Adam Tensta feat. David Sandstrom "Lights At Bay" [Music Video]

The boy Adam Tensta keeps his hot streak alive dropping a new video for the track "Lights At Bay".  Enlisting the help of David Sandstrom of the Punk band, Refused, they provide a nice contrast between the melancholy vocals in of the chorus and the driving, electronica club beat.  It really works, especially in the backdrop of Tensta bringing his usual brand of real talk from a Swedish perspective on the verses.  Here, he raps on the distance and tension between he and his father, who apparently was an incarcerated drug addict.  The video is gritty and dull, yet still bright; which to me highlights the possibility of dark days parting for silver linings in the clouds.  Respect for the personal touch he put on this track.  "Lights At Bay" premiered on Noisey of Vice Magazine and will be featured, along with his other Junkyard.com collabs, on The Undeniable Tape dropping March 15th. 

Kosha Dillz "Hangin' Out" [Music Video/MP3 Download]

The homie Kosha Dillz brings the freshness with the video for his new track "Hangin' Out", produced by the Grammy nominated beat-smith, Belief.  The first single from his upcoming, yet to be named EP keeps it light, loose, and a little goofy with the flow while nicely riding this quirky beat.  Kosha is currently hitting the studio hard, now that his time is free from fund raising for his Kickstarter project (which was successful, raising over $10,000).  So far in the 20-13, he has performed with Matisyahu, opened for Macklemore and also opened for myself and Cannibal Ox at the Roxy Theatre.  Pretty great start to the year, i'd say.  Some may describe Kosha as "in your face", due to his persistence and passion shown through his music grind, but this video displays his playful nature as an emcee.  Check out the video above, grab the MP3 below and...you know, hang out.

Keith Masters "Gary Busey" (Life Good) [MP3 Stream]

The first single off my Kiez Beats Records debut release Electromajic is Gary Busey (Life Good) and like the actor, this joint is craaaaaazzzy.  The iTunes release features two remixes from DRKNSS and Stop The Car, who gained much acclaim for his remix of Bon Iver's Towers.  Check out the track below, share, comment, and love accordingly.  Also, check out the review in the Entertainment and Lifestyle Magazine stupidDope.com. 

Lord Jamar (Kanye West Diss Track) "Lift Up Your Skirt" [MP3 Stream]

First off - let me start by saying that this whole matter in it's essence, is funny.  Lord Jamar, of the group Brand Nubian, has decided to turn an interview he did about his personal opinion on Kanye's wardrobe choice into a "diss track".  "Lift Up Your Shirt" has been released today and is cause for online heads from all sides of the spectrum to chime in their thoughts.  I should add that this really isn't a "diss track"...it's more like an interview over a beat, as the track is only 18 bars of verses.  It's mostly a Boondocks sample and an interview he did about Kanye West.  In my opinion, if you're gonna go in on an artist, especially one of Kanye West's stature, you need to go all the way in.  Jamar falls short by that account.

Kanye's decision to wear the leather kilt at the 12.12.12 Sandy Benefit Show was hilarious.  What else would you expect from Kanye?  This is what he do.  I'm always amused when people take so seriously the choices made by others that don't directly affect them.  Who gives a fuck what Kanye West wears?  We are far too concerned with things like this.  Let him wear a skirt...some will accept it, others won't.  That's fine.  But when you disagree with the choice that someone makes, and in the process you disrespect a group of people - you've put yourself in the wrong.  Calling Kanye West a "fag" just makes Jamar look bitter and foolish.  Kanye West has impregnated one of the hottest celebrities in Hollywood.  I'm gonna go out on a limb and assume that he is straight.  Furthermore, it's just mad ignorant to slander homosexuality like that.  That type of behavior runs rampant in the hip hop community and it's just not cool.

