Kahlil Joseph: Wildcat

Shorts on Sundays: Wildcat on Nowness.com.


This beautifully filmed short takes us to Grayson, Oklahoma, population: 159. In this predominantly African American town, cowboy culture inexplicably still rules, as director Kahlil Joseph, accompanied by a Flying Lotus score, documents the town's long-standing and ongoing fascination with rodeo culture.

See more of Joseph's work here.

Elliott Wilson x Tyler, The Creator: #CRWN

In the second part of their live audience interview, Wilson and Creator talk about drawing penises, goats, Mums going wild on the internet and playing the piano.

Check part one here.

Wiley Ft. Angel and Tinchy Stryder: Lights On

The opening of this video harks back to Eski days Wiley, before shuttling forward to the present.

Good to see Wiley teaming up with Tinch, a man who he bought through all those years ago. Shout out also to Trellick Tower....!

J.Cole: Cole Summer

Hov's draftpick drops another track hot on the heels of the Miguel duet, Power Trip.

We're big fans of Cole's drowsy emo-rap and we love his stark honesty, nowhere found more than on this track.

Meet: RDGLDGRN

Meet the vowel-challanged RDGLDGRN (pronounced RedGoldGreen).

Hailing from Washington DC, the trio have fans in high places, including Dave Grohl and Pharrell no less, both of whom are huge fans of the Hip Hop three. Grohl is such a fan that he ended up playing on their debut album ASYOUDO. 'Hi, it's Dave Grohl, I'd like to play drums on your album and stuff if that's cool.' Pharrell is their writer-at-large penning hits for them and they also have Beastie Boys right-hand Mario C on board.

They also have VERY good taste in watch-wear.

The three mix up Hip Hop, Rock and Go-Go into a thrashingly riotous fest of drums, guitar, rap and three different coloured t-shirts (a bit like JLS, but also not). Their album, including the track above, was recorded at the legendary Sound City in LA, where Nevermind was recorded no less, and which was the subject of a critically acclaimed documentary recently.

We caught the guys live at SXSW and can heartily recommend you check them out when they're over here later this month

Thursday May 9     Dublin Academy 2                                       

Saturday May 11    Glasgow ABC2           

Sunday May 12      Leeds Cockpit

Monday May 13     Manchester Night And Day

Tuesday May 14    London Electrowerkz

Thursday May 16   Bedford Esquires           

Friday May 17        Brighton (Great Escape) Komedia

Follow RDGLDGRN

Listen to RDGLDGRN

Chase & Status Ft. Louis M^ttrs: Lost & Not Found

This is just a clip of what's to come from Saul and Will but Lost & Sound promises quite a lot from the D&B duo's third album, due to be released this summer.

The track features newcomer Louis M^ttrs, a man about whom we know very little but are interested to find out more...!

Chance The Rapper Ft. Ab-Soul: Smoke Again

We like this newish newcomer rather a lot.

The Chi-Town rapper teams up with LA rhymer Ab-Soul of Black Hippy fame.

You can download Chance's album Acid Rap from his website.

In fact, while we're here, check out our new fave producers Benzel and their recent collab with Chance.

(Also, his name is Chance, The Rapper because his actual name is Chancelor, which makes us love him more)

Elliott Wilson X Tyler, The Creator: #CRWN

The Rap Radar and Respect Mag editor Elliot Wilson sits down in front of a live audience with Tyler, The Creator to talk about milk, mohawks and why Wolf isn't such a bad album after all.

Is this the way forward for music journalism? Interesting to see if so.

KAWS X Bern Watts

As far as bicycle helmets go, we're not usually too bothered. As long as they protect ya neck and aren't those weid bucket shaped ones favoured by hipsters, we're all good.

But then we saw one of our favourite street artists had done a collaboration with the New Museum Store and the Safe Street Fun and produced this version of a Bern Watts number. There's only 500 of these beauties, featuring KAWS signature artwork in surprisingly subtle tones, out there.

The helmets are available for pre-order from here for $80.

Charlie Sloth: California Love (Episode 3)

In this episode the People's Prince meets the legendary tattooist Mr Cartoon, a man that has inked everyone from Beyonce to Cypress Hill to Snoop and Eminem. Cartoon talks about the history of LA and tatts and also the history of OG West Coast Rap.

