Don't let the name fool you here; this isn't your typical Lupe Fiasco . If you've been following Lupe on Twitter over the last couple of months, you'll no doubt have noticed that his feelings towards hip-hop haven't exactly been positive lately. Accordingly so, it seems he's decided to take a brief break from rap music to pursue his SNDCLSH side-project alongside partner Sky Gellatly . Although it may seem strange to fans of Lupe, this isn't his first time branching out from the rap game, as he also had a rock band known as Japanese Cartoon [...]
Robin Thicke is definitely looking to switch things up with his sixth studio album. Currently sitting atop the iTunes R&B Chart with his single, "Blurred Lines," Thicke decided to drop by Sway in the Morning to premiere his next hit, "Give It To You." Produced by will.i.am , the track features the crooner linking up with MTV's Hottest 2 MC's , 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar , for this club banger. It's a major departure from what we're used to hearing from Thicke, but the upbeat number still manages to let him [...]
Take a singer with hauntingly beautiful lyrics and mix her sound together with an artist known for his unique sounds ranging from bass to juke to techno and what do you get? A stunning song that captivates from the very first note until the very last lyric. Ross Tones aka Throwing Snow collaborates with Hannah Cartwright, better known as Augustus Snow , to make this one of a kind song. These two take their unmistakable musical talents and join to make Snow Ghosts with their debut album to be released on June 17th called “A Small Murmuration”. [...]
The cutesy, ever-catchy duo She & Him are gearing up to release their brand new album, Volume 3 , on May 7th via Merge Records . We gave you a sneak peek of the LP with "Never Wanted Your Love" (above), but if that track's not enough sweet vintage pop for you, fear not, dear ninja, as the whole record is streaming more than a week before its official release, courtesy of NPR . Enjoy. Stream She & Him's Volume 3 .
Most of the artists involved in "Move Me" — and it's a bit of a star-studded bunch — have graced The Music Ninja's pages in the past, so posting this was a bit of a no brainer. (Plus, the track is part of a compilation put out by well-regarded French label Kitsuné !) Jhameel , DWNTWN and Giraffage come together for a real pleaser, full of cooing vocals and lush, sparkly production. And when the chorus descends upon you, it's almost like being wrapped up in the many folds of a velvety blanket — [...]
You may remember how we featured a cover of Usher's "Climax" by this eclectic London-based band last year. We're happy to say that Mt. Wolf returns with yet another dream-like track, "Veins" , off their second EP. Kate Sproule's formidable vocals are reminiscent of Elena Torna's delicate voice from indie folk band Daughter. Rest assured, the tune's composition of transcendental synths, soft strings, and an impassioned voice will undoubtedly leave you in nothing less than a utopian state. Sink into the full effect of their second EP Hypolight, available [...]
As we've touched on before, Chicago has been a mecca for extraordinary young talent in hip-hop recently. While Chitown has always has always had representation from some of the hottest lyricists in the game, the city's been yearning for its next big star. We may have found the answer in Chance The Rapper . After months of anticipation, we finally have our hands on Acid Rap , the follow-up to last year's debut mixtape, 10 Day . It's remarkable to see how far Chance has come in just one year. His flow is still whimsical and melodic, [...]
We hear a lot of good music. It's our job to sift through submission after submission. There are very few moments that we are completely blown away by something, but tonight is one of those moments. Swedish duo Taped Rai introduces their first release, "Shadow of The Sun," after the collaboration with David Guetta on "Just One Last Time". We're honestly at a loss of words on how to describe this. The ethereal vocals are leaving us in complete awe, so we'll just let you listen for yourself. Enjoy.
You gotta love when you stumble across a fantastic genre bending group; someone that really knows how to fuse styles together to create something really special. That's exactly what we have here today for you. Brooklyn based quartet X Ambassadors , who recently signed to KIDinaKORNER/Interscope Records, are surely going to take the nation by storm. Today we're offering up a free download of their track "Unconsolable," which is a reflection on the bands upbringing in Ithica. This track, which is a part of their debut EP Love Songs Drug Songs features [...]
After dropping off "Cole Summer" last night, J. Cole serves up another treat with the sequel to February's Truly Yours EP. Like the previous installment, the six-track EP is composed of previously unreleased material and songs that were left on the cutting room floor. With features and production from 2 Chainz , Young Jeezy , Bas , Jake One , and Canei Finch , this iteration is even better than the last. If this is the material that didn't make the album, you have [...]
Last Friday night saw a few of your trusty Music Ninjas catch up with two of our favorite So-Cal groups; Carousel ( whom we had the pleasure of interviewing a few months ago; read it here ) opening for Mansions on the Moon . Our evening with the laid-back dance-pop gurus was booked at perhaps the most intimate and acoustically appealing live venue in Denver, the Larimer Lounge, and marked the last date as opening tour support for MotM. This was most likely the last time to catch the [...]
