The mUsIc Elixir

MUSIC MONDAY JAM: Add-2 - "Cotton Fields"

2012-01-16T21:31:00.000-08:00

It's MLK Day in 2012-- the great civil rights leader would have been 83 years old today --and the question remains: has Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream been fully realized? Leave it to the great musicians of our day to voice their opinions through their poignant art. The fiery Chicago-bred emcee, Add-2, does just that, insisting that "even though the times may have changed, some perceptions haven't... to some, no matter how far you've come along, you will always be the same thing in their eyes." Add expresses his point in this powerful video for his new song, "Cotton Fields," from his upcoming proper debut album, Save Our Souls (coming soon). Say what you will about Dr. King's dream as it relates to contemporary social issues, but there's no denying the welcomed passion and sincerity Add-2 brings to hip-hop. Dude is next up!

BONUS: Keeping with the spirit of Black History Month, which is right around the corner, be sure to check out Add's previous talked-about track "Modern Day Coons."

ALBUM REVIEW: Phonte - "Charity Starts At Home"

2011-11-11T23:45:00.000-08:00

September 27th was probably one of the biggest dates for hip hop releases so far this year-- J. Cole, Blu, Evidence, J-Live, among others, all dropped solid efforts. My favorite of them all, though, comes from none other than Mr. Phonte Coleman of The Foreign Exchange. After making a long run as a smoothed-out R&B singer, Phonte makes a refreshing return to hip hop with his solo debut Charity Starts At Home. Check out my brief review of the album at All Music Guide. Then do your music collection some good and cop the album.

MUSIC MONDAY JAM: Black Milk & Danny Brown - "Black & Brown"

2011-11-07T22:39:00.000-08:00

There are plenty reasons to affix your ears to Detroit hip hop these days. Aside from its viability as an epicenter of new musical frontiers, Detroit has, over time, significantly strengthened its artistic brand through its collaborative efforts by local artists. Continuing to shape and mold the Detroit hip hop brand while pushing the sound beyond local boundaries are hip hop movers-and-shakers Black Milk and Danny Brown. The song "Black & Brown," originally featured on Black Milk's Album of The Year, inspired their new collaborative EP of the same name, which then spawned the above visuals for the title-track. Black Milk's heart-pounding, symphonic production provides the backdrop for Danny Brown's abrasive, off-kilter raps as the two get rugged and rowdy and trade bars in a movie theater.

Stream and purchase the Black & Brown EP after the jump.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://blackmilk.bandcamp.com/album/black-and-brown"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Black and Brown by Black Milk and Danny Brown&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

MUSIC MONDAY JAM: Quadron - "Wounds"

2011-10-31T22:05:00.000-07:00

Soul mavericks Robin and Coco of Danish duo Quadron have been gaining traction around the world ever since the release of their unprecedented, self-titled debut last year. While we haven't heard much new music from them since, "Wounds," a previously unreleased remix of the album standout "Simile Life," takes us into just one of many dimensions of this dynamic duo. If you aren't yet familiar with Quadron, don't deprive yourself another minute. Stream the song over at NPR, courtesy of yours truly and the good folks at NPR Music.

MUSIC MONDAY JAM: Kids These Days - "Clear Eyes"

2011-10-03T22:58:00.000-07:00

It's Monday folks! And for those of you who dread the beginning of the work week (or the dawning onslaught of classes), this song by Kids These Days, "Clear Eyes" (from its Hard Times EP), may be the perfect soundtrack to your wistful reflections of the weekend.

The stop-motion effect featured in the music video provides an extra visual feast to the song's mellow ambiance-- it's always a treat to be able to identify scenic shots of streets and locales of your home city in a music video.

SIDE NOTE: If you missed Kids These Days in action at Lollapalooza this year, check out a recap video of their performance after the jump.

MUSIC MONDAY JAM: Mint Condition - "Walk On"

2011-08-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

For this month's randomly sporadic post, the contemporary R&B pioneers of Mint Condition refresh our ears with some good ol' fashion vocals. "Walk On" is the group's single from their latest album entitled 7..., in reference to the number of albums they've amassed within their unprecedented 20-year-long career as a group. With only seven albums under its belt in 20 years, the five-piece's enduring relevance goes to show that dedication to pure musicianship and vocal ability goes a long way.

NEW MUSIC TUESDAY (6/28/11)

2011-06-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

DEAR FRIENDS: An Evening with The Foreign Exchange

The Foreign Exchange is more than just a swooning electro R&B group, and their new live accoustic album proves it. The adult-contemporary genre they'd been flirting with, particularly on the duo's last full length LP, is emphasized in this latest release. It's a video and audio recording of a private, very intimate acoustic performance the group gave for select friends back in February and comes as a double disc CD/DVD digipak. "Dear Friends" is top priority among today's new releases. Get a small taste here.

Hard Times by Kids These Days

A lot can be said about kids these days; they're surprisingly witty, shrewd and apparently, they make the darnest music. Suggestive of the phrase, the band Kids These Days sheds new light on a forthcoming generation of musicians. If this young eight-piece collective is any indication of the ingenuity of today's youth, our future looks brighter than ever. Even Mr. Shawn Carter himself realizes this. Be sure to catch Kids These Days performing at Lollapalooza this year.

MONUMENTAL by Pete Rock & Smif-N-Wessun

One of the most celebrated Hip Hop producers teams up with the legendary underground duo of one of the most respected indie Hip Hop labels in the game. Duckdown wins again.

Weekend at Burnies by Curren$y

Doesn't it seem like this guy drops an album every six months (not to mention his mixtapes and side projects in between)? Anyway, the Young Spitta provides hardcore stoner music fans with yet another fix.

4 by Beyonce

Some of you probably weren't expecting to see Beyonce on this list. Who really cares about the album, though? I'm sorry but that single is jammin', so I guess it's worth checking out if you're a fan. Besides, as boring as a lot of her music has grown, Beyonce is extremely talented and, in my oppinion, has one of the best voices in pop music.

FINALLY FAMOUS by Big Sean

This one is self explanatory. Detroit hip hop co-signed by Kanye deserves a little promo on this site. Also, you wouldn't believe how much I get people telling me that I look like this guy.

FIRST LISTEN: Jill Scott - "Light Of The Sun" [ALBUM STREAM]

2011-06-14T00:03:00.000-07:00

More good music a week ahead of its release date courtesy of my former supervisor, Ms. Frannie Kelley, over at NPR. In all honesty, I haven't heard music this good from Jill Scott since her debut. Decide for yourself, though. Stream the soulstress's upcoming album, Light Of The Sun, in its entirety down bottom before it drops next Tuesday, June 21st.

Listen HERE<<<

MUSIC MONDAY JAM: Kids These Days - "Summer Scent"

2011-06-13T18:19:00.000-07:00

There's always a certain stigma associated with kid bands, but there isn't much very juvenile about Kids These Days. In fact, about half the members of the band are nearly into their early 20s. But what makes this youthful bunch seem slightly more mature and a bit less pop than the average teenybopper band isn't their age. It's their sound; it draws from influences far beyond their time, merging blues-rock, jazz, and traditional hip hop. Perhaps you can think of Kids These Days as an updated version of Arrested Development. The 8-piece collective hails from my current stomping grounds, and I had the pleasure of working with them for my latest endeavour. "Summer Scent" is from the band's upcoming Hard Times EP, dropping June 28th. Although the video was shot in L.A., the song is a perfect welcoming celebration of beautiful, sunny Summertime-Chi.

MUSIC MONDAY JAM: Random Axe - "Chewbacca"

2011-06-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

Random Axe "Chewbacca" feat. Roc Marciano by duckdown

Over the past several months, the Hip Hop in my heavy rotation has had two things in common: Detroit and Duck Down. With a phenomenal mixtape, an exceptional follow-up album, and three more promising projects on the horizon, the two have undoubtedly been sources of the finest music in Hip Hop as of late. Random Axe— the much delayed and anticipated self-titled debut from the heavy weight trio of Detroit producer/emcee Black Milk, Guilty Simpson and celebrated BCC legend, Sean Price --has been painfully delayed for years (literally). But one very unfortunate disaster and two great solo albums later, we can finally rejoice for the project to drop next week (June 14), adding to the list of wins for the overlooked city and the indie hip hop label. "Chewbacca" is the latest drop from the album. Check after the jump for the artwork, track listing, and more.