G-Shock X BAPE X Stussy: Ill Collaboration

Stussy and BAPE have linked up to create a range of T-Shirts and also to put their stamp on the G-Shock Frogman.

#want

Titled the 'Ill Collaboration , the T's come in two colourways while the watch comes in a gorgeous box, with detailing on the back, logos on the face and an ultra-special backdrop on the face.

Available from Saturday at BAPE®  Store London, 4, Upper James St, London.

Disclosure Ft. Eliza Doolittle: You & Me

Directed by our boy Luke Monaghan, a young couple with a knack for parkour take a tour of Europe, while ad Luke and the crew follow their highs and lows along the way.

Beautifully lensed promo, say we. There's also a blink-and-you'll-miss-em glimpse of the Disclosure brothers.

Time For: Sinead Harnett

What a killer combo.

Rudi 'Chart topping x 2' Mental x MNEK No.1 with Duke and A*M*E x new-ish-comer Sinead Hartnett.

Sinead is amazing. Rudimental are amazing. MNEK is amazing. The song Baby is amazing. Three cheers!

Check out our recent chat with MNEK and here's another quick word what we had with the amazing Harnett recently. 'Discovered' by Wiley on YouTube a couple of years ago, the half Irish, half Thai singer and writer might currently be a relative unknown but it looks like she's about to 'do an Ella Eyre' and blow the hell up. And rightly so.

Name: Sinéad Harnett

Age: 23

From: North London

I sound a bit like… Little Dragon? I wish I sounded like Lauryn Hill.

My influences include… Lauryn Hill.

I make music because… I feel like I have something to share, and experience to write. To create art is freedom.

One song that always makes me dance is… Au Seve (Julio Bashmore)

My favourite song to perform is…Got Me because it makes me move.

A trend in dance/ rave/ club music that I love most is… House music!
The toughest part of my job is... truly relaxing and not overthinking

Follow Sinead

Jessie Ware: Love Thy Will Be Done [Cover]

The world's love affair with Jessie Ware continues with this cover of Martika's Love Thy Will Be Done.

As Pinboard pointed out, this was originally written for 80s popster Martika by Prince.

Here's a couple of other Prince penned for others anthems that we love

Sinead O'Connor: Nothing Compares 2 U (obvs)

Chaka Khan: I Feel For You

Bangles: Manic Monday

Tevin Campbell: Round And Round

Monie Love: Born To B.R.E.E.D

The xx: Together

Unsurprisingly perhaps, this offering to the Great Gatsby soundtrack is typically xx-ian; haunted, understated, atmospheric and so on. Until right at the end that is and they throw a load of strings into the equation. We imagine this to be a scene where Leo is all heartbroken and maybe running through a dark and rainy night screaming in that Gilbert Grape/ Titanic way that he's so great at.

The publicity around the soundtrack alone should make this film a blockbuster.

Mac Miller: S.D.S

Produced by man of the moment Flying Lotus, Miller turns superhero in this video for Somebody Do Something.

Particualarly enjoying the Corey Feldman cameo.

Mountain Dew 3: Tyler, The Creator

The third in Tyler's Mountain Dew ads, in this clip we see Felicia the Goat join Left Brain on the line-up.

Truly a brilliant marketing campaign. Well done the Ad-Person who brainstormed getting Tyler involved.

Futura X Beats By Dre

New York graffiti legend has teamed up with the world's most popular headphones (or so it feels) Beats By Dre.

Basically, Futura has splatted some paint over the white phones with the blue B's. Apparently inspired by his 'Atom' series, these guys are a work of art.

Cop them here.

And, while we're here, here's a few of our favourite Futura moments. This legendary figure in Subway Art started out as Futura 2000 in the 70s, going on to create iconic imagery for the Clash and exhibiting alongside Basquiat and Keith Haring in the 80s. He's since worked for many brands inc. BAPE, Hennessy and Nike, and become one of the most famous names from the original graf scene.

Check this artwork from the donny himself:

Amsterdam circa 1983

Infamous bubble writing created for the Clash, alongside Zephyr CIA

Love this Wallabee/ Clarks collabo. Where can we get these!

Lowrider Studio Pop-Up: London

The good people of Hypebeast caught up with Jun Cha and Jose Lopez from LA's Lowrider Studio.

This intimate short tells each of their journeys into tattooing, their influences and why they like to head off around the world now and then to tatt other skins. The London pop-up, pictured in the film was incredibly successful with people queuing up to be inked by the pair. Jose is currently tatting in Rome until May 14th while Jun is in Paris from May 6 to 18.

