MC Gigahertz - Josh Montgomery

The nerdcore community is mourning the loss of Josh Montgomery aka MC Gigahertz.

Little information is available on his death other than this from thenewstribune.com

"The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled the death of a man fished out of The Narrows Monday night as a suicide.

A Gig Harbor man in the 4500 block of Holly Lane spotted the body in the water about 7 p.m. Tacoma police officers responded and brought the body ashore near Point Defiance.

The man was 26 years old and from Tacoma. The News Tribune does not name suicide victims."

My deepest sympathies go out to Josh's family and friends.

Read more here: http://blog.thenewstribune.com/crime/2012/02/28/death-of-man-fished-out-of-the-narrows-ruled-a-suicide/#storylink=cpy

Benjamin Bear , MC Gigahertz , Music , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , Will ,

Adam Warrock & Mikal kHill - The Slytherin House Mixtape

The Slytherin House Mixtape

Following the success of 'The Browncoats Mixtape' last year, Adam Warrock and Mikal kHill have announced their follow up project.  The Slytherin House Mixtape.

Featuring Ceschi, Dr Awkward and The Thought Criminals this project is scheduled for a June 4th release.

Check out the official website and the accompanying YouTube teaser trailer.

Slytherin House Mixtape Official Website ¦ YouTube Slytherin Mixtape Trailer

Adam Warrock , Ceschi , Dr Awkward , Mikal kHill , Music , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , The Thought Criminals , Will ,

Richie Branson - Cold Republic Episode I: The Empire Likes Rap

There's a saying about London buses.  'You wait an age for one, and then two turn up at once'.  It seems a similar phenomenon is true of Star Wars inspired albums and mixtapes.  Arriving in my inbox this week were not one, but two such releases.  Unlike the London buses, listening to them shouldn't include having to endure the terror of a psychotic driver, chewing gum on the seats and an occasional whiff of piss.  All aboard!  Next stop... Moss Eisley.

The Cold Republic

'The Cold Republic - Episode 1: The Empire Likes Rap' from Richie Branson is a six track mixtape inspired by the music from the game, Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Opener, 'Cold Republic' is a big, brass and choral affair.  Branson's done a great job of marrying a beat to it and the raps, although not particularly pushing boundaries work well on this introduction track.  'Jedi Nights' is another clever melding of strings and beats.  There's more to consider in the lyrics this time with some fun references and thought out wordplay.

Despite Richie's insistance that I should.  I don't know who Emmitt Smith is.  And as a result I suspect I'm missing a few references in 'Emmitt Sith' but the track rattles along at a pace, relying less on the big sounds of the previous two tracks, instead employing short loops and busy hi-hats.

'Cipher Agent Cypher' is lyrically the most interesting track this far.  Branson's vocals are tight and flow nicely over a catchy, yet,  repetitive sample.  'Looking For A Group' opens with a fun skit before the sinister sounding track kicks in, again Branson delivers competently.  I don't get all the references but that doesn't seem to detract too much from my enjoyment.

The final track, 'Skywalkin', featuring Rosebudd Redd and Yung Mavrick does the least for me.  This track is produced by OVBeatz, and musically it's proficient with some nice touches.  Vocally It's slow paced and feels drawn out.  In particular the vocals in the chorus which fit with the style of the music, but not my tastes.

In addition to the six complete tracks, Branson has thrown in the instrumentals too "in case people want to rap over the tracks themselves (or if they’re just not feeling my flow)".

'Cold Republic' deserves more attention that it's received this far on nerdcorenow.com.  It's an interesting concept with some brilliantly executed beats, particularly the opening two tracks.  Although far from being the finished article, Richie Branson's raps are solid.  I look forward to hearing his next project.

Richie Branson ¦ Download The Cold Republic

Album Review , Music , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , Richie Branson , Will ,

Akira The Don - We Won't Be Broke Forever, Baby (dan le sac remix)

We've got a dan le sac remix of Akira The Don's 'We Won't Be Broke Forever, Baby' featuring Gruff Rhys to kick things off this week.  Ease into Monday gently.

Akira The Don ¦ YouTube We Won't Be Broke Forever, Baby [dan le sac remix]

Akira The Don , Music , UK Hip Hop , Will ,

Richie Branson - White Reflection

Here's 'White Reflection' by Richie Branson from his upcoming gundam-themed mixtape titled, 'The Wing Zero EP'.