1. Zoo Drugs
2. Random Call
3. Black Ops feat. Fat Ray
4. Chewbacca feat. Roc Marciano
5. The Hex
6. Understand This
7. Everybody, Nobody, Somebody
8. Jahphy Joe feat. Melanie Rutherford & Danny Brown
9. The Karate Kid
10. Never Back Down
11. Monster Babies
12. Shirley C feat. Fatt Father
13. Another One feat. Rock & Trick Trick
14. 4 In The Box
15. Outro Smoutro

NEW MUSIC TUESDAY: Elzhi - ELmatic [FREE DOWNLOAD]

2011-05-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

Posting content for the sake of being the first or the "most hip" in the blogosphere is becoming increasingly whack to me. Every once in a while, though, I'm compelled to hop back on the bandwagon for a return to the basic "you-heard-it-here-first" formula because I've had little time to tend to this precious blog and it's an easy way to get content up. One thing I can promise is that any music you get from this site is music I believe in 100%, and I share it with my readers with intentions to spread the wealth of satisfaction and inspiration it brings me. That being said, ELmatic, Elzhi's sonically profound renovation of Nas' classic album, is special enough to bring me out of yet another month-long blogging hiatus. It's also great enough to give reason to the question of whether or not the original has been outdone. The formula looks something like this: One of the best MCs to date + Live Band production courtesy of Will Sessions = Illmatic on steroids with a Detroit flavor. Get blown away after the jump.

1. The Genesis
2. Detroit State of Mind (Houseshoes Shout)
3. Halftime
4. Memory Lane
5. The World Is Yours
6. Represent
7. Life’s A Bitch feat. Royce da 5’9 and Stokley Williams of Mint Condition
8. One Love
9. It Ain’t Hard To Tell (Pete Rock Shout)
10. Pete Rock Shout

Download HERE<<<
Pre-Order physical copy HERE<<<

REWIND THAT: Big Daddy Kane - "Show N Prove"

2011-04-06T01:03:00.000-07:00

Let me start by saying Decoded was a fantastic read. You're doing yourself a grave disservice if you haven't read it by now, Jay-Z fan or not. Aside from being insightful and, for me, inspirational and empowering, the book also turned me on to some old rarities like the video (up top) for Big Daddy Kane's early 90s record "Show N Prove". It features raw, low-budget footage of some heavy-weight Brooklynites catching wreck in the park; definitely one of the more organic captures in Hip Hop music videos. Anyway, as the story goes, Shyheim, the then 16 year old rapper featured on the song and in the video, was originally intended for Jay's classic Reasonable Doubt record, "Coming Of Age." Check the excerpt and a recent interview with a now much older Shyheim after the jump.

"When I wrote a song for my first album inspired by the tension between older guys and new recruits in the streets, I called Kane and told him, 'Man, I wrote this song and I really want Shyheim on it." We tracked down Shyheim's people and in the end they said he couldn't do it for whatever reason-- and at this point, I hadn't even made an album yet, so they weren't feeling pressed to let him do the song. But even though Shyheim is the one I was thinking about for the record, it didn't really matter that he said no. It was still a record I felt like I needed to make, I just needed someon who could represent what I thought I saw in Shyheim.

The next day I saw this kid I knew walking across Marcy. He looked like a little star already-- the swagger in his bop, the clean gear. I knew his older brother, Andre, a little better, but Andre was a kid to me, too. I had this verse that needed a younger voice on it, but a young voice that was rough and full of ambition, and I just got a feeling from this kid. His name was Malik, but he'd soon rename himself Memphis Bleek"

- Jay-Z (Excerpt from Decoded).

Hmm... I wonder if Shyheim would be nothing more than the hype man Memphis Bleek is for Jay today had the story been different.

MUSIC MONDAY JAM: Quadron - "Pressure" [LIVE]

2011-04-04T21:23:00.000-07:00

In a world of racial and cultural divide, one thing is for sure: Soul music knows no boundaries. The genre that was once of the African American experience has been adopted by countless artists from around the world bold enough to claim it as their own. In fact, I'm convinced that Europeans have been churning out some of the finest soul music as of late, so it may not be so off-putting to come across a Danish duo like Quadron with so much soul and conviction. Case in point: in the clip above, Quadron vocalist Coco performs a heavenly rendition of the Motown-infused "Pressure" while accompanied by Rebekah Raff on harp. Somehow, Quadron's self-titled debut was missed by critics and snubbed from countless year-end lists. To those who fell behind with the masses last year, here's your late pass.

Pharoahe Monch - W.A.R. (We Are Renegades) [Full Album Stream]

2011-03-23T23:10:00.000-07:00

I'll admit, it's been quite a while since I've actually gone out and spent my hard-earned money on an album. Perhaps once you realize how accessible music is nowadays, it can be quite a burden to come out of your pocket for something you can own free of charge. But of course, there's always that one exception that compels us to act out in irrational ways that belie our virtuous economic morals. All 47 minutes and 46 seconds of W.A.R. (We Are Renegades), Pharoahe Monch's third offering in twelve years, is worthy of that exception. If you've budgeted for only one Hip Hop release in 2011, W.A.R. is your best investment (until further notice). The follow up to Monch's exceptional sophomore release doesn't disappoint and reaffirms his majesty as one of the top [insert double digit number here] MCs of all time. For all you stragglers out there, stream the album in its entirety after the jump courtesy of Duck Down Records.

SIDE NOTE: By no means am I advocating music piracy. You should always support the artists you listen to by purchasing their work. #RealTalk

TRACKLIST
1."Intro" (feat. Idris Elba)
Prod. - Pharoahe Monch
2. "Calculated Amalgamation"
Prod. - Lion's Share Music Group
3. "Evolve"
Prod. - Exile
4. "W.A.R." (feat. Immortal Technique & Vernon Reid)
Prod. - Marco Polo
5. "Clap (One Day)" (feat. Showtyme & DJ Boogie Blind)
Prod. - M-Phazes
6. "Black Hand Side" (feat. Styles P & Phonte)
Prod. - Mike Loe
7. "Let My People Go"
Prod. - Fatin "10" Horton
8. "Shine" (feat. Mela Machinko)
Prod. - Diamond D
9. "The Hitman"
Prod. - M-Phazes
10. "Halie Selassie Karate" (feat. Mr. Porter)
Prod. - Sam I Am
11. "Assassins" (feat. Jean Grae & Royce da 5'9")
Prod. - M-Phazes
12. "The Grand Illusion (Circa 1973)" (feat. Citizen Cope)
Prod. - Adam Deitch & Eric Krasno
13. "Still Standing" (feat. Jill Scott & Showtyme) Prod. by M-Phazes

Music Monday Jam: The Foreign Exchange - "Authenticity"

2011-02-21T22:41:00.000-08:00

You can never go wrong with The Foreign Exchange. Authenticity has certainly been one of the more heavier played albums in my library for the past few months. Visuals for the title track (one of eleven jams) up top. Also, be sure to check out my featured blurb for my favorite song from the album at NPR Music.

WATCH: Buke & Gass - Tiny Desk Concert

2011-02-21T10:39:00.000-08:00

Imagine this: for three months you work in an office alongside vehement music ~~snobs~~ enthusiasts whose job is to lend their impeccable musical tastes and expertise to the world. The focal point of all work and discussion is music and, about three times per week, artists come perform no more than about ten feet away from your desk. It's quite the surreal experience for a music head like me who just so happens to take up amateur blogging as a hobby; it's almost too good to be true. It's also the type of environment that fosters some noteworthy music discovery. One in particular that made a lasting impression on me came when I witnessed the above Tiny Desk performance by Buke and Gass. I was only halfway paying attention as I worked vigorously, likely finishing World Cafe pages for the week. But as I passively listened, I couldn't help but notice striking similarities between the duo's peculiar and edgy take on folk music and the quirky tunefulness and off kilter soul of indie rock band Dirty Projectors. Despite the similarities, though, their homemade distorted acoustics coupled with Arone Dyer's waling, melodic voice is more than enough to set Buke and Gass in a lane all their own and in my list of new favorites. Check out the visuals for "Page Break", a stand out form their debut album Riposte, after the jump.

REWIND THAT: Jaspects - "Unifunk"

2011-01-17T19:37:00.000-08:00

Jaspects is probably one of the most overlooked bands of the past decade. Happy MLK Day! "Unifunk", a standout from their 2009 release The Polkadotted Stripe, is a perfect revisit for the occasion.

LISTEN: Skillz - "2010 Rap Up"

2011-01-06T15:46:00.000-08:00

And just like that, I’m right back like I left something. Let’s end this month-long drought by ringing in the New Year, shall we? Of course, that can only be made possible with the annual Rap Up, courtesy of Skillz. For those of you who'd been looking for this one on the net, it didn't drop until about two days into 2011. Hit the jump for details on why the "2010 Rap Up" almost didn't happen. Happy New Year!

Download on iTunes<<<

SIDE NOTE: Expect some major refinements here on The Music Elixir very soon. Writers and web designers, if you're interested in contributing to the site, contact melixirbiz@gmail.com. I'm also still very active on Twitter, so don't hesitate to follow me @dre1sinceday1 for random rants and regular updates.