Find out more about Lowrider Studio here.

Iron Man 3 X Medicom

With Iron Man 3 about to hit our screens any second, Medicom have created two 100% Bearbricks for the Patriot; the Mark XLll and the Iron Patriot.

Being limited edition and priced at $74, don't expect these to be available for too long. Get yours here.

Iron Man 3 is out in the UK from tomorrow.

#JLS

We don't know about you guys, but it feels like our hearts won't ever beat again after hearing the news that Ortisé, Marvin, JB and Aston are no more.

Oh JLS.

In true JLS manner, they broke the news in the Sun with typical lovliness and warmth. "We are still the best of friends," said Aston as a nation weeped.

Lets take it back to that first audition when they dropped them a little 4-part harmony of Shai.

Look how CUTE they are.

James Franco: Director

Following on from Spring Breakers, James Franco drops the drug dealer role and turns director for this documentary on leading fashion house, Gucci.

The trailer could do with a little pizzazz we think, but sure the film will be very beautiful and informative.

Comme De Garcon X New Balance: EYe Comme

Junya Watanabe and Comme Des Garcon have teamed up with New Balance for this eYe COMME trainer. Love the off-white tones, the tongue detailing and the suede and leather mix.

Cop yours from here.

Janelle Monae Ft. Erykah Badu: Q..U.E.E.N

Makes a whole lot of sense as far as collaborations go and not a bad way to promote Monae's forthcoming third album The Electric Lady, which she promises will be more personal that previous efforts. Particularly heart Janelle's rap right  at the end. She told Billboard recently that the song was inspired by "private conversations" between the two soul-filled sisters.

All About She Ft. VV Brown: Bullet

As heard on Mistajam last week and spotted over on ArjunWrites today, this new tune from Disturbing London signed trio All About She is indeed a sharp shooter. Featuring Brown, the London based production and writing outfit have previously worked with Tinie on his Disc-Overy album. Looks like they could be about to follow in the footsteps of Rudimental, Duke Dumont, Bauur etc all and smash this House/ Garage/ Bass scene to bits.

Clare Maguire: The Last Time I Saw Richard

It takes quite a woman to take on Joni Mitchell but LUCKILY Clare Maguire is one of the few.

It's basically maths, we think. Voice x tone x pitch x life x fags (squared) = Clare Maguire.

This is the second track the Birmingham singer has let loose recently (plus a feature on the Burns single). Hopefully this means a new album is on the way.

Ciara: Body Party

Seeing as the weather is so warm today, this feels like a particularly suitable video.

Two great things to watch for: the not so subtle Denon placement (HERE'S SOME CASUAL HEADPHONES EVERYONE LOOK) and the brilliantly awkward and badly acted scene between CiCi and her real-life boyf Future.

Kelis: Call On Me

Ignoring the latest hottest dance producers, this time round Kelis goes back to the land indie by enlisting TV On The Radio's Dave Sitek.

It still sounds and feels like a Kelis record, albeit with a 2013 twist.

We approve highly.

Kozzie: Still Here

He smashed the G-Shock Sessions recently and is fast becoming one of the UK's most talked about new gen of rap superstars in waiting.

He also has VERY good taste in wristwear...!

On Still Here, Kozzie talks about being in the transitional stage of his career: "One little tune on the TV and now everyone thinks that I'm badin..."

Follow Kozzie

Disclosure Ft. Eliza Doolittle: You & Me

We're not sure how Disclosure hooked up with Eliza who has been very quiet over the last year or so, but we're sure glad they did.

Their latest smash is on a lovely little Garage flex, transporting us right back to 1998, barbeques and that fiery red ball in the sky that we think people used to call 'the sun'.

The brothers release this single on April 28, closely followed by their HIGHLY aniticpated debut album, Settle, on 3 June. If this was available to pre-order we absolutely would.

Yungen: Topic Of Discussion [Mixtape]

He's been somewhat of a YouTube sensation over the last couple of years with a flurry of incredible freestyles for everyone from SBTV to Link Up, but this 21 year-old South Londoner proves he is far more than 'just' a series of sharp punchlines or witty puns.

