SoundClouds of the Underground: Winter Edition
ABOVE: JAY BOOGIE. PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN GESSWEIN
These days, music truly lives online, with an infinite number of websites dedicated to hosting tunes for the laptop-wielding masses. However, the web’s bottomless pit of blogs isn’t the only place to troll for mp3 treasures—some of the newest and most exciting (Internet-friendly) artists can be sought out via Soundcloud, the online stage that allows musicians to promote and distribute their music to fans and friends across the globe. In this weekly column, expert Internet sleuth Alex Chapman goes into the depths of the music-sharing site, in hopes of shedding light on emerging acts, as well as sharing some digital diamonds in the rough.
A bitter cold is upon us and it’s not even December–a sign that the brutal transition from fall to winter is definitely rearing its head. So, ’tis the season to stay inside, but please don’t let that stop you from having fun. Below are three tracks with enough heat to remedy that freezing chill.
Joey LaBeija: “The Sounds of Legendary Vol. III”
Who: New York DJ Joey Labeija has become known for his ability to seamlessly meld together global sounds and nostalgic nods to divas past. Labeija has also recently starting wearing the producer hat, as can be heard in his swift club-slapper “Pretty Hoe,” featuring vocalist Ms. Porsh.
The Song: LaBeija is gearing up for the third installment of his party series, Legendary, with a brand new mix primed for a sweaty, sexy basement romp. The DJ blends together underground and mainstream tracks–think Nicki Minaj’s “Only” and False Witness’ “Silver Dons”–to great effect.
Current Project: Head to Legendary this Saturday, November 22, at Brooklyn’s Cameo Gallery, where LaBeija, False Witness, Poor Sport, and YNFYNYT SCROLL (along with a surprise special guest) will play.
Alicia Keys: “Feelin U, Feelin Me,” (Falcons Remix)
Who: Falcons has skyrocketed to SoundCloud success thanks to his consistent output of quality, oftentimes R&B-inclined reworks. The L.A.-based beatmaker’s smooth edits of PARTYNEXTDOOR’s “Persian Rugs” and Tony Lanez’s “R.I.D.E.” speak to his love for sexy bedroom music.
The Song: Falcons’ talent to take a soulful track to the energetic heights of trap-inclined production is further explored with his newest, a take on Alicia Keys’ “Feelin U, Feelin Me.” Pitching down keys and stretching her voice out with reverb, then epically cutting it up post-drop, Falcons tailors the steamy track to be fit for the club.
Current Project: Keep up with Falcons via Facebook.
Jay Boogie: “Body”
Who: NYC breakout talent Jay Boogie has been elusive with his releases up until now. Between his black-and-white video for “6 Speed“ and his feature on producer LSDXOXO’s “Thirsty,” the cunning rhymesmith has left us wanting more.
The Song: After long teasing his debut project Allure, Boogie has released its first single, the sultry heater “Body.” “Welcome to my body, get into my body but don’t tell nobody,” the rapper coolly commands on the Flex Lang-produced track. On “Body” Boogie is funny, fast on his feet, and musically captivating, proving the wait well worth it.
Current Project: Keep up with Jay Boogie via his Soundcloud and stay on the lookout for Allure, expected to drop December 2.
SoundClouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.
