Mobile
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
New Releases / News This week's new releases (8/24/2010)
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Here's a quick list of some of the albums hitting stores this week:
Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan Hawk
Dead Confederate Sugar
Eels Tomorrow Morning
Fantasia Back to Me
JJ Grey Georgia Warhorse
JP and Chrissie and The Fairground Boys Fidelity!
Little Big Town The Reason Why
Katy Perry Teenage Dream
Ra Ra Riot The Orchard
Usher Versus
Monday, August 23, 2010
Videos / Opinion / News From money shots to hip-hop
Posted By Mike McCray on Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 2:38 PM
I've mentioned before that the market for hip hop is flooded to an almost Biblical proportion. While there's talent floating amongst the debris, the chaos only seems to expand begging the question, is there room for everybody in hip-hop?
The most recent phenomenon to hit social media and hip-hop blogs isn't teens with shitty beats, catchy hooks and Webcam dances or grizzled ex-cons making a go of it legally through music, but rather adult film stars who've gone taking (and giving) shots on camera to taking shots over beats. Most notably actor Brian Pumper, who may be best known for his breaking in of Lawrence Fishburne's daughter and his eerie resemblance to G-Unit rapper, Lloyd Banks, has jumped in the studio to record diss records towards Rick Ross and Jay-Z. Needless to say, I'd personally stick to doing chicks on video — that's not such a bad lot in life.
Also spitting 16's is actress Pinky. Best known for her tan-lined assets and bright pink hair, her mixtape, Fuck You Pay Me, features the Oakland-born MC dropping lyrics like, "I'm a bad bitch, yes I'm a bad bitch. Why you mad at me? Cause you ain't got no ass, bitch..."
News / Videos Video: Rick Ross' B.M.F. Gospel Remix
Posted By Mike McCray on Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 2:37 PM
From the same camp that brought us the proclaimed, Best Trey Songz Impression Ever, it's an impromptu gospel remix to Rick Ross' summer smash, "B.M.F. (Blowin Money Fast). With the beef between Ricky Rozay and Young Jeezy intensifying over who's really in Big Meech's inner circle, glad to see somebody can see just how funny this song was! Flex on the Devil!
Photos / setlist / News / Live Reviews Live review: Jack Johnson
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Mon, Aug 23, 2010 at 2:29 PM
Jack Johnson w/ G. Love, ALO
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
Aug. 22, 2010
The Deal: Surf-folk-er Jack Johnson brings his laid back style and some friends to create perfect summer vibe.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Videos / News Live video: Chiddy Bang
Posted By Mike McCray on Fri, Aug 20, 2010 at 12:15 PM
Here's video from the interactive portion of Chiddy Bang's set at Tremont Music Hall on Tuesday. Watch them take ideas from audience, scribble them down on clear plastic plates, then create a freestyle incorporating all of them before breaking into one their cuts. Donnis joins them on stage with a brew as well.
New Releases / Videos / News Video: Cee-Lo's 'Fuck You'
Posted By Mike McCray on Fri, Aug 20, 2010 at 12:01 PM
Think of it as the video before the video but Cee-Lo Green dropped an awesome lyric video for his single, "Fuck You," yesterday. The official video will be out in late September but he gave his fans this version in the meantime. His third solo album, The Ladykiller, which is due out Oct. 4 in the U.S. and UK.
10-in-10 CD Reviews / News 10-in-10 CD reviews
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Fri, Aug 20, 2010 at 10:10 AM
Each Friday, we review 10 recently released CDs in 10 words each:
Albert Castiglia Keepin’ On — Former Junior Wells guitarist keeps the blues train running strong.
Lost in the Trees All Alone in an Empty House — Chapel Hill collective offers folk-driven music with strong songwriting. (Band was set to open the now-canceled Neko Case show at Knight Theatre.)
Angels of Babylon Kingdom of Evil — Manowar drummer, Megadeth bassist team up for newest “metal supergroup.”
Robert Cray Band Cookin’ In Mobile — Five-time Grammy winner releases first live CD/DVD album.
Peter Salett Addicted to Distraction — Mild vocals and mellow rock reminded me of James Taylor.
Katie Melua The House — Vocally driven pop album leans closer to Tori Amos style.