Broadening his scope and demonstrating his talent in the world of songwriting and concepts, Yungen's debut mixtape demonstrates why he is an exiting new addition to the world of UK rap. The passionate and stark confessional of Off The Record tackles his own anger, losing friends and a tricky relationship with his father. Samantha tells the descent into violence of a naive young girl with a twist towards the end while I'll Be Back shows a softer side to the spitter.

He's already worked with Tinch, Chip, G FrSH and Angel, but now it looks like Yungen is ready to be a star in his own right. With 36,000 followers and 2.5 hits on Youtube behind him, we have high hopes for this young man.



Download the Cashtastic, Krept & Konan and Squeeks featuring mixtape Topic of Discussion here.

Devlin Ft. Etta Bond: Love Cards (Dualists Remix)

Devs shows a (sort of) softer side on this track taken from his latest album. Well, not soft per se, but he talks about love, although by all accounts he's not a fan. Sounds like someone got themselves well heartbroken in the past.

Remixd by The Dualists and featuring the super-talented Etta Bond the Dagenham MC reflects on his struggle with love and fame.

Kanye X G-Shock X Daft Punk

Nice watch Kanye....!

G FrSH Ft. Tinie: #imballin

In this rapidly cut monochrome promo, G and Tinie take us on a tour of their superstar living as they travel the world popping bottles, buying cars and hanging out with hot chicks.

Basically, a regular Monday for us #weballin

Naughty Boy Ft. Sam Smith: La La La

Shot in Bolivia, this is a truly fantastic video from Naughty Boy. Featuring a take on The Wizard of the Oz, director Ian Pons Jewell might just be our new favourite video director.

Also, we really want that teddy bear Toto dog a LOT.

Featuring Latch's Sam Smith, this track is shaping up to be Naughty BOys second top 10 hit when its released on 19 May.

Snoop Dogg X HUF

As big fans of the Hip Hop T-Shirt, we're very excited about the new Snoop Dogg x HUF "420" line.

Featuring classic, iconic imagery of Snoop as well as the old '420' lifestyle (puff puff pass, if you will), you can grab T's, caps and socks all from right here.

Super dope!

Opening Ceremony Shoes

We are big fans of Opening Ceremony - well, who isn't.

If you're looking for something slightly left to pop on your tootsies, then these rubberised leather numbers from the House of Carole and Humberto should be the perfect fit. Featuring two piece upper and four-eye lacing and are lined with leather. Lovely.

The cost is a reasonable EURO219, approx £187 and are available from here.

Rudimental Ft. Ella Eyre: Up All Night

Big old congratulations to our boys (and girl!) Rudimental and Ella Eyre for their massive No.1 this week.

They stormed their way sales-wise to the top, outselling Will.i.am and Justin Bieber by tens of thousands (so far).

We first featured Amir Amor, producer man at Rudimental in Jan 2012 and have been big fans of Amir and the boys since.

Keep Rudi and Ella and their MASSIVE tune at the top by getting your copy now

A$AP Rocky & A$AP Ferg: Max Julien

Produced by Ty Beats, this spaced out Fergalicious track is available on Funk Flex's downloadable app/ mixtape that we featured yesterday.

Lanvin: Mid Highs

Ok, so they cost £518 but wow these bad boys are bad. So, so bad.

You'll need to head to Hackney's LN-CC to get your pair of these blue goat and lamb leather all-tonal beauties. With black side zipper and dark navy waxed laces, the details, colourway are, to our eyes, a thing of real beauty.

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Opening Ceremony: Tokyo

 The rise and rise of Carole Lim and Humberto Leon continues. As well as killing things over at Kenzo, the pair have just opened a new store in Tokyo, to join their LA, New York and London stores.

The design looks fairly incredible and will of course be stocked with amazingness including Alexander Wang, Sophie Hulme and Acne. We love the flouro mannequins  ostriches and decapitated bodies that litter the store.

The store is located on Cat street in the Omotesando district in Tokyo.

Travi$ Scott: Upper Echelon

Who's into Travi$ Scott?

Us!

Here's the new one from the former homeless rapper from Houston. Upper Echelon features T.I. and 2 Chainz

I Bought This For The Cover: Exhibition

Photographed and curated by magazine junkie Leanne Petersen, 'I Bought This For The Cover' shows a series of journalists, photographers, designers and illustrators bearing their personal front page picks. We chose Angela Lansbury on the cover of The Gentlewoman because, well, it's just everything. Other people chose The Face, Gentleman, i-D etc etc.

