Formerly a primetime radio show on WPSC 88.7 FM, What's The Movement LLC(WTM) is a Jersey based Multi-Media Platform to showcase art, music and everything moving. The home of A-Side B-Side Podcast, Mood Room Sessions and The Ransom Report.
Even though GoldLink has been touring he's continued working.
After dropping videos for Spectrum, Palm Trees & Late Night (feat. Masego), he dropped a new single last week titled Fall in Love. Link likes to use love themes and growth while adding vulgar lyrics mixed with sweet nothings on groovy beats. Groovy might be an understatement for this frequent collaboratory effort between Kaytranada and BADBADNOTGOOD. He also gets a dope assist from Ciscero on the second verse. Vocals, bars, and beats...the holy trinity. Not entirely sure if this is the first single to the next GoldLink project but keep an eye out. Listen to Fall in Love after the break.
On May 6th Kaytranada, Haitian-Canadian electronic music producer and DJ, released his debut studio album 99.9% from XL Recordings. The album features a 15 track set list with countless features like Syd tha Kyd, Anderson .Paak, Little Dragon, and River Tiber just to name a few. Kaytranada's general sound typically features a mix of hip-hop, r&b, funk, house, disco and a number of other genres mixed together in an electronic dance style. The producer has made a name for himself making unique remixes to popular songs as well as producing original pieces for various artists. He has built quite a track record over the past few years. 99.9% was the first album I had ever listened to made by a producer/DJ so it took me a few listens to fully digest. You could almost argue that there would be no one better than a DJ to create an album with a cohesive sound. Their entire responsibility revolves around their ability to create and change energy in a seamless way. That being said Kaytranada accomplishes those seamless transitions with this album.
The album opens up with Track Uno. One of the few songs on the album without a feature. The song features a fresh classic house sound with a repetitive 3/4 beat, cymbals, synthesizers, and drums tied into a electronic song. The beat and the bass becoming amplified as the song continues. Bus Ride featuring Karriem Riggins and River Tiber come in on track two. The percussion combination, heavy in cymbals, is placed over a light accompaniment of piano and violin. The main focus seems to be geared towards the drums, with what seems to be like a drum solo part of the way through.
After viewing the tracklist I was eager to make my way to I got it good. Why? The feature on this song is Craig David. Craig David! One more time, for those not truly grasping this moment. Craig David! Do you guys remember him or Fill me in and 7 days!? Anyway, this feature tickled me to say the least. I'm sure Craig has had music since his first studio album but I'm just going to be that girl. In this song, Craig David sings about treating his woman to what she desires. In his words "hes got it good". Money does not seem to be an issue when it comes to the right one. This has more of an R&B vibe which is to be expected with the featured singer. Together featuring Aluna George and GoldLink makes it to my list of favorite tracks and not just because of the feature by GoldLink. Although, GoldLink seems to flow seamlessly over this track. This is one of my favorite songs on the album because I like the light-hearted vibe and the way all three of these artists come together.
Weigh off featuring BADBADNOTGOOD is another one of my favorites. Mainly, because I really really love the addition of the bass guitar. The song infuses the hypnotizing bass riff with synthesized sounds. I can not help but to some how be reminded of the Gorillaz. Despite the weather is a song that displays a vibe and sound that match the title perfectly. At first listening to the track I was momentarily confused by the title but then I quickly understood. The sunny feel of the song brings across the message that despite the weather it's still going to be a great day. Glowed Up featuring Anderson .Paak is one of the two songs on the album with a music video. After hearing one project from him I don't doubt that he will be one of those special artists that I like everything from. So, it did not surprise me that I took an affinity to this song from the very first listen. Paaks's voice alone can keep just about anyone intrigued.
Youre the one , track 11, features Syd tha Kyd from the musical group The Internet. It is very clear this is a combination that does no wrong. The song is much more upbeat than their collaboration that came out last year, titled Girl. The song was featured on The Internet's album Ego death. Despite the upbeat tempo you can still expect to hear Syd's sultry voice and candid lyrics. You're the one flows seamlessly into Vivid Dreams featuring River Tiber. The transition is actually so flawless that you do not quite realize that the other song has ended. This is easily one of top picks. The simple incorporation of the maracas had me sold at first sound. They instantly reminded me of DJ/Producer Sango. Sango is a producer from Seattle who is heavily influenced by Brazilian music. I could not help but to pick up on the underlying hints of Samba inspired rhythms in this song. So it makes perfect sense that Lite Spots and Leave Me Alone featuring Shay Lia were equally some of my favorites songs off the album. The theme carries continuously through all three tracks. I can only assume the woman featured on Lite Spots is speaking Portuguese but I'm not entirely sure. However that particularly track is far funkier than both Vivid Dreams and Leave me alone and, for that reason, is my favorite of the three.
