#star luminary is a fucking gold mine

[cursedtrans]

Stars in Limbus Company

Spoilers for all of Limbus

Stars in Limbus are one of the first things mentioned, and one of the most significant things in the story. As mentioned in this post, stars themselves are extremely important and powerful entities in the Project Moon universe, so let's see if we can't extrapolate some meaning from them.

First off, let's go over the major revelation given at the end of Canto 7, because it helps clarify a lot of earlier moments and helps setup my main theory about everyone's favorite amnesiac protagonist.

For clarification, a nebula is defined as such by NASA. A nebula is a giant cloud of dust and gas in space. Some nebulae (more than one nebula) come from the gas and dust thrown out by the explosion of a dying star, such as a supernova. Other nebulae are regions where new stars are beginning to form. I think the words Sanson uses aren't just esoteric to seem fancy. I think he uses the words nebulae and sovereign because both describe the individual they're talking about succinctly.

Thanks to Demian's constant requests of Dante for their drawing of a sheep, we know this conversation is about them in particular. The plural wording does mean that Sanson's 'shining light' mission involves more than just them, so put a pin in that. For now, let's focus on Dante.

While Demian's wording merely implies Dante fell from the sky, Sanson's wording implies a lot of things about Dante's origins and their role. I believe Sanson is using the later definition, as it helps explain one of Dante's key features, their amnesia regarding everything within the city once their clock head is put on.

It's only when Dante repeats this specific phrase that they really lose themselves, though losing their original head seems to have done them no favors.

It's my belief that the 'Dante' we know is, in fact, a newborn star that is subsuming the original Dante's existence, and will eventually serve as a 'soverign' of the original star. That is to say, one that exercises supreme control originating from a nation. This would explain a lot of... peculiarities regarding them, and let's go over each thing it solves.

First off is Dante's uncanny ability to determine between Distortions, Abnormalities, and Other entities. We've seen it numerous times throughout the story, and it's something that Faust speculates is thanks to the Golden Boughs. However, I think it's also possible that this is a inherent ability to Dante.

The explanation for this is that Dante themselves is an entity outside the normal range of humanity, and thus can have senses beyond what is considered 'normal'. This is even supported by Child of the Galaxy, whose sight appears to extend to their pebbles and grants them a level of sight unheard of. It's possible Dante's sight works in a similar manner, even comparable to shrimp seeing far more colors than humans.

Furthermore is Dante's revival ability. As explained previously, rebirth is a major theme of Stars in the Project Moon universe, so Dante being able to bring back the dead sinners would fit right in with something like Child of the Galaxy converting people to pebbles or Blue Star's more esoteric 'rebirth'.

However, it's my belief that Dante themselves is a baby star, and for the reasoning behind that we'd need look no further than Chapter 4's Tearful Thing, and the origins behind it.

The Tearful Thing is fairly different from other Star entities we've seen before, but it's effects are undeniable alien and bizarre. It's tears' ability to 'revert humanity to a more primal state' is somewhat similar to the rebirth given by Child of the Galaxy, but the biggest factor towards it's status as an infant Star are it's origins and what Alfonso says about it being an infant.

The Tearful Thing was found by Stephanette in the Outskirts, and we likely get to see how it was specifically born. From a boy staring up at the sky and stars, and having a wish in mind.

This matches a lot of what we know from the stories in Lobotomy Corporation. The sanity draining effects Fragment of the Universe has are eerily similar to how one could describe the boy's effects before he disappears, and the rebirth effect matches with how Blue Star followers describe the entity itself.

Sinclair and Faust put it best in the cutscene directly following the one where we see the birth of the Tearful Thing.

The followers of Blue Star weren't as insane as one might think.

Dante themselves seems to follow the story we see with countless others. Dante gazes at the star in the distance, repeats their wish of 'following the star', and suddenly has amnesia and incredible powers.

Now, obviously this leads to the question of why Dante isn't a complete abomination like the Tearful Thing or Blue Star. The answer in my mind is a few different sources. First off, let's go over Alfonso's own words about the Tearful Thing.

This implies that the Tearful Thing is merely a child of the real entity they found in the Outskirts, and that it's grown up in the time between Stephanette and Alfonso.