More from Richie next week.

YouTube White Reflection

Music , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , Richie Branson , Will ,

Milo - Milo Takes Baths

Anyone who reads this blog regularly will know how much I enjoyed Milo's last release, I Wish My Brother Rob Was Here.  There is something very appealing about the low-fi beats and almost spoken word delivery of Milo's raps.  I don't think I'm alone.  My review of that album received well over a hundred page views.

Hot off the heels of his colleagues Nicholas J and Safari Al, Milo has released a new seven track mixtape titled, 'Milo Takes Baths' which completes a trilogy of work from the trio.

[Milo Takes Baths]

Track one, 'The Confrontation at Khazad-dûm', opens in an understated manner and as with his previous effort the sounds are not highly produced or polished.  But It's an odd soundscape, musically.  Almost a mish-mash of sounds thrown into a sampler.  The whimsical riff floating over a drum track which at times sounds like someone trying to reproduce drum and bass at the wrong tempo and the snare doesn't always hit where it's supposed to while the kick maintains a steady pace.  And yet, Milo's intelligent lyrics sit comfortably on top and flow gently forming an unlikely balance.

'The Ballad of Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy' finds Milo's lyrics hopping from topic to topic.  He has a unique way of telling a story which makes me wonder if he's ever able to concentrate on any one thing for longer than a few seconds.  There's no drum beat of significance (if at all) to be heard and the track somehow, bubbles, along.  Strangely reflective of the overall subject matter.

"I've never pressed a tape to a laser disc, but I still managed to make Nerdcore Now's list"

A soft guitar riff loops over synth strings on 'Lester Freamon toe-taps the blues' and again Milo shows off his poetic style.  The production though reaches a low with dips in volume as another instrument is introduced.  Clearly not fond of concise song titles, 'Prince Abakaliki of Nigeria needs your help' is led by a more prominent beat.  There's a nice reference to nerdcorenow.com in the lyrics "I've never pressed a tape to a laser disc, but I still managed to make Nerdcore Now's list".

As with 'Prince Abakaliki of Nigeria needs your help', 'Atlas Flushed (Grumpy Groucho Marxist Response)' suffers again in the production.  The drums hitting seem to cause clipping in the other tracks.  'Atlas Flushed' has a choral backing with hints of chiptunes thrown in.  Five tracks in and I must confess something.  The tone of the lyrics and the style of delivery has hardly changed throughout.  It's not that I don't like Milo's flow, but by this point I think it could really benefit from a little variation.

The penultimate song 'Hall 2 with Will's singing untouched' samples a sped up recording of a song as an intro before gently gliding through Milo's raps and a sung chorus fading to the final installment, 'The Mumblings of Mr. Wav'.  It's another jumble of sounds and off beat drums and again Milo produces clever, poetic lyrics in his trademark style.

"Seven tracks with little significant change in style or evidence of growth since 'I Wish My Brother Rob Was Here'."

Seven tracks with little significant change in style or evidence of growth since 'I Wish My Brother Rob Was Here'.  That's not necessarily a bad thing.  After all, I repeat, I liked that album a lot.  I adore Milo's clever wordplay and ability to merge unrelated subject together seamlessly.

The lo-fi production isn't out of place with Milo's very organic work process, but the clipping and dropping in and out of volume is something I'd recommend he works on.  But if we face facts.  The music isn't the focus of Milo's work.  It's the poetry.

Milo ¦ Download Milo Takes Baths

Album Review , Milo , Music , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , nerdcorenow.com , Will ,

Milo - The confrontation at Khazad-dûm

From his freshly released album, Milo Takes Baths, 'The confrontation at Khazad-dûm' is the opening track.  A review of the album, coming soon.

"We don't make music videos. This is a home movie. Unconcerned with formalities, technical ability, or making something particularly "pretty"."

YouTube The confrontation at Khazad-dûm

Milo , Music , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , Will ,

Adam Warrock - You Dare Call That Thing Human?!?

No artist has developed as rapidly as Adam Warrock in the world of Nerdcore Hip-Hop in the last year.

Almost unanimously he's admired and respected by  peers and critics alike.  And when it comes to releasing music?  Let's say, he's prolific.  Since September last year he's put out The Browncoats Mixtape, No Rest, Juggernaut, Parks & Rec, and ME3, the former a full length album produced by Mikal kHill and inspired by the sci-fi series, Firefly.  The rest, all EPs available to download for free from his website.