The album ends quite strongly winding its way down with River Tiber and Shay Lia and finally coming to a close with a feature by Little Dragon on a track titled Bullets. Kaytranda has made me a believer when it comes to taking my time out to listen to albums made by producers and DJs. Honestly, that is something that I did not really consider doing before this album. Anyone who is already a Kaytranada fan will thoroughly enjoy this album. Anyone who is not already a fan prepare to add him to your playlists. Listen and enjoy.Rating. 4/5
Full Tracklist 1) Track Uno 2) Bus Ride (feat. Karriem Riggins & River Tiber) 3) Got It Good (feat. Craig David) 4) Together (feat. AlunaGeorge & GoldLink) 5) Drive Me Crazy (feat. Vic Mensa) 6) Weight Off (feat. BADBADNOTGOOD) 7) One Too Many (feat. Phonte) 8) Despite The Weather 9) Glowed Up (feat. Anderson .Paak) 10) Breakdance Lesson N.1 11) You’re The One (feat. Syd) 12) Vivid Dreams (feat. River Tiber) 13) Lite Spots 14) Leave Me Alone (feat. Shay Lia) 15) Bullets (feat. Little Dragon)
Mick Jenkins teams up with frequent collaborators Kaytranada and THEMpeople on his latest offering, The Artful Dodger.
Kaytranada and THEMpeople deliver a simple but groovy synthesized beat with some boom bap percussion. I really like the beat change in the second part of the song. The Chicago emcee continues preaching. The Artful Dodger is first up for his first studio album, [T]he[H]ealing[C]omponet. First time H2O wasn't any in the title. Listen to The Artful Dodger below.
It’s never easy following in the footsteps of a successful family member. When your late older brother is one of the most beloved and revered producers in Hip Hop history, the challenge seems nearly insurmountable. This is a common theme in the story of Illa J.
Being the younger brother of J Dilla had some perks. He became a member of his brother’s group Slum Village and his debut album was filled with posthumous Dilla beats. However he soon yearned to outgrow his brother’s shadow. He wound up moving from Detroit to Montreal and had his self-titled sophomore album produced by Canadian production duo Potatohead People with a couple of co-producers. With these new pieces in place, Illa J is ready to set off on his own musically.
As cool as the album is, it actually starts on a seemingly sad note with She Burned My Art which is a breakup song with a hopeful monologue at the end. It sets a sonic tone at least as the beat is entrancingly smooth. It also features Canadian spitter Moka Only, who shows up on four of the album’s eleven tracks. Universe is appropriately titled as it is a bouncy space-funk joint that is two step worthy. Aside from rapping, Illa J gets to display his singing ability on the song. Kaytranda continues a hot streak and co-produces Strippers, a hypnotic ode to the exotic dancers of the world. Conversely, Sunflower is a duet with Allie that profiles as more of a love song. While being entirely sung by both parties, the guitar work is astounding. It’s a sweet song that is also danceable.
Of all the sports in the world, I’m not sure I’ve heard too many songs about bowling. Perfect Game changes that with lyrics chock full of bowling termanology that Illa J uses to describe how dope he is. The entrancing keyboards that Potatohead People have mastered are stippled with the sound of a ball knocking down some pins. The closer is one of the more heartfelt joints you'll hear in 2015. Never Left pays tribute to J Dilla. The title says it all, Illa J feels that his big brother is always with him. At the same time, he speaks about people that try to profit off of Dilla’s legacy. It’s a very honest song that shows two sides of a story that most don’t cover. There are many tribute songs to deceased loved ones on wax but there can sometimes be a seedy factor when it comes to dealing with posthumous material and other affairs. I commend Illa J for addressing it while also expressing love and reminiscing over his big brother.
Illa J is possibly the most chill album of the year. It seems like every single track was purposely designed for you to groove to with your drink of choice, creating a very even wave for the album’s duration. Now musically and thematically Illa J utilizes some of the same trademarks that Dilla had perfected. But by switching labels (from Delicious to Bastard Jazz) and going with Potatohead People in lieu of beats from the vault, Illa manages to make an enjoyable album on his own terms while still keeping with family tradition musically. Potatohead Peoples deserve recognition as far as the beats go; not only do they stay consistent with quality, they also don’t use any samples at all. They might seem like minor footnotes but they are both easier said than done and hold pivotal indications for the future. Illa J is a homecoming of sorts, as Illa J himself successfully forges his own place in the game and lays the foundation for a bountiful solo career. Listen to Illa J below.
It's been a long time since I've really broke down what's filled the space between my ears. I've always enjoyed writing this segment so here goes.
