New Video: Wiz Khalifa ft Too Short- On My Level

Wizzy Wiz has been in beast mode since exploding onto the scene the past year. And with the Steelers in the big game on Sunday, you can expect to hear a whole lot more "Black and Yellow" over the next few weeks. This video shows pretty much what you'd expect, 5 minutes of Wiz drinkin and gettin lifted surrounded by his Taylorrr Gangggg...which seems to incorporate a whole lotta sexy women these days. Oh and featuring Too Old...i mean Too Short, who still goes in for an old dude. If there is one criticism I have of Wiz, and there isn't many, its his hooks. A lot of them are solid, but I'm noticing that more and more they consist of him mumbling a couple repetitive lines in an amelodic fashion. I'm no expert, but if I was Wiz I'd keep things fresh and let some one else handle the hook on a couple songs. I do like this track though.

New album Rolling Papers in stores March 29th.

Chip Tha Ripper- Roll That Weed Bitch (GIFT-RAPS)

Chip's laid back flow over top of a heavy thumpin beat... the combination has definitely grown on me. March 1st is the release date for Gift Raps, which will be chock-full of free material.

Gift Raps is not an “Album” or an “EP” or a “Mixtape”….its just a GIFT…..of RAPS

-Chip

Hopefully he stays on par with this freestyle, "Roll That Weed Bitch". A showcase of lyrical genius? Not a chance. But it sounds good loud.

Chip Tha Ripper- Roll That Weed Bitch

Related: Feel Good- Chip Tha Ripper

New SonReal Video: "Already There"

During a random living room escapade, Canadian favorite SonReal randomly popped on the T.V. I almost lost all faith in Much Music ever playing good music but a new SonReal video restores the reputation of my favorite childhood channel. We posted "The Light Year Mixtape" in July and I enjoyed the hell out of it. "Already There" features Rich Kidd and a grooved out beat that complements SonReal's always entertaining flow (perfect while hung over). Apparently the video isnt youtube worthy but you can watch it here.

the fact that SonReal's on T.V is pretty sweet so watch the vid, download the mixtape, and whatever else you can to promote our Canadian talents

Already There- SonReal featuring Rich Kidd

Martin Solveig and Dragonette- Hello (Why Are We Whispering Remix)

Songs with sexy female vocals laced over electro beats have recently been tearing up the airwaves. I honestly don't even mind the radio sometimes any more. fortunately for Martin Solveig, Dragonette's voice falls under the sexy female vocal category and makes there track "Hello" an instant hit. The track has recently been remixed by a newly assembled group called "Why Are We Whispering". The group features Dj/Producer Don Diablo and an up and coming Canadian rapper Ish. The ability to rap over electro beats is not something all rappers can/want to do, but this trend has been gaining mad popularity... i think the kids call it "trip hop". What ever it's called it makes me wanna get drunk, so drunk i will get. 

Happy Friday

Martin Solveig and Dragonette- Hello (Why Are We Whispering Remix) 

Jessie J - "Do it like a Dude"

The female rapper segment has been growing so fast ever since artists like Nikki Minaj and pink cracked the scene a little while back. One of the most notable females that has capitalized on this style of music becoming popular is Jessie J, an English songwriter who's recently decided to make the move into singing music. This 22 year old has already made a lot of progress in her career, writing songs for Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, as well as Chris Brown in the past. Her first single, Do it like a Dude, was actually supposed to be a song for Rhianna but Jessie J stepped up and took it on herself, launching her career. B.o.B has already also jumped on board, lending his credibility to a track called Price Tag. Jessie has recently also won the BBC title of "Sound of 2011," a notorious rising talent list that I've mentioned a few times on here before. Now signed to Island Records, the same label Bob Marley was on, we can expect to hear a lot from Jessie J, starting with her album, Who You Are, due to be released on March 28th, this year.

Jessie J - Do it like a Dude

Jessie J - Price Tag (ft B.o.B)

More Theopilus, this time with Maximum Balloon

I should have tacked this one onto the bottom of my Theophilus post yesterday but I was so excited about the possibility of having Why Even Try up before all the other blogs that I forgot about it. Groove Me is the most recent release by Maximum Balloon (aka David Andrew Stiek of TV on the Radio fame) and features Theophilus London on verses and the chorus. The song is classic Theophilus despite the fact that technically he's just a featuring artist. Alex Metric got his hands on Groove Me as well and did a remix which is pretty awesome. Whenever I see an Alex Metric remix I always give it a shot and I'm happy I did this time around. Check out both songs below:

Maximum Balloon ft. Theophilus London - Groove Me

Maximum Balloon ft. Theophilus London - Groove Me (Alex Metric Remix)