FIRST LISTEN: Crown Royale (Buff1 x DJ Rhettmatic)

2010-12-06T16:16:00.000-08:00

I hate to admit it, but I've officially set a record for the most elapsed time without a single post. Somehow I've continued to get a relatively significant amount of visitors and hits, though, so thank you all for keeping your faith in me. As you can imagine, NPR Music consumes the majority of my time, forcing me to neglect this site. But the positive side to this is that I've been able to produce some quality content for NPR that I can share with y'all here. For example: This First Listen for the self-titled debut album Crown Royale (Ann Arbor, MI emcee Buff1 and L.A. based World Famous Beat Junkie DJ Rhettmatic). The album drops tomorrow, but you can listen to it in its entirety here before you go cop it. Now I know what you're probably thinking: "Don't First Listen's usually run an entire week before an album drops?" The answer is yes. I'm pretty late with this post. So head on over to NPRMusic.com ASAP before the audio expires.

Also, if you're in Ann Arbor on December 9th, you definitely won't want to miss the joint release party with Magestik Legend at The Blind Pig. There will also be a release party in L.A. on the 15th.

Lastly, check after the jump for visuals of the album's lead single and a complementary EP presented by 2dopeboyz.

Download HERE<<<

Add-2 - Tale Of Two's City, Vol. 4: Better Days [MIXTAPE]

2010-10-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

Hip-hop heads, look no further. This is what you've all been waiting for. For those of you who haven't already snagged it elsewhere, here is the latest offering from the very promising Chi-town emcee Add-2. OKP & 2DBZ presents: Tale Of Two's City, Vol. 4: Better Days. To call this 20+ track collection a mixtape would be an unjust classification. Even though the man himself refers to it as such, the project flows much like a very complete and cohesive album. Add is certainly no slouch on the mic, by any means, but guest appearances by the likes of Von Pea & Donwill of Tanya Morgan don't hurt. Hit the jump for the track list and download.

Download HERE<<<

Elixir Radio: THE FINAL SHOW (September, 2010)

2010-10-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure a few of you have been wondering if I was ever going to post the final airing of Elixir Radio. To be honest, I almost forgot about it. Here it is, nearly two months later, nonetheless. I had a great time being on-air in the middle of the day for the first time. As previously mentioned, a special guest joined me in the studio (check the second hour for the interview). Hopefully this won't be the last you hear of the show. But for now, enjoy the closing chapter after the jump.

HOUR 1

Download HERE<<<

HOUR 2

Download HERE<<<

HOUR 3

Download HERE<<<

Joe '3rdEygree' Levi - "13:52" [FREE DOWNLOAD]

2010-10-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

In support of gifted hopefuls local to the metro Detroit area, I present to you 13:52, the seven-track project by the homie 3rdEygree. The adept emcee (and recent graduate of my alma mater) spits some introspective and thought-provoking lyrics over soulful and jazzy Dilla-esque beats by Brooklyn, NY production duo, The Stuyvesants. If you like what you hear, be sure to download the full-length instrumental project, Brooklyn's Finest. Stream and download 13:52 below.

REWIND THAT: The Pat Metheny Group - "To The End Of The World" [LIVE]

2010-10-27T18:31:00.000-07:00

I can only vaguely remember witnessing famed jazz guitarist Pat Metheny perform live. I could have been anywhere between the ages of four and eight at the time. One thing is for sure, though: "To The End Of The World" remains one of my all time favorite songs of his; it's certainly one of his most popular records to date. The engrossing live rendition of the song in the clip above- from the We Live Here (Live In Japan) DVD - is exemplary of the jazz-fusion stylings Metheny's eight-piece collective is known for.

SIDE NOTE: This footage is circa 1995, but based on the tight retro clothing and barbaric hair styles, you'd think this performance took place in the '80s. I'm not so sure about Lyle Mays (the group's pianist), but I'm almost certain Pat Metheny still wears his hair the same way. *shrugs*

WATCH: Japanese Cartoon - "Heirplanes"

2010-10-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

We have some good news, and we have some bad news. The good news is that Lupe Fiasco's forthcoming album Lasers finally has a release date; a tentative one, but a release date nonetheless. The bad news is that it won't be until March 8th (at least) before the album sees the light of day. We still have Lupe the rocker to help ease our painful anticipation of the new hip hop album, though. I'm definitely feeling the direction he's gone in here by heading this new alternative rock band Japanese Cartoon. The 13thWitness directed video for "Heirplanes" (up top) is from the band's free EP they released over the summer. Visit Yahoo Music for a breakdown of the video's concept.

UPDATE: Hit the jump for the dreadful new lead single for Lasers... YIKES!

WATCH: Elzhi - "Undefeated Freestyle" (Produced by Madlib)

2010-10-18T21:08:00.000-07:00

Just about anything by Elzhi is dope and will go up on this site. But you probably already knew that. You may also be familiar with El's proclivity to completely obliterate any track he hops on. Of course, this recently unearthed gem "Undefeated Freestyle" (produced by Madlib) is no different. Very brief yet very sweet. Video directed by Calmatic. If the name Elzhi doesn't ring a bell then catch up. Dude is definitely among the most underrated emcees in the game right now.

Download: "Undefeated Freestyle" by Elzhi (mp3)

The Foreign Exchange - "Thank You For Listening" [Mini Film]

2010-10-15T20:44:00.000-07:00

Friends and Fam,

To coincide with the release of our new album “Authenticity,” we hope you will enjoy the short film “Thank You For Listening;” shot and directed by Sandrine Orabona (videographer for Michael Jackson’s ‘This Is It’) and Anke Thommen.

This short piece sums up the story of +FE, as well as incorporating live show footage, candid interviews and behind the scenes footage of Phonte, Nicolay, YahZarah, and the rest of the +FE Music family. For anyone wanting to get hip to the music and story of The Foreign Exchange, this video is the perfect entry point.
Thanks so much for your support.

Peace,
Phonte

Somehow I missed this week's release of The Foreign Exchange's new album, Authenticity (epic fail on my part). I haven't heard it yet, but FE... they can do no wrong. Go cop that.

LISTEN: Add-2 - "The Menace's Theme Part 2"

2010-10-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

I'm not exactly a huge fan of flooding this blog with mundane single-song posts, but since Elixir Radio is on hold at the moment, this one couldn't wait. Exactly a week from today, the emcee from the 'windy city' Add-2 will release his long awaited Tale of Two's City Vol. 4: Better Days project. Just this week, Add let loose of "The Menaces Theme Part 2", the first song to be featured on his upcoming offering. The track reunites Add's vicious flow with the scorching production of Antman Wonder, producer of "Luxury" and the original "The Menace's Theme" from Add's Tale of Two's City Vol. 3. Catch up, world!

The Menace's Theme Pt. 2 by Add-2

Download HERE<<<

REWIND THAT: Mary J. Blige + K-Ci Hailey [LIVE]

2010-10-04T21:40:00.000-07:00

It's things like this that make me miss the '90s with all my heart. For whatever reason, I hadn't been able to find this footage anywhere. I guess somebody pulled it from YouTube a while back and then (thankfully) re-posted it. Anyways, up top, Mary J. Blige and K-Ci (of Jodeci) link up on the set of MTV's Unplugged to deliver a poignant performance of one of my favorite jams-- or as someone else put it, somewhat facetiously, the "greatest ghetto ballad duet ever made" --from arguably Mary's best album to date, What's The 411. Classic stuff right here.

SIDE NOTE: Did K-Ci bust out the stanky leg at 4:42?? *shrugs*

Check out Mary's performance of "Reminisce" after the jump.

WATCH: Tame Impala - "Lucidity"

2010-09-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

So there's this dope new Psychedelic Rock band from Australia called Tame Impala that I'm really into. Don't ask how I came across their music, but I knew I was hooked from the first time I heard their debut album Innerspeaker. As lead guitarist Kevin Parker describes it, their music is of "a steady flowing psychedelic groove that emphasizes dream-like melody". Entrenched in spacey vocals over distorted electric guitars, their prog sound is probably most comparable to a Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band on steroids. Equally as impressive as their music is their new breakthrough video (seen up top) for "Lucidity" (track number four on Innerspeaker), in which director Robert Hales sends the camera into space (while it's shooting)! Pretty impressive. This could almost seem like a magic trick if you didn't know any better, so watch the clip after the jump to see how Hales pulled this one off.

WATCH: Black Milk - "Welcome (Gotta Go)"

2010-09-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

Not to say this song is bad, by any means. I just find the visuals for it a bit more appealing than the song itself. Directed by Anthony Garth (director of Sound The Alarm and Losing Out), the above video for "Welcome (Gotta Go)" showcases an impressive stop-motion effect of still images of Black Milk roaming the streets of Downtown Detroit, pieced together by editor Chris Chynoweth. Find out why Album of The Year is worthy of its title by purchasing your copy here.

REWIND THAT: Camp Lo - "Luchini (This Is It)"

2010-09-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

So I realize I've neglected this blog ever since I transitioned to my new home. But not to worry. I'll be sure to get things rolling again here soon. Until then, enjoy the above classic joint by Camp Lo.

