With releases from Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar and Drake, this week has been explosive for new music. Hold tight.
1.
Kendrick Lamar – The Blacker The Berry
With a title that references Wallace Thurman’s work of the Harlem Renaissance, Kendrick’s latest track is heavily political and in the wake of Michael Brown’s death, hits incredibly hard. Following Kendrick’s self-celebratory track ‘I’, ‘The Blacker The Berry’ exposes a whole other side to Kendrick, one that does not pull his punches.
https://soundcloud.com/everyday-hiphop/kendrick-lamar-the-blacker-the-berry-1?in=inthemiddleleeds/sets/w-9th-feb-2015
2.
Drake – Jungle
After releasing the short film teasing snippets of ‘Jungle’, Drake dropped his mixtape If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late on 13th February as an early Valentine’s present. ‘Jungle’ epitomises the album in that its representation of heartache and loss is more subdued yet more vulnerable than ever.
https://soundcloud.com/thegoodmusiconly/drake-jungle?in=inthemiddleleeds/sets/w-9th-feb-2015
3.
Yacht – Where Does This Disco (TOKiMONSTA remix)
As ever, TOKiMONSTA has left the vocals untouched, allowing them to carry the track of their own accord. Yet, her light touch of interlacing the 80s sounds with experimental percussion and injecting a hint of bass is one that repackages it into a dance-floor ready track.
4.
Howie Lee – Yin Tsang – In Beijing (Howie Lee Flip)
Howie Lee remixes Yin Tsang’s ‘In Beijing’ and his use of the double pedal is everything. Gongs, spiralling synth and a killer drum track pull this old school classic into 2015.
5.
Ta-ku – We Were In Love
A tangle of textures snaking in between breathy, unfinished vocals (sampled from Jhene Aiko) and a beautiful layering of keyboard and synth, Ta-ku has crafted a nostalgic, unforgettable track. For more heartbreak, delve into his album Songs To Break Up To.
With highlights including Vessels ‘Echo In’ and JD Twitch (Optimo)’s return, sink your teeth into our full length playlist for more:
Emily Watts
photos: highsnobiety.com