A real throwback right here, I heard the song at a record store on Saturday and instantly Shazam‘d it as I’ve heard it sampled in a Jay-Z song. It makes the song for me, the infectious saxophone infused beat and Bobby Bland‘s soulful vocals. Beautiful blues – going to start researching into Hip-hop samples for my next few Throwback Thursday selections. Some real gems to discover, hop on after the cut to listen.

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What a tune. Listen to Jay-Z’s sampled version below, one of my favourites from him.

Following a sold-out US tour, last week Drake kicked off the European leg of his Club Paradise tour in London and Y&Y were in the audience for the second of his London nights (March 27th) at the o2 Arena.

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Super-talented producer and musician Labrinth opened the show, setting the bar high with the delivery of an energetic and eclectic set of cuts from his debut album, Electronic Earth (released today).

Drake hit the stage to Take Care album cut Lord Knows, dressed in a black button-down shirt and slacks. Initially the stage felt a little too big for the rapping Lothario; as he reveals later in the set, his two day stint at the 18,000 capacity o2 Arena marks a seminal point in his career – the biggest venue he’s ever headlined. After witnessing his awkward Hammersmith Apollo performance in 2011, I wondered if this show would follow in a similar fashion. But Drake dispelled my concern quickly, finding comfort in the space as he tore through a medley of some of his hyper hip-hop songs and features, Underground Kings, (DJ Khaled’s) I’m On One and Over.

Though clearly rehearsed, his interaction with the crowd didn’t feel too contrived and he succeeded in making us giggle a good few times. In fact, one of the highlights of the set was his hilarious and accurate impression of Lil Wayne, relaying their conversation when Drake told Wayne he’d sold out the now-iconic London venue twice in a row.

Drake shed his dress shirt for the hip-hop emo anthem of the moment, Marvin’s Room. “Everybody put your middle fingers in the air and dedicate it to the girl I was singing to,” he implored, as the track came to the end, inciting fingers to shoot up around the arena. Equally emotive album interlude Good Ones Go (which features backing vocals from The Weeknd) followed before the pace changed dramatically with album title-track, Take Care. Transitioning suddenly into a rave, strobe lights shot through the arena while the synthy Jamie xx beat pulsated through the floor and 18,000 fans belted Rihanna’s chorus. “Shout out to Rihanna and her sexy ass!” called out Drake to the popstar, who attracted media attention by taking the Tube to his show that night.

Since made famous by Jay-Z, many rappers now close their show by turning up the house-lights and peering into the audience, shouting out individuals in the crowd. Rather than carbon-copying Hov’s signature move, Drake spent 10 minutes in the middle of the 90-minute set to engage with the crowd. “Shout out all y’all with the sunglasses on who can’t see a muthafuckin’ thing, I hope you enjoyin’ the music and shit!” he laughed.

The crowd participation was consistently raucous throughout the show – a fact he wryly pointed out at some point. However, his closing songs, The Motto (which spawned the loathsome expression YOLO) and Headlines – which featured a VT with typography that would’ve made Yin happy – succeeded in tearing the roof off of the o2.

The stellar set arrangement showcased just how many hits Drake has had in his short time on the scene, from breakout mixtape cut Best I Ever Had (which was a crowd favourite), to Thank Me Later songs like Miss Me, and Take Care’s HYFR, Make Me Proud and Practice. However, it was Drake’s enjoyment and ease on stage which made the show. Watching his older performances, it’s clearly taken a while for the rapper to become comfortable onstage. This energetic performance made Club Paradise in London feel like an arrival of Drake as a stage performer. Other than a few moments of conceited ramblings (I affectionately moniker his ‘gems’ of knowledge ‘Drakeisms’) and his dancing – Drake really, really, really can’t dance – there was little much to fault in the Canadian’s show.

Amidst rapturous applause, he ended the night with the suggestion, “I’d like to do this again if you’re interested. Maybe I can bring my homie Lil Wayne and this beautiful girl we got called Nicki Minaj…?”

Drake headlines London’s Wireless Festival Saturday 7th July.

Photo by Burak Cingi © – view full photoset here.

‘Jay-Z founded, urban clothing blending street styles and runway’ – that’s the tagline the brand STILL uses on its out of date website. It’s interesting to see the brand change direction with this new set of refined footwear. It’s getting there but still in my eyes, far away from reaching its target. Few changes here and there would improve the shoes vastly. I’m not too sure about the worn out upper either, it makes it look a little too used for me. What do you think? Maybe they’re trying to play on the whole ‘urban/street‘ aspect by making the shoes a little dirty. More on the reverse.

