Are You Eating Though? Childish Gambino 'Sweatpants' Video

Yesterday Childish Gambino dropped a new music video for 'Sweatpants' off of his latest album, Because of the Internet. If you haven't heard the album yet you're slipping because it's amazing from start to finish.

 The video shows several Childish Gambinos in a diner after what looks like a long night. It loops the same scene over and over adding something different every time. Sounds trippy right? Well if you know Gambino you know he's nothing like your typical rapper and this video proves it. Check it out below! 

 

Tune In Tuesday: SZA 'Z'

Today, TDE's first lady, SZA, dropped a new album titled, 'Z.' We featured SZA's "Teen Spirit" for our first tune-in Tuesday back in October, so we're pretty excited that she's back with an album. It includes features from Chicago's very own, Chance the Rapper and TDE members Kendrick Lamar and Isaiah Rashad.  Although she may be new to TDE, she's no newbie to the music game. She's also proving she can keep up with some heavy hitters. TDE's roster is stacked with talent and it doesn't stop with her. Stream the album below and vibe out to her melodic tunes!

 

Chicago Welcomes, The Internet

As fans hurdled in to witness The Internet's debut performance in Chicago at Bottom Lounge, you couldn't help but notice the diversity in the audience. The atmosphere was filled with a mixture of fans from different backgrounds, and we are not just talking racially but down to the age, occupation and sexual orientation of the crowd. Being in such awesome company only enhanced the good energy flowing from the surrounding speakers.

For those who may be a little confused as to who we're talking about here, The Internet is a soulful band formed by Odd Future members, Syd The Kyd & Matt Martians. Later the band grew to feature Patrick Paige II (bass), Christopher Allan Smith (drums), and Tay Walker (keys) and now Jameel Bruner (keys). Their sophomore album, Feel Good is a wonderful compilation of jazz, soul and R&B that can be played in a few settings like, cooking dinner for your sweetie, spring cleaning or just cruising around on a Sunday Afternoon. It's honestly the kind of music your parents won't mind you blasting when you ask to be the DJ. No matter the occasion, The internet delivers good vibes to any type of day. 

Being that it was our first time seeing them perform, we were blown away.  The soft, sultry sounds of Syd the Kid warmed up the whole room as the group performed an array of songs from Purple Naked Ladies and Feel Good, as well as covers of big named artists, like Justin Timberlake's, "Señorita". Knowing the journey of Syd the Kid starting as a producer and engineer for Odd Future to her courageous step in taking it center stage, makes you enjoy their live performances so much more. 

Patrick Paige II, Jameel Bruner & Syd The Kyd at Bottom Lounge

Syd The Kyd

Bottom Lounge, Chicago IL

We can honestly say we watched her grow into the humble star she is today and we definitely believe their is much more to come. Syd said it herself, "You can hear the growth right?" and truthfully speaking she is blossoming well. She's backed by a very talented team and there are no worries of her soft voice getting lost with the impressively talented musicians jamming in the background. Syd took a few breaks to just vibe with the audience and the guys definitely held their own. Truly is a remarkable team and we are excited for what's to come from The Internet, we love what they have to offer. Awesome bands like The Internet,  prove music has no bounds and has a cool way of bringing all people together under one vibe.

Matt Martians posses Backstage

New Video From Fare Games: "Heir Trill"

We featured this young Chicago artist on the blog earlier this year when he was apart of L. F. Entertainment Radio's showcase at Red Kiva. It was our first time seeing Fare Games perform and we were not disappointed. He's back with another dope visual directed by the talented Crishonne Givens. So check out "Heir Trill" below and vibe out! 

If you haven't already, make sure you follow him on twitter @FareGames! 

-LAB

SXSW: "Why So Serious, It's Just Another Music Fest"

So you want to know what the hype is all about, maybe you know and you're still trying to decide if it is worth the trip, or let's say you made up your mind about attending, yet you know little to nothing about the event itself. Well, no matter what your knowledge level is, The Lab3L has you covered. 

For starters, South By South-West is not just another music festival. It is a HUGE deal mainly because it is the largest festival of its kind, in THE WORLD. This festival is not only one of the biggest music events, it has become a networking hub for over 30,000 new artists, start up companies, blogs, and innovators looking to expand their market. While there are tons of networking opportunities in music, SXSW also provides many networking opportunities for tech heads, film buffs and creative, innovative thinkers that are looking to mingle with like minded individuals. 

