Lupe Fiasco is working hard these days to prove to the world that he is the best. On a mission “to get that status and lock it in” Lupe is coming out with a mixtape for Thanksgiving entitled “Enemy Of The State: A Love Story”. Inspired after not making the top 10 list for MTV’s Hottest MCs In The Game, the man is going to prove himself in every aspect of his professional life. On the real, Lupe deserved to be close to the top of that list. That being said, we’re glad he’s motivated to put out a bunch of new stuff before moving onto a new alias.

“I’m finnin’ to house every single mode and arena I can get into,” Fiasco promised. “If y’all had somewhere where it’s live performances, I’m finnin to have the best live performances. If it’s mixtapes, I’m finnin’ to have the best mixtapes. If it’s albums again, it’s gonna be the best verse. If it’s the best dressed, I’m going hard as well.”

And we’re finnin’ for you, Lupe.

Tony Hawk continues to hold it down for Quiksilver and the world. He continues to ride after changing the face of skateboarding and bringing it to the masses. Here’s a video of highlights from his recent showcase in Paris. It’s slightly mind blowing so pay attention. Also take note of skateboards being switched mid air, women making skate history and Tony Hawk landing a 900 degree turn.

Because it’s AJ’s favorite Major Lazer song…

Kidz In The Hall are worth listening to simply because they have one of the best rap-crew names of all time (Danger Crew aside). In preparation for their new album Land of Make Believe, which is dropping in March, they’ve come out with a free E.P. The album, Professional Leisure Tour, is sponsored by LRG and is dropping on December 8th. Here’s a track that came out a bit early that just has that perfect flow. The arrogance-infused track sounds excellent over Grizzly Bear’s Two Weeks. Enjoy.

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DOWNLOAD: Kidz In The Hall – Grizzly Man

We’ve been excited for the Tim Burton Exhibition at MoMA, which starts today and goes onto April 26th. In anticipation of the event, MoMA has released a video which includes several drawings from Burton as well as interview covering some of his perspectives on life. It’s super interesting to hear the man’s perspective on his fear of normalcy, striped socks and being in somebody’s mind. Also a reminder: pursue what you enjoy and live the dream.

Last night I was able to see the blogosphere’s biggest/brightest rising star, Neon Indian, in concert. I was impressed in a multitude of ways.

I like to think they are the originators of the newest scene/sound in music (the 70s-inspired-nostalgia-fueled-cassette tape-distortion-loving-dance-rock), and seeing them live proved that besides being the innovators of the sound, they also do it the best. All their songs took on a new life, filled with more energy and less distortion (but just as much delay).

Despite an all ages crowd that seemed uncomfortable with moving their limbs, I found it difficult not to dance/awkward white-man sway and bob while holding a drink. It is hard to pick a highlight of the set, but “Should Have Taken Acid With You” is always a great song to listen to and the intro of the lead singer asking the crowd who was on acid and having one woman who did not at all look like she had taken it raise her hand, seemed like an earnest attempt to show the band some appreciation for such a great show. The only complaint I could imagine would be the rather short set, but with only one CD released, it’s hard to expect anything more.
Once they finished, the band came off stage and mingled with the crowd, meeting with fans while we all waited for Neon Indian frontman Alan Palamo to get behind the turntables for a DJ set under his other moniker VEGA. I had a chance to meet the majority of them and they all were extremely nice and gracious which only added to my appreciation for them.

I’m pretty much a 70 year old man in a 24 year old’s body, so by the time he got on, I was dreaming of creamed corn and naps instead of cutting a rug. However, it was still an enjoyable set that was worth sticking around for (not a pointless afterthought like it is for most bands).

Overall, it was a perfect live show; confirming a rising stars worth while showing they could add a new dimension to their sound when seen live. For your listening pleasure we have a special selection of our favorite Neon Indian and VEGA songs.

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DOWNLOAD: Neon Indian – Should Have Taken Acid With You

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DOWNLOAD: Neon Indian – Terminally Chill

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DOWNLOAD: Neon Indian – Mind, Drips

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DOWNLOAD: VEGA – All Too Vivid

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DOWNLOAD: VEGA – No Reasons

BONUS: Alan Palamo also used to front a band called Ghosthustler that was pretty great. If you like the above you may be down for what’s below.

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DOWNLOAD: Ghosthustler – Parking Lot Nights

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DOWNLOAD: Futurecop! – Transformers (Ghosthustler Remix)

A.P.C. is still holding it down as one of the best labels around. One of their latest pieces departs from their simple aesthetic as they drop some embroidery on one of their classic denim jackets. The new look is the result to some influence from Olympia Le Tan. Jean Touitou sheds some light on the piece, ”Olympia is a friend who had the idea of embroidering the back of our classic denim jackets. The embroidery pattern bears the words ‘people never notice anything, the heart is a lonely hunter.’ I asked her to entrust us with these embroideries so we could use them on our jackets and add an extra.” You can grab it at A.P.C. stores in January.

Here’s a video animated by Rob Shaw. His interpretation of the battle between man and machine is haunting in it’s simplicity. Check it and enjoy.

So apparently I’ve been living under a rock. DatA released his new album “Skywriter” completely unbeknownst to me. I do have one song from it though and its pretty epic. I will be checking out the rest of the album very soon and I suggest you do the same. In the meantime grab “One In a Million” and ponder why the French are so ridiculously good at making electronic music.

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DOWNLOAD: DatA – One In a Million

BONUS: DatA’s remix of Tepr’s “Minuit Jacuzzi” is one of the best “classic” blog house tunes to come out this decade. Even though it came out years ago, I still listen to it on the regular and even played it out at a club just a few weeks ago. It still receives a great reaction. I’m sure most of you already have it but if you somehow missed it make sure not to make the same mistake twice.

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DOWNLOAD: Tepr – Minuit Jacuzzi (DatA Remix)

JAM HOME MADE & ready made have brought back our childhood in some grown up packaging. The classic Mickey Mouse watch where his arms tell you the time has been upgraded to a chronograph and it looks slick in black metal. It’s available now through rumors.