One of the biggest blows to the musical community (hip-hop in particular), was the tragic passing of J Dilla back on February 10th, 2006. Cardiac arrest stemming from his lifelong battle with the rare blood disease thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) also known as Moschcowitz Syndrome and lupus was the cause. Fans will remember the night-and-day weight loss fluctuations back in 2003, and how right before the end, he was performing in a wheelchair. Jay Dee was born James D. Yancey on February 7, 1974, in the musically and automotively proud town of Detroit, Michigan.More >>

​The contemporary world of metal is a funny place. It's a vast, deep musical genre in which some of the most creative expression is currently happening. At the same time, especially in its more obscure ends, it's one still strongly tied to traditions, rules, and even specific costumes. Mess with those in any way and risk ostracism. More >>

​ In November, local hip hop wordsmith Bleubird announced his Kickstarter project to fund the music video for "Pimp Hand" -- an ironically titled single about heartbreak off his new album, Cannonball!!!. After successfully reaching the $3000 goal, New Times was invited along for a wardrobe shopping adventure and given a behind the scenes look at the video shoot.

Playing off the song's title and drawing inspiration from 1970's blaxploitation films, the storyline follows Bleubird around town as a gaudy suit wearing, flashy car driving, black eye giving pimp. Shot on a vintage Canon 1014 xl-s camera using only Super 8 film, the music video captures the true essence of that raw '70s aesthetic. We'd tell you more about the video, but we don't want to ruin it. More >>

​You may remember both Bleeding Palm's hypnotic cat-laden graphics and Dino Felipe's intense performance, featuring a walker, at the County Grind Live Music show at Green Room. Even though the musical genius, and we don't use that word lightly, had twisted his ankle the night before at a Churchill's show, he sure as shit didn't miss our Green Room fiesta. More >>

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Black Cobra
Invernal
(Southern Lord Recordings)
blackcobra.net

Say what you will, but South Florida loves all of its children, whether they live here or not. I can't think of a better example of this at the moment than the almighty duo of Black Cobra. And that's not just because album opener "Avalanche" is hacking away at my rapidly deteriorating hearing this instant.

Currently calling San Francisco home, this band features the talents of drummer and multi-instrumentalist and ex-Acid King and 16 player Rafael Martinez and ex-Cavity axman Jason Landrian on guitar and vocals.

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​It can be either edifying or aggravating to see a couple who seem to be so perfectly in love frolicking together on the beach, so take the video accompanying local retro-pop duo Blonds' acoustic take on "Kite" with a warning. This will either drive your cold, lonely heart into a fit of jealousy, or perhaps you'll just roll over and gaze fondly at your boo for a minute or two.

As you might recall, Blonds is a new venture featuring Young Circles' Jordy Asher and his boo, Cari Rae. We have already given some shine to the retro-leaning Dark Roots EP, which came out in December. "Kite" in its original form is a shimmering, piano-driven production that rings out with the charm of tinsel and trim and paper valentines. Here, we hear a demo-like rawness.
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Photo by Monica McGivern

Surfer Blood performing at Respectable Street on New Year's 2012.

​It's not every day that a South Florida-bred band enjoys the mass-exposure of late-night television, but Surfer Blood will be beamed into millions of homes tonight via Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. According to the listings, our West Palm Beach indie rock stalwarts will share the evening with Mark Wahlberg and Jon "Napoleon Dynamite" Heder. Update: Watch the clip below.

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​Ah! The Holidays are upon us, again, and nothing makes me feel more at ease during this hectic season than cheery songs full of goodwill messages and warm, huggy feelings! It's true! Nothing makes the Holidays better than traditional songs sung around the fire in the company of family and good friends. While there might be some great holiday tracks you can take to the streets in the finest of your Victorian dress, my family prefers some less traditional fare with modern twists. You can rest assured we'll be singing these come Noche Buena over the crackling skin of pork in the Caja China! So from my family to yours, have yourselves a merry little punk rock Christmas!

Nothing says family better than this little ditty by my favorite all-Jewish rock and roll ensemble, The Ramones!

The Ramones - "Merry Christmas (I Don't Want to Fight Tonight)

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​ Evan Rifas has quietly become one of South Florida's greatest lyricists and perhaps her hardest working musician. With that in mind, I'm delighted to present his latest offering to the local musical landscape with this first video release for Weaving Through the Old World. Part busking, part travelogue, part street art, the basic premise is Evan traveling through Europe with guitar in hand.

While the music is the focus of attention, it is the places in which he performs that become as much a part of the work as the music itself. For this first video, "Against the Wind," Evan wanders seemingly aimlessly through a rather nondescript alley in Vienna we are to find out later once served as home to Mozart.

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These colors do run: O'Grime's L. Rey pounds the pavement to elude some violent bros.

​Anyone claiming to have just experienced a "brutal" weekend might want to step into Miami hip-hop/dubstep collective O'Grime's blood-stained shoes for a second.

So maybe your forehead's a tad sore from a bit too much Franzia, or someone left a scratch on the side of your 2008 Ford Focus, or maybe the line at whatever Art Basel party you were at was mad long. But did you get a baseball bat to the head? Are there brass knuckle tracks on your pancreas? Do you resemble Evander Holyfield after Mike Tyson went cannibal on his ear? Did you see a baby give another baby a tattoo? Nah, didn't think so.

Anyhow, you pack of voyeuristic nine-to-fivers, O'Grime's self-titled video -- set to some riotous thudding bass and cascading synths -- is the gateway to a serious bout with some "unforeseen circumstances" that look so real that you'll probably want to wipe down the computer screen by the end.

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