Even with the constraints of touring Adam was able to record new material, improvising by recording his vocals for the No Rest EP through the microphone of his iPhone headphones.  You couldn't tell if you didn't know.

It's cause for celebration then that Warrock has bestowed upon us his second, full-length album titled, 'You Dare Call That Thing Human?!?'  It's been a long time since I was as excited by a new album as this one.  But it was with apprehension that I hit play on that first track, nervous that this album couldn't possibly live up to my expectations.

"at almost two and a half minutes long it feels like a chore to get through"

Album opener, 'On The Subject of Normal... (intro).  Is a sedate, spoken piece with a positive message.  It should set the album up nicely, but at almost two and a half minutes long it feels like a chore to get through and with subsequent listens I've found myself skipping straight to track two where the album really begins with 'Human?!?  An eerie opening builds to Warrock delivering in a darker style to what we're used to hearing.  A vocal effect on the double track alters the pitch a touch, reminding me of MC Lars' 'Venomous Box Jellyfish' from his album, 'Lars Attacks'.

A bit of a shaky start then.  But by the time 'Retcon' sparks to life, all reservations I had are fading, fast.  The production is big on this very accessible anthem.  Warrock's delivery hovers over strings and  keys, never missing a beat.  It's immediately obvious that this stand-out track is a true representation of Adam Warrock at his very best.

We've already heard '616', it was the first single released a while ago.  And yet, following 'Retcon' it feels larger than before.  Again the production is spot on, everything is mixed just right giving a punchy end product.

Dr Awkward

Dr Awkward is the first guest, adding vocals to synth heavy 'The Kids Table'.  'Booster Gold' features Mikal kHill on the mic as Warrock demonstrates some uncharacteristic bravado.

At the mid-way point 'I Kill Giants' is another stand out track which finds Warrock exhibiting what he does so well.  Drawing on his personal experiences and telling a sincere tale which twists negatives into positives.  It's a slower pace with a recurrent piano riff throughout.

Nerdcore heavyweights, Beefy and int80 (of Dual Core) feature on 'MLF' (Mutant Liberation Front) a fairly simple track, musically, but fun with Warrock, Beefy and int80's unique deliveries more than making up for it.  'You Might Like It (Interlude)' is a bit of a half arsed skit, but at just under a minute long it's barely a distraction.

Ten tracks in and Warrock opens up his 'Sensitive Side'.  The nerd rapper's take on the obligatory 'one for the ladies'.  As something of a parody it's bearable but, for me, the weakest track on the album.

"It's immediately obvious that this stand-out track is a true representation of Adam Warrock at his very best."

Adam Warrock , Album Review , MC Lars , Music , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , Will ,

Tell 'em Steve-Dave - Centenary Episode

Tell 'em Steve-Dave

Tell 'em Steve-Dave hit the big one hundred episodes last Friday.

To celebrate, regular hosts and stars of Comic Book Men, Bryan Johnson and Walt Flanagan along with Impractical Jokers' Brian Quinn were joined by Ming Chen, Sunday Jeff and special guest, Dave Wyndorf from Monster Magnet and not so special guest, Git 'em Steve-Dave.

In one of the funniest episodes for a long time, comic book fan, Dave Wyndorf returns to the podcast to tell stories of on-stage sexual exploits whilst the team rip on oddball, 'Git 'em'... and a new podcast is born.

Here's to another hundred.

Tell 'em Steve-Dave

Podcasts , Will ,

Ceschi / The Thought Criminals - The Milestone Club

U.S. Gig
[21st February 2012]

Facebook Event Page

Ceschi , Events , Music , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , The Thought Criminals , Will ,

Train of Thought - The Mustard Station

"Train of Thought is Jeff Spec, Ghettosocks, Muneshine and Timbuktu! They hooked up with their homie Moka Only to drop this tight little track on their last tour, and then they got loose with mcenroe to show it off."

 

"The VIA Rail presents: The Train of Thought Tour Mixtape is a FREE, exclusive DJ mix by Muneshine, in support of the VIA Rail presents: The Train of Thought Tour. Featuring the brand new exclusive track, "Train of Thought", produced by Jeff Spec, the mixtape showcases 1-hour of music from Ghettosocks, Muneshine, Timbuktu, and Jeff Spec."