Elixir Radio: Podcast #6 (8/31/2010)

2010-09-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

Running a little behind again. For efficiency's sake, I'll just provide y'all with the latter half of the show wherein I played a bulk of the newer music. Also, disregard the regular-scheduled time I announced for the last airing of Elixir Radio. The final show will air this Thrusday (9/9) from 12PM-3PM. Yes, this is outside the boundaries of safe harbor hours, so that means I will only be playing non-earmuff-warranted music (all good though). I will also have a special guest or two to join me for the final show, so be sure to tune in at WCBN 88.3FM Ann Arbor.

Download HERE<<<

FIRST LISTEN: Black Milk - "Album Of The Year"

2010-09-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

Those of you who frequent this site know I've been pushing Black Milk's Album of The Year like it's my job, and for good reason. I see the good folks with whom I'll have a temporary home at NPR music have done the album justice. Their First Listen series provides us with Black's new gem in its entirety for our listening pleasure before it drops next week (September 14). The Detroit native defines the double-entendre album title with some of his most introspective music as well as some of his sharpest production and emceeing to date. Unlike his previous two albums, every track on this one is backed by live instrumentation, with the help of AB and Daru in abundance. Follow the link below to listen, and check after the cut for shots of the album packaging. Support some of the best Hip Hop music to drop this year by Pre-ordering your copy of Album of the Year here or here.

Listen to Album of the Year HERE<<<

WATCH: Cee-Lo - "F%$# You"

2010-09-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

The phrase "F%$# You" has never sounded so good in a song. Some soulful stuff right here. Check after the jump to see how 50 Cent plays the douche bag in this scenario with his complementary verse. Cee-Lo's upcoming album, Lady Killer, drops December 7th.

Elixir Radio: Podcast #5

2010-08-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

Elixir Radio never fails (aside from the occasional technical hiccup or two). Today's show covered what I didn't have time to post to the site. A couple highlights include new music from Lupe Fiasco, J. Cole, and Cee-Lo. And, as always, there's much more Elixir goodness for just about everyone to enjoy. Indulge after the jump. One down, and two to go! Tune in every Tuesday morning from 3AM to 6AM on WCBN 88.3FM Ann Arbor.

PART 1

Download HERE<<<

PART 2

Download HERE<<<

PART 3

Download HERE<<<

NEW MUSIC TUESDAY: Tomorrow, Yesterday - "To...From..." [FREE LP]

2010-08-24T17:43:00.000-07:00

No major releases worth announcing today, so I'll just advise you to check out this debut album from West Coast collective Tomorrow, Yesterday entitled To... From... They kind of have that same Hip Hop/Soul feel that Foreign Exchange first won me over with. Their label, HiPNOTT Records, is giving the project away for free, so hit the jump for the goods. One listen, and I can guarantee you'll be checking for Tomorrow, Yesterday from here on out.

<a href="http://seetomorrowyesterday.com/album/to-from">To...From... by Tomorrow, Yesterday</a>

WATCH: MGMT - "Congratulations"

2010-08-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

Anyone who is familiar with the progressive rock duo, MGMT, know they're in for some more erratic and perverse visuals up top. For those who aren't familiar, welcome to MGMT's world, where crazy and deranged things/occurences are a representation of real life. Congratulations is in stores now.

Dela - "The Robert Glasper Beat Tape" [FREE DOWNLOAD]

2010-08-24T03:56:00.000-07:00

French producer Dela takes on the music of young Jazz pianist, Robert Glasper...

"...twitters @FROactiv and @fwmj advised me to get my hands on In My Element. A couple weeks later I found a copy in Archambault in MTL, so I copped it, went home and played it and... DAYMN! This album is 1) very dope 2) absolutely full of samples. Some of the interludes are basically hip-hop beats already... So.. I was like, I can't sample the whole album and get away with it, can I? Can I??? I felt guilty already, so I figured I might as well do it, but call it a remix album or something.. And I started making these beats. So there you go now, The Robert Glasper Beat Tape is up for free download. If you like it, please support good music by copping In My Element, you’ll like it too. It’s on iTunes, and you should be able to find the CD in the jazz section of your nearest record store.. Enjoy!"

^^Co-sign. Hit the jump for the audio and download.

<a href="http://dela.bandcamp.com/album/the-robert-glasper-beat-tape">Kiss by dela</a>

WATCH: Black Milk x Royce Da 5'9" x Elzhi - "Deadly Medley"

2010-08-23T15:22:00.000-07:00

There has been a surge of way too much fresh, new content lately that I haven't had the time to post to this site yet. However, the premier of the video for Black Milk's "Deadly Medley"-- the track sources have been buzzing about ever since the track list for Album of The Year was revealed --is an occasion that we can't afford to miss. I mean Black, Royce, and El all together on one track is just about the best thing a Hip Hop head could ask for. The trio spit venom over a track that finds Black at a more progressive state with his production. It boasts the signature live instrumentation formula he's been using as of late, with the addition of a gritty/soulful guitar sample, off key piano chords, a loose drum beat, and an atypical base line. As far as the visuals go, the three emcees take to the streets and rooftops of their hometown, Detroit city. Visuals for "Welcome (Gotta Go)", the first single from Album of The Year, are up next. Album of The Year drops September 14, as if G.O.O.D Music Day was never even a possibility. Purchase Deadly Medley T's here.

WATCH: M.I.A. - "XXXO"

2010-08-17T17:19:00.000-07:00

Visuals for M.I.A.'s first single, "XXXO", from her new album Maya (in stores now).

LISTEN: Bilal - "Restart"

2010-08-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

The buzz surrounding Bilal's upcoming album, Airtight's Revenge, has been deafening for the past few months without a single leaked song or official single. Now, we can finally begin to experience the project with the LP's first official single, "Restart". You can stream and download the track for free below, or buy it on iTunes for an accompanying instrumental version as well as a remix. A lengthy three-part interview with Bilal done by Greedmont Park is also available to watch at your own discretion after the jump. Airtight's Revenge will be available September 14 via Plug Research. The album will be Bilal's first full-length offering in nine years.

Elixir Radio: Podcast #3 (8/10/2010) & #4 (8/17/2010)

2010-08-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

Running a little behind here, so we'll double up this time around. Podcasts of the last two airings of Elixir Radio are available for all to indulge in after the jump. I went real old school for the last two shows with classic material from Zapp & Roger, Heat Wave, Sly & The Family Stone, and more. I also took it back even further with some old Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles. And of course, there's more than enough here to please the Hip Hop heads, with brand new music from K-Os, Wale, and classic cuts from Lord Finesse, Big Daddy Kane, and other heavy weights/legends of the game. Only three shows left! Be sure to tune in every Tuesday morning from 3AM to 6AM on WCBN 88.3FM Ann Arbor.

8/10/2010

PART 1

Download HERE<<<

PART 2

Download HERE<<<

PART 3

Download HERE<<<

8/17/2010

PART 1

Download HERE<<<

PART 2

Download HERE<<<

PART 3

Download HERE<<<

Introducing.... TheMusicElixir.COM!

2010-08-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

If you haven't noticed by now, your favorite music blog/site is now simply TheMusicElixir.COM. That's right. The 'blogspot' extension of the URL has officially been dropped- a change that was well overdue. To make things even more official, The Music Elixir is also listed on Facebook, so be sure to become a fan. You can also follow me (the blogger/founder of this site) on Twitter for regular updates.

REWIND THAT: Jaspects - "Find My Way To Love"

2010-08-09T10:05:00.000-07:00

Download HERE<<<

UPDATE: Text w/ excerpt from unpublished NPR Music "Song Of The Day"

Devoted listeners of Elixir Radio have probably heard this song quite a few times, but you can never have too much Jaspects in your life.

Just as all six members of the group come from different parts of the country, their sound spans many different corners of the music spectrum. A product of the hip hop generation and Morehouse College's music curriculum, the sextet employs its youthful musicianship to break down musical barriers, innovatively blending big band jazz with 'new wave' electronic/techno, funk, rock and hip hop.

Juxtaposed with the vocoder singing, uptempo, funky electronic grooves and straight-ahead-jazz dispensed on the band's ubiquitous album (and last as a group), Polkadotted Stripe, the serenity of "Find My Way To Love" stands out. While a majority of the album rouses high energy movement and revolution in the name of (social, political, and musical) freedom, the love ballad subdues the listener into tranquility with its sentimental lushness. The silky vocals of singer-songwriter Chantae Cann embossed by the radiant horns and piano keys evoke the ambiance of a 'cool' '50s Jazz Club. Yet the song's entrancing lyrics are poignant enough to harness storms of emotion.

Though Jaspects has now been dismantled for over two years, the group's timeless body of work is a relic that is sure to last far beyond the ever-changing landscapes of music. "Music is just music. And we want people to recognize good music when they hear it," says band drummer Henry ³HC3² Conerway.

SIDE NOTE(S): Select Jaspects members still perform alongside Neo-Soul angel, Janelle Monae, for her live sets. It has also been said that Jaspects singer/pianist T-Brown will be teaming up with the multi-faceted, up and coming Soul Goddess, Brittany Bosco soon for some treats, so be on the look out for that.