New Theophilus - Why Even Try

This one is hot off the press, literally just dropped 10 minutes ago. Theophilus seems to be blowing up these days, he just got signed to Warner Bro's, and thanks to his Green Label Sound affiliation he's got a song on a Mountain Dew commercial. Why Even Try is the first release off a 5 track EP that I can't remember the name of right now, but its set to drop in the not too distant future. It's a classic Theophilus song with that retro feel that it seems like he pretty much lives his entire life by. If this song had been released in the 80's and hip hop was as big then as it is now, Why Even Try would have been a chart topper for sure. Listen below

Theophilus London - Why Even Try ft. Sara Quin

Mac Miller in Toronto

Mac Miller is coming to Toronto on March 2nd. This is a concert you don't want to sleep on, as Miller is one of the best new hiphop artists in my opinion. The kid's been doing well, recently signing with Wiz Khalifa's Roston Records and riding out the success from his mixtape: Kids. The show was originally supposed to be held at The Mod Club, but that's been changed as of today to The Opera House. Miller will no doubt fill up this venue with it being a smaller place, all tickets in general admission going for only $19.50. For concerts like this a smaller setting is usually more fun though, as it is only adds to that party atmosphere. Miller just turned 19 this month too, so we can expect he's going to take advantage and have a time with our Canadian drinking age. The Straight Goods staff has already picked up our set of tickets, do work and get yours here.

Here's my personal favourite Mac Miller track, The Spins.

Mac Miller - The Spins

J.Cole Featuring B.o.B "Pass Me By"

So Life Don't Pass Me By, 

Cause Sometimes It'll Leave Ya Stuck, 

Don't Ask Me Why

J.Cole Originally released this song a while back but had Kevin Cossom singing the hook. With what is rumored to be the Album version, Cole has refined the track and thrown none other than B.o.B on the course. The original was great and with the addition of B.o.B I'm completely indifferent towards either version. Cole's last mix-tape was one of my favorite albums in the last little bit and I was crushed when I realized I missed his Toronto concert... Therefore, I will continue to enjoy this track and others in anticipation for a full length album from Mr. Cole. 

Here's both versions... decide for yourself 

Pass Me By- J.Cole Featuring B.o.B

Leave Me Alone- J.Cole Featuring Eric Cossom

New Album: Talib Kweli "Gutter Rainbows"

Talib Kweli is back in action with his new CD "Gutter Rainbows". To mix it up Kweli shies away from longtime producer Hi Tek and goes in some different instrumental directions. The album features some producers that I would never expect Talib to work with, which gives the album a different vibe. We recently posted some "Outasight" who have been making waves in under ground Hip Hop are responsible for the production and chorus on "Ain't Waiting". The title track "Gutter Rainbows" surprised me the most as the beat is done by Australian producer "M-Phazes" whose style fits well with Kweli's Blackstar flow. "Cold Rain" was previously released and is also one of my favorites on the album

The album comes out tomorrow, so go buy that shit. 

Gutter Rainbows-Talib Kweli 

Ain't Waiting- Talib Kweli 

Give this song a second and it's damn chillen  

So Low- Talib Kweli 

Lupe Fiasco Reps His Chicago Bears

As I sit here on championship weekend, with a plan to do nothing that doesn't involve sports or food, I have found a Pepsi commercial featuring Chicago native Lupe Fiasco. Rapping to J.Cole's "Leave Me Alone" Beat, The Pepsi Max NFL Audible has Lupe reppin' his Bears hard. Hopefully for Fiasco he acts as a good luck charm as Chicago takes on Green Bay.

New Macklemore And Ryan Lewis "Wings"

No Bird Soars Too High,

If He Soars With His Own Wings

The expansion of rap music now-a-days has gotten out of control. From the variety of samples to the many different genres of lyricism its self, guys like Macklemore can honestly be considered modern days poets. I’m doubtful that I will ever hear Macklemore rap about gangbanging, but from start to finish of everything song listeners are taken on a lyrical adventure. "Wings" is the first single being released from Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' upcoming album and is not disappointing on the lyrical or production ends. In this case Macklemore tells a story about his love affair with Nike Jordan's, which is an obsession and culture that surrounds many (me included). Thus far I have never encountered a Ryan Lewis beat I don't like, and alongside Macklemore they make for some good hip-hop. No one knows how to make an epic track like these two and as I sit here listening to this crazy instrumental, under my Michael Jordan "Wings" poster, looking at my Jordan 8's, I've come to look at Macklemore as a suburban hero for hip-hop fans. The lyrics are from the heart and the beats complex and melodic, together they paint a vivid image of the story being told... you've done it again Macklemore.

