Hang Out with Radical Something

This summer, I knew that every week I had something to look forward to thanks to Radical Something. The California native band released new jams every week with an awesome pacific feel. Between Josh's smooth melodic voice and Loggy's raps it was impossible for Radical Something to disappoint. Each week, the California bro's (they define the word) released a new song for free for their fans to download... now that is commitments. I have loved Radical Something from the beginning, but this sure pushed them over the top on my list of favorites.
Below I have posted my all time favorite song of theirs, Escape, that was a staple in my drive from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara this year. And below that, is my favorite song from the #SummerOfRad.
So a big thanks to Radical Something for being just as awesome as they are.

This Guy I Know

I would formally like to introduce you to This Guy I know, aka TGIK. He is an affiliated artist with another music blog Camelback Music and produces some pretty awesome jams. Below are some of the best. (also check out the download button!)
The first is the first TGIK song I have heard. Make an original mashup/remix of Nas and Aerosmith and you get this sweet music lovechild called "Sweet Life Bitch". It never ceases to astonish me that these songs go together so well. Who knew?

Next is TGIK's remix of "Return of the Mack". I don't really listen to the original, but this jam makes me want to. The beat is again, addictive and super fun. This next one is a remix/mash up of Atlantic City, performed by both The Band and Bruce Springsteen. Now, as a NJ resident, I am required to be a Springsteen fan, but this probably could not be further from the truth. Although I never joined the Bruce bandwagon, I did jump on the TGIK one, and its headed toward Jam Town. 'Atlantic City' masterfully mixes two versions of the same song over an original TGIK beat and it's wonderful. Last but not least is an original TGIK remix that features a TGIK beat and a beatboxer and it. is. good. Just see for yourself and wait for the drop.

The Worse It Gets

I have no idea how or where I got this song, but I put it on my sister's cd once upon a time and got rave reviews from everyone who heard it. The upbeat tune is fresh and fun while being interesting and original. The electronic feel won't leave anyone in a bad mood.
So take this out when there's too much noise in your head.

Viceroy

Speaking of Viceroy (see below, if you haven't already), I give you my two favorite remixes. If you know me at all (or if you read this religiously), you know that I love Biggie. So take 'Goin' back to Cali' and remix it with some marimba-type instrument and some synths and beats and whatnot, and you get this lovely mix.
Also, if you know me, you know that I am transferring schools and when I was at the school I am transferring to, I heard the song below at a party. This may not seem like a big deal, but it was played constantly in my dorm room in California, so I wasn't expecting it to be playing in Pennsylvania. This was awesome. Although it has made its way across the country, hopefully it can be spread around a little more. After all, everyone knows who Wiz is, so lets get Viceroy known.

Grouplove

I had never head of Grouplove until I was blown off by a friend to go to their concert. I now understand why. The feel-good, poppy music is fun and energetic. Below I have posted the original version of Tongue Tied, and a version that may land my personal favorite between the two. I think I just enjoy the beginning more. The remix reminds me of a Viceroy remix with the upbeat backbeat and a hint of an island feel (kinda.)
Will this leave you tongue-tied?

High for this

My interest in Ellie Goulding peaked when I was a Junior in high school, until she covered this song. I have heard "Lights" far too many times and don't exactly understand why it is playing non-stop on the radio nowadays. To each his own.
This past year, I was in school out in California and lived on a dorm where The Weeknd was playing constantly, and I was hooked immediately. What I love about his music is the mellow R&B beats and his incredible voice. Ellie Goulding takes it to the next level.
Each and every one of my friends has a preference one way or the other: The Weeknd or Ellie Goulding. What's yours?

Weed rap

I'm a Kid Cudi fan, but I have been subject to listening to Day n Night for hours on end, and I'm not kidding... not exactly by choice. Anyway, this one is executed in typical CuDi fashion and I quite enjoy it. It is weed rap, which is to be expected, but as always, I like it for the chill beat first, not exactly the content. So whether you like this for my reasons or because it's weed rap, you still like it.