Album of the Week:
Ego Death - The Internet
I really struggled here because I spent a lot of time listening to Jay Rock's project 90059 in the gym working out or for writing the review I wrote earlier this week. I've really only listened to one other complete project. This week's album of the week is Ego Death by Odd Future's own, The Internet. Jams like Gabby featuring Janelle Monae, For the World with James Fauntleroy and the Kaytranada produced lead single Girl can attest to why this should also be in your speakers too. Stream Ego Death on Spotify below.
Songs on Repeat:
That One - Teedra Moses featuring Anthony Hamilton & Israel - Chance the Rapper featuring Noname Gypsy
Teedra Moses, you might know her name from Be Your Girl. Kaytranada made an incredible house synth remix to that original track but Teedra Moses is more than just that. That One features an assist from Anthony Hamilton. Their two soulful but unique voices make beautiful music together. Listen to That One below.
Chance & Noname at Trillectro '15
I was a month late getting to this one. I know it happens, it's possible for me to miss out on something dope so bear with me. I figure if I missed out on this someone else did too for lack of promo or any other reason. Anyways, it's always great hearing Chance and Noname on a track together. They trade bars over a simplistic boom bap beat. At times it seems like they are just rambling, they're not. Listen for yourself below.
Throwback Jawn:
Rebirth of a Slick (Cool Like Dat) - Digible Planets
This week's throwback is thanks to Michael Gribbroek. You're wondering who on Earth is that (doesn't matter if it's not in bold), but he is my music professor. He assigned a project talking about jazz influence in other contemporary music. Perhaps this Digible Planets classic isn't exactly contemporary but the live bass, drums, brass section, and saxophone make for an amazing sound. To this day, "They be to Rap what Key be to Lock." Watch the video below.
Indie Track:
The Dungeon - Loaf Muzik
Loaf Muzik at Black Bear Bar BK
I always sing praises of this New York based collective if you're around. Together the hip-hop quartet consisting of Kidaf, Shadow the Great, Oso Dope, and Shine Sinatra lay waste to tracks with impeccable flow, lyrics, and sheer energy. Seeing them live is also a great show experience. They just dropped a project titled Live From the Dungeon earlier this week. It's safe to say an editorial is coming soon. In the meantime listen to track one, The Dungeon below.
A week or so back, Queen put me onto Mick Jenkins interview with Rosenberg about his relationship with fans and people he looked up to. I felt as if he were talking to me.
Shortly after their sit down, Mick Jenkins dropped a brand new loosie produced by Kaytranada titled HeadAss. Production aside Jenkins spits his mind and thoughts about the fans, fellow artists, and the complications of this naptime industry. At the end, they sample sound bites from the classic Spike Lee Joint, School Daze where Dap screams "Wake Up!" throughout Mission College. Fortunately for you, Jenkins new track can wake you up courtesy your headophones and the soundcloud player below.
It's always a great year when you get a project from Talib Kweli. Even better when you find out it's for free 99.
It's pains me this is the first time I've covered the legend on WTM. So for a premiere is a new jam on his new album Fuck the Money. This track is my favorite song on the project.It's fair to assume it's because the track is produced by one of my favorite producers in the game, Kaytranada. It's please to hear Kweli drop bars over the trademark house and synth sounds. The message shares a similar analogy to Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly. Hear for yourself below. Butterfly by Talib Kweli after the break. You can also expect a review of this project very soon by myself.
Kaytranada links up with Odd Future's The Internet to make a beautiful piece of work, Girl.
He debuted the track part of an interview with BBC radio you can listen to here. "Girl you better know your worth, anything you want is yours." Syd the Kyd reminds women to love themselves a little more, a message that needs to be heard more in my opinion. They do it in such a groovy manner. Hope you enjoy below.
Per usual, Goldlink has a million stripper booties in his video.
Yesterday Goldlink released a visual for his track Sober Thoughts. The track is odee deep but the words don't exactly reflect the video. Beautiful women all over a red cup party. Sounds dope to me, literally. Peep Sober Thoughts by Goldlink produced by Kaytranada after the break.
Music, Culture, & all things moving in New Jersey & beyond. What's the Movement began as a college radio show and small music blog hosted on tumblr. It's evolved into a multi-media music discovery platform currently hosting our branded Podcast and other programs. This is the filter for the masses.
In the forth episode of Volume 2 of A-Side B-Side Podcast, Ramsey sits down with Maxx Kenif . The duo talk about his new project, North Coun...
About The Editor
Hi, I'm Jonathan C. Ramsey and I'm the founder/Chief Editor of WTM. I'm a Multi-Media Journalist, On-Air Personality, Disc Jockey, Podcast and Event Host. Most of all I'm a Son, Brother, and Friend. I like to talk about stuff and write it down. Sometimes behind a microphone. Either way, I need you to feel this.