Having a successful run for 28 years, SXSW started off as a music festival people attended primarily for entertainment. It later expanded into film and once internet technology was popularized, it's interactive market became the main focus of the festival. This years running time for the festival is March 7 - 16th, with many inspirational, entertaining and memorable moments in store all starting at the Austin Convention Center in Texas. 

INTERACTIVE

SXSW interactive Festival brings you five days of showcases, presentations,  panels, hands on training, exclusive tech and gaming previews and much more. Everyday has a strenuous schedule of events whose soul purpose is to make for a fun, interact live learning events for individuals looking to take their start up business, creative ideas or digital innovations to the next level.

FILM

This edition of SXSW Film Conference and Festival should 'inspire and share visions that will galvanize the filmmakers and ideas of tomorrow. Including Screenings, trailers and several film conferences that will revolution alias the way filmmakers create film. Not enough? The Jimmy Hendrix film is said to be premiering at this event, so that means Andre 3000 maybe in attendance. 

MUSIC

As the worlds leading music and media conference this years attendees can start their day exploring panels, talks, trade show, the music gear expo and many other conference activies to expand their knowledge on the music industry. And as the night approaches, SXSW sponsors bring you over 2,200 artists over 100 stages showcasing their best music. These artists are hand picked so nothing mediocre is expected.

Take a look at a few of SXSW alumni, across several categories that have benefited from attending the event: John Mayer, Twitter, Four Square, Amy Winehouse, Katty Perry, Bon Iver, Foster The People, Skrillex, Artic Monkeys, M.I.A and Norah Jones.

So what are you waiting for? Badges are still on sale and start at $650 (Film), $795 (Music), $1295 (Interactive) all they way to $1695 for Film, Music and Interactive Film Festivals/Conferences. 

So what you can't afford to attend the festival this year. Doesn't mean you have to miss out on other ways of networking and partying. Making your way to Austin,Texas could potentially be one of the best decisions you made in your career or just the most fun.There are a surplus amount of free networking opportunities and parties that you can get into, just by RSVP'ing. So Start your search by looking at annual sponsored events from Taco Bell, The Fader, Spin Magazine, House of Vans, UMG, MTV, Spotify, Pandora and Red Bull to name a few. 

Chance the Rapper @ The Illmore

Interested, but just don't think you'll make it out this year? Start saving for next year and treat yourself or your business to something that has prove to be truly beneficial. 

Just so you won't miss out on anything, The Lab3L will be in the building keeping you up to date during the whole event. ;)

"Saturday in Wheaton" by Jimmy Watts

As we close out a pretty good month for the start of what will be a spectacular year, The Lab3l would like to introduce you to an aspiring hip-hop artist, Jimmy Watts. 

This DC native has always had a way with words and kills any open mic he comes across. While attending Bates college in Lewiston, ME, he began to turn his poetry into music. With the help of other students, he put out his first body of work called "The Breakthrough." 

Jimmy is currently working on his album "Curtain Call: After the Breakthrough" which will be available on Hotnewhiphop and iTunes when it drops. You can also be on the look out for collabs with other up and coming artists Mellow King and L.A. VanGogh from Chicago.

We know it's Friday but check out this dope new track "Saturday in Wheaton"! Stay tuned in with the Lab3l to hear more from this talented artist as he makes a name for himself in DC and soon enough globally! 

Follow him on twitter @Jimmy_Watts and click the link to like his page on Facebook! 

-LAB

Aaliyah: Melodies from Heaven

Aaliyah Dana Haughton
January 16, 1979 - August 25, 2001

On this day 35 years  ago, the music industry was blessed with an Angel by the name of Aaliyah Dana Haughton. Some may call her babygirl, Liyah, Wonder Woman, Queen of Urban Pop, Princess of R&B, we just want to call her an inspiration. Aaliyah was every young girl's role model and every guys dream girl. Even past her trendy styles(that are still duplicated to this day)and her angelic ballads, Aaliyah left her mark on the music industry. There are even few that would even argue the careers of famous Pop and R&B artist today would not exist if she was still alive. Now while that is debatable, we can all agree, we were robbed of an amazing and beautiful artist. 

To honor her life, we want to highlight a few of our favorite songs that have sampled baby girl. Her music still lives on and has even crossed into new genres such as Indie Pop, Electronic, Experimental and Dubstep. So take a minute and relive Aaliyah in a refreshing light. Rest In Paradise Baby Girl

10. James Blake - CMYK 

(Sampled: Aaliyah - Are You That Somebody?)

