ARTIST REVIEW: Joell Ortiz
Posted 12 Jun 2010 — by DMMCompany
Category Artists Reviews
Category Artists Reviews
An example of creativity in hip hop is saying something cats need to hear in a way that’ll make them listen. Brooklyn MC Joell Ortiz does just that. Ortiz is an MC living in the world, not a rapper made in the studio. He’s teaching and entertaining with equal conviction, creating music worth talking about. This Sunday’s Puerto Rican day parade should be a touch hotter than usual, thanks to Joell Ortiz. Some of Joell’s jewels: “Call Me”, “Project Boy”, “Exhibit H” and Slaughterhouse’s “Microphone”. And thank you for Nissan Honda Chevy. YAOWA.
ALBUM REVIEW: “Black Sands” by Bonobo
Posted 12 Jun 2010 — by DMMCompany
Category Album Reviews
Category Album Reviews
Bonobo’s latest album, Black Sands is perfect for a rendezvous in a dimly-lit downtown lounge as well as a night of low-key loungin’ in the crib. Each song has a unique stylistic identity, ranging from broken beat, to trip hop, to soul. “El Toro” and “We Could Forever” feel like sexy Latin street parties, “Prelude” a symphonic orchestra, while “Kiara” sounds like the karate kid at a yoga retreat. Bonobo also has a way with video, as displayed in “Eyesdown”. The hearty, soulful singing and the textured visuals alone are enough to make you feel as wild and free as the bird that takes flight at the end of the video.
Website: www.bonobomusic.com
ARTIST REVIEW: Seth Decible
Posted 06 Jun 2010 — by DMMCompany
Category Artists Reviews
Category Artists Reviews
Gungdun Smoke
Saturn’s Forests
Chester Copperpot is a baaaad man, nad The Goonies is such a great movie! This classic is referenced in Seth Decible’s “Gungdun Smoke”, which reminds us of another classic phenomena — the hot-as-hell hip hop instrumental. We’re suddenly back in front of our radios recording Future Flavors. We’re rockin’ Pete Rock and CL Smooth albums, where the interlude beats were sometimes even hotter than the full-length songs. It’s been a long time since instrumentals were given this much shine, and “Gungdun” in particular reminds us that good taste never goes out of style. “Saturn’s Forests” is the instrumental ride through lightening dust, by Seth Cwizac — another side of the first man, which simply equals more dope music. Whatever you call yourself, we love what you’re sayin’!
ARTIST REVIEW: Alesya
Posted 14 May 2010 — by DMMCompany
Category Artists Reviews
Category Artists Reviews
Hailing from Moscow, Russia, Alesya makes music that takes you places in your mind. A familiar sound to audiences of artists like Esthero, Portishead and Bjork, Alesya is an artist for your imagination. If you listen to her music in a stark white room, you may suddenly find yourself viewing a chiffon and tinfoil fashion show, chomping on pumpkin seeds and sipping lemonade, skipping away from huge bouncing multi-colored rubber balls, and other manifestations of the electro-pop-rock vibrations. Put on songs like “Rain”, and “I’m Leaving You”, relax, think good thoughts and feel awesome!
ARTIST REVIEW: Kroshet
Posted 14 May 2010 — by DMMCompany
Category Artists Reviews
Category Artists Reviews
“Hey, you heard ‘so and so’s’ new slow song?!” When was the last time someone asked you THAT? It’s probably been some years, unless you have one of those friends who only listens to Keith Sweat-style singers (or the more contemporary Jodeci or Jagged Edge types). Truthfully, many of us over the age of 30 still possess a deep love for this losing-my-damn-mind-over-you music and it’s balladeers. Kroshet is one such artist, and one of the most dedicated we’ve come across within the heartbreak genre. Helping to hold down the slow jam vibe, he is clearly a proud proponent of love. Within the first five seconds of songs like “Cry,” you understand who Kroshet is, heart and soul. Treat yourself tonight: dim the lights, get out a pen and paper, and make yourself a mixed tape, on a CD. A ‘tonight’s the night’ mixed tape CD. And put Kroshet in the mix.
Also available on MySpace
SONG REVIEW: “So Gone” by SUNNY TUFF
Posted 10 May 2010 — by DMMCompany
Category Song Reviews
Category Song Reviews
Sunny Tuff reminds us of the days when Premiere vs Pete was the most meaningful argument you could have, beats and lyrics held equal worth, and a record’s success was based on whether or not crowds would rock to it at a party. We’re talking about the ‘90s, before hip hop took it’s dive into the bling pool. Sunny Tuff himself reminds of Tracey Lee (you may have to Google that), but he’s without a doubt a unique source of hip hop done right, right now. “So Gone”, with all of it’s witty metaphors and stabs at the competition, makes us feel good about hip hop today. We dig both the original and the DJ Green Lantern version. Here’s to ‘classic’ status on one.that
Website : www.sunnytuff.bandcamp.com
Also available on ReverbNation
Also available on MySpace
BAND REVIEW: Supermodel
Posted 03 May 2010 — by DMMCompany
Category Band Reviews
Category Band Reviews
New Zealand has a 99% literacy rate, is 17 hours ahead of Washington, DC, has 41 airports, and is home to 8% of it’s native Polynesian Maori peoples. Before I became aware of a band called Supermodel, I hadn’t thought to learn these tidbits of info. Supermodel has made me care! You can dub this group of four ‘rock’, but that seems too shallow of a description for what they do. They actually make us think of both George Michael and The Cure, yet sound not much like either of the two; it’s more about the feeling and the quality. “Send Me Dreaming” is an arm-waving anthem, with a sentimental lighters-in-the-air quality to it. “Walk of Shame” and it’s accompanying video form a clever public announcement on (excessive) drinking and partying and the dreaded morning after. Supermodel is currently on a national tour, and will hopefully go international soon after. Here’s another fact: Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. World, meet Supermodel.
Buy it : Amplifier NZ
Video : Send Me Dreaming
Website : www.thesupermodelband.co.nz
Also available on MySpace
ARTIST REVIEW: Casey Holford
Posted 01 May 2010 — by DMMCompany
Category Artists Reviews
Category Artists Reviews
Casey Holford is awesome. This is an artist you can appreciate no matter what style of music you typically listen to, particularly because it is clear that he is true to himself and is an all-around artist — a singer, songwriter, musician, visual artist, etc. The lyrics in his songs are refreshing and poetic, making visualization part of the listening experience. In “That Song” he says, “…but I was walking down my street and I met my song, and I remember just enough to hum along.” Casey makes you think, and feel, and feel like thinking. Thank you, Sir Holford.
Website: www.caseyholford.com
SONG REVIEW: SOUNDBOY KILLA by Gonzalo
Posted 27 Apr 2010 — by DMMCompany
Category Song Reviews
Category Song Reviews
It’s (almost) summer time! In other words, it’s time to start lining up the season’s bump-worthy tracks. Fortunately, Gonzalo’s got one. “Soundboy Killa” is Gonzalo’s most recent contribution to the DMMCompany playlist. A nice beat, tight flow, and catchy hook lend credibility to his intro statement “rhyme pays”. He reminds me of Jadakiss, which is definitely a compliment. Play this one loud!