Sunday, January 30, 2011

Coachella Conversations: DJ Z-Trip & Shepard Fairey



DJ Z-Trip and Shepard Fairey chop it up about their individual and collaborative art.

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The Art of Buff Diss

buffdiss_train_2011

Buff Diss has created a new form of graffiti using masking tape to design an intricate series of interconnected lines, some forming patterns and other forming full-fledged images. Upper Playground interviewed Buff Diss as part of their featured artist series. View the five-minute video below:



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Preservation Hall Hot 4: St. James Infirmary



Produced by King Britt and directed by James Tancill, in association with Preservation Hall Recordings, the Preservation Hall Hot 4: St. James Infirmary is an animated accompaniment to the King Britt remix of St. James Infirmary. It's too bad that so many landmarks pictured within the video ain't dey no mo, y'know?

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Bambu f. Krondon: Menacing Looks (Video)



On April 29th, Beatrock Music will re-release the remastered version of ...exact change..., plus a second CD with 8 bonus tracks. The video for Menacing Looks, featuring Krondon, is being released in anticipation of the re-issue. This beat is downright disgusting.

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Friday, January 28, 2011

Insa In San Francisco & LA

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Insa splattered his style on a wall in SF this week, shortly after leaving his mark on Los Angeles. The two SF murals (including the smaller of the two on Haight) are on top, and we have also included the LA mural down below because well, you know.

insa_la_2011

McKenzie Eddy: A Prelude To My Next Excursion (Mixtape)

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McKenzie Eddy reminds us of Breath From Another-era Esthero. Her brooding lyrics and moody backdrops are intimate and inquisitive, and her voice is enticing. While writing this, we couldn't help but to imagine what she would sound like with the Gorillaz or even Eligh. The sounds are dope, so take some time to download her mixtape, A Prelude To My Next Excursion, and view the video for Retrograde, featured on the aforementioned.

DOWNLOAD: A Prelude To My Next Excursion


Thursday, January 27, 2011

Nicki Minaj: Moment For Life (Video)



The latest visual from Pink Friday, in stores now.

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Wiz Khalifa f. Too Short: On My Level (Video)



The first video from Rolling Papers, slated to hit shelves March 29th.

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Dumbfoundead: Bubba Kush (Video)



There is something in the simplicity of Dumbfoundead's approach that is at the same time so complex that it reminds me of early Atmosphere. Nothing fancy, just straight skill, spitting verses like "Sorry to inform ya, but I've served ya favorite rappers like Anna Kournikova..."

Like this video? View others like it at Clusterfunk Collective's YouTube Channel


Hear more from Dumbfoundead at dumbfoundead.bandcamp.com

Stalley: SLAPP (Video)



The video for SLAPP, the first from Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Trunk Music), dropping February 9th.

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Ghostface Killah: 2getha Baby (Video)



Apollo Kids (which you should have had yesterday), in stores now. Word to E-Dub.

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Dam-Funk Tribute To Teena Marie (Video)



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DJ Mars, DJ Bobby Black & DJ Stefan present: F.I.L.A.: The History of The Dungeon Family (Mixtape)

historyofthedungeonfamily

Apparently the first in a series of three mixtapes to be released, DJ Mars, DJ Bobby Black, and DJ Stefan, in association with The Diggers Union, have compiled a collection of Dungeon Family tracks that chronicle the history of the group. Also featured are several interviews with the group members.

DOWNLOAD

And the nominees are...

banksy_exitthroughthegiftshop

...Exit Through The Gift Shop? Keep trying. Awards ceremonies won't trick Banksy into revealing his identity either.

The Streets: CyberSpace And Reds (Mixtape)

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The latest offering from The Streets can be considered the precursor to the upcoming full length, Computer & Blues, available February 7th.

DOWNLOAD

Monday, January 24, 2011

Co$$ f. Blu "Through The Flames" (mp3)

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Co$$ lets loose a Blu-assisted track, produced by Beatnick Dee, as he preps for the release of Sleep Walking (his next mixtape) and Before I Awoke (the LP to follow).

