. Some aren’t even mixes, they’re entire albums! Enjoy.

Best Mixes to Listen to While You Work

1. Claude VonStroke – VONSTROKE 2013 ESSENTIAL MIX – UNCUT & NO RADIO TAGS!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/124683710″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

I love this mix  because a) it’s Claude VonStroke b) it’s got that continuous four-on-the-floor beat with some occasional breaks when you need them c) it doesn’t have those annoying “BBC RADIO 1!” interruptions.

This mix is perfect for: doing some relaxed blogging at home.

2.  Deadmau5 – Random Album Title

By far and away my favorite Deadmau5 album, Random Album Title is another four-on-the-floor heavy album that plays like a continuous mix — as long as you don’t have it on shuffle (who does that anyway?).

This mix is perfect for: studying for a final or reading a book.

3. Wolfgang Gartner – Live at The Palladium

Download Wolfgang Gartner – Live at The Palladium right here. 

Wolfgang has always been and will always be one of my favorite producers and live performers, and whenever I’m missing the ol’ guy I’ll throw this mix on. It might be a little old but the set is timeless in my mind.

This mix is perfect for: cleaning your entire house while cracked out on Red Bull

4. KID KAMILLION – Never Sleep Mixtape 2K14

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/132233043″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Download KID KAMILLION – Never Sleep Mixtape 2K14 right here

Just when I thought KID KAMILLION was out of the game he comes back and slaps me in the face with this incredible mixtape that is still my favorite of the year thus far.  Featuring a number of killer remixes and throwbacks, the Never Sleep Mixtape 2K14 is a must have for any trap head.

This mix is perfect for: a road trip to Southern California

5. Anna Lunoe – 100% DANCE MUSIK JUNE ’13

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/100807682″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Download Anna Lunoe – 100% DANCE MUSIK JUNE ’13 right here. 

For whatever reason, Anna Lunoe still remains one of the most talented unearthed talents in dance music. But with deep house/garage on the up and up, I’m sure that will all soon be changing. This mix is exactly what the title suggests: pure, sweaty, sexy dance music.

This mix is perfect for: having a dance party.

Didn’t see your favorite mix make the list? Tell us! We’ll definitely be doing this again so we want to hear from you!

The post Best Mixes to Listen to While You Work appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

I was planning on writing another “Top 5” post, but there are so many trap artists and sub genres I think a simple retrospective of the genre with suffice. Let’s take a look at what 2012’s top trap producers are up to and the future of the genre.

Looking Back at our Top 5 from 2012

Baauer

Since we profiled Baauer in 2012 his career has skyrocketed. However annoying “The Harlem Shake” phenomenon was it did help bring Baauer and trap into the public eye. Since his breakout success Baauer has feuded with Azaelia Banks, collaborated with Jay-Z, and embarked on tours with Danny Brown and RL Grime.

Most recently, the Brooklyn transplant collaborated with RL Grime on the massively popular “Infinite Daps” If there is a face to the Trap movement it’s probably Baauer.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/46527740″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/75409800″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bro Safari

Bro Safari also had a successful 2013.  He headlined the Animal House tour with other trap mainstays, ETC! ETC!, CRNKN, and Brillz. Additionally, Bro Safari had a short run opening up for EDM wunderkind Skrillex on his Fall Club Tour 2013.

The young producer has produced remixes for Kill the Noise, Steve Aoki, and Skrillex. In June he released the collaborative EP “Animal” with UFO!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/108830586″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/93264846″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Flosstradamus

The duo has a had a killer year delivering one of the best sets at Hard Summer and producing remixes for Flux Pavilion and Major Lazer.

Flosstradamus has fully embraced their identity as trap artists and will continue their success going into the New Year.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/111133727″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/43784798″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

UZ

The enigmatic producer has enjoyed moderate success in the past year. He has continued his “Trap Shit” series and released tracks through Boys Noize Records and OWSLA. Additionally, UZ has crafted remixes for Jack Beats, Zeds Dead, and Alex Metric.

It’s still a mystery who is behind the mask, but I think we will see more of the gilded masquerade in 2014.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/5781173″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/10929926″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kid Kamillion

Looks like we can’t predict them all! Kid Kamillion has virtually fallen off the map in 2013. After releasing his massive remix to A-Trak‘s “Heads Will Roll”, Kid Kamillion has slowly been releasing tracks throughout the year.

