donky

Black Up

Chopper, sometime Donky Pitch hip hop hired gun, signing on. Todays topic – Shabazz Palaces. Ishmael Butler first entered the worlds collective musical conscious back in 1992 with Digable Planets. Wind the clock forward a decade or two and he’s still producing innovative hip hop music, teaming up with percussionist Tendai Maraire to create Shabazz Palaces. Although the duo have already released a pair of EPs, Black Up is their first full length album and more proof there is something very exciting developing in Seattle. The first track I heard off the album was ‘Swerve… the reaping of all that is worthwhile (Noir not withstanding)’, it’s probably still my favourite.

I was lucky enough to see Shabazz Palaces perform earlier this week (supported by LA 2019, Paul White & Mo Kolours) and am happy to report that they are a brilliant live act. The gig at Madame JoJo’s in Soho was their first UK date, but they return later this year to the Jazz Café with support from collaborators THEESatisfaction. Pick up a copy of Black Up here.

(Source: djchopperdave)

808s & Dark Grapes II

I’ve been listening to Main Attrakionz a fair bit of late. Fact Magazine and Pitchfork devotees may have come across them already but for those who haven’t, Main Attrakionz are Oakland based duo Squadda B & MondreM.A.N. For their latest release, entitled 808s & Black Grapes II, they are joined by a host of unfamiliar Bay Area producers and man who goes by the name of Clams Casino (perhaps you have heard of him…). As a result, the album holds a variety of intriguing production styles, in particular Bossalinis & Fooliyones Pt 2 (produced by AHYVE) with its soaring choral sample reminiscent of some of Paul White’s early stuff. You can pick the album up for free courtesy of the good folks at Miskha NYC. It’s well worth your time.

Main Attrakionz have been producing music for a few years now, and their earlier work is a lo-fi proposition compared to the more polished 808s & Black Grapes II (known thus due to the 808s series released back in 2009). Loud Pack is a good example of this, replete with distorted vocals and stuttering kick drum.

(Source: djchopperdave)

Hud Dreems

Been listening to a whole lot of Knxwledge recently. His output is prodigious, having just put out his fifth release in three months. It’s known as the Hud Dreems EP and you can stream or download it for the princely sum of $8 US dollars below.

If you are keen for more Knx then check out his Bandcamp - I recommend Old Klouds & Hexual Sealings to start with, as well as this bonus mix of Knxwledge live in Toronto. All have enjoyed heavy rotation of late.

Knxwledge LIVE IN TORONTO (Bonus Mixette) by Knx.  

(Source: djchopperdave)

keyboard kid - the mind is so complex when you’re based

i’ve gushed about this man before. and much like before i’m telling you it’s a no brainer. you need this tape. just like you need all the other keyboard kid beat tapes floating around on the internet.

if you know his stuff it’s more in like with the video games and blunts tape. warm synths, perfect claps and vocal samples to make you all wibbly.

(Source: grinel)

v.c. - 123

head on over to xlr8r to download ‘123’, a cut lifted from our most recent ep by our guy in helsinki, v.c.

click his lovely face for travel. you can buy the vinyl / digital for the whole ep direct from us here

Union - Analogtronics

(Source: djchopperdave)