DOWNLOAD: Through The Flames

Tabi Bonney "Postcards From Abroad" (Mixtape)

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Presented by LRG and produced by DJ Smiles Davis
and featuring an appearance from Lykke Li, Tab's second project in less than three months is more like a second album than a mixtape.

DOWNLOAD Postcards From Abroad

Game "Purp & Patron" (Mixtape)

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Props to Jayceon for saying f*it and dropping a double disc mixtape, even in light of all the album delays. Stay up.

DOWNLOAD: Purp & Patron

DJ Shadow, DJ Numark & Cut Chemist "Pushing Buttons" (Video)



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OnCue "Your Own Supply" (Video)



Want more Leftovers?


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Smoke DZA f. Mac Miller "Always On" (Video)



DZA enlists Mac Miller for the first visuals from his upcoming T.H.C., set to hit shelves in April.

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Michael Rappaport Discusses ATCQ Documentary



The director of the highly speculated documentary of A Tribe Called Quest sits down with MTV News to chop it up about the latest. SIDENOTE: If this documentary was not compelling then the group members wouldn't be tripping. #justsayin

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Wiz Khalifa Opens Up AFC Championship (Video)



You know what it is...

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Bilal "Levels" (Video)



FlyLo stunts his directoral skills in Levels, the latest video from Airtight's Revenge, in stores now.

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Lykke Li "Untitled" (Video)



Presumed to be the first video from Wounded Rhymes, the upcoming album from Lykke Li.


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Sunday, January 23, 2011

Saturday, January 22, 2011

01/22/2011: DJ Platurn @ Shattuck Down Low (Berkeley, CA)

djplaturn

DJ Platurn will be paying tribute to De La Soul tonight at Shattuck Down Low in Berkeley. Having shared the stage with folks like The Beat Junkies, DJ Premier, Slick Rick, Maseo (De La Soul), ZionI, ?uestLove(The Roots), and Afrika Bambaataa this is not one to miss.

More to come...

Mark Visser x JAWS (Video)



Visually speaking, this is JUST like the last level of Kelly Slater's Pro Surfer (PS2), minus the interplanetary action, of course. Regardless, this is truly taking it to the next level.

Like this video? View others like it at Clusterfunk Collective's YouTube Channel

TDK Interviews Nas



Nas chronicles his personal history of making mixtapes in an interview with TDK. Referencing the actual process of original mixtapes, he illustrates some of the difficulties between artistry now and artistry then. Filmed at Silvercup Studios, the sit-down reflects the love that brought the man into the game in the first place.

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DJ Raize "Check Ya Footnotes" (MIxtape)

djraize_checkyafootnotes

Presented by Sunny Day Entertainment and mixed by DJ Raize, Check Ya Footnotes aims to identify the original sources for references embedded in a variety of tracks. Even if you're not a footnote folower, so to speak, the music from Biggie, Wu, and ATCQ (just to name a few) are enough to please any true head.

DOWNLOAD

Dr. Dre f. Snoop Dogg & Akon "Kush" (Video)



We are obviously a little late on this one, but with all of the discussion of Dr. Dre around here this week we felt it necessary to post.

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Friday, January 21, 2011

Two Roads To Courage

tworoadstocouragecase

For anyone trying to decide what to get the Collective as a gift. look no further. This custom-made, wood suitcase is designed to snugly store a bottle of Bourbon and a pair of brass knuckles, while emblazoned on the exterior are the words "Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. Sack up.”

View more photos at NotCot.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Dr. Dre f. Eminem & Skylar Grey "I Need A Doctor" (Single Cover Art)

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The latest from Dr. Dre, I Need A Doctor, featuring Eminem and Skylar Grey and production from Alex Da Kid, will be available digitally January 25th.

Visit dr-dre.com for more details.

GestaltenTV Interviews Shepard Fairey



GestaltenTV sits down with Shepard Fairey to chop it up about just what the artist has been up to since the 2008 election. He also reveals some of the motivations behind his recent work.

Like this video? View others like it at Clusterfunk Collective's YouTube Channel

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

David Banner Inducted Into Mississippi Musicians Hall Of Fame

davidbanner

Muddy Waters. BB King. David Banner.

