Blooming Experimental Hip-Hop, Meet Flying Lotus

It is not every day, that someone who attended Los Angles Film School, but turned to music to become a DJ, producer, and Rapper. Steve Ellison, also known as Flying Lotus started his music career in an unusual way. While, he was at his mother’s house he saw an advertisement from Adult Swim and Cartoon Network looking for song submissions. Next thing you know, his instrumentals was on the channel and even started rapping for a show on the network called Sealab, 2021.

Flying Lotus

Flying Lotus’ work was influenced by many artists, however J Dilla, MF Doom, and Madlib were the inspirations of his work and style. He incorporates weird beats and throbbing bass in his music that separates it from his peers. Most people would categorize Flying Lotus music between jazz, hip-hop, and IDM (Intelligent Dance Music). Over the years he was able to release many albums for the public. His albums were 1983 (2006), Los Angles (2008), Cosmogramma (2010), Until the Dead Quest Ends (2012), and You’re Dead (2014). Each album is really unique in their own sense, but will always have the flavor of Flying Lotus.

You're Dead (2014) Album Cover

There is no mistaking the artwork that Flying Lotus produces. His music is one of a kind and have attracted many different artists. He has collaborated with names such as Snoop Dog, Mac Miller and Kendrick Lamar. Flying Lotus was even featured in one of the songs in Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly and even has his own radio station in the video game Grand Theft Auto V. What attracted me to his music is the psychedelic feel in his style of work. It reminded me of Nujabes, but in a very abstract and odd way.

If Flying Lotus’ work is being featured in different social media and outlets, then it is something people should give a listen to. Instead of just the pop culture music out there, Flying Lotus is entirely different and someone who should at least deserved to be heard at least once.

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/apr/29/flying-lotus-o2-abc-glasgow-review

Jazzy Hip Hop, Meet Nujabes

Music is something that brings everyone together. Even if hip hop and jazz were created in the United States, it does not mean its music would stop there. One place it did reach was by a man in Japan that goes by the Nishi-Azabu or what most people know him as Nujabes. Nujabes was a DJ and hip hop producer who was really involved with underground hip hop scene. Just like how Kanye West caused a whole new wave of different background rappers to appear in the hip hop scene, Nujabes did the same for his style of work.

Nujabes

Nujabes was not a household name, he was an independent artist that made his own label production, Hydeout Productions. With his own label, he had all the freedom to create his own music which resulted in his first album called Metaphorical Music (2003). Although the album was not that big of a success, it did bring some attention. This mix of smooth jazz and hip hop led him to a collaboration with an anime studio to create music for their animated show, Samurai Champloo. His contributions to the anime would eventually lead him to bigger stage. What Nujabes does not know was that the anime show would be syndicated to the United States.  From that point on, he would become international, but only to some.

Metaphorical Music (2003)

My first taste of Nujabes was when I first watched Samurai Champloo on television. Yet, I did not get into him until I was in high school. If it was not for his music, high school would probably be a lot harder environment for me. The calming sound and soothing vibes helped me release all of the pressure of growing up. His sophomore album, Modal Soul (2005), was the album I listened to help me relieve those pressure. 

Album for Samurai Shamploo by Nujabes & Fat Jon

Nujabes did have one more album, but it was incomplete. In February 26, 2010, Nujabes died in a traffic accident. Even though his life would be short-lived, his music would have a ripple effect on the music industry. Artists began to use his jazzy hip hop style into their music. It may seem like a tragedy that the world lost someone gifted as Nujabes, but his aura resonates in the music his work has aspired and his legacy will still live on.

 Source(Inspiration): http://djbooth.net/news/entry/2016-02-29-nujabes-tribute

Electronic Music At Its Best, Meet Odesza

Imagine you and a friend graduated from college and did not even end up in the field you studied in. Would you would feel proud or disappointed? Most of us would probably be feel disappointed. It was not that you paid for or even expected to happen. Just like most people this happened to Clayton Knight and Harrison Mills, however their passion and hobby became a career. These two college graduates went from being broke college graduates into something big in the electronic music industry, being recognized as Odesza.

This musical duo hails from Seattle, Washington graduating from Western Washington University with degrees in Graphics Design (Mills) and Mathematics & Physics (Knight). They did not start collaborating until their senior year in 2012. After a few months, they were able to come out with their first EP, Summer’s Gone in September 15, 2012. Within months, they started touring with other artists and playing in many music venues.

Harrison Mills (Left) and Clayton Knight (Right)

The most impactful thing to happen to them was their tour with a well-known electronic music artist, Pretty Lights, in 2013. That tour helped them gain the public’s attention. However, it was not until their release of In Return in 2014, that they would actually explode into the international scene. It was to the point that over millions of plays on SoundCloud.  Next thing you know, they would play for many big name festivals, such as Coachella and Lollapalooza.

In Return Album Cover (Mills made it himself)

Unfortunately, I was unable to catch them in Lollapalooza, but I was able to catch one of their concert tour a few months ago in Chicago. Even while writing this, I cannot stop reminiscing on how incredible that show was to me. Unlike most EDM artists, Odesza actually played "live". They brought an electronic drum kit set with their turntables, while also bringing in people to play the trumpet and trombone. They even had eye-popping light show throughout the concert. Their music puts my heart at trance, while making sure that my body sways to beat of the songs. For me, there will never be a moment like that again, unless it is with them.

Concert in Aragon (Yes, I was in the front!)

They are a good example of what you can do with your hobby, and in the end one of their song was nominated for a Grammy. Within less than four years, these guys were able to make a name for themselves without music company. They got there on their own. 

If you like music that’s all about instrumentals with some vocals, not too intense, and can be used as your study jam, then you should go check out my favorite musical duo, Odesza.

Here's a video of them coming to Chicago and link to their In Return Album on Soundcloud, so enjoy!

Source: http://noisey.vice.com/blog/odesza-makes-electronic-music-so-damn-well-im-upset