Joe Goddard and Greco-Roman Records have built a solid reputation in part by helping break the music careers of rising electronic trendsetter T-E-E-D and Disclosure. The newest addition to their stable ( whom we featured earlier this month ), Valentina , already appears to be another clear cut hit for the Berlin to London collective. The sultry pop singer has seen her stock begin to rise amongst tastemakers worldwide with the release of her single “Wolves” two months ago, and while a healthy buzz has been picking up amongst the blogosphere, fans were [...]
![[House] option4 – Do Work EP + Bit Funk Remix](http://cdn.elbo.ws/posts/4924072_lg.jpg)
Coming off of his impressive debut EP To the Night , which broke into the top 5 on the Beatport charts, house producer option4 is back as hot as ever with a brand new release; “Do Work”. The deep-house cut, which is being released today as a two track EP featuring a synth-drenched remix from New York based indie-dance mainstay Bit Funk , contains all of option4’s distinctive rhythmic style as well as a glossy and infectious bass line, culminating in a track that can be played out [...]
Earlier in the month we hipped you to Viceroy and French Horn Rebellion 's funky "Friday Nights" , a nu-disco tune so catchy it makes every day feel like a crazed, boozy jumping off point to the weekend. The collaborative pair will soon release a remixes EP, and it'll include this awesome rework by Jessie Andrews , a Los Angeles DJ and actress. Andrews strips away the funk, instead nicely replacing it with crunchy, spiraling effects that'll take you on a number of dizzying loops and powerful buildups that might leave you a little floored. The remix [...]
As the snow is finally melting (or if you live in Colorado, still randomly dropping on a Wednesday afternoon) and the flowers are a blooming, nothing says spring is here quite like a good mix from one of TMN’s favorite bass duos. Zeds Dead recently released their Spring Mix with over 35 heart-pounding songs sure to please any ZD fans. The mix combines fist pumping electronic with down and dirty dubstep mixed in with some fabulous funk and rich vocals. The transitions are quick and clean letting the listeners know it is on to the next awesome jam. [...]
You have to give it to Lea Luna . She continues to prove time and time again that she knows how to craft party inducing lyrics that carry perfectly over big buzzing beats. We especially love the underlying "Mile High" messaging, as Lea is originally from there, as well as Dragon and Jontron . "Loud and Proud" is the latest release from this collaboration. In true D&J fashion, it boasts a slow melodic build that let Lea's vocals really shine. The drop is a big, bass-laden electro house dance floor killer that is smooth yet aggressive. [...]
Underground phenom Casey Veggies comes through this week with a new head banging, street-single titled "Young Niggas". The new tune sounds very raw and Veggies takes to the mic to rep for the young generation on their grind. Teaming up with Juicy J for a tight verse and strong hook, the 19 year-old Odd Future affiliate delivers over this Futuristik 's produced beat. Take a listen to the free track below.
![[MP3 Playlist] Indie Dojo (April 2013 Round #5)](http://cdn.elbo.ws/posts/4923082_lg.jpg)
When you are down in the dumps, music can be the perfect amount of motivation you need to get right back up to solid ground . And sometimes, if you decide to stew in your own misery and turn on the "broken hearts club" playlist, it can drag you down right along with it. Funny how strong of a hold it has on us. We are basically putty in the hands of music. So whether you are having a good day or a shitastic one, let the indie dojo be your motivational speaker for the next 20 minutes. This particular [...]
With J. Cole 's sophomore effort, Born Sinner , hitting shelves on June 25th, fans have been itching for a taste of the new album. While Cole assures us this new freebie isn't a preview of what to expect from the record, it's still a pleasant surprise nonetheless. "Cole Summer" serves as a vehicle for J. Cole to reflect about his life and his spot in the game. It's nearly five minutes of pure stream of consciousness rap over a chopped up sample of Lauryn Hill 's " Nothing Even Matters ." No chorus. No hook. No bullshit. [...]
Dreamy Birmingham indie rock quartet SWIM DEEP is back with another absolutely gorgeous tune to get you prepped and ready for summer. This time around we're bringing you "Simmer" which is the b-side to "She Changes The Weather'" (13th May Chess Club / RCA). Make sure to pick this up when it's released. It's sure to get a spot in the regular rotation.
The Music Ninja
![Snow Ghosts - Murder Cries [Houndstooth]](http://cdn.elbo.ws/youtube/fzy6dE46vm8_130.jpg)
HAERTS – All The Days
iTunes Leaks Kanye West’s Yeezus tracklisting??
MP3: Black Hippy – U.O.E.N.O. Remix (Produced by Childish Major)
