Jeremih “773 Love” Late Nights (Self-Released) The artist formally known as the Birthday Sex Dude has had the internet goin’ nutz this week, mostly for his raunchy new clip for “Go to the Mo,” which lies somewhere between “Tip Drill” in a motel room and a straight up porno. However, what’s been most interesting about having Jeremih back is his new sound, which is not-so-subtly influenced by bedroom R&B du jour. His new mixtape drops August 7, and its most … →

Friendzone “I Have Nothing” Single (Self-Released) I don’t know much about this production duo, except that they are from the Bay Area and have released some devastating collaborations with rising stars Main Attrakionz. The group sporadically releases new music, and their most recent track, “I Have Nothing,” is indicative of their evocative, yet head-nodding style. Though the group hasn’t ascended to the heights of producers like Araabmuzik and Clams Casino, they definitely populate similar sonic real estate, and I wouldn’t … →

Beat Connection “The Palace Garden, 4AM” The Palace Garden (Tender Age) I remember legitimately being appalled at an MTV News break (remember those?) about the band Smashmouth. I was mostly offended when their portly, spikey-haired singer described their brand of brain-dead beach pop as “fun in the sun music.” So am I a hypocrite for lionizing this Seattle-based Balearic pop band, whose music is clearly fixated on the crashing waves and the sand? No, not really. I just kinda got … →

Goldroom “Fifteen” (f/ Chela) Single (Self-Released) Earlier today, I trolled through my recent posts to see if I had written about this shimmering, dreamy single from LA-based producer Josh Legg. Incredibly, I hadn’t — even though it’s been one of the absolute standout songs of the summer so far. Featuring gorgeous, gauzy vocals from Australian singer Chela, “Fifteen” is easily Legg’s most impressive, melodically rich effort to date. Plenty of artists aim for that 80’s nostalgia, “Somebody’s Baby”-type vibe, but … →