Mighty Burners

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Tuesday, November 25, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

I decided to make a few changes here at Mighty Burners. I'm currently switching the site from Blogger to Wordpress (which is proving to be a bit more time-consuming than I expected). You can keep up with my progress and check out new updates at the new address...

www.mightyburners.net

LIVE45's | AWAR & Rob Viktum- All I Want

Monday, November 10, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Sorry folks..I'm craaaazy late with this one. Here's some super heavy and super tight beats & rhymes from NYC emcee AWAR and Texas-based producer Rob Viktum. The single is called "All I Want" and it's a free single that the fellas recently put out for their fans to enjoy. Previous work from both of these cats has been featured on this site before. And if you're familiar with either, then you know that this is a dope collabo that seems like a no-brainer in retrospect. AWAR gives fans more of his trademark straight-no-chaser style that uses vivid lyrics and imagery to create a gritty and authentic "NY til I die" type of realism. While on the production side of things, Viktum digs deep into his stash and pulls out a real jewel of a track. Rob laces AWAR with a speaker rumbling beat that sounds like a mix of dramatic library-music funk and electrified 80's hard rock. Dope work from a dope pairing. I hope there's more in store from this "winning team" (...heh...you see what I did there?).

NEW RELEASE | Dday One- Dialogue with Life

Monday, November 10, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Two weeks ago I made sure that I did my part to help spread the word about the spiritually-minded goodness that's being created by producer Dday One when I did a write up for the single "Yesterday's Over". And in an effort to make sure that the sort of positive energy that this guy is putting out in the world is shared with as many people as possible, I now encourage you to check out his latest full-length project, Dialogue With Life. On this release Dday One sets thumping loops and rhythms against spacious downtempo backdrops, creating an album that is reflective and meditative without being overly-cerebral. One of the biggest draws of Dialogue With Life is the fact that its constantly changing it's approach- coming across as something explosive one second then changing into something serene the next. Standouts include the dream-like "Towards The Roar", the slightly haunting "Open Cage", the tense and stalking "Journey to the Center", and joyous uprocker "What We Do".

NEW RELEASE | J-Zen- The "O" Tape

Monday, November 10, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Straight from the jazzy mind of producer/beatmaker J-Zen comes the low-end heavy beattape The "O" Tape. The sounds on this collection of instrumentals are deeply rooted in the tradition of chopping up samples and loops in order to make new, lo-fi hip hop joints for fans to bump. The project (which dropped early last month...sorry for the lateness peoples!) flows evenly throughout, and makes for a great soundtrack during a much needed cool-out session. Standouts include "Abuelo Jo", "Life..", "PBW (Parisian Break Winter)", and the hypnotic & soulful headnodder "Lyanes".

NEW RELEASE | DOC Mastermind- Uyuni pt 2

Monday, November 10, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

DOC Mastermind and the Expansion Collective recently released the second half of the Parisian producer's two-part, multi-label project entitled Uyuni. The project is a chill-wave lover's dream as DOC Mastermind continues to give listeners the same level of high grade laid-back future-funk that made the previous installment in the series, Uyuni, pt 1 such a dope album. Stand outs include the 80's-soul-meets-LA-beat-scene re-edit gem "Aneeta" (which features producer Mecca:83 providing an assist behind the board), the G-funk tinted "Space Homeboy (Prequel Reboot)", and the Moog-bass stomper "UDaBest". And if you haven't done so already, check out Uyuni, pt 1 and enjoy even more hi-tech funk from the one and only DOC Mastermind.

