Electric Highway

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Rocky Fresh has been relatively new to the scene but has made waves since his Driving 88 tape dropped last year. After being signed to MMG, going on tour, and maturing in both his sound and production Rocky drops the Electric Highway. Electric Highway is a continual progression into the alternative hip-hop that Rocky has become one of the pioneers of. Electric Highway is a mix of hiphop lyrics, electronic unconventional productions, and guest features from both the MMG, Sasha go hard, Curren$y, and Lunice. The subjects that Rocky discusses are both common and uncommon amongst the rap world. Lyrics about girls,weed, and parties are intermixed with lyrics about his future, newfound fame, the materialism that has become common place in his day to day life, as well as his position of importance amongst the MMG and the alternative hip hop movement. Download it above and enjoy- Imran

Life Changes

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Casey Veggies recently released another free album to his massive fanbase and, as the title suggests the pace has changed for the young MC. Before this album, Casey had a burgeoning sound of a young man finding his flow. However this is the album that has the perfect balance. Hunger in his lyrics, beats that are smooth and adhere to Veggies’s flow and a small select group of features from Dom Kennedy, BJ the Chicago kid and Phil Beaudreau. What got me really hooked onto this album though is the topics that Veggies’s approaches here. The road to riches and fame, the mature relationship with a lady, and the materialism that has come from becoming a young rapper in 2013. The production is as variant as ever with a majority of tracks taken care of by The Futuristiks and 1500 or nothin. After listening to this, I have high hopes that Casey continues along this path of alternative hip-hop. He fits into a select group that includes Rocky Fresh who are leading this wave of unconventional hip hop to the masses. Download it above and enjoy.- Imran

The Wild EP

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ABADABAD is a small band, making noise from the great state of Massachusetts, they come with quite the indie sound. Give their new EP a glance and it may sound like the common “hipster” sound that many Ray-Ban users enjoy with the catchy guitar riffs and the seemingly unclear vocals, but if you dive deeper, you see that there is more to the band than just the uplifting tunes. The band has been making noise for a while, dropping singles that do cause the listener to enjoy what it is they are listening to, so the band isn’t a lost cause. Recently, they dropped their latest project of 7 tracks to the public and gave the audience a refreshing taste in music. Nostalgia is really the best word to describe the feel of the EP as the guitar sounds are just not heard anymore but they are played well and give this vibe of endless youth, a pleasing vibe to be honest as many bands now don’t know how to correctly play the damn instrument  Although the band originates from the East coast, they do have this 60’s and west coast mesh that works well, the whole project is a wonderful thing to listen to as the pace is mellow and the vocals are actually harmonious to the sound of the music the band plays. As far as lyrics go, they nail it with the topics that don’t go political, instead they relate to the common youthful man, full of life and wonder, which makes this project that much more likable. This album does have a few of their singles that they have already released prior to this project, but there are new songs that are just as good, if not better. The project transitions well from one track to another which is relieving and quite enjoyable. There are sounds of spacey electronic instrumentals sprinkled here and there within the tracks but for the most part the vibe is pure indie and nostalgic, which comes to many’s surprise as many would think: how can you mix these genres/sounds together and get get a good vibe? The band just made it all work, and gave the public a glance at their work, and it is very impressive. Download it, listen to it, drink to it, and enjoy it. - Daniel

#Hashtag Mixtape 2: Death to False Tumblr Wave​.​jpg

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The Internet, it’s so full of awe and wonder and it is rich in culture as it is a giant melting pot, blending so many things into a concoction full of ‘OMG’s and ‘LOL’s as well as a few memes. Within it comes a certain genre that is unexplainable but I shall attempt to do the unthinkable. Jonny Wanser comes out of the blue with a fairly recent project that is nothing but masterful mash-ups. I know that mash-ups aren’t ones to get anyone’s attention, in fact they’re the products of DJ’s with no talent, but if done correctly they make pretty great music. Jonny Wanser comes out with a 13 track mixtape that includes artists FAT JOE, KESHA, ASHANTI, M83, GUCCI MANE, TAYLOR SWIFT, BLACK MAGIC, SUFJAN STEVENS, YOUNG BUCK, CARLY RAE JESPEN, EFTERKLANG, RICK ROSS, KATY PERRY, CARSON DALY, ASHTON KUTCHER, ODB, TRAVIS PORTER, RIHANNA, WAKA FLOCKA, BIRDMAN, LIL WAYNE, CHAMILLIONARE, THE SMITHS, USHER, JERKSTORE, MAGMA, THREE SIX MAFIA, MELISSA BELL, WILLOW SMITH, ROSCO, DUNGEN, PROJECT PAT AND GODSPEED YOU BLACK EMPEROR, and these all should never be put in the same damn mixtape but he blends them perfectly, with smooth intstrumentals and excellent timing that basically makes you want to listen to more of this odd and obscure yet addictive genre. The sound that comes from this mixtape is basically screwed music (no chop) layered with spacey and intricate instrumentals, matching the relaxing (yet fucked up) voices well. The mixape is full of a lot of culture and it’s just a mixtape that needs to be listened to, especially when leaning or sedated off another drug, this is when you’ll recieve the most enjoyment of the music but it is still enjoyable even when sober, which may come to many’s surprise because screwed music is strongly associated with leaning. With rich bass, amazing instrumentals and classics being mashed up with impecable timing, a wonderful blend has come about and is here to flood the ears of the listener. Although at first, it may not look or sound appealing, it grows on you after a while and it becomes something to respect and allow to become addictive. Listen to it, download it, love it, more than Sosa. - Daniel