"This documents and highlights the obsession a selected few have with print media in particular with magazines," says Leanne. "The exhibition looks to explore into what draws one to a magazine cover and why. It takes a reader a matter of seconds to look at a magazine cover and decide whether it justifies a purchase. Now put that previous statement into perspective, and stand it against
that of the team who have put in weeks/months of planning to get that magazine to print, now
ask yourself, do we really give enough time for appreciating the beauty of every magazine
cover?"

The pop-up is open from the 26 to the 28th April at Camden's Cobb Gallery. Check out Leanne's Tumblr right here.

Funk Flex: Who You Mad At [Mixtape]

A legendary DJ and former king of the mixtapes, interesting to see Flex taking a new approach on an old format.

Rather than print and press up physical copies, he's releasing this double mixtape via his iTunes and Android accounts.

Having locked and loaded like 8000 different artists, including Kendrick Lamar, Fabolous, Juicy J, 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Problem, A$AP Rocky... (it's a double CD so the list goes on and on), you have absolutely NO reason not to download this immediatly like we did.

Download for De Nada from iTunes and Andriod.

Nike Air Trainer 1 Draft Day

Granted the world is Jordan mad right now, BUT if you fancy switching up your sneaker game just a little bit, then how about these little numbers?

A special edition of the Air Trainer 1, this NFL Draft number takes on the 80s trainer and adds a whole load of detail. Check out the barely there green on the sole, which, when you add to the overal black leather and red midsole gives us some serious 80s Gucci swaggle.

Available from tomorrow, head over to Hanon to cop yours.

Star Trek Into Darkness: Trailer

One for the Spocks and Spockettes.

Directed by Lost's J.J. Abrams and starring Benerdick Cumberbatch as a right baddie and Chris Pine as Jim 'Boldly Going Where Etc. Etc' T Kirk, it looks like someone is trying to take out the Starship Enterprise. Non cool. Non cool at all.

Zoe Saldana and Alice Eve are one hand to cheer things up in what looks to be as dark a movie as Man Of Steel.

Available in your local fleapit in May.

Lamborghini Aventador Anniversary Edition

Let the suicide doors up....!

Fancy living your life like a Kanye West lyric?

The LP720-4 is celebrating its birthday and so unveiled this little beauty at the Shanghai Motor Show. As well as looking absolutely off the (2) chainz amazing, it offers 0-60 in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 217 mph. It also comes equipped with a special carbon fibre aero kit for increased downforce. No, we don't know what that means, but it's probably important if you're a collector of these things.

There will only be 100 of these guys made, so get your name on the list and start saving from now! This car has serious whip appeal.

Jeremy Scott X New Era

Ole Jezza is pretty much your favourite musician's favourite designer right now. Rita Ora, A$AP Rocky, Lil Wayne... these guys all love the designer and his outspoken creations.

His line with New Era is no different. There's ostrich, snake and crocodile skin (faux of course) all on display within the sickity sick designs.

Available from May 20, check out Opening Ceremony (NY, LA, London) or falgship New Era stores to get your hands on one.

master-piece X G-Shock

master-piece are a Japanese travel goods company whose bags merge design with funcionality and range from the opulant to the pragmatic.

The company recently teamed with G-Shock on this military styled timepiece, the GD100MS. Boasting an olive resin band, black display and yellow accenting, the watch of course comes with countdown timer, auto pre-programmed calendar,  stopwatch, 200m water and shock resist and a battery life of around seven years.

Available from 20 April from select stores worldwide.

White House Down: Trailer

Anything that has Channing Tatum in is pretty much a thumbs up from us.

This time Tatum does the Regular Man turned Action Man role as a policeman visiting the White House when it is attacked by the paramilitary. Tates is tasked to defend the President (Jamie Foxx) against the crazy attack.

This isn't out till June so it looks like we'll have to wait to find out who and why the bad dudes are out to bring the White House Down.

(NB this is directed by Roland 'Independence Day/ The Day After Tomorrow/ 2012' Emmerich so expect lots of chases, explosions, shooting with big guns and CGI)

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Ft. Ray Dalton: Can't Hold Us

The Thrift Store stars return with what's certain to be another smash.

In this epic video that took a colossal three moments to shoot, the Seattle spitter starts in New Zealand before heading to LA and finally Seattle.