In fact, I've believe we've seen numerous stages of this life-cycle in game, and I think Dante is one of the youngest entities we get to see. If they're not even the actual youngest. Let's go over another important character introduced in Limbus...Star Luminary.

Star Luminary is an entity far closer to the sights of the Tearful Thing and Blue Star, and it directly references the latter in it's text. It's 'Luminary' name also holds distinct meanings, all of which can apply to it. An object, such as a celestial body, that gives light. In astrology, one of the brightest celestial objects, such as the sun, moon, or bright planets. A person who inspires others or achieves eminence in a field.

The first definition seems to fit cleanly with it's first text box choice, where you successfully pass the check to say the orbs in it's hands are marbles. That being the following, and what I believe most in the Project Moon universe think about stars.

This reads to me as denying the actual truth of the situation, and shows off the ignorance of the City at large to the truth of the celestial bodies above them. Mere glowing lights in the night.

The second box I think shows off the origin points of the Stars, before they were created by humans. This is when you fail the former check, and thus do not have the lust or pride in oneself to successfully do it, and are thus convinced they are more than mere objects emitting light.

It's wording seems to show an immense knowledge of the stars. The origin of the Stars are the nebulae in the sky. Mere speckles of light floating in the dark. However, what makes them 'capital s' Stars is the thoughts and wishes that each person etches onto their heart, giving them power. Similar to how stereotypical fae gain power from names, the Stars seem to gain power from the wishes and hopes that each person holds in them, and are birthed from these very wishes.

It even directly references Blue Star, which seems to indicate Star Luminary is an advanced version of the Blue Star cultists from Ruina, who has now achieved even more of it's celestial power.

Next is when you agree with the Star Luminary, and this is where I think the final definition of Luminary comes into play. "A person who inspires others or achieves prominence or superiority."

This is where I think the first half of the Luminary definition comes into play. Star Luminary's words directly call out that you want to return to that place, and gives you a blue star in return. It's actively inspiring you to become a acolyte of Blue Star, and showing off it's Luminary abilities there.

This is where the other half comes into play, and where I think it can be neatly defined as a adolescent/teenaged star comes into play. It admits with sadness that it can no longer simply go back to the Blue Star anymore like the other acolytes of Blue Star, but is actively becoming a new star.

This admission of becoming a new Star in the sky is fairly unique, and neatly completes Stars in Project Moon. So let's go over the full life cycle of a Star.

Stars can be formed in Project Moon in two ways. Either by wishing upon the lights in the sky like the unnamed boy or Dante, or becoming a follower like Blue Star acolytes or even Fragment of the Universe. The former costs the memories of the individual, while the latter costs your sanity and former ideals. From there, a young star advances in their abilities by becoming more and more powerful. We see this directly through Star Luminary and even the supposed power of the original Tearful Thing. Along the way, one naturally makes a choice. Either they are subsumed into the original Star, or become a new one. We see this with Blue Star's acolytes and Star Luminary. The Blue Star acolytes seen in Ruina and read about in Lobotomy Corporation all end up becoming a part of Blue Star, likely growing it's power through their wishes and desires, or more pragmatically (and unlikely, given Luminary's wording) being born in their image like the Blue Star cultists claim. Luminary, however, outgrew the ability to be subsumed, and is thus destined to become a new star.

This brings me all the way back to Demian and Sanson's conversation about Dante. Unpin that note about the plurality of nebulae, because here's where it comes into play for Sanson.

Sanson's main goal here seems to be to round up every acolyte and get them to their original Stars, while preventing the sane individuals from undergoing the life cycle of a Star. This appears very noble, as the subsuming presence of Stars and their cults seems like a major threat that even the Head could be scared of, considering how much they discourage exploring the Outskirts.

However.

This means essentially feeding Dante to an eldritch abomination, and I don' think anyone particularly wants that. Additionally, I've yet to analyze Demian's whole place in this, and I believe he has his own selfish goals and motivations for all of this messing about with Stars and Mirror Worlds.

But that analysis of Demian will have to wait for another day.

(thanks to @lu-is-not-ok for inspiring abno analysis, and by proxy getting me to analyze Star Luminary's text.)

[fapangel]

What's your opinion on Trump's complaints about the current situation in Afghanistan vis-a-vis the complaint from ground commanders about the lack of a straight-laced policy from Washington?

I think it’s fucking bullshit. 

