The Cool Kids - Miami Beach

Why we like it: The Cool Kids are bringing back Old School rap with a new flavor. Just a couple of guys out of Chicago, their debut release is fresh and as one of the emcees, Mikey, repeatedly says - our sound is dope and ill. Their beats are simple and don’t overpower the the effectiveness of a slick rhyme.

Why we don’t: Some of the tracks can sound like some of the other tracks when it comes to the music, as they keep within a very tight BPM all over the record. It doesn’t sound like anything that is out currently, which is a good thing, and these guys are getting A LOT of attention for that. If you don’t like rap/hip-hop or old school rap, then this isn’t for you.

Like Artists: Slick Rick, The Pack, Neptunes

Genre: Rap, Hip-Hop, Old School

About a month ago, I posted some great sites to find new free music, usually with no “signup” needed. I wanted to repost some of these sites for new readers, and take the liberty to add a few more.

Daytrotter - This is a studio in Illinois where some big names occasionally stop in, and record about 4 tracks, and then on the site they release these tracks for free. Death Cab for Cutie just did 6 songs with them, 2 of the tracks being from the upcoming “Narrow Stairs.

Emusic - Relatively new on the ‘free music’ scene - these guys offer a sensational trial program. You get 25 songs for free, and then can opt out. If you choose not to, they have plans to download 30-75 songs a month. It’s an exceptional deal actually. I suggest you check out their trial, as their mp3’s also work seamlessly with Itunes.

RCRDLBL - A great site for bands you’ve never heard of. You may be able to name about 10% of their catalog, but they really introduce some really good stuff that’s going on, and make it fun. With daily inclusion of throwback videos (devo, etc.) new mashups from old artists, and global music coverage, this is one hell of an ‘indie’ site. And it’s good for artists. Click on picture to be re-routed.

Download.com - Lots of streaming mainstream artists, and sometimes you really have to dig to find some great stuff. I got about 8 Iron & Wine tracks here, and even some Sufjan Stevens. Really good place. If you sign up for their email list, they’ll also let you know when you can get free downloads pre-album release. It’s brilliant.

Rhapsody.com - So here’s the deal w/ Rhapsody. You sign up for a 14-day free pass. In this system, you can get as much music as you want, at your fingertips. The problem is, it isn’t Itunes compatible. The upside is, it plays right in your browser when you download the plugin.

So, now you have some music outlets to go and load up your ipod or zune for the week. If this was helpful, subscribe to my email newsletter that will keep you informed of free music that I constantly find.

Why we like it: Apolecia seems like an experiment from the Wolf brothers (Yoni and Josiah). One song will be similar to your favorite progressive rock band, and the next rings of Buck 65 meeting the Strokes. It’s not overproduced. Great vocals (both rapping and singing) and lyrics will have you singing and cursing along. If these Oakland boys can turn some heads in the industry, watch out.
Why we don’t: Occasionally it is a little weird. I’ve listened to this disc now about 8 times, and while some songs grow on me, others don’t. The disc can be angry at times, and if you’re not in the mood for it, you’ll find your blood pressure rising. Experimental undertones don’t register well with me all the time. But, if that’s your thing, check it, yo.
Like Artist: Themselves, Hymie’s Basement, Subtle
Genre: Indie, Rock, Hip-Hop

Why we like it: Finally, we get the taste of ‘Crazy’ out of our mouths. Yes, once upon a time, we did like that song, we’re just happy Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse teamed up again. Now, if Postal Service would follow suit, I could sleep easier. Once again, the production of Barkley is seamless. The two seem as if they’ve been together for years writing songs. The disc is great if you’re a fan of the duo, or even if you got sick of ‘Crazy’ too.
Why we don’t: After spending about a week with Gnarls, it’s not in my top 5. I was really hoping for more experimentation. I wanted them to get outside their comfort zone and test the boundaries of hip hop, soul, and funk. This record, while a good release, compares nothing to their first. At times Cee-Lo’s crooning is over the top. Oh, and don’t get me started on the track “Whatever.” (ugh)
Like Artist: Gorillaz, N*E*R*D, OutKast
Genre: Hip-Hop, Soul, Funk

I’m not one for rap, or hip-hop…..much. But this one song came on today while I was on my way to work, and I wanted YOU to appreciate it as well. The artists name is K-Os. From my understanding, he’s from Canada, and released a couple albums so far.

I got turned onto K-Os from an old co-worker who used to bump a track called “Sunday Morning,” off of his latest cd, Atlantis. If you click on this picture, it will take you to a great track called “Crabbuckit.”

But more importantly, is the encouraging song of the day, ‘The Man I used to be.” Check it out on Itunes. Sorry I can’t link ya there… wordpress has got me all in check, yo!