Outer Spacecruise AKA Ten More Outer Space Videos

*The Outer Spacecruise photo-collage above is my first venture into Photoshop. Check the bottom of the post for the link to the full Outer Spacecruise YouTube playlist.

1. Sun Ra - "Space Is The Place" 1974  Sun Ra is pretty much the King of Outer Space videos and one of the most interesting people to bless this planet with their existence. Most Applicable Quote: "The outer space beings are my brothers. They sent me here. They already know my music." -Sun Ra  @SunRaUniverse




2. Lady Moon + The Eclipse - "Roller Coaster" 2016  I am 90% on board with this song because the song's most roller coaster-like moments stress me out. That said, I've taken the space video bait and have started diving into Lady Moon + The Eclipse's catalog to see what they're all about.  @lmelove




3. Alabama Shakes - "Sound + Color" 2015  Is this a metaphor for being trapped in your own mind or a just a take on some epic space movies? #DeepThoughts Whatever it is intended to be, I love it. @Alabama_Shakes




4. L'Orange + Kool Keith - "The Green Ray" 2015  I'm loving all things L'Orange these days but have yet to see him live. His current label, Mello Music Group was recently dubbed The Most Successful New Indie Rap Label Of This Decade by Forbes magazine. That's a damn good look for this Rise Of The Underground thing we have going.  @LOrangeMusic  @Ultraman7000




When I saw Kool Keith at Neumos in 2014, he had a disappointing sad crew of cell phone checking squad on stage left (not pictured). He's got enough presence to be alone up there, time to leave the squad in the green rooms Keith. I took this shitty photo at the show which I included in my short lived Rap Hands (blurry hands) Instagram collection.

5. DJ Shadow - "The Mountain Will Fall" 2016  I'm so glad that DJ Shadow is evolving with his music because it's keeping him passionate about his craft. "Nobody Speak," the track from his new album featuring Run The Jewels is most definitely the cut. They recently shared how the collaboration came about with the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, here's the link.  @djshadow



This October 3, The Mountain Will Fall Tour will be coming through The Showbox in Seattle, WA. One of my current jobs in the music industry happens to be Hospitality Coordinator at The Showbox and Showbox SoDo so 10/3/16 will be a pretty great day for me as I've been a fan since the Endtroducing tour brought him to La Luna in Portland as support of Jeru The Damaja in 1997.

6. Batida - "Céu" feat. Frànçois + The Atlas Mountains 2016  "Angolan-Portuguese producer Batida aka Pedro Coquenão has been a busy man lately, releasing an album with Konono N°1 and fighting for social justice and the freedom of 16 detained young activists in Angola." - Okay Africa

Much love goes out to Okay Africa/Okay Player and all the services they provide to the community. Their website has been a consistent source of inspiration and interesting music throughout the seven years I've been sharing music on this website.  @BatidaOfficial




7. The Internet feat. Kaytranada - "Girl" 2015  The Ego Death album made hearts flutter upon its release and stands firm as one of the best albums of 2015. I can still remember the eyes lit up with joy response I got from a few other music nerds when I asked them if they heard it yet.  @intanetz




8. Michael Jackson + Janet Jackson - "Scream" 1995  In an era when some were using helicopters and yachts to show off their baller status, the Jacksons took it to the next level and went universal. The $7 million video  remains to be totally wicked.  @JanetJackson




9. Shabazz Palaces - "Motion Sickness" 2014 (SEATTLE MUSIC)  While the members of Shabazz Palaces do reside in Seattle, their music has transcended the boundaries of our city and have created their own Black Constellation. I love that they opened for Radiohead in LA, someone is very smart. @shabazzpalaces

10. Slick Devious feat. Janet Earth - "Hollow Planets" 2016 (PORTLAND MUSIC) The color of the fake barf(?) is what makes it for me. Slick Devious came up to Seattle last February with Grape God, we should probably have him back soon. Check out his multiple mediums of visual art here.  @SlickDevious




*Here's the link to the Outer Spacecruise YouTube Playlist as it is today. It will be constantly evolving...like Bowie.

