If Open Mike Eagle’s self-coined “art rap” designation means anything, it’s that the same reflexive musing and deprecatory tone which often typifies stand-up comedy can also apply to hip hop music. Continue reading “Open Mike Eagle – Dark Comedy”
Heavy fOnk and high vibrations :: Finding peace with Dudley Perkins
by Harrison Samphir
Before I spoke with Dudley Perkins (aka Declaime), the emcee from Oxnard, CA, I was half expecting the sort of humdrum discussion a music journalist typically shares with an interviewee: those unambiguous conversations about new records, inspirations and touring schedules. After all, I thought, Dudley’s been in the rap game for nearly twenty years. He helped solidify a West Coast hip hop resurgence with neighborhood friends Madlib, Oh No, DJ Romes and Kankick. There can’t be a question he hasn’t heard before.
As it turned out, however, the interview – like Dudley – was anything but ordinary. Over the course of an hour we talked about his unique style, the universe and how sonic vibrations influence the way listeners think and behave. Together with his wife, soul singer and songwriter Georgia Anne Muldrow, Dudley operates SomeOthaShip Connect, a California-based independent record label. His latest release is called Dr. Stokley, an 18-track, funk-infused album released through the Mellow Music Group. Continue reading “Heavy fOnk and high vibrations :: Finding peace with Dudley Perkins”
Juicy J – Stay Trippy
Do you remember Soulja Boy? Yeah? I’m sorry Continue reading “Juicy J – Stay Trippy”
Danny Brown – Old
Unlike many rappers who front for brand names and labels, Danny Brown is an honest reflection of Detroit, the city in which he was born and raised. Continue reading “Danny Brown – Old”
Earl Sweatshirt – Doris
In late August, 18 year-old Earl Sweatshirt (Thebe Neruda Kgositsile) of L.A.’s Odd Future released his first full-length record, Doris. Continue reading “Earl Sweatshirt – Doris”
Kyprios & the Chaperones- The Lapdog EP
Being a fan of the Vancouver based super group Sweatshop Union, it goes without saying that I must be a fan of former member Kyprios. Continue reading “Kyprios & the Chaperones- The Lapdog EP”
Kanye West – Yeezus
At the time of this writing, much has already been said of Kanye West’s sixth studio album, Yeezus. Critics marveled at its “dark and sonically experimental” presentation. Writers celebrated its “minimalist” aesthetic and nods to early-00s Southern trap and mid-80s Chicago acid house. Some even construed its songwriting as social commentary while admiring West’s narcissism as a sort of ironic self-reflexivity. Continue reading “Kanye West – Yeezus”
SONREAL + RICH KIDD – The Closers
This album blended into one mish mash of two rappers trying to be lyricists. Continue reading “SONREAL + RICH KIDD – The Closers”