Johnson & Johnson

Johnson&Jonson is the project by Blu and Mainframe. Most are familiar with Blu’s work with producer Exile on the release, “Below the Heavens,” and his release with Ta’Raach as C.R.A.C. for their album, “The Piece Talks.” Johnson&Jonson rounds Blu’s foundation for their debut release “Johnson&Jonson,” in a period where Blu recorded all three projects (Below the Heavens, C.R.A.C, and Johnson&Jonson), during a similar time period. Intended as a mixtape for “Below the Heavens,” “Johnson&Jonson” is a project filled with fun, wit, and experience told by an emerging hip hop star, while living and recording the project in Long Beach, CA. It was supposed to paint a different story to other projects, as Johnson&Jonson is intended to be Blu’s rap/swagger project, as opposed to the energy of C.R.A.C. or the song writing and auto-biographical nature of Blu & Exile’s “Below the Heavens.” Blu’s personality and humor captivates audiences, while displaying his lyrical power and capability. Be prepared to embark on another journey provide by Blu. This time with the help of Mainframe, as the group, “Johnson&Jonson,” both artists take you on a trip through their life in Long Beach, CA — the ups and downs, their stories and experiences, and their relatable humor that everyone can identity with.

Album to be released Sept. 23rd.

Check them out:
tres records

Funkstorung - Grammy Winners

This glitchy track from Funkstorung features some MC's who bless the mic over these beats that sound like they were belched out of a funky fax telephone line. The video's a cool collection of visuals that are heavily graphic design oriented with a nod to architecture. These guys were all over this style way before it became cool for indie-rock kids to try to outdo ravers with their knowledge of hip electonics. Funkstorung always seems to stay with this style of graphics on all their visuals however I believe that the rhymes are a divergence from their usual instrumental tracks. Buy the DVD !K7 150.
www.funkstorung.com
www.k7.com

RQM - Miss Pacman Download

We spoke about RQM's solo single "Miss Pacman" some posts ago. We still have the Miss Pacman tune ringing around our heads. So RQM was kind enough to hook all of us with a free mp3 from the single:

Download RQM "Miss Pacman" (Oliver Remix) mp3:
RQM "Miss Pacman" (Oliver Rmx) Mp3

If you want to check out the whole ablum: http://www.juno.co.uk/products/321243-01.htm
Give him some myspace love: http://WWW.MYSPACE.COM/RQM1

Da Bush Babees!

Man...what can I say? I tripped over my "ambush" cassette tape this morning and remembered we. I have to say this is one of the best overlooked forgotten never heard hip hop group from the early '90s. Although their last album "gravity" from '97 had critical acclaim across the board even with teaming up with Mos Def and De La it wasn't enough for their MAJOR label to keep'em. If you don't have the Da Bush Babees "Gravity" album...you need to go buy it right now. Seriously.

Stop reading this post and go buy it.

There's a great interview posted here from them in 2004:
http://www.hiphop-elements.com/article/read/6/6184/1/

In the interview they talk about collaborating again for a new album on their new label they're creating "Monster Truck Audio". Why "Monster Truck Audio"?...

"That’s kinda like the new music we are doing. We basically rolling over everybody. The material is really strong and that’s what its about because at the end of the day regardless of your sales, how many times you get arrested or whatever political bullshit you get caught up in your music at the end of the day is what’s gonna stand there. If it’s strong then it’s undeniable."

So that was 4 years ago...I'm ready.

Please? Where are you guys? Hello? Hello?

Awol One and Factor new track!

After Awol One (from Shape shifters) and Factor teamed up to release their "Only Death Can Kill You" Lp which came out last year I've been itching to hear new tracks from the duo. This new song and vid is dope. This track is actually off of Factor's new album "Chandelier" which also features vocals from the likes of Sadat X, Myka9, Noah23, Nomad, Moka Only, Epic, Josh Martinez, Cam the Wizzard, Kirby Dominant, Ceschi and more.