Kamillion never made it on the festival circuit and it appears he is only performing in his hometown of New Orleans. I just listened to his newest EP, it’s not bad but it’s nothing special.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/118881995″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Artists Who Blew Up in 2013

RL Grime

What began as a side-project of hard house producer Clockwork has quickly become the more recognizable name in EDM. RL Grime’s popular Halloween mixes are some of the best in trap music as the young producer intuitively mixes contemporary trap with 90’s hip-hop staples.

Earlier this year RL Grime embarked on the “Infinite Daps” tour with Baauer and Ryan Hemsworth. Additionally, he performed some of the hardest sets at Hard Summer and Hard Haunted this year. Remixes of tracks by Chief Keef, Rihanna, and Benny Benassi indicate we will be seeing more Grime in the New Year.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/117852346″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/119987732″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

TNGHT

Artists Hudson Mohawke and Lunice had been producing hip-hop tracks for years before joining forces to form TNGHT.

The duo’s 2012 debut ep “TNGHT” garnered critical acclaim and has been used in everything from shoe commercials to being sample on Kanye West’s “Blood on the Leaves.” Stellar performances as Hard Summer and Coachella cemented their status as trap innovators. Several artists have adopted TNGHT’s use of “brass” synthesizers.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/55499783″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Brillz

Brillz rose to fame after releasing an insane remix for Kill The Noise’s “Roots”, and he has been releasing track after delicious track since.

Brillz debut release “TWONK” puts a new spin on traditional trap utilizing elements of moombahton and jack swing.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/116372880″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/101526780″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

What So Not

Hailing from Australia, What So Not has been making waves after releasing The Quack EP with OWSLA records. The record features tracks with Action Bronson, D Mac and Blood Diamonds.

What So Not, utilizes crunchy synthesizer and a heavy style that isn’t seen often. Their remix of Major Lazer’s, Get Free has attracted over 500,000 hits on Soundcloud.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/118905056″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/43723548″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

TROPKILLAZ

Based in Brazil, TROPKILLAZ make some seriously huge trap anthems utilizing the brass style made popular by TNGHT.

TROPKILLAZ have collaborated with another one of my favorites Yellow Claw as well as gLAdiator. They have not been producing tracks for a long time but hopefully we will see them stateside in the New Year.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/120303964″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/119196995″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Honorable Mentions

These producers are just as good as the last five but I thought of them later!

Yellow Claw

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/112025881″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/111090225″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

gLAdiator

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/54228089″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/105291251″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

CRNKN

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/107707383″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/111209951″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

GTA

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/82522529″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/108031501″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mayhem x Antiserum

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/74163931″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/86961861″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Djemba Djemba

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/103900272″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/86298134″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

ETC! ETC!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/58641304″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/114284736″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

L D R U

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/93608566″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/76800509″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Obviously, there are other trap artists out there and this article just goes to show how much the medium has evolved.

The post Top Trap Producers: 2013 Recap appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

Here are the five best acts hailing from for Australia.

Flume

Perhaps the biggest act from this new movement is 22-year-old Sydney artist, Flume. He has appeared on our list of top artists to watch in 2014 and has produced a remix for Disclosure.  Flume is also a member of duo What So Not, which produces off-kilter “love trap” released through Mad Decent and OWSLA.

Flume is currently finishing up his 2013 U.S./Canada tour and will be performing on Hard Holy Ship in January, 2014. Listen to his newest collaboration with Chet Faker, Drop the Game, which was released through the artist management team Future Classic.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/120682891″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Facebook // SoundCloud // Twitter

Hayden James

Another member of the Future Classic team, Hayden James has only been on the scene for 6 months but he has been making waves with his remixes of Dillon Francis’ Without You ft. T.E.E.D and Basecamp’s Emmanuel.

James’ style is very relaxed and utilizes soulful R&B samples will soothing melodies. James has yet to be booked for international festivals or tour dates but he has been steadily performing throughout Australia. He is also booked as an opening act for The Plot Festival in Melbourne and Sydney.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/120037053″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Facebook // SoundCloud // Twitter

Wave Racer

As Wave Racer’s Soundcloud states, “I like vocoders and arpeggios.” This is evident in Wave Racer’s energetic music which features booming bass and a cavalcade of varying vocal samples.  Wave Racer has produced remixes for DCUP and Panama while performing in and around Sydney.

Wave Racer sets himself apart from the others on this list with loud tracks that are better served on the dance floor than on a long drive in the rain.

He has yet to perform in the U.S.  but keep your eyes out, I have a feeling he will be filling many  festival slots in 2014. Check out his remix to The Dofflin below.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/108768473″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Facebook // SoundCloud // Twitter

L D R U

19-year-old Drew Carmody has been producing tracks under the moniker L D R U since 2012 and has garnered attention from Skrillex, Diplo and A-Trak for his track “The Tropics”.