9. Xx - Hot Like Fire (Hot like Fire)

8. James Blake - "I'll stay" (try again) 

7. Dom Kennedy - gold Alpinas (Never Comin' back)

6. The weekend - What you need (Rock The boat) 

5. Drake - Unforgettable (At Your best)

4. J. Cole - Best friend (best-friend)

3. Kendrick Lamar - blow my high (4 Page Letter)

2. Chris Brown - Don't think they know (don't think they know Digital Black ft Aaliyah)

1. Outkast - Pink & Blue (Age ain't nothing but a number) 

*Honorable Mention just because this was definitely a banger when it was released.

 Lil Wayne - 'Love Me' ft Future & Drake

Countdown to Coachella!

Weekend one of Coachella is only 86 days away so we've decided to highlight artists you may or may not know of until then! Where else will you be able to see Outkast, Nas, Kid Cudi, Pharrell, Lana Del Rey, and many more amazing artists all in one weekend?! Coachella is always making the impossible happen and we cannot wait to experience it. Last year Snoop was able to perform with a Tupac hologram and this year we're getting a much needed Outkast reunion. It just keeps getting better and better.

In light of this, we wanted to promote one of our favorite "Coachella Collabs" from Big Boi and Swedish Trip Hop band, Little Dragon. 

Big Boi and Little Dragon

Their collaboration took place in 2012 on Big Boi's solo album 'Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors'. With this latest album we were extremely happy to find Little Dragon featured on not just one, but 3 melodic tracks:

'Thom Petite' a bass heavy joint christened by lead singer, Yukimi's unique voice, exemplifies why Little Dragon continues to be a favorite band to collaborate with. 

'High Res' is a poppy, melodic tune that has enough boom to complement the versatile flow of Big Boi.

'Descending' is more of a airy, soft and heartfelt track that nicely blends guitar melodies and bass creating the perfect canvas for soulful verses from Big Boi and Yukimi. 

The dreamy band would have racked up 4 tracks on the album but 'Mama Told Me' which features Kelly Rowland couldn't be finalized for business reasons that remain unknown. However, it was nothing personal so we can look forward to seeing future collaborations. Who knows we may even see an Oukast and Little Dragon collaboration in the near future, fingers crossed! 

Big Boi and Yukimi 

Either way we can not wait to see both AMAZING groups and many more Artists, bring down the house at Cochella 2014! 

See Little Dragon and Big Boi perform 'Mama Told Me' for Fader Magazine in Austin,Texas. 

Diggin' Underground: Red Kiva X L.F. Entertainment presents...

Last night we had the pleasure of attending L.F. Entertainment Radio's 5 year Anniversary Event at Red Kiva. L.F. Ent Radio, prides themselves on being legendary entertainment that bring you new music and real talk from underground artists, producers, DJ's and actors from across the nation. 

  

Red Kiva, located in Chicago’s West Loop, is a music venue and lounge with a unique, laid back atmosphere that provide a comfortable setting for any type of occasion.

Mixing the Red Kiva atmosphere with the great musical talents chosen by L.F. Ent; the event was truly a wonderful experience. We were delighted to score couch seats placing us front and center of all the action. These seats were not only comfortable, but provided great entertainment during audience participation segments of artist sets.

Some of the local artist who performed included:

[Click Links to be directed to Artists Music]

Fare Games (@FareGames)

C. Rich (@CRichalchemist) 

Ace da Vinci(@MrSmartMouf)

Don Perrion(@ItsDonPerrion)

A.M. Abstract Mind (@AbstrakMind) 

Hellabeard (@hellabeard)

D2G (2GMakeAMove)

Jon Content (@joncontent)

Vic Spencer (@VicSpencer)

and our homie from Chicago's FYI, Few(@FewCobb).

While we wish we had footage of every artist from last night, we only caught one act. However, every single musician that performed is extremely talented and is worth the research. For now, here is a snippet from one of the great performances last night. 

Fare Games ft. Few 'Trill Young Nigg**' 

Stay tuned on the release of the full song, as well as more music from these artists.

#SupportChicagoArtists!

Chicago's Very Own: JFK presents 'The Emphasis'

     

Attention everybody! Check out JFK's newest video for "The Emphasis" shot by Crishonne Givens. This track is the first single off of his mixtape 'Care Package.' And has been featured on many sites including, Fake Shore Drive. You can also find more work from him and other upcoming Chicago artists including members of Chicago's rap group F.Y.I on his blog http://www.thefisforfried.com As JFK strives to make his name mentioned amongst Chicago's best , we have no doubt that you too will become a fan. 
 