LIVE45's | Ida Divine- Pandora/GTFOH

Wednesday, November 05, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Brand new music from singer/songwriter Ida Divine who recently posted 2 new cuts on her Soundcloud page. The first is a dope display of "Ms. Ida's" skills as an emcee entitled "Pandora". Divine drops a slick, one-take verse that clearly shows the art of emceeing isn't just something she dabbles in on occasion. The rhymes are sharp and on point as Divine flows like clear water over a jazzy D.I.T.C.-styled beat. This is followed by a biting critique of today's music industry and mainstream radio called "GTFOH". If you know the acronym, then believe me when I tell you that it's everything that you might expect (and more) from such a pull-no-punches song title. At once brash and bittersweet, Ida doesn't bite her tongue when it comes to letting music execs, DJ's, artists, and even the fans know exactly how little regard she has for today's mainstream music scene. And while the track is overtly tongue-in-cheek, Divine still brings her signature A-game vocals to the acerbic track. Ida Divine is quickly becoming one of my favorite rising stars and I look forward to hearing more and more music from this forward-thinking artist.

NEW RELEASE | K.Raydio & O-D- One Drop

Wednesday, November 05, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

One of the leading voices in the independent soul scene, singer/songwriter K.Raydio teams up with hip-hop producer & arranger O-D to finally bring fans their instantly addictive collaborative album One Drop. Fans that are familiar with K.Raydio's sultry vocals from her previous releases will absolutely celebrate this album as the young songstress continues to deliver her trademark sweetly seductive notes throughout this LP (as showcased on the stylish and well received single "The Back Wall"). With that said, fans shouldn't expect to hear song after song of Raydio resting comfortably in a smooth, neo-soul lane. Producer and partner in crime O-D not only creates melodic, hip hop-soul soundbeds for his vocalist to shine on, he systematically pushes K.Raydio's sound into fierce and sneakingly bluesy realms as evidenced on the album's lead single "Underdog". K. also bears her claws and stalks her prey on a steamy production entitled "First Name", and showers some well deserved praise on the self-assured soul sisters with a sexy little number entitled "Miss Turner". While K.Raydio clearly draws power from a number of old-school singers and songwriters, her music is always clear and distinctly her own throughout One Drop. A large part of the group's dynamic sound is due to the fact that O-D makes post-hip-hop-generation soul music that is informed by R&B and rock music from the past - not just a mere imitation of it. Throughout the album O-D music feels fluid and responsive to what his muse is doing in the vocal booth - which, I feel, is an instant identifier of a true collaboration between a producer and an artist. With One Drop the dynamic duo from Minneapolis have put together a rousing and confident soul set that will undoubtedly go down as one of the best projects to come out this year.

NEW RELEASE | Element Rhymes- No Fear

Wednesday, November 05, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

While still working on putting together his official debut (?) album, L.A. rhymesmith Element Rhymes has just released a hard hitting, street-level mixtape entitled No Fear for the people to get into. Rhymes flexes a commanding flow and aggressive mic presence on the project, showing the same sort of raw and undeniable promise displayed by other rising independent emcees such as Scheme Navarro and Lyriciss while still paving his own lane as an emcee. While the mixtape is meant to serve as an introduction and promotional joint, Element gives it his all on every track. Standouts include "5 am in Los Angeles", "Baby Love", "Battle Royale", "Pound Cake" and "Dead Presidents Again".

NEW RELEASE | Grafh- 88 Crack Era

Tuesday, November 04, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

A brand new mixtape from Queens emcee Grafh. While some of you may be thrown off by the title '88 Crack Era, I'm promise you that if you're a fan of Golden-era beats & rhymes than you're going dig this one. The project is a dope homage to late 80's/early 90's NYC/East Coast rap music, with live reworkings of classic tracks from Black Moon, Nas, Onyx, Ill Al Skratch, Special Ed, and more. I'm sure you've heard other cats spit over classic boom bap tracks, but Grafh definitely brings that authentic "I'm-on-my-New-York-shit" type energy from start to finish on this mixtape. Yes, there's references to hustlin' and dealing, but that's a big part of what molded the sound of that era in hip hop. And honestly, Grafh doesn't beat you in the head with it nearly as bad as some of these "cocaine trafficking rap stars" that claim to be moving product 24/7/365. Standouts include "Don't Front", "New York Shit", "She The Homie" and the lead single "Walk in New York".

