XLR8R

MC Apoc and producer Rel's first full-length under The Ritz moniker stretches in many directions stylistically, utilizing synths, string arrangements, and programmed beats to make hip-hop that constantly darts between dark and upbeat. Supposedly, noir films were the inspiration for the album, which explains the cinematic feel of the tracks, including this one, a breezy instrumental that incorporates film snippits in the mix. Elsewhere on the release, fellow Chicagoans Racecar (of Modill) and Rhymesayers artist Psalm One show up for guest appearances.

The notoriously cranky Koushik might have a chip on his shoulder the size of a boulder, but he sure does make some wonderful music. For Out My Window, his forthcoming Stones Throw full-length, he merged the sounds of the 1960s with his trademark hazy hip-hop beats, a move that resulted in catchy tracks that are as listenable as they are danceable. This one features an arsenal of percussion and a horn section that starts out quietly and calculated, then escalates into musical mayhem at the end. Top it off with some Indian flavors in the last seconds of the track.

Out My Window
01 Morning Comes
02 Be With
03 Lying in the Sun
04 Coolin
05 Butterflybeat
06 See You
07 Nothing's the Same
08 Welcome
09 Corner of Your Smile
10 In a Green Space
11 ifoundu
12 Outerlude
13 Bright and Shining
14 Forest Loop
15 Out My Window
16 Floating On

Takka Takka experimented with everything from psychedelia to future-folk on Migration, its latest album, but gentle melodies are definitely a common denominator throughout the release. Case in point is this track, which features shimmering keyboards and vocalist Gabriel Levine's flawless voice working together with a bluesy bassline. Migration's an apt name for the entire album, as the music tends to wander into unexpected territories, sliding between minor chords and upbeat rhythms and constantly keeping the listener guessing. Definitely a refreshing take on the traditional band setup.

Baltimore madness meets Jamaican dancehall on this track, a remix of the title cut off Mr. Vegas' Oh My Gosh EP. On the lyrical tip, the Jamaican MC doesn't have much to say other than "my gosh" and "move your body," and repeat chants of this give a rather hypnotic flavor to the whole affair. Meanwhile, Baltimore kings Aaron LaCrate and Debonair Samir throw some grimy bass and old-school breakbeats underneath that made XLR8R.com's managing editor throw her hands in the air, despite no one else being in the office.

Oh My Gosh
01 "Oh My Gosh"
02 "Oh My Gosh (Verb Remix)"
03 "Oh My Gosh (Aaron LaCrate and Debonair Samir Gutter Remix)"
04 "Whining Machine"

XLR8R cover star Daedelus just sent this one over, and as it usually happens with his tracks, we can't stop listening to it. "For Whithered Friends" is a reworking of the title track from Fairweather Friends, his Ninja Tune EP from last year. Daedelus has always given off the positive vibes, but this track finds the artist in an extra-good mood, and the cheer should rub off pretty quickly. Props to him for rhyming the words "restitution" and "confusion." Read more about Daedelus in Issue 120 of XLR8R. Photo by Ye Rin Mok

It seems fitting, given that the late J Dilla was considered one of the foremost veterans of the Detroit hip-hop scene, that "We Here," the first single to drop from his little brother's Illa J's Yancey Boys album, is a tribute to the city itself. Laid over a previously unheard Dilla track, the cut features Illa J's soulful voice trading raps with Guilty Simpson, who stopped by to guest on the new album. The beats here have literally gone untouched for over a decade, and the presence of Dilla is strong here. Photo by iNickel.

Angry dubstep meets sweet melodies on this track from Winnipeg, CA-based breakcore master Jeremy Pillipow, who makes sinister tunes under his Cakebuilder guise. There's something cinematic to the quality of the music here, with light orchestral arrangements laid over relentless beats and basslines, a combination fit for a car chase scene, or perhaps a really fucked up horror flick. The cut is off Pillipow's second release for Ad Noiseam, a four track EP that bears the comforting title of Feed the Worms.

Toronto, ON-based duo Woodhands is all about the keytar and drum sound, which music heads will be able to hear for themselves today, as the group's album, Heart Attack, has just been released. They've remixed Sally Shapiro, shared the stage with like-minded acts such as Crystal Castles, and this track is a whirlwind of synths and beats, singing that borders on screaming at certain points, and, of course, the good old-fashioned hand claps.

Meanwhile, pick up Heart Attack today and stay tuned for news on the remix EP, as well as a Stateside tour.

Last time we heard from the Trouble & Bass crew, they were making a left turn and pushing the gentle, melodic strains of Little Jinder, proving there was more to the New York-based collective than dirty bass bangers. Well that's all fine and good, but few bomb the dancefloors the way this group does, and they've returned to dropping heavy hitting tracks with a cut from Mikix the Cat. Suffice to say, your speakers will rumble with this one, which is off the Freeze EP, set for release on September 16.

Madvillainy, from 2004, marked a seminal release in the career of producer and L.A. indie hip-hop darling Madlib. Four years on, Stones Throw has reissued, repackaged, and remixed the album (okay, technically Madlib did the remixes himself), and wrapped it all in a mysterious box that's only available via the label's site. And while we could go on and on (and on and on and on) about how much we love the multi-genre-influenced, crisp-as-a-whip beats, Madlib's music has always spoken for itself. So just hit download now.