Jay-Z & Kanye’s “Niggas In Paris” has been blowing up clubs since it was released as a single back in September, so it’s kind of crazy (or “cray” as Kanye would say) that they are just now releasing a video. Filmed at the L.A. Staples Center during the December 13 date of the Watch The Throne Tour, the video is live footage chopped in with insane visuals like panthers, cityscapes, topped off with this mirroring effect. Oh, and keep an eye out for Kanye’s ridiculous leather kilt-thing.

It’s one of the most original (and bizarre) videos I’ve seen in a long time, and I absolutely love it.

WARNING: This video could cause epileptic seizures, so maybe don’t watch it standing up. That shit cray.

Sorry, the embed code isn’t working, but you can check it here: “Niggas In Paris” [Video]

Maybe one of the most epic hip hop songs of all time, Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” was as inescapable in the 90s as Coolio’s ridiculous-ass hair. It even got its own Weird Al parody, “Amish Paradise,” that also became a huge hit (much to Coolio’s dismay). The video for “Gangsta’s Paradise” was just as iconic as the song. Originally recorded for the Dangerous Minds soundtrack, it features Michelle Pfiefer having a stare-down with a dark and ominous Coolio, and L.V. having steam blown in his face (for effect?).

Everything about this song screams “This is one of the greatest f*cking hip hop songs of ALL time,” and you’d be hard-pressed to argue.

Our buddies over at Austin Town Hall will be having another one of their “Council Meeting’s” aka wild and unadulterated dance parties this Friday at The North Door.  If you haven’t stopped by this dark East-side bar quite yet, you are missing out on Tamale Molly and one strong “Son of a Gun” whiskey drink.  This dance party will also be celebrating DJ Ray Ray’s birthday, and it’s FREE! (Merch made the poster, recognize what the image is?)

It’s been quite some time since M.I.A. released any new tracks, and I’m glad to see she’s back to her old self. Not taking herself too seriously, “Bad Girls” showcases M.I.A.’s world music and hip hop influence and laid-back flow.

M.I.A. | “Bad Girls” [mp3]

Regardless of a completely insane person (like taking a limousine to collect his welfare check while he still had an album in the Top-10), the ODB was unstoppable in the 90s. Even after numerous arrests that concluded in jail time, getting shot on multiple occasions, and (not really) taking care of his 13 children, Ol’ Dirty Bastard is still regarded as a legend of hip hop. “Got Your Money” was his highest-charting (solo) single, and featured Kelis (who would later do that stupid “Milkshake” song) and production by The Neptunes (who, as both producers and two-thirds of N.E.R.D., would continue to kick-ass for eternity).

The video for “Got Your Money” is basically 4-plus minutes of the 70s blaxploitation film, Dolemite, with a wigged ODB and Kelis mixed in. Dirt McGirt, you will be missed.

A DAY Show for Esme will be held in honor of the young lady who worked at Waterloo Records, and who recently lost her life.  You can read her story here on Waterloo’s site. Performers include Knife in the Water, Ted Leo, December Boys, Simple Circuit, and Literature.  The show will be January 28th, 2:00pm at Beerland. Buy tickets here.

Esme was a great gal, and you can see her funny sense of humor in this video:

Our favorite Philly diva, Santigold, is back with a new single (and a ridiculously 90s-quality video). “Big Mouth” offers Santigold’s signature world music-meets-new wave sound, and she even takes a jab at Lady Gaga (in the video a Lady Gaga-like mermaid is eaten by a cartoon tiger… excellent!). It’s good to know after 2+ years without releases, Santigold is bringing back the flavor.

Look out for a new album this Spring.

We’re reaching pretty far back into the Outkast catalog with this one, but ATLiens (the album) was Outkast’s first true taste of chart-topping success. “ATLiens” (the song) is still considered one of their best tracks (and one of my personal favorites). It came out when Outkast was still putting out laid-back southern jams with slick flows.

Now, if only the rumors of an upcoming Outkast reunion (and album) ring true, we’ll all be sayin’ “Oh-yay-yerr”

Hot on the heels of At The Drive-In announcing a comeback after 11 years of silence, they are listed among the artists playing this year’s Coachella Music Festival in Indio, California.

I’m extremely pumped about this year’s line-up, not only because of my love for At The Drive-In, but Justice, Radiohead, Avicii, Calvin Harris, Arctic Monkeys, a Dr. Dre/Snoop Dogg collab set, and Santigold will all be there. Not to mention Madness and Jimmy Cliff (some favorites from my rude-boy days).

And I wouldn’t put it passed Coachella to announce some huge surprise headliner the closer we get to the festival in April (i.e. Prince a few years ago). My predictions? Daft Punk, My Morning Jacket, Kanye West/Jay-Z collab.

EDIT: This is a TWO-WEEKEND event. I have no idea what the schedule of bands will look like, or if each band will perform each weekend. This does complicate things for those who won’t be able to stay in California at the end of April for a full week.