VIDEO | Curci live @ The Aggie Theatre - October 16th, 2014

Tuesday, November 04, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Back in July we* put you all up on an uprising emcee by the name of Curci after checking out his video "Killin' Em". Since that time, the Colorado-based emcee and Conscious Minds crew representative has been doing his thing in support of his Forever Summer mixtape. A couple of weeks ago the 19 year old opened up for Rhymesayers rhyme-sayer (that's that music blogger witticism at work right there homie!) Grieves when his "A Different Kind of Wild" tour hit Fort Collins, CO. Check out some highlight footage from Curci's live show as he performed for a pack house at the Aggie Theatre.
* ...by "we" I mean "I" as this whole blog is a one man show. But "we" just makes it sound a little more professional (insert Kanye shrug).

LIVE45's | Lew Sid- Play Out In The Rain

Tuesday, November 04, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

New music from a new name to the site! The track is called "Play Out In The Rain" and it's part of a series of releases from a up-and-coming emcee out of Virginia Beach by the name of Lew Sid. The track, which is partly a "reminisce about the good times" type joint and partly a "don't let this life beat you down" type of anthem, is a solid offering that really grew on me with repeated listenings. Tight production from producer Rich Kidd and rhymes with substance from Lew made this one stand out from some of the other submissions to the site. I haven't had a chance to check out more from Lew Sid yet, but this track has definitely caught my ear. If you dig what you're hearing, head over to LewSidRaps.com and check out the rest of the sinlges in the "The First & The Fifteenth" series.

LIVE45's | D.A.C Beats- ¡Janet's Joint!

Tuesday, November 04, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Outstanding remix/refix work from Brazilian production wunderkind D.A.C Beats. The standout Darker Than Wax affiliate adds just the right amount of spacey, new-school future-funk to the now-classic late 90's jam "I Get Lonely" as made famous by the one and only Janet Jackson. People have to stop sleeping on this cat! Heavy synths, lively percussion, and top tier editing pretty much guarantee that this one will be getting heavy rotation on mix shows like Soulection and Eavesdrop Radio. Press play and enjoy.

LIVE45's | Chandanie- Drop.It.

Tuesday, November 04, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Here's something a little different from a singer/songwriter by the name of Chandanie Orgias. The track is a sweet little freestyle-type track that features the Institute of Flyer Learning vocalist dropping some deep "chopped & screwed"-esque vocals over the rare J-Dilla production "Flowers". I'm diggin' the track's dream-like quality and the fact that the music really seemed to mold Chandanie's approach and delivery. Too many times artists just seem to slap their music over Dilla's work without any sort of influence from the original work. Dope work from a young singer out of Brooklyn that you should definitely be keeping tabs on. Dig the sounds.

BLENDS | BetePete- Mellow Orange Presents: Vinyl Session vol. Two

Friday, October 31, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

The newest Mellow Orange team member, a Berlin based DJ and vinyl nerd by the name of BeatPete, began DJ'ing and collecting vinyl a decade ago - and to this day he remains dedicated to vinyl only. His crates include hip hop & instrumental hip hop, funk, soul, jazz, and library music… And being a true fan of the pieces that he collects, BeatPete doesn't just let his collection sit around collecting dust- he make sure that his vinyl gets spun on a regular.

VIDEO | G.Grand- Sparkle

Friday, October 31, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Check out this new official video from Ontario based lyricist G.Grand. The track is credited here as "Sparkle" but fans may recognize it as the track "Shine On 'Em" from Grand's most recent album, Grand Design, which features some dope production from frequent collaborator (and Mighty Burners write-up regular) Jeepz. For the video, G.Grand keeps it simple, using city lights and a darkened street as his backdrop, the rising emcee spits his lyrics live & direct for viewers to savor. Slick lyrics and late-night vibes bring give this joint a really dope throwback hip hop feel. If you dig what you're hearing, check out the links below and get a copy of Grand Design.

