Metal Lungies

Now Flying Lotus has directed videos for Erykah Badu and Bilal. Sounds like Mr. Ellison has the neo-soul bug or maybe even full blown Baduizm. The lack of public nudity might stop this from getting as much attention as the “Window Seat” video, but I like cartoon spaceships just as much publicity stunts disguised as artistic statements.

The highlight from this project is “In” featuring Blu, Freddie Gibbs, and Homeboy Sandman, a song so overloaded with mismatched talent that it shouldn’t work. It seems like an obvious ploy: grab the most buzzing artists who respond to your emails and throw them on a song together, no matter how musically distant they are. See Consequence’s ill-conceived track with Roc Marciano and Kendrick Lamar — total waste of talent.

But “In” unites the trio under the banner of raw lyricism. That’s the common thread, after all; Blu, Gibbs, and Boy Sand are all whirlwind rhymers. The only drawback is that they sacrifice some individuality to find a common ground. Freddie and Boy Sand can’t be as gangster or quirky as usual and still mesh. Regardless, it’s a dream lineup. The rest of the EP is dope too.

I’ve steadily ignored Atlanta rapper Donnis, but I couldn’t ignore this. The story: Crada came up with the idea to sample Mista’s “Blackberry Molasses.” Organized Noize, who produced the original, found out and swooped in to ensure the song knocked just right. Donnis deservedly boasts, “This ain’t no sample, nigga. Rico Wade on the 808s.” Hopefully his project Southern Lights will have more Southern soul magic like this.

Download: Donnis – Blackberry Molasses (produced by Crada, Organized Noize)

via Donnis

Word to Mobbdeen, producer Million $ Mano did the impossible and pulled something original out of “Bumpy’s Lament” even though Dr. Dre seemed to have locked that sample away with “Xxplosive.” I love how Freddie sings a heartfelt hook about the kind of hos he’s looking for. Get the track and watch the making of here.

Here’s a great interview with DMV go-go sensation, Mambo Sauce, from the former co-host of ML Radio, Julie O. of JournalisticK Media.

Check out more of her work on her youtube channel!

Wale on his Boy Meets World swag. When ML brought Wale to his first Washington Capitals game, he got really excited when we asked him about his favorite Saved by the Bell episode. Watch the video for “The MC” below for some more traditional rap video imagergy. Both off More About Nothing.

Nobody can touch Terrace Martin when it comes to lush grooves. Wiz Khalifa suffices, but anyone would sound good on this beat.

Download: Terrace Martin – Go Get It (ft. Wiz Khalifa, Ty$, Neka B)

via Devi Dev

No cigarette smokin’ or alcoholic beverage allowed in Stephen Marley’s room. Stephen grabbed Melanie Fiona for a hot and sweaty PSA.

The green screen helps Nas and Damian Marley realize the African/celestial imagery that was lurking in “Patience.”

Murs originally planned to release ten albums in 2010, but someone stole his laptop which contained most of the beats and lyrics. He still managed to release his album with Terrace Martin, which is the only one I really cared about. He told HipHopDX about the project last April, “I have a record with Terrace Martin called Melrose. It’s extremely raunchy and out of control. The cover itself is a statement.” Look closely. It’s subtle.

“It’s No Surprise” is a blast. No saxophones or social dialogue, just beer, blowjobs, and a banging beat. But wait, isn’t that all rap music? Yes, but Murs and Terrace are self-aware and take full advantage of how funny this rap shit can be. If only Waka Flocka had such a sense of humor.

Melrose is out today.

Download: Murs and Terrace Martin – It’s No Surprise

via DJBooth.net