Ten Great Low Budget Music Videos

I decided to add a link to a YouTube playlist for each list because I just got a Smart TV and I'd rather watch music videos than television. Adding YouTube playlist links to previous lists will be another new long term project. TEN GREAT LOW BUDGET VIDEOS YOUTUBE  PLAYLIST

1. Taylar Elizza Beth - "Daisies" 2016  SEATTLE MUSIC  Can't say enough good things about this woman and her video debut. With one video she's been able to show us what she's all about and leave us wanting more in a way that a strictly Soundcloud release cannot. I have no doubt "Fresh Cut Flowers" will be worth waiting for. @taylizzabeth




2. DoNormaal - "Let That Thing Go" 2015 (Prod. by Roach Carter)  SEATTLE MUSIC  Her beauty and talent shines from the inside out. DoNormaal's progression as an artist is a beautiful thing to witness. Here's hoping a new DoNormaal album is coming soon. @donormaalright 




3. The Last Artful, Dodgr - "Pestilent Intestines" 2013  PORTLAND MUSIC  Since The Last Artful, Dodgr released this low-budget gem, she's been working with the uber-interesting EYRST crew and making some big moves including being named one of the "5 Female MC's Leading The Charge" by Milk Studios. It would be in your best interest to follow @TheLastArtful on Twitter.




4. Stevo The Weirdo - "LUNCHTIME X LIKE ME REMIX" 2016  PORTLAND MUSIC  I haven't yet delved into Stevo The Weirdo's catalog but this song is dope. I get infinite inspiration from the goldmine of great music in the Pacific Northwest. @StevoTheWeirdo




5. Able Fader - "The Wind And Rain" 2015  SEATTLE MUSIC Can't say enough great things about this dude. He is a true professional in everything he does (Graphic Design, DJ, Producer, Sound Engineer, Father, etc.) and a joy to work with. @AbleFader




6. Macklemore feat. XP "Brad Pitt's Cousin" 2016  SEATTLE MUSIC  The adventures of Macklemore and his crew are not low-budget, they still made this video on an iPhone. This song is not that tight but I love how they're showing us what we can do with the tools we already have. I'd love to work for this crew because they understand that music can be used as a tool for social change.  @Macklemore




7. DonMonique - "Kendall, Kylie, Miley" 2015  I've never followed the moves of Kendall, Kylie, or Miley but DonMonique seems coo. Here's a video about the Brooklyn artist via Noisey.  @DONMON1QUE




8. Jorja Smith - "Where Did I Go?" 2016  This UK artist further proves that one great low-budget video is all you need to capture the attention of the world. The simplicity of the video shows us that she doesn't need flashy gimmicks because her "Personal Sunlight" alone can carry the video. I've been overplaying this song since I first heard it a few days ago. @JorjaSmith




9. DoNormaal - "Standing" 2015 (Prod. by Brakebill)  SEATTLE MUSIC  She's amazing because she's being herself 100%. One of my favorite DoNormaal moments was when she performed with Nu Era at their "Armadilla Lexus" Release Party at Sunset Tavern. @donormaalright




10. Lady Leshurr - "Queen's Speech Ep. 4" 2015  I'd love to see my girl Z3LLi make videos like this. It's simple and low-budget but showcases the personality of the artists well. The rap/walk multitask is a classic music video skill...I sense a new list coming on. @LadyLeshurr




*Use what you've got! If you or one of your friends has a smartphone, you can make a music video. A YouTube presence is vital if an artist wants to be taken seriously. The only thing holding you back is yourself.

Ten More Music Videos With Rotating Heads

YouTube Playlist w/ all 20 Rotating Head videos is here.

1. J Dilla feat. Nas "The Sickness" (Prod. by Madlib) 2016  "The Sickness," vocals recorded in 2001, is the bonus track on the iTunes release of J Dilla's "The Diary" album earlier this year on Nas' Mass Appeal Records.




2. K.Raydio and Psymun - "Sweet Dreamz" 2014  King Of The Category goes to Minneapolis' K.Raydio and Psymun for the most rotating head action in a video thus far.



The video reminds me of this Rolling Stones album cover.

3. Disclosure feat. Sam Smith - "Latch" 2012  This song is super played out now, but that doesn't change that this is an epic love song. I saw Sam Smith perform this song live at the Paramount in Seattle but he made it a slow jam, ew. Don't get me wrong, I love slow jams but I much prefer the original.




4. Joe Jackson - "Steppin' Out" 1982  This song still goes...hard.




5. Cyne - "Running Water" 2005  I love how many different special effects there are in this video. Cise Star of Cyne recently performed at a show I helped make happen at Barboza with Shing02, Spinmaster A-1, Marcus D, and Dex Amora. They all killed it.




