Happy FMF, Buffalo! We've got some great free music for you to enjoy during this beautiful weekend.
Unforeseen circumstances have me typing this week's FMF on a Mac and it feels like I've never used a computer before.
It's like I have to re-learn how to perform the most basic functions all over again. I don't understand why Apple always has to try to be so different, it's frustrating.
But alas, we love you, and these are the lengths we must go to bring you quality free music. #VibeWithUs and enjoy.
Short Moscato & Nat Wheat - Americatastophe
A friend of mine has been in my ear for weeks about this new album from the local rapper/producer duo of Short Moscato and Nat Wheat. I'm mad I slept on it, because I finally got around to listening and it's definitely a gem. From jazz samples to eerie synths and hard knocking drums, Nat Wheat's production is on point and well rounded throughout. Short Moscato wastes no time on the mic with thought-provoking, socially conscious lyrics. Make sure to support local music and check this out.
Amerigo Gazaway - Yasiin Gaye: The Return (Part Two)
Amerigo Gazaway's "Soul Mates" series is back, once again uniting Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) and Marvin Gaye for The Return. If you checked out the series' first installment, The Departure, in episode IV of FMF then you already know what you're in for; a phenomenal collaboration between two music legends. According to Amerigo, he aimed to highlight Marvin Gaye's work as a producer in this project; "I wanted to build this side from more of Marvin's original production work. He was doing a lot of what we do now, in terms of looping and pulling samples from other pre-recorded sessions decades before hip-hop made it common practice to do so. This also gave me the room to feature other artist [Chuck Berry, The Temptations, Talib, etc.] and re-present those classic Mos [Def] versus in a new context."
To shed light on the ongoing copyright battles, Amerigo teamed up with New Yorker cartoonist, Drew Dernavich, who created some dope artwork for some of the tracks. Make sure to check them out in the gallery. The RIAA hasn't taken this one down yet, so make sure you download ASAP.
Vic Mensa - Down On My Luck
Up and coming Chicago artist, Vic Mensa, fresh off the release of his debut album, Innatape, just dropped some new visuals for "Down On My Luck." The song features a smooth combination of house music and R&B. Stream below, or check out the video here.
Ju-Ar - Day Out
Ju-Ar combines his deep roots of hip-hop beat making with a smooth swing of soul and subtle funky synth lines. This instrumental album is full of super smooth, laid-back beats that provide a perfect backdrop for just relaxing outside in the summer sun.