WATCH: Erykah Badu & Rick Ross - "Window Seat (RMX)" + "Turn Me Away (Get MuNNY)"

2010-08-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

First, a verse. Then a song. Now, a video. As consistent as these two have been together, their collaborative work still seems a bit uncanny. The Control Freaq x Creative Control directed visuals (up top) for Rick Ross's remix of Erykah Badu's "Window Seat" and "Turn Me Away Get MuNNY" adds little to the original concept, so we'll have to wait and see if the continuation of this clip has anything more to add to Badu's social commentary. For now, lets just be thankful that Ricky decided to stay fully clothed.

WATCH: Marco Polo & Ruste Juxx - "Rearview"

2010-08-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

More visuals from one of the best Hip Hop albums of the year, that is Marco Polo and Ruste Juxx's The Exxecution. This one is for "Rearview", a standout of twelve recordings of hardcore aggression.

PREVIEW: Black Milk - "Album Of The Year"

2010-08-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't peeped the promo video for Black Milk's modestly titled Album of The Year, here you have it up top. Check for the album cover art and complete track list after the jump. The D-town MC/producer releases the LP everyone should be checking for this year on September 14.

01. 365
02.Welcome (Gotta Go)
03.Keep Going
04. Oh Girl f. AB
05. Deadly Medley f. Royce Da 5’9″ & Elzhi
06. Distortion f. Melanie Rutherford
07. Over Again f. Monica Blaire
08. Round of Applause
09. Black and Brown f. Danny Brown
10. Warning (Keep Bouncing)
11. Gospel Psychedelic Rock
12. Closed Chapter f. Mr. Porter

Wale - "More About Nothing" [MIXTAPE]

2010-08-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

This would have been appropriate for today's New Music Tuesday list, but a sequel to one of my favorite mixtapes of all time deserves its own space to shine. DMV rep, Wale Folarin, brings us more mundane song titles, more Seinfeld samples, and more about.... NOTHING. Guest appearances by Wiz Khalifa, Avery Storm, Roscoe Dash, and more.

Tracklist + Download after the jump

Download HERE<<<

NEW MUSIC TUESDAY (8/3/10)

2010-08-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is a very brief list of new releases that should be worth your hard earned money (or at least worth checking out). And as always, you can follow the links below the titles to stream these albums in their entirety.

"The Suburbs" by Arcade Fire
Listen HERE

"Trill OG" by Bun B
Listen HERE

"Wearallgoingtoburninhellmegamixxx3" by El-P
Listen HERE

Elixir Radio: Podcast #2 (8/3/10)

2010-08-03T05:12:00.000-07:00

While I continue my blogging hiatus, enjoy the second podcast of Elixir Radio after the jump. In addition to the classics, last night's show brought new music from Pusha T, Lupe Fiasco, Linkin Park, The Clientele, Lauryn Hill, and more. Tune in to Elixir Radio every Monday night from 3AM to 6AM on WCBN 88.3FM Ann Arbor.

Part 1

Download HERE<<<

Part 2

Download HERE<<<

Part 3

Download HERE<<<

LISTEN: Eric Benet - "Sometimes I Cry"

2010-07-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

Good news for R&B heads: Eric Benet has a new album called Lost In Time dropping this fall. "Sometimes I Cry" is the LP's lead single. Behind the scenes footage of Benet in the studio can be seen after the jump.

"Sometimes I Cry" by Eric Benet

Download HERE<<<

WATCH: Rick Ross - "B.M.F." [Live on LNWJF]

2010-07-25T18:34:00.000-07:00

There seems to be no limit to the variety of music guests on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. Just think- what if Black Thought were to add his verse to every guest's song? Anyways, Mr. Rick False himself recently showed up on the set to perform his street banger "B.M.F", with some help from the Legendary Roots Crew. A quite simple number for a band to perform. "Super High" probably would have done much better. Check out rehearsal footage after the jump. ~~Teflon Don~~ Tampon Don is a really good album, by the way, and it's in stores now.

BONUS: Rick Ross - "Audio Meth" (Featuring Raekwon) *iTunes Bonus*
BONUS: Rick Ross - "Sweet Life" (Featuring John Legend) *iTunes Bonus*

WATCH: Ski Beatz - "Cream Of The Planet" (feat. Mos Def)

2010-07-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

If you frequent the music blogosphere, you might have heard about Ski Beatz's 24 Hour Karate School a while back. A September 7th release date is finally set in stone for the long awaited project. Also, we now have the Creative Control directed visuals for the album's lead single "Cream Of The Planet", featuring Mos Def. If this is your first time hearing of 24 Hour Karate School, get caught up after the jump with the album track list, artwork, snippets, and an 11 minute promotional clip. CHOP CHOP!

Download Snippets HERE<<<

LISTEN: Matthew Dear - "Soil to Seed"

2010-07-20T16:14:00.000-07:00

As Ghostly International's premier electronic artist and co-founder, Matthew Dear highlights the label's summer catalog with his upcoming album, Black City. "Soil to Seed" is the LP's lead single. Black City will be available in stores and online August 17. Pre-order it here and check out a trailer for the album after the jump. Shouts out to Sam, Jeff and the rest of the good folks over at Ghostly.

"Soil To Seed" by Matthew Dear

Download HERE<<<

WATCH: Mayer Hawthorne - "You're Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin Nothin'"

2010-07-20T14:35:00.000-07:00

Loungin' pool side with women in skimpy swim wear is definitely an appropriate activity for the summer. That's why the video for Mayer Hawthorne's "You're Easy Lovin' Ain't Pleasin Nothin'" (up top), is right on time. Everybody's summer playlist could use a retro doo-wop jam like this one. A Strange Arrangement is in stores now.

Japanese Cartoon - "In The Jaws Of The Lords Of Death" [FREE ALBUM]

2010-07-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

You may remember Japanese Cartoon, Lupe Fiasco's punk-rock band, from two Twilight soundtracks back for which they recorded a song called "Solar Midnite". We now have a full serving of their genre-bending superiority. The band's 9-track album, "In The Jaws of The Lords of Death", is available to indulge in for free after the jump, or at the band's web site (sign-up required). This should definitely help eager Lupe fans endure the wait for LASERS, which is taking forever to drop.

WATCH: Band of Horses - "Laredo"

2010-07-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

Time to put an end to the monotony for a second and divert our attention to Band of Horses, a rock band with subtle country twang (hence the name). Apparently, some of the more vehement rockers have expressed distaste for Band Of Horses, claiming their music is much too 'soft'. It's been described as the type of somewhat easy-listening music you'd hear in high-end retail stores. I'd say that's a pretty precise way of putting it, but it's definitely not such a bad thing for the more eclectic tastes, or for the 'dads who jam' (according to Fader). Whatever the case, Band of Horses make the kind of music that could be thrown on simply for an ambient effect, and everyone would be fine with it, whether they really enjoy the music or not. Exhibit A (up top): visuals for their song "Laredo", a single from the band's latest album Infinite Arms, which is in stores now.

PREVIEW: John Legend & The Roots - "Wake Up!"

2010-07-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

With a classic album already under their belt this year, The Roots don't plan on stopping just yet. They've teamed up with G.O.O.D Music representative John Legend to release a collaborative LP entitled Wake Up!. The album is a collection of 60's and 70's soul remakes, ironically promoting awareness of relevant issues of the present day. John Legend says of the politically conscious album:

“These songs sound so relevant now. On most of them, you wouldn’t change a lyric. ‘Wake Up Everybody’ has four verses—the first one is a general statement, the second is about education, third is about health care, and the fourth is about making a better environment. No editing needed.”

Wake Up! will be available September 21st via Sony Music. Check for the track list and preview four songs from the album after the jump.

01 Compared to What
02 Hard Times
03 Little Ghetto Boy
04 Wake Up Everybody f. Common and Melanie Fiona
05 Our Generation
06 Love the Way It Should Be
07 Hang On in There
08 I Can’t Write Left Handed
09 Wholy Holy
10 I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free
11 Shine

TRACK 4: Lead single
TRACK 11: Album's lone original composition

WATCH: Drake - SV Tribute [LIVE]

2010-07-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

Aside from the multiple Dead Prez, Wu Tang, A Tribe Called Quest, Slum Village and Dilla references made on Thank Me Later (which, more than likely, went over the heads of a significant amount of people who actually bought the album), Drake has been very outspoken about his affinity for ~~real~~ good Hip Hop music. He is definitely a fan and, most importantly, a student of the game. In the clip up top, at about the 3:20 mark, Drake affirms his Hip Hop credibility by spitting Dillas entire verse from the SV classic "Climax". It's great to see a superstar like Drake raise awareness of music like this with his fans. For that, thank you, Drake (no pun intended).