Click the link below to download this AWOL ONE & FACTOR "More rude than handsome" mp3:

Awol One & Factor "more rude than Handsome" Mp3

Check out their websites for more info and tracks!
http://www.myspace.com/awolone
http://www.myspace.com/factor3

Amon Tobin feat. MC Decimal R - Verbal

This is one of my favorite Amon Tobin tracks. The bass just cranks on this one with some glitch hip hop vocals that is a little out of the norm for this artist. Amon tends to fall on the drum and bass side of the production tracks, but he has proven time and time again that he can do just about whatever he wants. I am consistently in awe of how epic this dude's production is. It's fitting that the music is set to a video that looks like a tripped out pole position demo. His style compliments video games and movies like it was his intention to do so. This video is from the "Ninja Tune ZENtv" DVD.
www.amontobin.com
www.ninjatune.net

El-P - Deep Space 9 mm

El-p aka El-Producto shows why he is the king of deluxe underground hip hop bliss. The Ryme flow is complex as ever and the beat is infectiously radio resistant. The owner of Definitive Jux Records was once a member of the pioneering rap group Company Flow. Company Flow was one of the trailblazers that put Rawkus Records on the map. Apparently the relationship didn't work for El. It's hard to think of anyone who has done more for the real hip hop scene than El-p has in the last ten years. I really couldn't tell you one Rawkus artist I know, all their great artists from the past have seemingly moved on. This video is discomforting especially for anyone who has ever feared for their life at the end of a barrel. Man I hate guns, they are however proven quite handy in cases of revolution.
www.myspace.com/elproducto
www.definitivejux.net/jukies/el-p

The Streets - Lets Push Things Forward

This is a song off The Streets first album called Original Pirate Material. Pirate Material blew up a few years ago and rocketed Mike Skinner to the top of everyone's buzz list. Since then it seems that his production may have dropped off a bit, but I don't think he's going anywhere for quite some time. This was a serious hit for the British hip hop scene and caught enough interest to get people like Ghostface Killah from Wu-Tang Clan to collaborate with this bloke. Push Things Forward is an example of how promising underground hip hop can be and epitomizes what we try to emphasize here at Najahead. A refreshing breakaway from the same old standards for the betterment of art and life is exactly what we are trying to highlight. Enjoy this one and check out more from The Streets to see how England represents.

www.the-streets.co.uk/

Hexstatic - Ninja Tune

This video is so freakin cool. It reminds me of the Chemical Brothers "Get Yourself High" video previously posted on this site. I have to find out what movie these samples were taken from. They work perfectly with this track and who better to manipulate a bad ninja movie into great music than some of the good folks over at Ninja Tune. I can't believe that real ninjas would need to announce their status by labeling themeselves with a headband. That being said, someone please mail us three ninja headbands stat. Also these ninjas are suspiciously white and for all I know probably friends of Chuck Norris, the original white ninja. Two white boys shuffling their feet through the forest wearing purple ninja suits don't exactly strike fear into the hearts of men. This is actually being written by a white guy with a ninja tattoo. It's ok, they're throuhg killer slabs of vinyl. Thanks for the inspiration goes to ninja tune, one of our favorite labels. This video can be purchased on their DVD called "Ninja Tune ZENtv".
www.ninjatune.net
www.hexstatic.tv

Amon Tobin - Four Ton Mantis

This is a classic track by Brazilian producer Amon Tobin. Tobin has crafted his very own fashion of electronic music. He used to also go under the name Cujo. This is some tripped out futuristic apocalyptic jazz. The video is rather strange focusing on what appears to be broken people or junkies in nyc tenements. The way it is shot looks cool, oh wait what's that? Watch out! A four ton mantis is about to bite yo ass mr. junkie. Anyways general insanity is the rule for this one. This can be purchased on the DVD called "Ninja Tune ZENtv".
www.amontobin.com
www.ninjatune.net

Gnarls Barkley "Who's gonna save my soul"

I know I'm abit slow on posting this video. But if you haven't seen it yet...it's a instant classic. Although the heart at the end does remind me of the old califorina raisin commercials which brutally infected our heads in the late '80s. Please don't ever bring back the raisin commercials...the whole country would riot and kill.

