May 29, 2012 in Music
I love throwing on some instrumentals and relaxing. Talented Mr. Jon Kilmer, who also directs music videos, drops this #GOLD tape composed of 12 tracks completely free for our enjoyment. Vibe out – share – repeat.
Dope video and remix to Nicki Minaj’s track “Beez in the Trap.” Video directed by Anthony Valle. Check it out and as always don’t forget to share.
May 18, 2012 in Blog, Featured, Music
I’ve posted a few Selah Sue posts and i’ve been waiting for someone to collaborate with her. This new remix from J. Cole is definitely a dope track. Check it out and let me know what you think.
May 14, 2012 in Music, Reviews, Videos
Video credits:
Directed, produced and edited by Natasha Pincus
Body art by Emma Hack
Cinematographer and colourist: Warwick Field
Scenic artist: Howard Clark
I don’t think I’ve ever seen an artist as unique as Gotye (Wouter De Backer). Let me start by saying that he has been making music for more then 10 years, but I’ve only recently been introduced to him. Probably like most of you, I first heard Gotye when I was introduced to “Somebody That I Used to Know.” After Google-ing the track name, I came across it’s music video which I embedded above. Now it’s not the “coolest” video i’ve seen, but artistically and creatively, I was blown away. The video is directed by Natasha Pincus along with cinematographer Warwick Field who have worked together on many music videos. Here is a little background info about the video shoot:
The challenge of Gotye’s new music video “Somebody That I Used To Know” for Warwick was integrating complex stop-motion elements of painting with live action elements of performance. At first the video was to be shot on Red or Alexa, but the stop-motion element which required split screen compositing with the live footage, pointed the camera choice to the Canon 5D MkII. This was simply because the 5D could be controlled by Dragon software to capture the single frame animation and then seamlessly swapped to HD video capture using the same lenses and sensor. The result would be straight forward image matching between the two capture methods.
The project involves the progressive animated painting of a mural behind Gotye while he sings, and then as the clip advances the paint enveloping his body to finally show he has become one with the background. The view widens to reveal the female vocalist on the track, Kimbra who is also painted “into the background”. As the lyrics describe the breakdown of the relationship, Kimbra becomes depainted – unattached – by stop motion again. This sequence required reverse printing the shot and blending it with the live vocal footage.
The shoot took place over two very long days of painstaking and meticulous work by the crew and scenic artist Howard Clark and body illustrator Emma Hack.
This video is one of many other dope videos by Gotye. Now although he is musically talented, he’s not “the best” there is. But honestly, what makes an artist #GOLD, is the fact that they must stand out in some way. Gotye definitely surpasses many other artists in this criteria because he continuously crosses the ordinary. Check out a short documentary about the “making of” his new album below. Click here to visit his official website where you can get his music and learn more about who he is.
May 12, 2012 in Featured, Music
With a new album on the way, Baltimore’s “Smash” releases his latest mixtape titled “King Jaffe.” The 16 track mixtape was Mixed by WPGC’s own DJ Reddz and hosted by DJ Jabril . Along with Smash are featured artist such as Alley Boy, Skarr-Akbar and Comp as well as a production team including J Feddy , J Oliver ,Ghost and more. Stream and download the mixtape below, as always please share and comment.
May 12, 2012 in Blog, Music, Videos
Dope new music video from Huey Mack, a young up and coming artist from West Virginia. This track “Nothing Back” is from Huey’s new mixtape “A Boy Named Huey.” Watch the music video above, then stream and download the complete mixtape below. Leave a comment and let us know what you think.
Connect with Huey Mack:
Twitter
Facebook
So the video for this single was uploaded in December 2011 and I’ve never seen it before so I decided to share it with everyone else. I’ve been hearing this track a lot recently but I didn’t know anything about it. The track is titled “We Are Young” by the band “Fun” featuring Janelle Monáe. On top of that, I just learned that the band was playing live in DC only 3 days ago. Pretty blown I missed that. Well check out the dope official music video on top and also watch their live performance on the David Letterman Show below.
Like the track? Here is the entire stream and download link for their album “Some Nights!”
Kanye drops the remix to Cheif Keef’s track titled “I Don’t Like.” Now I’m a big Ye fan and I think Big Sean and Jadakiss both killed their verses, but this is not the typical song I would find myself listening to. Then again, I like it when someone does something outside the typical. So I’m sitting here a little confused about whether or not I like this song. In conclusion, I think i’ll just put this on blast until I get sick and tired of it. But is it really possible for me to ever hate G.O.O.D. Music? And it’s FREE??
Download the free track here.
And in case you’re like me and have never heard the original version to this track, you know I got you!
So I wandered upon rapper Xtra while I was music video surfing today. I was trying to find out more about him and I came across his recently released mixtape titled “Haywire.” Coming out of Tampa, Florida, Xtra dropped “Haywire” as his debut mixtape on 03/23/12. Listen and download the mixtape and also check out the dope music video directed by Legit Looks.
Excited to welcome Baltimore Emcee “Smash” to his first time feature on Gold Star Critic. What better way to introduce an artist then counting down to the release of his new mixtape? The mixtape, titled “King Jaffe,” is set to release on May 8th, 2012. The tape is said to feature 14 tracks including his newest released single “Goons” featuring Alley Boy. Check out the new single below as well as Smash’s music video to “Thank God.”
