New Releases: Mic Write x Blak Smith

Today at midnight Cold Men Young's own, Mic Write and Blak Smith released their HAWK for the fans, to say its dope is an understatement. These guys never disappoint whether its as a collective or solo. They keep bringing the heat.

Check it out here:
www.coldmenyoung.com

Support Michigan Hip Hop at SXSW

Here at Identical Variant, we pride ourselves on being a part of all things dope. We are proud and honored to say that two of the artist that we sponsor have been invited to perform at this years SXSW. Jon Connor and JYoung the General, we can't begin to say how proud we are of you guys. If you don't know what SXSW is (South by Southwest Music Festival) has helped launch the careers of some of very popular names in music like Amy Winehouse, Yelawolf, M.I.A.
All we can say to that is Michigan stand up!!!





We are asking for your help to get the Blat Pack a little closer to their dream, they've been invited to do two sets. Opportunities like this don't come around everyday. Help us, help Blat. Every penny goes directly toward supporting this group of amazing artists and producers fulfill a lifelong dream of performing at a festival of SXSW’s caliber.

I have heard too many times that there is nothing good coming out of Michigan and that couldn't be further from the truth, I know for a fact these are just a few of the gems that Michigan has to offer. Lets show the rest of the country, how Michigan is doing it. You guys are really putting on. Every penny helps, donate and pass the word!

Here is how you can help:



Don't just take my word for how dope they are check out their music and judge for yourself I promise you its money well spent. All of the information on is on the kickstarter page. Thank you in advance!

Kopelli - Caught My Eye (f. Akira) (Prod. By The Olympicks)

Smack Kingston here. Now we here at Identical Variant are all about love. And so is Kopelli of Cold Men Young. That's why on Valentine's Day, the day of super loving, his new single "Caught My Eye" featuring Akira and produced by The Olympicks is perfect noise for you and your significant other. So sit back, pop some wine, light the candles you got on sale from Walmart, and listen to the smooth stylings of Kopelli.

Where We Gonna Go??

Every once in a while, something seemingly average ends up striking you in a really dope way that you can't explain. Much like Identical Variant did to me. This also happens plenty times in music. Granted, we all sometimes fall victim to the glitz and glamor of videos... but when music and visuals are done just right, it doesn't take much outside of being simple and to the point for the spark.

The right angle here... a quick shot there... a glimpse of an object... a spec of color.... words laid flawlessly over a stunning visual.

That's actually the feeling I got as I watched the video for "Where We Gonna Go" by Tabi Bonney feat. Lykke Li for the first time. Not only are the vocals from Lykke Li powerful in their own subtle way, Tabi didn't disappoint either. Throw in a beautiful, curvaceous woman, raw & simple camera shooting... and to me it wins. Beautiful video. Give it a look-see.

To download the whole Tabi Bonney mixtape click here

B. Corder Episode IV

Check this guy out..... I'm a man of few words.



-JP

Blaksmith X Mister X Dr. B = Passalacqua

I know all my hip hop heads will love me for this one

The Blaksmith, of Cold Men Young, has been in the lab working on the amazingness known as Passalacqua (not sure how to pronounce it) but its dope. Its a collaborative effort between Mister, Blaksmith and the production done by Dr. B. Musically and creatively, this Ep is amazing, it has a smooth, soulful, jazz feel but its pure hip hop!! The production is amazing. The sound is definitely different but it can be appreciated. If you are a fan of music you will love it. Lyrically its on another level.





To call it great would be an understatement. This 6 track EP will have listener itching for more. Blak's and Mister's voices utilize the beats in such a melodic way and the chemistry is amazing. We can all appreciate classic, timeless music that people of all ages can relate to, though its only 6 tracks its something to be said when 6 tracks can be this powerful, its definitely worth a download. I can continue to analyze it, but that would take all day

Don't just take my word for it, check it out, get your daily fix of dope and download it here, donate a lil something to the continued creation of great music:

Passalacqua www.tomandbootsy.com

Here's A Sample Saturday Joint...

It's that time folks & fellow IV heads... dopeness for your ears. I call this "Sample Saturday" because this track offers a sample of another dope song. Warner Brother's XtotheV lays some verses that a music fan can appreciate on this track titled, "Smallville". This Kansas rapper (yeah, I said Kansas) has been around for a good while and is still creating a nice little buzz for himself. This track is produced by Mr. J Cole and is pretty damn fly with a nice little sample of "To Forgive" by Smashing Pumpkins (a favorite of mine). I can rock to it. Hopefully you can too. Ride to it & tell me you don't feel it.

Keep him on the radar.

Click Here To Download

Follow XV on twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/xtothev