mixed medias

So, I did these two pieces this past weekend...

"Robin" based off of the "Goblin" album cover.
Buy it here

"Madvillain" I really like the way this one turned out.
buy it here

music as I listen

While I've been working on a Power Rangers custom and doing little side pieces, this has been what's been in my ears...






I checked out Caribou after seeing his album in Spin's '40 best albums of 2010' or what have you. Great stuff!






I've always enjoyed Cage, and have been anticipating his new album(s). I'd say that his music has always had a good part in my life movie.






I really dig Avi Buffalo's style. I've been trying to fill the void that MGMT's "Congratulations" album couldn't fill :/






and of course, Slick Rick always puts me in a good mood. I miss driving around on a sunny day w/this album on high volumes.

good times.
I'll be painting tonight.

Wiz's "Rolling Papers"

So, I'm listening to Wiz's new album, "Rolling Papers". Granted, I'm only on track 6, but with the 2 previous singles being in the top 6, you know...skipped. I'm just noticing a more club-like chant chorus album, w/plenty chick tracks. Feels like Atlantic was trying to have the next Drake, but you know...on their label. I really dig Wiz and his style. The Wiz style that I fell in love with stemmed from the "Kush & OJ" mixtape. Yeah, the subject matter revolved around getting high, hanging out w/chicks, and just enjoying life, but that was him. I'm not even the type that gets mad when an indie group signs mainstream. I was happy that he landed a deal. He deserved it.

(further into the album)

BUT, I do know when an album 'sounds' mainstream. The beats are pretty top notch. The choruses and cheesy love tracks are the only downfall...besides Too $hort's verse on 'On My Level'. That beat is hot, though, and reminiscent of 90's Gangsta Rap. 'Star of the Show' is classic Wiz. Harmonizing on the chorus. Slow, but enthusiastic and confident flow. Perfect. 'Fly Solo' has a Cudi vibe to it...which isn't bad. I dig it. 'Rooftops', the Curren$y feature, is one of the best. When Wiz and Curren$y hook up, it's magic. A duo pro album from them would be great. The last track, 'Cameras', was pretty uplifting. The beat is really nice...but, the chorus kills it :/



all in all, for my first listen, I give it a 6.5 out of 10.
it'll either grow on me more, or get really aggravating.
BUT...I still really dig Wiz...don't get it tWIZted...lolz.

ah, enough rant. time to paint!

music as I paint

I wanted some abstract stuff, so I went w/some:



Modest Mouse is great, because he changes up his style so much, but still remains the same greatness.



Mike Patton does some wonderful music. He's not for everybody, but if you're that somebody...whoa, I almost went Timbaland on you.



Dog Fashion Disco is kind of like Mr. Bungle, but more 'horror' based, I'd say.

back wiittta dee art!

music as I paint

I'm working on more cardboard pieces. They're fun to do. ha.
Anyways...I've been really listening to the soundtrack from "Fantastic Planet"/"La Planète Sauvage". Madlib actually sampled this track for "Come on Feet". The soundtrack is really funky, though. I love it. The film is pretty awesome as well.



InnerPartySystem is playing tonight @ the House of Blues. Hopefully, I can make it. I've been re-listening to their work to hype myself up.



Back w/that crack, y'herd?!

music as I paint

IDK what kind of mood I'm in tonight, musically. The itunes is on shuffle.



My friend had put me on The Mars Volta a while back. I dig them a lot.



I have a huge spot in my music heart for Madlib/Quasimoto. There was one point, a few years ago, that I went through a big Madlib/MF Doom phase. I forced all of my friends (at the time) to listen to their music when they rode w/me. Sorry and you're welcome.




Blueprint - So Alive - X:144 Remix by rhymesayers

Since Blueprint's new album is dropping (or has dropped-I need to check on that), I've been listening to the new single and its remixes. The first time I saw Blueprint, I was hooked. The 2005 Atmosphere 'Pour Me Another' tour. Originally is was supposed to be at the House of Blues, but do to Hurricane Katrina, they moved it to The Spanish Moon in Baton Rouge. My friends and I drove there and had a blast.

Here's a somewhat ridiculous pic of my friends and I w/Blueprint at an Soul Position (RJD2 & Blueprint) show. This took place on my 20th birthday. Great time! Oh, and I'm the dude in the hat to the (your) left of Blueprint.

Anyways, check out his new album, "Adventures in Counter-Culture" on Rhymesayers. He's one of the best

Be back w/some artwork or something.

music as I paint

I've been in a 90's hip hop mood today.



A Tribe Called Quest has never put out a bad album. The NY-based, jazzy style is just wonderful for chill mode.



The Pharcyde is more of a fun, driving, chilling w/friends type of group.



"93 til Infinity" is one of the most chilled out tracks you can get. This track always reminds me of hanging out during the summer w/some friends, drinking the alcohols and what have you.



Diamond D's "Stunts, Blunts, and Hip Hop" is more than a classic...it's influential in a lot of albums.



and lastly...Big L. Crazy punchlines and wonderful beats. R.I.P.
be back later w/some art.

music as I listen

I haven't done any painting this weekend, besides a few backgrounds. So, I titled this 'music as I listen' instead of 'as I paint'.

Here's some good stuff:



I just started listening to Neon Indian because of the Miami Horror album, "Illumination". I dig them. Pretty mellow, lo-fi stuff.

I've also been listening to Crookers more and more, since I first heard the 'Day N Night' remix they did a while back. It's so much better than the original:



This Tears for Fears track brings back so many memories. Back in 2005, I worked at a video rental place that had DVD's of previews we'd have to play in the store. The DVD's would have random music videos here and there on it, and this was one of them. Damn, I miss 2005 (besides Hurricane Katrina)...and R.I.P. Brittany Murphy.



and for a little bit of 90's nostalgia:



Goddamnit, this track brings back so many awesome memories.

music as I paint

Tonight, I'm in a folky/rock/white mood. haha.
The videos below are some of my favorites in the right now of my brain:



We Were Promised Jetpacks is some good stuff.



Funny story about The Eels...Back in 2006, my Toyota Corolla was totaled and The Eels were coming to the House of Blues. I NEEDED to see that show (as I was half-unhappy about breaking up w/the gf @ the time). So. I tell my black co-worker friend, Keith, that there's a great show tonight at the House of Blues and that I'd buy his ticket if he went. I warn him beforehand that it won't really be his crowd, but he was cool with it. He picks me up and we head off. The security actually let me pass and they metal-detected him. haha. Also, it was cool to have somebody 21+ there. Thanks, Keith. I'm glad you went and appreciate the ride.



Beck is and will always be awesome.



Which reminds me...if somebody bought an extra ticket and needs awesome (free) companionship to the March 18th Queens of the Stone Age show...hit me up!

I'll be back later w/artwork, hopefully.

music as I paint

Right now, I'm in a hip hop mood. Here's what I've been listening to...



Murs is coming to the House of Blues in March, btw. His last show at One Eyed Jacks last year was great. Nocando opened for him...speaking of which:




His set was fun. He also did some stuff w/Busdriver...



He (Busdriver) opened for RJD2 @ House of Blues in 2007. That was actually the first I had heard (of) him. Great show.

music as I paint

Last night, I downloaded The Bloody Beetroots' discography...so, I've been having that on shuffle here and there.



and these guys...



also, to keep it smoother, I've also been playing Sims' latest album; "Bad Time Zoo"...which isn't bad.



speaking of painting, I'm working on some Star Wars zombies for somebody and some snail/slug stuff...I think it's a phase.