Read the entire article at HipHopDX.


Word to GFUNK.

Outasight "Losing My Mind" (Video)



Produced by 6th Sense.

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Magnetic Man f. John Legend "Going Nowhere" (Video)



We LOVE this track and the accompanying video. Although we are not familiar with Magnetic Man, this track has prompted us to to start digging. Sidenote: John Legend is pumping out some incredibly dope music as of late. Not that we weren't fans before, but look what he has acccomplished in the last twelve months.

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Travis Barker "Give The Drummer Some" (Cover Art)

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Travis Barker's debut solo album, Give The Drummer Some, will be available in stores and online February 15th.

For more information, visit travisbarker.com

Lupe Fiasco "Lasers" (Cover Art)

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Lasers, Lupe Fiasco's third studio album, will be available in stores and online March 8th.

For more information, visit lupefiasco.com

Dela "The Robert Glasper Beat Tape" (Mixtape)

dela_robertglasperbeattape

Released in March 2010, this Glasper-inspired project features samples from the man himself, reworked to incorporate sounds from Dela.

DOWNLOAD


Hear more from Dela at dela.bandcamp.com

¡MAYDAY! f. Cee Lo Green, Mack Maine & Ghostwridah "Groundhog Day (Remix)" (Video)



¡MAYDAY! present the video for Groundhog Day, one of the standout tracks from their latest project, Lords of the Fly, featuring Cee-Lo, Mack Maine, and Ghostwridah.


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The Art of Aled Lewis

art_aledlewis_streetfighter

UK artist Aled Lewis has playfully embedded popular video game characters in photos reminiscent of their digital scenes. Our two favorites, the Street Fighter and Mario Kart Koopa pieces, are shown above and below, respectively.

art_aledlewis_mariokartkoopa

View more of his work at aledlewis.com

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Shepard Fairey "Second Amendment Solutions"

obey_secondamendmentsolutions

Any questions?

Head to obeygiant.com/ for more details.

Talib Kweli "I'm On One" (Video)



That Beasties sample takes us back to swiping our siblings License To Ill cassettes back in the day. And if this is any reflection on the rest of Gutter Rainbows, then January 25th cannot get here fast enough.

Like this video? View others like it at Clusterfunk Collective's YouTube Channel

Nicholas Payton "Bitches" (Mixtape)

nicholaspayton_bitches

Thanks to @djsoulsister for this one.

DOWNLOAD Nicholas Payton Bitches

Jeremy Fish On The Haight

jeremyfish_lowerhaight_2011

Since migrating to the Left Coast, we have had so many opportunities to view some truly amazing art and, more important, to witness some of our idols create live. Jeremy Fish is without a doubt included on our list of all-time greats, and his latest piece in the Lower Haight further solidifies his position. One of several others commissioned, the ode to the Pink Bunnies that the artist is wo well-known for take center stage at the central point of the entry.

View more photos at upperplayground.com

Monday, January 17, 2011

FreshNerd "Janet Jackson Beat Tape" (Mixtape)

freshnerd_janetjackson_beattape

FreshNerd continues his streak of sick 80s mixes with the Janet Jackson Beat Tape. If you're familiar with any of his prior releases (namely the Pat Benatar Beat Tape and the David Bowie Beat Tape) then this mix should come as no surprise. Opting to rework Ms. Jackson's Control, his selection is apparently in response to overwhelming requests to choose her for his next project.

DOWNLOAD

Wiz Khalifa & Snoop Dogg " That Good" (Video)



Cheech & Chong deliver the visuals to accompany the first single from their upcoming film, High School.

Like this video? View others like it at Clusterfunk Collective's YouTube Channel

The Art of John Katsch

johnkascht_spikelee

The art of John Katsch is embellished and exaggerated, oftentimes featuring well-known figures. His color caricatures and line drawings reflect famous folks colorful fashion, the most notable of which are Spike Lee, Bill Murray, Diddy, Robin Williams, and Martin Scorcese.

Head to johnkascht.com to view more of his portfolio.