I guess I should be personally offended that Lord Jamar has an issue with skinny jeans, me being a avid supporter of fitted clothing.  I'm not, though, because unlike Lord Jamar - I recognize how diverse Hip Hop is and always has been.  He calls to "arrogance" as being the catalyst for someone expressing their individually through clothing.  He claims that it's not "Hip Hop".  I'm sorry, I know Brand Nubian did it's thing back in the day, but who are you say what Hip Hop IS?  No one person creates or defines the parameters of Hip Hop's existence.  That sounds pretty fucking arrogant is you ask me.  Seems like he forgot how rappers dressed in the 80's.  I guess he meant "that's not Hop Hop" anymore, because it certainly was in the past.

I do think that Lord Jamar truly feels a little bit of what he is trying so hard to put forth here.  I just wish he'd do something like this for the right reasons.  Don't try to aim at a top dog just for soundcloud plays.  Where as, the marketing aspect of this is brilliant - don't then claim that this is "all real".  Over a year of his having a souncloud page, not one of his tracks or beats had over 200 plays...now he uses Kanye's name and he has 6,000 plays in one day.  Again, I got love and respect for what Brand Nubian represented in the past but come on, son.  Bring out a better diss track than that, and next time leave that homophobic shit out of it.  You made some hot music in the past, but Don't Let It Go To Your Head.

Check out the track below, and judge for yourself.  Drop me a comment if you agree, disagree or just don't care either way.

Adam Tensta feat. Chords "The Fog" [MP3 Download]

My apologies for the lapse in posting errybody, but this one man team of Majic is still West Coastin after a successful tour with Cannibal Ox.  Stay tuned for a tour recap but for now: i'm right back like I left something with one of my favorite rappers.  Adam Tensta brings us part 5 of his Junkyard.com collaboration with production by Jeffro and guest vocals by Chords.  Nice production, meaningful lyrics with interesting arrangement.  Grab this freebie below!

Keith Masters Live At Gowhere Hip Hop Show in Chicago [Video]

Happy New Year, y'all!!!  Hope every one's 2013 is starting off well.  I start mine off going back to work hard with several new projects dropping and opportunities soon to be revealed.  I also start mine off by going back in time a week.  The Gowhere Hip Hop Dope Christmas Show was a great night, filled with fun and unique performances.  Among those doing their thing were The Nocturnals, Mint Lab Astronauts, Boy Illinois, Rich Jones,Young General and of course E-Train.  Everyone was pretty charged and the crowd was engaged throughout, which as a performer - really makes all the difference.  People recognizing that they are there to see a live hip hop performance, where interaction and attention is usually prerequisite, is always refreshing.  Ya boy also did a quick set, and you can catch it through the vantage point of the audience above.  Next week, I'll be blogging from the road, so prepare to check out little tidbits from my wild adventures westward!

Gowhere Hip Hop Presents: Dope Christmas Show In Chicago 12.28 [MP3 Stream]

Happy Holidays everyone! I hope you all have been enjoying time with family and friends, but perhaps most of all - time away from work.  I definitely took a few days off, myself, but it's back to the grind and I couldn't be more excited about it.  The folks at Gowhere Hip Hop as well as Hollywood shaker Michael Silverstein bring us the holiday show to end all holiday shows.  Since we discovered that the Mayans were full of shit, we can finally look forward to many great things the future may hold for us.  This is a awesome start.  The lineup is packed with many of Chicago's most talented up and comers as well as accomplished young stars, from Mint Lab Astronauts, to Rich Jones (of Second City Citizens) to Boy Illinois.  Headlining is E-Train, the Chicago native now making waves in Los Angeles, and the night is hosted by Young General. This is most definitely the place to be in Chicago tomorrow night.  Perfromances start at 8pm so get there early.  I hear the first 50 people to show up will get a free shot of holiday cheer.  I will be doing a set as well, and the party keeps going from 11pm when DJ Demchuck takes to the tables.  Check out some music from some of the performers below, so you all can sing along on Friday night!  Be sure to RSVP here and I will see you there!!!

Mint Lab Astronauts - Pinnacle


Rich Jones - Charlie Runkle

Boy Illinois - Escape Route

E-Train - Wreck The Discotech

Keith Masters - Desoto