Featured Blog Posts – July 2014 Archive (77)

By Alexander…

Check out Fantastic Negrito, the new project from Blood Sugar frontman Xavier. The musician has had a tumultuous few years - going from a million dollar Interscope deal to a near fatal car crash that almost ended his life - and draws on those experiences to deliver his original…

Badaboum… Here starts this piece of a story; a tiny testimony on how you can heal the wounds of being a Man and on top of that be sensitive with an Artiste’s gifts. On how life sometimes brings you opportunities disguised in a casual joke outfit, and how you can surprise yourself way beyond anything you would imagine!

What happens when we, men, are alone with ourselves? What do we feel? How do we act? What about our routines, our rituals? Why do we feel the urge…

Over two years ago, we mentioned Thomas Allen Harris' documentary "Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People"; and now the documentary has its US premier next month at the Film Forum in New York on August 27th.

By Alexander Aplerku, AFROPUNK Contributor…

I was a 13-year-old black girl in Baltimore listening the German industrial metal band, Rammstein. My older brother slipped me their CD, and I replayed songs from the album Sehnsucht exclusively through my headphones—careful to keep the grim, clanging, and completely foreign sounds contained to my ears alone—for fear of being judged. I kindled this smoke screen around most of my life, keeping my interests stashed, my personality sheltered, and my daydreams veiled. I…

Checkout this upcoming event with the legendary Sun Ra. Get your tickets HERE!!!

"Afrofuturism is a way of telling…

With the likes of Lianne La Havas, FKA Twigs, and Sampha, all representing a spectrum of music which is in current demand, a British Invasion is being much sought both in the US and around the world. New electro-soul artist Shanaz Dorsett looks set to continue the takeover - already garnering attention in Europe and working with producers such as DJ Premier, EOM, and Electronic Youth - and AFROPUNK have the exclusive first listen of her single "Four Walls and a…

After Willow Smith’s performance with SZA at the Afropunk curated Redbull Sound Select, there's been much excitement about the thirteen year old singer, and what her music career has to offer. If new single “8” is anything to go by, then things look very promising for the youngest of the Smith clan.…

Azealia Banks has a new single!!! Titled “Heavy Metal and Reflective”, the track is set to be released on July 29th, and is the singer’s first song since leaving former label Interscope. Get into it!

By Alexander Aplerku, AFROPUNK Contributor…

“…channeling neon Deee-Lite pop and hip-house swagger for a vogue-ready summer jam.” That’s the description of new song “Names" found on its soundcloud page. The song has been in heavy circulation since it surfaced last week. It is officially released via Fools Gold Records this week and sees the pairing of multi-disciplinary artist/musician Bosco and her fellow Atlanta native, producer Treasure Fingers. 

By…

FKA Twigs used to be a video girl. She recently told Pitchfork: "I'm in so many videos. There was a period of about two years where I danced for everyone: Kylie Minogue, Ed Sheeran, Jessie J, Taio Cruz. (...) When I got signed, I stopped dancing—I'd given up that part of my life. I would go out, and somebody would be like, "Oh, I recognize you!" I'd hope it was because they’d heard my music,…

“Show me your gold, do what you’re told!!!” MIA joins Dutch DJ duo The Partysquad on their annual summer mixtape with the banger “Gold” which has been circulating the internet since yesterday. The mixtape is too good not to listen to in its entirety; but if you only clicked for Matangi then just skip to the 45:20 mark.

By Alexander Aplerku, AFROPUNK Contributor…

Syd the Kyd and Matt Martians of Odd Future’s The Internet have joined up with HYPETRAK to release an ecclectic summer mix aptly titled "Summer" for HYPETRAK’s Mix series; and as though the mix coudn't get any better, it's totally free to download.

By Alexander Aplerku, AFROPUNK Contributor…

Following their partnership earlier in the year on “Dope Song”, Scottish producer Rustie teams up with rapper Danny Brown once again for another collaborative effort. "Attak" has all the hardhitting beats, choppy synths, and trap swag we’ve come to expect from the partnership.

By Alexander Aplerku, AFROPUNK…

Brenda Nicole Moorer captivated me with her melodic flow and whimsical vibrations. Her EP 'For Lovers & Believers' (released March 2014) showcases her natural talents; accompanied often by a live band, her vocals lead her listeners on a carefree yet insightful journey of emotions. Self taught pianist and guitarist, Moorer tells stories through her music. Complete with airy arias and refreshing jazz influences, she brings something new to the table with her artistry. Her…

The Afrocentric aesthetic has become a cliché within itself. It’s been muffled with defunct and ill-informed iconography and filled to brim with afros, fists and animal prints referenced from overly exhausted templates that expired lifetimes ago. For countless centuries the creative products of Africans have been ornamental to the lives of middle classed Europeans with postcard knowledge of their origins. With our cultural symbols being diluted and simplified to match the drapes…

The Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke is set to return to the music forefront, announcing plans to release a sophomore LP "Trick" in the next coming months.

By Alexander Aplerku, AFROPUNK Contributor

The official date circulating the upcoming project is October 13th, which will be…

Chicago's west side, Union Park, was once again home to Pitchfork Music Festival known for its mix of musical acts ranging from indie rock to New York rap. The festival continues to draw crowds of music lovers from genre to genre and that continues to be the greatest joy of this festival: the people.

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For anyone familiar with Yeasayer's retrofuture grooves, new music from former member Sinkane (aka Ahmed Gallab) is always cause for celebration. The new singles from his forthcoming record Mean Love give even more reason to be excited.



Words by Nathan Leigh, AFROPUNK Contributor…