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 …
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 …
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 …
Creative maestro Tedikuma drops new project, Sketches. With a gorgeous cover like this, you’d expect equally decadent beats. And that’s precisely what Tedikuma provides on Sketches. The illustrator/beatmaker put the project together as an accompaniment to BEATS, “a collection of black and white drawings” he did this summer. If his work looks familiar, it might …
We’re 5 years old today! Happy birthday to us! Despite the age, we must be growing old because we completely forgot it was our birthday today. It’s crazy to think we’re halfway to a whole decade of existence. We have achieved so much in those 5 years and we have no plans to stop. We …
Texan rapper Sivion announces the release of his upcoming album, Dark Side of the Cocoon.
Cali artist Caleon Fox declares his love and admiration for his durag on The Durag Song.
The man with All These Fingers brings us a new offering called “Lodge”. It’s always a pleasure to hear a new atf release and Lodge is no exception. SAM: I would like to say this beat tape was most enjoyable. I totally agree. atf is a master at bring life to loops with his use …
Nottingham’s audio maestro Kareem Jamal returns under a new name and new video for single, “Matter.” You may remember way back in 2014 when we did a One to Watch profile on Nottingham rapper KJ Palmer. Much like Mount Kimbie, a lot has happened in that time but the musician returns with a new name …
Otis Mensah shines an Aurora beam with his latest track. When it comes to saying what’s on his mind, Otis Mensah does exactly that. He describes Aurora as a song that “takes you through a stream of consciousness, string of thought and social commentary”. That’s evident in his delivery, which I’d call more a deluge …