A Grumpy Old Man With A Beard

Video: Saigon - 'Preacher'

2012-01-21T09:41:00.001+13:00

It seems like an eternity since Saigon's The Greatest Story Never Told came out. But that doesn't mean that the man who enjoyed playing himself on Entourage (in the acting sense rather than the hip hop sense) can't still pump out a new video from said album.

The latest cut to get the visual treatment is the excellent 'Preacher' - the Just Blaze-produced ditty that calls out money-grabbing men of the cloth - which has been transformed into cartoon form by Nastee and 4wordProductions.

There's a lot going on: police; devils; police-devils; sword-play; and lots of characters with no legs. And by the end of it, no heads. I might have just given away the punch line. Ah well. You can watch the video for Saigon's 'Preacher' below:

'Preacher' isn't totally out of left field, mind you. As it turns out, Sai is about to release a new project. Watch Out For Warning Shots 3: One Foot In The Grave, coming to a download site near you. Oh, hang on, they're all being shut down. Coming to a record sto... oh. Ummmm.... iTunes. Get it on iTunes.

Saigon - Preacher by GOMWAB

New Music: Stalley - 'Gentleman's Quarterly'

2012-01-21T08:24:00.008+13:00

Stalley - the classic car enthusiast and first call nomination to the bearded hip hopper hall of fame - is back in the saddle today with a new tune.

'Bout time that something came along to snap me out of my posting slumber (sorry, baby duty takes priority over blogging duty these days).

Ski Beatz is on deck to provide the musical accompaniment. It's a typically smooth affair too - which is even less surprising seeing the tune is called 'Gentleman's Quarterly' - with vibey vibes and synths complementing a head nodding beat. And Stalley, well, he does what he does. Nice stuff.

Speaking of the bearded hip hop hall of fame, original inductee Rick Ross snapped up Stalley to join his Maybach Music Group in early-ish 2011. I have no idea what's happening there, but I do know that there's a new mix tape, Savage Journey To The American Dream, on the horizon. Huzzah.

For now, you can check out 'Gentleman's Quarterly' below, courtesy of Nah Right:

If you haven't checked it yet, make sure you have a listen to Stalley's most excellent Lincoln Way Nights. You can check it here.

Mix Tape: DJ Hudge - Ghetto Discotheque Volume 1

2012-01-07T08:42:00.001+13:00

I've been stumbling over a few decent mix tapes lately (check the Frank Booker and J.Rocc beauties if you missed them), and now it's three for three thanks to the latest collection from the pride of Penge, the magnificent DJ Hudge.

Hudge has been holding it down in London Town and beyond for years now, moving the crowd at his Boogie Down session in Brixton and with his legendary Take It 2 The Bridge boat parties (which have no doubt entertained and scared a few tourists on Tower Bridge).

With a sound grounded in classic hip hop, funk and a whole lot more, Hudge can throw down with the best of them. And he's done just that on the first instalment of his new Ghetto Discotheque mix series, carving up a tasty selection of funk nuggets, peppered with some top grade hip hop.

Over to you, Hudge: "This is the first in a series called the Ghetto Discotheque. The plan was to do a mix of tunes I love both old and new with a focus firmly on the Funk. Enjoy...Massive thanks to Big Ted for the vocal drops and to Prodigal Youth for the artwork. Nuff respect fellas."

You can stream or download Ghetto Discotheque Volume 1 by DJ Hudge below:

Ghetto Discotheque Vol 1 - DJ HUDGE by DJ HUDGE

For more info on Hudge (who I'm happy to report to my New Zealand comrades is about to relocate to Auckland), check out his website, DJHudge.com.

New Music: D'Angelo - 'Black Hole Sun'

2012-01-05T08:56:00.002+13:00

D'Angelo has been keeping us guessing as to what exactly has been going through his mind since his last album, 2000's Voodoo, saw the light of day.

But there's rumblings in the jungle that D is on the way back. A series of live shows in Europe are on the cards, as is an album (stop laughing, it's looking more likely than ever according to Questlove).

