1. Jessie Reyez - "Figures (Live Acoustic)" 2017 Amazing what this woman can do with a guitar, her voice, and some imagination. I believe in you Jessie!
2. Jorja Smith - "Teenage Fantasy" 2017 When you're this good, all you need is a microphone. She just rocked that performance in a t-shirt like a boss.
3. Taylar Elizza Beth - "Live On KEXP" 2017 SEATTLE MUSIC I've been a fan of Taylar since the first moment I heard her voice and she just keeps getting better. Seeing her at the Laser Dome with Sassy Black was truly epic. KEXP also interviewed Taylar for their Local Artist Spotlight back in June.
If you haven't heard her EP Fresh Cut Flowers yet; I've made it easy for you.
9. Tay Sean - "Live On KEXP" 2017 SEATTLE MUSIC I was blessed to discover Tay Sean back in 2010 when he performed at Seattle Central Community College's Unity Fair as half of Helladope with Jarv Dee. Peep the link for a photo. The Helladope album I bought from them that day remains one of my favorite Seattle Hip Hop albums ever. I haven't been able to find it online but here's one of the tracks.
10. Masego - "Navajo" 2017 I've listened to the studio version of this song way too many times so I could figure out why I love it so much. Still haven't figured it out.
11. Kung Foo Grip - "Walk Alone 2 (Live On KEXP)" 2011 SEATTLE MUSIC I loved these Caffe Vita Bean Room videos. Since they recorded this six years ago, they've linked up with the Cabin Games crew and released the EP below. We're all watching to see what they do next.
12. Shabazz Palaces - "Live On KEXP" 2017 SEATTLE MUSIC Next level... once again.
13. Lizzo - "Live On KEXP" 2017 By being herself, Lizzo has already inspired thousands of young women to love themselves just as they are. #superheroshit
14. Dua Lipa - "I Would Rather Go Blind" 2017 (Etta James Cover) Bold move to cover such a legend's music but she nailed it.
Here's Etta James doing it her damn self; rare to see performances like this these days.
I had started to photoshop all the New Hotness artists into a photo but Ish as a baby goat(?) is too priceless.
1. Taylar Elizza Beth - "Live On KEXP" 2017 Taylar is no stranger to this website. I cannot wait to hear the album with Khris P she clued us into in the interview portion of the video; those two together is whoa.
2. Stas Thee Boss - "S'Women" 2017 SEATTLE MUSIC Stas Thee Boss is kicking ass at life right now and I have no doubt that she is just getting going. Mad props are due for Street Sounds and all the rest. The Album Release Party is October 23 at Barboza with Porter Ray, JusMoni, Jay Stone, and Queens D. Light. I'm guessing she picked out this dope ass lineup herself... like a boss.
3. Specs Wizard x Silas Blak x Able Fader - "Bona Fides" 2017 SEATTLE MUSIC It's great to see this crew finalize a project together, here's hoping we see a full album very soon. Hitthelinks to see what they've been up to with their solo projects.
Watch Able Fader's Voyage Of The Thubba series, you will not regret it.
4. OCnotes - "Doug Morris" 2017 Stay on your grind Otis, I believe in you. A note from the artist himself on the project...
OCnotes presents "Doug Morris" A meditative journey to the outer reaches of your creative imagination & temporary self. An extraterrestrial being is sent to planet Earth unable to speak the languages or communicate with anyone. It only understands the language of sound & has exceptional expertise in all forms of music. It doesnt know why it is there, but understands that when it does this thing these beings call "music" the beings transform and begin to glow and increase in body temperature. They move about in organized patterns & make strange noises with their vessels. In the search for its purpose, the reason for this mission, our extraterrestrial being faces the ups & downs of Earth life while transforming the planet itself with its extraordinary musical abilities. A new perspective of the present re-interpreted through this modern vessel. Here for you, the listener, is an audio visual presentation best experienced through headphones or on sound systems with a balanced frequency range. Film Release Summer 2018
5. Paint Soup (Grape God, Slick Devious, + Skelli Skel) - "Paint Soup 3" 2017 PORTLAND MUSIC Let's get these dudes some bread, if you've ever seen them perform live... you know they deserve at least that. #444
6. Indian Agent - "Life Keeps On Spinning" 2017 This is the first single from their upcoming album, Meditations In The Key Of Red, due out October 13 on Homeskillet Records. These are some seriously high quality humans... for a peek into what they're all about, check out their bio here and check out this article about the release from the URB magazine site. Silver Jackson's Homeskillet Records has exactly the type of roster I hope to have on my own label someday... when I materialize the fundage (although my label would be mostly women).