Not Trump’s “complaints,” I mean - I mean the entire story that it even happened. Naturally the whole thing is more “according to ~officials~” which means “lies some cunt with a grudge told us that we are reprinting uncritically as the gospel fucking truth.” Secondly, it fits the latest forced meme from the media just a little too well, with absolutely everything Trump says being labeled as examples of “chaotic policy,” itself an extension of the “chaos narrative” the media’s been spinning of late. This is mostly presented as proof that Trump’s the bumbling knuckle-dragging moron they all said he was (just like all those filthy blue-collar poverty-stricken troglodytes who voted against their best interests,) but the reliably fucking insane have linked this to Russia as well. This isn’t new, either; the usual luminary personalities were whining bitterly about Trump’s refusal to micromanage a war a month ago, and CNN was wringing their skirts over the horrors of Trump letting the military experts run military operations back in May. (They grudgingly admit that Obama fucked up his own military micromanagement something wonderful, but “at least he tried!” Obama gets a gold star for effort - and so does some SEAL’s mother!) So unless the media chooses to name their sources, any sane person should regard these stories as water-carrying for bureaucrats and politicians hoping to get their way by feeding a press eager to repeat any lie, half-truth or slander told to them by someone with a tie. They’re trying to allege strife between Trump and Mattis because the SecDef “took a longer walk than usual.” These people receive a paycheck to print this trash. 

Assuming - for the sake of argument - that you’re willing to believe the meeting went even remotely like the ~anonymous officials~ who totally don’t have an axe to grind said it did - the whole thing’s pretty clear cut. Note these paragraphs:

During the meeting, Trump criticized his military advisers seated around the table in the White House Situation Room for what he said was a losing U.S. position in the war, according to the senior administration officials. At one point the president directed his frustration at Mattis, saying Trump had given the military authority months ago to make advances in Afghanistan and yet the U.S. was continuing to lose ground, the officials said.

"We aren't winning," Trump complained, according to these officials. "We are losing."

That’s the core of it, right there. That, in one fucking word, is Trump’s “Afghanistan policy:” WIN. That’s pretty goddamn clear-cut. As he said, he gave the military a free hand in directing their affairs in Afghanistan months ago - so they could win. If General Nicholson doesn’t know how to win, then Trump will replace him with one that does. It’s a winning strategy, as evidenced by that other President that cycled through generals time and time again till he found one that could get the job done. You know the fellow, right? Tall fellow, top hat, used to build log cabins? I bet you five fucking dollars there were reporters filling the anti-war Northern papers at the time with “CHAOS IN THE WHITE HOUSE, PRESIDENT LINCOLN REPLACES HIS TOP GENERAL AGAIN!” If these guys are expecting Trump to hold their hand, or give them some sort of “framework” for their actions or freedom thereof, they’ve got another think coming. Trump has already issued his one and only order on this: win the fucking war. 

The rest of that article is a hoot, as well - Trumps sane concern about China buying up - and mining - minerals in Afghanistan (especially relevant because the Pakis, who are actively supporting, sheltering and funding the Taliban, are ever-closer allies with the Chinese,) and Trump’s willingness to listen to the people actually fighting the fucking war on the ground is all tucked away under the sub-head “Trump Compares Afghanistan to a Famous New York Restaurant” which is itself a lie, as evidenced by the article’s own explanation of it. 

It takes active and willful deceit and disregard for truth to twist Trump’s blunt “we aren’t winning” and obvious attention to the tactical situation and international meddling/power politics into a tale of his indecisiveness and disconnect from reality. And this isn’t even reading between the lines - this is simply them (presumably accidentally) reporting the facts straight, then feeding us a narrative about what they actually mean that they expect us to swallow. If it’s that bad on the face of it, what is lurking between the lines? What aren’t they telling us? Who’s “leaks” have gone unremarked, quietly tossed down the memory hole because they don’t support the narrative the media wants to push? 

Like I said - it’s fucking bullshit. 

[fivestarjamz]

“Contagious” by The Isley Brothers (featuring Chante Moore and R. Kelly) (2001)

As I write this, there’s a major R. Kelly moment happening in the public discourse and it feels really weird to celebrate anything that man has ever been a part of. Although I guess that makes this moment no different from a million other moments that have occurred between 1994 and now. It should go without saying that writing about “Contagious” makes me feel a little icky. But I’ve said several times that you can be an absolute shit canoe as a person and still make enjoyable art, and Kelly isn’t the only part of the puzzle that is “Contagious”.