Here's a statement from Lewis about the video:

"It seems like when a music video comes out, the title that receives all of the credit and travels with a film is that of the director. It’s as though the director is the “artist” or “creator” of the music video, when in reality a music video is first a written treatment, produced (putting together ingredients like actors and locations), shot and directed, cut on the editing board and finally color graded. The music might be fine tuned and scored specifically for that film. There are so many variables that are completely equal if not sometimes more complicated than directing, it’s a shame that so much credit comes down to whoever fulfills that position. A director wouldn’t have shit to direct without a producer. A producer would have nothing to produce without a writer, and so forth. 

For our team, I think it’s even more complicated because roles tend to cross over. We simply don’t work within the conventional hierarchy of the film industry (director, producer, etc.) Sure, people have concrete pre-defined roles based on their expertise, but our team has the remarkable ability to wear multiple hats. Can’t Hold Us was a video that showcased this well. 

After three months of shooting, finally getting to those last few frames where you reveal the credits, it’s a tense moment. There isn’t exactly a sensible way to do it, if we’re trying to fit people into classic film roles. It leads me to the point that although we do our best to give people titles, this was a video fully created by seven individuals at the forefront. Take any of those people out of the equation, you’d be watching a very different video. I write this in hopes that you don’t fall under the illusion that one person creates a music video, particularly at the Macklemore camp. We are constantly challenging and enhancing each another’s ideas and I take pride in believing that’s the reason we make great videos. – Ryan Lewis"

Time With: The Last Skeptik

He's  a producer, a DJ, a remixer and the man at legendary London night Livin Proof and he's worked with everyone from Kate Nash to Sway and The Gorillaz. He also makes really ace videos like the one below. We had a chat with The Last Skeptik about murking bears, grunting like Rick Ross and his new, excellent and mostly instrumental album, Thanks For Trying.

Firstly please explain your name (why so skeptical Skeptik?!) and the name of your new album, Thanks For Trying. WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

I have answered this a million times, but never with the question in all caps, so this time, it feels special. I've always been skeptical - politically and otherwise, since I was a kid. I think the world is best absorbed with a massive pinch of salt. At the time, I got the Wu-Tang style name that I have now, I felt like I was the last one of my peers that still questioned why things were the way they were in our country, and the bullsh*t that is shovelled by our government. The album title Thanks For Trying comes from a different angle of my madness. It makes a sly, self deprecating reference to putting out music and the sometimes unrewarding nature of it. It comes from a place I reached where I just don't give a f*ck anymore, and this is the album that I wanted to make, irrelevant of whether anyone except me likes it.  

There is a serious lack of anyone being confident enough to put out a record that is weird, and doesn't immediately just try to r jump on a bandwagon. I wanted to make something that will sound just as at home in 2070 as it does now.

It's a mostly instrumental album. Brave. With Hip Hop currently distracted by all things Molly and date-rape and Trap Muzik and stuff of that nature, where does an album like Thanks For Trying fit in?

I think right now is the perfect time for a record that is completely different to everything else. I love trap. I listen to more Rick Ross and Meek Mill than is actually healthy - especially hosting Livin Proof, I'm around all the madness and have to understand how to make crowds go nuts. But I think there is a serious lack of anyone being confident enough to put out a record that is weird, and doesn't immediately just try to be trap or jump on a bandwagon. I wanted to make something that will sound just as at home in 2070 as it does now. I wanted to build a story without words. Build a narrative with just music, without having to rely on a rapper to do so. The music can speak for itself, and the whole mad journey of Thanks For Trying does that.

What sorts of things - movies, books, other producers, weird noises etc - inspired the record?

Every film by Wes Anderson. All the weird sounds and musical nuances in those films created by Jon Brion and Mark Mothersburgh. I studied really emotional soundtracks by a lot of different directors. Those big old violin melodies that eek out emotion from people, and tell a story just by suggesting it via the intensity of the music. Thats what I wanted. Something a whole bunch of people could listen to and cry at. Listening to the album end to end, walking on road, and crying. This is what I want. Travelling to some mad places around the world inspired me greatly too. From spending time in Syria and Lebanon especially, I really felt like the instrumental music I was making kind of spoke to people more than records with rappers. 

Travelling to some mad places around the world inspired me greatly. I really felt like the instrumental music I was making kind of spoke to people more than records with rappers. 

How long did it take to record and what state of mind where you in as you made it?

