Political Animals – Who Want What [Video]

Political Animals’ new video for “Who Want What” is what happens when you take the key elements of any work of art—the music video, in this case—and completely flip them on their head. That’s due to the handiwork of director Shane McLellan, who has previously worked work with Ceschi, I.N.F., as well as the PACT (Political Animals). Here, he captures the New Haven, Conn. four-piece’s genre-bending approach and applies it to film for something reminiscent of the Beastie Boys’ most influential videos. You watch as front man Sotorios delivers his potent bars while floating through a dark alley, levitating during meditation, and defying the laws of physics. And the same goes for his band mates—bassist Jen, drummer Trenton, and live-sampler DJ Neb—who ignore gravity while performing their blend of grimy Hip-Hop and Funk. Grab the MP3 here for free.

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Big Twins & Twiz The Beat Pro feat. Killer Ben – Straight Face [Audio]

The Queensbridge-to-Los Angeles connection of TNT (rapper Big Twins and producer Twiz The Beat Pro) go straight for the throat with “Straight Face,” the raw lead single off their upcoming collaborative album, ‘TNT.’ Twiz sets the tone with exactly the type of instrumental that Twins’ voice deserves: a grimy and unhinged backdrop built on heavy drums and a looping sample. It’s perfect for the Infamous Mobb member, who takes Internet rappers to task for their hollow rhymes while recognizing his own efforts (“I love a happy ending I can see it now/ Record sold out, I control the crowd”). He then passes the mic to his guest, Killer Ben of Durag Dynasty, whose verse is as snarling as his host’s. Ben blends ridiculous wordplay with a hilarious explanation of how his lyrics remain so on point (f*ck a life coach, right?) before the quick-hitting track fades out—and you’re left hitting the replay button. “Straight Face” is now available for download off the iTunes’ pre-order for ‘TNT,’ which is due out April 1st via Sound Unity Entertainment, an independent label based in L.A. and headed by DJ B.Original…keep your eyes and ears open!

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Dox Black & Sirplus – Evasive Action [Audio]

This will appear on Dox Black and Sirplus’ forthcoming “World Class Time Travel” EP. “World Class Time Travel” is meant to create a resurgence in art, thought, creativity and ambition through sound. One can’t simply grow by staying in their comfort zone. This album encourages people to venture out and find themselves through experience and travel. Hip-Hop has never been in a better state with artists like these pushing the boundaries. Hopefully you embrace this project for many years to come! Enjoy. DXBLX & SIRPLUS – EVASIVE ACTION (SINGLE) by Paradox Black

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Marsha Ambrosius – Have You Ever (Dennis Brown Cover) [Audio]

February 1st, marked the late reggae and lover’s rock icon Dennis Brown’s 59th birthday. Hailed by NPR Morning Edition as one of the 50 great voices of all time and by Bob Marley as one of the best reggae singers in the world – the revered Jamaican icon began his recording career at the tender age of 11 and has more than 75 albums to date. Even though he passed away at the early age of 42, his music and legacy lives on. VP Records, reggae’s leading distributor and label, will pay homage this spring with an extensive tribute album We Remember Dennis Brown of his timeless hits covered by some reggae and r&b’s most renowned artists today. Each song was re-produced by Jamaican legend Clive Hunt with his all-star team of musicians to give each song an authentic yet fresh feel. To celebrate the icon during his birthday month, VP Records will reveal one song from the album every Friday for the next five weeks – including “Caress Me Girl” on Feb 5 from one of Jamaica’s brightest voices Romain Virgo, “Milk & Honey” on Feb 12 by roots reggae rockers Raging Fyah, “Bloody City” on Feb 19 from the Caribbean’s soulful songstress Jah9, “Promised Land” on Feb 26 from Hawaiian reggae band The Green and “Have You Ever” on Mar 4 by R&B powerhouse Marsha Ambrosius.

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