Missouri Mile That’s What I Do — Missouri sisters release seven mediocre songs of generic new country.
American Hi Fi Fight the Frequency — Band breaks off from Miley Cyrus to release fourth album.
The Last Felony Too Many Humans — Cookie monster vocals dominate repetitive guitar riffs for bad combination.
Peter Block Peter Block — Pop-rock style reminds me of They Might Be Giants.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Opinion / News / Live Reviews Live Review: The Swelly Life Tour
Posted By Mike McCray on Wed, Aug 18, 2010 at 1:25 PM
The Swelly Life Tour: Chiddy Bang, Donnis & XV w/ Dow Jones
Tremont Music Hall
Aug. 18, 2010
The Deal: American alt hip-hop acts bring international hype and flavor back to the States and Tremont Music Hall on Tuesday night.
The Good: For a crowd that was modest in size, they more than made up for that in enthusiasm. Seemingly unfazed by the sweltering heat and lack of personal space, they rocked wholeheartedly for everybody from the openers to the headliners.
Once again Dow Jones continued his reign as Charlotte's de facto opening act (a reign that will continue next week at The Fillmore opening for Nas & Damian Marley). He was again the beneficiary of an absolute dream of a crowd. Their participation was amazing, especially considering they weren't familiar with the material.
Two weeks removed from signing with Warner Bros, XV might have been the real star of the show. His high-energy set was extremely engaging and fans were treated to songs ranging from South inspired crunk, "Gobstoppers," to sampling The Pixies "Where Is My Mind?" for his "Nevermind." Arguably the best set of the evening, easily the most surprising, he was engaging and interactive in a way I wish more hip-hop artists were during live shows. His All-V track (think Jay-Z's 22 2's but with the letter V) was a nice touch.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Opinion / Mike McCray / News The dangers of letting Kobe in the studio
Posted By Mike McCray on Tue, Aug 17, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Ever since he joined Twitter a few weeks back, Kanye West has kept writers like myself on the edge of our seats for what he'll say next.
Completely ignoring his back and forth with Justin Bieber, what stood out to me from his feed this weekend was a Twitpic he posted of himself, rapper Mos Def, producer Swizz Beatz and NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, in the studio working on the remix to his latest single, "Power."
Look, I can completely understand why Kobe Bryant's views on power and success may be pertinent to a song about power but has Ye forgetten about Kobe Bryant jeopardizing the careers of Nas and Beanie Sigel with his, thankfully, never released album K.O.B.E.
See, for everything Kobe knows about winning championship, he knows equally as little about making quality music. What could he possibly bring to that scenario? Maybe suggest Kanye rap a verse in Italian like he did. Or maybe suggest Tyra Banks for the hook? Say what you want about Shaquille O'Neal's rap career but he at least went platinum AND had a song with Biggie that was actually dope. And in terms of power, who's more powerful than a 7'3, 300+ pound human being nicknamed The Diesel?
Who doesn't belong?
CD Reviews / New Releases / Opinion / News Mixtape Review: Wale's More About Nothing
Posted By Mike McCray on Tue, Aug 17, 2010 at 10:52 AM
The Deal: Buzz for new mixtape from DMV front runner trends World wide on Twitter and gives nod to his previous mixtape, The Mixtape About Nothing.
The Good: Completely obliterated my modest expectations.
Lyrically, Wale is getting stronger and seems to be spitting with a keen understanding of who his original audience and the new people that listen to him now for his punchlines and innuendo.
I'm never against flipping Lenny Kravitz into something more hip-hop like he did on "The Get Away (Fly Away)"
Cleverly integrated Seinfeld quotes to not only move the mixtape along but to set the theme of songs. Nice touch.
"The Soup," "The Friends N Strangers," and "The Black N Gold" are pretty much can't miss.
The Bad: A lot of material to digest, makes me worry about how much of it will end up on his second studio album.
-
Judas Priest, Deep Purple rock the Queen City 1
Legendary bands show they've still got what it takes during Charlotte, NC concert.
-
Florence & The Machine offer a vocal showcase in Charlotte area
Billie Eilish offers talent beyond her years as opening act.
-
Odesza brings the beats to CMCU Amphitheatre
EDM duo sells out Uptown's outdoor venue.