“Contagious” was released in summer 2001, but the song’s story really begins in 1995, when Kelly got The Isley Brothers (Ronald and Ernie) to sing and play guitar on his song “Down Low (Nobody Has To Know)”. The brothers also appeared in the song’s dramatic video, with Ronald playing a mob boss named Mr. Francis Biggs. The song/video combo brought the Isleys back into the pop top ten for the first time since the mid ‘70s and started a surprising career renaissance. In 1996, The Isleys (with bassist Marvin Isley rejoining after a decade’s absence) released Mission to Please, which featured contributions from Kelly, Keith Sweat, Babyface and more. It became their first gold album since 1983’s era-ending Between The Sheets. Isley and Kelly became constant collaborators, later bringing Kelly Price a gold single (and reprising the Mr. Biggs character) with the remix to her debut single “Friend of Mine”.

Marvin’s ill health caused him to retire, leaving Ronald and Ernie as a duo, and 2001’s Eternal was the follow-up to Mission To Please. The album again featured a ton of superstar power-Jill Scott and Raphael Saadiq were among the luminaries who joined the brothers. And yes, there were more appearances by R. Kelly, led by “Contagious”, the album’s debut single and the Isleys’ first top 40 hit as lead artists since 1980. Mr. Biggs arrives home one night, and realizes that his lady is out. He tries to two-way page her, but gets no response. He heads back out to look for her, stopping off at her mother’s house. Still no sign. Upon arriving home for the second time, he flips on the TV, then is startled by some noise. He turns the TV down and Bam! Turns out that his lady (played by Chante Moore) is doing the nasty with R. Kelly. A (sung) confrontation ensues. Nothing I can write will do this justice, so I’m just going to leave the actual lyrics here:

Isley: What the hell is goin' on between the sheets in my home?

Moore: Baby wait let me explain before you start to point your cane.

Isley: Girl I'm bout to have a fit

Kelly: "oh its bout to be some shit!"

How did I get in to this? Should have never came home with this bitch!

Isley: Low down dirty woman, back to where you come from

Moore: "but baby wait"

Isley: but wait my ass

Hit the streets your ass is grass!

Kelly: Now Mister Biggs before you done

Isley: "Wait how you know my name son?"

Moore: "Honey wait I was gonna tell ya"

Isley: " Ooh, this cat looks real familiar"

Hmmm?!?! Now don't I know you from somewhere a long time ago?

Kelly: No no I don't think so.

Isley: Yea yea, I feel I know you brother very well.

Kelly: No No you’re mistaking me for somebody else.

Moore: "Frank" Isley (interjecting): "SHUT UP!" Can't you see two men are talkin'?

Moore: "But"

Isley: Thought I told yo ass to get to walkin'!

Now I think ya'll better leave this place,

Cause I'm about to (in ultra-creamy falsetto) catch a ca-yase.

“I think I need to leave this place/’cause I’m about to catch a case” is definitely something I’ve thought when I’m in a social setting with people who make me uncomfortable.

This section of “Contagious” brings me indescribable amounts of joy to this day. It’s so fucking silly, and there’s no way an exchange like this should work in a modern-day pop song (or any pop song, really). It’s so good that even the stink of R. Kelly’s involvement can’t damage it.

Four star song between “Constant Craving” and “Contagious”: “Consummation” (Nina Simone)

[rbeatz]

A Preview of Governors Ball Music Festival 2017

Governors Ball in New York City is this weekend, and I’m going. I’m also brining my camera to take pictures and live tweet/Instagram the whole shebang. Follow rBeatz on social media for live updates

Governors Ball (aka Gov Ball) launched in 2011, featuring music acts playing rock, electronic, hip-hop, indie, Americana, pop, folk, and more. The entire production is run by the festival promotion company, Founders Entertainment, the same company that puts on The Meadows Music and Arts Festival.

I attended the very first Gov Ball in 2011 on Governors Island, headlined by Pretty Lights, Girl Talk, and Empire of the Sun. The event had the highest attendance of any event held on Governors Island in history. Due to the event’s strong performance, Founders Entertainment moved the festival location in 2012 to Randall’s Island, so more people could attend. They also extended the festival from one day to two days.

