Lophiile and Freddie Gibbs link up on “Off Top” to create a genre-defying masterpiece

shoutout @gangstagibbs.

Hip-hop and electronic music fans, we are gathered here on this day to celebrate the union of Freddie Gibbs and Lophiile, two artists that—although brief in their shared interactions—walked down similar paths that all but foretold their creative marriage. Both rapper and producer found success off the beaten path. Gibbs toiled in the underground trap scene for years before his rapid-fire found Madlib’s dusty instrumentals and became the darling of music publications. Prior to his solo electronic music career, Washington producer Lophiile was a keyboardist on metalcore band Issues’ world tour. He recently embarked on another tour—this time, supporting Zedd’s Echo Tour. With such unorthodox avenues towards success, it’s no surprise that the product of this marriage is similarly offbeat and unquestionably quality.

Written by Eugene Cheng

Both elusive and pervasive, Lido remodels Goldlink’s “Crew” into his own liking

In celebration of many firsts—including his first major label release, first Coachella appearance, and first Billboard Hot 100 single, the D.C. rapper gave his ethereal single “Crew” a collection of varying remixes and covers. Yeah, they’re all really good. Most notable, however, is the handiwork of the Norwegian producer—a whirling dervish of musical styles that shifts with every new verse. Brent Faiyaz may not have considered fulfilling his hook duty over a gospel backbone. Yet, surely he is sitting against a wall somewhere—eyes closed and head nodding—with this iteration of “Crew” in his headphones.

Written by Eugene Cheng

Lana del Rey and A$AP Rocky reunite for stoner seduction

Set to release her 5th studio album "Lust for Life," Lana Del Rey revisits the psychedelic, yet seductive combination that is herself and A$AP Rocky to release two new singles "Groupie Love" and "Summer Bummer." While the collaboration between Rocky and Lana is no surprise to longtime fans, it's exciting that their time in the studio has been fruitful, with each song balancing each artist's style appropriately. "Groupie Love" is highly reminiscent of "L$D" by Rocky, with his trademark pitched-down "UH" floating over Lana's ghostly vocals and spacious pads to give the song a hypnotic ambiance. The production of "Summer Bummer" takes a darker, hip-hop based direction with Boi-1da working the beat and Playboi Carti providing ad-libs to supplement the song with bounce. Although the two projects vary sonically, they both derive from the album's theme of lust, focusing on the dynamic of confusing relationships such as fan love and summer flings. Stay tuned for the album release on July 27th.

Written by Raghav Thirumulu

"Kompany" keeps the good company rolling

Although not the only artist to fuse electronic with hip-hop, Monte Booker distinguishes himself from the rest in “KOMPANY.” Laden with the buttery vocals of Phoelix and lyrical sagacity of Smino, Monte Booker delivers yet another beat that bounces, bubbles, and bangs. And what better way to inaugurate the sweltering months of summer than with a genre-bending track begging for us to croon along? “KOMPANY” weaves in and out between the slick rapping prowess of Smino and honeyed harmonies of Phoelix. And Monte Booker completes the collaboration with a backdrop of mellow drums and arpeggiated plucks. Grab some company, and find yourself subconsciously nodding along to the soulful brilliance that is “KOMPANY.”

Written by Kelsey Tang

brockhampton - saturation

Are you ready for America’s next boy band? You’re won’t find these guys on Good Morning America or the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. Instead, shift your attention towards South Central LA. You’ll find fourteen peculiarly creative individuals sharing both a living space and a unifying name for their collective movement: BROCKHAMPTON. Headed by indie rapper Kevin Abstract, the youthful group is composed of musicians, graphic designers, and videographers who responded to the bandleader’s invitational post on a Kanye West fan forum. The new album is called Saturation; the results are astounding. Grimy trunk busters (“Bump”) are placed next to John Mayer-type ballads (“Waste”) and idiosyncratic Auto-Tune driven R&B performances (“Trip”). At the core of BROCKHAMPTON’s disparate efforts is their penchant for experimental songwriting, leading to tracks that may perplex as much as they awe. But every occasion of weird behavior on this project is matched by other moments of stark emotional nakedness depicted through the unique contributions of every member. Saturation is a record made by and for the socially misunderstood youth occupying the fringes of propriety. Thankfully, Kevin Abstract and Co. have distinguished themselves as their proper representatives.

Written by Eugene Cheng

the underachievers - renaissance

Brooklyn rap duo The Underachievers, consisting of Issa Gold and AKTHESAVIOR, has just released their third project titled Renaissance. The 15-track album boasts an impressive lineup of tracks ranging from stoner anthems to underground bangers, with rapper Mello providing the only guest verses on a couple of songs. Their unique style of hip hop has been coined acid rap, drawing psychedelic musical influences from acid and shrooms. While The Underachievers typically attract a cult following, their poetic flow cannot be ignored, having worked with the likes of Flatbush Zombies, Denzel Curry, and the A$AP Mob. The duo is currently signed to Flying Lotus' label Brainfeeder, joining the ranks of artists such as Tokimonsta and Gaslamp Killer.

Written by Raghav Thirumulu  

kendrick lamar sends a clear message with "humble"

Kendrick Lamar "HUMBLE." out now http://smarturl.it/HUMBLE Music video by Kendrick Lamar performing HUMBLE.. (C) 2017 Aftermath/Interscope (Top Dawg Entertainment) http://vevo.ly/H8UJcZ

K. Dot has remained dormant for quite some time since releasing his untitled, unmastered B-Sides tape. Amidst a political regime change and the state of hip hop devolving into cookie cutter music, Kendrick reminds us why he is one of the greats. Directed by David Meyers and the Little Homies, the video itself is visually stimulating, introducing some trippy effects and shots reminiscent of other quality videos such as A$AP Crew's Yamborghini High and L.$.D. Huge kudos to the video crew for creating something really special here, because when done well, audio and visual can combine to form some truly special art pieces. 

Some are theorizing that this song is a shot at upcoming rappers such as Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty, as the hook goes, "Be Humble, & SIt Down Lil' Bitch." Others have said it's a shot at Big Sean, and that there is a growing tension amongst the two rappers. Regardless of the intention, Kendrick's flow is off the chain here and it's one hell of a banger. I'm expecting the album to follow suit, and it is slotted for an April 7th release date. 

Written by Ming Guo

goldlink and kaytranada return for groovy single "meditation"

“Meditation” opens up with an immediate taste of Kaytranada’s distinct groove: a slower, more mellow version of house filled with acoustic-sounding basslines and succinct hats to keep you on your toes. Kaytranada's production provides a very suitable platform for Goldlink’s blues-infused flow to shine as he portrays the classic dynamic between a man and woman attempting to gain each other’s attention. This dynamic is especially noticed in the incorporation of Jazmine Sullivan into the chorus - the back-and-forth arrangement between Goldlink’s verse and Sullivan’s vocals sets the perfect tone for a couple to share a dance together, especially when they join together for a melodic harmony. Check it out below!

Written by Raghav Thirumulu / Edited by Spencer Vogel