 JFK thought it would be fitting to supply his growing supporters with 'Grounded' on January 24th to celebrate the 4 year anniversary of his first mixtape 'Venting'. However what we all are waiting for is his EP, 'Season 21' which will be dropping March 23. 

 In the mean time, check out the rest of his mixtape 'Care Package' below!
 

Support Chicago Artists! 

Tune in Tuesday: Music's Grown Woman, Beyonce

Mrs. Carter reminded every one on Friday the 13th how much of a killer she is in the industry. With a plethora of songs that will keep ya head bobbin, confident in ya birthday suit, cry and have a good time, B has done it again. Appealing to many women and MEN, not just her gorgeous bod is taking the cake. Her melodic melodies, harmonies and off the chain production has made it one of a kind. Her colorful and mind blowing videos couldn't have come at a better time. It's definitely a gift that she took so much time to perfect her craft and give her devout fans as well as those on the fence of being B fans what they deserve. That's why LAB's #TuneinTuesday is Beyonce!

So what we want you all to do is tell us your favorite B track on the Album! 

Tweet us @thelab3l and Post Pics mentioning @thelab3l 

LAB's TOP 3 of B 

1. Partition

2. Haunted 

3. Rocket 

Let's just say it was hard picking three. The whole album cracked. 

Drake Season: Would You Like A Tour?

Last night Future, Miguel and Drake stopped by the United Center for their rescheduled Chicago leg of Would You Like A Tour. When Drake hit the stage every seat was filled and the audience enjoyed an amazing night of his greatest hits.

He began the show with "Tuscan Leather," the first track off Nothing Was The Same. He then performed a couple of favorites from Take Care and not a single body was sitting down. Just when the audience thought he couldn't turn up any more he performed a version of "Pop That" which started with the original "Pop That P*ssy" by 2 Live Crew. 

Drake constantly asked the crowd who came to see the show with their real friends and you could feel the love and energy throughout the entire building. He ended his set with an eye catching performance of "305 To my City" as he rose to the ceiling on his circular stage. He went around the crowd freestyling about his many fans who came out to support him and all the great music he has released thus far. He couldn't leave the stage without saying how Chicago was his most memorable show ever. He said he doesn't know when his next album will drop or when his next tour will launch, but he does know that he can't wait until he looks down at a sheet of paper and see that Chicago is the next city he'll be performing in. It's all love Drizzy!

If you made it to the show you would know it cracked the entire time and we all hated to see it end. If you couldn't make it, we're very sorry to hear that but we have a lot of great clips to share with you all! Catch him performing Crew Love, Wu-Tang Forever, Own It, Pop That, and many many more below!

 

Peace & Love, 

LAB

New Fad Zoo presents.. Feral 2!

When it comes to new, fun, great vibing music you know you can count on us to bring it to you fresh. New Fad Zoo has been on the scene working to perfect their unique sound since 2010, and aren't we glad they did. Taz, Jonnie Boy, Authenc, Illy and the Drummer together make NFZ this awesome artistic machine. The guys produce their sound, write their songs and sport their own clothing line.  

Jonnie Boy, Taz, iLLy,Authenc

Hailing from the Midwest, St. Louis to be exact, NFZ has made Atlanta their dwelling place. However, do not get it confused these guys are not just local stars. With two Independent Albums under their belt, (Feral, Feral II) and a load of performances across Atlanta, St. Louis, Tennessee and Miami with big names such as Stalley, Cyhi Da Prynce to name a few; these musical animals are hearding thru the wild spreading their funky music. 

Who knows, NFZ could be performing in a Zoo near you. So watch out, these guys are known to have the ladies mesmerized and the fellas doing dance moves they had no idea they could do. Not a believer yet, well waste not time and take a look at their Newest video "Bananas for Rabbits" below:

Their newest album debuting TODAY, can be purchased at iTunes. Preview the album here & be apart of a Fad we hope will never die out, #TeamWildLife!

Taz, Jonnie Boy, iLLy, Authenc

Who is Nick Knight? What You May and May Not Know About the 'Bound 2' Director?

For those who are not familiar, well Nick Knight is something like a big deal. You know all those spectacular high fashion look books you love to browse by Alexander McQueen, Levi, Christian Dior, Jil Sander..Louis?

Nick Knight, behind the scenes

Well, British photographer Nick Knight was of the first to capture fashion with such breath taking simplicity. Below is one of his photos from the Yohji Yamamoto 1986 catalogs. 

Yohji Yamamoto 1986

No wonder a decade later, fashion icon Kanye West decided to work with Nick Knight.

