Hip Hop

Ohbliv - Foreverness

Ohbliv releases his latest beat tape, Foreverness. We’re big proponents for fragmented soul loops (looking at you, Knxwledge). Ohbliv is a master of the craft and his newest offering is no exception. Foreverness embodies its title in style and ethos with an abundance of soulful chops. Jagged in place and smooth in others, it’s a …

Hip Hop

A2 - Tell Me Freestyle

Zweli is back with an endorsement for A2 and his track, Tell Me Freestyle. Firstly, if you haven’t heard of A2 where have you been? He has received major co-signs from Tinie Tempah, Poet (of poetscorner, Vibbar, Copa90), and Stormzy. He’s even opened for Stormzy on his sell-out tour as well as performances at Wireless …

Pop

A Critical Analysis Of "If I Was Your Girlfriend"

The loss of Prince in April 2015 hit millions of fans in the heart, mind, and soul. I’m still reeling from it. The private star kept much of his work protected from copying or “unauthorised distribution” (ie. his videos on YouTube) but his death opened those floodgates. It also allowed for further critical analysis of …

Music

SATURDAY MATINÉE: Basquiat (1996)

Our Saturday Matinée movie this week is Basquiat, starring Jeffrey Wright as Basquiat and David Bowie as Andy Warhol. I recommend you visit the Basquiat: Boom for Real exhibition at the Barbican. I went last month and it broadened my mind to his life and work. Downtown 81 wasn’t available online for this week’s Saturday Matinée …

Sampling

Songs That Sample Feminists

Pitchfork has compiled a list of songs that sample speeches and other audio from feminists. When it comes to sampling speeches, MLK leads the way (I’ve done it myself). But while his and Malcolm X’s voices may have taken prominence amongst producers over the years, it’s the voice of feminists that have added a welcome …

Jazz Sampling

Sampleface Five: 100 Years of Thelonious Monk

He was a trailblazer with his improv style, wide-ranging melodic shifts, and trademark fashions. Thelonious Monk was born on this day in 1917. We have been blessed to have had him in our presence, physically and musically. In commemoration of this, we have compiled a list of 5 samples from the great man. 1. Wu-Tang …