Nesby Phips "The Catchup" (Mixtape)

nesbyphips_thecatchup

Phips serves up his latest creation, the Catchup, featuring Blue & Green and Word To These Bo Jacksons amongst a slew of other notable tracks. Curren$y, Wiz Khalifa, Terry Walker, Tabi Bonney, Ski Beatz, and Trademark also make appearances.

DOWNLOAD

Sunday, January 16, 2011

One In A Million



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Cee-Lo x SNL



The Lady Killer stops by SNL to perform Forget You and Bright Lights, Bigger City. Aside from his two musical performances, Lo also appeared in three scenes alongside Gwyneth Paltrow. His first performance is up top, second below.



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Saturday, January 15, 2011

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Bama Love Soul presents "Wilson Pickett: A Funky Situation (The Remixes)" (Mixtape)

bamalovesoul_wilsonpickettremixes

The good folks at Bama Love Soul have compiled a list of some of the best producers, DJs, and MCs and brought each on to reinterpret Pickett's famous 1978 album, A Funky Situation. The motivation behind this project is on point as well. Given that the youth refuse to educate themselves on their predecessors, feeding the knowledge to them via their own tastemakers may help. Word to Bama Love Soul for this project - very impressive.

DOWNLOAD

Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis "My Oh My" (Video)



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Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Taschen presents Basquiat

basquiat_taschen_book_2011

If you know us, then you already understand how high Basquiat ranks on our list of inspirations. He is easily one of the most perplexing and complex artists ever, and Taschen, who has already authored one book about Basquiat, is no doubt the best individual to create the latest about the elusive artist. Slated to hit shelves in March 2011, the project finds Taschen delving even deeper into the man and the meaning of his work.

Also, the trailer for Radiant Child, the latest film offering about Basquiat, can be viewed below.

Thanks to Juxtapoz for the feature on both.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Rza Debuts Martial Arts Film

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From Vibe:

RZA is making good on that knowledge of the Shaolin in a big screen way.

The Wu Tang Clan producer will serve as director, star and has co-written the feature film, Man With The Iron Fist. The Universal movie which is currently being filmed in China, is produced by Quentin Tarantino and boasts a 20 million dollar budget also co-stars Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu. The premise? RZA plays blacksmith who makes weapons for residents of a Chinese village who are forced to defend themselves. Sounds just as riveting as a WuTang track. Speaking of which, RZA also has the beats covered too; he's producing the soundtrack. Man With The Iron Fist is due in theaters later this year.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Blu "And If You See The E Drop 'Em" (Compilation)

blu_andifyouseetheedropem

Compiled by Cyriel Klitsie.

DOWNLOAD

Wiz Khalifa f. Snoop Dogg, Juicy J & T-Pain "Black & Yellow (G Mix)" (Video)



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Beats Antique

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From beatsantique.com:


Growing like wildfire under the canopy of live electonica and world roots music comes a masterful merge of modern technology, live instrumentation and seductive performance, built of brass bands and glitch, string quartets and dubstep: the musical trio Beats Antique.

Since the group’s inception from the eclectic underground of San Francisco’s performance art scene, Beats Antique has been notorious for making it nearly impossible to sit still. They meld their mediums as attentively as they fuse the cultures that inspire their sound. All self produced and composed, the trio creates a unique collage: an animalistic, raw musical event that blurs the lines between the provocative, the spiritual, and the artistic, while still maintaining an allegiance to the muses of class and beauty.




Word to E-Dub for this one.

Hear more at beatsantique.bandcamp.com

MWMW Graphics presents The Vectorfunk Rorschach Poster Series

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MWM has created a series of posters, The Vectorfunk Rorschach Posters, in which they place their funkdafied spin on ink blot tests used in psychoanalysis.

View more at mwmgraphics.blogspot.com.

iPhone 4 Skateboard Case

iphone4_skateboarddeck

This sucker is just slick...

Head to think.bigchief.it for more details.

PJ Morton "Independently Major" (Mixtape)

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Currently on tour with Maroon 5, and set to release several of his own singles in early 2011, PJ Morton is carving his own lane by producing some of the best soul music we have heard since Musiq Soulchild's debut. He is also a published author. In addition, his most recent album, Walk Alone, can be purchased directly from his website or on iTunes as well as the remainder of his catalog of music.

