The duo's debut record is a journey through the sights and sounds of psychedelia.
Talking With the Shorelines About Music, Santa Barbara & Their Debut Album
Tyler, The Creator – Flower Boy
Tyler, The Creator's major label debut Flower Boy is a beautifully composed hip-hop record that utilizes elements of modern rap with R&B, funk and soul music, along with an array of talented guests that enhance the album's lush aesthetic. I've always seen Tyler as a talented hip-hop artist that - aside from a handful of decent … Continue reading Tyler, The Creator – Flower Boy
Blu & Exile @ The Observatory OC
The Los Angeles duo is currently touring off of the 10 year anniversary of their classic debut album, Below the Heavens.
Milo – Who Told You To Think??!!?!?!?!
Wisconsin rapper and producer Milo has a knack for the abstract. His Bandcamp bio reads "I convert and translate", which is about as direct as he will ever be. Active since 2010, he has recently become one of alternative hip-hop's most beloved acts, frequently collaborating with the likes of rappers such as Open Mike Eagle and … Continue reading Milo – Who Told You To Think??!!?!?!?!
Culture Never Slumps: Barack Obama and the Continued Dominance of Hip-Hop
Just a couple weeks ago, hip-hop celebrated its 44th birthday. For those unfamiliar with how the genre was conceived, in August 11, 1973 a young cat by the name of DJ Kool Herc threw a "Back to School Jam" party in the Bronx and invented a new technique on the turntables called "the break", in … Continue reading Culture Never Slumps: Barack Obama and the Continued Dominance of Hip-Hop
Chris Stapleton – From A Room: Volume 1
In just two short years, Chris Stapleton has quickly become one of country music's biggest stars. Traveller (2015) proved to be his big breakthrough, boasting tracks like "Tennessee Whiskey" and "Parachute", songs that embodied his free spirit and were also wildly successful on a commercial level. His second studio album marks a significant artistic progression; From A Room: … Continue reading Chris Stapleton – From A Room: Volume 1
Vinyl Update: My 2016 Rap Album of the Year, A Loner Folk Masterpiece, Classic ’80s Pop-Rock & More
Featuring records from Danny Brown, Mac DeMarco and more.
Big Thief – Capacity
Big Thief's newest record Capacity has been widely acclaimed, earning rave reviews from Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and just about every other publication that gave it the time of day. This was my introduction to the Brooklyn quartet, and after spending just a short while with their music, it's easy to hear where the group feels most at home. Lead-singer … Continue reading Big Thief – Capacity
Japanese Breakfast – Soft Sounds From Another Planet
On her sophomore solo record, Asian-American singer and producer, Michelle Zauner has come through with a formidable collection of songs that are less sophisticated in context and subject matter, but more profound in ambience and texture. Soft Sounds From Another Planet blends dreamy vocals with hazy and druggy production to create a reverb-heavy, dream-pop and shoegaze … Continue reading Japanese Breakfast – Soft Sounds From Another Planet
Top 10 Blu & Exile Songs
Counting down our top tracks from the iconic West Coast duo.
JAY-Z – 4:44
There isn't a lot left to say that hasn't already been written, tweeted or reported about JAY-Z's new album 4:44, the impeccable, late-career defining record from one of Brooklyn's finest. After a 4-year layoff, "Hov" is back with a new album that in a matter of weeks has already gone (fake) platinum, coincided with the birth … Continue reading JAY-Z – 4:44
Peaceful Easy Feeling: Tribute to the Eagles
As I mentioned in my last post, this past weekend I got the chance to go to Dodger Stadium for The Classic West to see the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, among other legendary rock bands. It was amazing to say the least. Every group killed it in their own right. On Saturday night, Don Henley … Continue reading Peaceful Easy Feeling: Tribute to the Eagles
Introduction
Here it is: my first official blog post on Riffs and Rhymes. It's funny, for being a young communications professional, finding the right words to say comes harder than one might think. That's always been my biggest restraint in doing a blog. It's not that I don't know how I feel, because that's the easy … Continue reading Introduction
Riffs & Rhymes 