REFRESHER: "Think Good Thoughts" by Drake featuring Phonte and Elzhi
BONUS: "Do It All" by Drake (Thank Me Later B-Side)

WATCH: Flying Lotus - "MmmHmm"

2010-07-14T20:57:00.000-07:00

Up top, we have some enchanting new visuals for "MmmHmm" from Fly Lo's latest album, Cosmogramma (available now).

NEW MUSIC TUESDAY

2010-07-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

Check out these new titles that just dropped today...

"Pilot Talk" by Curren$y

"Dark Night Of The Soul" By Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse
Listen HERE

"The War Report 2" by Capone-N-Noreaga
Listen HERE

"Symphonicities" by Sting

"Maya" by M.I.A.
Listen HERE

"Statlanta" by Stat Quo

LISTEN: Black Milk - "Welcome (Gotta Go)"

2010-07-08T11:23:00.000-07:00

Out of all the new music from Black Milk that has surged on to the net, this song entitled "Welcome (Gotta Go)" is one of only two that will actually make it on to Album of The Year. In fact, this is the LP's first 'official' single. Album of The Year will be in stores and online September 14.

<a href="http://blackmilk.bandcamp.com/track/welcome-gotta-go">Welcome (Gotta Go) by Black Milk</a>

M.I.A. - "/ \/ \/ \ Y / \" [ALBUM STREAM]

2010-07-07T09:25:00.000-07:00

As you may already know, M.I.A will have a new album, self-titled Maya, out next Tuesday, July 13th. The entire album is now streaming on her Myspace. Pre-order the album here.

LISTEN: Rick Ross - "Maybach Music III" + "Aston Martin Music" [NoDJ]

2010-07-07T01:33:00.000-07:00

Two more leaks from Rick Ross' forthcoming album Teflon Don? I'll take em...

The first (and best by far) is "Maybach Music III". I probably listened to this song more than a dozen times before posting it (yeah, it's that good). Probably the most surprising/confusing about it though is the Erykah Badu feature, despite talks in the past of an official Ross and Badu collaboration. The notion probably still won't ever set in, even after you hear how well it actually works. While everyone kills it in the song, J.U.S.T.I.C.E League steals the show with their epic, thematic, and ambient instrumentals. Very Hollywood-esque.

On the other hand, there's the Drake and Chrisette Michele assisted track "Aston Martin Music". Though the song isn't bad, I'm pretty disappointed "Mafia Music 2" got replaced. Take a listen to both "Maybach Music III" and a tagless, CDQ version of "Aston Martin Music" after the jump. Also, check out the track list and back cover art for the album down bottom. By now, it should be obvious to everyone that Ricky Rozay is on to something. Teflon Don hits stores July 20th.

"Maybach Music III" by Rick Ross feat. T.I., Jadakiss, and Erykah Badu

Download HERE<<<

"Aston Martin Music" by Rick Ross feat. Drake and Chrisette Michele

Download HERE<<<

BONUS: If you missed them, be sure to check out the "Super High Remix" (featuring Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y) and "Live Fast Die Young" (featuring Kanye West)

Elixir Radio: Podcast #1 (7/6/2010)

2010-07-06T22:20:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who tuned in to last night's show. For those of you who missed it, the show's very first podcast is available to stream and download in three parts down bottom. Take a listen for new music from Dwele, YahZarah, N.E.R.D, M.I.A, and more. Also, check for the New Music Tuesday list at about 20 minutes on Part 2. Elixir Radio airs live every Tuesday morning from 3AM to 6AM on WCBN 88.3FM Ann Arbor.

Part 1 [Smooth (R&B, Jazz, etc..)]

Download HERE<<<

Part 2 [Hip Hop, Rock, etc..]

Download HERE<<<

Part 3 [Indie Rock, Alternative, Electronic, etc...]

Download HERE<<<

WATCH: Corinne Bailey Rae - "Closer"

2010-07-05T18:58:00.000-07:00

The lovely British soulstress, Corinne Bailey Rae, is keeping her last album The Sea fresh with her new video up top. This one is for "Closer". The Sea has been out since last year, so you know what to do if you still don't own a copy.

Listen: Dirty Projectors & Bjork - "All We Are"

2010-07-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

The Dirty Projectors are officially one of my new favorite indie rock bands. Their album Bitte Orca is still in heavy rotation on my end. The band recently teamed up with the Electro/Trip Hop queen, Bjork, for a project entitled Mount Wittenberg Orca. The seven-track mini LP is a result of their NYC benefit show back in May (check out the footage here). The new collaborative music is said to be inspired by an "imagined moment" when DP singer-guitarist Amber Coffman "saw a whale and the whale saw her" near California's Mount Wittenberg. Projectors songwriter Dave Longstreth says of the project:

"We finally got a chance to record Wittenberg last month, almost exactly a year after we first sang it. We went into the Rare Book Room in Brooklyn and rehearsed it for three days, then we recorded it as quickly and as live as possible. We only overdubbed lead vocals and a guitar solo"

The album is available for purchase in digital format here (proceeds go to the National Geographic Society). You can listen to the album's vocally-inclined closing track, "All We Are", after the jump.

Dirty Projectors + Björk- All We Are by DominoRecordCo

Listen: Cody Chesnutt - "Do Better To The Young"

2010-07-05T10:27:00.000-07:00

You may remember guitarist/vocalist Cody ChesnuTT from the work he's done with The Roots. Apparently he has a new EP entitled "Black Skin/No Value" as well as a forthcoming LP entitled "Landing on a Hundred". This new song "Do Better To The Young" is from one of the two said projects.

Do Better To The Young by Cody Chesnutt by BiggerThanBlogging

Listen: Black Milk - "How Dare You"

2010-07-04T14:53:00.000-07:00

While all the drama surrounding SV may have us in a slump, this new Black Milk track entitled "How Dare You" is a reminder that we still have a lot to smile about. The release date for Album of The Year has now been pushed back to September 14th.

<a href="http://blackmilk.bandcamp.com/track/how-dare-you">How Dare You by Black Milk</a>

UPDATE: This song will not appear on "Album of The Year"

WATCH: Janelle Monae - "Tightrope" [WONDAMIX] feat. Lupe Fiasco & B.O.B.

2010-07-01T12:09:00.000-07:00

The somewhat underwhelming 'Wondamix' of Janelle Monae's "Tightrope" gets the visual treatment up top. The ArchAndroid is in stores now.

Listen: Jazmine Sullivan - "Holding You Down (Goin In Circles)"

2010-07-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

You can never go wrong with new music from Jazmine Sullivan. Her new song "Holding You Down" samples a couple Hip Hop classics, including Nas's "Affirmative Action" and Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rud's "Do The James". No word yet on a new Jazmine Sullivan album, but this song may suggest that one is in the works.

"Holding You Down" by Jazmine Sullivan

Download HERE<<<

Listen: Zo! - "This Could Be The Night"

2010-07-01T11:17:00.000-07:00

Detroit native and The Foreign Exchange Music instrumentalist/producer, Zo!, has an upcoming album entitled "SunStorm". "This Could Be The Night" is the album's lead single and features Eric Robertson, Darien Brockington, and Rapper Big Pooh on vocals. If this is your first time hearing of Zo!, I highly suggest you go back and do your homework. "SunStorm" will be out July 27th.

Download HERE<<<

REWIND THAT: Random Axe - "Run"

2010-06-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay. Hope everyone enjoyed their Monday. That show on Saturday was crazy right? Down bottom is a dated song from a couple of the performing artists who took to the stage over the weekend (minus Sean Price). While we're all still waiting on the Random Axe album, here's "Run", my favorite track from Guilty Simpson's sophomore album "Ode To The Ghetto".

"Run" by Random Axe

DON'T FORGET: Elixir Radio will air tonight at 3

Jay Electronica Ticket Giveaway!!!

2010-06-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

The Jay Electronica show is right around the corner folks- this Saturday to be exact! To keep building y'all up to the event, we're going to play a little game. The winner gets two FREE tickets to the show. Here's what you have to do to win. It's simple. Just follow me on twitter at twitter.com/dre1sinceday1, tweet the following: "I just checked out www.themusicelixir.blogspot.com and won 2 tix to see Jay Electronica this Saturday @ St. Andrews!", and they're all yours. The first person wins, of course, so don't get beat to the chase. Ready... Set... GO!

For everyone else, tickets are still available for the low price of $15 at the following locations:
- Motivation Boutique (Ann Arbor, MI)
- Burn Rubber (Royal Oak, MI)
- Freshman Clothing [Harmony Park] (Detroit, MI)
- Saint Andrews Box Office (Detroit, MI)
- Ticketmaster

NEW MUSIC TUESDAY: More Summer Heat

2010-06-22T05:02:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the week again. Here are some notable titles to check out today..

