Electro-Hip-Pop?

In recent months, I’ve seen quite a number of fresh artists establishing themselves in a new style of music that can only be defined as a fusion of electronica, pop and hip-hop (electro-hip-pop?). Featured artists today are Hoodie Allen, Mouth’s Cradle and AudioDax.

Hoodie Allen is a diverse rapper, notable for his blend of different styles of music and genres. His most recent work samples a diverse array of artists and sounds from UK pop singers (Marina & The Diamonds) to indie rock staples and upstarts (Death Cab for Cutie and Two Door Cinema Club).

Of the three artists today, Hoodie Allen is the name that you are sure to hear crop up again soon. His music is dope. Check out these two tracks from his upcoming mix-tape Pep Rally.

Hoodie Allen – You Are Not A Robot (feat. Marina & The Diamonds) [MF]

Hoodie Allen – Words Of Wisdom (feat. Two Door Cinema Club) [MF]

Mouf and Master Rogers combine to form Mouth’s Cradle – a more pop based style of music than Hoodie Allen, but still essentially of the same genre. This said, the duo do cite a prominent rap influence from lyrical genius GZA. When this is combined with a solid foundation of pop and electronica, it forms to produce an eclectic blend of music which is upbeat, appealing and leaves you wanting more. This track is off a mix-tape the duo produced, sampling Train’s ‘Hey Soul Sister’… The title says it all. God I wish it was summer again in Melbourne.

Mouth’s Cradle – Summertime [MF]

Last but not least, is a hip hop, electronic duo known as AudioDax. Krypton FLO and Tremble united at school to create music of this electronic/hip-hop/pop nature. I don’t really need to say anything else about their background, or aspirations, because the lyrics in this track put it better than I ever could. Have a listen.

AudioDax – Matter Of Time [MF]

Notorious B.I.G. vs Katy Perry

It has been proven time and time again that Biggie’s rap can be accompanied with almost anything – from Frank Sinatra to The Xx. I have disregarded a fair portion of these mash-ups; however, much like the aforementioned examples, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the blend between two differing styles. Biggie’s ‘I’m Going Back To Cali’ features some genius lyrics, and when accompanied with Katy Perry’s latest (California Gurls), it takes on a more catchy and ‘dancey’ nature. I also liked the fact that Biggie gets the respect he deserves by dominating the first three quarters of the song vocally.

All in all. Its pretty good. Have a listen.

Notorious B.I.G. – I’m Going Back To Cali Gurls (Katy Perry Remix) [MF]

wait what – the notorious xx

Before you ask, yes there have been a bazillion xx and/or Biggie remixes to flood the world wide web. And yes, whilst there have been some good ones, there have also been some very average ones. However, this album is certainly not average. If you haven’t yet heard about it, I am referring to wait what’s album ‘the notorious xx’. The 24 year old New Yorker took the debut album of ‘The xx’ and handpicked a Notorious song to mix with each track. The end product was incredible.

“the notorious xx began as an idea in my sister’s apartment, where I was trying to figure out what it would sound like hearing juicy over vcr, and since then expanded to include all 11 tracks of the xx’s debut album chopped, sliced, and mashed up with biggie’s vocals. I made it over the span of a few weeks…”

Check out a couple of the tracks for yourself:

wait what – juicy-r:

wait what – one more chance for a heart to skip a beat:

wait what – mo stars mo problems:

Download/Listen to the whole album on SoundCloud.