What a week! Things kicked off on Sunday with the first of our six World Festival concerts at the Hollywood Bowl. Flying Lotus, Little Dragon, and Badbadnotgood did not disappoint. I also have to give love to Georgia Anne Muldrow, who set the mood with her opening performance. Speaking of which, I hope to see you next Sunday (July 1st) as I host Reggae Night with the legend Beers Hammond, Alpha Blondy, and one of my personal favorites, Protoje. You can grab tix here. On to music. We have been absolutely bombarded with new gems recently, so I have a slew of releases you should check out this weekend, including a world premiere but first…
The Carters – EVERYTHING IS LOVE
I know, I know. You’ve probably already listened through several times by now and have watched the video for the single “APES**T” just as much, but not mentioning this record is like not addressing the elephant in the room. But renting out the Louvre for a music video…who does that!? Oh yeah, it’s Beyoncé & Jay-Z. Warning the video is NSFW.
The Jazzual Suspects – “Leopold”
I’ve been a long time fan of The Jazzual Suspects. I can’t tell you how many times TJS was the soundtrack to some late night study sessions in college. Their laid back trip-hop sound with jazz touches (obviously) is what I like to call trans-music. It transports you to driving down the Pacific Coast Highway, in a beautiful convertible, without a care in the world. With that in mind, I present to you the world premiere of the visuals for “Leopold.” This is the first single from the long awaited full length and is out today.
Kadhja Bonet – “Childqueen”
Kadhja is one of my favorite contemporary vocalists. Period. Simply put, she has the voice of an angel. Bonet writes and sings as if she grew up in Laurel Canyon in the 1970s. Leaning on those folk sensibilities, Bonet explores identity, femininity, and self growth in her sophomore release. The compositions are lush with strings and beautiful melodies that will capture both your ear and your soul. Check out the title track.
KIDS SEE GHOSTS (KANYE WEST & KID CUDI) – “KIDS SEE GHOSTS” feat. Yasiin Bey
I know this is now a couple of weeks old but it’s sooo good. I love the production and I have always been a big fan of Yasiin Bey’s singing voice.You may know Yasiin Bey by his former moniker, Mos Def. In April, Kanye announced that he was dropping five albums in five weeks and I must say this album is the one I looked forward to the most. With the revelation of of Kanye’s bipolar diagnosis and Kid Cudi announcing he deals with depression a couple of years ago, I was in high anticipation of a very unique and interesting listening experience. And that it is. The title track is my favorite on the album. If you haven’t check it out yet, take a listen!
(Beyoncé and Jay-Z carousel photo c/o sashimomura, Wikipedia)