Witler turned me on to Manhattan’s Cults a couple weeks back, introducing us to the “melodies that echo a 1950’s pop dream” on their debut album. While that’s usually not my cup of irish coffee, our worlds collide here as the first track was released from the group’s planned hip-hop remix mixtape of their album. The track features Freddie Gibbs, whose gangsta rap style somehow works effortlessly with the indie-pop sound. It’s a testament to his talent, a lot of rappers struggle with versatility. This is the second time we’ve seen Gangsta Gibbs step outside of traditional beats, the first being his collab with UK dubstep producer Joker (here). I like where his head’s at. (Via hypetrak)

Hypetrak Premiere: Cults featuring Freddie Gibbs – Bad Things (Remix) by Hypetrak

Every so often, a combination of distortion and sing-a-long goodness comes along that rocks your soul. Mau5trap’s little gremlin Feed Me just released a cover/remix of Two Door Cinema Club‘s “What You Know,” and it’s quite a sexy combination of styles.

Two Door Cinema Club – What You Know (Feed Me Cover)
Two Door Cinema Club – What You Know

The cats who brought to our attention that San Francisco is Brainwashed by London released their 4 track Audiobook EP last month and it’s starting to get into the dangerous overplayed territory on my iPod. While I would’ve liked more tracks on the release, the project reflects a lot of time and effort put into its creation. Production comes courtesy of Jeremy “Zodiac” Rose, who handled most of The Weeknd‘s acclaimed House of Balloons. It’s refreshing to hear his somber cinematic beats be used for displaying lyrical talent rather than provoking Abel Tesfaye’s whining. BizYCasa and Ayinde stick true to their forte of superior writing ability, delicately weaving you through metaphors that’ll get you pausing the song. | (Don’t go dyin’ on me kid/Cause life is too grand fam, even before your kids have two kids) | This is more than just beats and rhymes — it’s thoughtful writing that displays a deeper appreciation for musicianship. It really is an audio book, especially considering all four songs will eventually be accompanied by music videos that should be appreciated in their own right (hit the jump for the two completed videos). #LifeInsomniac is the movement — don’t sleep on life. I can dig it. Make that first move today, not tomorrow. YOLO

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The Jealous Guys – Audiobook EP | DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

The Jealous Guys | Audiobook by 3qtr

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You Only Live Once. If it’s not your first time fuckin with us, you’ll know by now that phrase is what drives us. Musically it relates to the idea that life is too short to constrict yourself to blinding yourself to one genre of music. Without giving each type of sound an honest chance (aka listen to what people that love the genre give you), you’re seriously restricting yourself from potentially discovering a different type of music that could create a passion where there was none. More recently, I’ve discovered the phrase to mean a lot more. If you want to do something, fucking do it today. If you can’t do it today, create a plan for when you can do it and how you’re going to do it. Procrastination is funny to joke about but it’s soured so many great ideas and potential experiences. I’m talking specifically about thinking of something you want to do and deciding now is not the time to figure out a way to do it. Make decisions quicker. Every minute is another minute you’re never going to get back. Pull out of your instant gratification loop. Wake up. YOLO

Drake’s got a new track with Lil’ Wayne, “The Motto.” Now she want a photo/You already know though/You only live once: that’s the motto: YOLO. While I’m not pumped that Drake was the one to drop it in a song, I’m glad that it’ll adjust at least one person’s mindstate, even if temporarily. Maybe someone will embrace the lifestyle. As for the song, I’m just gonna leave a track I love off Room for Improvement to compare and you’ll know what I think of the Sprite Robot.

Drake – The Motto

Drake – A Scorpio’s Mind (ft. Nickelus F)

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The w0bblin’ Jack Beats are back sending their love from the UK in the form of a new original track. Their last release, a remix of Beyonce’s ‘Countdown,’ left me pretty disappointed, which I’m not accustomed to dealing with when it comes to them. This track thumps though, with a little rougher sound than their usual wob. They’ll be supporting Fatboy Slim for a few days in the UK in December so keep an eye out for that if you’re on that side of the pond. The End of Love EP drops December 5th with some added remix action.

It’s been a long road, but Mac Miller‘s finally at 1 Million Twitter followers. In celebration, he preps us for his big debut next month with another mixtape. The tape, I Love Life, Thank You, has features from Talib Kweli, The Come Up, Bun B, and Sir Michael Rocks, with tracks produced by Clams Casino and 9th Wonder amongst others. If you’ve been keepin’ up you’ll have heard a handful of these songs but there’s 6 fresh ones in there too. Mac may not have the meanest lyrics or be the best spitter but it’s hard not to enjoy his songs and message, always gets you in a good mood. D/L the whole thing below and pre-order Blue Slide Park (November 8th) here.

Mac Miller – I Love Life, Thank You (Mixtape) | DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

Tracklist

1. I Love Life, Thank You (Prod. by Brandun Deshay)
2. People Under The Stairs
3. Willie Dynamite (Prod. by Big Jerm)
4. The Scoop On Heaven (Prod. by 9th Wonder)
5. Love Lost (Prod. by Black Diamond)
6. Pranks 4 Players (Ft. Sir Michael Rocks) (Prod. by Cardo)
7. Cold Feet (Prod. by Clams Casino)+++
8. Family First (Ft. Talib Kweli) (Prod. by Like)
9. The Miller Family Reunion (Prod. by Big Jerm)
10. Boom Bap Rap (Ft. The Come Up) (Prod. by Mac Miller & Big Jerm)
11. Just A Kid (Prod. by E Dan)
12. All That (Ft. Bun B) (Prod. by E Dan)
13. All This (Prod. by E Dan)

The homie Skinny Genes started his weekly YOLO Lists with the intention to open your minds and ears to every genre of music — the idea being that life’s too short to hate on a type of music until you realize that you actually enjoy it. So when artists from different ends of the spectrum come together in harmonious musical innovation, it makes the process much easier for us. Recently, the trend has been combining hip-hop and different paces of electro; producers see it as a logical gap to forge together the two most popular genres. There’s parts of both that agree thematically with a grungy DIY feel. Both are not apprehensive about hard hitting drums. With a few exceptions (HoVeezy/ChiddyBang), it’s been low-key MCs trying to make a name and using the concept as a niche. But a few songs have been released over the past week with legitimate names in the game (not Sam Adams) that’s led to giving it further thought. Of the three, it’s most apparent to me that Joker‘s style meshes best with rhymes; I’ve yet to determine whether it’s a healthy relationship though. If you guys have any solid collabs that have pleased your ears drop em off in the comments prz. Is this a matrimony that needs a divorce or just some serious counseling? Don’t be shy with yer opinions.

XV – Boss Level (Skrillex – Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites Remix)
Kendrick Lamar – Cloud 10 (prod. by Nosaj Thing)
Joker ft. Jessie Ware & Freddie Gibbs – The Vision (Let Me Breathe)