A little awkward, but noteworthy nonetheless.

Take A$AP Rocky and Lana del Rey and you get this odd mix. Singer/songwriter del Rey, honestly sounds a little awkward here (I think, but think what you may) but A$AP is a boss and is obviously trying something a little different from his sound in, lets say, Goldie (also posted below). Anyway, this combination works together in a strange way if you can deal like Lana del Rey, which I know many can't. I, personally, can't stand 'Video Games' and avoid it unless it's in this dubstep version, but I can't get enough of 'Born to Die'. Be your own judge of A$AP and del Rey, together or sperately.


and ok. I couldn't find this one on Soundcloud so youtube will ahem to suffice. Anyway, I like this music video.

Probably not the most PC song...

50 cent has been around forever. He's been shot a ton of times and has lived to tell about it. What a boss. I don't know about anyone else, but I haven't heard anything noteworthy (or, lets be honest, popular considering I don't keep tabs on fiddy's new releases) since Ayo Technology (which I mostly just like because may boy JT is in it). But anyway, what caught my attention in OJ is the beat (something new and different). Definitely not very politically correct or appropriate in the lyrics, but my philosophy is, if you can run to it, it's good. (my favorite song to run to is 'Drop and Give Me 50' by Mike Jones... talk about inappropriate.)
50 is 'killin these bitches' in real OJ form.

Grizzly Bear

I first started listening to Grizzly Bear my Junior ( or maybe Sophomore year) of high school when my friend Sam Lee got me hooked on Veckatimest. Big thanks for that. Anyway, Grizzly Bear has come out with a new one and it's pretty good. The typical sound coming from them, but good nonetheless.
So another indie-ish post, yet again.
Some other sounds coming soon.

Heems

Ok. Honestly, I know nothing about Heems aka Himanshu Kumar Suri. Anyway, literally all I know is that he is part of Das Racist and that this song is strangely interesting and strangely strange. Whatever.
Give it a shot.

Oh those Canadians... how weird.

Meet Grimes. Described as 'Dream rock", you get exactly what you think. Atypical vocal elements combined with electronic beats and you get the kind of music that you can't understand at all, but like form some very, very odd reason. And odd it is. I never thought that anything could be weirder than Empire of the Sun, but here ya go. An MP3 for musical appreciation, and the youtube video for a marvel out of the ordinary.

while I'm on The xx note...

Why not add another favorite, Notorious B.I.G.
Having lived on both coasts, I have been subject to the Biggie v. Tupac debacle far too many times, and although I am a sucker for 'Changes' and 'California Love' (I know, typical), Biggie will ALWAYS come out on top... you're welcome.
Anyway, only second (to Party and Bullshit, of course) on my list of favorite Biggie songs is Dead Wrong. When I'm feeling pretty Bo$$/ want to embrace my white-gurl-gangsta side, I put on Dead Wrong. But obviously ( if you've been keeping up with this blog), I'm a typical white girl who listens to some pretty untypical music. Like The xx.
Mix them together via 'wait what' and you get this pretty awesome combo.
Again, is your reaction more 'that's Dead Wrong' or spot on?

Something to hang out to

I have heard both of these songs in numerous places: restaurants, commercials, youtube videos, you name it. And again, i love both of these. A staple in the more relaxing area of my mess of an iTunes, I give you The xx and Moby.

Youngins

Things like this make me wonder what I am doing with my life. Madeon, French electro pop producer, turned 18 basically two months ago. I just don't understand.
Anyway, Finale came out earlier this summer and breaks from Madeon's typical sound, and boy, is it good. Like really, really good.
Maybe I should jump on the music-producing bandwagon.