L D R U’s interesting brand of trap uses jungle-style rhythms and punchy vocal samples. The Sydney native has been performing throughout Australia with label mates Hayden James and Flume but keep a look out for U.S. tour dates in the New Year.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/116533511″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Here is the video for The Tropics released through POTATOwillEATyou.

Facebook // SoundCloud // Twitter

Slumberjack

Perth, Australia duo Slumberjack has been producing infectious trip-hop rythms with trap inspired melodies for the past six months with incredible success.

The duo has been hard at work crafting remixes for Wave Racer, DCUP, and Oso Gato. The two had a laugh with their re-imagining of the Game of Thrones theme song, with their track Jon Snow.

If you happen to be in Australia, they regularly perform throughout the country, if not you’ll have to wait for them to come stateside like the rest of us.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/116967697″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Facebook // Twitter // SoundCloud 

The post Top 5 Australian Producers appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

5. A-Trak Live at Electriz Zoo

Despite the festival being shut down early due to drug related incidents, Electric Zoo still had some of the best artists in the world together for hours of EDM. Easily one of the best performances of the festival was Fool’s Gold co-owner and world class DJ, A-Trak. Mixing and scratching were only part of this set, as A-Trak played a set that was completely all over the place in terms of genres and artists. From Oliver to DJ Snake, this set was covered end to end with hits from all over the EDM spectrum. “Big Bad Wolf” and other songs that would later be released on Duck Sauce’s Duck Tape EP were some of the songs that brought the funk to A-Trak’s set. A special reworking of Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” was also featured, along with a track from JNTM favorite Sleepy Tom. What A-Trak set would be complete without “Heads Will Roll”? A-Trak completed his set with infamous remix along with over a minute of intense scratching that got this DJ to wear he is today.

A-Trak – Live @ Electric Zoo 2013 (NYC) – 31.08.2013 by Livesetsat on Mixcloud

4. Hardwell Live at Ultra

One of the biggest names in the festival circuit world wide, Hardwell had yet another unbelievable set at this year’s Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Florida. Known as one of the biggest names in Dutch Progressive/Electro House, Hardwell is more than just the #1 DJ in the world according to DJ Mag’s Top 100. With incredibly consistency, Hardwell completely destroyed the stage at Ultra, involving the crowd as much as possible. The best part of Hardwell’s set was his ability to combine so many songs together. Using samples from Daft Punk’s “Harder Better Faster Stronger” and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” Hardwell does a fantastic job of turning out song after song full of bounce and energy. The coolest part about this set was the fact that Hardwell played right as the sun was going down in Miami Beach. With an incredible sunset as his backdrop, the show quickly went from a day time rave to a night time party.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/83846454″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Hardwell: Facebook // Twitter // SoundCloud

3. Clockwork Live at EDC

Alter ego of Trap superstar R.L. Grime, Clockwork is another name to have risen to the top this year. With his incredibly high energy and strictly Big Room repertoire, Clockwork was a perfect fit for this year’s EDC. Los Angeles based producer proved his chops to the festival circuit this year, especially with this live set from the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Throwing in a couple Trap breakdowns and Moombahton beats thrown into the mix, Clockwork had a perfect blend of original tracks as well as crowd favorites. With consumers jumping from genre to genre, it’ll be interesting to see how Henry Steinway performs in 2014, and whether he’ll favor his festival favorite Clockwork alias, or heavy Trap god R.L. Grime.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/98568848″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Clockwork: Facebook // Twitter // SoundCloud 

2. Dillon Francis Live at HARD Summer

 Easily one of the most fun sets of the entire year, Dillon Francis‘ set at HARD Summer was one for the books. Starting his set off with Daft Punk’s “Doin’ it Right,” this set was nonstop hit after hit. Shouting things like, “If you ain’t down with Moombahton, you’re at the wrong stage,” and “This is seriously one of the most special experiences in my entire life,” this set was more than just a mix. It was a heartfelt live performance by one of the fastest growing artists in the EDM community right now. Playing classic Dillon Francis hits along with some throwback Hip Hop jams and never-before-heard remixes, this set was an incredible combination of the past, present, and future of music. Some notable moments include a special appearance by Flosstradamus (who, along with Dillon make up “Dillstradamaus“) and a short clip of “Forever Young” by Alphaville.

