I don’t post music videos, hardly ever in fact nowadays but this one was just too good to pass on. Everyone loves to hate on ‘Ye but I’m a big fan of his creativity when it comes to fashion, music and art.  The overdue visuals for his track Lost In The World off his last solo album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy surfaced earlier today and I know for a fact, it’s not going to be a lot of people’s cup of tea. It’s so abstract, too abstract for those who are used to the hoes, the cars, the bling – you know the usual MMG/YMCBBC video. What I love about it? The simplicity – no cinematic storyline required, the black & white sharp buildings, typography, high energy dancing and contrast just carry it for me. It’s been directed by Ruth Hogben – a London-based director who’s known for her fashion films. Makes sense now ey?

follow YIN on twitter

If you’ve seen any of her previous works then you know why this is so slick and fast paced. It’s not your typical rap video for a not so typical rap song. Kanye’s on his fashion grind and when the two worlds collide, you get this stylist video. What do you think? or you left completely dumbfounded and lost by it?

Now ‘Ye, allow the PR stunts with Kim Kardashian and get back to making music or even a video for Never Let You Down off College Dropout. That song deserves a video.

I’M BACK, will be back to regular posting habits soon. Just been busy working on Photoshop related madness during the past few days. If I’m honest, last week was slow in terms of new music, a fair few of OVERHYPED tracks. Hop on after the cut for some real quality music.

follow YIN on twitter

MELO-X x FRANK OCEAN

‘White (Gentrification Remix)‘

Frank Ocean‘s track, “White”, gets the chilled-out jazzy treatment, courtesy of musician, DJ and producer, MeLo-X. Much to my surprise, MeLo drops an impressive rap verse about half way through the track and in doing so places his own stamp on “White” giving it a completely different vibe and context, for a completely different audience. The “White” Gentrification Remix is the 4th track on MeLo-X’s latest project titled, ‘Inside The Mind of Melo 2‘ which is available for download now.

Selected by Tara

___________________________________________________________________________

KELZ TBK x VINCE KIDD

‘Sick Love‘

Vince Kidd‘s stock is rising fast. Having appeared on The Voice UK, done an A64 for SBTV and graced the pages of Yin&Yang in recent months more and more people are hearing and expecting great things from this young rebel. This week saw the remix to his song ‘Sick Love’ hit the net. I’m simply in love with this dudes voice. Play the track and say no more!

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

WRETCH 32 x LL Cool J

‘Messing Around Doing It‘

To tide his fans over while he makes his sophomore album Wretch 32 is releasing a mixtape entitled Wretchercise. ‘Messing Around Doing It’ will feature on said mixtape, the song sees Wretch spit bars over the classic LL Cool J track ‘Doing It Well‘. The classic beat coupled with Wretch’s smooth flow just works. Have a listen and let me know what you think.

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

TEMPER TRAP

‘Need Your Love‘

Actually surfaced just before I left for my holiday a fortnight ago! Australian band, Temper Trap are readying their self-titled sophomore album, The Temper Trap with the release of their first single off it – ‘Need Your Love’. It took me a few listens to get into it, much more upbeat and anthemic in comparison to their previous songs. I dig it, what do you guys think? Looking forward to the album dropping later this month. Hope they get the promo!

Selected by Yin

___________________________________________________________________________

KANYE WEST x DJ KHALED

‘Theraflu‘

Unapologetic ignorance is the tone that has been set for this song. However this ignorance is what makes the song rather than break it. Mr West straight up says what he feels on this track without a care in the world for possible repercussions although I have a sneak suspicion that he wanted some kind of reaction from this track. Admitting he is in love with Kim Kardashian and the he has respect for Wiz Khalifa are things that he know would get people hyped and get people talking. Lyrics such as those are what have made this song so popular so quickly, job well done Kanye!’

Selected by DJB

___________________________________________________________________________

Kanye West debuted his 2012 Autumn/Winter collection at La Halle Freyssinet as part of Paris Fashion Week yesterday. This second fashion show received a warmer reception from the fashion industry this time around, and the guest list reaffirmed this with Anna Wintour in attendence. In addition, Jay-Z, Common, Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, Cassie, Diddy and Big Sean showed their support, as well as Miss Kim Kardashian who was spotted wearing Kanye’s famous Guiseppe shoes. The models showcased 20 different looks which consisted mainly of fur accessories and leather two-piece sets and dresses. Whilst the collection isn’t particularly groundbreaking in style, I do like the layering of different textures. Imagine a luxe version of Zara’s staple Autumn designs but with a little more attitude: biker chic meets workwear. Hit the jump for pics!

follow Tara Jane on twitter, add her on facebook

The Telegraph’s deputy fashion editor, Luke Leitch mentions that Kanye West sampled and improved Givenchy’s Riccardo Tisci’s material – in typical Kanye West, “sampling” fashion. Luke goes on to insult Kanye’s collection by saying that only his celebrity friends such as Jay-Z and Kim K would wear the collection whilst dry-humping in their next music video. I completely disagree with Luke’s harsh and predictable opinion, Kanye has fused 2012′s staple features, “layered”, “sport” and “sheer” with his own version of luxury in the form of animal skin – I personally wouldn’t want to wear leather from head to toe, but I would certainly team up the sheer lace t-shirt (below, image 1) with a nice pair of light coloured jeans and heels, the oversized leather coat with fur collars in image 4 is absolutely gorgeous and I NEED the chainmail silver, short-sleeved jumper in image 3 in my wardrobe asap!