Kanye West - Back Skinhead

There first collaborations together included the famous shoot that Kanye and Kim did for the L'Officiel Hommes spread. In addition he also snapped those great photos of Kanye for his New York Times interview.

L'Officiel Hommes Spring 2013 Issue

They later worked 5 long months on the 'Black Skinhead' music video. Considering Nick Knight's deep interest in skinheads, this collaboration came at no surprise. In 1982 he published a photography book entitled, 'Skinhead' which put him on the map for many projects that followed.

We all know Kanye loves a theme and when he finds a good momentum and inspiration he sticks with it until he's inspired by something new. Hence, the duo teamed up yet again for the dreamy love story of Kim and Kanye told in 'Bound 2'. 

The video shows Kim nude on a motorcycle, riding shot gun and traditionally. Kanye and Kim show the world there is more than one way to ride into your destiny in this American love story. Away with the horses and gas up the Harley's as we ride into the sunset with Fashion's hottest couple. 

How do you feel about the Nick Knight and Kanye collaborations? 

A$AP Ferg w/ A$AP Mob Turnt x Burnt Tour: Chicago

Last night we randomly got a chance to check out A$AP Ferg with a couple of other members from A$AP Mob at the Concord Music Hall for his Turnt x Burnt Fall Tour. The crowd showed the A$AP Mob much love and got even crazier when Ferg brought Chicago's very own, Fredo Santana to the stage where he performed his new hit "Jealous" which features Kendrick Lamar. Check out some of the footage we captured below!

-LAB

Make That Move Monday Feature: DJ Oreo!

DJ Oreo w/ Macklemore, Kendrick Lamar, J Cole, Chance the Rapper, and Sway

Today we had the pleasure of chatting it up with DJ Oreo from the west side of Chicago. He recently came back from touring with Chance the Rapper and Macklemore in Europe so we decided to ask him a few questions about what he does and what he plans to do in the future. Check out the interview and a dope visual of him in action below!

LAB: Who is DJ Oreo?

DO: A dj..well naw not a dj…I call myself the “one man concert.” I’m a leader. I’m just a young guy from the Westside of Chicago who chased his dream and is still chasing it because nothing is ever certified no matter how much money you have. I wanna be able to look up one day and say that I accomplished my dreams, which is to travel the world as a great DJ and be able to give back to my community as well as the people who did what they had to do for me. I’m an innovator, an inspirer. A Teacher.

LAB: Tell us about a time you ever doubted yourself.

DO: I’ve never really doubted myself but at one point in time I was wondering what are my other skills besides being a DJ. Like August 2012 I wanna say….I was working at Wendys and I hated my life…eating a lot of bacon. The five months I was working there, I was like naw this ain’t me. So my uncle gave me some advice…..If you give yourself a time limit and in that time limit you give it all that you got…you eat, breathe, sleep, speak, blink, think, talk whatever it is you wanna do in life and in my case it was DJ’n. and that’s what I did. I wanna say 7 months after I left Wendy’s I had my first trip in March with Chance the Rapper. I started Dj’n for him.

LAB: What helped you restore your faith?

DO: My right hand man, my bro Calez. He’s a rapper. I met him one day in the summer downtown. I told him if he needed anything call me. He just started teaching me about the ways of the universe I guess. Like the way the universe works, the energies in the world, the laws of attraction. And through that time, I just started doing lil things with him and I met new people like Alex Wiley, Kembe X, and then I met Chance. It was Calez. He helped me help myself and restore my faith. The journey to fame is the true test. When you finally make it to where you are is not the hardest part. Making it there is the hardest part. You have to speak it into existence.

LAB: Share with us some of your performance rituals.

DO: It’s a moment in time when I’m walking to up whatever set of stairs….I pray before I go onstage. I take a step back and just look at where I’m at. I think about where I came from and look at where I’m at now because at any time it can be taken away. The process is just humbling myself and hoping that my mom is smiling down at me and my friends that have passed away.

LAB: What’s some of your next moves?

DO: {laughter]…I wish I knew….I didn’t even know those moves when I got them. But the next move is just to keep going honestly. I don’t wanna limit myself for the rest of my life as a DJ behind somebody but I wanna have one of the greatest resumes of all time as a DJ. I wanna be the Dj known for his type of parties.  I wanna throw my own super/ mega-fest, tomorrowland type parties. Like “aw DJ Oreo threw this party with 15,000 people ..and it was the best shit of my life.”

Check him out at djoreo.com and follow him on twitter and instagram @djoreo90 

Also don't forget to catch Chance the Rapper on 106 & Park tonight!!