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Friday, May 23, 2014

John Mayer - XO (Beyonce Cover)

Last month video from John Mayer's April 15th show in Australia made the rounds after he covered Beyonce's hit song, XO. John of course made the song his own, playing acoustic guitar and adding harmonica.

Today, we get a studio version that keeps the harmonica, and even adds some piano. My guess is this is a bit of a gift to fans (and Jay Z), following the announcement that John Mayer will headline the Made In America Festival in LA, Labor Day weekend.

The Made In America Festival is curated by Jay Z, and entering its third year. Although the festival began in Philadelphia, this year it has expanded to LA as well, both taking place over the same weekend.

John Mayer will headline the LA version, along with Kendrick Lamar, Juanes, Weezer, Chance the Rapper and many more. The Philadelphia stop will be headlined by Kanye West and Kings of Leon, along with The National, Pharrell, Chromeo, Girl Talk and many more. Tickets for both destinations are currently on sale.

If you can't make it to LA, John will also be playing the Food Network In Concert, at Ravinia on September 20th. Tickets are on sale.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Cam'ron & A-Trak - Dipsh*ts [Video]

Does A-Trak ever sleep? Less than 24 hours after releasing a collaboration with Milo & Otis, we get an instant classic from his upcoming Federal Reserve EP, a project with Cam'ron, legendary leader of The Diplomats.

The track, produced by A-Trak, Oliver and Just Blaze is a throwback for sure, with loads of cameos, including Jim Jones, Dame Dash, Chromeo, and Cat Power. Juelz Santana even jumps on the hook letting you know, "I know you missed this/It's still Dipset, you dipshits."

The video, directed by Ricky Saiz, debuted earlier today on Complex and reps Harlem heavy, even throwing a shot at Lebron (34 second mark). Craziest moment? Hearing Dame give the "Foooooool's Gold" shout.

No word on a release date, but my guess is you'll have this before June.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Pharrell - Happy (Kaytranada Edition)

Am I the only person who feels like Happy is a bit too gimmicky? Given the fact that it was originally used in a cartoon, I completely understand the sunshine feel. However within the full album, G I R L, it's g-rated vibe has me pushing fast forward and leaving the smash single to the kids.

Enter the latest remix from Montreal's Kaytranada that flips the track with more soul and scuzzy synths. A quick glance at his Soundcloud account will tell you he's got an ear for taking R&B songs (Janet Jackson, Common, Jill Scott) one level deeper, slowing things down and zoning out like those late, hazy nights in dim lit clubs.

So far no info on a free download, or official release. But with 140,000 plays in one day, I think it's safe to say it's coming...