After listening to Random Access Memories, I wanted to share my two favorite tracks with y’all.  The whole album has a gentle tone to it, giving some of us a break from the heavier genres of EDM that have taken over recently.  Daft Punk brings back the feel good vibes just in time for summer.  ”Doin It Right” has more of an indie-electro feel to it, which happens to be one of my favorite genres.  The robotic melodies work incredibly well with the electronic drum kit and male vocals.  ”Lose Yourself To Dance” is slightly more upbeat and similar to DP’s enormous single “Get Lucky”.  The groovy tune features Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers, who are also featured on “Get Lucky”.  All in all, this album gets down.  Nuff said.  If you enjoy the tunes, purchase the album on iTunes.

Been giving the Chainsmokers a lot of love, but it is all well deserved.  Their music ranges from trap to progressive to down tempo and a crazy array of other genres, which is why they are catching so many people’s attention.  This upbeat progressive summer track is absolutely gorgeous and one that will make an appearance on many of my summer playlists.  Keep an eye out on the Chainsmokers rise to the top in the next year or so as they continue to make moves toward stardom.

Also on a side note, I feel bad for not posting as much as I should have been over the past couple weeks, so here are some songs to semi-compensate.

Been meaning to listen to this mixtape after all the hype I’ve heard as of recent, but haven’t had a chance to sit down and actually give it some attention until tonight.  After listening to his track “Juice” a while ago, I have been eager to hear more of the same, and I found just what I was looking for and more in Acid Rap.  It is an unbelievable showcase of this man’s young talent topped off with gospel themed production.  It’s hard not to like Chance’s new stuff, so I highly suggest you make sure to listen through this mixtape with open ears and an open mind.  Perfect for the summer as well.  Stream up above and click to download above as well.

Tyler, the Creator’s third studio album introduces fans to a more expressive side of the young artist/producer.   Tyler’s past albums Bastard and Goblin featured lyrics known for their explicit nature.  Both of these albums revolve around tales of violence or songs about fucking bitches.  Wolf however, features songs that deal with current issues in Tyler’s life.

I’m all about this new move towards maturity.   I think Tyler does an excellent job of balancing the level of maturity and humor on his newest album. “Answer”, the sixth song on the album, is a great example of a track I would never have expected to hear from Tyler, the Creator.  The song is an angry message to his father as well as a plea to speak with his grandmother.  An emotional song with harsh lyrics and a very relaxing beat.  It’s easy to get lost in the bass and the marching beat of the drums.  This song shows listeners Tyler isn’t always a mad man and he’s not always clowning around.  He expresses a real need to speak with these members of his family.  This wish to talk shows there is more to this artist then shocking lyrics and loud beats.

Another song on Wolf that illustrates Tyler’s move to maturity is “Colossus.”  A song that has already been compared to the likes of Enemies’ “Stan.”  Yes both songs do deal with the issue of pestering fans, but I think there are clear differences between the two.  In “Colossus”, Tyler takes the roll of various fans that want the Odd Future leader to sign their pictures.  As Tyler tells the stories of these fans, listeners can hear issues Tyler is dealing with himself.   Stylistically this song is works really well, as it bounces from fan to fan letting us hear a different story about each fan.  Because of Tyler’s lyricism it is easy for listeners to visualize, he tries to describe in this song.  These are the types of songs that set Wolf apart from Tyler’s other albums.

There are also songs on Wolf that show a more sensitive and real side of Tyler, The Creator.  I for one couldn’t be happier about this change in style.  Although it may seem like every song on Wolf was written by a sad and moody Tyler, “Trashwang” is a classic example of an Odd Future BANGER.  This track features the likes of Na’kel, Jasper, Lucas, L-Boy, Taco, Left Brain & Lee Spielman and can be considered the “Bitch Suck Dick” of Wolf.  Absurd lyrics over a beat laced with gunshots and heavy bass, “Trashwang” reminds audiences that although Tyler is growing up, he still reps the chaos that is Odd Future.

