A week or so ago I read this
big article on the state of hip-hop this year and how everyone is hoping
that artists like Jay-Z will make a return this Christmas because consumers
have been less then interested in all of the crap that the labels have been
rolling out. When I actually think about it I am not sure I can really
think of one big radio song from that genre that has stuck with me this year
(not that I listen to mainstream hip-hop but it seems like there is always a
few songs that are everywhere). It may sound incredibly insane
but maybe the mainstream hip-hop kids are ready for something different to
come pumping out of their speakers. After all Jay-Z has put some
emphasis on signing more indie oriented artists like Lady Sovereign and The
Roots so my assumption may not be too far off. I think there is a
large number of artists that could crossover from the indie world to the
mainstream world but for the sake of keeping this short I picked one that I
think has a great chance at "making it."
:Gym Class Heroes - New Friend Request:
I really think that GCH could be huge. They are talented song writers
and they have a marketable sound but most importantly they are on Pete
Wentz's Decaydence label. Fall Out Boy is a pretty big name these days
so just being associated with them automatically opens doors. I really
love this song and it's witty ramblings about Myspace with lines like "When
I finally built up the nerve to drop a line, you made it clear you weren't
just another Myspace Mistress." The hook in this is pretty catchy as
well and if you have ever used Myspace (who hasn't?) then the song will
definitely be something that is easy to relate too.
:Gym Class Heroes - The Queen And I:
This song is pure entertainment and I love how it moves with a great deal
of energy behind it. Travis McCoy has a voice that is a pleasure to
listen too but what really gets me about GCH is their sound which is a mix
of punk, hip-hop, and indie rock. It works so well for what they are
doing vocal-wise and I can see why so many people raved about them at the
Warped Tour. If you found yourself repeating Travis' verse in that
Cobra Starship song then this is about to get lodged in your head for a good
day or so.
Both of these songs are from the very diverse As Cruel As School Children
and it is available now.
-
John Laird -
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