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis- Wings

Woodhands - "Remorsecapade"

Woodhands is another electro-pop duo that's been working their way into the scene, this time based out of our very own Toronto, Canada. The duo features Paul Banwatt on Drums and Dan Werb on Keytar, a great element that artists don't make use of nearly enough. Werb has said that they called the group Woodhands because they wanted to let everyone know that there was an "organic element to the ambient electronic music they were making." The duo released their third album, Remorsecapade, back in the start of 2010 and features a style of music that clarifies what Werb meant in his statement. Dissembler is my favourite song from the album, with the complicated sounds of the beat contrasting with the clear vocals very nicely. The group takes a darker approach with the song I Should Have Gone With My Friends, using a heavier beat and more intense vocals to fit the story they are telling. A song from the album that finds the middle ground for both these elements is Dancer, a great track if you give it a chance. Support local artists.

Woodhands - Dissembler

Woodhands - Dancer

New: Hoodie Allen- Dreams Up

When I first heard Hoodie Allen I thought he was just another white rapper that comes at us with some dope tracks then fizzle outs. When Hoodie dropped the Pep Rally Mixtape I established that my original assumptions were obviously wrong. The mans got crazy unique flow and along with being laced beside masterful beat making the combo almost never fails. New track "Dreams Up" is basically a sunny day in mp3 format, so pop it on and pretend its not snowing. 

Dreams Up - Hoodie Allen

Cut Copy - Take Me Over (Flight Facilities Remix)

We posted Flight Facilities unreal single Crave You a while back and as far as I know they haven't released an original song since then, so in the absence of original material we have a remix of Cut Copy's Take Me Over. There's nothing better than when a remix artist you like puts their hands on a song that you already enjoy and does a great job of it.

Cut Copy - Take Me Over (Flight Facilities Remix)

Bonus Track: Just saw that surebuds posted Fader by Temper Trap and I've got a remix by the Knocks on my Itunes that was an obsession of mine recently so I figured I'd share the love.

Temper Trap - Fader (The Knocks Remix ft. Samuel)

The Temper Trap - "Fader"

Fader came out a little while back, but started off my morning so well that I had to share it. Fader is a track that came out on The Temper Trap's debut album, Conditions, back in 2009. This song went largely unnoticed though, due to the fact that it was overshadowed by the album's single, Sweet Disposition. While this song was still released as the third single for the album, it never got the same exposure as Sweet Disposition, which may be a good thing because I'm not sick of it yet. This song makes me want to go outside and take summer back, if anybody is reading this from anywhere warm, put this song on, go outside, and enjoy it for me.

The Temper Trap - Fader

Introducing: Kids These Days

Sometimes on your quest for new music awesomeness just hits you in the face. On my journey through the Blogosphere this mourning I found one of the most eclectic groups i've heard in a while. Kids These Days are a blue's influenced band featuring male vocalist Liam Cunningham, female vocalist Macie Stewart, Rapper Vic Mesna and a lot of brass! Together they make for some easy listening and smooth rhymes. I don't know a whole much about them but the track "Darling" is a bluesy soul song that features some lyrical talent from Vic accompanied by some great vocals by both Liam and Macie. These kids got mad talent and the with the unique use of brass instruments the Chicago natives should continue to garner attention.

My Days - Kids These Days

Shad Teams Up With Dallas Green

The unlikely combination of Shad K and fellow Canadian Dallas Green (of Alexisonfire) has finally come. I heard buzz of it a while back and was excited to see how the two could compliment each others talents. now a days most rappers tend to use electro influences in their music, but this two track combo project proves that there's still room for rock in rap. Shad's obviously got nasty flow and Dallas' voice is smooth and melodic which sounds amazing as he belts out the course for "Live Forever". I'm always down for new Shad and this tracks makes me happy to hear that the London, Ontario native is keeping it real... so sit back, relax and let Shad take ya away. 

You can buy the two song EP on Itunes  

Shad & Dallas- Live Forever 

Macklemore- "My Oh My" VIDEO

Here's the video for Macklemore's epic new single "My Oh My. Seattle looks pretty sweet and this video makes me wanna visit. Macklemore seems pretty excited about how awesome his city is and he seems like a legitimate character so Seattle here I come.

OLU- Jetpack Shit Featuring Sucka Free Cj and Colbie Caillat

As a blogger I enjoy the shit out of finding artists and watching as they develop. One of my favorite finds of 2010 was Olu and as we enter the new decade, I am happy to see some new dope shit from the unsigned talent. "Jetpack Shit" features Sucka Free CJ who is new to me but sick none-the-less and a manipulated Colbie Caillat sample that adds a softer element... making for some easy listening. Next up Olu uses an Aesop Rock course which I ersonally enjoy as Aesop's flow is way too hyper for my liking. Aesop has always been talented on the beat machine and Olu's flow compliments the "Daylight" beat perfectly.