On top of that, a few sneaky covers are starting to leak. Covers? Of who? Soundgarden. Who else? 'Black Hole Sun' to be precise. Didn't see that coming did you?

To be fair, it doesn't really sound a great deal like the Black Hole Sun you're familiar with, with D putting his distinct spin on it. You can check it out below.

D'Angelo " Black Hole Sun " (Demo) by FUNK★U

For more info on the track and what D'Angelo has been up to lately, check out the Guardian Music Blog.

New Music: Skillz - '2011 Rap Up'

2012-01-02T21:59:00.003+13:00

After ending 2011 with Mystro's 'UK Rap Up 2011', it seems right to start the new year with the originator of this whole rap up ting, Skillz.

Hang on, that doesn't really make sense does it? But you know what? I've just driven 10 hours in a Hyundai Getz (read: small, slow car), and I am not really capable of stringing together a meaningful introduction.

So feck it, it's just gonna have to fit, innit? Isn't it? I don't know. I just need to go to bed.

Despite the waste of keystrokes that the previous three paragraphs so obviously were (I'm sure I'll cringe when I read this tomorrow), there is a point to this post. What was it again? Ummm... oh, Skillz... Rap Up. That's it.

So without further nonsensical babble, I present to you Skillz's look back at the year that was 2011, with everyone and anyone from Rebecca Black and Justin Beiber to Conrad Murray and Kobe Bryant getting a mention:

Skillz : 2011 Rap Up by ustyles

And as it's the time for New Years resolutions, I resolve that all others posts will make more sense than this one. Thank you and good night.

New Music: Mystro - 'UK Rap Up 2011'

2011-12-31T20:31:00.006+13:00

2011 is almost over. And it seems like a lot of people have had enough of this year already.

But before the Big Double One is consigned to the history books, there's still time for a little rap-up on the comings and goings of the year from the mighty Mystro.

Mys gives a distinctly British take on the year that was with 'UK Rap Up 2011', with rogue football commentators, The Ashes, Smiley Culture and Rastamouse all getting the nod.

There's only a radio rip for now, but this post will be updated as and when the official version drops. For now, on to the rip:

Mix Tape: Acrylick Presents - 'DJ J.Rocc's 90's Hip Hop Mix'

2011-12-24T16:10:00.003+13:00

When it comes to hip hop, the crew* here at GOMWAB Towers are a little fixated on the 90s.

I'll pass on the 'it's not like it used to be' rhetoric, but as far as I'm concerned, when it comes to hippity hop 90s = good.

Another good thing is J.Rocc, all-round DJ man supreme.

Read the resume and weep: Founding member of legendary DJ crew the Beat Junkies; a producer of note (he's just released a new album, Some Cold Rock Stuff); and let's not forget the mixtapes, radio slots and live shows of which there are too many to mention.

So tip of the cap to the crew at Acrylick, the Los Angeles-based clothing label, who have put the two things together to create a rather smashing new mix tape (with lashings of ginger beer and strawberries).

What's it called? DJ J.Rocc's 90's Hip Hop Mix. It is, as the saying goes, exactly what's on the tin: a 90s Hip Hop mix by J.Rocc. Smangin'. Oh, and if R&B is your thing, there's also a 90s R&B mix by DJ Spinna on offer too.

All you need to do is sign up to the Acrylick mailing list and get your download on. Click here, fill in your details, click on the link and your away.

*Just so we're clear, there's only one person in the 'tower' of course... but that doesn't sound very new media and world domination-like does it? No. It doesn't. Embellishment is my tool.

Mix Tape: Frank Booker - Boogie Tape

2011-12-23T11:55:00.002+13:00

Staying on the 'mysterious musician' theme that kicked off yesterday with The Weeknd's new release, here's a little somethin' somethin' in the boogie lane from the one called Frank Booker.

If you're not familiar with our man Frank, he's a DJ and producer based in my new home of Auckland City.

