Trax Records Bring Four Decades of Dazzling House Music Heat
This Trax Records compilation is essential because it brings underground songs into the limelight of streaming services for new audiences.
Kyle Cochrun
Kyle Cochrun is a writer from Akron, Ohio.
Matmos Build Emotive Collage from Found Objects
Matmos construct complex, layered soundscapes that are so unique, they inspire creativity rather than imitation. Most importantly, though, their music is emotive.
Eli Roth Brings Sexy Italian Film Scores to a New Audience
Releases like this from Eli Roth rescue the laudable works of underappreciated musicians from obscurity. They also help broaden the aural palates of listeners.
Bootsy Collins Has a Blast on ‘Album of the Year #1 Funkateer’
Funkmaster Bootsy Collins deserves his hardcore jollies. The bassist in the bedazzled top hat earned the clout to dork around in the studio without losing fans.
TOKiMONSTA Keeps It Interesting on ‘Eternal Reverie’
TOKiMONSTA’s new LP sports lushly synthesized house and pop hybrids with modern electronic music’s flourish and sheen while recalling dance’s forbearers.
The 5 Best Video Game Hip-Hop Soundtracks
Fresh off hip-hop’s 50th birthday PopMatters looks at some of the best hip-hop video game soundtracks. These games boast soundtracks fit for classic status.
Da Beatminerz Keep It Real on ‘Stifled Creativity’
Da Beatminerz, the renowned hip-hop production duo comprised of DJ Evil Dee and Mr. Walt, are back with the bass to celebrate hip-hop’s storied funky sonics.
RJD2 Refines His Signature Sound on ‘Visions Out of Limelight’
RJD2 felt he was getting pigeonholed for his sample-based style, only to be lambasted when diverting from it. On his new album, he embraces his true muse.
Slum Village Boldly Take Hip-Hop to the Disco
Nearly a decade since their last album, T3 and Young RJ continue Slum Village’s legacy as a duo, bringing the group’s sound into a mature yet danceable space.
Exploring the Hip-Hop Vibration with Hank Shocklee
Tying in his legacy to a new short film trilogy, legendary Public Enemy/Bomb Squad producer Hank Shocklee traces the line from his classic grooves to our modern sound.
Funk Producer Jamma-Dee Distorts Time on ‘Perceptions’
Despite not playing an instrument growing up, Jamma-Dee’s love of crate-digging and funk soon birthed their own colorful contribution to the genre.
RP Boo Traces the Chicago House Roots of Footwork
Foundational footwork producer RP Boo takes us through the history of the influential electronic genre, a mutant offshoot of ghetto house that makes you dance.