Weekly Tuesday Track: Little Dragon - Twice (2007)

A day late I know, but better lat than never. Little Dragon is a music group hailing from Sweden, fronted by singer Yukimi Nagano. Their music can best be described as a soul/trip-hop mashup, one that works out amazingly well. Think of a wonderful indie vocalist over some pretty dope hip-hop beats, and that's exactly what you get with Little Dragon.

Twice is one of their most famous songs, being one of their first singles released for their eponymous debut. The video is a little weird -- I'll admit -- but the music is beautiful and dope at the same time. Check out the video and link below. 

Plus, as an added bonus (since I felt bad for leaving y'all hanging yesterday), I'll include a remix by my favorite producer Freddie Joachim of the same song. Almost as dope as the original.

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Somobe - The Great Communication (2007)

Another forgotten gem, The Great Communication by Somobe is an unhailed classic. Hailing out of Las Vegas, Somobe is an MC/DJ duo who specialize in chill vibes and positive messages. Don't get it twisted though, they don't shy away from serious subjects...all while maintaining dope lyricism and impressive auditory landscapes.

If my pitch above doesn't work, check out the streams and link below. (FYI, "Long Days" is an amazing song). It's just one of those classics that slip by most people -- don't let yourself be the next victim.

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Animate Objects - Riding In Fast Cars With Your Momma (2007)

"If I could tell you a story about a gun I owned, or someone I murdered...I might. But, these stories are stories I don't possess". From the very opening of the album, true realness rarely uttered in a hip-hop album is set for the listener. 

The Animate Objects are a band out of Chicago (Champaign to be exact) and everything music should be. A live band ala The Roots, they have an equally capable MC, while not on Black Thought's level obviously. They implement elements of funk, jazz, and soul through their music. They have a much more band feel to them than the Roots, and you can hear this in their very instrument-centric songs (bass, FTW!).

If you're reading this, support real music. They might not get all the buzz like other artists, but this is real music if I've ever heard it. Don't fret at the album name, I guarantee you that if this album got as much exposure as a Roots album, it would be hailed a hip-hop classic. Check out streams (all 3 hip-hop classics) and links below if you're not convinced.

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