Bandcamp The Train of Thought Mixtape 

Canadian Hip-Hop , Ghettosocks , Muneshine , Music , Timbuktu , Will ,

The MC Chris Cartoon - Teaser

Setting a target of $55,000 for a kickstarter campaign so that you can make a cartoon about yourself seems fairly ambitious... unless you're MC Chris, perhaps!  His loyal fanbase were willing to smash that target and raise a staggering, $71,856!  There's a long way to go, however.  With three, five minute, stages of production each costing $50,000, Chris will need to keep generating funds to see the project through to completion.  I have no doubt that he and his fans will ensure his success.

Here's a first glimpse of how the cartoon will look.  The MC Chris Cartoon Teaser...

MC Chris ¦ Kickstarter ¦ YouTube The MC Chris Cartoon Teaser Trailer

MC Chris , Music , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , Will ,

Rusty Shackles - Interview

If you don't know Rusty Shackles by name, there's a good chance you'll recognise his vibrant style of artwork on tour posters, album covers and on websites for Nerdcore Artists such as The Thought Criminals and Adam Warrock.

Shackles explained how Nerdcore re-invigorated his interest in music:

"Nerdcore stuff really made me get back into following music.  My personal all time favorite musician is Mike Patton of Faith No More, Fantomas, Mr. Bungle, etc.  He seems to approach music with a high degree of craftsmanship but a tongue in cheek touch of humor and humbleness below the surface, and opened me up to more eccentric music.  I grew up and still am a thrash metal fan, primarily Anthrax didn't take themselves too seriously while exploring "nerdy" topics like Stephen King and Judge Dredd.  So hearing Adam Warrock, Illbotz and Beefy after not really paying attention to much was like a bomb going off.  I do artwork for these guys, but i still buy their albums to show my support."

In this interview he sheds light on his working process, a former persona and the smallest hint of forthcoming projects as well as his video game project, Palette Swap.

"hearing Adam Warrock, Illbotz and Beefy after not really paying attention to much was like a bomb going off"

Describe a young Rusty Shackles. Where you were born and raised and how you fitted in socially?

I was born in Huntington, WV, but raised all over.  I attended something like 8-9 schools so I kinda was a bit of a misfit, usually grafting to others who were into comics and non-mainstream music before moving on.  The 2 areas I’d say were probably my most formative were Panama City Beach, FL and San Antonio, TX.

Who inspired you as a young artist, where do you draw your influences and do you have any favourite artists past or present?

Michael Golden, Arthur Adams and Adam Hughes have always been big influences on me, and combined with some Silver Age DC artists you probably have my style figured out.  The older I got though, the more I got into Kustom Kulture related artists like Coop, Robert Williams and Ed “Big Daddy” Roth.  Probably the guy I envy the most right now is Capcom artist Shinkiro who ABSOLUTELY CRUSHES everything he touches.

I understand if you choose not to go into detail but a little online investigation reveals that you used to draw pin ups under a different persona.  I get the feeling it’s a sore subject from your comments online, but can you explain how that period in your career turned sour?

Ha!  Sure.  For those who may not know I was a pin-up illustrator named Fedx2k (and each yearly variation thereof similar to the NBA games).  It wasn’t anything super-risque, nothing worse than your typical playboy, and honestly it really taught me how to get the most out of photoshop.  I also encountered Manga Studio thanks to it as well.  But long story short, I was promised an awful lot by a company who’s deal did not end up profiting me, so I operated online under another identity until their contract expired and I admitted who I was.  I didn’t go back to pin-ups though...while the majority of my fans were female, I don’t want to alienate prospective fans, and besides, it’s much more entertaining to draw lucha cats.

Gaming , General Interest , Interview , Music , Nerd Life , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , Will ,

Converse - Nintendo One Star Ox

Nintendo and Converse have teamed up to produce a tasty set of kicks.  These One Star Ox come in both black and white leather colourways with a simple Mario motif on the heal and the 'invisibility' Converse star.  

Due for release in March, I believe they will only be available in Japan.

It's not the first time Converse and Nintendo have teamed up.  These Chuck Taylors appeared last year.

Source High Snobiety

Gaming , General Interest , Gifts for Geeks , Nerd Life , Will ,

London Super Comic Con

U.K - Comic Con
[25th/26th February 2012]


The first U.S. style comic con comes to ExCel in London at the end of this month with special guest and creator of almost every super hero ever, Stan Lee, in attendance.

