Cole asked me if this was going to become a regular thing. The short answer is yes, it is. I love music, and consequently, I like to blog about it. But folks like say, Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek, U-N-I or Sharon Jones (look below) just aren’t really sensitive to the fact that we like to post songs one at a time. We’re inspired by a lot of things at once. So my hands are pretty much tied here. For the record, Gorillaz kinda stole the show this week. Plastic Beach drops next week, so get you a copy.
Let’s not play ourselves. Slaps like this are important. Our generation doesn’t really have a Teddy P (RIP) or a Prince, so sometimes cats like Luda and Trey need to come through with the baby-making music. Despite the recent wave of flop decisions on Mr. Bridges’ part (a handful of weak singles, the Justin Beiber feature and one seriously hurt album cover), this joint caught my attention. Props to the big homie Sam, who’s been keeping me thoroughly entertained with the slaps and outta pocket shit of late. Oh, and in case you haven’t noticed, Trey’s been killin it for a while now. If this doesn’t hit the radio, it’d be a damn shame.
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Download: Ludacris feat. Trey Songz – “Sex Room”
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Download: Al Green – “What A Wonderful Thing Love Is”
Some cats are up too late. I guess a few are just up way too early. Either way, the dope new music just doesn’t stop. The internet is a beautiful, beautiful thing. So here goes the first Cudi & Snoop collab, some brand new Devin, Janelle’s second single, and a handful of other quality shit that folks should be hearing (just don’t sleep on the TiRon). Speaking of quality shit, I had the privilege of being in the house for two incredible musical experiences this weekend, courtesy of Broken Bells and Strong Arm Steady. So thanks to all those involved in pulling those nights together. Don’t be surprised when you see both Stoney Jackson and the Broken Bells record on damn near everybody’s “best of” lists come December. As always, thanks for the love and support. Max already told you. Bowties is for the people.
As new music goes, Gil Scott Heron’s I’m New Here is as human as it gets. While Gil, known best for his outspoken and biting social criticism in the ’70s, could have addressed the political turmoil that is our modern climate, instead he turns inward, and bears his soul. The work that emerges is the portrait of a man who’s lived a long and difficult life, finding himself alienated by, yet deeply invested in the world around him. XL founder Richard Russell’s spare, electronic arrangements are juxtaposed with Gil’s coarse vocals, taking songs from Robert Johnson and Bobby Bland to places they’ve never been. I could go on, but I won’t. The album is brilliant, and this song is crazy. Pay the man.
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Download: Gil Scott Heron – “New York Is Killing Me”
Sorry to be a little late with this one, but it’s just necessary. The latest clip from Erykah is about as simple as it gets from a production standpoint. From a visual standpoint it’s the kind of video that just fucks with your head. Psychedelic to say the least. Half the time it’s hard to even figure out what you’re looking at. The song is now slated to be a web-only bonus, but the album, headed by lead single “Window Seat”, is due out March 30th. Expect something serious.
This is just a great look for Aloe Blacc. For anybody that caught the pilot for HBO’s latest series, How To Make It In America, this is the theme song, and personally I think it’s fucking phenomenal. On first listen I was sure it was a classic soul sample, but once again, I got tricked by the in-house band at Truth & Soul. The show seems cool enough though. They just might have to do a little more to differentiate themselves from the other Mark Walhberg-produced HBO show about 20-something go-getters living out their dreams in a big city. Just saying. The Cudder appearances should keep things entertaining anyway. Just so we’re all on the same page, Aloe Blacc is an extremely talented singer-songwriter and MC signed to Stones Throw. More of his music here.
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Download: Aloe Blacc – “I Need a Dollar”
Something tells me when Janelle finally drops that debut album, it’s gonna be devastating. For somebody who still hasn’t dropped a full LP worth of music yet, Ms. Monae is definitely winning though. The music is dope, but the personality is what lets her shine. She just does her to the fullest. “Tightrope”, assisted by Sir Luscious himself, is the first official single from her upcoming album. If this is the shape of things to come, it’s looking like we’re in for something official with this one.
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Download: Janelle Monae feat. Big Boi – “Tightrope”
It’s a beautiful morning out in LaLa today. For the record, Tha Boogie and Breezy Lovejoy did their thing at the Little Temple last night. Keep an eye on those cats. Anyway, I woke up feeling like it was time to sprinkle the front page with some new shit once again. Like most weeks, this one brought with it a handful of quality music. And as usual, it’s more than we can really drop on day-to-day basis. Not to mention it’s been a crazy week. The four-year anniversary of Jay Dee’s untimely passing on Wednesday, and the shocking and tragic death of fashion icon Alexander McQueen really put things in focus. Life is too short, so we really do have to live for today. Danny, thanks for the valuable perspective. My dude Matt will be celebrating tonight. I suggest you join him. We got a lot to celebrate.
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Download: J Dilla – “Love Jones”
A few days, Erykah declared via Twitter, that “the quality of the people’s opinions who decide what is to be played has declined perhaps,” but that “good music is everywhere.” Can’t really argue with that. I’d argue that the Top 40 is about as hurt as it’s ever been, but that the amount of dope music finding its way to the masses is almost unprecedented. Case in point being yet another tweet from Erykah last night, which included a link to “Window Seat”, the first single from the upcoming New Amerykah Pt. 2: Return of the Ankh. Stylistically leaning closer to Baduizm or Mama’s Gun than her later work, “Window Seat” is vintage Badu. The album drops March 30th.
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This was a long time coming. There’s simply too much great music being made around the world, and being released via the blog world to narrow down to single posts. Believe me, it’s never easy to narrow it down. Besides, who are we to say what music you’re gonna feel? In the interest of giving credit where it’s due, and keeping the Bowties faithful up to speed, we’d like to present The Leftovers. More slaps. One post. As always, the feedback is appreciated. Happy Friday.
The future is looking bright for Bobby Ray right about now. Having just scored his first major radio single with “Nothin’ On You”, Bobby released May 25th (named for the official release date of his debut B.o.B. Presents the Adventures of Bobby Ray), this Monday. The mixtape is a solid collection of tracks, showcasing his ability as an MC, producer, and songwriter. The triple threat is always winning. I think the more creative control you have over your music, the easier it is to make it sound the way you want. Adventures should give him a chance to really shine; for now, we’ll settle on this. Hit MORE to download the full mixtape.
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Download: B.o.B. (Bobby Ray) – “Don’t Feel So Good”
Kelis is what you might call an original. Since screaming “I hate you so much right now” at the top of her lungs on her first single, she consistently separated herself from the pack with some of the most forward-thinking R&B of the last decade, and simply by doing her at all times. “They Say” is the latest example, following up “Acapella” with another house-infused slap, courtesy of David Guetta. Seems like she’s going for the electro angle on the upcoming FleshTones, which will feature production from Guetta, as well as Diplo, Switch and will.i.am. For now, this one’s club-ready.
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Download: Kelis – “They Say”
There’s not a whole lot of people on the planet in the same league of cool as Erykah. Something about the way she carries herself, and her creative energy; it’s just different from anybody else out there. Almost two years ago, the first installment of New Amerykah marked Ms. Badu’s return to the game with a woozy, strange and politically motivated groover of an album. Luckily for us, part two is on the way, and it looks like we’re in for an experience. “Jump Up in the Air” finds her enlisting Wayne for a collab that’s as sinister as it is soulful. This shit is too dope.
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Erykah Badu feat. Lil’ Wayne – “Jump Up in the Air (And Stay There)”