Van She + i + d

Take Australian electropop band Van She and Crystal Castles and your bound to get something noteworthy. The wonderful sound-baby produced is Vanished (get it? Van She + i + d = Vanished... Oh, Crystal Castles. You're so clever). For those of you who enjoy British TV, Crystal Castles is no stranger to shows like Skins and Misfits and, I'm sure, is prevalent in the club scene over there across Lake Atlantic. Anyway, Crystal Castles is a staple in my electronic section of iTunes and Vanished has its fair share of plays.
Again, let's hope I don't pull a Houdini and Vanish....

noun: long life

I've been on kind of an indie streak recently, so to those hip hop fans, I apologize.
I have been a Yeasayer fan for a while now, and "Wait For The Summer" is a favorite of mine. A little bit different than the Indian-esque sounds we here there, we have Longevity, and I'm totally feeling the new sound. The beat is infectious and the smooth, sweeping vocals are addictive.
If you're into this kinda edgy thaaang, try it out.

Thanks music blogs around the internet...

...for introducing me to this one.
I have been listening to some of those alternative Sirius/XM music channels recently and I have heard this song a multitude of times and I find it extraordinarily catchy and slightly enchanting (a typical combination for the majority of the music I listen to).
A new one for me and hopefully for you!
Introducing, POP ETC.

Sorry I've been MIA...

What's up guys. Sorry I've been super MIA recently... I move into school this week so life is a bit hectic.
After my disappearance, what song is more fitting than "Houdini"?
Foster the people is most known for 'Pumped Up Kicks' (obviously), but I, personally, think this song rivals in catchiness.
I'm hoping I won't go on hiatus anytime soon...

The band people always think I like.

Whenever people hear Mumford & Sons, they will come up to me and expect me to sing along with them... well, they're wrong. i have never been a huge fan and I jumped on the "Little Lion Man" bandwagon about 6 months late. Anyway, I caught wind of this song through the book (or more commonly known as Facebook) and I actually really enjoy it. It has a feel that reminds me of my high school (all folky for those Delaware folk) and I can easily see this becoming the next Gin n Juice driving-sing-along-song.
I will wait for you, Mumford & Sons

Mike Stud and Huey Mack

Shoutout to Jon Kilmer for this one.
As you may know from reading my previous post, I love white rappers.

Mike Stud and Huey Mack taming together on this mixtape is just asking for something big. and it is.
so check it out and let me know what you think.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE WHOLE MIXTAPE

wait... what?

A while ago, wait what released the mixtape of Notorious B.I.G. and The XX... anyway, the newest wait what wednesday consisted of some pretty good ones. The original 'Happy Up Here' is an incredibly upbeat song, and was featured in a Coke commercial a while ago. Wait What takes Roysköpp's 'Happy Up Here' and Ludacris and Nat Dogg's "Area Codes" and mashes them together.

Is your reaction 'wait what?' or 'hell yeah'

For the dubstep junkies

I started getting really into dubstep in the spring of last year. The weird thing about it is I can only study when I listen to classical music, or dubstep. Yeah, I'm strange.
Anyway. My favorite memory from this year was driving around in my roommate's mini cooper and listening to what we called "the wikity song" aka Verbing the Noun by Bassnectar. A big shout out to my friend Zach for that one.
Anyway, womp womp womp.

G.O.O.D.G.I.R.L.S.

The White Panda consistently releases awesome remises and mashups. And when this duo takes Dillon Francis and Wale and mashes them together, you get the ear candy known as G.O.O.D.G.I.R.L.S. Take a listen and when the drop hits, the magic begins.
And remember, good girls never give it up on the first night.

Band of Horses

Back to the low-key kind of thaaang. Band of Horses is a good bedtime, slow kind of band and I love listening to them when cooling down from a long day. This song is a little bit more upbeat than what we normally see from them, and they do it well. Just take a listen.

Good Morning.

Good morning to all. For those of you who may not know me, or aren't updated with my life, I completed my freshman year of college this year and and transferring this fall. Anyway, this song reminds me (and always will remind me) of my freshman year thanks to the boys that I lived with. Toward the end of this year, I would hear this song at least once a day. I have always been pretty big Weeknd fan, and this song emulates the typical, smooth Weeknd sound that we know he is capable of. Wait until the 1:30 mark for the song to pick up.
Girl put in work.