NEW RELEASE | Furns- Furns

Friday, October 31, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Warm vocals and lush arrangements define this stylish debut album from the Scandinavian soul-pop group Furns. The group consists of singer/songwriter Monika Faludi and producer/arranger Mathias Dahl Andreasen, who together have been making some really silky, down-tempo pop music. Yes, I realize that collection of labels may look like a mess on paper, but I promise you that these two make it work in the studio. Throughout their self-titled debut, Monika Faludi treats listeners to delicate lines and ethereal singing while Andreasen expertly conducts an airy collection of electric pianos, synthesizers and samplers to compliment his partners engrossing vocals.The Furns album isn't so much "blue-eyed soul" (à la Michael McDonald) as it is 21st vocal jazz (à la Micheal Franks) with an slight electronica twist. Listen...I clearly suck at putting a label on this group's sound so I suggest you just check out some of my favorite cuts from the album for yourself down below (sorry, I haven't figured out how to embed a Spotify player in a blog post just yet). Enjoy.

LIVE45's | Cassow- Ride

Thursday, October 30, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

While October may be drawing to a close, Cassow still continues to release new heat for his fans courtesy of his "GODTOBER" series of releases. A couple of weeks ago, he gave fans the well received single "MAjik". And now on the newly released single "Ride", Cassow and producer TYuS slow things down a bit to give listeners a new late-night, ride-out track. Dig the sounds.

NEW RELEASE | DOC Mastermind- Uyuni pt 1

Thursday, October 30, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

After his first solo album with the label Laruche Records, the acclaimed 1985 LP, the Parisian based beatmaker DOC Mastermind is back with a brand new and exclusive 2-part project entitled Uyuni. The label recently released the first half of the project, entitled Uyani pt 1 while the second half will be released by the Manchester based record label Expansions Collective.

The Uyuni project is full of the funk-fueled signature beats that DOC Mastermind has built his reputation on, with searing lead lines and sliding moog basslines throughout. As he did with 1985, DOC Mastermind once again put a lot of effort in this project. Rest assured, if you liked 1985, you will appreciate Uyani pt 1 even more !

LIVE45's | AllenANALOG- Inner.Rflxns [Jennifer]

Thursday, October 30, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

A sweet and funky little neo-soul groover from producer AllenANALOG. The track features a really tight and snapping drum-kit, rumbling low-end, and slick vocal samples that feel very familiar (Roy Ayers perhaps?). A mellow soul cut that feels like a chilled-out "B-side" instrumental from a 70's jazz 45. Press play and enjoy.

BLENDS | Roughsoul- Roughsoul Presents: The Electrique Summer mix

Thursday, October 30, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Do yourself a favor and check out this recently shared "Electrique Summer mix" presented by producer Roughsoul. Enjoy 40+ minutes of feel-good, soulful house music and nu-disco cuts as mixed by the man himself. I realize that for those of us in the northern hemisphere, the summer season is over and autumn is in full swing. And while some of you may think it strange to share a "summertime" mix this late in the year, I personally feel that a dope mixtape remains a welcomed addition to most people's playlist no matter the season. I wish I had a tracklist to share with you all, but I haven't been able to locate one so far. Regardless, press play, turn up the volume, and enjoy the vibes.

LIVE45's | CoryaYo- doZn

Wednesday, October 29, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Not surprisingly, I'm really feeling this laid back heater entitled "doZn" from producer CoryaYo. Channeling some really smooth 70's jazz kinda vibes, my man puts together a warm and jazzy cut that wins on so many different levels. I would love to hear someone like Voice or Natalie "The Floacist" Stewart do some spoken word-type hip hop to this one. More dope work from CoryaYo. Dig the sounds.

NEW RELEASE | Maxx Julian- REDRUM

Wednesday, October 29, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

More dope sounds from producer Maxx Julian with his recently released REDRUM project. If the eerie cover art doesn't clue you in ahead of time, you should know that the sounds on REDRUM are a bit darker than those showcased on Julian's last release INTENT. But don't let that sway you from checking this one out as Maxx still brings that bumpin', boom-bap sound and never fails to give listeners live beats that bang. Sinister sounds that touch down just in time for your upcoming Halloween festivities. Standouts include "Mind, Body & Soul (REDRUM INTRO)", "The Theme", "Smartphone" and "Bubble".

