Say what you want about social media; that it’s an incredible waste of time, it’s like the McDonald’s of reading, it’s toxic psychological ramifications could be the downfall of humanity, but it does have one redeeming quality: it’s great for crowd-sourcing.
I recruited some heads in my network for some help on this latest instalment. I was looking for some recent hip hop joints that had their heads nodding, so I figured why not use these digital platforms for something useful for once. With a healthy mix of new school fans and old school vets, I knew I would get a good cross-section of suggestions and jokes.
Now, of course one of my DJ friends suggested Dylan, then Dylan, then Dylan (you get the idea – cue Chappelle GIF), and obviously he’s right, but the first joint that caught my ear was suggested by the big cyber-homie, Carlos. I must admit that I have a bit of an affinity for grimey UK rappers, so when I heard the vocals at the beginning of this first joint it got me interested. Add some Method Man and Breaking Bad references, and you have yourself a slow burning all-night cook-off. Don’t sleep.
Winnebago by Blue Meth feat. Method Man
Thanks to fellow MC, Abyss, for this next one as it restores my occasionally fledgling faith in hip hop. It should also come as no surprise that De La Soul is all over it. In my humble opinion they are the greatest hip hop group of all time. It’s hard to argue with that fact when you consider they have been doing this non stop for 30 years. Short of The Roots, there isn’t really any other act in the genre that can boast such a claim, and these legends team up with DJ Shadow, a master in his own right, on this jam in a big way. Peep their performance on Kimmel, as well, to get a real sense to what great performers these legends are.
Rocket Fuel by DJ Shadow feat. De La Soul
While I usually save my house picks for my Strobe Light feature, I have to slip this one in right here as it’s been feeling my drives and workouts for the past week. Just the tip.
Vibrate by Sonny Fodera & Biscits
This pop number caught my attention a couple weeks ago. It’s decent and a classic example of an EDM artist hitting his stride in the pop world. Marshmello is making moves and serving up some catchy mainstream treats. I guess that makes YUNGBLUD and blackbear a couple graham crackers. Now, I guess all we need now is a remix from….
Tongue Tied by Marshmello x YUNGBLUD x blackbear
As far as rock and alternative goes, this act shows some promise. I’ve long advocated for this genre to lighten up, turn the distortion down a bit and quit yelling (we have enough of that to go around already). These guys definitely have a retro feel to them without sounding like an exact rip off of past acts. Worth a listen.
Might Be Right by White Reaper
This reissue of one house music’s pioneering track has gotten a bit of an update and has been climbing up the underground charts lately. It still kicks. Know your history!
Move Your Body by Marshall Jefferson x Solardo
JT James is a DJ, producer and writer based out of Vancouver, Canada. A veteran of the DJ and recording worlds. he has produced several projects in the genres of hip hop and electronic music under various aliases such as James Divine, Track Nicholson and Sandy Villanova. Be on the lookout for his upcoming single with underground hip hop legend Ras Kass and his electronic music collaboration with James Landau coming in 2020.
If you are looking for DJ or production services in the Vancouver, BC area, check out the business website directly below and make the link or hit me up on one of my socials.
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