London Super Comic Convention

Saturday, Feb 25th, 2012 (10:00 - 18:00) ¦ Sunday, Feb 26th, 2012 (10:00 - 17:00)

ExCeL London

One Western Gateway

Royal Victoria Dock

London 

E16 1XL

1-Day Pass: £15 ¦ 2-Day Pass: £25 ¦ Kids 11 & under, free if accompanied by a paid attendee

www.londonsupercomicconvention.com

Events , Will ,

MC Frontalot - Stoop Sale Video

Having won the award for Best Video in the Nerdcore Now Awards 2011 for Critical Hit, Mc Frontalot exclusively debuted his latest video, Stoop Sale, one day early on the site.

MC Frontalot ¦ Nerdcore Now Awards 2011 Results

MC Frontalot , Music , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , Will ,

Swamp Thing - All About The Brains

Inspired by 'Good rap and bad B Movies', All About The Brains is a taster of a new project featuring Timbuktu, Chokeules backed by the production of Savilion.  The trio initially set about producing one track.  This has quickly grown into a full project.

Download All About The Brains ¦ Tweet @timbukturaps @chokeules @savilion

Canadian Hip-Hop , Music , Timbuktu , Will ,

A Red Dwarf and a Blue Midget

Lot K - Shepperton Studios

It's been almost two weeks since I attended the filming of the final episode of Red Dwarf (X).  The tenth series of the British, cult, comedy, sci-fi series that spans a quarter of a century.  And it's with good reason that I've taken this long to digest the evening before writing about it.  It wasn't quite the experience I was hoping for.

The drive across London on a Friday evening at rush hour to 'The Shepperton Studios' in Middlesex is not a fun one, yet it's exactly as expected.  Stop, start and incredibly time consuming. Doors opened at 5:30pm and as that time came and went I was a little concerned that I'd miss the whole thing.  Doors would be firmly closed again at 6:00pm.  I needn't have worried.  Pulling into the service car park to the rear of the studio complex with five minutes to spare I took the short walk along a dirt path through some woods and over a stream before catching sight of the huge hanger style studio lots.

After checking in, along with what seemed like hundreds of other 'Dwarf fans, we were left to amuse ourselves in 'The Orangery' where a cheerful small lady served a small selection of snacks and drinks from a small table at the far corner of the room.  I hadn't thought to bring cash with me but managed to find enough loose change for a beer and a sandwich which I consumed whilst checking out the mix of fans attending this evening session.  Mostly male, as expected.  A large proportion of which are balding and slightly overweight.  Trench coats and large brimmed hats. Check.  There was the odd mullet, the occasional goth girl/guy combo and... The most handsome and buff mother fucker I have ever seen in my life with not one, but two attractive girls in accompaniment.

Red Dwarf X Set

And so we waited.  And waited.  And eventually, almost an hour after arriving we were filed into Lot K, the Red Dwarf studio.  As I made my way across the full width of the studio I got to take in the entire set.  To the right, the familiar (yet far more red than I recall it ever being before) sleeping quarters of Dave Lister and Arnold Rimmer.  To the left, the cockpit of a ship, obviously not Starbug (Later revealed to be Blue Midget).  Dividing the two was a corridor.  At an angle further to the left, a separate set decorated with long, dark curtains, tall candle holders and a long, rectangular glass table with chairs.  A sword laid precisely on the table top.

TV / Film , Will ,

Adam Warrock - ME3 EP

More free goodness from Adam Warrock.  This time released exclusively through destructoid.com, Warrock unleashes a five track EP in anticipation of the Mass Effect 3 demo which is due for release soon.  Track Two, Active Squad, features Beefy, Mikal kHill and Kabuto The Python.

Adam Warrock ¦ Download ME3 EP 

Adam Warrock , Music , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , Will ,

Adam Warrock - You Dare Call That Thing Human?!? [Preview]

Here are a couple of promo tracks from Adam Warrock's forthcoming new album, 'You Dare Call That Thing Human?!?'.  The first track is, 616, which was the first single from the album.  The second is the closer titled 'Andrew Garfield @ SDCC (Joules Remix)' which is the bonus.

The album is available to pre-order now via bandcamp for $10 (digital download) or $12 (physical CD and digital download).  Both options come with an immediate download of two tracks.

Adam Warrock ¦ Bandcamp You Dare Call That Thing Human?!?

