It’s Monday and I am in the mood for new music, but I am not going to wax lyrical about these artists – their sounds speak for themselves. Here is who they are and what I like:
Drake, the only rapper on this list, released his full-length debut this June titled Thank Me Later. So far “Over” and now “Find Your Love” have gotten some radio play but this freshman record has a few more worth downloading. Try “Miss Me”, featuring Lil Wayne, “Fancy”, featuring T.I. & Swizz Beatz, and (if you haven’t already) my favorite, “Find Your Love”. Listen at myspace.com/drake or download at itunes.com/drake.
Now for the rasta…well rasta with a little electro thrown in there. Major Lazer is a fitting name for a group that’s part Jamaican dancehall, part techno rave. But what captivated me is that their sound is without a doubt unlike anything you’ve ever heard. To be honest, some of their stuff can be hard on your heartbeat but if you are willing to go outside your comfort zone, it’s a worthwhile adventure. I downloaded two songs off their sophomore EP, Lazers Never Die: “Sound of Siren”, featuring M.I.A., and “Good Enuff”, which, as far as I can tell, is the only “chill” song in their repertoire. Listen at myspace.com/majorlazer or download at itunes.com/majorlazer.
In case you haven’t heard, M.I.A. released her second album this July to mixed reviews. I was so curious, I went on iTunes the day MAYA came out and while I was not enthralled I knew I’d come back for a second listen. So I did and now I know what turned me off – it’s weird. But that’s never stopped me before and frankly that’s what we liked about M.I.A. in the first place. Hello Melina – just because it doesn’t sound like “Paper Planes”, doesn’t mean it’s not good. In fact, that is what makes some of her new tracks great – they are not the same sound that made her popular, whatever that was exactly. Her first single, “Xxxo”, features Jay-Z and is now on my dance and running playlists. Also try “Space”, “Teqkilla” and “Born Free”. Listen at myspace.com/mia or download at itunes.com/m.i.a.
xoxo Melina
