News broke yesterday that producer Araab Muzik was shot three times last night in Harlem. Having sustained injuries to his head, jaw, and right arm last night, Araab, whose real name is Abraham Orellana, is listed in stable condition recovering from surgery in Harlem Hospital.
The suit involving Kesha and Grammy-nominated producer Dr. Luke has dominated music headlines this week. Numerous stars have offered Kesha their public support, including Adele, Taylor Swift, and even Snoop Dogg. Finally, Sony issued a statement that explains why they're unable to "free Kesha."
The contract in question is between Kesha and Dr. Luke's production company, Kasz Money. Even though Dr. Luke's label, Kemosabe Records, is a subsidiary of Sony, Sony doesn't appear to have decision making power regarding record contracts.
According to the statement made through Sony's attorney, the company has made it possible for Kesha to record without any interaction with Luke whatsoever.
However, due to her standing contract with Kasz Money, she'll need to create several more albums before the ordeal is over. So we're listening to some Kesha minus Dr. Luke, courtesy of We Are Temporary.
In more positive news this week, metro area golden age hip hop kings Pete Rock & CL Smooth are apparently back in the studio, according to a photo shared on Instagram on the 25th with the hashtag "#weback."
So we can't leave out the classics from this week's playlist. Pete Rock and CL Smooth, you're out of this world.
Looking forward, festival season is approaching and we're giving away tickets to festivals on both coasts! You can enter here for an all expenses paid trip to Indio, California. You know what goes on out there...a little thing called Coachella.
Not a left coast person but you love festivals? We're also giving away two VIP tickets to Mysteryland, this year held on the legendary grounds of Woodstock. So we're of course listening to some of the headliners to those festivals. We're talking Bassnectar, LCD Soundsystem, Guns N' Roses, etc.
1. Pete Rock & CL Smooth - "They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)"
Now that Pete Rock & CL Smooth are back in the studio, it may be time for some of the younger heads to get acquainted with the classic "Reminisce."
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It's by far their greatest hit, though the 1994 album The Main Ingredient is full of bangers.They are, without a doubt, one of the essential NYC hip hop duos to know and love.
2. Araab Muzik - King EP
Two months ago, Araab Muzik dropped an EP called King. It carries a darker, more devious and eclectic sound than some of his previous work.
Instead of basic hip hop/dance tracks, Araab dropped something different this time around, something a bit more unusual for the hip hop world-- an instrumental EP mixtape that makes more of an impression on the psyche with melodies than many mixtapes with bars can muster.
3. Kesha - Die Young (We Are Temporary "No Luke" Remix)
With all of Kesha's dirty laundry in the news, it was inevitable that producers would generate remixes of her songs minus Dr. Luke's signature elements.
This version of "Die Young," remixed by We Are Temporary, is pretty bare bones and a little creepy. It's definitely not the pop hit we're used to. Check it out!
4. Bassnectar - Into The Sun
As one of the world's best producers, trail blazer in popular electronic dance music, and revolutionary soundsmith with a helluva a mane of locks to rock, Bassnectar is unavoidable.
His latest release, Into The Sun, is great for being reminded that not all dubstep sounds like the radio. Rather, bassheads extoll the virtue of Bassnectar's originality and ingenuity in the face of a multitude of "press play" DJ's and producers.
You can catch him headlining Mysteryland 2016. Enter here for two free VIP tickets!
5. Ice Cube - "It Was A Good Day"
Ice Cube has been making music headlines once again throughout last year and into this one. With the release of Straight Outta Compton, NWA's prestige has been renewed.
But Cube on his own will be playing Coachella this year, and that's a reason for celebration. Enter here to win an all expenses paid trip out to Cali! It'll be a good day.
Check out 8 Things We're Watching This Weekend.
[Feature Image Courtesy RuntheTrap.com]