The Playlist: Yuck / Kid Cudi / SKTRKT ft Drake

Yuck - Soothe Me



Kid Cudi - To Da Top



SBTRKT Ft Drake + Little Dragon - Wildfire

How To Make It In America Music Video: Luis Guzman By Duck Sauce

This is BRILLIANT: Presented above is a witty revision of Duck Sauce’s hit track “Barbra Streisand” in anticipation of How To Make It In America’s second season this October. The music video is reworked and highlights Luis Guzman, the Puerto Rican actor who stars as Rene Calderon. Sharing the limelight with some infamous companions including Terry Richardson, Pharrell, Kid Cudi, Mark Wahlberg, Guzman takes us around the diverse and notorious neighborhood of New York’s Lower East Side. Hypebeast. How random is Asher Roth and Justin Bieber (probably the source of 75% of views) though?

How To Make It In America: Season 2.

There's a lot of things to like about How To Make It In America. It's set in New York and features wonderful shots of the city at every opportunity. It's funny. It's dramtic. It's emotional. It's full of beautiful people. It's got Kid Cudi. It's got Luiz Guzman. But above all, it's inspiring. Like no TV show I've watched, it makes me believe that I can achieve what I want to believe, and for a TV show to do that, is something pretty special. So if you haven't, catch up on season 1, and get ready for round 2.

How To Make It In America Season 2 [Trailer]

There's a lot of reasons you should catch up on season one of HTMIIA if you missed it:

• The inspiring story of two buddies trying to make it in America
• The backdrop to every episode is New York City
• Luiz Guzman's character
• It features Kid Cudi
• It also features Paul "Shitbreak" Finch from American Pie
• It tried to be cool, and as a result it is
• All of the above.

Catch up if you need to. If you don't, be happy.

Kid Cudi: No One Believes Me.

Hurray. At last it seems as if Kid Cudi is coming back to creative and innovative roots. For too long Cudi has rapped about being stoned and little else. But the boy has got talent, you can tell that from his mixtapes and debut album, but since he's been somewhat lacking. Now he's making up for it.



I felt that the video was a little too special just to throw it in a Music Monday, a little attention needs to be paid to the visuals directed by Craig Gillespie. The tune will also be featured in the upcoming remake of the 1985 horror-comedy film Fright Night, but until now the song had been under wraps. Watch above as Cudi walks through a creepy neighborhood where things just don’t seem to be right, and then unveils just who he really is.

Icons At Work: Jay-Z & Kanye West.

I have long held the belief that the term 'icon' is quickly becoming retired. For me, at icon has to have an awe about them, a certainly Godliness that can't be touched. It's easy to reel off icons that had this, Marilyn Monroe, Steve McQueen, Michael Jackson, I could go on. Those that become most iconic are often that those pass before their time, see the above list.

So with today's media intrusion, celebrity-obsessed culture and the likes of Twitter, are there still these untouchable icons?

It's difficult to think of any icons that are still with us. Nelson Mandela? Prince? David Beckham even? I think icons will now be made in their retirement, looking back on a life or body or work is the only real will to get an uninhibited view of the person. When the hype has died, the marketing teams have moved on, and you see what they did, how they changed the world, is when you can truly say you witnessed an icon.

Now to contradict myself and perhaps speak prematurely, I think that Jay Z and Kanye West will become icons, if they are not already. They have the talent, they have that certain Godly status about them (Kanye certainly believes he does anyways) and they have changed society and their industry, Jay-Z definitely so. So this collection of photos gives a rare insight into their world, into their process of creating their collaboration album, Watch The Throne. Who knows, it could be one of the most iconic albums of our time.

Kanye & GOOD Music Does SXSW.

There are some gigs in life that you would pay serious money to get into. Whether it's your favourite artist, the sheer quality of the live performance they offer, or even just the atmosphere. The best gigs combine all of this, my most recent was certainly Coldplay was Glastonbury.

When Kanye West and his GOOD Music family took to the stage at SXSQ festival, it was certainly something that was not to be missed. However if you are on the wrong side of the Atlantic, it had to be missed. But never fear, the good people at Vevo (yes, Vevo, the folks that everyone curses at for taking over Youtube) supported the event and have put together was quality iPhone-free highlights for all to enjoy.