UPDATE: I’ve just been informed the brand are completely changing their direction for their European markets, check out their brand spanking new website. It’s dope.

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I just feel the grey one lacks shape, it’s just so flimsy. Beautiful worn-out leather texture though, works well on the boot silhouette. These shoes definitely have potential so it’s interesting to see where Jay-Z takes this brand. They should ask British brand Clarks for a few tips, who has completely changed their target audience, creative direct and product range in the past few years.

Favourite part of the shoes = the laces. Love the contrast. All photographs by me.

Morning world! First of all check out Yin’s life – new post in there for you. Came across this illustrator’s work early last year when he tagged a few of my Facebook friends in one of his works. Gyimah Gariba is a freelance illustrator and designer originally from Yang’s motherland, Ghana but now living in Toronto. Some of you may have come across his series inspired by Jay-Z & Kanye West’s Watch The Throne album – he created his own visual adaptation of each of the songs. Most of his work comes directly from the music and others are based on his life experiences. I just love his illustrative style, it’s like a fusion of Anime and Boondocks – vibrant and eye-catching. I want him to draw me! More work on the reverse.

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Gyimah Gariba – Website | Facebook

DC/Marvel/Kanye West need to hire this guy. His work would look dope in an animated movie!

New visual delights from Childish Gambino, Phonte, MeLo-X, Little Dragon, Brother Ali, Bonobo, Esperanza Spalding and of course Kanye/Jay-Z in this week’s Video Jukebox! Went for more of a Hip Hop/Electronica theme this week as you can tell. Catch you on the other side…

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Childish Gambino – Heartbeat

Childish Gambino has provided us with the visuals for his track, ‘Heartbeat’ which tells the familiar tale (to some) of break-up-to-make-up-to-break-up-to….. I must admit, I couldn’t take this rapper-turned-actor seriously before, for exactly that reason – everyone knows you must rap before you act, unless you’re Will Smith of course. But Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover turned the tables on me…and there’s something about his angry shouting on his tracks which I love. His anger and passion comes across quite immature, as if he’s been holding back a lot of anger since his teenage years…but it’s not anger in the DMX/Eminem kinda way, it’s more relatable – I found I listen in an observatory manner with some rap, but with Childish I can see where he’s coming from, and I guess that’s why I’m kinda feeling him right now! The video isn’t exactly groundbreaking…but Childish Gambino looks cute.

Childish Gambino – Website | Facebook | Twitter

Phonte – The Good Fight

Kenneth Price directs the new music video for Phonte’s track, “The Good Fight” – produced by 9th Wonder. The first time I heard this track…I found it a little depressing – but on a second listen, this track is probably one of the most real things I’ve heard in 2012! The video adds some basic visuals in the way of further illustrating the story that Phonte is putting across. It’s quite daring to put out a song complaining about the very thing that you’re doing…but I bet 99% of the people that will watch this video can relate – which is actually pretty scary!

“5 dollar gas, and poverty rates, are rising much higher than your hourly rates. So if you thinkin ’bout quittin you should probably wait. Cuz everybody gotta do a fuckin job that they hate”

Phonte – Twitter | Website | Facebook

MeLo-X – Fire Geomu

I first heard of MeLo-X via a mixtape by a beautiful singer called Jade…who then introduced me to Theophilus London….and then Jesse Boykins – all of whom are from Brooklyn and have created incredible music with MeLo-X. The MC/Producer/Musician/DJ has released a video for his new track, “Fire Geomu” shot and produced by TONE and Vinny Picone. The jazzy new track is the new single from his album,”Fewture” out now.

“My goal in life is to fully explore the depths of my minds creativity.  I choose my means of creation solely off of emotion, and inspiration.  I am the God of my destiny.  I choose where my life is headed and what I will become. My mind is never incarcerated in any specific field, or genre.  This allows me to explore the true possibilities of my artistic freedom.  From music, art, photography and traveling the world, this is where my journey lies.”

MeLo – X – Website | Twitter | Bandcamp

Little Dragon – Crystalfilm

Little Dragon’s new video for the track, ‘Crystalfilm‘ is more like a short film set in the beautiful Scandanavian countryside providing insight into a young girl’s rather strange dreams featuring a grumpy grandfather and scarecrows who eventually become her friend as she grows up. The music video, beautifully shot and directed by Daniel Wirtberg provides a really nice backdrop to the synthy-electronica track which is Little Dragon’s latest single.

