The ultimate appeal of the EP is Briggs’  unrestricted willingness to explore different sounds. This openness isn’t equally rewarding on all songs, but when it works, it’s powerful. “Somebody,” for example, features  a heavy sample of Gotye‘s hit “Somebody That I Used to Know.” It’s surprising to hear a rapper appendaged to the poppy ballad, but after experiencing Briggs’ intervention, it feels perfectly natural. “Loser,” which samples Beck‘s “Loser,” isn’t as successful, but Briggs makes up for it on “Cold,” a menacing Sean Nathaniel-produced song that features Briggs at his most vitriolic and technically proficient.

Stream and/or download the EP below.

The post New EP: Tyrone Briggs – Scattered Thoughts appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

JJ DOOM is back and black. Seriously, the album cover is now black this time for some reason. Key to the Kuffs, the collaborative effort between DOOM and Jneiro Jarel came out a year ago, but the duo has decided to repackage it and include remixes and collaborations that either didn’t initially make the cut or that were recorded after the release. Based on the tracks that have been released so far, it’s probably worth a listen. According to the album’s Amazon page, there will also be songs featuring Clams Casino and Beck. Listen to the new tracks below and tell us which one is your favorite. “Pause Tape” gets our vote.

Also, check out our interview of DOOM.

The post JJ DOOM Releases 3 New Tracks appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Via his website, I Am Donald, Childish Gambino has released another track from his upcoming and still unnamed mixtape. Interestingly, the track features Beck. This collaboration may strike some as strange, but considering Gambino’s affiliations with the hipster crowd and indie music world, it’s not too surprising. What is surprising is how smoothly this collaboration went. Combining free-associative semi-rap and sentimental, aggressive punchlines doesn’t sound like the best idea on paper, but Beck and Glover make it seem completely natural. Via Forever Childish, check out the song below.

The post New Music: “Silk Pillow” – Childish Gambino feat. Beck appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.