2012 was also a huge success, so in 2013, Founders Entertainment bumped the festival up to three days. Unfortunately, in 2013, there had been a big storm that first Friday, causing cancelations for much of the bigger headliners, such as Kings of Leon. Friday’s rain ran into Saturday, leading to a fairly muddy weekend.

I attended the event again in 2014. Outkast is one of my favorite groups and seeing Big Boy and André 3000 settle their qualms and get back to performing got me to purchase a ticket fairly quickly. I was immersed throughout their entire performance, singing along because that’s what you do as a die-hard fan.

2015 and 2016 also saw heavy rain. I purchased 2016 Sunday tickets to see Kanye in action, and I was disappointed by the cancellation. I did not attend the Kanye afterparty that got shutdown by the NYPD. No matter the rain situations of past, Governors Ball has still brought a successful track record. We look towards this year’s event to do the same.

According to Weather.com we have some fairly nice weather lined up. Partly sunny on Friday with a 20% chance of rain, partly sunny on Saturday with a 0% chance of rain, and 50% chance of rain on Sunday. Fingers crossed!

Below, I will take you through each act I expect to attend, a bit about the act, and the act’s newest (or best IMHO) project. If you’re wondering, “WHO IS THIS GUY WRITING THIS?!?” I’m someone deeply passionate about the arts, music in general, and my tastes lean more towards electronic, soul/funk, and hip-hop.

I have outlined the acts I plan to see in GREEN.  There are a total of 67 acts, and just like every 3-day festival, I might get tired and not get to everything. I will do my best and air live what I see on rBeatz social media with a longer recap-article next week.

    DAY 1 – Friday, June 2nd

  Jenaux

The 25-year old from New York City is a prolific live performer and remixer who busted into the dance music scene in 2014. He is known for his funky electro beats, which is personally my favorite genre (shhhh don’t tell the other genres). The song below is 7 months old, but it’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever posted on rBeatz.

  Michael Blume

Michael Blume is an alternative R&B artist living in New York City. The Yale University graduate is a mix of various genres: jazz, hip-hop, soul, electronic, and R&B. He independently released his first EP, WHEN I GET IT RIGHT, about a year ago. His lyrics approach topics such as materialism, LBGTQ rights, and civil rights. If you’re in the mood for something different, something neo-soul/R&B, take a listen. Below is his most popular and my favorite song off the EP, Colors.

Blossoms

The 5 piece band from Stockport, England was formed in 2013 as a British indie-pop band. In late 2016, they released their debut album, Blossoms. The album reached the #1 spot on the UK Albums Chart in its first week. Below is their most popular music video from the album.

Francis and the Lights

A renaissance man in the music world. Francis Farewell Starlite aka Francis and the Lights is an unconventional yet effective vocalist and singer-songwriter with a bittersweet but energetic vibe. The guy has worked with Kanye and Chance The Rapper. What else is there left to say. Below is one of my favorite projects of his with Chance The Rapper. It’s a reprise of Dear Theodosia from the Broadway musical and trendsetter, Hamilton. Lin-Manuel Miranda released a compilation of notable rapers remixing songs from the enormously popular spectacle.

Kehlani

Oakland born R&B singer has been through a lot and tells it all. Raw, authentic, and real, Kehlani’s performance will make you feel. She has a unique mix of ethnicities: African American, Caucasian, Native American, Spanish, and Filipino Native American. A human ahead of her time with a rhythm to beat. She signed to Atlantic Records in 2015. Below is a glitchy/percussive remix from Kehlani’s debut album, SWEETSEXYSAVAGE, made by Norwegian artist Coucheron. It’s also her newest release

Charli XCX

The London-based edgy singer really came into the spotlight from her massively popular feature with Iggy Azalea, Fancy. If you haven’t heard of this one, you’re living under a rock. Since then, Charli XCX has delivered her own massively popular singles including, Boom Clap and Break The Rules. Two months ago, she released her mixtape, Number 1 Angel. Lipgloss feat cupcakKe is my favorite song of the mixtape. Super hyphy!

