Ice Cube ft. Redfoo & 2 Chainz - Drop Girl (Remix)

Umm, normally I don't post songs like this, but Ice Cube on an EDM track is not something you see everyday. I don't apologize. You're welcome.

New Music: Redman - Dunfiato

I'm not going to tell you how hot this is. I'm not going to tell you that this is off Reggie Noble's upcoming Muddy Waters 2 release. I'm not going to tell you that the Funk Docta is re-teaming with Method Man to bring us Blackout 3 later this year.

All I'm going to say is listen. You're welcome.

"I don't need no turn up beat, I need some elements...some hip-hop"

New Music: Halsted - Salmon Crouquettes (Prod. by No I.D.)

He's back and he dropped the Mikkey. The emcee formally known as Mikkey Halsted has recruited legendary producer, No I.D.. for this mellow rock of heat. Halsted's lyrics blend beautifully with No I.D.'s hypnotic beat. It looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship. I hope to hear more from these two in 2014. Damn, it feels good to hear some actual GOOD music come out of Chicago, and I'm happy to support it. You're welcome.

New Music: Aloe Blacc - Love Is The Answer (produced by Pharrell)

I remember a few years ago this man was telling us how he needed a dollar, now he's doing songs with Pharrell.  Looks like he got that dollar and then some. Love Is The Answer is from Aloe Blacc's Wake Me Up EP, and I am REALLY feeling it. Aloe's voice has that powerful and gruffy Roy Ayers/Bill Withers vibe to it that I dig. As for the beat, (I hate to do it to you again, Pharrell, but...), it has the perfect blend of bounce and groove to it, but it kind of sounds like Pharrell borrowed from, stole from, paid homage to parts of Herb Alpert's 1979 jazz classic Rise.

It might sound familiar because Diddy also borrowed, stole, sampled, Diddy-ed elements of it for The Notorious B.I.G.'s 1997 hit Hypnotize. Great minds think alike, I guess. Normally, this wouldn't be a big deal to me, but Pharrell kind of annoyed me when he played the Vanilla Ice card when he was questioned about his last allegations of musical theft (the eerie similarities between Robin Thicke's summer smash Blurred Lines and Marvin Gaye's classic Got To Give It Up). Here's what he told the Associated Press last month:

"If you read music, all you have to do is read the sheet music, it's completely different. [Marvin Gaye] is the king of all kings, so let's be clear about that, and we take our hats off to him. But anybody that plays music and reads music, just simply go to the piano and play the two. One's minor and one's major. And not even in the same key."

Now, I can understand than no artist wants their creativity questioned, but at the same time, don't discredit the intelligence of your audience. Just admit it, you like to borrow from legends. We get it, Rise and Got To Give It Up are infectious jams, you couldn't help yourself.

All of that aside, I really like this song, and if you value my musical opinion you will too. You're welcome.

New Music: Childish Gambino - Yaphet Kotto

Childish Gambino a.k.a. Donald Glover a.k.a. Troy Barnes is at it again, and thank god. In preparation for the release of his sophomore album, Because The Internet, the childish one hits us with this jewel. Currently, the hot trend in hip-hop is to name your song after a buzz worthy public figure (ex: Miley Cyrus, Michael Jordan, Bill Gates, etc...), which is why I think it's AWESOME that CG named this song after a supporting actor in 80s action flicks that nobody today could name. While I've got your attention, Google Yaphet Kotto, and you will find one of the ugliest black actors in history. He literally looks the way his name sounds.

Back to the song. This is pure hip-hop. A mellow beat decorated with creative and witty punchlines, similes, and metaphors. Childish Gambino is probably my sixth favorite rapper out there right now; right behind Dylan, Dylan, Dylan, Dylan, and...umm...oh yeah...Dylan (Chappelle reference, it's okay to giggle, people). This song is exactly what the game is missing. Don't just take my word for it, give a listen for yourself. You're welcome.

