This playlist is an ode to the constant developments that happen in music. New music drops daily because listeners crave tracks to consume more than they do food, artists interactions with each other sometimes cause friction then feuds start, streaming services have turned into country clubs crafting exclusive experiences unique to a particular platform, and genre bending alludes to the many categories of music. So, to provide a roundup and keep listeners current here is "Stay Up". Thanks to beef between Meek Mill and Drake, Drizzy appears quite a few times because his musical prowess is unmatched even if someone writes his raps like Meek claims. House, electronic, and R&B tones diversify the mix adding different emotions so it is appropriate throughout the entire day; credit Major Lazer, ELHAE from Atlanta, and talented Mura Masa. Things get a bit sensual as Magic Mike XXL influenced the placement of Jacquees and Jeremih. Explore the vibes below and walk away with some discoveries. Be sure to give InTheRough a follow on SoundCloud.
deep house
Documenting George Washington University's 2015 Spring Fling with 3lau and Theophilus London /
Washington, D.C. has become a home and a place of influence for InTheRough. Family and friends, travel, as well as College have all landed ITR in our nation's capital. D.C.'s classical metropolitan area featuring major sports, delicious eats, strong cultural centers, nightlife, and the unique characteristic of being America's Mount Olympus lends itself to an environment that inspires growth and creativity. Popular culture thrives in D.C., spawning artists like Wale and collectives like Proper Vibes who represent the area's appreciation for its consumption of Goods. These made George Washington University's April 4th Spring Fling concert with 3lau and Theophilus London as well as a trip to Georgetown a welcomed event for InTheRough.
Electronic producer 3lau coolly took his position behind his computer, black Wayfarers intact, and met a GW crowd he was impressed by, jumping off stage to interact with the front row mid show. Theophilus joyously followed the electronic house producer bouncing to the stage with a huge smile and an aged pair of Air Jordan 1 "Royal" on his feet. His performance was exciting in large part to the rapper's live band and set list, which he chose via the MacBook eight feet to his left on stage. Theophilus' 2012 track "Big Spender" was flipped into a pleasant version we had never heard. He too exchanged pleasantries with the crowd giving High Fives and hugs to anybody that wanted one.
Footwear was an interesting observational piece at the concert. The day's nice weather made sneakers a common theme. Progressive and hip hop influences the performers provided, matched with George Washington's setting placed keen attention to kicks. The Swoosh and its Jumpman bi-product were easily noticed in a sea of white Chuck Taylors. So, a visit to Nike Georgetown to conclude the trip seemed appropriate, especially when an inflated basketball teaches you a life lesson.
InTheRough's latest trip to Washington, D.C. offered the opportunity to document George Washington University's 2015 Spring Fling. It also fostered an interesting conversation with somebody featured on ITR often, Cautious Clay. The DC based artist speaks on his talent, Ableton production, the D.C. music community, and his future in a forthcoming interview with InTheRough.
GoldLink & Falcons- Vroom /
One of my favorite aspects about the music industry is the ability to observe the maturation of artists. One winter, an artist like Chance the Rapper is known by only a few, yet by the next year his name is being plastered across GQ issues.
If you have not yet heard of GoldLink, don't worry, you're about to. The Washington D.C.-based rapper has garnered a following through his genre-bending sounds. If his unique voice isn't enough to peak your interest, GoldLink draws inspiration from the Go-Go music subculture that has been prevalent in D.C. for quite some time, as well as the deep-house music vibes that add the futuristic bounce to any of his tracks. Below, is his most recent track, "Vroom." A collaborative effort with Athletixx producer, Falcons (who you should also check out), has yielded another abstract song that bridges the gap between hip hop and dance music. If you like what you hear, check out our curated GoldLink playlist, which features songs from his latest project, God Complex.