The day has arrived. The greatest rapper alive has just released a new song. I say “the greatest rapper alive,” because if you judge a rapper by his artistic achievements within the world of hip-hop and his effect on pop culture no one beats Kendrick Lamar. You can try arguing Kanye West or Jay-Z, but those two are more luxury vintage items now than actual revolving parts of the contemporary cultural landscape. In other words, Kanye and Jay-Z stand alone. They don’t change anything. They already altered our society. On the other hand, Kendrick’s legend stretches from the hands of Dr. Dre’s Aftermath to his murdering of the rap landscape in his “Control” verse. He’s making his stamp on our culture right now. So, the following song (just by existing) is important. It will get tons of radio play. And, mark my words. This sophomore album will cement what we already think we know about Kendrick Lamar: he is the most powerful voice in, not only rap, but contemporary music.
Kendrick Lamar- “i”
I really shouldn’t say anything else.
Odesza- Say My Name (RAC mix)
I don’t know the original band here. I assume they’re pretty darn good to get remixed by one of indie dance’s most successful producers. Everything RAC touches turns to bubble gum gold. It’s pretty much the definition of Miami music.
Cassiano- Onda (Poolside & Fatnotronic Edit)
Poolside is a beast. Chill out and relax to some disco fevered deep house. It’s so damn groovy. Actually, this might be the definition of Miami music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LzGMtNB8zQ
Thom Yorke- A Brain in a Bottle
Save the best for last? Maybe. But, Thom Yorke just released a solo album and everybody who appreciates music has a duty to listen to it. The former Radiohead frontman keeps messing around with us all, this time releasing his album through BitTorrent. It’s ironic, since Alt-J, hailed “the next Radiohead” just released their new album recently. I think Yorke probably wanted us to realize the nuanced differences between his music and that hipster sample heavy dubby bullcrap. The song I have on the playlist you can get for free. The rest of the album is a measly 6 bucks. Get to it people, its well worth your time.