7.
Sa-Roc - "The Reckoning" 2017 RHYMESAYERS I had the pleasure of spending six weeks in a van with this woman and have no doubt she will take over the universe as only she can.
8. Ear Dr.Umz The MetroGnome - "Nick Johnson EP" 2014 SEATTLE MUSIC Ear Dr.Umz has recently released his Nick Johnson EP on vinyl and you should definitely buy it while you have the chance.
9. Kiefer - "aaaa" 2017 I can't say enough nice things about Kiefer; after seeing him perform with Mndsgn, I was hooked. His latest album, Kickinit Aloneis available however you want to ingest it. Follow him on Soundcloud for more gems.
10. MF DOOM - "The Missing Notebook Rhymes" 2017 Adult Swim is releasing one MF DOOM song per week from The Missing Notebook Rhymes. I love seeing these two ridiculously talented teams work together and aim to grind hard enough to be right up there with them.
11. Shabazz Palaces - "Shine A Light" feat. Thadillac 2017 Shabazz Palaces prove once again that they are on a completely different plane than the rest of us... this is a really good thing. Ish as a slimy baby goat may be the best part of this whole post.
12. Araless - "Intertwine" 2017 SEATTLE MUSIC "Intertwine" was most definitely inspired by Araless' wonderful lady, Melanie, who also stars in this video. Shout out to them for being a great team.
13. Wizdumb - "Bust Tha Format" & "Shadows" 2017 SEATTLE MUSIC At first listen my favorites are "So Clear" with Specs Wizard and "Suckaz" with Comel 15... listen to it, you will not regret it.
14. Thundercat - "Tokyo" 2017 BRAINFEEDER Thundercat's tribute to Tokyo is pretty awesome, I better go to Tokyo myself to make sure he got the vibe right. I also added it to the collection of Music Videos With Cats... if you're into that sort of thing.
15. Jorja Smith X Preditah - "On My Mind" 2017 I've been a Jorja Smith fan since "Where Did I Go?" and have been ever since. Can't wait to see what she does next.
16. Rainwater Conglomerate - "The EP" 2017 If you're only going to pick one track from Rainwater Conglomerate to see what they're all about, listen to "Here & There." Billy Blaze amazes me. The crew is selling shirts on Amazon.
17. Musab + Ink Well Present MInk - "Resources" 2017 RHYMESAYERS As someone with an unused history degree, I highly support this message. Fun fact, Musab is one of the founding members of Rhymesayers Entertainment.
18. Grieves - "What It Dew" 2017 RHYMESAYERS This is my favorite Grieves video so far, props to the whole team for their efforts! Go see Grieves on tour with Dem Atlas, they are awesome.
19. Myke Bogan - "Pool Party" 2017 PORTLAND MUSIC The visuals for the first single from Pool Party, "Take The Night Off" featuring Blossom were on The New Hotness Vol. 8. Myke Bogan, formerly of Pac Div with Like, is now part of the Eyrst crew... who of course, I also love.
I'd like to note that BINKBEATS and Dax Edword AKA Diogenes have a doppelganger thing going. They're both ridiculously talented musicians and I sincerely hope to see them share a stage one day.
1. Jorja Smith - "Teenage Fantasy" 2017 I can't stop listening to this song; it even prompted me to kick off a New Hotness playlist on Spotify. I'll be updating it as I find new favorite songs...which is almost every day. If the link doesn't work for you, search "Liz Rowe" on Spotify to find ALL the lists of song's I've overplayed since Spotify became a thing. She first caught my eye/ear last July with her song/video "Where Did I Go?"
2. Muzzy Legault - "Filles Well (Nomadini 2015)" 2015 I found this incredible artist from Ottowa, Ontario because she appeared on one of my favorite Noo/10.4 Rog songs "Without You" (no longer on Soundcloud). Listen to "Filles Well" and more on the newly inspired The New Hotness Soundcloud playlist.
She just did a brief interview with CBC Radio 91.5, this is how I learned to pronounce her name (it's way classier than I originally thought).
3. Princess Nokia - "Anomaly" 2017 Princess Nokia really is an anomaly (def. something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected) and I love that about her.
5.Washed Out - "Get Lost" 2017 STONES THROW This video really does it for me; shout out to the Director Harvey Benschoter for keeping it weird.
6. Kendrick Lamar - "DNA" 2017 We love you Kendrick; congrats on making a full album I'll happily listen to on repeat all year long. You too Nabil, your art is vital in the rise of those you've worked with.