About 4 years. A really, really long state of mind of confusion, tension and more emotion than a teenage girl. I think I became Seinfeld during the duration of it. 

The video (watch above) is lolz. Who came up with the concept and do you plan to do any more for the rest of the album?

My boy Jeff Metal came up with the idea for the 'Pick Your Battles' video, and directed it. Real life animals died during the filming of it. 9 trained bears played the lead role, and all died during a deleted scene with shotguns, strangely. I've got about 10 more videos to release. All equally as non-sensical as the last. Because the album is so cinematic sounding, it seemed only right to make the visual side of things take precedent. I'm determined to make a video for every song on the album. Like it ain't even sh*t. 

Real life animals died during the filming of it. 9 trained bears played the lead role, and all died during a deleted scene with shotguns, strangely.

You've worked with loads of people before now - Sway, Jehst who appears on this album etc. Who have you most enjoyed collaborating with? Who would you like to work with next?

Collaborating with the musicians on Thanks For Trying has been a lot of fun. There's a lot of rappers I'd like to work with, that I respect highly, but right now I see singers and bands like Alt.J, Daughter and James Blake and want to do some mad sh*t with people like that. 

Complete the sentence. Thanks For Trying is best enjoyed with...

cigarettes, whiskey and a cheeseboard. and exotic plants. and a life size cardboard cut-out collection of the cast of Hang Time. 

What's the toughest thing about being in Hip Hop in 2013?

Trying not to be Hip-Hop in 2013. I want to get that yodelling money. 

 I want to get that yodelling money. 

What's the toughest aspect of your job?

Not grunting like Rick Ross all the time. I've forgotten how to conduct normal conversation without grunting. Maybe thats a wider life problem.

Where can people get the album when it drops?

Hopefully i'll get to those cd racks by the counter in motorway service stations. If not, you can get it from iTunes on May 6, and also Amazon, HMV and all the usual spots as accessed by Google.  You can also watch all the music videos as they are released here.

Follow The Last Skeptik

No Lay: Break It Down

Love the Casio and G-Shock shout-outs!

If you don't know about No-Lay, she's one of the most legendary figures in the Grime scene. One of the few female MC's that exists in the UK, she's taken out many a man over the year with her ferocious flow, razorsharp puns and incredible wordplay.

If you want to know your history, check out three of our favourite moments from No Lay

1. Unorthodox Daughter both made and secured No Lay's legacy as a serious, serious spitter.
2. This diss.
3. Being on this compilation. If you don't own it, sucks to be you.
3. Her twitter. It's ratchety.

FTC X Nike SB

For The City is the brainchild of skatehound Kent Uyhara. After setting up a skateboard section in his dad's sports shops back in 1986, the brand ended up spreading across the world with FTC stores now in San Fran, Barcelona and Tokyo.

Now, FTC has linked up with Nike on the SB Dunk Low Pro. The sneaker features suede and leather detailing plus artwork from Del The Funky Homosapien on the back panel.

Available this month from FTC stores across the globe, check here for more details.

Liberty X Fred Perry

Who doesn't love a Liberty print? They've collabed, among others, Nike and Levi's and now the doyenne of British fashion houses hooks up with Fred Perry on a range of shirts, shorts and polos.

Head yourself down to Regent St or those outside London click here.

The Great Gatsby Soundtrack: Sampler

Overseen by The Bullitts Jeymes Samuels and Jay-Z, here's a sampler of the forthcoming soundtrack The Great Gatsy starring Leo Di Caprio and directed by Baz Luhrman.

Lana's track so far gets the biggest thumbs up, sounding brilliantly Luhrman-ian (remember how amazing the Moulin Rouge soundtrack was). The xx also deliver while Emeli Sande and Brian Ferry remix Crazy In Love and Sia makes a comeback of sorts on the spooky Kill And Run.

Looking forward to seeing this film.

Man Of Steel: Trailer

Ok, so yes this story has been told twice before, but it looks like third time lucky with Man Of Steel. Taking things back to Superman's beginnings, producer Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight series) and director Zack '300' Snyder has Amy Adams (The Master) as Lois, Henry Cavill (The Tudors) as Clark and Russell Crowe as his adopted father.

Man Of Steel re-tells the story of the kid from Smallville with exceptional powers with what looks to be a very dark twist. Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne and Kevin Coster also star in the film released this June.

