The Cool Kids – Tacklebox dropped  this mixtape in the beginning of summer.  The album has producers like Chuck Inglish, Ski Beatz.  The L.A. based duo’s new project is has a lot fresh .

Download the Mixtape Here

Plus, Check this video by Creative Control tv for some BTS of one of the tracks that Ski Beats produced – Birthdays(the track is put together way dope).  This video is what let me onto the Mixtape.

[Vimeo = http://vimeo.com/12226963]

OkayPlayer just posted this track by track review of the new album – Album of the Year.  Black gets lots of recognition for his style of rhyme and production on his album Tronic and OkayPlayer tells how he’s about to improve on that and do it again.  Check it:

The track-by-track breakdown of Black Milk‘s Album of the Year

“365”
It’s the album opener hip-hop heads want from every project. Explosion. Drama. The song is comprised of horns and organs, a heavy funk bass, and of course, Black Milk’s signature drum. No chorus, either. Just bars of fury. The sweet spot comes at the end when he lets the instrumental play almost as if the music had its own verse to the song.

“Welcome (Gotta Go)”
Again, Black Milk presents a song with music suitable for a soundtrack. It evokes a sense of eeriness and almost feels like it could fit well with a Tarantino script. The lyrics outline shady industry trip-ups and the moxy that it takes to get through them. Black Milk throws in another music break at the end and adds some colorful nuances to the track .

“Keep Going”
The first words Black Milk says before the verse even starts is “Drums.” That’s pretty much all that needs to be said.

“Oh Girl” (featuring AB)
Sure, it’s something for the ladies. The ladies who love hip-hop. The track is still pretty gully, so to speak, but has a smooth undertone. And AB’s voice is the closest thing to D’Angelo’s I’ve heard, so the hook sounds great.

“Deadly Medley” (featuring Royce Da 5’9” and Elzhi)
This song is everything hip-hop heads want. Three of the dopest on one song. I thought to myself, “They should probably just form a group.” A standout line from Black Milk, “My sh*t is Martin Luther, your sh*t is Martin Lawrence.”

“Distortion” (featuring Melanie Rutherford)
The most interesting sound on this track is the wah guitar, which is different from the other sonic choices up until this point. The guitar licks instantly reminded me of something Fela would’ve done. Lyrically, Black Milk bares quite a bit as he talks about the struggles of losing people, including Dillaand Baatin, both of whom were early influences and mentors. The musical outro strays into a psychedelic spiral, complete with reverb and distortion. Fitting.

“Over Again” (featuring Monica Blaire)
A hymn for the hard workers who know that tomorrow will be a repeat of today, but press on anyway. This is one of the more “soulful” tracks, though at the end Black Milk throws some cuts and scratches in the mix which was nice, seeing as though cuts and scratches aren’t so popular in hip-hop anymore.

“Round of Applause”
This could have been at the beginning or the end, and been just as good. It’s a celebration song that ends with an all out live jam session, in which Black Milk says, “Give the drummer some.” You can even hear him calling out band directions. A maestro indeed.

“Black & Brown” (featuring Danny Brown)
It begins with darting violins and a steady high-hat, mafia movie style. Then, in comes Black Milk lyrically demolishing the track. Then, in comes Danny Brown lyrically demolishing the track. Simply, hard.

“Warning (Keep Bouncing)”
Distorted bass and a clap effect for the verses. Lush chords and snare hits for the chorus. Black Milk’s version of a dance song. The most lyrical dance song ever.

“Gospel Psychedelic Rock”
This is another song to be played in a movie somewhere. Possibly sci-fi. Maybe something that has to do with alien invasions would be the most suitable. The chorus is just that, a chorus, singing, “Oh no, here we come,” which is what I gather Black Milk meant by, “Gospel.” Either that, or the fact that “they” are coming, is the new “good news.”

“Closed Chapter” (featuring Mr. Porter)
This the manifesto of the album. It’s a soulful hustle song packed with punchlines about persistence and paying homage to the greats before him. He tips his hat to slain Detroit rapper, Proof, as well as Dilla. This one is for the dreamers.

And that’s it. After listening to it, and talking with him for a bit (he shared with me that on most of the songs he used a live band over his programmed mpc), I realized that naming his album Album of the Year was far from some sort of pompous horn-toot. Instead, what I am almost certain the title is, is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

- Jason Reynolds

Check out more at the website:         OkayPlayer

Plus Stay on top of Black Milk’s most recent stuff on his blog:

Black Milk

Basketball X J Dilla i New York with the people and Diz Gibran Killin’ it.

OOn Cinco De Mayo Kutmah was taken from his house by agents because not turing in his papers ten years ago and treated unrightfully at no ones expense except his.  This really shows power in the wrong hands and really bein’ an open minded person and makin’ your life happen when others aren’t lettin’ you.  Def. a guy worth nothing. Now,a little longer than two monthes later, Kutmah is back in his “home” london were he comments and says that even london doesn’t feel as mush as home as back here in the states.  He Talks about how he was treated and what he had to go threw to get to where he is now.  Since he was first taken there has been a Free Kutmah website throwing down events around the area. I was able to go to the Free Kutmah Show about a month ago and it was a really cool event, reppin’ a dope dj…

Kutmah two Weeks being out of New Mexico’s Jail, Kutmah is in London trying to figure what he’s gonna do next.  A huge fuck up by the U.S. Goverment trying to deport fools who do what they need to make it and treat em’ like shit.  This interview says some shit that reminds me why I Goverment powers are way out of line.  Def worth reading  the entire interview.

Also, Check out the podcast he already dropped out in London.  He’s only been there for two weeks and is decided were to go.

Stones Throw Podcast

Check this BTS of this work w/ Curren$y for the track Roll Model.

Can’t wait for this album to come out, its gonna be FIRE. Also if your intersted in the music check out his blog and his bandcamp site.

[Vimeo = http://vimeo.com/11063207]

The Track is dope and the videographer has sick work check out his other stuff Overdoz.

Check this site: calmatic

]]> http://ballonstrings.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/curreny-blunts-vs-joints/feed/ 0 getinyourown http://ballonstrings.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/dam-funk-in-europe-new-track/ http://ballonstrings.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/dam-funk-in-europe-new-track/#comments Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:40:48 +0000 David http://ballonstrings.wordpress.com/?p=183 ]]>

Stones Throw artist Dam Funk on his Europe tour. All Pics from in Germany and photos by Schiko.  Dam Funk is bringing back Funk.  His style is like no other, not even like anyone on Stones Throw Records.  Thats why Stones Throw is one of the dopest record labels out.  Check there site.

Def. lookin like an OG. Check this track:

Its commin’ out on a 12 inch. Go cop it at Stones Throw’s Website

DAM-FUNK + MC EIHT + STEVE ARRINGTON “HOOD PASS INTACT”

Listen and Download: Dam-Funk “Hood Pass Intact” featuring MC Eiht (MP3)

Via: Stones Throw