N.B.S. + Snowgoons – “The Winning Team”:
German production outfit Snowgoons have been one of the most recognisable names in the underground hip-hop scene in recent years, and their consistent quality output continued with the release of Boston duo N.B.S.‘s Trapped In America album back in July. “The Winning Team” is the latest video from the album which is available here.
The LP features appearances from A.G. and Termanology amongst others. Snowgoons also released their Gebrüder Grimm album (available here) in September, featuring a host of noteworthy German and American MCs, including B-Tight, Young Buck and Celph Titled. Watch the video below.
Kingpin – “Gift & The Curse”:
London rapper Kingpin released the music video for his track “Gift & The Curse” through the Sektion Red channel. The track is taken from his second studio album entitled Art Of Survival, which was released back in May this year. You can purchase the album through Kingpin’s bandcamp here. Kingpin first introduced himself to listeners back in 2011 with the release of his debut album The Initiative, which featured appearances from recognised UK MCs such as Dubbledge and Stig Of The Dump. Check out the video below.
Aurora – “Half The World Away”:
Since Christmas is – sort of – on the horizon, John Lewis aired their annual seasonal advert, this time featuring a cover of Oasis‘ “Half The World Away”. The music video for the song wasn’t out at the time, but it was released soon afterwards on November 12.
The singer is Norwegian artist Aurora who spends most of the video doing innocent, carefree things, like spinning in circles and building a small paper boat. The colours are soft throughout, which is almost as comforting as the gentle vocals. Alan McGee may hate the song, but I for one think it’s lovely. Watch the new music video below.
Sara Hartman – “Monster Lead Me Home”:
Making big changes to your life can be daunting, even if it’s something that you want to do. Sara Hartman‘s “Monster Lead Me Home” is about Hartman’s move from New York to Berlin: “It was really exciting but very frightening at the same time. I put everything into the music I make and trust it’ll take me where I’m supposed to be”. The uncertainly about the whole situation is apparent in the lyrics: “Where there is no place to hide / Stranger on the other side / We walk in shadow / Monster lead me home”. Listen to the song below.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra – “Necessary Evil”:
Unknown Mortal Orchestra‘s music video for “Necessary Evil” has taken the concept of love and portrayed it physically by greatly manipulating the physical features of its two characters. The lyrics present love as dangerous but hard to resist, which is echoed in the video. Directer Sean Solomon describes it as “an abstract love story about two characters whose insecurities and paranoia eventually drive them apart. I tried to show both character’s perspectives using elements from the lyrics”.
“Necessary Evil” comes from Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s May album Multi-Love which can be ordered here. Watch the music video below.
Oneohtrix Point Never – “Ezra”:
Oneohtrix Point Never, a.k.a Daniel Lopatin, has shared “Ezra”, the fourth single taken from his forthcoming album Garden Of Delete, dropping via Warp on November 13. “Ezra” follows on the heels of the previously released singles “I Bite Through It”, “Mutant Standard” and “Sticky Drama”. Listen to track below via Lopatin’s soundcloud. “Ezra” is a choppy collage of sounds and textures, ranging from pitch shifted vocals and glitchy samples to jazzy double bass, wild retro synths, and more. It’s enough to keep everyone interested and a great climax in a set of teasers for the album.
Maxsta – “100 Problems”:
Young Max is back, the east London MC drops the visuals to his new track entitled “100 Problems” produced by the legendary Maniac, taken from the new EP, which is soon to land later on this month. After an indifferent spell working in major label circles following storming breakthrough anthem “East London Is Back” then followed up with hits like “Pop Off” & “I Wanna Rock”.
Maxsta seems to of found his feet again and carries the sort flow and quick fire lyricism to take on any MC. The 100 Problems EP is a six track release in which sees Maxsta collaborate with north London’s Maniac and Manchester’s very own Boothroyd. Pre Order 100 Problems here, due to be released on November 20. Watch the video to “100 Problems” below.
Gasp + Physiks – “Heather”:
Glasgow MC Gasp links up with fellow Glaswegian Physiks, who has made a name as part of his duo with Konchis, for the release of “Heather”. The Being MC’s representatives have collaborated on an EP, entitled The Bouquet, which is fully produced by Physiks and is available for download here. Gasp’s detailed lyricism has been a continuing trend over the course of some pretty good projects (all of which are available through his bandcamp), and he also made an impact in the early days of the Don’t Flop battle league. Check out the video below.
Words by Sam Bennett, Shanade McConney, Nick Bimson and Kenny Leavett