Although we've all been this guy in the video. There's a little piece of all of us in here.

Jahcoozi "Blitz N' Ass"

There ain't no party...like a german JAHCOOZI party! Jahcoozi is Sasha Perera, Oren Gerlitz, and Robot Koch first met in Berlin in 2002. Through a friend of a friend, Sasha heard Robot's beats and Robot heard Sasha's voice. The two started meeting up sporadically in a smokey home-studio in Neu Kölln. They recorded Black Barbie ................ and the rest is history.

Their lastest album "Blitz N' Ass" is out now and is excellent. One of the tracks off the new album was featured on a EXPRESS clothing store cd...but don't let that sway your opinion. This group has been rocking out the underground all over the world and making people dance! Give them your love.

Download these Jahcoozi remix tracks from their "Blitz N' Ass" album:

JAHCOOZI "BLN" Remix by Digital ALkemists MP3
JAHCOOZI "Double Barrel Name" Remix by The Bald & The Beautiful

http://www.myspace.com/jahcoozi

Robot Koch vs Addiquit "DOUGH"

Robot Koch is the producer of the critially acclaimed bands JAHCOOZI and THE TAPE. He also made beats and remixes for artists like Infinite Livez (Ninja Tune/Big Dada) Justine Electra (City Slang), Raz Ohara (Kitty Yo), Data Mc (Hamton), Al Haca (Klein) and Christopher Wiltis (Ghostly International).

Addiquit is a female rapper from San Diego, California. She landed a few opening gigs for Cat Power after gaining some buzz around the net. Recently Moved to Brooklyn to record her debut album with a nomination for Best Hip-Hop artist at the 2007 SDMAs.

Check out this collaboration track titled "DOUGH" for you to download for FREE. Yup...free. Not only that but this track is good for your health:

Robot Koch vs Addiquit "Dough" Mp3

check them out online:
http://www.myspace.com/addiquit 
http://www.myspace.com/robotkoch

Mr. Scruff - Get A Move On

Mr. Scruff is a super cool producer who rocks out any style he fancies. His genre defying music is best accompanied by his fancy drawrings. This is a mover, so go ahead and get it on. I knew this could sell cars before it actually did. Hire me already. House music should always be this fun.

Mr. Scruff
Ninja Tune

Coldcut - More Beats & Pieces

This is a classic Colcut mashup jam which is actually a remix from a track called Beats & Pieces on their first album. This video shows that they are equally adept when it comes to mixing video as there are with audio and vinyl samples. This has such a crazy combination of sounds and samples. They even worked in a little Peter and the Wolf sample. This can be purchased on the dvd called "Ninja Tune ZENtv".

Coldcut
Ninja Tune

Squarepusher - Come My Selector

This is one of my favorite videos. Once you've seen it, you'll never forget it. Director Chris Cunningham makes most music video makers look lazy and boring. You may have seen some of the work he has done for Aphex Twin in the past. Squarepusher incorporates some made bass playing with insane jungle beats. Try to bust a move to this one.

Squarepusher
Chris Cunningham
Warp Records

Coldcut & Hexstatic - Natural Rhythm

This is an old track by Coldcut and Hexstatic featuring samples taken from nature's playground. If you aren't familiar with Coldcut, they are the founders of Ninja Tune Records, one of the consistently best record labels in the business. Ninja Tune always pushes the envelope with their artists and their spirit is embodied in this effort. This can be purchased on the DVD called "Ninja Tune ZENtv"
Coldcut
Hexstatic
Ninja Tune

Blueboy - Remember Me

This is a classic that many will probably remember best from Mark Farina's Mushroom Jazz compilation on Om records. This was from the time period where trip hop ruled the electronic music scene. The good vibes roll on this one.

Blue Boy

Om Records

Justice "D.A.N.C.E."