Jetpack Shit- Olu featuring Sucka Free CJ and Colbie Caillat

Daylight- Olu featuring Aesop Rock

Outasight - Losing My Mind

I've been waiting to post New York based, Alternative Hip-Hop group Outasight for a while now but but I needed some new material to justify it. This literally hit my inbox seven minutes ago and its called Losing My Mind. Outasight is another one of these groups blurring the lines of hip-hop. In their case, they use live instrumentation and add elements of rock and soul which gives them a bit of that G-Love & Special Sauce feel, making you feel like its summer 12 months a year. Check out their stuff below and support them if you like what you hear.

Outasight - Losing My Mind

And a song from their latest release 'Never Say Never'

Outasight - Ahh Yeah

Artist Update: QuESt..."The Reason: A Defense Mechanism"

The first time I heard QuESt's lyrical talent on display was when his "How Thoughtful" Mix-tape instantly impressed me. from there he released many singles that kept me mad interested. For me, the anticipation for "The Reason" mix-tape has been out of control. Finally, QuESt gives us a pure hip-hop record. Will you be hearing any of these songs on the radio anytime soon? probably not, but when was the last time you heard a Q-Tip song on the radio? One of the best exceptions to this rule is of course Lupe Fiasco  who has mass hip-hop fans and mainstream popularity. When i listen to QuESt I hear a little Lupe in his lyricism which is nothing but a compliment. As someone who grew up listening to full albums, I will continue to pump this record and hopefully one day I will be purchasing a QuESt record.

Some songs from the mix-tape have been previously released like up-beat jam "Where Going Down" but QuESt keeps it fresh with a diverse feel to each song. You gotta wait for some songs to warm up and get going but in the end they give you some unreal lyricism.

My personal favorites are down below but go to his site for the full mix-tape: http://yesiamquest.com/blog/

QuESt- Take Off featuring Mr.Familiar 

QuESt- If You Wanna

The Naked & Famous: "Passive Me, Aggressive You"

One of the genres I've tended to fall back into lately, almost out of habit it seems, is the indie electro scene. Electronica can be so adaptable and timeless when it has the right influences behind it, and there's always something intriguing about the raw, unfinished sound that comes with indie music. It sometimes feels like independent artists know they still have a struggle before they will find their place, so they put everything into their music to ensure they get there. A group that comes to mind for me in this category is a 5 piece group out of New Zealand by the name of The Naked & Famous. This group released their first album in September of last year called Passive Me, Aggressive You and it is already getting them enough recognition. The group was placed on BBC's Sound of 2011 list of rising artists recently and it is just this kind of promotion that has helped them get noticed all across the UK. It's just a matter of time before we start hearing their addictive sound around these parts, similar to what MGMT/Passion Pit gave us a taste of early last year. Give it a listen.

The Naked and Famous - Young Blood

The Naked and Famous - Punching in a Dream

The Naked and Famous - Girls Like You

Introducing... OCD: Moosh & Twist

Mad potential for some more Philly Talent 

Coming into 2011 the staff of Straight Goods was unfortunately overcome with excitement towards the bright future... this obviously led to an influx of drinking and a dramatic decrease in blogging. Now that the week of mayhem is over I'm making my comeback by introducing a catchy young rap duo by the name of OCD: Moosh and Twist. The song that first got my attention is "City Kids" that features a sample of the always classic Journey jam "Don't Stop Believing". Despite sounding a little young both Moosh and Twist have solid flow and prove it as they rip the smooth beat on "Live It Up". With a pretty sick drum intro the track instantly turns into a jam... enjoy

City Kids- OCD:Moosh & Twist

Live It Up- OCD:Moosh & Twist

To Start a New Year

I haven't been able to get a post out for a little while now due to the blackout nights and sketchy internet in Las Vegas, where I spent my christmas vacation. There was lots of time on the 10 hours of flights and layovers to get at a lot of music i've been waiting to listen to though. I've gathered a decent amount of albums from independent artists lately and it was good to have a minute or two to enjoy it all. America is pretty dope, and I picked up some knowledge on some artists while i was down there too. Even with all that music I still find myself trancing to the same songs again and again when I find one that really entertains me, so to start the next couple of posts off I'll share three songs that were buzzing my earphones the most throughout my trip.
New years resolutions... adventure more, risk more, post more.

Lemâtire - The Friendly Sound

Mr. Scruff - Kalimba

Amplive - Chick Pop