6. Alessia Cara - "Here" 2015  Ballsy move to sample Portishead, but, she nailed it. The rest of her album is just meh to me. This song got her a big ol buzz, she'll be able to keep my attention if she stays weird but that may not be up to her at this point.




7. Jessie Ware - "Tough Love" 2014  Props to Jessie Ware for knowing how to be a classy pop star, she can even make a ponytail glamorous. I got to see her at an in-store performance at Sonic Boom in Ballard and later that evening at The Neptune Theater during her "Devotion" Tour in 2013.




8. FKA Twigs - "Water Me" 2013  You will lose this staring contest.




9. Glass Animals - "Cocoa Hooves" 2012  Slugs are pretty awesome as long as you don't accidentally step on them, which happens a lot in Washington. I am down with Glass Animals but their sound is almost too distinctive (almost too similar). Their "Love Lockdown" cover remains to be my favorite from their camp.




10. THEESatisfaction - "EarthEE" 2015  So glad that these ladies are Seattleites and I love that they're going to explore solo careers. Evolution and personal growth are where its at.



SassyBlack gets my vote for most inspiring social media presence (Dam Funk, Gary Vaynerchuck, and sometimes Russell Simmons are the fellow nominees). She's proving to us how hard work, a great attitude, an open mind, and having the guts to be yourself is the best way to succeed in this world. This is one of my favorite SassyBlack quotes so far.

Ten Music Videos With Kissing

10 Kissing Music Videos Playlist is here.

1. Disclosure feat. Eliza Doolittle - "You And Me" (Flume Remix) 2014  I actually think they went a little overboard with the kissing on this one but the song is awesome. It was one of the many songs I knew I loved in the first 1 minute and 4 seconds. My intro to Disclosure was "White Noise" featuring AlunaGeorge and I've been on board ever since. For Flume, the song that caught me was "Left Alone" featuring Chet Faker.




2. Bjork - "Mutual Core" 2012   Bjork is Queen of the Keep Iceland Weird committee in the best possible way. The almost unlistenable song and creepy visuals in this single from her Biophilia album make it an all around uncomfortable video to watch. Don't get me wrong, I have loved Bjork since before I Mod Podged the Post album art on my journal in 1995; but, her new music is a little hard to digest. A+ for effort and for staying true to her inner weirdo.




3. The Weeknd - "Often" 2014  Even though all of The Weeknd songs sound the same to me, there are only 3 songs that I have overplayed as of yet. "Can't Feel My Face," "The Zone," and "The Morning." He's just meh to me in general, but I would love to see other artists work as hard as he has for a sustainable music career.




4. Shura - "Touch" 2014  Love the song but the video makes me feel like a Peeping Tom. Shura has a Shuraverse on her website that is so high tech that it doesn't load half the time. Have yet to find any other Shura songs that I like.



The final product of Talib Kweli's remix is pretty weak. It feels like a concocted label collaboration to me, but maybe Kweli simply liked the song as much as I did?




5. BADBADNOTGOOD + Ghostface Killah feat. DOOM - "Ray Gun" 2015  This is a truly epic trio of artists. Masks, robots, spaceships, subtitles, cars, fur, birds, special effects, food, lasers, cops; this video has everything. I love that Left Brain is the lead actor in this; he doesn't tip his bartenders though so he'll never be that classy.




6. Odesza feat Zyra - "Say My Name" 2014  I'm down with Odesza but I have yet to feel the urge to spend time with their music. The duo met at WWU and quickly made Bellingham, WA a new hub of the Electronic music scene. Pretty sweet trick actually.




7. Prof - "Motel" 2015  Best dimples, promo, and socks in the game. He's been working his ass off under the guise of almost constant shenanigans for over a decade. With the priceless backing of Rhymesayers, he's making a huge mark on the music community.



My former ReignCity team had the pleasure of hosting Prof's "Liability Tour" at Nectar Lounge November 17, 2015 with Nacho Picasso and Slow Dance. Here's a few of the photos I found on my phone the next day.

8. The Flavr Blue - "Hearts Racing" 2014  SEATTLE MUSIC  All three members of The Flavr Blue are pushing themselves to be the best humans they can be. Mad respect to Hollis, Parker, and Lace for their commitment to their craft and for being all around awesome people.