Chasing Echoes

Big shout out to Chris Maguire on this one. Chris introduced me to these guys "The Lonely Biscuits" and I really like this song. I like the mellow singing and how it goes with the rapping... Nice to meet me. (that's an Office reference for those of you who wouldn't know immediately). Anyway, enjoy and check them out!

The olympics

Ok so a quick disclaimer. This is not my song. It was made by a friend of a friend, played at my sophomore prom, and then given to me on a cd. I am not even sure what the real name is, or who the artist really is.
Anyway, this mashup is great, and it samples the olympic song, so it's quite fitting.

Macklemore.

The thing that amazes me about Macklemore is the way he can easily go from being incredibly deep and serious to being able to joke around, be funny and make us laugh. Mixed in with that is his ability (and his produce Ryan Lewis too!) to drop songs that are consistently catchy, and you know he does this because he can... It's not about the money and Macklemore keeps it real. In one of his songs, he condemns common rappers for rapping about things that they haven't even gone through. With Macklemore, you know what he says he really means. His verses are powerful and moving because of his own life experiences. A recovering drug addict, Macklemore uses his music as a creative outlet, and boy, is it good.

Macklemore makes this testament clear in this one. "If I did if for the money Id've been a fucking lawyer"

A more serious side of Macklemore is seen in 'Wings'. Rapping about a pair of shoes, but deeper, is the nature of consumerism that overwhelms our society today. "These Nikes helped me define me, but I'm trying to take mine off".


Aaaaand then we have this. Anyone who knows me knows that I love America, and because I love Macklemore, this song is a must. Warning, it gets a little too sassy at one point, but it's hilarious and really, there is a lot of truth in it... "What do you say, we go get shitfaced in a helicopter and kill a moose!"


And then, there is my favorite song. Listen to the whole song and it should speak for itself.

White rappers

Welcome to the wonderful world of white rappers. I don't care if you don't like white rappers, but the following few songs are the reason why I listen to Mac Miller, Sammy Adams, Chris Webby, and the others posted.

Bass Head. I have become a big fan of dubstep and although my mom comes into my room and tells me to turn down "that noise", Sammy Adams rapping over Bassnectar is irresistible. The beat is dirty as is and the drop is around the 0:53 mark, but Sammy Adams adds a little something something





K.I.D.S I first heard about Mac Miller in high school when a girl told me to download his mix tape K.I.D.S. Since then, I have listened to The Spins over 100 times (the only song on my iTunes library to break 100 plays). Mac raps over 'Half Mast' by Empire of the Sun, another one of my favorite groups, and produces this dance-worthy jam.





Levels and white rappers Whoever came up with this idea is a genius. The white duo Aer takes Avicii's international hit, "Levels" and adds some sass to it. Now, I have to admit that I actually heard "Shot Clock" before I heard "Levels", but I don't think that that should make a difference. Aer successfully uses Avicii's banger to rhyme and flow over the beat.





Again, music integration kills me. Chris Webby samples The Way by Fastball, producing this little guy.  One of the reasons why I like Chris Webby so much is because he comes up with clever lines, and this song is no exception. Webby raps about driving around, following dreams, and basically not caring. yolo.... anyway, check it out. Plus the majority of the music he has released is free. F yeah.

I will marry Macklemore. Not only do I find him attractive, but he is incredibly funny, witty, and creative with his verses, but I can't even put a post here... Macklemore needs his own post.

One more, then I'm GONE

This whole thing is addicting. Anyway, this is another favorite driving song. I'm not the biggest Kanye fan, but I first heard this song somewhere around 5 years ago and have loved it since. I find the use of musical integration a general way to get me hooked on any song. As said before about Rosana and Lyngusitics, any song with classical instruments, other music samples, etc I find intriguing. Here, the violin is what keeps me coming back for more.
And now it's almost 3am, so I'm gone.

one quick one before going to bed.