Frank's released a few tasty slabs of wax through labels such as Untracked Recordings from the UK and Wonderful Noise in Japan.

He's also got a few other projects in the oven currently, as well as playing the role of co-host on the most excellent 'Hit It & Quit It' radio show with Recloose.

So what does this impressive CV add up to? Basically, when it comes to making or playing music, Frank knows his shizz. So when I dropped ears on his latest mix, Boogie Tape, I was pretty damn sure it would be the business.

And the business it is. Just under an hour of classic boogie, soul, funk and disco which has been burning up my iPod this morning, and will most probably continue to do so over the Christmas season and beyond.

Herrrrrrrre's Frank: "I decided to put together a 'pause button tape' style mix together of some of my favourite Soul & Boogie tunes (CLASSICS!), like I used to do before owning turntables (the early 90s!)

"Obviously the technology has changed (thanks Ableton!), but the vibe is the same: Quick cuts, all killer, no filler!"

You can stream or download the Boogie Tape selected and mixed by Frank Booker below.

Frank Booker Boogie Tape by Frank Booker

New Music: The Weeknd - Echoes Of Silence

2011-12-22T18:31:00.002+13:00

An early Christmas present today from everyones' favourite Canuck, The Weeknd, who returns with another dose of his modern twist of R&B with latest release Echoes Of Silence.

Ready-made details that will help me pad out this post seem to be thin on the ground, but I'm guessing if you've been a fan of previous Weeknd releases House Of Balloons and Thursday, you're probably just looking for the download link.

So here it is... you can download Echoes Of Silence by The Weeknd here.

Those of you who might need a bit more prompting can check out the opening cut, 'D.D.' - a soaring remake of Michael Jackson's 'Dirty Diana' - below:

The Weeknd - D.D. by GOMWAB

New Music: Lee Fields - 'You're The Kind Of Girl'

2011-12-17T21:08:00.004+13:00

New Lee Fields! Boom!

Good news, folks... the man behind one of my albums of 2009 - My World - is back with some newness, 'You're The Kind Of Girl'.

If you're not familiar with Mr Fields, read a little more about him here (from back in the early days of this here blog).

If you can't be bothered clicking on a link, here's the condensed version: been releasing music since at least 1969; funk/R&B dude with serious chops; made some cheese before Truth & Soul producers and co-owners Jeff Silverman and Leon Michels gave his career a shot in the arm.

If you are familiar, chances are you'll just want to hit play and/or download. The man has talent. But enough of the babble. Here's Lee:

You're The Kind Of Girl by truthandsoulrecords

'You're The Kind Of Girl' is the first single from Fields' upcoming LP on Truth & Soul, entitled Faithful Man, which will be available worldwide from March 13 2012 (my, that sounds so futuristic).

New Music: Wiley - 'Cheer Up, It's Christmas'

2011-12-17T07:59:00.000+13:00

I wouldn't have picked grime godfather Wiley to be the first man to be out on his roof erecting an illuminated Santa or hanging some tinsel from a tree in his lounge as soon as December hits.

But as it turns out, our man Eski-Boy is a bit of a fan of yuletide festivities. He's even gone so far as to record his own carol.

Okay, so it's not really a carol in the traditional sense. Rather, Wiley has cooked up 'Cheer Up, It's Christmas', a shuffling ode to let the moaners to be a little thankful about what's good about this time of year.

Big Dada - Wiley's label, who are showing a bit of festive spirit themselves by giving this tune away for free. Go on and get it:

Wiley - Cheer Up, It's Christmas by Big Dada Sound

'Cheer Up, It's Christmas' will feature on Wiley's upcoming album, the cheerily named Evolve Or Be Extinct, out 19 January next year.

New Music: Homeboy Sandman - 'New York Nights'

2011-12-14T10:43:00.001+13:00

Stones Throw is back at it again, signing one of underground hip hop's firm favourites of the last wee while, Homeboy Sandman.

Homeboy has release records off his own back up until this point, with previous albums Nourishment, Actual Factual Pterodactyl and The Good Sun earning him a nice little buzz.

