Diplo tweeted a track earlier, amusingly claiming it was with a ‘promising young artist’, for it to be revealed as a new effort from none other than Usher. You probably figured that last part out from the title of this post.
The collaboration is a successful one too. Diplo’s served up a progressive production that has a quiet intensity in the verses, building slowly to what actually ends up being a gentle climax in the hook (calm down). It’s an effective twist that throws you off, and increasing awareness of the second layer of progression in the track, as it builds towards the final third, and once again, it switches to the slower style. Clever. Just as much credit goes to the evergreen Usher, whose vocal versatility draws you in time and time again on this one, with his work on the hook being a particularly good performance. One that threatens to be a club banger at times, but in each instance surpasses that ‘easy’ option for increased listenability.
Prior to this track, I either hated or loved Diplo remixes. It seems that hallowed ground of ‘it’s alright’ has finally been found, as this remix is decent. Switching out Travis’ rock-influenced production for an electronic blend of synths, various noises and a solid percussion, Diplo transforms the feel of the song into a futuristic style that’ll really appeal to the dance/electro heads.
Much praise is deserved for managing to completely revamp the beat and still making the raps fit nicely with the movement of the production. My natural lean toward hip-hop/rock means I was always going to prefer the original, but this is certainly a solid remix.
Sleigh Bells are one of those bands I keep meaning to check out, but always forget to. They’ve been buzzing for a while, and had a relatively successful debut album last year, recieving widespread critical acclaim.
Alexis’ catchy, airy vocals are put to fantastic use here over a blend of electro and alternative, as Diplo throws fast-paced drum sections next to slowed down synths for an exciting and addictive listen. Whilst the original attempted to blend the same two styles (plus pop), I’d recommend the remix below instead as the original sounded extremely cluttered and a little over-produced, whereas Diplo adds a much slicker and smoother vibe to the track that matches up with Alexis’ voice more accurately.
Ajay posted the original in his R&B Fridays: Episode 81 after Chris Brown leaked it on his Twitter a couple weeks ago. I absolutely adore the production on this from electro DJ’s Afrojack and Diplo: there have been a few tracks out recently over electro beats and I’m loving the whole movement.
Now Busta spazzed on the original, so when I saw that Twista had taken it on I couldn’t wait to hear what he’d come out with, though either way one thing was certain: it was going to be fire. It is. I honestly can’t tell you whose verse I prefer, but if I had to chose I’d say Twista possibly just takes it. One thing I do know though is the remix could have been so much better if either Brown’s or Lil’ Wayne’s verses were dropped and both Busta and Twista’s were left on.
Busta continues his return to form on this absolute banger from legendary electro DJ’s Tiësto and Diplo. I was already a fan of the track when Sway went in on it on his The Delivery 2 mixtape, and whilst it’s the type of track that suits the breakneck flows of either guy, Busta kills it.
As for the video itself, it’s exactly what you’d expect from this track. Set in a dark grimey warehouse club, there does appear some sort of storyline with what seems to be the ‘dance version’ of Medusa intent on hypnotising everyone into having dance offs (I can only dream to pull some of these moves off), whilst the rest of the club dances anyway. It’s not complicated, but then it doesn’t need to be. Thanks to James for the reminder on this one!
Two of the world’s best-loved smokers hook up for a track from Snoop’s upcoming More Malice. Therefore, it’s no surprise that the title of the track probably isn’t a reference to an oak tree they have mutual love for, or even a willow tree.
The more surprising part is that it’s actually produced by Diplo, so it’s a pretty dance-influenced beat and it works rather well. Cudi drops a really addictive hook, and takes on this beat quite well with a verse of his own. One worth checking out for sure.
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