Hoody Time – …to be reckoned with (Official Music Video) [TMN Premiere]

Los Angles emcee Hoody Time is bringing more than just any old rap project to the internet. He’s bring ripe beats, hot lyrics (actual lyrics, not just mumbling) and art to anyone who’s willing to dive into this rich chasm of creation. He’s already released an EP, a handful of collaborations, and now he’s here with a massive music video for his single “…to be reckoned with” that you will view first here in the dojo.

After watching this music video for the first time, we knew we had to jump on it for a premiere. There’s so much going on in it, you’re going to have to watch it at least a few times before you catch everything. Technically, it’s a lyric video, but it’s much more that just that. Hoody Time went a head and put together a true visual art piece that took a ton of time and effort. The result is worth it, as it expresses Hoody’s brand and creative direction nearly perfectly, if not perfect. From memes, to snacks, to movies, to games, you’ll find a bit of everything packed into this extraordinary video.

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[Electronic] Coolwater Set & RAC – The Coast ft. Jvzel

Coolwater Set & RAC
The Coast ft. Jvzel

Coolwater Set is a project made up of Far East Movement and the Scandinavian artist, Autolaser. As if that doesn’t already sound sweet, they bring in house legend RAC to collaborate on their latest single, “The Coast.” Right now they only have two songs out and we haven’t seen new music from Coolwater Set since last year’s single “Up To No Good” so I honestly didn’t see this one coming. On “The Coast” theses artists blend their own unique styles into a sick electronic/hip-hop groove. Jvzel keeps the cool with R&B backing vocals as the rhythms and bass build together. The resulting tune possesses a diverse sound, one that almost everyone can appreciate. After tuning in, you’ll be happy to hear that a full Coolwater Set EP is on the way.

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[Album Review] Sango & Dave B – Tomorrow

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For the readers out there who regularly tune in to our podcast, Music Ninja Radio, it is common knowledge that Kai Wright (aka Sango) is one of our most played and beloved producers. Since first bursting onto the scene via his remix album More Balloons and solidifying the fanbase with his debut LP North – an album that I still refer to as the greatest collection of music since its Summer 2013 release – Sango has truly spearheaded a sonic movement. Working with the influential Soulection crew, as well as the Grand Rapids/Seattle collective Astronaut Gang (AGO), Sango has pushed the boundaries of experimental trap & instrumental hip-hop well past would-be contemporaries everywhere.

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[TMN EXCLUSIVE] Viceroy Shares his Favorite Summer Tunes

When you earn the title of Sultan of Summer, it’s safe to say that you’re somewhat of an expert on all things warm-weather. We definitely know where we’ll turn if we’re looking for a refreshing cocktail recipe, the best beach destination, or a collection of the best summer tunes. That’s right – it’s our Resident Artist, Viceroy.

Of course, our pool playlists are brimming with tracks he’s produced, but we wanted to dig a little deeper and find out what he’s personally jamming to when he’s manning the BBQ or walking the beach. Take a look below and start getting those weekend plans in order. You’ll want to be outside to enjoy this nice little collection.

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[Experimental] MODEL 86 – When You Realise… EP

After hearing MODEL 86’s song “MONO” which was released a couple months back, I knew I would have my eye on this London-based producer. He is fresh to the scene but he is no novice to the world of creating music. His inspiration and ability are up there and if he keeps to this route he might become a well known taste maker. “MONO” served as a stellar promotional single preceding a full EP. It communicated the general sound and feeling behind the idea he had for this project, and it had me eagerly waiting for more.

Now the entirely of the EP is upon us and the creativity MODEL 86 was able to bring to that single resonates throughout the whole album. It is titled, “When You Realise People Are Not One Dimensional Characters In A Movie Of Your Life.” This abstract unorthodox title fits the album’s unique style. Throughout the record, MODEL 86 dives deeper into his inspirations and experimental curiosities.

With hip-hop, electronic and pop influences, MODEL 86’s songs span a diverse sonic palate. The two leading tracks, “Holdin’” and “MONO” are much more straight forward compared to the second half of the album. But the tracks flow together well. “NEED 808” serves as a perfect midpoint. It resembles a disjointed popular electronic song where a catchy melody is taken by storm, overrun by quick high hats, unpredictable hip-hop rhythms and glitchy vocal chops.

Any fans of forward-thinking hip-hop and electronic music will find something special here. So explore the new MODEL 86 EP, “When You Realise People Are Not One Dimensional Characters In A Movie Of Your Life.” 