"How I Got Over" by The Roots
- Listen HERE

"Further" by The Chemical Brothers
- Listen HERE

"Recovery" by Eminem
- Listen HERE

"Inversions of The Colossus" by RJD2
- Listen HERE

"Pollen: The Swarm Pt. 3" by Wu Music Group (Various)
- Listen HERE

Watch: The Flaming Lips - "The Sparrow Looks Up At The Machine"

2010-06-21T16:35:00.000-07:00

These Flaming Lips videos just get more disturbing with each song. The latest visuals from the psyched out collective's album "Embryonic" is for the song "The Sparrow Looks Up At The Machine" and features, what appears to be, the same monkey and blindfolded woman from the last video. The two videos are extremely odd, but this one is much more disturbing than the last, so check after the jump at your own discretion.

WARNING: NSFW!

MUSIC MONDAY JAM: The Niceguys - "Not At All"

2010-06-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

H-Town collective The Niceguys dropped "The Green Room EP" last December. The video up top, which just debuted last week, is for one of the songs from the project entitled "Not At All". Not familiar with The Nice Guys? Catch up after the jump.

Download HERE<<<

Drake x Cookin' Soul x Don Cannon - "Thank Us Later" [FREELOAD]

2010-06-19T23:33:00.000-07:00

Cookin' Soul and Don Cannon waste no time at all with this one. Not even a day after Drake's album "Thank Me Later" dropped last Tuesday, the two promptly came with this ~~remixed~~ enhanced version of the pop star's debut entitled "Thank Us Later".

"Thanks Us Later is a new approach to song remixing. Not having the a capellas it is a complete new challenge. Cookin’ Soul got in the studio together with french top producer Spike Miller and electronic spanish producer VibaSound using real live instruments: guitars, bass, piano, strings and synths."

Now this is how you turn an already dope album into an even better one. Check for the track list and download after the jump. Haven't heard the original yet? "Thank Me Later" is in stores now.

Download HERE<<<

Mega Ran & K-Murdock - "Forever Famicom" [Album Stream]

2010-06-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

"After 3 years of exchanging files back & forth via the internet, Forever Famicom, K-Murdock’s collaborative project with emcee Random (aka Mega Ran) is HERE! Forever Famicom is as much an ode to the classic Nintendo systems of the 80s & 90s as it is to the spirit of Hip-Hop, which began impacting the world around the same time as those early video game consoles. Ran & K are confident their musical efforts will appease lovers of retro culture as well as proponents of forward thinking concepts, mainly because their impetus for creating Forever Famicom was to make an album that reflected them as both longtime gamers and progressive artists."

- Neosonic Productions

Dope stuff here. Hit the jump for the stream/download.

<a href="http://megarankmurdock.bandcamp.com/album/forever-famicom">Episode III (A New Day) by Mega Ran & K-Murdock</a>

Watch: Rymefest - "Say Wassup" + "Prosperity"

2010-06-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Within just a week of releasing his new album "El Che", chi-town emcee Rhymefest has already graced us with two new videos from the LP. The first is "Say Wassup" and features Phonte (Little Brother/Foreign Exchange). The second, which was just released today, is called "Prosperity". Check both of those out after the jump and read what Fest had to say about the latter down bottom. The emcee is to release videos for all 16 tracks from the album, so there's plenty more on the way. "El Che" is in stores now.

"The title of the song is 'Prosperity' and it’s about televangelists and religious leaders that exploit people. One night I was watching TV and the televangelist said 'GAWD, wants to change your life!' and it inspired me to write the song. In order to get the actors and actresses for the song, I sent out an open call through Twitter, Facebook & Myspace, and lots of people came out. My character Minister Mischief wants to save your soul and lighten your burden by lightening your pockets!"

New Music Tuesday: Georgia Anne Muldrow (aka Jyoti) - "Ocotea"

2010-06-15T04:28:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday! No reason in mentioning the obvious, so check out Georgia Anne Muldrow's new jazz-infused album "Ocotea" released today under her new alias Jyoti.

MM JAM: Dead Meadow - "What Needs Must Be"

2010-06-14T10:03:00.000-07:00

It's been a minute since I've kicked off the work week with a Music Monday Jam. For this week, we've got a song by rock band Dead Meadow entitled "What Needs Must Be", from their third studio album "Old Growth". Props to my avid listeners of Elixir Radio for turning me on to this group.

Watch: The Dead Weather - "Die By The Drop"

2010-06-14T00:28:00.000-07:00

Whether its with his ex-wife Meg White (The White Stripes), or with his two other bands (The Dead Weather and The Raconteurs), Jack White does wonders with dirty blues-infused rock-n-roll music. The Dead Weather's sophomore album "Sea Of Cowards" bears no exception. The quartet of Jack White, The Kills frontwoman Allison Mosshart, The Raconteurs bassist Jack Lawrence and Queens of the Stone Age keyboardist Dean Fertita have regrouped for a nice follow up to their debut album "Horehound". While "Sea of Cowards" was released May 11th, I just got around to buying it last week. I suggest you all do the same if you haven't already. Up top are visuals for the album's first single, "Die By The Drop". It's magical!

Stream Panacea's 5th Studio Album "12 Step Program"

2010-06-13T22:25:00.000-07:00

Last month, the dynamic duo of K-Murdock and Raw P known as Panacea dropped "12 Step Program", their first album since their 2008 effort "A Mind On A Ship Through Time". Somehow I forgot all about it. There was little mention of the LP after that first leak, so I had to give it some light here. The DMV duo has decided to sell the new album independently via an experimental Kickstarter method in lieu of the retail route. Therefore, you won't find this one on iTunes nor at your local record shop (at least not for now), so stream the album after the jump and do the right thing. You won't be disappointed. Panacea consistently offers some of the most tantalizing progressive hip hop out there.

<a href="http://neosonix.bandcamp.com/album/12-step-program">The Long Pull by Neosonic Productions</a>

Fashawn - "Ode To Illmatic" [MIXTAPE]

2010-06-12T19:18:00.000-07:00

Fresno MC Fashawn pays homage to one of the greatest ~~Hip Hop~~ albums of all time with his latest offering, "Ode To Illmatic" mixtape. Hosted by DJ Green Lantern and brought to you by XXL, the project remakes Nasir's classic opus, with Fash boldly laying vocals over all ten of the album's original cuts. Check after the jump for the track list and download. Did Fash do "Illmatic" justice?

Download HERE<<<

Listen: The Roots - "The Fire" featuring John Legend

2010-06-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

The Roots just keep showering us with new music from their upcoming album "How I Got Over". Not mad at it at all. The latest is this track entitled "The Fire" which features John Legend. The video for this one should be coming soon, so be on the look out for that. Also check after the jump for the album's final track list. Go cop "HIGO" when it drops June 22nd.

"The Fire" by The Roots featuring John Legend

Download HERE<<<

UPDATE: Check out the remix HERE
01. A Peace Of Light (Featuring Amber Coffman, Angel Deradoorian & Haley Dekle)
02. Walk Alone (Featuring Truck North, P.O.R.N. & Dice Raw)
03. Dear God 2.0 (Featuring Monsters Of Folk)
04. Radio Daze (Featuring Blu, P.O.R.N. & Dice Raw)
05. Now Or Never (Featuring Phonte & Dice Raw)
06. How I Got Over (Featuring Dice Raw)
07. DillaTUDE: The Flight of Titus
08. The Day (Featuring Blu, Phonte & Patty Crash)
09. Right On (Featuring Joanna Newsom & STS)
10. Doin' It Again
11. The Fire (Featuring John Legend)
12. Tunnel Vision
13. Web 20/20 (Featuring Peedi Peedi & Truck North)
14. Hustla (Featuring STS) (Bonus Track)

Listen: M.I.A. - "XXXO" [REMIX] featuring Jay-Z

2010-06-11T11:33:00.000-07:00

The Sri Lankan electronic queen M.I.A plans to release her new album "Maya" on July 13. Here's a remix of the album's first single "XXXO" featuring Jay-Z.

Download HERE<<<

Listen: Big Boi - "General Patton"

2010-06-07T18:25:00.000-07:00

While we're all still enjoying the new "Shutterbug" video, here's another brand new joint Big Boi recently let go via his Twitter account to maintain/heighten the level of anticipation for his upcoming album "Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty". This one is entitled "General Patton". From the looks of this track and others, the Outkast has proven that he can definitely tear ish up without his other half, Dre 3K. The promising Sir Luscious Left Foot LP drops July 6th.

"General Patton" by Big Boi

Listen: Janelle Monae featuring Lupe Fiasco & B.O.B. - "Tightrope" [WONDAMIX]

2010-06-07T14:55:00.000-07:00

You'd think a remix of this stature would do it for me but surprisingly, I prefer the original over this one. Perhaps I need to give it some more time to grow on me. Thoughts?

"Tightrope" (Wondamix) by Janelle Monae featuring Lupe Fiasco and B.O.B.

First Listen: "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" [Soundtrack]

2010-06-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

I never got into the Twilight series, but the music sure has been on a roll. The soundtrack for the latest in the series, "Eclipse", brings us new music by The Black Keys, The Dead Weather, Band of Horses, Muse, Cee-Lo, and more. Follow the link below to stream the soundtrack in its entirety. For you Twilight fanatics out there, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse hits the big screen June 30th.