This song is a bit dated in 08'...but something went off today that made me want to listen to it today, and secondly made me want to search for the video I had never seen. I thought the video was really well done and wish it had aired in front of televised audience...but then again, are there any videos being televised anymore? More like internetervised! Ha. Enjoy! (and it's okay to dance a little bit in your computer chair while listening/watching the video).



E.L. Sight

Del The Funky Homosapien - Workin It

Workin it is one of the most focused efforts from Del in a long time. The leader of the Heiro crew is also probably its strongest and most famous member. Del really rocks this one out and the video is on point.

video for Del single "Workin It" from new his new album 11th Hour, released March 11th on Definitive Jux Records

Del The Funky Homosapien

Opio - Stop The Press

Stop The Press is a solid effort from Opio of the Heiroglyphics crew. For anyone who doesn't know who they are, it's time to do some home work. I like the song and I may like the video even better. It's a real crisp production. I hope to here more from this album soon.

Opio

Nosaj Thing - Aquarium

This is a really cool video and song. This could probably be best described as glitch hop. It's a very relaxing melodic journey into almost a dreamlike place. This dream is like a distant memory from my childhood of the movie Splash with Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah. Fish love has just got to be wierd. Really think that one out. This video ensured that I did.

Music video for Nosaj thing. Starring Ben Burke and Lily Rose Love and directed by Dugan O'Neal.

Nosaj Thing

Nortec Collective's Bostich & Fussible - Tijuana Sound Machine

The Nortec Collective mix the sounds of classic Mexican folk instruments with the best aspects of house music. This video is pretty sweet. The part with the guys dancing in green tights makes me a little uncomfortable. It's kind of like watching men's synchronized diving on the olympics. What am I watchin here? Actually this is a great song with a pretty cool video. Check it out.

Song is from Fussible of Nortec Collective album "Tijuana Sessions, Vol. 3" (Nacional Records)

Nortec Collective

Munk feat. Asia Argento - Live Fast Die Old

This video is an original excursion into the world of house music that is undeniably contagious. This is almost more punk than it is house. I love it and the video is a complimentary masterpiece.

directed by Manuel Werner. Taken from the album Cloudbuster out on Gomma. ... munk asia argento gomma ...

Munk

Classixx - Cold Act Ill

Los Angeles based group, CLASSIXX. Directed by tim k for their first single Cold Act iLL. ...

This is quite the jam. Using a hip hop sample that has been just about beat to death and making it sound fresh as ever is no easy task. I love the video focusing on skateboarding and breakdancing with an emphasis on the old school. Although these old skool cats were probably never the athletes that these kids are today, it often seems like the finesse and style have degenerated. This reminds me of sitting around watching skate videos, then going out in the street and falling on my face!

Classixx

CSS - Rat Is Dead

I really like this song. There is little that I appreciate more in rock music than some pretty jams mixed with some female growls. File this under danceable art rock if you must. I just know it sounds damn good to me.

CSS video for "Rat is Dead (Rage)" off the Sub Pop 2008 release "Donkey"

Subpop

The Pharcyde - Runnin' (Philippians RMX)

This is a fresh remix of the pharcyde classic. This is probably my favorite Pharcyde song and an exclamation point at what is apparently the crew's apex. Come back together please. They were real nice when I saw them live in '95.

Atom

Dan Le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip - Thou Shalt Always Kill

I have just recently discovered this song and video and I absolutely love it. It kills and probably always will. These are rules to live by. Enjoy over and over. Can't believe some of the bands they call out.

Atom

Headspace - The Movie

Headspace rocks. For anyone who used to go to raves before they turned into club nights or just fans of electronic music, this is a must see. It is a seemless representation of a night I may have been a little too overstimulated to remember. Thankfully these good people went through the trouble of actually documenting a scene many former members would consider dead or possibly asleep. We may be more inclined to hide in front of our screens than we used to, but this one made me want to get up and out to find this weekend's best kept secret if you know what I mean. One Love!