Hard Summer 2013 – Dillon Francis Live-SAT-08-04-2013 by Mixing.Dj Livesets on Mixcloud

Dillon Francis: Facebook // Twitter // SoundCloud

1. Dog Blood Live at Coachella

Not including their appearance at HARD New Year’s Eve 2013, this was Dog Blood‘s first live appearance. After the release of their two-track EP, no one really knew what to expect of the super group comprised of Skrillex and Boys Noize. This hour long set proved to everyone that these two were onto something huge. Dropping tracks from their respective labels along with tracks that would later appear on the group’s next EP, this live set is packed with hard hitting, never-before-heard tunes. Ranging from Big Room House, to Acid Bass/German Techno, to Trap, to some super dirty Dubstep, this Dog Blood set set the bar HIGH for other festival performers. Dog Blood would spend the rest of the year playing festivals all over the world, melting faces at every stop.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/93531492″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Dogblood: Facebook // Twitter // SoundCloud

Didn’t see YOUR favorite live set on the list? Let us know on our Facebook page, or give us a tweet! 

The post Top 5 Live Sets of 2013 appeared first on Just Noise To Me.

Artists to Watch 2013

Flume

22-year-old Australian producer Flume got his start last year with his self-titled, 15-track album. His singles “Holdin On,” and “Sleepless,” were both chart toppers in his native country, and his most recent remix of Disclosure’s “You and Me” has been making huge waves in the online scene, gaining him a ton of new Facebook fans.

Flume’s “love trap” style is both funky and sexy, which completely separates him from all other artists. His 2013 US/Canada tour, which included multiple shows in Austin for SXSW, was the first of what we think will be many US appearances for this artist on the rise.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/96379023″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Facebook // SoundCloud // Twitter

Sleepy Tom

We’ve been huge fans of Sleepy Tom since before our interview with him a couple months back. This guy has had a huge year — his monster EP, The Currency, was released on Fools Gold Records, his remixes and bootlegs have gotten thousands of plays on SoundCloud, and he just had a guest spot on Diplo’s BBC show, Diplo & Friends.

Sleepy Tom has that big room sound without the bro feeling, if that makes any sense. His music is fun and creative. Bouncy and hard at the same time. The Vancouver native has been playing shows across Canada and the US, and we can only pray we get to see him on tour sometime soon.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/116613231″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Facebook // SoundCloud // Twitter

Lindsay Lowend

Washington D.C. based producer Lindsay Lowend is by far and away one of the funkiest new producers to break out on to the electronic scene. His EP Wind Fish is chock-full of some of the biggest and probably most refreshing sounds we’ve heard this year. Another young producer, Lindsay Lowend is only going up with his unique genre-bending style.

Combining elements of trap, funk, and 8-bit tunes, Lindsay Lowend brings a new take on what most would call “chill” music. It’s like if Super Mario was a member of Chromeo. Although we don’t have any information regarding any future plans for Lowend, we guarantee he’ll be one of the best artists of 2014 and beyond

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/104250170″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Facebook // SoundCloud // Twitter 

What So Not

In 2011, What So Not released 7 Dollar, an EP that was sort of all over the place in terms of genres. With a combination Moombahton and House music, it wasn’t very clear what these two were trying to accomplish. The EP still kicked some serious ass, and got them a release on Mad Decent. This year, however, Australian duo What So Not has truly proven themselves to be one of the best artists to watch in the next coming year.

With their release of The Quack EP on OWSLA Records and countless remixes, What So Not has gotten the attention of DJs like Flosstradamus, Tiga, and Nero. Comprised of Flume (yup), and Emoh Instead, What So Not has really grown into their own within the past year. With a combination of genuinely fun house and some super dirty trap/hip hop influenced tracks, these guys are going to be some awesome dudes to keep your eye on.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/43723548″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Facebook // SoundCloud // Twitter

Icarus

Earlier this month we got to interview the UK duo Icarus, who just had their first EP released on OWSLA Records. We were shocked when we saw these guys weren’t getting enough attention, as the aforementioned EP, Steal The Sun, was one of the best releases of 2013 hands down. Pulling from the underground/garage/house family, Icarus combines a four-on-the-floor beat with some of that sexy, booty-shaking bass everyone knows and loves.

While the brother duo has yet to cross the pond, they continue to play shows in the UK. As their fan base continues to grow, we’re sure we’ll be seeing plenty of Icarus within the next year, especially with OWSLA on backing them the whole way. Icarus is definitely the number 1 artist to watch for 2014 and beyond. Go like them on Facebook and watch them climb the ladder to stardom.
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The multi Academy Award nominee and one time Golden Globe winner for Best Actor, Joaquin Phoenix put his acting roots aside in 2010 in hopes of becoming multi-platinum. As a infamous villain “Commodus” in the award winning movie “Gladiator” and later a perfect portrayal of Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line”, it was clear to Phoenix acting was going to well and should take the back burner to his new endeavor…rapping.