Zoo’s Blues II (Summer Sessions)

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So maybe you’ve had a few drinks and you’ve just had quite a night, the party is gone and it’s just you and possibly a handful of friends lying around with a few cigarettes burning and some half empty beers lying around in the dim lite environment. The room is silent but you’re in the mood for some music, you don’t know what though because most of the music that there is now is all too trendy and too out there for your slower taste. Some electric guitars with a slow pace, and maybe some harmonicas with some basic bass chords and some simple drum beats will dance well with the vibe of the room. Maybe some southern wholesome blues will keep the place mellow. Needless to say, The Zoo, is the band that delivers just that. With a rich sound and semi-relatable lyrics, The Zoo brings forth a piece that is nothing short of spectacular. The image that is set is an empty bar with a red lighting, and a wild night full of narcotics and a recent line of unfortunate events. There is a hint of 60’s psychedelic nostalgia thrown in the 14 track album though. The sounds of the electric guitar smoothly hitting the ear with the basic chords of blues accompanied by heavy bass loops and an amazing vocals, it all blends perfectly to give the listener a taste of a pleasant surprise from the often overlooked genre. The Zoo delivers grace, passion, a great theme and many pleasant sounds that will give the listener a wave of relaxation and tranquility from such a misunderstood genre. Bottom line: with a chilling mood and remarkable deliver, Zoo’s Blues II is a must to have in any musical library as it is sure to bring with it a lot of thought provoking and traditional blues tracks. - Daniel

3 piece set

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Curren$y has a most interesting way of putting material out to his fans and listeners. As everyone knows Spitta puts together projects through out the year and releases them 3-5 musical EPs, mixtapes, and projects in a year. However after Live in Concert was delayed to an unknown date, Spitta quenched his fans with his Priest Andretti and eventually with the 3 piece set. Overall it’s a short simple affair akin to his Here EP 2-5 tracks ( 3 in this one). Spitta however is on his usual fire accompanied by young Roddy who is slowly but surely becoming Spitta’s young prodigy. The chemistry amongst these two is akin to a stoner Jay and Ye, basically an award winning formula. Check it out above and enjoy.- Imran

The Locals, Winter Season

Gris Apparel, Follow on Twitter. Photo Cred. Daniel

Stem & Thorn, Photo Cred. Daniel

Loyal KNG, Follow on Twitter. Photo Cred. Daniel

The goons. Follow Imran, J Auguste and Antonio on twitter. Photo Cred. Daniel

The Goons Again. Photo Cred. Daniel

The Goons once more. Photo Cred. Daniel

The Locals

The Locals is a small event hosted by Centre, a small shop located in Dallas, a place where the dopest apparel is sold. The small shop has had this event before as it is becoming a seasonal thing to do. The event is tailored for local brands to come out and show the public what they have to offer. For the most part, it’s basic graphic tees and the occasional crew neck sweater but there were a few brands we were happy to see, Gris Apparel, Stem & Thorn and Loyal KNG just to name a few. The event was very chill as every booth showed the audience what was going on at the time for that brand. It’s an even where the brand sells itself and either makes an impact on the consumer or not. The sight was enjoyable as our eyes are now focused to come out with something by the next Locals event, which is to be held some time in spring of 2013. 

Singing Miracles

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Beat mixtapes are becoming harder and harder to find. The era of the instrumental listeners is dying but that doesn’t mean that a certain end is near. There is a certain revival movement that can be noticed and among this small handful of revivalists comes a producer from the NY state that has laid down a few beat tapes for lenders of the ears. Hannibal King started off with what seemed to be humble beginnings but he has led on a relaxing scene and a very welcoming one at that. Tape after tape, he dropped more pleasant sounds that don’t get repetitive  rather each track sounds like it was taken care of like child, making them individual works of art. The smooth and soulful vibe that is emitted from this recent mixtape is alluring at the least and has more than it’s fair share of major influence on the listener as it takes the listener to a very enjoyable state of mind. To have such power with nothing more than just harmonious sound and tranquil flows, that is talent and Hannibal seems to show just that. From the start of this 11 track mixtape, there is a relaxing feel that just comes and it’s as if you’re taken to a place that you forever want to stay at because of it’s peace and cool vibe. Track after track, the tape gets better and flows wonderfully, taking the listener near and far with sheer loops and samples. This tape is a must for any musical library. Download it, listen to it and spark up a few to it. - Daniel