alternative hip hop – Page 2

Posts tagged "alternative hip hop" (Page 2)

CCP Ep. #164: Stereotypes by Black Violin

Come witness what many would call the junction point of two repelling magnets (Hip-Hop and Classical) with the newest album by Black Violin, called Stereotypes. Its core members (violinist Kev Marcus and violist Wil B) might argue this point however, as they approach their unique brand of genre fusion as a marriage made in… Florida. Give the album a listen (the duo’s first LP under the Universal Classics label) and then come give us a listen! Or, skip to 1:31:26 for a roundtable discussion on whether Hip-Hip can claim the title of “most versatile.” We’ve got our opinions, let’s hear yours!

CCP Ep. #147: Rivington Não Rio by Prefuse 73

The electronic/abstract hip hop community must be delighted by the release of Scott Herren’s latest album, Rivington Não Rio, released under his long-time alias, Prefuse 73. After several other projects, Herren’s Prefuse 73 label once again incurs an eclectic array of collaborators and featured artists, while Rivington Não Rio also aims to take us down a much darker path. After we break the album down to its core, stick around for a followup discussion on ‘music description’ and the pallete of words we implement—or strain to implement—when summing up our favorite sections.

Ep. #22 – Feat. Mega Ran

Back to nerdcore! This week we take an excursion through the life of Mega Ran, nerdcore rapper hailing from Phoenix, Arizona. For the full excursion, fans can now purchase a documentary that was released about Mega Ran’s life called MEGA-LO-MANIA. With Matt, however, he discusses recent projects such as his latest solo record, Mega Ran Com: Mission, as well as a collaborative effort with fellow nerdcore rapper Storyville called Soul Veggies. Touching upon an upcoming record and the concept behind its inspiration, they also chat about how gaming has influenced his life & music, what it feels like to be officially licensed by Capcom as an indie artist, and his unique transition from a teaching career to full-time rapper.

Ep. #19 – Feat. YTCracker

For today’s episode, Matt confronts the seasoned nerdcore talent of YTCracker. A humble artist with big ambitions, YTCracker’s extensive discography has brought him to his latest release, Introducing Neals, a narrative about a not-too-distant future where web security and piracy prevention have become privatized. A chat on the origins of this musical concept reveals further plans of a possible film adaptation. Also hear Matt and YTCracker discuss the importance of sacrifice when making art, and the need to decompress. With some final jibber-jabber on League of Legends, dive into this jam-packed discussion!

Ep. #17 – Feat. Beefy

Beefy is Matt’s guest today! And not only is he here to promote his nerdcore-laden LP, Grown Up (featuring the likes of MC Lars, Mikal kHill, Adam WarRock, and MegaRan), he’s also here to discuss the fascinating impact producers have had on his many albums. From there, Beefy also discusses a less-common tribulation facing artists: balancing a steady job, a family, and his art all at once. Onward to a mutual joy for the online game League of Legends, come step into the world of Beefy with your host, Matt Storm!

Ep. #16 – Feat. Adam WarRock

Today we arrive at the long-awaited appearance of rapper and Philadelphia native, Adam WarRock. Another pillar in the annals of nerdcore, WarRock is also known for his sincere raps about life in all respects. His latest release, Gifted Student, was produced by previous guest to the podcast Mikal kHill and was released on January 22nd, 2015. Matt and WarRock discuss this working relationship, along with their shared addiction to Magic: The Gathering. Then we hear about WarRock’s participation in the annual 24-hour Rap-A-Thon, a charity event, for which (in its latest run) Adam contributed over 18 songs — written, produced, and released, in just 24 hours. This and more chitter-chatter with today’s prolific artist and your host, Matt Storm.

Ep. #14 – Feat. Sulfur

Dishing out another serving of nerdcore for our referentially-inclined fans, today’s interview demands a certain callback: In CCA Ep. #8, Matt had the pleasure of speaking with Mikal kHill of the two-piece rap group, ThoughtCriminals. Now, Matt completes his cross-examination of the duo by taking on its other member, Sulfur. Like Mikal kHill, Sulfur keeps the tradition of nerdcore alive with his own solo career, and with his new EP, Enter the 36th Chamber — a work that entirely concerns the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Discussing this, his love of gaming, and dropping some hints at an upcoming full-length, get the full scoop on Sulfur’s many talents with today’s interview.

Ep. #13 – Feat. MC Lars

Keeping with the theme of nerdcore, Matt sits down—yes, sits down—with one of its legends, MC Lars, in this rare face-to-face interview held in the confines of his very own tour van. Following a concert with MC Chris and Spose, this jam-packed interview covers Lars’s origins in the nerdcore community and his approach to songwriting and sampling. Featuring additional commentary on up-start musicians, many hailing from the unheralded YouTube generation, Lars’s advice is sure to inform and inspire over the course of this lively chat.

Ep. #12 – Feat. kristybee!

Today Matt welcomes kristybee!, a solo nerdcore rapper from Virginia Beach and member of the rap group, The Nerdlucks. Another musician priviledged to work with some of the best in the industry, kristybee has exchanged collaborations with the one-and-only Schaffer the Darklord. She was featured in his single and music video, “Boys” (from the album Sick Passenger), and he in turn was featured in her song, “Ramona Flowers vs. The World”, which will appear on her new album slated for release in 2015. Join in as Matt learns how kristybee! was introduced to the community of nerdcore and hear about her tour with Mikal kHill. Also enjoy a pointed digression on the movie, comic, and soundtrack of the highly influential Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

Ep. #11 – Feat. SkyBlew

Perhaps underrated in the dark corners of music criticism is the importance of spreading positivity in the medium. Thankfully this necessity is not only considered, but passionately realized by today’s guest, SkyBlew, the 23-year-old rap prodigy who lives by the slogan, “I don’t rap… I paint the Sky Blew.” With the release of his new record, SkyBlew’s UNModern Life, he conveys this philosophy in a variety of ways, from the album’s smooth tones and warm imagery to his heartfelt lyrics about overcoming setbacks. With Matt, SkyBlew discusses the theme of positivity and how surprisingly rare it is across multiple genres. He also celebrates his passions by dabbling in nerdcore, which he expresses to Matt along with his influences, his aspirations, and a deep love for anime. All this and how the artist got his start in today’s uplifting interview!

Music is Life… and Life is Good!

Tag: alternative hip hop