9.  Snakehips feat. Tinashe + Chance The Rapper - "All My Friends" 2015  We never actually see what these people are waiting in line for which is actually perfect for the song. This video for my first exposure to Snakehips would have been perfect in the short Rotating Cameras list. I've listened to this song too much but I'm coo with it.




10. Kwamie Liv - "Higher" 2015  This video documents the course of a relationship, The Cure's Wild Mood Swings album did that too. I first heard Kwamie Liv in the single "5 AM" a few years back but haven't seen her in Seattle yet.

Ten More Music Videos With Skateboards

20 Skateboarding Music Videos Playlist is here.

1. Yuna feat. Usher - "Crush" 2016  This was an epic move for Yuna; Arsher's been dope since before 1997's "You Make Me Wanna." She's been killin it for awhile now but this is my favorite track from her so far. Yuna is also the only female presence in the sausage fest of a category.





2. Fashawn - "Guess Who's Back" 2015  I was blessed to be able to work with Fashawn and his team when they came to The Crocodile for "The Ecology Tour" last year. One of my favorite parts of working with musicians is meeting the teams that support them. The standout most interesting person from the tour, besides Exile who was the Super DJ for Fashawn, was his visual wizard Punit Dhesi. It is through his work that we are able to feel connected to Fashawn. This is best shown in this sixteen and a half minute Mass Appeal Documentary.




3. The Sky Division feat. Darius, Sk8God + Muzikk- "AK Kidz Get The Biz" 2012  Seattle was blessed with Sk8God's Alaskan presence for a bit. While in Seattle, his camera was always on and he was a vital part of our music community. I really love his video series collaboration, "7 Slaps In The Sack" with Carrick Wenke and Miss Casey Carter which lives on through the lens of Wiggy.



While recently on duty at his new job in LA, Kid from Kid n' Play came through and this happened.

4. Joey Bada$$ - "Daily Routine" 2013  Love that they have a Handsome Boy Modeling School sample at the beginning; Prince Paul and Dan The Automator are some of my superheroes too. I have mad respect for Joey and the Pro Era crew. Their life's journey so far is the stuff of legends.

5. Wiki, Dev Hynes, Sporting Life, Onyx Collective and Show Me The Body - "MARKET" 2016  This project is dope as hell; Blood Orange and Ratking together blows my mind. Props to the New Yorkers for this project and for staying true to themselves in their art. I am very much looking forward to the day when I first roam the streets of New York.



I found the "Market" video on the Ratking website, Letter Racer. They have a bio video embedded in their About section that is worth a look. The video captures what Ratking are all about in the most entertaining way possible. I love that shit.


6. Kaytranada - "Lite Spots" 2016  He kinda blew up the internet with this one. Kaytranada deserves all the attention he gets and I can't wait to see what he'll do next. A great music video (or dozens) is the only difference between Kaytranada and many of my favorite Seattle-based producers.




7. Cake + $alad - "New Wa$hington Order (N.WA.O)" 2014 (SEATTLE MUSIC)  Steelelakejake and Rene Vivo did a great job on this video. I'd really love to see them step their internet game up so the world can see what they're all about.




8. Step Brothers (Alchemist + Evidence) - "So Fresh" 2008  This might be my least favorite Step Brothers song but these two can do no wrong in my eyes. I have been blessed to see Dilated Peoples a few times and so far I've only seen Alchemist as DJ for Action Bronson at The Neptune Theater. I've yet to see these two share a stage and I hope that changes very soon. Their "Step Masters" video showcased their personalities so well that I've been crushing on both of them ever since.




9. Left Brain + Lije Sarki - "Belong" 2014  Lije Sarki did an incredible job on this video. I'd really love to see more of the SIFF types working with local musicians; magical things would happen. Maybe Filthy Fingers United X Cornish?

10. Hail Mary Mallon (Aesop Rock + Rob Sonic) - "4AM" 2015  I love that Aesop Rock makes so many music videos and wish that more of my musician friends would follow in his example. This track is from Hail Mary Mallon's "Bestiary" album, formerly one of the best promoted albums ever in my opinion. The promo for Aesop Rock's latest solo album, "The Impossible Kid" was even better than Bestiary. Rhymesayers X Aesop Rock = World Domination.