What a long day. Posting a quick song... I have had this song stuck in my head all day. I love the dance feel that Sharam contributes to this one. only problem is, the version that I have on my iTunes is different from the album version, and i can't seem to find the version that I have on any of the sites I use. Anyway, the first youtube video is the version that I have but obviously as a music video with the whole gunshots, music video noise nonsense and the second is the supposed album version that I could find. I personally like the other version better. What do you think?

If I was a hipster I woulda put it on Vimeo

I have never heard anyone ever say that they don't like James Franco... I mean what's not to like? He's very attractive, went to Columbia, and plays a hilarious drug dealer. Hoodie Allen on the other hand, spits some lines against James. Of course he uses James Franco as a metaphor and whatnot, but whatever. The song is funny, as is the video, and although the song is horrible, you can't stop singing it.
Also, whenever you hear "Vimeo", you'll have to think of this song because of the above line.
When I say James, y'all say Franco.

Infectious

Walter Meego is infectious. I first heard this song 4 years ago in a Heineken commercial and have been hooked ever since... anything that is this poppy but can be used in a beer advertisement must be good. and it is.
See for yourself.

Sippin' on Gin n Juice

We all know about Snoop Dogg. He drops it like it's hot, is sensually seductive and he's young, wild, and free. Recorded when I was basically not even born was the smash hit "Gin n Juice". It reached the number 1 spot on the Billboard top 100, Snoop was nominated for a Grammy for it, and it has been covered by at least 10 people. My personal favorite is covered by The Gourds, but most people think it is Phish. Just as Napster was becoming mainstream, 'Gin n Juice' went viral, mislabeled as being by Phish... Thanks illegal downloading. Anyway, this cover has a country/folk feel, which I find incredibly funny if you actually listen to the lyrics (Snoop Dogg isn't too keen on making g-rated songs). My sisters and I are known to jam out to this song whether it is in the car, at home, or at a dance party.

'It's kinda hard being Snoop D-O-double G'

Speaking over beats is the only time I feel complete

Bigger than Jesus, bigger than wrestling, bigger than The Beatles, and bigger than breast implants. The duo, Slug and Ant, began producing the sweet, sweet tunes that are Atmosphere in 1989. Perhaps most well-known for the song 'Sunshine', Atmosphere drops consistently catchy, great music. My personal favorite is Guns and Cigarettes. Lighthearted in lyrics, I could (and have) listened to this song for hours.
'So fasten your seat belts 'cause Imma launch this vessel'

I will land on eery continent including Antarctica.

I have no idea how I found this song, but its upbeat, catchy and takes a classic song and successfully incorporates rap-- the perfect way for me to like anything. I really don't know any thing about Chew Fu except that this, is a pretty good driving, raging, dancing, whatever song. Keep your head up, moving on.

The promised land

Props to my friend Amanda on this one.
I never thought I would ever listen to Christian rock-- I am not, nor have I ever been religious, but 'Take My Hand' by Shawn McDonald is undeniably catchy while praising and doin' his thang in a not so in-your-face kind of way. So, take what you may, give it a listen...  Whether Jesus is your homeboy, or not so much, this is about the music, not the message.

'I wasn't born wild'

This song reminds me of high school. Constantly blasting this song on dorm, I'm amazed I have never gotten sick of it. Flipsyde utilizes this beat in a spectacular way and ends up with this beaut. A feel-good summertime song, 'Angel' jams on.

Just a little bit

And it's time for me to go to bed, but if I have time tomorrow, I will be sure to post many more songs for your enjoyment. Slowing it down a little, I am a Lykke Li fan, and basically despised Drake until this song. Drake takes 'Little Bit' and actually does something worthwhile my time. A go-to wind-down song, 'Little Bit' Has the edgy, indie vibe that I love, but still that little bit of hip hop that my alter ego likes. So here it is, enjoy, love, share, and sweet dreams.

