Dub Trio – IV [8.0]
Brooklyn-based instrumental masterminds, Dub Trio, have dropped their fourth album, IV, a nine-track release loaded with chunky drop-tuned guitar riffs, experimental noise, and tasteful effect work. In their previous cuts, heavy metal began its steady ascent as their creative focal point, and IV undoubtedly marks its centerfold appearance. However, their roots in the bass-centric,... Read More
Kidz In The Hall – Occasion [7.5]
The Kidz In The Hall are back with their fourth studio album, Occasion. While albums that make you want to dance come a dime a dozen, albums that make you wanna celebrate are a little more difficult to come by. But that’s exactly what Occasion does. Naledge and Double-O have a talent for finessing a beat to create tracks that don’t just speak to listeners, but also evoke... Read More
Los Campesinos! @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
I’ve always enjoyed seeing seven-piece Welsh indie rock act Los Campesinos! live—having seen them in venues ranging in size from Brooklyn’s Union Pool to the legendary Webster Hall. However, following their recent show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, in my mind, they finally realized what I’ve always seen as their potential. On the back of their most restrained and... Read More
Pusha T – Fear of God II (Let Us Pray) [8.0]
Pusha T recently released an EP with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D (Getting Out Our Dreams) Records, which signed Pusha T in 2010. Fear of God II (Let Us Pray) consists of twelve tracks of hard, raw and creatively lawless rap—complete with features from some of the most notable names in the game today, such as 50 Cent, Diddy, Kanye, Jeezy, Tyler the Creator and Meek Mill,... Read More
Rihanna – “Talk That Talk” – Sexiest Album Yet
Has Rihanna “out-sexied” herself? (For lack of a better expression). When listening to Talk That Talk—the sixth studio album by the Barbadian recording artist, scheduled for release on November 21st, 2011, through Def Jam—one can’t help but notice Rihanna’s progression from being the “Good Girl Gone Bad” to being “Rated R” to being just plain “Loud”…... Read More
Childish Gambino – Camp [8.5]
The experiences outlined in Childish Gambino’s Camp speak to one overarching theme: authenticity. As difficult as it was to take comedian Jamie Foxx seriously as an R&B singer after watching him solicit laughs as Jamie King on the Jamie Foxx Show, it’s almost as challenging to believe that Donald Glover—Troy Barnes on NBC’s Community—can embody... Read More
J-Zone Bares All In “Root for the Villain”
Author of Root For The Villain, J-Zone is a producer, rapper, and quite possibly a comedian. There is no shortage of giggles, chuckles, and all out laughter as this rapper/producer-turned-author opens the door to a tour of his life, complete with lessons learned, successes and admitted failures. J-Zone is candid and truly an open book as he tells the story of a “young J”, who... Read More
Sneaker Pimps Tour 2011 Flashback
Friday night was LIVE as the Sneaker Pimps Tour 2011 passed through New York City’s Irving Plaza. BRM was all access, so here’s a flashback on what went down. Performances included A$AP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar, Stalley, Phil Ade, Jim Jones and Waka Flocka… compliments of photographer Techie! Full slideshow here. Photos by TechieNYC Read More
Surfer Blood – Tarot Classics [7.4]
It’s been a year and a half since Surfer Blood released their hyped debut album Astro Coast, and even longer since they were a Pitchfork buzz band thanks to hit single “Swim.” During that time, the young band has been touring and have built up high expectations from people wondering what they will do next. It is not surprising then, that the group would go for a... Read More
David Dallas’ “The Rose Tint” Album Release Party @ Mercury Lounge
Who said New Zealand is only good for Lord of the Rings and Flight of the Conchords? Although it boasts some of the greatest scenery in the eastern hemisphere, the kiwi nation is now stepping its way into the ring of east coast hip hop, with David Dallas as their prize fighter. New York City hip hop label, Duck Down Records, has recently signed Dallas with the primary goal of promoting... Read More
