LORD IN A BOX...

Kid Robot and Stones Throw team up to deliver the new Quasimoto toy. Lord Quas stands 8-inches tall and comes equipped with his trademark brick and cigarette.

Available in two colors (yellow & blue), Quas will be released on February 19th. Pre-order yours now at the Stones Throw online store.

UPGRADE U...

It's official. My wallet game has reached a new level thanks to this fine piece of craftsmanship from CdG.

R.I.P. CHARLIE COOPER (TELEFON TEL AVIV)

Sad news: Charlie Cooper, one half of Telefon Tel Aviv, has passed away at the young age of 31, a mere four days prior to the release of TTA's latest album Immolate Yourself. At this time, the cause of death is unknown. I've posted one of my favorite TTA tracks below in remembrance. Rest in peace.

PENNIES...

CHI-town duo The Cool Kids redefine "make it rain" in their new video for "Pennies", the first single from their forthcoming When Fish Ride Bicycles LP. Check it.

IMMOLATE YOURSELF...

The flood of new releases continues. Nearly 5 years removed from their previous release, Telefon Tel Aviv FINALLY delivers their new album this week entitled Immolate Yourself, their first on Ellen Alien's BPitch Control.



The new album has sparked a bit of controversy with longtime TTA fans as it marks a departure from their signature glitchy sound showcased on albums such as Fahrenheit Fair Enough. Despite this, Immolate retains the ambient electronic soulfulness that has served as the foundation of all of their releases. Listen below and decide for yourself.

LOUIS VUITTON SNEAKERS BY YEEZY...

Here's the shoe that's blowing up the internet right now. It's the LV sneaker designed by KanYe West. Inspired by the film Dune, the shoe features an oversized heal collar that Yeezy claims is perfect for tucking jeans into. Available at LV stores in June. Start saving up!

THE RE-ROUTE...

Rounding out the new releases for this week is The Re-Route from Panacea, the long awaited remix album to 2K7's slept on The Scenic Route.



Remix duties are handled by a slew of hot producers including Dj Spinna, Nicolay, Dj Nu-Mark, Joe Beats, Cool Calm Pete, Damu the Fudgemunk, and more. Check out Nicolay's version of "Pops Said" below. It just might be on par with the original (which is dope).

OF CITIES...

This week also marks the return of Dj Signify who delivers Of Cities, his first album in nearly 4 years. For the unfamiliar, Signify specializes in moody instrumental hip-hop backdrops in the vein of El-Producto and Blockhead. Grab a nice set of headphones and zone out to this one.

RADIO...

Also out this week is Radio from LA based beatmaker Exile. I've been giving this dude a lot of love in these virtual pages over the past couple of weeks and it's well deserved.



What Exile has accomplished with Radio is truly impressive. Rather than build a record from sampled vinyl Exile decided to produce the ENTIRE album using samples culled from over-the-air radio broadcasts (hence the title). The result is a mash of (mostly) instrumental beats that would make Dj Shadow proud. Get to know this one, it's the hotness.

ABUNDANCE...

As I mentioned in a previous post, January is typically pretty slow for new music. Well, not this year. Several very exciting new records hit the shelves this week including Abundance, the new album from PPP {Platinum Pied Pipers}.



For those just catching up, PPP is production duo Waajeed & Saadiq alongside a crew of vocal collaborators including Coultrain, Karma Stewart, Jamila Raegan, & Neco Redd.

Their music is firmly rooted in R&B but not the kind you hear on your FM radio dial. They make meticulously crafted, energetic soul music that bounces between genres from track to track. Bottom line, they make music with substance that is fun to listen to. What more can you ask for?