Not MGMT

Empire of the Sun is an Australian duo that I am obsessed with. Perhaps most known for 'Walking on a Dream' in Wiz Khalifa's 'The Thrill' (commonly mistaken for MGMT) or for 'Half Mast' in Mac Miller's 'The Spins'. Anyway, they sound kinda like MGMT, equally as catchy, and 100x as strange. 'Tiger by my Side' is addicting for no particular reason. If you really want to be thrown on a ride, check out any of their music videos... How strange.

The Brits.

The british produce some of the best musicians known today: The Rolling Stones, The Spice Girls, Radiohead, Led Zeppelin, and Muse just to name a few. I don't know if it's something in the water or what. But here is Rizzle Kicks, the British hip hop duo that I have grown to love.

Another phase I went though.

I did go through a bunch of phases. One of many being the whole pacific rock; Sublime, Pepper, Slightly Stoopid phase. Some of my favorite songs were discovered in this phase. This one, by Iration, was discovered a little later, but remains as one of my personal favorites. Perfect for summertime, hit the beach packing this in your iPod.

White. Rappers.

White rappers are my favorite. Basically across the board, if you are white and a rapper, I like you. Anyway, this is a piece put together by Mac Miller and one of my personal favorites, Chris Webby. As two of my favorites, this song is catchy and a typical one coming from both of them. Just check it

Preach.

Now this song lies close to my heart. The Shins are one of the most consistent bands I have ever stumbled upon in the inner tubes that are the internet. I could listen to them forever. But quite possibly my favorite song would have to be 'Sleeping Lessons'. the message in this song is something that I am consistently preoccupied with (as you may know from reading my other blog) and is about breaking free of the confines set out by society. Now, although it starts out a little strangely, skip to the 0:54 mark for the pick up in guitar of 2:18 for the real pick up. Enjoy. and please excuse the horrible quality.

Congrats.

So although the majority of the things I will post on here will be hip hop, I do listen to a lot of music that not everyone will enjoy. If this is the case, read and listen no further. I do, however, love this song. Also on the top 25 most played, TV on the Radio enchants me in 'DLZ' and I love the lead singer's voice. See if you're up to the edginess that is 'DLZ'

...and he does it all

Google seach "d-o-n" and Donald Glover is the first thing to pop up on Google's suggested searches. Coming before both Donnie Darko and Donald Trump is just one more accomplishment for Donald Glover to add to his list. Actor, writer for an emmy winning tv show, rapper, comedian, and musician, he really does it all. He says that to write music, he thinks about what he would have wanted to hear as a teenager, and that obviously has worked out well for him. Freaks and Geeks is not only my favorite Childish Gambino song, but it is in my top 25 most played on iTunes and I can rap every word (pretty impressive for a white girl). So rap along with me.

New Macklemore

I have been hooked on Macklemore since I first heard 'Wings". I think he is quite possibly one of the most creative and genuine artists I have ever heard, and he never ceases to amaze me. This new one, 'Same Love' is a beautiful song and think what you may politically, you cannot deny the authenticity of Macklemore's verses. Major respect to Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, and Mary Lambert.

Rosana

I have a weakness for hip hop songs that utilize any abnormal instruments. Whether it is classical instruments like Lynguistics by Cunninlynguists, or this little ditty by these guys called Wax, I'm hooked. So check it out... The song itself is pretty funny about a girl with an insatiable appetite for sex, so think and say what you may, but its pretty damn catchy.

Hello, Welcome, and What's Up.

Hello and welcome to the newest development in Charlotte's music appreciation efforts. For years, I have been burning cds for the people around me and within five years, my iTunes library has grown from 200 songs to a mean 10,000 songs. This is the best way i can think to keep everyone up to date with what I am listening to and what you should be listening to.
So, let's get Jiggy Wit It.