From a pretty epic beginning, single handedly managed by Mos Def, through to the incredible Dark Fantasy with Bon Iver, to the still bizarre H.A.M with Jay Z, then to some wonderful sounds by John Legend with some solo performances by Big Sean, Kid Cudi and Pusha T, indulge yourself in an evening of GOOD Music.















G.O.O.D Music is Good Music.

Music Monday 58.

Mumford And Sons - Home



Remember Mumford And Sons? Of course you do. Most of the music loving world has played Sigh No More a million times, and their songs seem to take turns with Adele in providing background music for any sort of highlights. So it's so good to hear something new and get people looking forward to the new album, rumored 2012. 'Home' is a emotion-filled track about leaving people behind, it's warm and tender, and leaves my appetite whet for the new album.

Common - Ghetto Dreams (Ft Nas)



Yep, that's Common back. WITH NAS. This track is immense. No holds barred, they go strong. Nothing else left to say here.

The Knux - Run (Ft Kid Cudi)



Yey Cudi is back! And he's happy! It's easy to dismiss that this more 'poppy' and upbeat track as Cudi selling out, but far from it. Despite his two albums being as dark and emo as rap can get, his mixtapes were a much brighter and happier collection of tracks. I think everybody was getting a bit fed up of Cudi droning on about how stoned he always is, so it's good to get something fresh, especially something that sounds so, err, fresh.

Wiley - Wise Man And His Words.



Not sure if this a single off the new Wiley album, but it should be. Wiley is quickly dismissed by many and, to be fair, if you make a track like Rolex, you deserve to be. However if you can look past that 'song' you will see that Wiley works hard, and is a seriously accomplished rapper, so I feel that he deserves a second chance. And with this lovely yet simple piano loop underneath his lyrics, his second coming is here.

Kid Cudi: Marijuana.

Kid Cudi is so far away from attempting to dispel the notion that all famous people do is hang around and take drugs it's unreal. Now don't get me wrong, I've got a lot of time for the boy, his first album and mixtapes, were good, really good. The emo meets hip hop mix was something that hadn't been heard much before. Yet his second album was lazy, a missed opportunity after so much hype.

Despite rumors that he's quit the green, this video seems to show that the Kid from Cleveland is not keen to change his ways. And it seems everyone is a little fed up with seeing him just bum around and smoke weed. And then rap about it. The boy's got talent, he needs to show it.

Rant over.



Despite all of the above, I do like the video, but I feel that that's mainly down to cameraman, director and editor Shia LaBeouf. Ok, there may have not been a huge amount of direction going on here, but I really like the filters used with the combination of, of course, Amsterdam. It combines the dark and odd mystery that covers Amsterdam's coffee houses and brothels with an equally dark and odd track. So for that, the plaudits surely have to go to Mr LaBeouf.

Music Monday 47.

Kid Cudi - Capcom



Yes! Something new from Cudi! MOTM2 was a bit of let down, let's be honest, which is a shame for a man with so much talent and depth, maybe too much depth. He's promised to step away from the dark for his new work, whether he means it or not is another matter, and you can definitely see this in this track. He seems to go happy sing a long chorus, dark and speedy verse, not 100% if it works, but so good to hear something new.

Childish Gambino - Break (All Of The Lights Remix)



The ever ambitious Childish Gambino takes on Kanye's monster track All Of The Lights and he succeeds, boy does he succeed. He strips back the original track, adds in some acoustic guitar and then just goes for it. I still think it sounds a little strange when he goes hard and aggressive, he just seems too nice for that, nevertheless, he did Kanye proud.

Fleet Foxes — Montezuma



Now for a chance of pace my lovely listeners, here's the latest track from Fleet Foxes' new album Helplessness Blues. It's beautiful. You can imagine this being played in a church. Sit back and enjoy.

Volcano Choir - Blue Ni Ni



With strong rumors of a new Bon Iver album due out in June, it's good to see Justin Vernon still has to time to put out new material with his band Volcano Choir. It's as transfixing and melodic as you would expect, some familiar riffs in there, yet it sounds completely new. And completely awesome.

Koan Sound - Wide Open



I can't say too much about this band, because I know absolutely nothing. But I really like their instrumental, semi-dub, semi-electro vibes. I've got a feeling this is going to be a perfect band for the summer months.

Inside The Rage.