Little Dragon – Website | Twitter | Facebook

Brother Ali – Shine On (ft Nikki Jean)

Brother Ali’s new track, “Shine On” featuring the lovely Nikki Jean has just received it’s visual treatment, with direction from Dave Wilson. Taken from his new Valentines-themed EP, “The Bite Marked Heart”, “Shine On” is produced by Jake One and is one of 6 new tracks to feature on the record. Mega chilled and mellow, real nice for that Sunday listening sesh. You can catch Brother Ali performing on his UK tour in May, further info here

Brother Ali – Shine On (Free download) | Facebook | Twitter

Bonobo – Eyesdown ft. Andreya Triana (Machinedrum Remix)

Taken from Bonobo’s forthcoming album, Black Sands Remixed (released Feb 21) here are some rather interesting visuals for the Machinedrum remix of ‘Eyesdown‘ featuring Andreya Triana. Animator, Anthony Schepperd created these fast-paced crazy visuals which almost fit in time with Machinedrum’s remix…or is it just me?

Bonobo – Website 

Jay-Z & Kanye West – Ni**as In Paris

Weirdly. I’m not really feeling this video. It’s meant to be all kaleidoscope, strobe lighting, euphoric amazingness…but I’m a little hungover right now and it just made me feel queasy. I guess when you’re fuxing with two of the richest, most powerful and talented men in modern music…you’re gonna run out of ideas sooner or later. lol.

 Esperanza Spalding & Algebra Blesset -  Black Gold

Taken from Esperanza’s forthcoming album ‘Radio Music Society’, ‘Black Gold ‘is a collaboration between herself and neo-soul songstress Algebra Blesset. The video sees a father educating his children on black history and their heritage after they come home from school having not learned enough.  The uplifting track is a about empowerment, knowing your heritage and being proud of it- It debuted quite fittingly during black history month in the US. Esperanza will promoting in London later this year, until then… have a peek at the video below.

A rather delayed Video Jukebox this week, apologies folks! I can hold two nights of D’Angelo live at Brixton Academy fully responsible for this one! This week M.I.A. re-defined the phrase ‘making an entrance’ with two rather controversial music videos hitting the web. I decided to ignore the Madonna & Nicki Minaj video…it’s boring, full of advertising (Nicki’s adi-breasts) and poor M.I.A. & Nicki only get a small feature at the end. Plus her video for ‘Bad Girls’ is way cooler! Miguel and Day26 have their eyes set on the fast-approaching Valentine’s Day with their new R&B-smooth videos. There’s also some Hip Hop from Pharoahe Monch, Blu, The Quaranteam and a fan-made video for The Throne’s anthem track, “Ni**as in Paris”! Enjoy, and I promise I’ll be on time for our breakfast date this Saturday!

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M.I.A. – Bad Girls

If you’re an avid M.I.A. fan, you’ll remember the track ‘Bad Girls’ from her mixtape, Vicki Leekx back in December 2010, which is now being re-released as the first track from her forthcoming 4th studio album, due to be released this summer. This will be the first album under her new label, Mercury Records (formerly XL) and is rumored to have appearances from Swizz Beatz and Chris Brown (hmm sceptical about the CB collab for obvious reasons) Last Friday, Noisey (Vice’s new music channel) premiered the music video for the track, ‘Bad Girls’ directed by Romain Gavras (of Born Free fame). Shot in the Moroccan desert during some kind of drag race featuring women in leopard print hijabs, an unhealthy amount of gold chains, graffiti and the gorgeous M.I.A….is this just another tongue-in-cheek, psychedelic video from the Sri-Lanken singer, or is there a deeper message behind it about empowering women and equal rights for all…I’ll let you decide!

M.I.A - Website | Twitter | Facebook | Noisey Website 

Blu – Jesus

When Yin put me on to this new video, I was pretty surprised, Jesus was released by Californian rapper, Blu in July 2011…but as any Blu fan will know – he isn’t one to go along with the rules! Alcohol, weed, sunshine and cadillacs are the main components of this video, directed by Aaronisnotcool, the man behind the video for “My Sunshine“.

