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OUTKAST – TWO DOPE BOYZ

Outkast is one of my biggest influences when it comes to my taste in rap/hip-hop. “Two Dope Boyz” is a perfect example of what I love about them. I just love the sound of their 808 kick drums and sharp snare hits, especially on their earlier stuff. There’s arguably no better rap duo in the history of rap. Andre 3000 and Big Boi have a legendary descriptive flow that keeps you glued to the music like you were watching a movie of their lives. If you’re not hip to Outkast you need to check out the album ATLiens. 

DAFT PUNK – REVOLUTION 909

Daft Punk is no more. The influential french electronic band called it quits earlier this week. I have so many fond memories of Daft Punk, from falling asleep to the Homework album every night in high school, to being blown away the first time I saw the “Around the World” video. I chose kind of a deep track to feature on the playlist. “Revolution 909” is from the group’s 1997 album Homework. This track is perfect for a late night dance off at your local house party (which is just your own house because we can’t have house parties right now lol). Thank you Daft Punk. 

JERMANGO DREAMING – BREEZE

So I discovered a new record label called Nice Guys out of France. Jermango Dreaming is one of the incredible artists that are signed to them. Jermango Dreaming is a mix of electro-pop, psych-rock, and indie. He doesn’t have a huge catalog, but the few songs that are on Spotify are all amazing. This track puts a smile on my face, and takes me to another world. It sounds like the perfect track for an interstellar road trip. I hope to hear more from Jermango soon. 

LRZ – HAPPILY DEPRESSED

Lzr is the first artist I heard from the Nice Guys label. This song is sooooo good. I starts out with a really basic, soft guitar riff, and then slams you with a crazy electronic hip hop beat that I was not expecting. Then the hook has a huge synth that kind of reminds me of a Photay (week 4) type song. Again, like Jermango Dreaming, Lzr doesn’t have a large catalog, but i’m really looking forward to hearing more from him. And I actually have some inside information that we might be hearing more from Lzr sooner than later. Stay tuned. 

LEWIS OFMAN – FLASH

This is just a fun instrumental track. Lewis OfMan is a French composer who actually has composed music for runway shows at Paris fashion week. I thought that was kind of an interesting fact about him. If you look up photos of him you’ll see he definitely has a unique sense of style, so it kind of makes sense. 

BON IVER – SKINNY LOVE

I love this song. The simplicity of the recording, and the unique vocals from singer Justin Vernon just give me the chills every time I hear it. That’s all I have to say about this track. Take a listen. 

BLUE MATERIAL – PERSONAL

Back to another Nice Guys artist. I’m so happy I found this band. Blue Material is Canadian songwriter, producer, multi-instrumentalist, Thom Gilles. I love the lo-fi sound. It reminds me of early Tame Impala. It’s full of funk, and psychedelic grooves. Check out his self-titled album. 

IOGI – YOU/ME/EVERYONE

This is such a fun indie-pop track. There’s so much going on in this track. Funk, blues, pop, electronic, and some straight up rock. Iogi is Israeli multi-instrumentalist and producer Yogev Glusman. “You/Me/Everyone” is his new single. I’m looking forward to hearing a new album from him. 

BIIG PIIG – SWITCH

Biig Piig is the stage name of singer/rapper Jessica Smyth. This track reminds me of the 90’s for some reason. It’s got a drum and bass sound mixed with kind of a Courtney Love-ish grunge-y feel. High energy song. Probably a good track to work out to. I wouldn’t know. LOL. 

JOSE GONZALEZ – HEARTBEATS 

I’m closing out this week’s playlist with a beautiful acoustic cover of a song by The Knife. Jose Gonzalez is an incredible guitar player and singer/songwriter. I highly suggest going down the Jose Gonzalez wormhole on YouTube.