Wolf features a number of Odd Future members as well as some outside artists.  The features include Hodgey Beats, Frank Ocean, Laetitia, Casey Veggies, Mike G, Domo Genesis, Earl Sweatshirt, Coco O, Erykah Badu and the artists mentioned above who were featured on “Trashwang.”  The features could not have been better-selected and go along perfectly with Tyler’s production.

The work Tyler put into Wolf can’t be questioned.  Not only did he write every verse, but the entire album was produced by the 22 year old himself.  The production on this album is just as impressive as the lyrics.  The beat of “Tamale” shows how talented Tyler is in the studio.  A wild blend of noises that are barley identifiable behind Tyler’s flow, which is faster then usual, makes this track a standout.  “Jamba” is another example of Tyler’s production talents.

After my initial listen through of Wolf I found myself pleasantly surprised.  I was expecting another Odd Future album filled with songs about raping, drinking, and killing.  When I finished the last song I realized this album was nothing like my expectations.  Instead I found Wolf to be a very well produced real album.  Each song featured a beat that would get audiences interested and lyrics that forced them to continue listing.  Tyler’s transition into discussing real issues has paid off.  Wolf is full of highly original and very diverse songs, creating an album with a mass amount of playback appeal.   Real lyrics and outstanding production earns Tyler, the Creators’ Wolf earns an 8.75/10.

- Andrew

On a side note, here’s a little playlist I threw together for your entertainment. If you have a Sound Cloud account, you can ‘Like’ the playlist and stream the entire thing from your smart phone through the Sound Cloud app.  Just a thought.  Enjoy.

Was recently introduced to Hal’s music through mutual friends and I could not have been happier with the outcome.  ”As Short As Tigers” samples As Tall As Lion’s slow, indie-rock song “Love, Love, Love”, but Hal uses the sample in an incredibly unique way.  I’ve been searching for unrecognized producers of this style recently (similar to the likes of Branchez) and I was pleasantly surprised with what I found.  If you like “As Short As Tigers” then stay tuned for more like it.

POLIÇA takes the indie-electronic genre to a whole other level with this trippy/hazy vibe accompanied by my favorite, Justin Vernon.  The song was debuted at Coachella this past weekend and now has been released with studio quality.  Personally would have loved to hear a little more from JV, but lead singer Channy Leaneagh does her thing. The two have worked before a couple years bac on a project under the name Gayngs, so its nice to hear a reiunion track. I don’t know they work flawlessly together, but it’s catchy, soothing, and powerful simultaneously.  If you’re diggin the feel they bring on “Tiff”, show some love for the two and purchase the song above.

Download “No New Friends”

This new Drake music is so similar to the old Drake that has been absent for years and I couldn’t be happier.  The smooth vibes and sexy undertone of his music seems to have magical powers, dropping the drawers of women since the day he hit the music scene.  ”Girls Love Beyonce” is such an easy listen, and with the addition of dim lights and lit candles, Drake sets the perfect mood.  DJ Khaled’s “No New Friends” featuring Drake, Rick Ross & Lil Wayne starts with a similar soothing vibe, but the drums take the track to a new level. Be sure to take a listen to both.

Bombs Away decides to take a stab at some new Daft Punk everyone has been raving about.  Some say DP is untouchable, but this remix (or cover…) is unreal.  It embodies all the essential aspects for a great electronic track.  If you aren’t a Daft Punk fan or know who Daft Punk is (do those people exist?) I suggest catching up on your music leisure reading and get acquainted because this return of Daft Punk is quickly taking over EDM nation.

- Credit to Foolian for the find

I said it once before, and I’ll say it again; Joey Bada$$ is taking hip-hop back in time, song after song.  This young gun has proven to the world that he has that old-school hip-hop swagger that seems to get lost in today’s raw-dog rap culture.  He is a talented poet in my eyes, as opposed to the likes of 2 Chainz and Chief Keef, and Harry Fraud’s production enhances the time-machine effect.  Joey stimulates different areas of our mind that we don’t see most other rappers doing. As a member of what is being called “one of the best XXL Freshman Classes of all time”, we can always count on Joey to provide some real music.