Atom

Phantods

The Phantods are a Columbus Ohio band that are storming the local seen with some of the sickest technical rock I've heard in some time. If you ever get the chance to see them live you are sure to be in for a great show. This is their first album, but you would never guess from the mature sound they bring. These guys are on the rise and are sure to garner more attention in the future. Check out there myspace page for more info.

Here's a video for Lone Highway, one of many great songs on the album!



Phantods

Atom

Snark Hunt!

Just when you thought it was safe to go outside this video surfaces on youtube. Mel Gibson battling aliens with water bottles? No these creatures are much smarter and not only that they can create some pretty good drum and bass tracks.

http://www.fubearstudios.com

Santogold - Creator

Santogold is blowin up. This is a video for what is probably my favorite song she does. I've worn this album out. It might have to be my album of the year. I highly recommend it to fans of M.I.A. and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Atom

Miss Pacman! RQM 1

First of all...this video rules all. I love miss pacman...I think we all had a school boy crush on her. She dances and runs from ghosts in our dreams as kids without even a smear of her lipstick. Now imagine grown men dressed up in pacman outfits running through the streets and the ghosts are beating down pacman with clubs. Ahhh gotta love it. This is the first single from RQM 1 who appears on many tracks through the years mostly heard on the Berlin based group JAHCOOZI.


After circling the globe several times alongside artists such as Stereotyp, Jahcoozi and Al Haca, sharing stages with the likes of Missy Elliott, Stereo Mcs, MIA, Peter Kruder, Roni Size, Modeselektor, Nicolette etc., RQM is finally embarking on his solo journey. The jump off point for this new chapter is his debut single entitled Miss Pacman, out now on DJ Shir Khan s Exploited label.



We dig it. The tracks are available from beatport and itunes.
A.L.

Atmosphere on David Letterman

It's about time. We here have been champions of Atmosphere's music since the beginning and hope national tv turns more heads and ears his way. Even got P.O.S. up on stage with him for the show. I wore out my copy of the "You Can't Imagine How much Fun we're having" cd two times over. I still buy multiple copies of that cd and give them out as christmas gifts every year. It's that good. Go give him your love, your money, and your babies to baptize:

www.myspace.com/atmosphere
www.rhymesayers.com

One of my old favorite lesser known Slug tracks is: DJ Vadim featuring Slug "Edie Brikell" off DJ Vadim's album "U.S.S.R. - The Art of Listening"

First on the Month...JULY PLAYLIST

Another month in the books...and another playlist to checka checkout.
Do I need to remind everyone of all the good music out there on the web and on myspace?

Just because the radio and tv stations don't present it to you on a silver platter, does NOT mean that you shouldn't be digging in the web.

Do artists even make music videos anymore? How does one even find such things anymore these days?...leave the music video youtube searching to us...

That silver platter I was talking about? Isn't necessarily silver, but definitely served up to you right (and from your left).

Check out the blog...posting song reviews, playlists, and music videos almost daily.


07/31/08 - Jenny Lewis "Rise Up With Fists"
07/30/08 - YELLE "Les Femme"
07/29/08 - Dj Food "Transformers"
07/28/08 - DataRock "Computer Camp Love"
07/26/08 - Mr Scruff "Giant Pickle"
07/25/08 - The New Mastersounds "King Comforter"
07/24/08 - Blockhead "Fidelity Remix"
07/23/08 - Clue to Kalo "The Just Is Enough"
07/22/08 - Joakim Rmx "Hypercommunication"
07/21/08 - The Herbalister "Clap Your Hands"
07/18/08 - Michael Franti & Spearhead "Say Hey"
07/17/08 - The Grouch "Artsy"
07/16/08 - One Day As A Lion "Wild International"
07/15/08 - Metallica "One"
07/14/08 - Girl Talk "Like This"
07/11/08 - Menomena "Muscle N Flow"
07/10/08 - Quiet Village "Too High To Move"
07/09/08 - PEST "Pat Pong Switch Rmx"
07/08/08 - Shape of Broad Minds "Changes"
07/07/08 - Menomena "Wet and Rusting"

E.L.