Perspectives from the Left Coast (Playlist)

May they come back 'round soon

When InTheRough began to build, we wanted staff to be representatives of various cities across the country. Maybe our domestic footprint could turn into something international. Regardless, we wanted commentary, projects, and collaborations to feature progressive culture from different regions that would deliver through different perspectives. Pittsburgh is a huge focus, but so far actions in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., and London have captured our attention too.

Here L.A. staff pinpoints sonic tastes influenced by a growing musical environment in the west as well as popular sounds from elsewhere. 

Listen to "Bone Music" in The Last Artful, Dodgr and Neill Von Tally's New Single

The Last Artful, Dodgr and Neill Von Tally photographed by @tiki_mon

Look to the west, across the coast to Portland, specifically. Musically this area catches waves due to a jumping song called "Caroline" by Aminé. However, there is plenty of untapped talent in this region, and that is what is delivered here today.

Two artists by the names of The Last Artful, Dodgr and Neill Von Tally present a work they call "Bone Music." The description refers to the strong, rough synth sounds that hit with a certain hollowness, and the duo's upcoming album. Officially called "Oofda," the first single off the album is written and produced by Dodgr and Tally. The raw lyrics and additional production by Zip Zap Studios create a tough track with the right amount of grit that an audience could feed off of.

The hardened tone of "Oofda," thanks to vocalist The Last Artful, Dodgr, will carry over into her and Neill Von Tally's "Bone Music" project. Themes of the album focus on a blue-collar worker struggling with work and his relationships.

Listen to the interesting music below and keep up with Dodgr and Tally here and here.

Franchise - Corner The Market

Photo by David Newbury

There are benefits to a rap duo. Two musicians could present dynamic stories and styles packaged together in a cohesive unit backed by a joint fanbase. One of the more experienced pairs with an impressive musical catalog is Franchise and Vinny Radio of The Come-Up from Braddock, Pa.

While Franchise and Vinny Radio succeed together as a partnership, especially in mixtapes like "Visions From The Pacific," they also have solo outputs. How the two fare on their own is the focus of this piece, specifically Franchise and his new project "Corner The Market."

The first half of the record has some progressive, turnt sounds that some youths could relate to and enjoy. Expect glitzy musicality and rapid flows that show the mastery Franchise has in contemporary hip-hop. "50 Dimes," "Showtime," and "Confidential" provide the described energy.

Additionally, the second half of "Corner The Market" transitions to unveil a soulful and introspective side to Franchise. Listen to "Memories & Regrets" and "Real Estate."

What is so artful about Franchise and his mixtape is the control. He offers something for many people's ears whether it is a new school vibe or something chill that is pleasant to understand. He plays to popularities and maintains his sound utilizing a Pittsburgh cast, like Big Jerm and Sayez of I.D. Labs recording studio.

Altogether, Franchise delivers a strong effort to "Corner The Market," and you can listen to the music below.

Hole Things is "Free Doe Paid" from Taking Risks

Hole Things captured by Alex Young

"100 keys in the mail, I might be doin' life." Readers should know this statement comes from a risk-taker. The speaker, Hole Things, is in the game for rewards. He also moves to make music about the products of his life.

Hole Things, a born hustler, names "money, family, God, and the streets," as three important things to him. The streets are where this clever individual can spread his influence. Hitting situations in Atlanta, New York, and Pittsburgh, Hole Things carries the traits of someone who does whatever it takes to prosper.

Though Hole Things, also known as King Marlo, has sold out traps for years and has accumulated strong funds in the process, "music is the only thing in my life I haven't gotten rich off of," he says. Now he wants his rap career to send him into retirement from his grimy street life.

At this point, it has been six years since the rapper's last mixtape. Time in jail re-oriented Hole Things' priorities and halted his paper chase. His new project, "Free Doe Paid," is for the people and represents all of his spoils. "People want to know the trap life, the raw," he says.

Truly, the records on "Free Doe Paid" are tales about fast money. The man stuffs his pockets with wads of 'pink pussies' and 'blue bands,' slang for $50 and $100 bills. "This money is so easy to get to, but they don't want us to have it. They don't want us to come up."

Hole Things has survived long enough in a dangerous game because he is willing to do whatever is necessary. Most of his game is mental in keeping a low profile and stunting when necessary. However, when there is a snake in the grass, Hole Things and his Nation Of Gangsters will grip up to get physical.

While "Free Doe Paid" appears to be materialistic with raps about Fendi, raining cash, or big diamond rings, the music underlines Hole Things' enjoyment for all the rewards from his risky life. The message is that Hole Things sets up his operation to be "Free Doe Paid" with money, power, and respect.

Listen to the music on DatPiff here. Give "The Money" and "Hundreds" a sample.

DJ Motor Mane for Pittsburgh Sound in Blogordie's New Mix

DJ Motor Mane photographed by Daniel Kelly

DJs are powerful. They have the power of audio influence, mood, and musical selection or promotion. This power delivers on both national and local stages. Also, DJs can educate a population unaware of the music available to them produced by relatable talents, or of the numerous records that have the potential for popular enjoyment.

Overall, though, appreciation is held for the knowledge and skill a good DJ possesses.

Pittsburgh's DJ Motor Mane makes a name for himself in the city and across the country thanks to his proper music catalog and his membership as part of the Taylor Gang. While Motor could focus his song choice on national acts, he does well at supporting the 'Burgh's local hip-hop scene. He hosts shows throughout urban Pixburgh, and he has curated numerous mixtapes for the resident rap community, like "Motor Muzik."

Currently, he offers "that Pittsburgh sound to everybody who doesn't know what it sounds like," Motor says in his new mix for episode one of Blogordieradio. The city's influence can be heard start to finish with tracks from Chevy Woods' new mixtape "Gang Shit Only," from "underground boss" Truela Moses, and D. Yerk in "I Can't Take No More."

Along with exposing Pittsburgh, Motor Mane's goal here is to share new music, "some heard and some unheard." ITR staff likes "Omi Oma" by Indica and "On Go" by Surf. Thanks for putting the public on, Motor.