All images courtesy of High Snobiety

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.

follow me on twitter

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…

follow Tara Jane on twitter, add her on facebook

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!

follow Tara Jane on twitter, add her on facebook

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

VOYR is our all access pass into the behind the scenes happening at Kanye and his big brother, Jay-Z‘s Watch The Throne tour. The daily video series will give us an insight into the hard work that goes into living life as Kanye West. Yes, they still work even after earning millions. Ye drops a plethora of quotables in this short first episode: ‘It’s a pursuit and responsibility. If people have done things before, you should be able to surpass them. I’m on a pursuit of awesomeness, excellence is the bare minimum’. BOOM. Inspiring, watch it on the reverse! Right off to bed I go..

follow me on twitter

Bieber fever is at an all time high and while the lil dude is in the middle of recording his next album, he is also in the middle of a little promo tour to support the release of his Christmas album entitled Under The Mistletoe. One of his promo pit stops was to visit radio station Power 106 where, in addition to talking about his festive offering, he treated listeners to a short freestyle over Jay-Z and Kayne‘s ‘Otis’. I say freestyle but he had preselected Otis as a track that he wanted to rap over so it could be that he wrote his rhymes beforehand but never the less the kid done a pretty good job. This is not the first time he has slipped on his rap hat, see here, and i’m sure it won’t be the last, who know he may even be the next Chris Brown. We all know he thinks he’s a rapper now lol, not that he’s bad at it either. Anywho see how Bieber fairs after the break.

follow DJB on twitter, add him facebook

Beyonce hooks up with J.Cole to shoot the visuals for the second remix of her track, Party. Set in a trailer park garden full of cool friends including Theophilus London, sister Solange, Cassie, Kelly Rowland and others, the video takes it back to the old school with neon outfits, crazy nails and an inflatable pool which really just makes you wish you were there! It’s lovely to see the beautiful Solange making an appearance in this video, it seems Beyonce was feeling rather nostalgic when she decided on the cast for this shoot as even former band mate, Kelly Rowland makes an appearance! Hit the jump for shots of fun, around 15 outfit and hair changes by Beyonce and an amazing Keith Harring dress I would die for!

follow Tara Jane on twitter, add her on facebook

I must admit, as a 3000 enthusiast…it would’ve been AMAZING to see a video for the Andre 3000 version of this track, which I always thought of as the original…but in actual fact it turns out this WAS the original which J.Cole had written two verses for. But Beyonce cut it, chose Andre 3000‘s version for the album cut and then released this one a little while later as an “official” remix. Label politics ey!

Gosh I don’t think anyone would have thought they’d be writing about the Chicago rapper’s high fashion line when he emerged onto the rap scene in 2004 with College Dropout. Ye has been constantly breaking boundaries between the world of fashion and music since then from his pause-worthy fashion sense, to dating models and constant front row appearances. I was quite apprehensive about him releasing a collection since Pastelle never saw the light of day but he’s suprised me with this Jil Sander-esque collection. Sexy. “The biggest conversation I hope I can end tonight is whole ‘celebrity designer’ thing,” he said once he’d managed to collect himself. “That’s the biggest hurdle when you want to get amazing people to work for you.” Pretty sure he managed to successfully do that with the show, the likes of Jeremy Scott and Alexander Wang applauding the rapper’s debut show with positive comments. Ye didn’t wow us with something whacky or revolutionary – the collection features a lot of sexy dresses, gothic, bondage vibes throughout all the pieces. Plenty of leather jackets and skirts. You can see the streetwear influences with the hooded jacket that’s reminds of BAPE hoodies, don’t you think so too? More on the reverse.

follow me on twitter

Surprisingly the model wearing that hoody, I’ve photographed her before haha. Go check our All Saints review. The collection titled DW pays homage to his late mother, Donda West. Most of you fans should have already guessed that. I’ll leave you with all the images I could find over Twitter.

“I had a lot of ideas about colors and shapes I wanted to express,” he said. “I’m really happy where I ended up. The biggest conversation I had was about the whole idea of a celebrity-designer or a rapper-designer,” he said. “That was the biggest hurdle when you are trying to get people to work with you”

Follow my blog with Bloglovin