Adam Warrock , Music , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , Will ,

Milk-Plus - Interview

To launch what I hope will be a long running series of interviews with some of the most exciting contributors to nerd culture, I only had one person in mind for this first installment.  Keeping it close to home, it's almost criminal that despite living in the same city this interview was conducted via email.  And yet, we're self-proclaimed nerds.  How else are we going to get such things done?

From a classical background to touring indie band and his journey into nerdcore hip-hop, MC Milk-Plus offers a wonderful and honest insight into his past, present and future.  A sneak peek at his personal life and what to expect, musically, from the worldwide collective, Torrentz, and a follow up to his debut solo album, Geeksta UK.

Describe a young Milk-Plus. Where you were born and raised and how you fitted in socially?

I was born and raised in London, coming from a musical family. My father was the lead cellist with the London Symphony Orchestra for years as well as the Royal Opera House so I picked up the cello aged six and worked towards my grade 8 fairly quickly. I’m not saying I was a musical prodigy by any means but learning the cello and piano at a very early age definitely gave me an invaluable introduction to music and music harmony from a classical perspective. Then when I turned 14 I ditched the cello, bought a Tascam Porta 2 Four Track recorder and locked myself in my bedroom for 6 years. I did have friends and fitted in at school ok but I didn’t go out socially much. I didn’t set foot in a pub until I was 21 which is almost unheard of in the UK. I was a musical square…. Obsessed by recording and the whole process of music production.

Geeksta UK

The song ‘Halfamillion Nerds’ from your solo album ‘Geeksta UK‘ indicates that there was a moment of epiphany in your life where you discovered Nerdcore.  Were those lyrics based on your actual discovery of the genre and if so can you explain how you changed as a result of that?

I came to hip hop late as I was signed to EMI and touring with an indie pop band (we never made it big) around the time that Britpop was sweeping the nation. When the band fell apart I started experimenting with different musical genres and watched a documentary called “The Hip Hop Years” From that moment I was hooked and went out and spent a big wad of cash on various artists back catalogues. I discovered Nerdcore through www.songfight.org where MC Frontalot started out. I loved the concept of Nerdcore and it completely changed my outlook on hip hop. At first I approached it as a kind of novelty, which is unfortunately a common view to this day but I saw enormous potential and a wide scope lyrically for Hip Hop artists who perhaps didn’t grow up on an estate with no money but who wanted to express their own life experiences through rap. My first entry “If I Were Italian” was a pastiche, semi-comedy track which I subsequently tried to steer away from. After that I backed off for about 4 years until I came across the album “Uuggghh” by EPP. That relit the fire in my belly, I bought the T-shirt (check out the pic on my myspace page) and started writing again. Working with MC Wreckshin and Betty Rebel on Torrentz tracks has been so cool.

Interview , Milk-Plus , Music , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , UK Hip Hop , Will ,

Nerdy Show - Triforce Mike Tribute

A Nerdy Show Special podcast pays homage to the recently departed, 'Triforce' Mike Pandel.  A plethora of friends and colleagues gather to share their experiences and encounters with Mike.  It's a touching, raw episode in which there are laughs mixed with heavy hearts.

Nerdy Show

Podcasts , Will ,

The Thought Criminals Merchandise - SXSW Fundraiser

The Thought Criminals are selling off a box of forgotten/re-discovered merchandise to raise funds for their scheduled appearance at SXSW.

Stock is limited but includes long and short sleeved shirts and stickers.  Also available are hair accessories (eh?!), posters and a custom, refurbished, re-painted NES.

Prices are very reasonable.  One of the shirts that Mikal kHill hates with international shipping cost me just over a tenner ($16).  Bargain.

Big Cartel The Thought Criminals ¦ SXSW

Gifts for Geeks , Music , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , The Thought Criminals , Will ,

Podcast Index - BBC 5Live Outriders

Newly added to the Podcast Index is a show from BBC 5Live.

Outriders

[Weekly - Tuesday] [Features/Nerd Interests]
Outriders explores the frontiers of science, gaming, technology, film and music.  The show interviewed MC Frontalot, Adam Warrock, Nursehella and Madhatter in Sept 2010 for a feature on nerdcore hip-hop.

Podcast Index ¦ BBC 5Live Outriders Podcast

Podcasts , Technology , Will ,

Backburner / Wordburglar Video Release Party

CANADA - GIG
[2nd February 2012]

To celebrate the release of, not one, but two videos, Hand'Solo Records are holding a Video release party on the 2nd of February.