7. Kiefer - "Tubesocks" 2017 STONES THROW Upon first listen, I can already tell that this man's head nod rivals that of Swarvy...which is likely part of the reason the universe has united them with the Stones Throw crew. I was fortunate to see Kiefer when he came through Seattle with Mndsgn but wasn't aware he did solo work until now.
8. Jessie Reyez - "Gatekeeper" 2017 Sad that Jessie had to go through this but hopefully her misfortune will help others to avoid douchebags like this. Thanks for sharing your art Jessie, we love you!
9. The Mouse Outfit ft. Ellis Meade - "Bring Me Down" 2017 UK HIP HOP I'm still trying to build a bridge between Europe and the US so musicians from both continents have the opportunity to travel with their art. It's an epic mission but one post at a time and we'll get there eventually.
10. Taylar Elizza Beth - "Fresh Cut Flowers EP" 2017 I was blessed to attend the "Fresh Cut Flowers" Release Party at Timbre Room a few nights ago. Not only did Taylar solidify her place as one of Seattle's most promising artists, she also hand chose the other amazingly talented women who shared the stage with her; DoNormaal, Guayaba, and PSA.
12. J'Von - "lil phantom yellow tune" 2017 SEATTLE MUSIC J'Von stays steady killin it softly while the rest of the world is watching Netflix. He's grinding so hard, he's on this list twice...see below.
13. Tricky - "The Only Way" 2017 I've been a Tricky fan since Maxinquaye and I always will be.
14.Sa-Roc - "The Soundset 2017 Experience" 2017 I was blessed to spend six weeks in a van with Sa-Roc and Sol Messiah and I loved every minute of it. She is exactly what the world needs right now and one of my new favorite superheroes.
15. Ibeyi - "Away Away" 2017 These ladies caught my attention with their "River" video back in 2014...glad to see they're still grinding.
15. Zack Villere - "Cool" 2017 I finally looked closer at the credits of this and saw one of my favorite Seattle producers in there. J'Von has always approached his art in such a way that he's transcended the local artist label; keep it up J'Von!
16. Lojii + Swarvy - "Due Rent" 2017 I've been a fan of Swarvy since I saw his head nodding at Barboza in Seattle when he opened for Mndsgn (he was also part of Mndsgn's show along with Kiefer from above). Fresh Selects is the independent Portland label smart enough to represent lojii and Swarvy.
17. SZA feat. Kendrick Lamar - "Doves In The Wind" 2017 SZA'snew album is whoa; hope to see a video for this track soon.
18. Brother Ali - "Never Learn" 2017 I've recently returned from my 1st Tour Adventure with Brother Ali, Last Word, Sa-Roc, Sol Messiah, Amal the Photo/Video Guru, and Paul the Tour Manager. My latest job title is Merch Manager for Brother Ali (I also helped out with the driving)...it was a truly epic adventure and I learned at least 1,111 things and instantly became a touraholic. They are some of my favorite people on this whole planet; it was an honor to spread messages of love throughout the US and Canada with this crew. This video is truly beautiful; here's what Brother Ali has to say about it (from the YouTube credits). #AllTheBeautyInThisWholeVideo "This is another presentation made possible by community. We shot it in New Mexico at Dar Al Islam, a beautiful worship and healing center built mostly by American Muslims in the Adobe style prevalent in the Southwest. Spiritual and wisdom tradition holds that buildings should be designed in harmony with the natural beauty of the location, as well as the culture of the people in that area. Many of my elders built this place, and many of my friends grew up there.
One thing interesting about this location is that after the death of Tupac Shakur, the Dar Al Islam community opened its doors to film his “I Wonder If Heaven Got A Ghetto" video there.
The dancers are Al Taw’am from Minneapolis. You may recognize them from the "Mourning In America” video, as well as their own international videos and news pieces. The twins are dear family friends and leaders in our cultural and spiritual community. Their movement speaks of their family legacy of dignified regality. I believe them to be royalty. They choreographed this incredible piece and brought the entire song and video to life.
The video was directed by Kron, whom we've worked with in the past. He and his crew did an incredible job and I'm deeply grateful.
Of course, Ant made the track with G Koop playing the instruments and deM atlaS added some additional operatic vocals at the end of the song. Special thanks to: Siddiq, Sidi Hakeem Archuletta, La'kisha Raeesah Holloman, Amir Sulaiman, and anyone else I'm forgetting. Please enjoy."
2.SiR - "Queen" 2016 It can be tricky for me to overplay a song that isn't on Spotify but I powered through it via Soundcloud and YouTube and am almost sick of the song already. SiR is one of the latest signees to the TDE label.