Listen HERE

Listen: The Roots - "Doin It Again"

2010-06-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

On June 22nd, The Roots will finally release their much anticipated album "How I Got Over". So far, we've got two new leaks from the LP. The first, "Dear God 2.0", is a remake of Monster of Folk's "Dear God", while the latest, "Doin It Again", refixes John Legend's "Again" with smacking drums, crashing symbols, and verses from lead member Black Thought. Listen to it below. Also, check for the album artwork and tentative track list after the jump.

"Doin It Again" by The Roots

1. Walk Alone (Truck North, Porn, Dice Raw, Mercedes Martinez)
2. Dear God 2.0 (Jim James, Monsters of Folk)
3. Radio Daze (Blu, Porn, Dice Raw, Mercedes Martinez)
4. Now Or Never (Phonte Coleman, Dice Raw)
5. How I Got Over (Dice Raw)
6. The Day (Blu, Phonte Coleman, Patty Crash)
7. Right On (Joanna Newsom, Sugar Tongue Slim)
8. Doin It Again (John Legend)
9. The Fire (John Legend, Rick Friedrich)
10. Web 20/20 (Truck North, Peedi Crakk)
11. Bonus Cut

The Cool Kids - "Tacklebox" [MIXTAPE]

2010-06-02T21:35:00.000-07:00

It seems like The Cool Kids could have been a couple albums deep by now with all the extensive mixtapes they've put out over the past few years. Here's the latest from the coolest hipsters around, brought to you by the LA Leakers, entitled "Tacklebox". No telling whether or not this will be the final prelude to the duo's debut album "When Fish Ride Bicycles". Without a definite release date, we might have to settle for a few more appetizers like this one to hold us over until the album finally drops. Check below for the track list and download.

1. Fishing Lessons (Prod. by Chuck Inglish)
2. Flying Kytes (Prod. by Chuck Inglish)
3. Freak City (Prod. by Chuck Inglish & Old Young)
4. So Neat (Prod. by Chuck Inglish)
5. Going Camping (Prod. by Chuck Inglish)
6. Volume II (Prod. by Chuck Inglish)
7. Birthdays (Prod. by Ski Beats)
8. Great Outdoors (Prod. by Chuck Inglish)
9. Strawberry Girl (Prod. by Chuck Inglish)
10. Systems (Prod. by Chuck Inglish)
11. Good Afternoon (Prod. by Producktionix)
12. Parking Lot (Prod. by Chuck Inglish)
13. Summer Nights feat. Tenille (Prod. by Chuck Inglish)
14. LA Leakers Outro
15. Gettin’ Flicked (Prod. by Chuck Inglish)

Download HERE<<<

Styles P - "Invincible" [Novel + Soundtrack]

2010-06-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Jake Billings is usually cool under pressure, but when two stick-up kids rob his record store, Jake opens fire on them, landing him in prison. Five days in, he receives an anonymous letter telling him that his days are numbered. But before he can find out who’s behind the threats, Jake is stabbed and ends up in a coma.

When he wakes in a hospital bed two years later, things have changed: His prison sentence has been commuted, his girlfriend is fiercely independent, and his side piece has gotten out of the street life altogether. But one thing remains: Jake’s enemy still wants him dead and is powerful enough to track him down no matter where he hides.

On the run, and with rumors circulating about a powerful, phantomlike gang called the 300 Crew, Jake will need to rely on his mantra: Trust no one—not the law, not his girl, not the street cats he helped out years ago, not even his own blood.

Of course, rappers and their autobiographical books are nothing new, so it was only a matter of time before an emcee took their intrinsic imaginative storytelling ability to the pages of a novel. To my knowledge, Styles P of The Lox is the first to do so with his new, and very first, book entitled "Invincible", which just hit book stores today. And to make this venture even more epic, the book has its own soundtrack. ~~No word yet on when that will drop, but check out the radio rip of the soundtrack's first leak below entitled "Sellouts"~~.

UPDATE: Found the player streaming the entire soundtrack over at StylesP.net where you can order both the book and soundtrack as a packaged deal.

Listen: Christina Aguilera - "Elastic Love" (Featuring M.I.A.)

2010-05-28T23:54:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since we last heard from former Pop Star Christina Aguilera. Granted, a lot of us probably didn't even notice or care much about her absence. Nonetheless, she's back with her new song entitled "Elastic Love", co-written by M.I.A., who also sings on the track. "Elastic Love is to appear on Xtina's upcoming album "Bionic". As the title suggests, the reborn pop star has snagged other renowned electronic artists such as Santigold, Goldfrapp, Ladytron, and Le Tigre to lend a hand with the album. "Bionic" is due out June 8th via RCA.

" Elastic Love" by Christina Aguilera and M.I.A.

Watch: Big Boi - "Shutterbug"

2010-05-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

Here we have the visuals for Big Boi's latest G-Funk scorcher "Shutterbug" from his upcoming album "Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty". Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite songs released within the past couple months. Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty will be out July 6th.

UPDATE: Check out the album cover art down bottom

Photo by: Jonathan Mannion
Art Direction & Design by: Alex Haidi

Listen: Black Milk - "Don Cornelius"

2010-05-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

Check out this fresh new track from Motor City Hip Hop throne bearer Black Milk entitled "Don Cornelius". The song is a b-side that didn't make the final cut for the emcee/producer's latest project "Album of The Year", which drops July 27th. If this is merely a throw-away track, I'm definitely looking forward to hearing the heat he's got in store for us on the album. Midwest stand up!

<a href="http://blackmilk.bandcamp.com/track/don-cornelius">Don Cornelius by Black Milk</a>

Jay Electronica to Perform In Detroit [June 26th]

2010-05-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

Every year, there's always that one must-attend-above-all Hip Hop show. This year, Hip Hop Congress, Fusicology, and the good folks of Shameless Plug Events & Promotions have joined forces to bring you that show. Per the collaboration, Jay Electronica will perform at St. Andrews Hall in Detroit on the evening of June 26th. Other performers on the bill include Motown natives Slum Village, Guilty Simpson, Ro Spit, 5Ela, and OneBeLo. Tickets ~~go on sale soon~~ on sale now at Ticketmaster and Saint Andrews Box Office ($15 in advance, $20 at the door). Following on the heels of the U.S. Social Forum, the show will take place in conjunction with Hip Hop Congress's 9th Annual National Conference (June 26th-28th). Check after the jump for the conference flyer.

New Music Tuesday: May 18th

2010-05-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't get the memo, yesterday was probably the biggest day yet in new music releases this year. And that's no exageration. I can't recall the last time I was this overwhelmed with the number of choices listed below. Just as long you you support good music, every choice is the right choice.

"The Archandroid" by Janelle Monae
- Listen HERE

"Compass" by Jamie Lidell
- Listen HERE

"This Is Happening" by LCD Soundsystem
- Listen HERE

"Revolutions Per Minute" by Reflection Eternal
- Listen HERE

"Infinite Arms" by Band Of Horses
- Listen HERE

"Distant Relatives" by Nas & Damien Marley
- Listen HERE

"OJ Simpson" by Guilty Simspon
- Preview HERE

"Brothers" by Black Keys
- Listen HERE

INTRODUCING: Elixir Radio (Every Mon./Tues 3AM-6AM)

2010-05-17T22:20:00.000-07:00

Tired of turning on the radio and hearing disposable music and playlists that are about 99% predictable? Well I'm pleased to announce that Elixir Radio is finally here to, in the words of a wise man, "subvert the dominant paradigm and make a better world". After putting in hours of work to crank out a 45 minute demo tape, making it through a number of training sessions and apprenticeships, and passing the Broadcaster's Exam, I'm finally certified to bring you all The Music Elixir in radio format! If you happen to be up between the ungodly hours of 3AM and 6AM on Monday nights/Tuesday mornings, you can catch the show on 88.3FM WCBN Ann Arbor. (Lucky for you non A2 natives, Elixir Radio can be streamed online at the station's web site). While I doubt very many of you will be up at this time, the few insomniacs/early birds who do tune in need to help me fight through the unbearable fatigue I'll inevitably suffer. Anybody got a clever DJ name for me?

Listen: Brittany Bosco - "Ragdoll"

2010-05-12T11:17:00.000-07:00

This song leaked a while back. If you missed it, here's "Ragdoll", the first single from multafacited singer Brittany Bosco's debut album "Black". Bosco delves into the realm of some classic blues-rock on this one, which is a world different from the music you may remember from her previous work. It goes to show you how versatile of an artist she really is. Bosco's rare ability to maneuver through virtually all genres of music, in my opinion, outdoes many of today's relevant female vocalists. Apparently "Black" is due out early this summer.

<a href="http://bosco.bandcamp.com/track/ragdoll-full-version">RAGDOLL |FULL VERSION| by BOSCO</a>