I often get a lot of people sending me their music saying that it’s next big thing. And usually — it isn’t. So when Ace Cosgrove sent me a link to his new album UsvsRobots, I cautiously bumped it, and I was blown away.
UsvsRobots is a clever, dynamic effort from the young Maryland native. He delivers everything from effortless stoner-rap on “Making Moves” and “High 5,” to well-executed retro-rap on “Golden Chills,” and a funky track reminiscent of N.E.R.D. on “Getting Loot.”
While still a relative unknown, Ace is gaining steam and has every right to hold down a spot on your iPod. Stay tuned for my exclusive interview with Ace Cosgrove, and a new video release next Tuesday on KLX.
Theophilus London is one of my favourite artists and someone who cannot be defined by a genre. For the sake of argument, I’ve always described the Trinidad-bred, Brooklyn-trained artist’s sound to friends as indie-electro-hop. His beats are often laced with synths and smooth, deep bass. His flow is smooth and constantly changing project-to-project, and he always tells it like it is, saying whatever’s on his mind.
After a bit of a hiatus – from producing new music at least – TL is back with a preview of his new track “Do Girls,” which will be featured on his upcoming Lovers Holiday II EP. Be sure not to sleep on his sophomore album Vibes, dropping later this year. TL is doing big things, and after the success of his first album, and his growing status as a style icon (even Forbes sees it), the man is set for world domination. Don’t miss it.
Many people who don’t understand hip-hop often dismiss it as meaningless. And while there is definitely mindless hip-POP — as with all other genres — a lot of the great lyricism goes unnoticed. Enter Rap Genius.
Rap Genius is a website that breaks down lyrics in hip-hop. Much like Wikipedia, annotations are user-submitted, but reviewed by a panel, and many artists have verified accounts so they can ensure the integrity of their lyrics remain in tact.
I love reading lyrics on the site to gain a further understanding on the song, and often learn a lot from what the artists have to say.
lupe taught me — @kgoldstine 