Awkwardly enough, 2010 brought about a documentary of Joaquin and his transition from acting to rapping in the unfortunate movie titled “I’m Still Here”. Famous rap names such as P. Diddy and Mos Def make appearances throughout the film along with big screen actors Ben Stiller and Jamie Foxx.

Indulging people and press with his new found love of rapping, Phoenix began small tours and live performances along with a nationally televised appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman. Unlike his “serious” comments on his “serious” transition on live television, both Casey Affleck and Joaquin Phoenix himself admitted his attempt at “tomfoolery” after the movie was released. Regardless of truth or hoax, Joaquin say’s the experience “liberated” him and eventually saved his career. Equally regardless of his explanation, his rapping was as disappointing as his facial hair.

2. Ron Artest aka Metta World Peace

Call him what you want, Ron or Metta, the dude is one technical foul away from a potential homicide and one rap album away from staying at home and coloring. Famously known for his boxing skills in the 2004 Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons battle royal, it was clear then as it is now World Peace is not on Artest’s mind. However, among practicing his jump shots and right hooks, Metta takes time to practice his rap skills.

2006 brought about the NBA player’s album “My World” in which we were the unfortunate prisoners of when he attempted to rap. Even more upsetting, was that rapper P. Diddy, Juvenile and Mike Jones willingly participated on a few tracks.

Don’t worry, there is hope in case you missed the first one, Metta just recently released his new album to hotnewhiphop.com that spells the same disaster as his last album and mostly likely his future life choices.

3. Tom Green

Indeed it is the “Tom Green Show” and not the “Green Tom Show” but the wacky Canadian can’t just get away with trying to rap as he pleases. Infamous from his MTV show for his vulgarity, Tom went on to be cast in major films like “Freddy Got Fingered”, “Road Trip”, “Stealing Harvard” and “Charlies Angels”.

Though not many know Tom’s career was an eventual biproduct of his early rap career in the 1990’s with his rap group, “Organized Rhyme”. As alias MC Bones, Tom and the group provided hit single “Check the O.R.” in 1992 that won MuchVibe Best Rap Video and in 1993 was nominated for a Juno Award.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc-INN_BC74

Later stints in rapping followed his rising MTV fame as he released his album “Not the Green Tom Show” in 1998 under the alias MC Face. Appropriately foul mouthed and edgy, MC Face’s main objective was to poke fun at Tom Green and his show which coincidentally, the viewers plenty of already.

4. 1990’s NBA

The 90’s brought the world ground breaking rappers, ones perhaps that shaped and molded the industry to what it is today and then there are those who did nothing at all. Fortunately, a few of these rappers didn’t depend on their lyrics for income and focused primarily on their dunking and defense. Unless your an avid NBA fan since the 90’s you might not know who Dana Barros is or what he accomplished in the league over his career.

What you might know even less about is the fact that among being a former NBA All-Star, he was the ring leader for an NBA side show that ended in a player collaboration album titled, “B-Ball’s Best Kept Secret”. Released in 1994, the secret was; NBA players aren’t rhyme masters.

A plethora of NBA Hall of Fame names and All-Stars that appeared on the album include, Shaquille O’Neal (not shocked), Cedric Ceballos, Brian Shaw, Jason Kidd, Chris Mills, J.R. Rider and Gary Payton. An equally impressive cast of hip hop artists like Diamond D and Warren G spit some expertise on the record but subsequently weren’t magicians or priests and allowed the album to be released with all its glory.

5. Mickey Rourke

No you didn’t misread the name, Mickey Rourke, the now fossilized actor who has had a long illustrious career on the big screen purposefully strung words and phrases together in attempts to rap. Fortunately Rourke knows better than to release an entire album of his villainous voice but provided it briefly in the 2009 Video Game “Rogue Warrior”.

Mickey was originally cast to provide the main character’s voice during game play and the game makers at Bethesda squeezed out a little more than they bargained for. Upon finishing the campaign mode, gamers get the unique experience of listening to Mickey Rourke blurt out every profanity and tough guy line he can think of.

While 99% of the ramblings don’t remotely rhyme with each other, the attempt at lyricism combined with snippets of in-game audio clips is most entertaining. “Rogue Warrior” was torn apart by game reviews for mediocre game play and frequent glitches through out, provoking the possibility that perhaps the five minutes of Mickey Rourke yelling “m***er f***er” over the end credits was the game’s high point.

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