DOWNLOAD Independently Major


Hit up pjmortononline.com for more details.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Druhova on Reverb Nation & Bandcamp

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Druhova dropped his debut, The Virus, in August 2009 and has been spreading his sound since. He has rocked with the Chemo Kid (RIP) and Matt Blaque, and has also been featured as part of The Up All Night Show. He has new projects on deck and is slated to have a solid 2K11. If you didn't know, then now you know...

Hit up reverbnation.com/druhova
for more details.

Hear more at druhova.bandcamp.com

Señor Kaos "The Most Interesting MC In The World" (Album)

senor kaos_mostinterestingmcintheworld

We have been hanging onto this record for at least a week, and after listening, we should have pushed it a little further to the front of the line. The 25-track project features 4-ize, Boog Brown, and Buff1, among others. The standout track for us is The Real ATL, which was produced by none other than Lee Bannon.

DOWNLOAD

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Number 2 "New Shoes" (Video)



Number 2 hit us with his video for New Shoes, which was written, performed, and directed by Deuce himself.

Listen and download Number 2 & A1NE Productions present Da Paramedix (Mixtape)


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RJD2 "The Glow: Remixes" (EP)

rjd2_theglowremixes

As part of the launch of RJD2's latest, The Colossus, he has released three remixes of The Glow, the first official release from the album.

DOWNLOAD


Hear more at rjd2.bandcamp.com

Don Cannon & Cookin' Soul present "Nas: The Lost Tapes 1.5" (Mixtape)

cookinsoul_doncannon_nas_thelosttapes1.5

At the time this tape dropped, there was word that the Lost Tapes 2 may drop in December. Now Nastradamus is claiming to be considering giving up solo works altogether. Hmmm...

DOWNLOAD

Murs "I Used To Love H.E.R. (Again)" (Video)



Featured on Fornever, in stores now.

Like this video? View others like it at Clusterfunk Collective's YouTube Channel

Curren$y "Return To The Winners Circle" (Mixtape)

currensy_returntothewinnerscircle

Spitta jets out the gate with a new mixtape for 2011, fresh off the heels of Pilot Talk 2.

DOWNLOAD

Monday, January 3, 2011

Asher Roth x Nottz Raw "Rawth" (EP)

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We have been waiting on this project for a minute, and it did not disappoint.

DOWNLOAD

Mod Sun "Health, Wealth, Success, & Happiness" (Mixtape)

modsun_healthwealthsuccesshappiness

We like Mod Sun's approach. It's too bad we did not catch him during our time in the Twin Cities. He scored major points for Smokin' With Miles Davis, the closing track from How To Make A Mod Sun.

Hear more at modsun.bandcamp.com


DOWNLOAD

Lupe Fiasco "The Show Goes On" (Video)



The Show Goes On is set to be featured on Lupe's upcoming album Lasers, slated to be in stores March 8th. Word to GFUNK.


Like this video? View others like it at Clusterfunk Collective's YouTube Channel

Curren$y "Hold On" (Video)



The latest visuals from Pilot Talk 2, which you should have copped by now.

Like this video? View others like it at Clusterfunk Collective's YouTube Channel

Big Boi x The Black Keys "The Brothers Of Chico Dusty" (Mixtape)

bigboi_blackkeys_brothersofchicodusty

After FINALLY finding a hardcopy of the Blakroc album, we were amped to see this when we got back to town. The slept-on lyrics of Sir Lucious Leftfoot against the moodiness of the Black Keys pair perfectly to create one of the better versus tapes.

DOWNLOAD

Carlitta Durand "Nostalgic Nights" (EP)

carlittadurand_nostalgicnights

Carlitta Durand continues to drop FREE, quality music. The follow-up to the Doug & Patty EP, Nostalgic Nights is more laid-back and more sultry than her previous projects.

DOWNLOAD

Gorillaz "The Fall" (EP)

gorillaz_thefall

Happy Holidays from Gorillaz.

DOWNLOAD




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