VIDEO | Betty Ford Boys- So Fine

Wednesday, October 29, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Even a non-smoking square like myself can appreciate this new video from the Betty Ford Boys (Brenk Sinatra + Suff Daddy + Dexter). The visuals are for the track "So Fine" which you can find on the production trio's just released Uppers/Downers EP. The 6 track project is a nice little treat that the fellas put together for their fans to coincide with their Retox Tour (which wraps up on November 1st). You can head over to the group's Bandcamp page to get a copy of the EP digitally since the vinyl version has already sold out. And for those of us whose finances are "in flux", you can download a free copy of "So Fine" by following the link below. And remember, the teams new full-length album, titled Retox, hits your favorite music spot on November 28th.

"So Fine" - download link

NEWS | Asheru & Team Bangladesh head to Dhaka as Hip Hop Ambassadors

Wednesday, October 29, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

http://sleeplessinsoweto.org/2014/10/28/asheru-team-bangladesh-off-to-dhaka-as-hiphop-ambassadors-nov-2014/

| ARTICLE LINK |

Next Level, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is an international hip-hop diplomacy and exchange program. In November 2014, Next Level will bring a team of artists to Dhaka, Bangladesh to use hip-hop as a tool for cultural diplomacy and exchange. A team of four artists—a beat maker/producer, a DJ, a hip-hop dancer, and an MC/rapper—will spend 2 weeks in Dhaka teaching and performing hip-hop.

NEW RELEASE | Cole Nibbe & Howie Wonder- Immemorial

Tuesday, October 28, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Following up on the buzz created by the bleary and noir-ish single "Forgotten Dreams", the duo of Cole Nibbe and Howie Wonder now unleash their gritty debut album Immemorial on the world. As a unit the two man team have mastered the art of making visceral-yet-introspective hip hop music that bangs. Listeners looking for care-free rhymes over breezy beats, take note: Cole Nibbe's withering delivery and Howie Wonder's nocturnal boom-bap production ~~may~~ will feel menacing at first. However, taking the time to delve into the great deal of concepts and ideas being laid out on this album really pays off in the end. On Immemorial, Cole Nibbe & Howie Wonder construct an impressive set of raw-edged hip hop tracks and push the genre forward in the same way that acts like Cannibal Ox and Qwel & Maker did with their debut LP's. Standout cuts include "Forgotten Dreams", "Since Time Immemorial", "Repeat" and "You Ain't in Love".

NEW RELEASE | Various Artists- Pragmatic Theory Presents: Synaesthesia

Monday, October 27, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

A brand new collection of dusted-digital beats from the good folks over at Pragmatic Theory. Featuring some of the best and brightest on the beat-making scene today, you can expect to hear a wide array of sounds and vibes on this one. Every thing from dusty sample-based pieces to spacey future-funk tracks is represented on this monster of a set. An impressive roster of musicians, which includes names like Chief, Question, Keor Meteor, Twit One, DJ Sapien, Ben Bada Boom, and Brock Berrigan, have laced this album with nonstop champion sounds. And while the names listed above are acclaimed producers, let me be clear: EVERYONE involved with this project brought something amazing to the table. Listen..just stop reading this, skip to the album below, press "play", and enjoy.

LIVE45's | Fatima Patrice- Nostalgic Infatuation

Monday, October 27, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Check out this catchy bit of goodness from a rising Cali-based emcee by the name of Fatimah Patrice. The track is called "Nostalgic Infatuation" and it has this really chilled-out,head-nod vibe going for it. As an introductory track, Fatimah displays a lot of skill as emcee on this one. Not only does she give listeners a brief but oh so sweet verse, her conversational delivery perfectly matches the track's sleek, feel-good energy. Press and play and dig the sounds for yourself. Enjoy!

VIDEO | Average Thought- Robot 24

Monday, October 27, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Long Beach, CA based emcee/producer Average Thought lays out some slightly surreal visuals for the track "Robot 24". Dude drops the perfect type of flow for this track...which makes sense considering he's handling both the beats and the rhymes. I try to avoid comparing artists to one another, but fans of Moka Only and MF Doom will really dig this joint. Enjoy!