Inside the mind of Kid Cudi is a scary place to be, one imagines. Cudi is famed for his dark, emo and stoned approach to both his music and life, yet he seems like the sort of guy that would be actually be a great deal of fun to be around. A complex character.



Here is the full documentary from Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager. It's very cool. As you expect, it's as dark and it is fun. Some of the imagery in it is very cool and the concerts look intense, a great insight into the mind and life of Kid Cudi.

Kanye X Rihanna's Boobs X Hype Williams X Cudi X Typography X LIGHTS.

Just reading the title of this post should give you a big enough incentive to watch the new Kanye West video. So I'll shut up and let you.



There is so much that this video has going for it. Sure it's not ground-breaking, but personally, I think that Kanye's has done more than his fair share of ground smashing recently. The direction from Hype is amazing, unsurprisingly the use of lighting is perfect and somehow not over the top. Taking a leaf out of Cee Lo Green's music video book, the typography is spot on (although it is an easy option). And who ever designed Rihanna's lack of outfit should be given some sort of reward.

Self Belief.

“I’m incomparable to anybody. I don’t care how people take that. No one can compete with me. I’m unfuckwittable; no one can knock me off my shit. I’m an unstoppable force, I’m a bullet. My trajectory is to the sky.”

– Scott Mescudi

Music Monday 26.

Cee Lo Green - It's Ok



The last time we show such a wonderful lyric video was indeed from Cee Lo, and it was it huge track Fuck You. Therefore, pay attention. This song brings some gorgeous motown and soulful vibes with Mr Green's ever incredible voice. This man knows how to make a catchy tune.

Brother - Time Machine



This band have seem to come from nowhere with some great indie pop tunes that can't be denied. All we know is that they are from Slough (no always a good thing) and that they are a mixture of members from Kill The Arcade and Wolf Am I. This is a totally different sound from previous projects, and after their incredible first single Darling Buds of May, it's clear these boys knew their way around. Big fan.

J Cole - Who Dat?



I strongly suggest you start to pay attention to this man. Featured on Kanye's amazing Last Call, touted by Jay-Z as the next star on The Blueprint 3, already having big tunes Simba and Lights Please under his belt, this man is looking like the future. The shame with this new song is that the repetitive shouts of "Who Dat?" covers up the clever word play and lyrical ability of this guy. So, I repeat, pay attention.

Kanye West ft Kid Cudi & Raekwon - Gorgeous



Hopefully soon Dark Twisted Fantasy will leak or get released so our ball ache can cease as we get teased every week by Kanye. This is the first track on his short film Runaway, and it stood out to me instantly. Simple beat, Cudi's voice and Kanye's wordplay is at his best on this track. Listen up.

Kid Cudi X McLovin X Kanye West

Kid Cudi's new video for the song featuring Kanye. Genius.

Music Tuesday 23.

A day late as I didn't get back from a weekend of surfing until yesterday afternoon and it was fair to say every inch of my body had been destroyed by the waves.

Kanye West Ft Bon Iver - Lost In The World



The first pairing of these two was on Monster, although it could be fair to say that Bon Iver got slightly lost beneath the orgy of artists on that track. However now it's just the two of them. It's brave, for the both of them. Although it works. Kanye of course, decided to use Bon Iver's only auto-tuned track, Woods and added his own influence to the track. Give it a chance.

Alexisonfire - Dog's Blood



After completely rinsing their back catalogue and newest album, Young Cardinals, over the past few months it is nice to have something new from the Canadians. This is the title track from their forthcoming EP, and I like it, a lot. There's only live versions at the moment, so a recorded version will need to be given a chance too. From the first few listens it sounds like they're going back a stage to their slightly more post-hardcore roots, but using continuing brilliance of Dallas' voice to full effect. Very, very nice.

Kid Cudi Ft Cage - Maniac



Hopefully this video stays up. This is my favourite track that I have heard from MOTM2. You get Cudi's familiar stoned, yet articulate ramblings over a lovely, steady beat, accompanied by a female voice.

Kings Of Leon - Pyro



Another gorgeous track from the new album. And yes the style is going backwards, only a good thing.

Music Monday 22.

Kings of Leon - The Immortals



It looks like The Immortals will "the slow song" off of new album Come Around Sundown, and yet another sign that they might be sneaking back to the old stuff with their new found fanbase. It's a lovely track, not the best or most beautiful that they have produced, but still a nice listen.


