The New Classics Mixtape [March 2009]: Download

03.31.09

No artwork for this month’s tape, at least not yet. My time’s been real limited lately, but I managed to whip up a new Mixtape for whoever would like it. A few artists appear twice this go-round, but everything’s (2) legit + quality shit. This tape is also special because it features several tracks that haven’t even been reviewed yet here at The New Classics. Trust me when I say that this is the best mixtape so far from the site. Best 20 songs released in the month of March in the year of Two Thousand and Nine, in no particular order besides a transitional one:

Download> The.New.Classics.MiXTAPE_march.2009_

New Music: Q-Tip, We Fight / We Love (Remix) [ft. Kanye West & Consequence]

03.29.09

Song: We Fight / We Love (Remix) [ft. Kanye West & Consequence]
Artist: Q-Tip
Album: none
Label: Universal Motown
Producer: Q-Tip
Notes: none
Analysis: In the second post-Renaisisance all-star remix of the year, Q-Tip recruits Kanye West and Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music artist Consequence to add some verses onto the already great song.

Best Music for the week of 01.26.09-02.01.09

In terms of volume, it was another slow week, but if we’re talking quality, it was probably the best week for individual songs all year so far. Even this week’s worst song honors goes to a song that in actuality wasn’t that bad. Unfortunately, there were no album releases this week, aside from a mixtape by U-N-I (Before There Was Love), which I was unable to review this week but promise that I will get it up in the next few days. Trying to stay strong into February, and looking forward to all of this month’s releases, including Mos Def, Thursday, …And You Will Know Us By the Trail of the Dead, Morrissey, B-Real, Vetiver, Naledge of Kidz in the Hall, and one of my favorite rappers Joe Budden. Be good, and enjoy the Superbowl today. Click the link for the lists.

The New Classics Mixtape [January 2009]: Download

It’s been a good month. Tracklisting here, download after the jump.

New Music: Q-Tip, Renaissance Rap (Remix) [ft. Busta Rhymes, Raekwon & Lil Wayne]

01.29.09

Song: Renaissance Rap (Remix) [ft. Busta Rhymes, Raekwon & Lil Wayne]
Artist: Q-Tip
Album: The Renaissance*
Label: Universal Motown
Producer: Q-Tip
Notes: *not actually on album
Analysis: I’ve already talked about my undisputed love for The Renaissance, so it should come as no surprise that I am declaring ‘Renaissance Rap (Remix)’ as the best hip hop song of the month. You should already know what the beat sounds like, but if you’re still sleeping on that album, I will fill you in.

Music Video: Q-Tip, Manwomanboogie [ft. Amanda Diva]

01.16.09

Song: Manwomanboogie [ft. Amanda Diva]
Artist: Q-Tip
Album: The Renaissance
Label: Universal Records
Producer: Q-Tip
Notes: 3rd single from LP
Analysis: The video concept for ‘Manwomanboogie’ is simple; Q-Tip riding the subway with a bunch of strangers who he slowly begins imagining as characters from American history before everything erupts into a multi-cultural dance party. The description sounds kind of corny, but Q-Tip pulls it all off with his eternal coolness, and the funkiness of the song doesn’t hurt, either. The Renaissance was without a doubt the best hip hop album of 2008, ironically bringing a real freshness to the genre from a legendary rapper who’s been in our earphones for twenty years now. ‘Manwomanboogie’, featuring the beautiful Amanda Diva singing a quick verse, is a fun video and if you haven’t heard The Renaissance yet, you are really missing out on some quality music.