$FREE.99: KNXWLEDGE - MANGO EP

Hotly-tipped Philly beat maker Knxwledge is giving away a new micro-EP called Mango. It's only about 8 minutes long, but hey, it's FREE so you can't complain! Click here to download.

L.A. SERIES #9...

The penultimate release in All City's L.A. Series also came out this week featuring tracks from LA photographer Coleman and Motor City native Ta'Raach. Good stuff on this one, check for it.

BUBBLE WORKS...

Out this week via Eliot Lipp's Old Tacoma Records is Bubble Works, the debut EP from feel-good electro beat maker Mike Bubbles. The one screams summertime! I love it!

W.A.R.

Also out this week is W.A.R. (We Are Renegades), the highly-anticipated new album from supa emcee Pharoahe Monch. The album features guest spots from Immortal Technique, Styles P, Phonte, Jean Grae and Royce Da 5'9" alongside production from Exile, Marco Polo, M-Phazes and Diamond. The album is a little hit-and-miss but from a lyrical standpoint Pharoahe proves he's still got it.

COMPANION...

Out this week via Ghostly International is Companion, a compilation of Gold Panda's early 2009 EPs (Before, Miyamae, and Quitter's Raga) along with a slew of previously Japan-only bonus tracks. Very good stuff.

UNDFTD SF...

Now that HUF SF has officially closed it's doors, it looks like one of LA's finest will be moving in to serve the Hayes Valley faithful.

$FREE.99: SIR MICHAEL ROCKS - THE ROCKS REPORT

Remember The Cool Kids? They were supposed to drop their debut full-length When Fish Ride Bicycles forever ago. Uh yeah, it's still not out. As we continue to wait, Mikey Rocks, er, Sir Michael Rocks has gone for dolo in the form of a FREE mixtape called The Rocks Report. Click here to download.

LOVING YOU IS KILLING ME...

This video makes me smile. This is Aloe Blacc with "Loving You Is Killing Me" from last year's Good Things. Courtesy of Stones Throw.

ANTONIONIAN...

Also out this week is the self-titled debut from Antonionian, better known as Jordan Dalrymple of Subtle/13 & God fame. The production on this record is not what I expected. The stoney indie rock style that both Subtle and 13 & God are known for is replaced by electro-funk-leaning avant-pop tunes. Unexpected, but a pleasant departure.

PLACES EP...

Out this week courtesy of Friends of Friends is the Places EP from hotly-tipped electronic beat maker Shlohmo. I really like the new direction on this EP. The crunchy basslines and boom-bap energy of previous releases have been replaced with moody, introspective soundscapes that really spread out nicely. Highly recommended.