Tove Lo

Swedish pop-star who burst on the scene with Habits (Stay High) went to a high school whose motto was, “fuck reading, let’s play music.” She was the singer in a rock band in her earlier years, showing in the raw, gritty emotion of her voice. She switched to electronic elements, which veered her away from the rock scene. Below is a Taylor Gang (independent label founded by Wiz Khalifa) remix of her popular song WITH Wiz Khalifa, Influence.

Danny Brown

Detroit rap phenom, Danny Brown, busted through the scene with his 2011 mixtape, XXX. Danny is known for his individuality and being a unique figure in rap. Signed to A-Track’s Fools Gold Label, Danny Brown, released his third studio album, Old, which reached the #18 slot on Billboards Top 200.  Below is his most recent music video directed by simultaneously lovable and hatable, Jonah Hill.

ScHoolboy Q

The South Central LA Hip-Hop rapper and Black Hippy member, Quincy Matthew Hanley aka ScHoolboy Q,  is a prominent lyricist and Interscope artists. He is considered one of raps emerging voices. Born in Germany to military parents, ScHoolboy Q and his family quickly moved to Texas for 3 years than LA. His upbringing is described as a life­-shaping balance of sports, school, drugs and gangs. His first major-label studio album, Oxymoron, was released in early 2014 and debuted at number one spot on the US Billboard 200. Below is one of my favorite remixes EVER of ScHoolboy Q’s The Purge / Rapfix Cypher by 20syl.

Lorde

After releasing the enormously popular, cross-international, hit, Royals, back in the middle of 2013, Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O’Connor aka Lorde, became the youngest solo artist to reach a US number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 since 1987. She was 16 years old. She was singed to Universal Music when she was 13 years old. The dream pop and indietronica singer/songwriter from New Zealand has earned two Grammys, a a Brit Award, ten New Zealand Music Awards, was named among Time’s most influential teenagers in the world in 2013, and in 2014, was part of Forbes’s “30 Under 30” list. Two weeks ago, she released the Chromeo remix to her popular song, Green Light.

Flume

The Australian dance-music maker and production luminary, Flume, burst into the scene in 2012 with his single, Sleepless and remix to Hermitude’s Hyperparadise. Most fans of electronic music should know both of these. Since then, his career has skyrocketed to be one of the top names in electronic music. From bedroom producer to international sensation is most producers dreams and Flume’s reality.  The producer is know for his control over the atmosphere in his sound and dynamic arrangements. Take a listen to his newest single, Hyperreal , featuring Kučka.

Chance The Rapper

Probably my favorite rapper right now. The only reason I wont leave Flume early for Chance is because I want to see what Flume has in store for his finale. Chance from Chicago is everywhere right now, and it’s well deserved. His third mixtape, Coloring Book, became the first streaming-only album to win a Grammy Award. It won Best Rap Album. Chancelor Johnathan Bennett aka Chance The Rapper is a shining light in the music industry because he proved that independent artists can make it too.  Francis The Light and Chance The Rapper recently released this music video. It’s beautiful.

DAY 2 – Saturday, June 3rd

  VANT

The four-piece band from London, England aren’t only here to make music, but also to make a statement. Make no mistake, Vant vent. They vent about Syria, environmentalism, sexual assault, inequality, racism, religion, social media isolation, and the all-out self-destruction of mankind through a mask of punk rock. Take a look at their music video, Peace & Love, below. It’s a video that brings to light the violence that took place in Kiev and Amman in October of 2016.

Welles

Welles is a dichotomy of peace and anger who has been compared as a mix between Kurt Cobain and John Lennon. His voice is reminiscent of the 60s and 70s rock n roll era with a similar tinge of psychedelic funk. The native from Ozark, Arkansas released his album, Codeine, last week. Life Like Mine below is my favorite song from the album.

Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa is a British singer/songwriter who began her music career at the age of 14, releasing popular covers from artists such as Christina Aguilera and Nelly Furtado on Youtube. She signed with Warner Bros. Records in 2015 when she was only 19, and released her first single at the age of 20. In 2016, The Fader, released a documentary entitled, Sea In Blue, about the life of Dua Lipa. She is set to release her debut studio album, Dua Lipa, TOMORROW!!! Stay Tuned. Below is her new music video with Miguel for her single, Lost In Your Light.