CNN Radio: Young Guru Interview

Now, we're not even producers or rappers, but IF we were, we'd listen to this very, very closely.

Young Guru is Jay-Z's engineer and is a man who owns some of the most respected ears in modern music. Finely tuned they are. Very.

Here, Guru talks about Jay-Z and Kanye's incredible studio technique and talks about his own entry into the rap game, from Hip Hop fan to one of the men responsible for some of the most important records in modern pop music.

This is hones

Paul White Ft. Danny Brown: Street Lights

Danny Brown likes a British producer (See also: the Blueberry EP he did with Darq E Freaker). Not only featuring on Paul White's drum laden head-crush fest, White is also working on Brown's forthcoming OLD album.

This was animated by the rather great Plastic Horse.

Kendrick Lamar: First Mixtape (Download)

Back when he was known as K.Dot, a 16 year-old Lamar dropped a mixtape, Y.H.N.I.C which gave him Compton buzz and led him to hooking up with the Top Dog Entertainment team which would eventually see Kendrick signed via Dre to Interscope.

That first mixtape has just been made available via these guys and you can download it from here or listen to it below!

Drake Ft. James Fauntelroy: Girls Love Beyonce

Well, yes, girls do Drizzy, you're quite right. Boys too though. Boys defo loves Beyonce.

In fact, basically the whole world loves Mrs. Carter tbh. And why not? She's ace.

We double applaud the song subject though. A very great idea. He also borrows Say My Name from Bee's band, DC.

Just all round a bit brills.

DJ Khaled Ft. Wayne, Drake, Rick Ross: No New Friends

DJ Khaled, the man with a right big gob, gets his buddies together for an all-star track wherein three of the biggest names in rap let everyone know the 'new friend list' is very firmly closed.

As a big fan of Khaled's first album, we pretty much love everything the Miami based, well, he's not really a producer is he? This one was made by Boi-1da and Noah '40' Shebib. Khaled is more like the rap whisperer we reckon. We whispers/ shouts into like Wayne or whoever's ear, before they hit the booth in order to get the best out of performances.

And he also has to do that bit where he shouts over the intro "DJ KHHHHAAALED" and stuff.

This one is slow and sultry and we like it.

Pro Era: Overseas

Joey and his Badda$$ buddies have been touring all over the world with their updated version of early 90's New York boom bap.

Here the Pro Era crew reflect on their European success.

Givenchy Sneakers

Look at these guys. Aren't they gorgeous?

Make sure you're sharp from head to toe with these Givenchy sneakers. Now, they may set you back $685 but sometimes you gotta put your money where your mouth is. Or buy a pair of Jordans or whatever.

Look at the chiselled metal stars, check the electric blue trims, plus there's ribbed detailing and a cut-out on the heel.

It's just.... a beautiful thing.

You can get them in white from here or navy from here.

Earl Sweatshirt: Coachella

The OFWGKTA teen did his thing at Coachella this past weekend. Joined by Tyler and Domo with Flying Lotus on the decks, the large crowd were highly approving.

MNEK: Whole Again

It's Monday so we can admit something. Some years ago, we MIGHT have done a karaoke version of this while 'tired and emotional' in an ACTUAL lift. Yep, a club with a karaoke lift that was suspended over the audience. It was in Portugal. It was basically amazing.

Super-talented producer AND singer AND songwriter MNEK just dropped his own version. Admittedly, it's probably a lot better than ours was. But whatever.

Check our recent chat with the talented teen here. Also listen to the South Londoner's remix of A*M*E's next single, Heartless, right here.

Daft Punk: Get Lucky

After much rumour, Daft Punk finally return with this disco number featuring Chic legend Nile Rodgers and NERD's Pharrell Williams.

The album Random Access Memories is out on 21 May.

G-FrSH: Legoman 2 (Where's My Brick)

It's here. It's landed. Lets get ready to build some lego! (Or something)

One of our favorite UK rappers finally follows up on his wildly popular debut, Legoman.

Our picks of this mixtape include I'm Ballin Ft. Tinie, The Man Ft. Skepta, Never Can I,  Grown Ass Boy Ft. Yungun and Cashtastic and Wings Ft. Goldilocks, Mic Righteous, English Frank and Fem Fel. But that said, there's barely a foot wrong here. Take your time to sift through G-FrSH's multiple layered meanings and punchlines. It's well worth it.

Download from Datpiff