’Holdin’
’MONO’
’NEED 808’
’Fake Life Jackets’
’Fallin Dust And Snow In A Ray Of Sun’
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Mayowa – Fight This Feeling (Prod. Milo Mills) [TMN EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE]

(Credit: Malika Favre)
Mayowa
Fight This Feeling (Prod. Milo Mills)

It’s been a while since we last heard from Mayowa (slightly over a year in fact), and a lot has changed in that time. For starters, he’s since opted to use his full first name, adding the “wa” onto Mayo in an effort to get back to his Nigerian roots. Also, after an extended stay in the City of Angels, the Chicago native is back to turn things up in his hometown. Despite the long hiatus, Mayowa is picking up right where he left off, reuniting with frequent collaborator Milo Mills for a bouncy new cut titled “Fight This Feeling”.

Aside from being the potential song of the summer, the genre-bending single also serves as an ode to independent women everywhere, with Mayowa expressing his admiration for one lady in particular, while also urging her to toss out all her inhibitions. Featuring a sample of “Moments of Love” by Art Of Noise, the track itself blends together an eclectic mix of hip-hop, R&B and future bass, as the talented rapper/singer constantly shifts gears throughout–which makes sense when you consider his main goal with his music:

I enjoy stepping outside of my comfort zone and experimenting with different styles. I don’t want to be held in the box of just ‘hip-hop.’

As we mentioned, Mayowa recently made his return back to Chicago, and in order to celebrate his homecoming he’s putting together a show this Friday at Home Bar called “Lituation”, which promises to be a lit situation. If you’re in town make sure to snag some tickets for the show right here.

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Saturday Selection Vol. 10

Saturday Selection

Here we are at volume 10 of Saturday Selection. It feels good. What makes this so enjoyable is the fact that we’re lucky enough to get great music released every week, and we’ve got the artists & producers to thank for that! Whenever, wherever, and however you can, support these talented people. They make our lives better and the least we can do is attempt to reciprocate by showing we enjoy what they create. On that note, let’s explore what we’ve found from the last week!


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San Holo – Still Looking

You may have caught this tune in our latest Wednesday Workout segment, but it’s so good that we just had to mention it again! With that being said, San Holo needs no introduction. He’s been on a roll for a while now, especially since his monumental release “We Rise”. He’s taken to bitbird to show off his latest track, and the first taste of the label’s upcoming Gouldian Finch compilation. “Still Looking” is textbook San Holo in the sense that it combines the best of melodic, trap, and bass elements into his festival-ready style. It’s carefree. It’s substantial. It’s innovative. Enjoy this one when you just want to feel good.


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KHAI – Alive

Here’s what’s cool about Khai: he’s unapologetic in his ability to detail exactly how he feels in his music and creates something beautiful around that principle. “Alive” is the latest shining example of this and, after his awesome If You EP, we’re just so glad to he’s back at it. There’s an air of optimism amidst the brooding production in this tune, and the balance between the two defines this stellar single as one of Khai’s best releases to date. Play this tune when you’re feeling a little down, but you’re also sort of okay with that.


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Jerry Folk – Where I’m Going

Jerry Folk has been on an interesting journey with his music as of late. Each release really has been something entirely different from the last, and this is somewhat the mission statement of loosely structured project, The Kids Tape. With “Where I’m Going”, he actually lends his own vocals to the radiant production that juggles prominent and funky slap bass, smooth keys, and an overall sense of positivity. Enjoy this one with the windows down.


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g l u e 7 0 – Conclusions

Sometimes all we need is a little bit of lo-fi in our lives. Some may find it stale, but when it’s done right, it’s pretty phenomenal. g l u e 7 0 is here to provide some of the best of it. “Conclusions” feels like a hazy and slightly distorted dream world driven by a hip-hop influence while scant vocals flutter every which way across the soundscape. You sort of get drawn in without noticing, and before you know it, you’re digging through the entirety of g l u e 7 0’s material. The magnetism of this sort of music is tough to deny. Listen to this one on a late summer night right as the sun is going down.


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M!NT – Sleepwalker

M!NT just dropped off his Through Darkness EP and it is NICE. It was difficult to only pick one tune from it to talk about, but “Sleepwalker” stood out after a few listens. It’s part spooky, part chill, and wholly great. Without a doubt, the innate sense of head-bobbing-ness (let’s just pretend that’s a thing) is strong with this one with a smoothly riding beat and big presence that’s tailor-made for a night cruise. Explore the city late night and enjoy the flashing lights with this one.


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