As a resident of NYC, Homeboy's first single for his new home is, rather fittingly, a bit of a Big Apple tale.

'New York Nights' is an uptempo, jazz-heavy workout which sees HBSM displaying a bit of verbal dexterity. You can check out 'New York Nights' below, or download here:

Homeboy Sandman - New York Nights by stonesthrow

'New York Nights' will lead off a forthcoming Stones Throw/Serato collaboration. Also look out for Homeboy's debut Stones Throw EP, which will be released in late January 2012.

New Music: The Roots - Undun

2011-12-03T12:15:00.000+13:00

The Roots are back with their bajillionth (read: 13th) album, Undun, which is apparently out in a few days.

But if you're like me and are struggling to track down said release for whatever reason (mine being that there seems to be very few chain stores selling CDs left in New Zealand), fear not. You can listen to the whole damn thing here.

NPR have been streaming Undun in its entirety for the last week or so, so it's going to have to do for me for now. Thoughts? I don't have any... I haven't listened yet, aside of first single 'Make My'.

All I can tell you is that it's a 'concept album' which follows the story of Redford Stephens, a fictional drug dealer from Philadelphia. (I can feel people closing down browsers like wild fire as I type this sentence).

You can make your own mind up by heading over to the NPR site where Undun is streaming from go to whoa.

Mix Tape: Yungun - Jack The World (Mixed by DJ Mr Thing)

2011-12-01T20:50:00.004+13:00

I've been waiting for this mix tape for a minute... but thanks to my less than eagle eye, it looks like it dropped a few weeks back. But there's nothing wrong with a bit of catch up, especially when there's quality involved.

So here it is, ladies and gentlemen: Jack The World, the latest offering from the crown prince of Camden, Yungun (a.k.a Essa).

Deftly mixed by regular partner in crime DJ Mr Thing, Jack The World features collaborations with Guru, I.G. Culture, The Nextmen, and Waajeed of Platinum Pied Pipers.

There's also appearances by Resin Dogs, Doc Brown, Tony D, Aaron Jerome and more. Here's the blurb for a bit more background: "Yungun a.k.a. Essa reunites with DJ Mr Thing for the Jack The World mixtape, weaving the common thread through hip-hop, disco, soul, house, afro-beat, jazz and electronica.

"A treasure trove of new, exclusive and unreleased Yungun material, it reminds us how good a mix tape sounds when it's actually mixed... by a real DJ... with real records!"

You can stream or download Jack The World by Yungun below.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://yungun.bandcamp.com/album/jack-the-world-mixed-by-dj-mr-thing"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Jack The World - Mixed by DJ Mr. Thing by Yungun (a.k.a. Essa)&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>
For all you radio-type DJs out there, or for those of you who are averse to a bit of cussing, you can get the curse-free version here.

New Music: Liam Bailey & The Dynamic Set - 'When Will They Learn'

2011-11-26T13:41:00.003+13:00

Right. Internet is on... life is retuning to normal... let's get back into the blogging saddle.

After scanning through my emails quickly, it looks like there's been a lot happening in the land of free music downloads.

So hopefully there should be a little glut of posts over the next few days, time permitting. I've just over promised there, I think... but you never know. Stranger things have happened.

Let's kick it off with a sweet, sweet tune from The Dynamic Set featuring the magnificent Liam Bailey on vocals.

The story goes like this: four years ago, Liam Bailey jumped on the iron bird and jetted to NYC from his hometown of Nottingham in the U.K.

The purpose of Mr Bailey's wee jaunt was to write and record songs with regular AGOMWAB featurees (I don't think that's a real word) Truth & Soul, a.k.a. Jeff Silverman and Leon Michels.

According to T&S, "Shortly after the group met, an instant chemistry led to a series of reggae and soul songs that have been long-time favorites at T&S headquarters. Among those first couple songs are the roots reggae gems, 'When Will They Learn'."

