Back in May, Richmond, Virginia rapper/producer Nickelus F released the album Stuck. I’m a bit late to the party on this one but I can’t stop spinning it. ‘Horace Hardbody the Statue’ is such a heater. Shout-out to Ka for putting me on to this artist and shout-out to Lil Ugly Mane, who released a project with Nickelus F back in 2015 titled Trick Dice.
Chicago’s Cdot Honcho first caught my ear on Joey Purp’s project, Quarterthing, and upon discovering his SoundCloud, I saw that he had just released a project. H4 is the ten song album from the Windy City artist with features from Chief Keef and Lil Durk. It’s driving over the speed limit, punching you in the face, and absolutely annihilating your ear drums. What a ride.
“If you’re gone, why the fuck am I here?” … John Daniel aka sameflannel gives us ‘Survivor Guilt’ a tale about the pain of life after the death of a close friend or family member … Hit the track below, and keep an eye out for more from this Minnesotan youngin’ real soon!
After hearing Shedrick was putting out a new book we got inspired to start covering more artistic projects besides video and music releases. For our first non-music feature we are focusing on Shedrick Pelt and ‘2009 and Beyond’ a photography book that compiles some of his finest and most intriguing shots from over the last ten years.
Some of you may know Shedrick has a little history with the label. First introduced through the longtime homie Supa of Sortahuman; we met the fellow Huntsvillian (Shedrick) and his brother Dizzy D when they came up to Nashville in 2012 to support and document a rare occasion. Sortahuman and Dizzy D opened with a set at a show with headliner Riff Raff in a now-defunct boutique shop in downtown Nashville. Footage from this night can be seen in the Sortahuman X Dizzy D collab video for “BOUT THAT.” (Also Shot and edited by Shedrick) We’ll save the finer details of that wild night out for another time. You can get a good idea of the amount of debauchery from the intro alone…
We worked with him for a good portion of our early releases and he helped develop the standard we set and try to break with every release. He was with us from the first release “Supasonic’ (Supa Sortahuman X Shawn Kemp) and we eventually put out ‘Pine Grove’ by his bro Dizzy D and we have worked with him as recently as our release for Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire ‘Live Forever.’ Shedrick was working with him as a photographer at the time and approached us about a rare release opportunity and he secured that addition to the Candy Drips catalog.
Before and after his time helping Candy Drips Shedrick was busy grinding and building his brand and resume as not only a go-to graphic artist but also as a sharpshooting photographer as well. SdotPdotmedia has done a lot over the last decade. From small business features to shooting live sporting events and concerts he is always taking the initiative to approach his subjects from all angles. He keeps his focus on unique marketing materials while maintaining his roots and always aims to grow within art communities on both underground and main-stream levels. His talents also extend to product promotion and video production. He really is capable of handling a whole marketing campaign from concept to execution and every physical element along the way.
“The book, 2009 and Beyond, is a visual journey through my history as a music photographer and with emerging and world-class artists. Documenting the culture has always been about “boots on the ground”. Whether in DC, New York, Austin, or Berlin, street level is where I want to be – not watching from afar or sitting behind a Mac screen. Right in the mosh pit or on top of a garbage can to get the perfect angle. Images found in this book will give you a glimpse into what it looks like through my lens. I’ve been blessed to revel in many precious seconds and document a culture that is highly exposed, heavily attended, but rarely experienced.” – s.pelt
Check this video out of Shedrick’s visit to SXSW in 2013.
With over 120 photos of some of our favorite artists, artists we’ve seen go from underground heroes to super star status like Kendrick Lamar or Vince Staples to underground underrated taste makers like SpaceGhostPurrp and Main Attrakionz; ‘2009 and Beyond’ is one to cop for the culture! This release is inspiring for us and we all know that’s the reason we do any of this; rap, draw, create and build; to express and inspire! Follow Shedrick and his adventures over the last few years from more intimate concerts to major events like SXSW.
If you move fast you may be able to score a free long sleeve shirt with your purchase of the physical book! Shirts feature some mono-print versions of pictures from the book. The shirts were made in collaboration with and include original designs on the sleeves from Trill City. Sizes and colorways are limited. ALSO For a limited time let’s say through the end of September, we will honor a 50% discount off your order on our web store. Email us proof of purchase for ‘2009 and Beyond’ at ([email protected]) and use the code “SDOT2009” before making your payment!
We want to do the most for independent artists who are helping to build a scene and document the experiences of these efforts to share with those who support us and our vision and we want to do the most for those supporting them and us! Look forward to seeing similar discounts in the future. Check out some more photos of the book below and fresh pics of the pre-order shirts as well!
Because you need more beats in your system. This eight and a half minute project from Ottawa producer socctrainlofi blends lofi instrumentals with an atmospheric ambiance. Meredith acts as a nice escape when you only have ten minutes to get away.
Chicago poet/writer/MC Mick Jenkins is moving at 100mph. After releasing two free EPs, he then dropped the loose single “Bruce Banner”, a bar-heavy heater produced by Nez & Rio. All of these releases act as further anticipation for Jenkins’ upcoming album, which should be arriving this year. He’s doing one hell of a job holding us all over until then. If you need more, be sure to check out his last two EPs, in particular the track “Earl Sweatshirt Type Beat.”
I found this project on a rap message board and knew it was worth checking out after seeing the POW Recordings affiliation. The eight song album, Do or Die, acts as my introduction to the Hammond, Indiana rapper, who has gained past acclaim with a series of grainy videos released through Elevator. Sounding a bit like the past and a bit like the present, Vince Ash is the newest Midwestern rapper to hold my attention.
In the last month, San Antonio artist Nicodxmvs has released four songs. Tagging them as ‘trance’ and ‘triphop’, the electrified pieces are equal parts cinematic and haunted. Industrial and ambient. Transcendental.
After dropping two instrumental tracks, “Self-Affirmation” and “Emotional Intelligence”, he followed with the hypnotizing number, “Compassion” with vocalist Grapefruit. The song is described as “a new understanding.”
His newest track is “Forgive”, which is his first offering with vocals, showcasing a new element for the multitalented musician. While we still bump Nicodxvms and Western Tink’s 2016 album, Isolation, as well as his solo album, Fall From Grace, it’s great to see a slew of new tracks from the Texas artist. Candy Drips hopes for much more to come.
Atlanta’s own Thouxanbanfauni (aka Thouxan) released the fourteen track project Requiem last week. Thumping down the street and steady energy, this is one that demands a good set of speakers or headphones. If you need more, be sure to check out the visuals for the track “Wide Awake”.
After releasing the EP 78 Season at the top of this year, St. Paul, Minnesota artist Lerado Khalil followed it up with the eight song album Shark Fin Soup. Blending trap music with video game vibes, the hashtag “Mildly Happy” is all too fitting with this release. The tracks “I Tried” and “Bark” go so hard. Sheesh.