Check out more tracks from Average Thought by hitting the links below

| Facebook | Soundcloud |

LIVE45's | Dirty Art Club- 5th Dimension

Monday, October 27, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Heavy drums, foreboding organ lines, and hazy electric guitars rule the day on the newly leaked "5th Dimension" single from Dirty Art Club's upcoming Basement Seance LP. The production duo of Matt Cagle and Madwreck have been blurring the lines of rock and hip hop music for a while now, most notably on their 2013 release Vermillion. With this latest release it seems fans can expect to hear the fella delve even deeper into their psych-rock & prog-rock crates to create even more fuzzed-out, mind expanding beats.

LIVE45's | Dday One- Yesterday's Over

Monday, October 27, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Meditative and spiritual sounds from Dday One's upcoming album Dialogue With Life (available October 29th). While the track was created using samples and vinyl, the end result is a moving piece of classical jazz given an ambient, down-tempo makeover. Enjoy a calming bit of cinematic jazz music and get your mind right for any and all stress that the coming week may bring. Dig the sounds!

LIVE45's | The Fresh Air Fund- Join Me pt 2

Sunday, October 26, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Brand new music from Butta Verses and D.Schwartz, who are making moves collectively as the duo The Fresh Air Fund. The track is called "Join Me pt 2" and its a bumpin' joint from the pair's soon-to-be-released Haunted Mansions project (which drops October 31st). While you wait for the full-length to drop, enjoy The Fresh Air Fund's subversive rhyme stylings over a feverish "wall-of-sound" track from producer Araab Muzik. Dig the sounds.

NEW RELEASE | LTGL- Mountain Peaks and Temple Shields

Sunday, October 26, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

With his newly released album Mountain Peaks and Temple Shields, musician LTGL (aka Living The Good Life) really makes the most of the title "electronic music" as he experiments with sounds and textures in a way that I haven't really heard in a long time. Over the course of 5 tracks LTGL constructs a deeply layered and colorful musical display, accenting highly melodic soundbeds with frantic bits of audio and amped-up electronics. Tracks that initially feel somewhat choppy soon become picturesque as the entire scene begins to come into focus. Nothing feels off limit as LTGL manages to incorporate a wide array of styles and genres into every song on this EP, while still maintain a sound uniquely his own. Standouts include the cinematic opening track "Power" and fusion-jazz-meets-trap-muzik- heater "Synchronized, not talking".

LIVE45's | Yummy Bingham- Why Me

Sunday, October 26, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

A really spirited offering from singer Yummy Bingham and frequent collaborator NyceHitz. On the just released single, the pair create a soul-uplifting cut with an almost gospel-type feel to it. The track is a memorable one, making the most of Yummy's unique voice and church upbringing while still building on the rousing, mainstream soul sound that the hardworking singer refined with her recently released No Artificial Flavorz mixtape. Dope work from a duo that really work well together.

LIVE45's K15- When Doubt Seeps In

Saturday, October 25, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

NEW RELEASE | Various Artists- Omega Supreme Records Presents: Is This The Future? vol. 1

Saturday, October 25, 2014 M.Twiggs No comments

Flashy boogie-funk and dance-floor driven grooves take center stage on this latest release from Omega Supreme Records. Each track is filled with shimmering keyboard leads and stocky drum-machine based rhythms, which gives the entire set an authentic 80's club funk feel. This first volume in the ...Is This The Future? series spotlights some really dazzling work from the Mofunk Records roster, which includes rising modern-funk whiz kids Moniquea, XL Middleton, Eddy Funkster and Diamond Ortiz. The entire selection is a super solid dose of Mtume/Kashif inspired synth-funk for fans of post-disco soul and R&B. Standouts include "F-Zero"', "Bumpin", "Racin' To The End", "Can't Let You Go" and the cover of the Cherrelle classic "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On".