It's rare that I enjoy music without lyrics to complement the actual instrumentation, but when the visuals are as vividly interesting as the music I cannot deny the artistry. Los Angeles, California is where producer Henry Laufer a.k.a. "Shlohmo" resides and creates his music. Shlohmo is a producer and brings a number of different and interesting sounds to tracks via his production. This week Shlohmo released a video "Beams" which is the second single off his upcoming LP release "WEDIDIT." While "Beams" may start off slow musically, it definitely catches the eye visually with the opening shot being of a person riding the back of a public subway. The track also doesn't disappoint as with the twisting and turning of the music sonically, an array of images of a somewhat wild nightlife are depicted giving the track more character in a sense. While he may go by Shlohmo there's nothing slow about his music nor this particular video. Take a look at this video and explore this point-of-view mashup of wild nightlife and artistic expression.

"History Repeats Itself"

One of the most popular sayings of all time are three words that linked together can speak volumes.
The saying I'm referring to is "History repeats itself." Time and time again we are reminded of our pasts and how the present can be freakishly similar to days of the past. One of the most polarizing and iconic movements of all time was the battle for Civil Rights by African-Americans in America. Oppressed through slavery and segregation for tons of years, the need to take action in order to get things changed started a movement that shook a nation. It is 2015 and it still seems as if we are fighting the fight our ancestors began decades ago. With a number of innocent people being slain in public, to simple racial tension in a number of areas, a sense of "New Slavery" is upon us. In 2013 Chicago native rapper/producer Kanye West releases his sixth solo studio album entitled "Yeezus". On Yeezus a very instrumental and somewhat monumental track entitled "New Slaves" brought up a very interesting topic as to what was happening in modern day society and how it may not differ much from a past in which African Americans were scorned. I decided to take it upon myself to create a video mashup and concept video for the groundbreaking track. Some of my personal work that I have never released that is being seen for the first time. I'll let the video and track speak on their own...

This has been a generally huge year in music, and a lot of top artists have dropped projects, or have upcoming projects lined up to drop soon. Nine times out of ten you're probably going to want to go see them in concert to experience all the hits live in person. With so much music from so many artists and so many tours happening, things can seem to get a little heavy on the pockets. Well lately all of that has changed with the resurgence of music festivals. Usually utilized by upstart artists and independents as of late a lot of major artist have been taking a liking to making a festival run or two. Though festivals like Coachella, Made In America Festival, and Lollapalooza have garnered national attention in recent years by picking up major artist, there are still a lot of smaller festivals that still focus on the smaller artist. Though, they may not have that major deal and some may but still treat there careers as independent they still can rock out a show on any given night. One notable festival is held right here in the city of Chicago and has a long history of success. That particular festival is Pitchfork Music Festival. Held on July 17-19 in Union Park this years lineup includes the likes of Chicago's own Chance The Rapper, and Vic Mensa a host of other notable performers include A$AP Ferg, Freddie Gibbs & Madlib, ILOVEMAKKONEN, Future Islands, and Run The Jewels. This lineup looks to be solid as a wide array of talent will be on display. Tickets are now available on http://pitchforkmusicfestival.com/ 

"Untitled"

"Untitled" is not only the name of this particular blog post, but it is also the title for upcoming sophomore album for the Compton, California native who happens to go by Kendrick Lamar. Within the past few months we have seen a number of successful projects by the new generation of hip-hop with the likes of "Forest Hills Drive" by J. Cole, "If Youre Reading This Its Too Late" by Drake, and most recently "Dark Sky Paradise" by Big Sean. Every single one of these albums hit number one on the Billboard charts and have received critical acclaim. While surprise release tactics as well as well planned out marketing schemes were utilized for all of the above mentioned projects, the industry has been looking for this project from K-Dot for a while. While his major label debut "Good Kid m.A.A.d. City" released in 2012 to great reviews and is viewed as a classic amongst most hip-hop aficionados, everyone has been waiting for what was next from the MC. Kendrick and his camp has been keeping things very quiet in regards to this project, but the wait is no longer here. While simply naming it "Untitled" and giving it a blank album cover as the album art the anticipation has grew even more. March 23, 2015 is the day that it will drop. There have only been two singles released in the waiting for this particular album; the Grammy winning "i" which isn't listed on the album tracklisting and "Blacker The Berry" which appears to be track 13 on the presale album on iTunes. Though a release date has been set, much is pretty much up in the air with no features or other track titles listed at all. This is definitely an interesting marketing strategy that resembles all of his counterparts in one. Will the album live up to the hype or will the sophomore slump hit Mr. Lamar? The world waits to see, until then all of our opinions simply are "untitled"...

#SorryForTheWait

The biggest fight of the century finally has a date set. Two of this generations greatest boxers and a matchup that has been wanted for years has finally been confirmed. Floyd "Money" Mayweather and Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao will finally square off. Mayweather has an unblemished record at 47-0 while Pacquiao has 5 faults with a 57-5 record. Many are said to believe that Pac-Man is Money May's only potential loss that he can take, but most also believe it's too late. I know I'm looking forward to May 2nd when the two square off in Las Vegas and I'm sure 97% of the world will as well. This is hands down the biggest match since Holyfield vs. Tyson in the 1990's. Will it live up to the hype? We'll see later this year. Oh yeah...#SorryForTheWait

"Straight Outta Compton"

One of the most iconic and groundbreaking groups of all time was a group named N.W.A. and they were from one of the most dangerous cities in America which was Compton, California. The group consisted of Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, DJ Yella, and MC Ren. The group linked up through various connections from childhood friendships and musical connections to perform the super group. They were most known for breaking barriers in music, and most known for taking "gangsta rap" mainstream. Songs such as "Straight Outta Compton", and "Boyz-N-The-Hood", gave a description of the lives of the young males everyday life. While "F*** Tha Police" ruffled the feathers of law enforcement as well as political officials to the point where they tried to get the group banned from radio and television alike. Not only were they pioneers of "gangsta rap" but also one of the first to telecast stories of the young black youth in America. Love them or hate them, they impacted hip-hop on a number of levels.

"Straight Outta Compton" the movie documents all of their trials and tribulations and climb to the top. Everything from first meeting up, to record deals, to money, to gangs and violence, money and women, to family. A wide spectrum is covered and looks to be a very interesting flick. The trailer above is only a taste of what you can look forward this summer as the movie is slated for an August 14th release. I know I'll be going to catch it. Will you?

As if Kanye West shutting down NYC wasn't enough, Drake who is signed to Young Money/Cash Money released a surprised album titled "If You're Reading This Its Too Late". Many had been speculating the release for quite some time but had no actual evidence of when it may drop. Well the wait is over and it is finally here. Appearances include Travi$ Scott of G.O.O.D. Music, and Drake's artist who is signed to OVO PARTYNEXTDOOR. A few of my personal favorites include "Company","10 Bands", and "Know Yourself" but don't let me tell you whats hot. It is now available on iTunes and can purchase it HERE.

-Melo.