New Denmark Vessey, produced by Gensu Dean. Whole Food drops July 29th. Looking forward to it, Denny’s a real one.
Nothing More To Say
Articles, MusicI fell in love with the Frightnrs’ music last year when they released their EP Inna Lovers Quarrel. I couldn’t believe a modern-day reggae band was making such classic-sounding roots music. I listened to the EP nonstop, and told everyone I knew about them.
Earlier this year, I reached out to the Frightnrs to see if they were available to perform on a bill with myself and Matisyahu at The Capitol Theatre for his Youth 10th anniversary show in March. They responded via email and let me know they had stopped performing indefinitely due to health issues. Turns out their frontman Dan Klein was diagnosed with ALS and had become very sick.
He died a month ago.
Last week, The New York Times published an article about the Frightnrs and the tragedy surrounding the band. Not only did Dan pass away, two other members of the band (who are brothers) recently lost their father in a crazy auto accident. But through it all, the Frightnrs’ debut is still set to be released later this year on Daptone Records, and the Times story broke down the sad but inspiring details of how they rallied together to get the album done and make sure Klein left behind a beautiful legacy. The write-up also featured the band’s new single which shares the same title as their upcoming debut, Nothing More To Say.
Listen above (song is gorgeous), and read below.
With Wounded Spirits, the Frightnrs Rally Around Their Frontman
RIP Dan Klein. Thank you for everything you gave to us. Your spirit will always live on.
Fade Into You
Music, The Good Old DaysThis song randomly popped up on Spotify a couple weeks ago, and it brought back warm memories of being a teenager in the ’90s. Can’t stop playing it.
Blank Face
Music, Videos
ScHoolboy Q got the hardest album out. If you’re not already listening, go check out Blank Face now—it’s an instant modern-day West Coast classic. Watch the three part video below, too (love that “Black THougHts” beat).
The Making of It Was Written
Articles, Interviews, Music, The Good Old Days
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nas’ sophomore classic It Was Written, COMPLEX recently re-published their in-depth oral history of the album. Check it out.
The Making of Nas’ It Was Written
Shout to my boys Insanul and Rob for the great work!
He Gets Props Too
Articles, Interviews, Music, The Good Old Days
Here’s a dope interview Genius did with Skeff Anselm, who A Tribe Called Quest fans should know from this shoutout. And yes, that’s him on the Midnight Marauders cover. Click below to read.
How Skeff Anselm Helped Tribe, Mos Def, and Brand Nubian Make Classics
Happy 4th of July!
Events, Fly Spots
#July4th #Playland #Westcheddar #USA
Open Seas
MusicD.I.T.C. cronies Milano and O.C. connect over a DJ Skizz production. Check for this on Skizz’s upcoming project Cruise Control, out July 29th.
The Wait Is Over
MusicThe perfect instrumental to soundtrack your summer sunset.
Sampha Soul
Late Pass, Music, VideosSampha—the UK singer/songwriter with the super ill voice that is best known for his appearance Drake’s heartfelt Nothing Was The Same song “Too Much”—is gearing up to release a new project this year. Check out an exclusive, piano-only peak at his latest song “Plastic 100°C” above, and peep performances of his single “Timmy’s Prayer” and a cover of Air’s “All I Need” live on BBC Radio 1 below, also piano-only. Everything is excellent.
The studio version of “Timmy’s Prayer” is fire, too.
Stay tuned for more Sampha.
Westcheddar 