Ray Davies & Mumford & Sons - Days/This Time Tomorrow



This is lovely combination of Mumford & Sons with Ray Davies, aka The Kinks' frontman. The Mumford boys are offering this controbution to Davies' new solo album, and the combination is simply wonderful. It's nice to hear something a bit new from M&S after listening to Sigh No More a million and one times. Also check out their trip to India and the EP they released with Laura Marling and the Dharohar Project, it's weird but very wonderful, with an excellent documentary of the trip on Youtube.

Chiddy Bang - The Good Life



Chiddy Bang's new album The Preview leaked this week, and although there's some great new tracks on it, see above. But there's a good few tracks off of The Swelly Express, on what is a relatively short album. The new tracks are good, but really don't live upto the genius of Truth or Opposite of Kids.

Kanye's Corner
Kanye West ft. Jay-Z, RZA, Pusha T, Swizz Beatz & Cyhi The Prynce - So Appalled




Kanye West ft Kid Cudi, Pusha T, John Legend, Lloyd Banks & Ryan Leslie - Christian Dior Denim Flow



No-one quite knows if Kanye has finished with his GOOD Friday phase of giving away a free track every Friday, each one with more artists on it than before, but as I said before, I don't think anyone is complaining. Head to Kanye's website to download them all for free. Let's just hope he lets all these rappers have some time to produce their own stuff, especially Kid Cudi.

Music Tuesday 19

Tardiness due to Bestival. Apologies. But I'm not that sorry, I had a bloody brilliant time. But to make it up to you there's a big mixed bag of music for your pretty ears.


Kanye West ft. Kid Cudi, Common, Pusha T, Big Sean and Charlie Wilson - Good Friday



Followers of the blog will know that a combination of Kanye and Cudi was always going to be up on here. A group bigger than a basketball team have gone into this track, causing it to push the boundary of too many voices, but of course Kanye makes it work. Kanye seems to be churning out a hit on a weekly basis at the moment and sure as hell no one is complaining. Bring on the album.

Kings Of Leon - Radioactive



The mere fact that it appears to be impossible to find an embeddable video for the new single says much about the position that KOL find themselves in today. After the hugely successful Only By The Night album, the band have found themselves very much in the mainstream and progressing away from the old sound of the first three albums. Not that I didn't like OBTN, it just seems a shame to stray away from their original, great sound. Radioactive instantly strikes as a mix of new and old KOL, likely to alienate new "fans", but it's a good song showing the ability to provide a big chorus with solid riffs and rhythms.


We Are The Ocean - Lucky Ones



As WATO prepare to release their debut album in a deluxe edition with the much loved EP and 4 new tracks (of which this is one) it feels as though they are clearly pushing for the mainstream with this track. Not that I hate it, but I'm certainly not a massive fan. The "woahs" and lack of Dan's screams make it much more accessible for new fans and gives it the sing-along factor. Another new track Playing With My Heart, feels much closer to home, yet you can tell the band is progressing and maturing, so there still is hope for old WATO fans.

Jakwob - Here With Me



Jakwob is mainly known for his remixes, particularly of Ellie Goulding, however this track produced on his lonesome, really is something special. The song combines dub beats, the wobbles of the bass, subtle vocals and simple synth beats perfect for the lull in the club. Apart from adding it's an equally gorgeous video, there's not much to add about this track. It's just a bit perfect.


Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Atlas Hands



Apologies for the lack of visuals for this song but I couldn't not post this song. I caught the end of the track and instantly had to scribble down his name. A beautiful voice, cute lyrics and simple strums combine to create a simply gorgeous track. Just enjoy.

Music Friday 17.

I know I've been sloppy these past few weeks, but I have excuses in the form of working night shifts and preparing to go to New York next week. So here's a real quick catch-up of some big tunes. No words, just music.

Kanye West Ft Beyonce & Charlie Wilson



Ok, I know I said no words, but seriously, the lyrics in this song are incredible. Listen.

Cee-Lo - Fuck You



Best Coast - Boyfriend



Kanye West Ft Jay-Z - Power (Remix)



Kid Cudi - Mr Rager



Mark Ronson - Bike Song



We Are The Ocean - Playing My Heart






LISTEN UP!

Yes Cudi.

The sky might be falling but remember you can fly high.

Kid Cudi - 2009