3. 10.4 Rog - "The Hand Drawn Rhythm Machine" 2017 I can't possibly say enough good things about 10.4 Rog; a former Seattle area resident now living in Oakland. His collaboration with Tacoma, WA's Noo is on my Top Albums of 2016 list. I bought this the moment I realized it existed.
4. The Mouse Outfit feat. Truthos Mufasa + Black Josh - "Sit Back" 2013 UK HIP HOP I found this while internet mining this Bristol New Years Eve Hip Hop show flyer. It will appear again on the site on an upcoming Weed Anthems list. Four year old songs can still be The New Hotness if they're new to me; I listened to this song on repeat recently while roaming the streets of Barcelona.
5. Falon Sierra - "Mr. Prez" 2017 (Produced by Noo) Falon Sierra, a Home Slice veteran (I made this show flyer and curated the lineup), has been kicking some serious ass at the 2017 SoundOff at MoPop recently; no surprise there. Noo was on the same Home Slice as Falon Sierra because I have really good taste (brushes shoulder).
This was the promo video for the show; I love it when people go the extra mile to do this.
8. Anderson .Paak - "The Come Down Gospel" 2017 It's beautiful to see artist's creative visions grow as they gain confidence, fans, and financial support. Even with his Malibu release being my number one album of 2016, I truly believe that he's just getting going and the best is yet to come.
9. Shark Dentures - "Bog Slump" 2016 SEATTLE MUSIC I was late to the game on this one but music is forever...if we're lucky. Add it to your Soundcloud playlists here. As both of us are devoted fans of the local and worldwide Hip Hop scenes, I've had the pleasure of meeting Shark Dentures on many occasions but only just now heard his music for the first time; can't wait to see what he does next!
10. "NEK030: retrox novela" Compilation 2016 Before I even got through the full album, I had to buy Nekubi's mix on cassette, all 40 tracks are that good...plus it comes with a 20 page booklet and some stickers. I had never heard of a single artist on this rabbit hole of good music. Goldmines like this are exactly what inspired me to start my own website/rabbit hole in 2009 and it has led me on an adventure that I never thought possible. This is only the first of the 40 mixtapes this artist has on their Bandcamp site; life is good.
1. Grimes ft. Janelle Monáe - "Venus Fly" 2017 This is one of the best music videos I've ever seen in my whole life. Speechless.
2. Taylar Elizza Beth - "Stop Calling My Phone" (prod. Luis Vela) SEATTLE MUSIC A Taylar Elizza Beth performance will literally take your breath away. This woman inspired me to abandon my only posting music video ways because she's that awesome.
3. J Dilla - Ghetto Wishing "ADBT" 2017 This is part of a documentary of the legacy of Detroit Hip Hop Production. See below for more info.
A/V Installation #2
The Unseen - A Detroit Beat Tape
A Film By Gus Sutherland
The Unseen explores the soul and roots of Detroit Hip Hop Production, mirroring the sketchpad
style format of a beat tape. Loosely acting as a prequel to the L.A. based "All Ears" documentary,
The Unseen provides rare insights into a scene that has remained distant from the public eye
while giving birth to some of the culture's richest and most influential sounds.
The film glimpses the hidden and elusive characteristics inherent in a city often
depicted in a one dimensional light.
4. Air Credits (The Hood Internet + Showyousuck) + Sims - "GEAR SHIFTN" 2017 These are seriously some of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of working with. I love the effort that went into this video and can't wait to see what they do next.
5. Onry Ozzborn - "t h 3 B1RTH of c v p ii d" 2017 SEATTLE MUSIC Nothing but respect for Onry and his grind lately. #props
6.Big Baby D.R.A.M. - "Cute" 2017 D.R.A.M.'s smile is contagious as f....
7. MonoNeon - "Thoughts In The Morning Time" 2017 Bless you Okay Player for guiding me to Prince's bassist, MonoNeon.
8.Little Dragon - "High" 2017 They must have had a blast making this video and I'm pretty sure that is what life is all about.
9. Brother Ali - "Pen To Paper" 2017 The release of this new Brother Ali album, "All The Beauty In This Whole Life," on May 5 has provided me with the job of my dreams. Stay tuned...
10. Porter Ray - "Watercolor" 2017 SEATTLE MUSIC Yet another always smiling Seattle artist I had to share even though he hasn't released any music videos for this project yet. This Sub Pop backed album contains features from The Palaceer of Shabazz Palaces, STAS THEE BOSS of THEESatisfaction, Nate Jack, and many other voices you may recognize...if you've been paying attention.
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.