So without further ado, here is 'When Will They Learn', a lovely slice of laid back, reggae-tinged goodness which sounds right nice on this fine day. Check it out below:

The Dynamic Set Feat. Liam Bailey - When Will They Learn by GOMWAB

'When Will They Learn' will be released in December on 7" vinyl from all good online record spots.

New Music: The Milk - 'B-Roads'

2011-11-17T12:16:00.001+13:00

The prediction I made last year that Essex lads The Milk were ones to watch for looks like it's coming true.

The boys have been snapped up by Sony, and are putting the finishing touches on a debut album which should see the light of day in the middle of next year.

UK heavy hitters including Zane Lowe and Huey Morgan have gotten behind the boys too, spinning their latest single 'B-Roads'.

Add these plaudits to a string of wild live shows (which have earned The Milk a nomination for Best Newcomer at the UK Festival Awards), and everything's looking rosy.

To see what all the fuss is about, you can check out 'B-Roads' which is available to stream below.

The Byron bootleg of the same track (featuring new UK rapper Byron and mixed by Brad Baloo from The Nextmen) is also available to download or stream below below. Check it out now:

The Milk - B-Roads by thisisthemilk

The Milk - B-Roads (Byron bootleg) by thisisthemilk

Video: Aloe Blacc on All Saints Basement Sessions

2011-11-17T11:05:00.000+13:00

Where have the last 72 hours gone? I'll tell you where... into an abyss which is specially reserved for people who choose to get on a plane and fly 24-odd hours from London to New Zealand, that's where.

But now that the newly relocated AGOMWAB is back up and running (well, limping at least... damn you jet lag), let's get back into the swing of things with a wee gem of an interview with Aloe Blacc.

Christopher Tubbs of the excellent Heads Down and the All Saints Basement Sessions recently headed out to San Francisco in the good old U.S. of A to interview a selection of artists performing at the Treasure Island Music Festival.

Mr Blacc - who will need no introduction to most of you... but here's one just in case - was one of the artists in the hot seat, sitting down to discuss his rise to fame in what has been a whirlwind couple of years. I bet he's got a couple of dollars spare now.

It also turns out that Aloe was also getting ready to take a trip down here to Middle Earth to get his wine taste on. Hope the 'lag wasn't as bad for him as it is for me. You can watch the interview below:

R.I.P Heavy D

2011-11-12T02:39:00.000+13:00

GOMWAB Towers is in a state of disrepair due to an impending international move, but the news of Heavy D's death a few days ago managed to fight its way through the information super highway.

In what is another blow to hip hoppers worldwide, Heavy - a.k.a. Dwight Arrington Myers - sadly passed away in Los Angeles on Tuesday at the young age of 44.

The man behind a string of chart hits and critically acclaimed joints has kept a relatively low profile over the last decade, musically speaking, but was working on a new album at the time of his death.

He had also begun hitting the stage again recently, performing at the BET Hip Hop Awards last month in what was apparently his first televised performance in 15 years, and at a Michael Jackson tribute concert in Wales.

While in Europe, Hev took the chance to catch up with Tim Westwood (in what is most probably the last interview he gave), and seemed in good spirits:

Tributes have been flowing in thick and fast, with the hip hop community in particular showering praises on the big man's memory. Check out Statik Selektah's musical tribute below. All I can say is damn... another one bites the dust? The last few years haven't been kind to hip hop icons. Rest in peace, Heavy!

Heavy D - Nothin But Love (Statik Selektah TROY Blend) by GOMWAB

Mix Tape: Homage - Roy Ayers (mixed by Anthony Valadez)

2011-11-11T22:25:00.000+13:00

Vibes master and all round cosmic gentleman Roy Ayers has had a huge impact on the hip hop world, with his jazzual noodlings forming the back bone of many a hip hop hit.

But as far as I can remember (and I'm probably wrong), no one has collected these into one mix*.

So hats off to KCRW's Anthony Valadez, who has taken the time to stitch Ayers' tunes together with the hip hop cuts that have borrowed so greatly from them.

