Video of the Week: Higher by Theophilus London

"WHO'S THE MESSIAH? AINT READY FOR LIES"

Allow me to formally introduce you to the new face of hip hop. Indie culture has infiltrated the hip hop scene, and artists like Mr. Theophilus here are gradually stealing the spotlight from the Jim Jones gangsta types. This video, featured on YouTube, highlights the urban art of NYC, instead of gang violence. This song, whether you're feeling it or not, is spiritual, and not materialistic. This kid, in the nerdy skater spirit of Pharell, Lupe, and Kid Cudi, is changing the game. He may lack the street cred, but he's got something that today's hip hop is losing: purpose. And passion. And effort. Better get used to those dork-glasses, skinny jeans, and purple sweatshirts! You won't find many half-naked women around here.

*Didn't like the song? Play the track below... it epitomizes Theo's electro-dance style.


{Kanye warned us with "Love Lockdown" and "Heartless"... hip hop's going emo!}

Melodious Thunk

Spastic jazz pianist Thelonious Monk came into thought randomly a few days ago when he was playing over the loudspeaker in the halls of my school. (school is weird). He’s mentioned in this track by Lupe Fiasco, who’s quite possibly the best rapper alive, and reminds me there’s a little hope left for hip hop. Lupe’s currently working on his third and final triple-album “LupE.N.D.”, due out in the fall. He’s also working with Kanye West and Pharell Williams on a side project called CRS. (Check out “US Placers”).
“And He Gets the Girl” tells the classic high school story of a nerd’s crush on a cheerleader, except this one’s got a charming outcome. That sick beat is from a song called “Maybe” by Pharell-led band N*E*R*D*. And now here’s some hope for all the dorks out there: