HOMEBOY SANDMAN - Illuminati

With the new album out, Homeboy Sandman has been working hard at bringing us new visuals.  He dropped this new video today and I feel like this is the song that puts him on the map to stay.  Listen more than once because you can't possibly absorb all of the messages on the first pass.  "We used to beat on Bush, but now he's not around so people found another bush to beat around..."

Brene Brown: The Power of Vulnerability

Brene Brown speaks about vulnerability and the human condition.  This research professor, from the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, has spent the past ten years exploring vulnerability, courage, authenticity, and shame.  The first five years she spent focusing on shame and empathy, but has, more recently, been using her findings to explore a concept she calls Wholeheartedness.  In this talk, brought to us by Ted, she poses the questions:

How do we learn to embrace our vulnerabilities and imperfections so that we can engage in our lives from a place of authenticity and worthiness?  How do we cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection that we need to recognize that we are enough - that we are worthy of love, belonging, and joy.

I truly hope that her message reaches more people.  Perhaps then we could see that our current state of isolation and separation, do to our differences and life anxieties, is actually our common denominator.  Together we could accomplish so much.  This topic truly embodies The Spirit of Collaboration.

HOMEBOY SANDMAN - Sputnik

New video dropped today for Homeboy Sandman and Stones Throw Records.  Sputnik is the latest single to drop off of the new album, First of a Living Breed.  Great beat, sick visuals, and ill lyrics all contribute to the success of this video.  Peep the styles and go get that new album!!!

THE WEEKND ft. DRAKE - The Zone

New video from The Weeknd featuring Drake.  For those of you not familiar with his work, this guy makes straight baby-making music.  Slow beats under his soulful crooning make for a recipe to success.  His first full album, Trilogy, is slated to drop on November 13th, so keep your eyes and ears open.

DIPLO ft. JAHAN LENNON - About That Life

Diplo teamed up with Jahan Lennon to make this psychedelic track that feels like it's right outta the 70's.  Lennon is a former member of the now deceased Mad Decent group, Popo.  Trippy feel and hippy vibes blanket this video and the song is sure to be stuck in your head for days to come.

STEVIE WONDER - Never Dreamed You'd Leave in Summer (Outside Lands 2012)

This was truly a once in a lifetime experience.  Front row to see Stevie Wonder at Outside Lands this past August.  It was a long grueling day of being smashed from behind by the gathering masses while trying to fight the urge to pee for hours.  We posted up before noon at the main stage, right up front against the retaining wall.  Many acts had to be seen before the man.  Acts such as Allen Stone, Fun, Franz Ferdinand, Regina Spektor, and Jack White all graced the stage while i was only a few feet away from the stage.  Amazing shows were put on by all of them, but the headliner blew them all away.  Stevie didn't go on till around 8pm and everyone was getting antsy and restless.  His music and voice made all of the discomfort fade away.  He performed hits such as Higher Ground, Isn't She Lovely, Mon Cherie Amore, and even covered other great hits by Michael Jackson, The Beatles, and John Lennons' Imagine.  This song resonated with me however and I was practically in tears as he sang.  I'll never forget this show and how I felt that weekend.  Thank You Stevie

CEE-LO GREEN - No One's Gonna Love You

This song, originally performed by Band of Horses, was covered by Cee-Lo for a mixtape he put out awhile ago.  We had posted this video, but, do to the adult content, it was removed.  So i'm reposting it in honor of Band of Horses and Cee-Lo.  What powerful lyrics and what great visuals to go with them. I think we've all felt this way before and can easily relate.  If you have a chance, also go back and listen to the original version.  Good stuff!!

THE BUDOS BAND - Black Venom

One of my favorite hidden gems is The Budos Band.  This afro-soul group, known for its' soulful horns and funky Ethiopian inspired beats, is part of the Daptone record label family.  Since 2005 they've released three full albums and an EP.  This track, from The Budos Band II, is titled Black Venom.  They put down such a uniquely dope sound that Jay Z has taken notice and even worked with members from this band from Brooklyn, New York.  Enjoy.

DANNY BROWN - Grown Up (Scion AV)

Danny Brown - Grown Up (Scion AV) from Scion A/V on Vimeo.

Danny Brown takes us back to his childhood in this innovative video.  Great concept for a great beat.  Scion always puts out gold and this collaboration is no exception.  The kid portraying Danny even looks like a little Danny.  Same hair, same swag.  The story supposedly explains how he got his signature grill.  Danny also recently did an album with Black Milk, entitled Black and Brown.  Check it out.