Here's what Anthony had to say: "The inspiration for the mix simply came down to Roy Ayer's influence as an artist and creative figure.

"His music has been recycled and embraced by various generations and to me that only demonstrates how ahead of his time this brother really is/was. This is something I have always known but it really struck me when I put the needle on the record in creating this mix.

"Roy Ayers has transcended jazz, soul, funk and disco. He has impacted music for many generations to come through hip hop, house and neo soul. Through the 70's to present day, Mr. Ayers has captured happiness, soul and uplifting messages through his music"

As you would expect, there's a whole lot of Roy in the mix (duh), bookended by hip hop from the likes of Smif-N-Wessun, X-Clan, Blackstar, Redman and A Tribe Called Quest to name but a few.

Quality business for you to stream/download below:

Homage - Roy Ayers mixed by Anthony Valadez by ArtDontSleep

Valadez's mix is part of Homage, a special concert taking place in Los Angeles on 17 November which will see Roy and his band joined on stage by Pete Rock, as well as opening sets from Thundercat and J.Rocc, and more DJ support from a bunch of people (including Valadez himself). More info here.

*Alright, I'm aware there probably are Roy Ayers/hip hop mixes out there... so if there are, leave the links in the comment section and spread the love!

New Music: J-Live - 'Dwyck' (Gang Starr Cover)

2011-11-02T08:20:00.000+13:00

There's nothing wrong with a good cover thrown in to the mix, if you ask me.

So here's a little somethin' from J-Live, who apparently won some approving chin strokes from those at attendance at the recent AC3 Festival in the States for his cover of Gang Starr and Nice & Smooth's classic 'Dwyck'.

J liked the routine so much he decided to lay it down in the studio and release it to the masses. And he does a pretty good job of it too.

In a fine display of mimicry, J follows the flows of Guru, Greg Nice and Smooth B from the original song, tailoring the rhymes to give them a little more of a personal touch while rocking over a remix instrumental of said tune.

You can check the tune out below, or download it here:

Dwyck (Nice and Smooth & Gang Starr Cover) by J-Live

J's cover of 'Dwyck' will appear on his upcoming mix tape, The Live Supremacy. If you like what you hear, check out his latest album, S.P.T.A. (Said Person of That Ability).

New Music: A.Dd+ - 'Genocide'

2011-10-28T09:01:00.000+13:00

Dallas natives A.Dd+ are back today with another 'loosie' from the recording sessions for their upcoming EP, throwing out some free crumbs to whet your appetite for the main course.

After dropping the excellent Black Milk-produced 'Insomniac Dreaming', Paris Pershun and Slim Gravy have moved in a different direction with 'Genocide'.

The press release describes it as "aggressive" and "futuristic". That works for me. But describing music is all relative innit? So why not take a listen below to what my definition of "aggressive" and "futuristic" is:

Genocide (prod by Brain Gang Blue & co-prod by Picnictyme) by A.Dd+

A.Dd+ is putting the finishing touches on their new EP, which will include production from Black Milk, S1 and Picnictyme. More on that when it comes to hand.

For now, if you missed it last time make sure to check their excellent debut, When Pigs Fly, which you can download for free here.

New Music: Tall Black Guy - 'The Return of the Here and Now'

2011-10-23T06:32:00.004+13:00

The latest single from Tall Black Guy Productions (a.k.a. Terrel Wallace) has been on heavy rotation for the last month here in GOMWAB-ville (that sounds like a rather annoying Facebook app for people who should know better, doesn't it?).

But I can't expect you to guess what I've been listening to now, can I? So pardon me while I play catch up, putting finger to keyboard on this find weekend morning to share a little P-Funk-esque bomb - 'The Return of the Here and Now'.

TBG has been winning friends in high places for a while now, with the Detroit producer having one of his tracks, the excellent 'Water No Enemy', included on Gilles Peterson's latest Brownswood Bubblers compilation (up to volume seven already? Watch out Now That's What I Call Music).

