In what could be considered a ludicrously audacious move, The Weeknd chose to open Echoes of Silence with a Michael Jackson cover. This, apart from initiating a deluge of #mindblown twitter posts, turns out to be frankly inspired as it fits into the rest of his catalog scarily well. It actually makes you reassess the Jackson original with new found realization of how dark it is, rather than questioning its place here. The initial loops of breathy, shuddering, sighs reinforce this suggestion that the third part of the Balloons trilogy will maintain the lurid atmosphere and thematic concerns of hedonism and intoxication that were established in the first mix-tape of the trilogy, House of Balloons, back in March. Sure enough, the lyrics, when layered together with woozy, faltering synth, convey the obsession with sex and drugs, whilst the undercurrent of violence is reflected in recurrently bellicose production elements: when the drum machine beat comes in on D.D, it cuts through the texture like a gun shot and Outside are intermittently punctuated by blasts evocative of muffled explosions.
If Miami had a beat, Urban Noize produced it. After years of tirelessly remixing tracks by the best artists in Urban and Pop Music, the Miami-based twin producer duo has perfected their version of the Mash Up.
I follow some amazing artists on Twitter. Your timeline consists of thirsty less than talented musicians pumping their latest mixtape like a thug on the corner pushing dime-bags. My timeline looks more like the weed connoisseurs feeding you delicacies on a daily. Needless to say, When Houston based singer/songwriter Mateo Amarei tweeted out the link to his latest single “Head in My Lap” I knew it was going to be something special.
Aug 25 marks the 10 year anniversary of Aaliyah’s tragic death in 2001. Aaliyah would have been 32. So, in light of the modern-iconic urban songstress’ legacy let’s snap back to a classic track from her unforgettable 2001 release, Aaliyah. Press play, and rewind to a finer time… relax, and think back to all the things Babygirl could have grown up to be – but more importantly, the lasting impression of her current legacy.
Jay Scott says love isn’t fair and Sye Spence agrees. This track has been sitting on my laptop for months collecting computer dust and when it came on randomly on iTunes I decided it was time to post it. As beautiful as Jay and Sye’s voices sound together, this is isn’t your typical love song. More of a twisted one than anything. The Ohio born singer/songwriter is currently working on his next project, a mixtape entitled, The Oddball Mixtape. No word if this track will make the cut, but I thought I’d share it with you anyway. Listen and download “It’s Not Fair,” by Jay Scott & Sye Spence.
It’s difficult to stand out as an a R&B singer. The genre itself already doesn’t lend to much individuality. And there’s a million other guys out there willing to grind harder, strip down quicker and do whatever to make it. That’s why singers like Dash are needed. The Bahamian singer/songwriter is the real deal.
I had the pleasure of working with singer/rapper/songwriter Naira on material for Noise Porn. Naira is gearing up to release her debut album Fearless and recently dropped this awesome visual for the first single “Fly Hustle Fresh Grind.” In the video, The Nigerian singer, plays the role of a spy sent on a deadly mission, an awesome take on a Salt-esque character. Take a closer look at the video and download the track if you’re really looking to support good indie music after the jump.
The Nigerian-born, Atlanta-raised artist KenO Kenett cites a major roster of legends from Miles Davis, Etta James, Marvin Gaye to Al Green, as musical influences.
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