Nov 23
AOTW :: NinjaSonik
Ritch Scott Artist of The Week, Music November 23, 2008| icon3No Comments »

Yet another great Brooklyn Band gets the honor of Artist of The Week here at Rat Riot. The self-dubbed Crunk-Punk trio Ninjasonik has been dominating the NY party scene for some time. Individually, DJ TeenWolf and Rev McFly have been spinning records and rocking parties for more than a few years; and now, partnered with rapper Telli Gramz, they are Ninjasonik.

Ninjasonik has grown to be infamous in the Brooklyn DIY community. Dirty dancing, booty dropping, crowd surfing, freestyle filled nights all make for a live Ninjasonik show. And with the release of their “Tight Pants EP”, it’s official: Ninjasonik has arrived!

“This tight pants thing isn’t even just about tight pants. its about being different. For years every kid in the hood that refused to dress in the ‘hip hop’ uniform of baggy jeans and white t’s has been shitted on and when they wore tight pants, some motherfuckers had the nerve to go say some shit like ‘look at this tight pants wearing ass nigga’ . . . fuck the haters tho . . . that’s why we made the song . . . to say we are proud of who we are.”

You can take a listen to their newest songs, and peep their I Dont Care If She Has A.I.D.S mixtape as well as a video interview after the jump. (Don’t forget to also take a peep at thier latest music video, in the right hand corner of the site)

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Image Via Circus

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Nov 16

Artist of the Week: Chester French, the Harvard educated duo that has been causing a commotion throughout the year has finally released their first album, She Loves Everybody, this past week. Maxwell Drummey and D.A Wallach originally made headlines for rejecting a record deal from Kanye West back in late 2007, and instead signed with Pharrell’s Star Trak Entertainment. Since, they have been gaining a fan base by touring clubs around the US and Europe, and the singles on their new album are a testament to what they have seen.

The album is a solid effort, but fell short of impressing me, although songs like Jimmy Choo’s, L.A. Girls, & People, were certainly reminiscent of Rock’s softer days (1960’s). I enjoyed the track Fall Back featuring Talib Kweli ad Res, but was a bit unsure about whether the song would cross over for listeners who might perceive them as trying too hard. All in all, the album gets 3 out of 5 Stars. Take a listen to some tracks below.

Jimmy Choo’s

Fall Back Featuring Talib Kweli & Res

People

She Loves Everybody

Image Courtesy of Chester French

Nov 9

The brain child and project of Brookly based DJ Andy Butler, Hercules & Love Affair have gained global recognition in the past six months for their unique techno ispired sound, and stylish look. Featured in Chanel’s Fall/Winter 2008 runway show, the band catapolted to the top of the European Music Charts in the past six months with the release of their self-titled debut album.

I must admit, I am in love with the album, and you should be too. I heard they’re pretty dope live as well. Hopefully I’ll be able to attend a show! :). For now check out some of these dope records! Their latest music video for You Belong! Dig It!

Easy

This is My Love

Roar

Blind

Image Courtesy of Hercules & Love Affair

Oct 31

The Swedish beauty Lykke Li, who is slowly gaining world wide attention with her latest album Youth Novels (released this past May), is RAT RIOT’s Artist of the Week. The 21-year-old hipster goddess is taking over slowly but surely. Raised in India, Marrocco, & Sweden, her music reflects many genres of influence. Her new single, Im Good, Im Gone, is one of my favorite indie records of the fall. Her soft melodic voice, catchy lyrics, and tambourine riddled beats take listeners to another place.

Here are a few tracks from her debut album. My favorite is Dance Dance Dance. Its simple, yet complex. Anyways, her newest video is also our feature video of the week. Its AMAZING! :) Visit ITUNES to purchase her album

Im Good, Im Gone

Dance Dance Dance

Everybody But Me

Photograph Courtesy of Lykke Li