A Bright Idea + some DJ abilities = Classic Material

I gotta represent with a post about a dope group from my hometown once in a while. Ever since Atmosphere blew up about four or five years ago, the majors have been stalking the Twin Cities for similar musicians to sign, but most artists here have stayed true to the independent scene that nurtured them.

One of my favorite DJ/MC duo outta St. Paul is Eyedea & Abilities. Both men are veterans of the battle arena (Eyedea's most notorious was winning HBO's Blaze Battle and Abilities has won DMC regionals) and breath fresh, relieving air into the hip hop game. Their debut album came out in 2001 which seems like so long ago when I reflect on it today, almost makes me feel old (*sob*). Seriously though, albums just aren't as stitched together and as cohesive as this one anymore. I love concept albums with a central theme and songs that weave together like a rug on a loom. This is how albums are supposed to be listened to! Back to back, no track skipping, no bullshit. Just beautiful music that evokes feelings you couldn't get any other way.

Music Music
Liquid Sovereignty
On This I Stand

Since We Last Spoke...

Wow. Where to begin with a guy who borrowed his stage name from the cute, lovable droid from Star Wars? RJD2, who was a record collecting DJ nerd out of Ohio, began his music career DJing parties and making beats for the infamous MegaHertz crew until he was signed to Def Jux while shopping beats to record labels. I'm sure you've heard at least one of his cuts off his debut 2002 instrumental album, Deadringer in about 10 different Wells Fargo commercials.

While I treasure my autographed copy of Deadringer, I have a much higher appreciation of his second, more experimental album, Since We Last Spoke. I mean, he's sampling 70's sludge-rock, 80's synth, and combining it with funky hip hop beats and it fucking mashes together like ice cream and peanut butter (mmm...)!

Fuck all these "indie rock" musicians. This is what the future of music should sound like.

Exotic Talk
1976
Through The Walls