In Review: Jo Thrillz' "The Gooniest"

I've decided to take a break from all the major billboard releases and look at some local content. First up, is a local artist's first official mixtape, The Gooniest by Jo Thrillz. Prior to the release for this FREE mixtape, Jo Thrillz had established himself as a social media maven. If you need some stats, check out his twitter page. Over 30,000 tweets, and over 41,000+ followers, with those kind of stats you can't understate the impact social media may have on anyone's budding musical career. In a music industry that is as competitive as ever, having a firm understanding of what presentation means in the long run of demonstrating your musical talent and many artists should take note of what this artist has done. That being said, you may have tweeted that you downloaded the CD to acquire it thus creating hype you still need to listen to the music to give the thumps up or the thumbs down. Again, probably through the use of social media. So we know Jo Thrillz can tweet, but can he spit?

Break Even Point: After Another Long Hiatus

Look at the production value.

KD and ASam are back at it again. This time we talk about the only thing anybody is talking about these days. Yes, that's right Jeremy Lin (How original right?). Don't worry we tackle everything from the genius puns to his ACTUAL play.

Break Even Point - Lin-Sanity Edition (Per usual right-click and save as. Enjoy)

Brand New Podcast

Last week I came across a Facebook message from an old friend, whom I have developed a budding social media connection over the last months. My friend, Scotty Stark, had been posting some vids for his "Movember" campaign which I described as, "funny and low budget".  He propositioned working on a podcast together citing my past experience and know how might help improve the project. In the end, we produced this 30 min delight about our mutual love for hip-hop.

During the course of the podcast we talk about:

•  How Lil B and Rick Ross may not be so different after all. 
•  Thoughts on Odd Future/Tyler, The Creator and especially their coming out part on Jimmy Fallon 
• Scotty reminiscing about working in a Tommy Hilfiger with upcoming artist, Jo Thrillz and their rap battles at work.
• Other random hip-hop musings.

A$AM & Scotty Stark - 01

If that wasn't enough to get you to listen then I don't know what will. Enjoy. Per usual right-click and save as. We have moved to .m4a, instead of .mp3 though I doubt it really matters. 

In Review: Mac Miller's Blue Slide Park

Another product of the XXL Freshmen classes.

The first time I heard Mac Miller was on MuchMusic's RapCity during the summer time (Yes, they were playing music videos). At first, I didn't catch the title of the song or even who the artist was during the intro credits. I allowed bias to get the best of me and assumed it was a Canadian artist. This is thanks in part to the lack of use of props and other flash that is often noted in hip-hop videos. Alright and the fact he is white. Though with clever visuals and even more clever rhymes I was won over by the man they call Mac Miller (born Malcolm McCormick). I was quick to grab his mixtapes which are numerous considering his age (He's only 19). I was astounded by his delivery and energy put into his rhymes. There isn't much fluff to be had before Blue Slide Park came out this year and solidified XXL's choice to put him up with the rest of the freshmen class of 2011.