Embrace the Flux

Jay-Z and Kanye West: Watch the Throne

// August 13th, 2011 // No Comments » // Music

There’s something familiar about the latest co-album, “Watch the Throne,” by Kanye West and Jay-Z. It’s as though I’ve already heard this style of rap, this tone of voice, before; but never arranged in that sort of way. The first song off it comes out the gate running, though not bucking. It’s the combination of a heady bass riff with a trumpet-like synth which makes it original. Both retro and crisp, the song’s movement is like something you would hear in a movie – a car driving off into a sunset.

To be sure, most of those moments of ingenuity suspended over the album are captured in the lyrics of “No Church in the Wild.” Like a crystal shining under moonlight the song exhibits a kind of sympathy, a vibrant display, at first; its mechanization notwithstanding. And yet the rapper returns with a bleak reminder, a provocative blending of nostalgia with irony, that where desire rules, God is irrelevant; and the sympathy quickly flutters away. Hence, there is no church in the wild.

What’s a mob to a king?
What’s a king to a God?
What’s a God to a non-believer
Who don’t believe in anything?

Certainly the notion of being in the wild could relate to the way human beings are thought to desire. But can it explain the force of a desire of the non-believer? The answer becomes clear, I think, should we take that force to vary with the rungs of a ladder. To be a non-believer is, simply, to sit atop a ladder. Neither fighting dragons, defending Gods, nor enticing women; but protecting oneself, impiously, with an air of indifference – the anti-warrior à la Nasir Jones. Are Kanye West and Jay-Z ushering in a new style to the hip-hop scene? Check out the song “Who Gon Stop Me” and tell us what you think.

Afrojack: The Way We See The World

// July 25th, 2011 // No Comments » // Music

“The Way We See the World (Tomorrowland Anthem Instrumental),” the collective brainchild of Afrojack, Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike, and NERVO, is certainly not lacking in your everyday sound effects, which, thanks to Pineapple Express, and “Money” by Pink Floyd, are so close to our hearts – Flux Welles, they shootin’! Aw, made you look.

In any case, the tune starts with a relatively flat bass line the progression of which I think is a bit flimsy. But, then, like a stoner discovering an underground pot house, the track suddenly strikes that familiar tone of awe and wonder. Its melody taking off before your very ears, you cannot help but complicitly await the next ‘chk-chk.’ That is, until the reverb fades, welcoming you back to the bass line. Overall, a solid song with a funky groove to it.

Priceless

// June 28th, 2010 // No Comments » // Music

Tired of hearing about drugs, stealing, and violence? Priceless can relate. Born Terrence Rowe, Priceless is stirring up some new hype in the game with a fresh take on the New York rap scene. That is to say, he connects his music with his own experiences and emotions. Priceless, however, understands a need for bouncy, fun songs. His newest single “Wonder Womanz,” featuring Bobby V, is just that. “Wonder Womanz” and “Believe It,” another song from Priceless’ latest mixtape, are available for download here. To download the mixtape in its entirety, check out PricelessAllDay.com.

Artist of the Week: D-Why

// April 7th, 2010 // 7 Comments » // Fashion, Music

Let me introduce you to a guy who has more style, better flow and sicker rhymes than you. A young rapper from Charleston, WV, D-Why recently moved to the streets of New York City to, as he says, ”spread his wings.” But don’t let his less-than-urban background fool you. D-Why has the ability to write a witty verse in hard-hitting fashion with swaggering delivery. And did we mention that he is a fashion-head? Check out this post on Lateboots.com to see what we mean. But enough is enough. We’ll let the dude speak for himself. For more info go to D-why’s MySpace, become a fan on his Facebook page or follow him on Twitter.

“My friends tell me I’m dope. Girls tell me I’m cute. My mom tells me I’m handsome. My dad tells me I’m talented. My little brother tells me I suck. But, I just tell myself to keep doing it. I’ve learned that life is what YOU make of it. So you have to go out there and get what you want. Reach for the stars–even if you land in the clouds, it’s better than on the ground where you started.”

D-Why has generously provided us with four songs. Download them here. Below is a quick preview: “Turnt Up Freestyle.”

Flux Friday: Week One

// March 18th, 2010 // No Comments » // Fashion, Movies, Music, Technology

In need of some reposé after a long and stressful work week? We hear you. From this point on, every time Friday rolls around you can look forward to something out of this world from the domain of technology, something perceptually enticing from the world of fashion, a moving image that will just blow your mind, and some musical ambiance for your perusing pleasure — just download the week’s Flux Pack. More like it, right?

Relax, it’s Flux Friday.

         Flux Pack One                   Dee Pee Studios                   LMS Killbook                  Design by Humans

Spring Jam 2010

// March 14th, 2010 // No Comments » // Music

You don’t want to miss this. UpSurge Media, in association with Danny Boy, is gearing up for a concert the likes of which have never been seen. We’re talking Brooklyn’s own Fabolous, the one and only Jadakiss, the smooth-singing Bobby Valentino,  and maybe even a ‘special guest’ or two. Fatman Scoop, king of the clubs in the flesh, will be hosting this night of epic proportions. And here’s the best part: you don’t even have to travel. UpSurge’s Spring Jam is going down at the WestConn O’Neil Center located in our very own Danbury, CT. So here are your options:

1. Either purchase your ticket right now at TicketsEarly.com

2. Or send an e-mail to springjam@embracetheflux.com with your name, phone number and address for a chance to be one of three lucky readers to receive a free ticket courtesy of Embrace the Flux. Winners will be announced April 1st.

Be sure to check back with us following the event for exclusive interviews with each of the artists and a behind-the-scenes look at the concert. Until then, mark your calendars for Saturday, April 24th, at 8:00 PM. Spring Jam 2010 is destined to be a night to remember!

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