Blu – Tumblr | Twitter

Miguel – Adorn

Okayplayer premiered the new video for R&B singer, Miguel’s new track ‘Adorn‘ taken from his forthcoming project, ‘Art Dealer Chic vol.1′ due to be released Feb 27th. Carmex & Colgate intact, the video features some extremely close-up shots of the Prince of the new SoulxElectronica movement (yes I’ve named him that):

The visual for “Adorn” is the projection of a dream I recently had. I wanted to use simple creative elements in a symbolic way to communicate the intense desire to understand its meaning. – Miguel

Hit up Miguel on the links below to stay up to date with his latest delicious soulful offerings!

Miguel – Website | Facebook | Twitter

Pharoahe Monch (Feat. Jill Scott) – Still Standing

Pharoahe Monch hooks up with Red Bull for an extremely powerful video for his track, ‘Still Standing’ taken from the W.A.R (We Are Renegades) album, featuring the beautiful, Jill Scott. The video, directed by Terrance Nance displays the story of Pharoahe Monch’s battle with asthma as a young boy, through to now – which is the theme behind the track. Both empowering and inspiring, this video reminds me why Pharoahe Monch will always have a cemented place in every Hip Hop fans top ten.

Pharoahe Monch – Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Tom Laroc of the ‘United Content Providers‘ sat through 1000 minutes of live concert footage from the Watch The Throne concert tour and put together this unofficial video for The Throne’s track, ‘Ni**as in Paris’, featuring footage from concert dates in Montreal, Houston, New York City and Chicago. Tom has really put some hard work into this, I hope it doesn’t get taken down anytime soon! I wonder if we’ll ever get to see an official video from ‘Papa Carter & Yeezy World Peace’ as Low Key puts it on YHTN!

Day26 – Made Love Lately

This is incredible. I feel like I’ve just been transported back in time by about ten years. When the R&B power fists came in around 3mins I was genuinely excited!! ‘Made Love Lately’ is the first single from Day26′s forthcoming album, ‘A New Day’…a rather appropriate title since their split from Bad Boy.

Made Love Lately on iTunes | Day 26 – Website | Twitter | Facebook

The Quaranteam – Carnage (official video)

East London’s The Quaranteam have released the video for ‘Carnage’, the first track taken from their project ‘The Quaranteam EP’, produced by K-Nite13 and directed by Loudmouth Melvin. Props to Loudmouth on the directing & editing for these visuals, you interpret songs differently when you read along with the lyrics at the same time and this is a really nice, effective way of ensuring the delivery of The Quaranteam’s lyrics are well received.

TheQuaranteamEP | The Quaranteam Website | PyroBarz | KNite13 | SKILLITMUSIC | Chrismentalist | loudmouthmelvin

Here we are. New week, new songs. You’ll probably be waking up to see this post, you still have a good 30 minutes or so till you need to get ready for work/university. Hop on after the cut, click the song title to download and import the songs onto your iTunes. You won’t find these tracks on Spotify.

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JAY-Z x B.I.C.

‘Glory‘

Jay-Z described last week as ‘best week ever’ via Twitter a few hours ago. No surprise why that is; his and Beyoncé‘s child Blue Ivy Carter lays down her vocals 2 days after popping out into this world. Although she might not be making much sense, Pharrell has made a smooth beat using the sample. This is probably the softest that we’ve all heard Jay – he’s a new man. The guy who once stated in a song that ‘I never prayed to God, I prayed to Gotti’ now he thanks God for the wonderful human being that he’s been gifted with – oh how people change when kids are brought into their lives!

This is smooth, reminds me of Song Cry. Not quite as good but yet so addictive. I’ve already given it 50+ listens! I want a baby now. I’d write a glorious blogpost!

Selected by Yin

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MELANIE FIONA

‘Wrong Side Of A Love Song‘

Why oh why have I been sleep on Melanie Fiona? I know she can sing and I’ve liked songs from her in the past but I have never taken the time to actually check her out properly. I don’t own her album and I can’t even remember the name of the song of hers I like but what I can say is, this song right here is the TRUTH.

Vocals, arrangement and a sound that takes us back to the Motown era all come together on this track to provide a great piece of musical art. It’s the simple things in life that can often lead to the greatest pleasure and this song is just that, Simple (but effective might I add) Have a listen and let me know what you think.’

Selected by DJB

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STELLA LE PAGE

‘Wastin’ Time (The Shoes C0ver)‘

I hardly have time for new music these days so I usually listen to random workmates’ playlists but on this occasion I got around to checking out the most recent Hypetrak Selects. The featured track is by a Londoner, Cellist, Pianist, Singer and Songwriter by the name of Stella Le Page. She makes this ‘The Shoes’ cover her own with her silky voice and a hint of a Jamie-XXesque instrumental. Look out for her Debut Single
“Snake” out January 23rd.