Now, TBG has linked up with First Word Records to release a nice follow up double-sided single (available here in digital and 7" vinyl formats).

First tune 'Dance Forever' is a laid back hip hop number, but it's the dance floor-friendly 'The Return' which gets my vote. Check both tunes out here (embdedded link is playing up, ya'll), and follow the link above to pur-chase.

New Music: The Roots - 'Make My' (feat. Big K.R.I.T.)

2011-10-18T09:31:00.000+13:00

Well, this sure makes me feel old. The Roots, the tireless road warriors of the hip hop world, are set to release their thirteenth album later this year. And I pretty much remember them all.

Thirteen albums? Seriously? Pass me my zimmer frame, sonny boy.

The pride of Philadelphia are keeping things tight for lucky (?) number thirteen, which will be known as Undun and will boast a lean, mean 10 tracks.

So, what's the word on Undun? Apparently the album focuses on the life of Redford Stevens, a man who died at the age of 25 in 1999.

Over to The Roots' main man ?uestlove: "Undun is the story of this kid who becomes criminal, but he wasn't born criminal. He's not the nouveau exotic primitive bug-eyed gunrunner like Tupac’s character Bishop in Juice...

"He's actually thoughtful and is neither victim nor hero. Just some kid who begins to order his world in a way that makes the most sense to him at a given moment... At the end of the day... isn't that what we all do?”

I can relate. I'm not a criminal, but my iTunes is immaculately ordered. I'm down for the cause.

The first track to see the light of day from Undun is 'Make My', a smooth track featuring Big K.R.I.T. This is fresh off the press, so rather than try to dissect it for you, I'm gonna let you make up your own minds:

The Roots "Make My" featuring Big K.R.I.T. by okayplayer

Undun will be released on 6 December this year.

New Music: David Dallas - 'Feel Like Oasis'

2011-10-13T09:23:00.000+13:00

Nu Zulland rapper David Dallas' free LP The Rose Tint got some solid play over here in GOMWAB™ land.

It seems that I wasn't the only one giving it a spin or two, too, with many a fan and critic praising the Duck Down-signed MC for his work.

Now, with that praise still ringing in his ears, Dallas has decided to give The Rose Tint the deluxe re-release treatment.

What will make you spend dollars/pounds on an album that you can get for free in it's original form. A few new cuts as well as the album’s instrumentals, that's what.

To get you in the mood, DD has dropped one of the aforementioned new joints for your downloading pleasure (wait, we're giving away the new stuff for free?).

He's drawn in bright young things Tayyib Ali and The Kid Daytona to join him too, with the trio turning in a cut called 'Feel Like Oasis', a slow rolling tip of the cap to the brothers Liam and Noel and their uncanny ability to be... ummm... 'confident' in their own abilities.

You can download or stream 'Feel Like Oasis' by David Dallas featuring Tayyib Ali and The Kid Daytona below:

David Dallas - Feel Like Oasis ft. Tayyib Ali & The Kid Daytona by David Dallas

The Rose Tint [Deluxe Version] will be in stores in the US from 8 November, and in New Zealand/Australia from 14 November.

New Music: Black Milk & Danny Brown - 'Zap'

2011-10-12T10:34:00.001+13:00

More newness from Black Milk today, who follows up last week's dope collaboration with A.Dd+ with another joint project.

This time it's fellow Detroitian (not a real word, I'm fairly sure) Danny Brown on vocal duties. The tune in question is 'Zap', one of the early offerings from a new EP from the pair which is coming on 1 November.

What's the name of the new EP? Take a guess... for those of you who came up with Black And Brown - the name of the pair's previous tune from Black's Album Of The Year LP - well, you can feel justifiably proud of yourself.

Back to 'Zap'... the beat is spacey, Danny sounds out of it... it's what you'd expect, really. Unless you haven't heard much of Brown.

If that's the case, you should get your Google on and brush up on his work. For now, you can stream or download 'Zap' below:

Black Milk and Danny Brown - Zap by BLACK MILK