Indie label Beatrock Music has dropped a remix album by Digital Martyrs featuring different spins on a whole bunch of songs by Power Struggle, Rocky Rivera, Bambu, Blue Scholars, Kiwi and more. These songs generally sound completely different from their originals so if you’re looking to hear a new perspective on some of your favorite Califorinia indie Hip-Hop songs then it’d behoove you to check this on out. It’s a free DL so don’t miss out.
It’s been four years since their last full length album, and the Blue Scholars want to return in style. They have a new album in the works called Cinemetropolis and they intend to drop a number of visual projects and music videos to accompany the LP. Their albums thus far have all been very strong collections of work and I have high hopes for this one too. Like all kickstarter campaigns, there are various incentives based on the dollar amount you are able to contribute ranging from a simple thanks to a credit in the liner notes of the album. If you’re interesting in helping see this project fully reach actualization, visit their KS page here.
LA’s Aero-K teams up with fellow city of angels MC, Furis in a new track dedicated to their neighborhood, K-Town. The song is appropriately titled “I Love K-Town”. For this number they used one of my favorite Blue Scholars beats. The song is fun but doesn’t have the same charm as the original. Also, if I lived in K-Town LA and cought all the references I’m sure I would appreciate the song more. Either way, you can check it out and DL it for free via the bandcamp widget below.
Seattle group Blue Scholars likes to stay creative no matter what the weather. A year ago, when it snowed they put together a ditty & MV called “Coffee and Snow“. Well it snowed again last week so it was only appropriate that they drop the sequel. So here it is, a fun track that’s a reflection of the times. In addition to the video below they also have the single, available for purchase from Bandcamp.
Sea-town’s Blue Scholars return with another new single entitled “Big Bank Hank”. It’s honestly getting to the point where I’m hard pressed to come across a Blue Scholars release I didn’t like. It’s a chill upbeat song that is hard not to nod ya head to. The song is available for free via the widget below. Check out a humorous retelling of how the song possibly came to be.
[update2] More clarification on the story [/update2]
[update] Read Geo’s response here [/update]
This certainly isn’t the first time music has caused controversy in a class room, but this particular incident happens to involve the work of one of our favorite Hip-Hop groups – Blue Scholars. It looks like a HS teacher in Spokane, Washington allegedly handed out lyrics to one of Blue’s songs called “Commencement Day” off their Long March EP. The song lyrics in question aren’t grossly inappropriate but rather serve as a commentary on the current state of this nation’s education system. Sure there’s some strong language but nothing your average public school student isn’t exposed to every day.
Source: The Spokesman Review
A Shadle Park High School teacher has been placed on leave for allegedly handing out the lyrics to a song by the hip hop group Blue Scholars on the first day of school.
Spokane school spokeswoman Terren Roloff said the district is investigating the allegation. She said it was too early to say if the teacher will be punished.
Roloff did not have details about the song. But the members of the Seattle duo Blue Scholars say the song was called “Commencement Day.”
At this time there are few details as to the specific violation or reason the teacher was suspended for but it all makes for interesting discussion nonetheless. Listen to the song below.
The Blue Scholars never let their fans go too long without some new music, and thankfully their releases also rarely disappoint. For this track they flipped a sample from the indie rock group The xx and put together an awesome song called “Lumière”. It’s crazy how consistent these guys are with the quality of their music, even the ones they give out for free due to clearance issues. Grab this one folks, I don’t think you’ll be let down. Also, check out their random but interesting contextual read behind the song over at their website.
You can DL the song here for free.
Seattle’s Blue Scholars have officially announced the name of their new album – Cinemetropolis. On top of that, they performed a few of the songs from the upcoming release at a recent gig that you can peep here. The titles of the track’s they previewed are “Slick Watts”, “Seijun Suzuki”, “Lalo Schifrin”, and “Hussein”. It’s a pretty dope set and the new cuts sound great; I’m really digging the produciton.
Shout out to reader Garrett for the tip!
The Blue Scholars are huge fans of the old school summer jam “Summertime in the LBC” so they decided to put their own flip on it called “Summertime in the SEA“, as a nod to their beloved summer days in Seattle. It’s a chill track that’s goofy but nostalgic.
Here’s what they had to say:
Dove Shack’s “Summertime in the LBC” (1995, prod. Warren G) is anthemic seasonal perfection. If it hasn’t found its way onto your summer playlist, then you’re losing and you don’t even know it. Bumping that track has become a yearly tradition for us rap-loving Northwestcoasters who only see glimpses of So-Cal like weather for just a few weeks out of the year. For me, its become synonymous with backyard BBQs, rolling to Alki, and mobbing deep to festivals like Bon Odori and Pista Sa Nayon.
Ah, yes, Pista. The one day out of the year besides a Journey concert where you can see ten thousand Filipinos in the town at once. Where we learned the art of ducking aunties and uncles to burn trees in the darkest parts of Seward Park. Where I learned to never go after Khingz in a freestyle cipher. The kind of summer days that almost make the other seasons worth it.
Last year, I attempted to do a mixtape/freeverse type song using the “Summertime in the LBC” instrumental. Miserable fail. Soon as I turned the mic on, I’d hear the original vocals over and over in my head. So I just started singing that instead, changing some of the lyrics along the way. Then I sent it to a few friends and forgot all about it. A year passed, and The Sun started making cameos again in our gray little city, along with requests to put out a mixed-down version of the song.
So here it is. Our tribute to summer in Seattle, and an homage to what I believe to be the finest summertime song of my generation. From my birthplace (LBC) to my nowplace (Seattle), to anywhere people of the sun gather to celebrate its presence.
You can DL the track here.
Soompi.com had the opportunity to talk with Geo, one half of the Hip-Hop duo Blue Scholars. Geo aka Prometheus Brown is the MC portion of the group and discusses his notoriety, the Seattle music scene, working with Bambu on ‘Slow Down’, Filipinos in the arts, and a whole lot more. Geo’s an intelligent dude and I appreciate his well thought out responses.