The Range

The Brooklyn producer fell in love with making music on the computer after falling in love with Baltimore club. Since then, he’s brought in influences from early ‘90s jungle, early ‘00s grime and mid ‘00s electronica to create his very own unique vibe. James Hinton aka The Range was raised by his mother, a music teacher, on a farm in Pennsylvania. He graduated from Brown University with a degree in physics. After graduating, he worked in a lab and was a music teacher at Brown. In 2013, he began focusing on his music career full-time.  His second album, Potential, released in March of 2016 was a compilation of over 200 hours scanning obscure YouTube clips for audio samples.

Stormzy

Stormzy, AKA The Problem, AKA Big Mike, AKA Stiff Chocolate was suppose to go to Oxford University, graduating at the top of his class, but then a couple of his youtube videos started gaining popularity and things changed. His most popular song to date is his freestyle, Shutup, which was released as a single and hit number eight on the UK Singles Chart. Stormzy is a self-described “a child of grime” influenced by the likes of Wiley and Skepta. 3 months ago, the Brit released his debut studio album, Gang Signs & Prayer. Below is a song from that album, Cigarettes & Cush, featuring Friday performer, Kehlani. It’s super sexy!

Rae Sremmurd

I’ve never witnessed and act with more energy than the Tupelo, Mississippi duo, Rae Sremmurd, formed by two brothers, Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi.  These two have been on FIRE, working and touring, releasing two studio albums. Their debut album, SremmLife, sold over 1 million copies in the United States. These guys are viral makers, making platinum-selling single after platinum-selling single. No Type, No Flex Zone, and Throw Sum Mo were three platinum sellers from their first album. Along with Black Beatles, inspiring the viral sensation ‘Mannequin Challenge,’ the duo has amassed close to 1.5 BILLION plays on youtube with these four hits. Below is the duo’s newly promoted track from their record label, SremmLife Crew Records. 

A$AP Ferg

The rapper from Harlem, New York City is the second most popular act in the infamous hip-hop collective, A$AP Mob. Darold D. Brown Ferguson, Jr. aka A$AP Ferg really hit the spotlight after huge success from his single, Shabba, of his 2013 Trap Lord album. Complex named the song the 3rd best released song in 2013. The song was an ode to one of the best dancehall artists of his generation, Shabba Ranks, one of the first Jamaican DJs who brought dancehall into the limelight. Below is his new music video with Remy Ma. I’m sure he’ll play it in the mecca of East Coast pride. Maybe Remy might even show up and represent NYC. It was her birthday was 2 days ago, so shoutout!

RÜFÜS DU SOL

The Australian alternative dance trio is a constant chart topper in the Land Down Under. Both of their albums have reached the #1 spot in Australia. Their sound can be described as dreamy vocals, moody synths and driving kicks. They’ve accompanied a beautiful quote about electronic music to the Governors Ball website that I’d like to share.

“For us personally, we were each drawn to electronic music because of the euphoric nature of it. At its core, it brings people together to dance of course. I’m sure I’m not the first person to say this, but our favourite artists are our favourite because we’ve shared moments listening to them with friends or family that you can’t recreate. Moments that you remember forever.”

Below is their most recent music video to Innerbloom, off their chart topping album, Bloom.

  Marshmello

I dono? Marshmello is a Marshmallow that produces bangers. Here’s it’s new song.

BANKS

Jillian Rose Banks aka Banks broke out in 2014 after her release of the single, Goddess. She became the talk of the town, her voice being compared to the likes of Fiona Apple, Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill. There was a wave of alt-pop/R&B and she was at the front of it. Jillian’s creation process is an exploration of raw expression and solace, something that you can really hear from her breath. Take a listen to her new single, Crowded Places, put down the technology for a second, and take it in. Beautiful.

Childish Gambino

Donald McKinley Glover aka Childish Gambino is a multifaceted hero in the entertainment industry. He is an extremely successful actor, writer, producer, comedian, rapper, singer, and songwriter. When I say extremely successful, I’m talking writer on 30 Rock at the age of 23; main actor in the NBC sitcom, Community; producer, director, and star of the FX series, Atlanta; and two time Grammy-Nominated musician.  Success doesn’t even begin to describe his illustrious career, and he’s only 33 years old. Legend. The song below is a song that I haven’t been able to get out of my head since it came out. It’s from Donald’s third studio album, “Awaken, My Love!” The song speaks for itself.

from rBeatz.com http://ift.tt/2rqhSau