New Music: A Bunch of Stuff

Good evening. I realized I've been so busy getting others to post, that I've been neglecting my readers...all eight of you. So, I decided to neglect my wife for a few minutes and hit you with a post.  I only got a few minutes before she hits me with a few hard "sighs" and asks me "whatcha doing?", which really translates into "get the f-ck off the computer, dickhead...NOW!!!", so I'll make it quick.

I figured what better way to get re-acquainted with my audience than to scour the interweb and find a new song to hit you with. Instead I found five. Usually, each new song gets it's own post, but as the old black lady from YouTube says, "ain't nobody got time for that!" You get a five pack today, you're welc...oops not yet.

New Music: Bone Crusher ft. Raheem DeVaughn – Vibration

Good evening. I've got a new one from...wait, does that say...Bone Crusher? Yes it does! Mr. "I Ain't Neva Scared!" trades his normal "head-bussa" style in for a more smooth, laid back approach, and I have to say he does a good job pulling it off. This song definitely does not sound like it was created by the man pictured above. Rappers are rarely capable of successfully re-inventing their styles, but Crusher seems to have fit into his new lane nicely. This song has beer and back deck written all over it. You're welcome.

New Music: Rapper Big Pooh – Don’t Change

I had to post something good to get that hot garbage taste of R.Kelly's latest effort out of mouth.  I love anything from any of the Little Brother alumni. You're welcome...for real this time.

New Music: Terrace Martin ft. Robert Glasper & James Fauntleroy – No Wrong, No Right

Uh oh, two days in row.  This dude might actually be serious about returning to form. Maybe so, but who in their right mind could pass up on posting beautiful music like what I have presented to you today. This collabo from West Coast veteran Terrace Martin (yes, there's no "n"), James Fauntleroy from Cocaine 80s, and pianist extraordinaire Robert Glasper, is a beautiful way to start the upcoming weeks of summer's conclusion.  This song is so silky smooth and relaxing, you wouldn't think it was about the carousel of confusion that sometimes accompanies the amusement park of love. Grab a nice beverage, sit back, and enjoy the sounds of Mr. Martin and his talented friends.  You're welcome.

New Music: Mayer Hawthorne - Her Favorite Song

Not to sound racist or nothing (already offended?), but why does it seem like the best R&B is coming from caucasians? First Justin, then Robin, now Mayer.  This is the definition of a jam.  I am really feeling the whole Earth, Wind, & Fire/Ohio Players vibe to this cut.  This is that after dark-driving with the windows down-wearing sunglasses type stuff.  You're welcome.

New Music: Childish Gambino - Think Of Me

I know, I know, I'm a little late posting this.  What can I say, I'm selfish. I was trying to keep this one to myself for as long as possible.  Donald Glover a.k.a. Childish Gambino has done it again, this time for Funkmaster Flex's new mixtape, Who You Mad At? Me or Yourself? If I didn't love Community so much, I would wish that Donald would give up acting and focus full time on rhyming. I know, I'm being selfish again, but just listen to the track and you'll agree.  He kills it! He lends the perfect bars to this beat.  Good way to move into the warmer season (I refuse to call it spring yet, just warmer than winter, kinda).  You're welcome.

New Music: Janelle Monae ft. Erykah Badu - Q.U.E.E.N.

Damn.  Wow.  The title says it all. I don't think these two paid attention to Beyonce with her Bow Down sentiments.  Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu on the same track, if that doesn't draw you in, I don't know what will.  From the first chord, this song just exudes power.  You can keep your Bieber and will.i.am mash-ups, the game definitely needs more creative collaborations like this.  You're welcome.

New Music: Twista ft. R.Kelly - Throwin' My Money

I'm not a fan of this song at all, but I feel it is my duty to feature music from Chicago artists, and especially Chicago icons like Twista and R. Kelly. What we have here is another example of older artists forcing themselves to create music in the mold in what is perceived as popular today.

These two are getting up there in age, isn't it about time that they diversify their subject matter. Something about 40 year-olds crooning about making it rain on strippers' booties seems so passe.  They both probably have grandchildren they don't know about somewhere. As young as Robert seems to like them, he might have some great-grandchildren floating around.  Well here it is, a song that sounds like everything else, but worse and more contrived.  You're welcome.