Selected by Jazz

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BJ THE CHICAGO KID

‘Dream II‘

Taken from B.J.‘s (what an unfortunate name) forthcoming Valentine’s LP, “Pineapple Now-Laters” Dream II features audio clips from Will Smith interviews and production from THC (Kendrick Lamar/SchoolboyQ). I pretty much adore anything that B.J. appears on and cannot wait for his own project to come out…and on Valentine‘s?! Ahh how perfect *swoon*’

Selected by Tara

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Hope you’ve all had a great Christmas day! I’m pretty sure I’m still stuffed from the epic food consumption throughout the day, from roast to Indian. That’s how my family do. 5 tracks for you fat mofos after the cut, selected by me and DJB.

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THE WEEKND

‘D.D‘

Who would have thought Abel could cover an MJ classic and actually do it justice? It’s quite scary how similar he sounds to the late great, his vocal range is impressive. Love how he’s given the song The Weeknd twist with the production. Have a listen above, download the ‘Echoes of Silence‘ mixtape here.

Selected by Yin

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COMMON x MAYA ANGELOU

‘The Dreamer‘

Easily one of my favourite tracks from Common’s latest album ‘The Dreamer/The Believer’. It features one of my favourite poets of all time, Maya Angelou who adds an inspiring spoken word piece towards the end of the No-ID produced track. Be sure to check out the album, it’s one of the best releases this year.

‘Dare to let your dreams reach beyond you
Know that history holds more than it seems
We are here alive today because our ancestors dared to dream‘

Selected by Yin

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BEI MAEJOR

‘The Truth‘

I showed y’all a vid last week that showed off Bei Maejor’s production talents and now I’m selecting this song to showcase his songwriting and vocal abilities. I really like the fact that the beat is quite minimal, I feel like it adds to the atmosphere of the song and its message. When the truth is being told people need to hear and the beat doesn’t overpower and drown out his voice allowing the audience to listen to the words being spoken. It in fact compliments the lyrics very well. Both are of a sinister nature with the beat also delivering haunting tones. Love the production on this!

Selected by DJB

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Project Alfie

‘Still D.R.E. – Dr. Dre vs Project Alfie‘

I find it easy to express my distaste for things, however the same can’t be said for when I actually really do like something. My words never seem to say what I want to say but I’m going to give it a try. This song is DOPE! lol There that’s all I want and need to say about this track apart from the fact that Project Alfie has a mixtape which is due for release tomorrow so make sure you check back here to get your hands on that mixtape.

P.S Dre would be proud.

Selected by DJB

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RIHANNA x JAY-Z x RICK ROSS

‘Talk That Talk (Remix)‘

I’m not sure if I’ve given Rihanna’s new album enough airplay yet but from what I’ve listened to so far I can safely say she needs to take a seat somewhere. The title track Talk That Talk featuring Jay-Z was one of the few tracks I liked upon first listen and now it has been remixed by Rick Ross for his upcoming mixtape. This song should be released as the albums 3rd or 4th single cause it’s pretty good.

Selected by DJB

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It’s nearly time for the world to hear the Project Alfie mixtape but the key word in this sentence is NEARLY! 5 days are between now and the release date, however we here at Y&Y love to get an early preview so it gives me great pleasure to bring to you a never before heard song from the man himself. I’m not to sure if this song will actually make the cut for the mixtape but in any event Alfie sent me the track to share with y’all. I must admit having heard his great  take on the Jay-Z classic ‘Dead Presidents’ (listen here) I was very surprised to hear this cover. Although surprised I can abosolutely understand why Alfie decided to record this track for us, originally recorded by Damien Rice ’Canonball’ has seen a surge in popularity and is currently sitting atop of the charts thanks to X-Factor winners Little Mix. Hear how alfie fares on the track after the cut.

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Do you guys remember my Showcasing post on Project Alfie a few months ago? (see here). Well he has been hard at work writing and recording material for both an album but more immediately a mixtape. ‘Dead Presidents’ is the lead track from the Project Alfie Mixtape due for release December 27th and sees Alfie put his own stamp on the Jay-Z classic. He may not be a rapper but her still does the beat justice and brings a whole new vibe to the track that I previously wouldn’t have thought of. I am very excited for the impending mixtape and can safely say that as soon as it is released I will share it with you all.For now we have to settle for the one song but I guess it leaves us anticipating and expecting more. We’re Alfie, we’re ready!

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