The HighLife

An artist with a penchant for attention to detail has a profound way of  producing thought provoking work.  This isn't the first time this artist has been featured on THL (+), but that was only just a preview.  Welcome to the Daniel Szymanowski show.



















dansz.com

It seems I'm in a Tar Heel state mood...  Aside from a select few artists, the art of storytelling has mostly been neglected not only by hiphop but by most genres of music in general.  It's one thing to write a song that is layered in meaning and abstract in delivery, but it's even more revealing to tell a story that is real and uncompromising.  It's exactly the latter sort of storytelling that makes this North Carolina native so intriguing.  The first signee to RocNation, he's released two mixtapes since last year, The Come Up and The Warm Up, and they're both sick!  Simply not your average hiphop.  Definitely check out the ode to his home state, "Carolina on my Mind" from The Come Up, but most especially the crazy good "Dreams" from The Warm Up.  That's it for now but keep in mind, if he's only just warming up y'all better be ready for game time.  This is J. Cole.

Simplicity is simply not that simple.  It's one of the hardest things to acheive in the world; anyone can be complex.  The work of this New England-based North Carolina native, like the artist himself, is unassuming.  On the level it's quite direct, but deeper observation reveals a complexity that's only acheived through a high level of introspection and understanding of aesthetics.  Get to know Heyward Hart.

heywardhart.com

In theaters January 15th.  The man just doesn't make bad movies.  Period.



p.s. in the meantime, you really should go see Sherlock Holmes

Merry merry y'all.  Here's one of a few presents we've got for you before the year is out.   Think of them as essentials for heading into the new year.  First off, a couple of guaranteed party starters by a duo of really talented dudes from Norway.  These are the Albino Superstars.

Team Disco

+ Louder Version

My Girls

What it is people.  While were on the topic of haunting music that you can't get out of your head (thank you Corey!).  Here are a couple that will most definitely percolate around your cranium for a while.  Plus some images that will certainly do the same.  Welcome to The Jumpoff!

A-Side

{image/mrmadeofcodes}
Where is Lloyd?  This song is probably about two years old now, but for whatever reason each time i hear it again it always seems like the first time hearing it.  The remix is also just as persistent, but the original "oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh g-g-g-get it shawty" gets me everytime.  Get yours.  Lloyd - Get it Shawty



B-Side

{image/mrmadeofcodes}
I dare you to listen to this and not get it stuck in your head.  Pick one, the verse, the chorus, the beat; it will stay with you.  Whatever your feelings may be about The Dutchess, just remember that the "the girl can't help it."  Fergie - Clumsy



That'll do it today.  Try to keep your mind positive, regardless of what finds its way into your head.  Stay cool. Until next time, be easy.

And wow, I don't know if any of you had the chance to watch the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary Concert, but it was...to say the least...magnificent.

I've watched it three times. In its entirety.

This was BY FAR my favorite performance: Jeff Beck & Buddy Guy

 

Nothing new, it's just been haunting me for the past week or so. Handsome isn't necessarily my favorite...but they're good. Although I have to admit, Barrington Levy is a reggae staple, and Del The Funkee Homosapien is one of the best MC's out there. 

Anyway, this song reminds me of Hawaii.

From his April 2009 solo album, Brand New Blues, here's the New Orleans jazz-funk-blues flavor of the youngest Neville brother. 

Cyril Neville - I Found Joy

Harmolipi Twp. Book 2
{Image/Andrew Negrey}

This view of Harmolipi Twp. Book 2 is part of an ongoing series from artists Andrew Negrey and Luke Meeken.  Harmolipi Twp. Book 1, which can be found in Issue 1 Addendum, touches on themes of thought and beliefs.   Issue 2  "explores the mythology of space. Present in all works is a sense of isolation, an investigation of the inner world, the otherworld, and the unknown, and an attempt to capture and understand the singular mystique and insular nature of the individual and the world she or he creates. "   Also, most definitely check out Issue 2 Addendum, "24 daily installments featuring contributors from Issue 1" and more.  So far you've missed...

Day 1 - Personalize and Send Your Own E-Card
Day 2 - Action/Adventure EP  Super Treno Land {Definitely peep Level 1 and Level 9}
Day3 - Celestial Maps  Christopher Kardambikis  {Very modern rennaissance}

... Stay tuned.


Celestial Maps 3
{Image/Christopher Kardambikis}