Trying to define the work of Manu Chao — who has finally followed up on his 2001 disc, Próxima Estación: Esperanza, after a six-year hiatus — is certainly not easy. The Franco-Spanish musician challenges the listener using lyrics written in four languages and beats that reflect complete open-mindedness. The artist…
His Definitive Jux labelmate El-P is P.K. Dick-obsessed, and fellow Caucasian rap-adours like Buck 65 and Sage Francis delve into bloggish beatnik narratives. But Aesop Rock seems like the last honky indie rapper who just wants to kick a beat and bust a rhyme. The hook is that Rock is…
Here are two situations you have probably found yourself in if (a) you have a penis and are/were (b) not in a fraternity: #1: While at a friend’s generally lame party — he just played Journey — you meet a girl who looks as bored as you. She’s beautiful, and…
In the beginning, California artist/musician Chris Deckker imagined a world united through music, dancing away to pulsing beats but with a purpose of a greater good. And in 1997, he realized his creation, and it was good. The first Earthdance, as he dubbed his event, was a logical outgrowth of…
World/Inferno Friendship Society is many things — namely a suit-wearing, horn-playing, trouble-advocating, theater-referencing 10-plus-member collective fronted by the quip-happy Jack Terricloth. Its live shows are a mix of anarchy and Chicago, its presence a match of swagger and style. What it is not, though, is modest. But nothing influenced by…
If the opening track of this splendid new disc doesn’t convince you that John Fogerty has returned to full-strength as a songwriter, you’re either deaf or really, really depressed. “Don’t You Wish It Was True” is the kind of rootsy anthem that Fogerty used to kick out with miraculous regularity…
It’s kind of bad-ass, if you think about it, to sound like Paul Simon. The pop world is full of Beatles and Stones imitators, after all. Not so much Mr. Simon. Yet it’s obvious, from the opening refrains of this inspired sophomore effort, that Fisher spent his youth listening to…
State of the Art (Rawkus Edition) featuring ArtOfficial, L.E.G.A.C.Y., Dynas, Protoman September 8, 2007 PS14, Downtown Miami Better Than: The MTV Video Music Awards The Review: Underground hip hop shows are hard to come by these days. Circa, say, 2004-2005, Miami’s burgeoning boombap movement was in full effect where indie…
Is everyone doing the Soulja Boy these days?? The dance is kinda fun. Kinda. Looks like Beyonce’s even worked it into her routine. –Jonathan Cunningham If you want to learn how to do the Soulja Boy Crank Dat dance…watch and learn: )…
This lil dude is too funny! Apparently, Weng Weng was a real Philipino TV star in the 70s and this viral video below has a bunch of clips from that lovely, “miniature” televisions series. Weng Weng’s popularity has seen a recent resurgence thanks to this remix, which shows that Weng…
Early this morning, the unofficial Mayor of Miami, Trick Daddy, was arrested at Tootsie’s Cabaret and charged with disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest. Knowing that Trick loves the strip clubs just about as much as he loves the kids, it’s no surprise that his latest scuffle took place at one…
By Ben Westhoff Recently, I met up with 50 at G-Unit Clothing headquarters on 23rd Street, which boasts a faux-library of gold-painted books and topless ebony mannequins. In the flesh, Curtis Jackson III repped his brand loyalties by wearing a white Yankees cap, white Reeboks, and having the office stocked…
No albino python, no making-out with Madonna, not even any making out with a python! Britney Spears’ “comeback” performance Sunday on the MTV Video Music Awards, where she performed her new single “Gimme More,” was simply lackluster. It only served as validation that this former pop-princess – who once held…
It’s an undebatable fact that the MTV VMA’s are a big waste of time. Britney Spears jiggling her way across a stage and Kanye West throwing yet another temper tantrum is not news. But damn if it’s not entertaining to watch the stars in all of their drunken glory! Aside…
One of South Florida’s finest underground MC’s, Dynas, recently released a new video with good lyrics and some well-needed strong social commentary. Watch out for hip-hop’s Special Task force. The tune is called “Figure it Out” and Dynas isn’t holding his tongue on this one. Check it out. –Jonathan Cunningham…
If you know anything about SXSW, the annual new music showcase in Austin, TX, you know that SPIN magazine’s parties/shows there are epic. Here’s your chance to play next year’s edition. Enter the Hot Pursuit, an online competition powered by Music Nation. Upload your songs, videos, and photos on the…
There aren’t many names within the global house community as recognizable as Bad Boy Bill’s. As the long-time poster boy for Chicago house, Bill has been taking house music to higher and higher levels since the mid-’80s, when he used to open for the famed Hot Mix 5. While he…
Global news outlets are reporting that the most famous opera singer of our time has passed away. Luciano Pavarotti died at his home in Italy after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 71 years old. The king of the high C’s and longtime member of the famed Three…
Ky-mani might very well be the forgotten Marley. One of countless children of the late, great Bob, he saw his release Many More Roads nominated for a Grammy for Best Reggae Album in 2001. But Ky-mani’s brother, Damian Marley, walked away with the award. “It is a blessing and a…
Rob Zombie is a lot less scary in person. For years his grizzled appearance — thick beard, tattoos, and, quite often, dreadlocks — has combined with his love of horror, both in his personal life and his music, to create the persona of a creepy creature of the night. In…
I admit it — I don’t like cover bands. In fact I’ve never heard a cover band that can substitute for the original record. My wife tells me I can’t appreciate cover bands because I don’t dance, and she’s right on that score; every time I attempt to gyrate, I…
Obituary singer John Tardy was a pioneer of the low-growl metal-vocal sound, but he sounds pretty normal over the phone. “I can’t wait to see the fans in Miami,” he says, referring to the Tampa band’s first local gig in two years. Saturday’s stop at Studio A is part of…