Backburner will unveil their video for 'Heatwave', while 'Wordburglar' shows off 'Rhyme O'Clock'.

$5 RAP SHOW presents Backburner's:

MORE OR LES, WORDBURGLAR, TIMBUKTU, CHOKEULES, THESIS SAHIB, FRESH KILS & MISTER E

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012 @ Rancho Relaxo, 300 College St., Toronto

Doors Open @ 9pm ¦ Only $5! ¦ 19+

Facebook Event Page

Canadian Hip-Hop , Events , Ghettosocks , Will ,

Soul Calibur V - London Graffiti

"The Great Eastern Street wall in London's East End received a facelift last week, a brand new paint job for 2012, celebrating the release of SOULCALIBUR V.

The visual masterpiece in the heart of Shoreditch took three long days and was painted by the East End's infamous painter decorator extraordinaire, JIM ROCKWELL: Graffiti artist & Creative Director of ENDoftheLINE. A time-lapsed video, filmed and painted on location shows the entire process from beginning to end, capturing the mural in all its glory.
Leading video game publisher NAMCO BANDAI teamed up with the cutting-edge aerosol mural artists ENDoftheLINE to celebrate the release of the game on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The huge 16 metre wall features legendary character Nightmare and new additions to the roster Patroklos and Ezio Auditore from Assassin's Creed®. The Great Eastern Wall is an ongoing project from ENDoftheLINE, a permanant Public Art Gallery that, in the last two years has featured some of London's most notorious graffiti artists, and has hosted international artists from around the globe.

*Soundtrack 'The Bulletin' is from Lazy Habits upcoming self titled album.http://www.lazyhabits.co.uk/core/"

Gaming , Lazy Habits , Music , UK Hip Hop , Will ,

Safari Al - Hermitage Academy

Hermitage Academy

Lifting his name from an obscure alter ego of Calvin (& Hobbes), Safari Al is a student residing in Milwaukee, WI.

The title of his album, 'Hermitage Academy' references his former school, Armitage Academy, it's not just where he studied his primary and secondary education, but his parents met whilst working there.  The release of 'Hermitage Academy' forms part of a trilogy of work from three friends, Safari Al, Milo and Nicholas J.

There must be something in the water in Wisconsin, Milo's last album 'I Wish My Brother Rob Was Here' and Nicholas J's recent offering 'One of a Kind' both managed to reflect the influence of the other.  Both have a laid back delivery over beats that flow rather than leap out at you.  Safari Al's style of rapping is similarly easy on the ear .  And yet there's a different recipe with 'Hermitage Academy' that produces a unique end product which differs from, but still embodies the feel of this trilogy of work .  Safari Al combines indie, soul and hip-hop to produce a beautifully landscaped album.

A string composition on 'Cartographer' opens the album and Safari Al instantly demonstrates his confident style of rapping.  Setting a high standard from the off, the chorus is sung and catchy as hell.  The second verse mixes up the delivery, slipping seamlessly into a double time delivery and back again before the chorus closes out this great introduction.

'Heavy eyelids & Dream Trafficking' combines an ambient feel with a light hip-hop beat.  Lyrics trip out, bouncing along the surface.  'Safe Room' continues the ambient feel whilst slowing the pace marginally, adding haunting inflections as the vocals border on spoken word.

As far as titles go, 'Bellow of the Urbanite' is one of the most inspiring I've come across.  The opening bars put me in mind of something Tom Waits might come up with, musically.  This quickly transforms as Safari Al flips between rapping and a melodic sung chorus, again switching up his speed of delivery with great effect.

'Aretha' has an old-school beating heart.  A minimalist, muddy beat with rickety piano licks sets a good vibe.  Again raps give way to a melodic, soulful chorus.  This is a beautiful, summer time track which flows into 'Circumlocution (Take Off Your Coat)', which instantly changes the feeling into a fuller piano led composition, mostly sung and slower.  It's obvious at this point that Safari Al is a competent singer as well as rapper.  However I found the vocals on 'Circumlocution'  just a touch flat and the harmonies ever so slightly off.  It's not something that really stands out with a casual listen, but when under scrutiny it's difficult to get past.

Album Review , Music , Nerdcore Hip-Hop , Safari Al , Will ,