Prime Cuts: Choice Sounds for the Auditory Palette

Anderson Paak - Off the Ground

Type of Cut: Brisket

Maybe it’s just me, but this dude seems like he should be way more famous than he actually is. Yes, his latest album, ‘Malibu’ has garnered some pretty significant attention from blogs and indy music labels like SOULECTION (especially after his features on Dr. Dre’s 2015, ‘Compton’ album), but for some reason, his older stuff has flown under the radar. This track--the final track on his first LP called ‘Venice’, is a Disclosure-like house-tune with a twist. The track has a whole different groove thanks to the inclusion of the hi-hats in a triplet pattern...it kind of makes the track bounce in a way that just works. Pop this on at a trendy pregame or rooftop party and I guarantee that it goes down smooth.

- Your Local Butcher

A$AP Rocky - Yamborghini High (ft. A$AP Nast & A$AP Ferg)

Type of Cut: Rib-eye

I’m back at it and I mean business in 2016. I would be doing all of you the opposite of a “solid” if I were to not post this one (despite the hype its gotten). The A$AP mob pays tribute to the late A$AP Yams in the only way they know how: by creating a trunk-rattling anthem. The 808s on this are almost too much, and all three of the top dogs in the mob murder this beat with their own, signature flows. Pop this on at the squat rack for your bi-annual leg day, or on the way to work if you’re feeling the need to “turn up on some lames”.

- Your Local Butcher

FKJ - Better Give U Up

Type of Cut: Brisket

Yeah, yeah I know, I’ve been gone for a minute but now I’m back next to the butchers block with some delectable new offerings. This one comes from one of my favorite, funky, Frenchman--French Kiwi Juice (known to the commoners as ‘FKJ’). Dude always brings the heat, honestly. “Better Give U Up” is an original offering and it features tight production (surprise, surprise) and vocals that melt effortlessly over the instrumental. Mondays suck--but I guarantee that if you let this one slow cook while you move through your to-do list, it’ll make everything go down a bit more smooth.

- Your Local Butcher

Alpine - Damn Baby

Type of Cut: Kangaroo Steak

Gotta give credit where credit is due--shouts out to my dude Darren for the connect on this wonderful, Aussie band known as Alpine. The synth-pop outfit makes its PC debut with this wonderfully euphoric and synth-laden track from their latest EP, Yuck. When you listen to “Damn Baby”, if you can’t crack a smile, you’re probably not a real human being. The track is extremely uplifting and is definitely something different than our typical fare her on Prime Cuts--hence the new “Kangaroo Steak” label. If you’re feeling trendy, and you want to mix it up, pop this on before your next night out...preferably at a high volume.

- Your Local Butcher

Young Thug - Hey I 

Type of Cut: Mystery Meat

Okay, so some of you may not be Thugga fans, but, you cannot deny that this song proves that the guy does have a knack for creating infectious melodies. “Hey I” is a softer, melodic, made-for-the-stripclub banger off of Thug’s latest, critically acclaimed mixtape, Slime Season 2. Thug’s lyrics are out-there (as usual) and sometimes downright nasty (”...creamy...”? Ew dude.) in this track, but somehow this chorus gets stuck in your head. Shouts out to LondonOnDaTrack for crushing yet another beat that allows Thug to really come into his own (think “Lifestyle” with Rich Homie Quan). Pop this on at the post-game after a night out, or in the morning to add a little bounce in your step before you head out the door.

- Your Local Butcher

DAVE B - Cheap Sofa

Type of Cut: Carne Asada

Yes, yes--the weekend is indeed upon us. A lot of times, I like to post stuff on Fridays that people can turn to, but, this one is definitely a more laid-back jam. Seattle-based DAVE B comes through Prime Cuts with the refreshingly mellow and wavy vibes on this track off his new EP, Punch Drunk, called “Cheap Sofa”. This beat features a very modern guitar loop paired with DAVE B’s rap-sung lyrics. His sound reminds me of a cross between a bunch of people--a little Chance the Rapper, a little Bryson Tiller, and maybe even a touch of J. Cole. Bottom line, this song is perfect for a time when you’re in need of a Modelo with lime and a little tropical oasis. Viva la weekend.

- Your Local Butcher

kiiara - Feels (Hotel Garuda Remix)

Type of Cut: Flank 

Hotel Garuda is back and they are swinging for the fences with this cut right here. To me--this track sounds extremely mature for the young duo. The bass line is super clean and hits just hard enough while not being obnoxious and overbearing. The fact that kiiara’s vocals (Think “Gold”) are on top of this wonderfully crafted production certainly doesn't hurt. This track is great for a pregame with your trendy friends (or your friends that think they’re trendy because they own one pair of jogging pants) or a chill rainy evening--dealer’s choice. Could also be a good move for a slower morning when you’re just trying to start your day off on a mellow note, but still trying to listen to something that keeps things moving a little. 

- Your Local Butcher

Calvin Harris & Disciples - How Deep is Your Love (Sammy Porter Chilled Remix)

Type of Cut: Lean Rib-Eye

“I just found my tempo like I’m DJ Mustard (Woo!)” ~ Drake on “Jumpman”.

Yeah--similar scenario here. Looks like Sammy Porter found his tempo (which, is weirdly similar to the tempo range that DJ Mustard typically plays in) and crushed this remix. In stark contrast to the original track, concocted by house legends Calvin Harris & Disciples, Porter brings a low-key groove with an old-school, house, synth bass underneath. Lay those vocals over the top and it sounds more like a club banger than a “Chilled Remix”. Regardless, I like what I’m hearing from this man and I truly think you will too.

- Your Local Butcher

Kill J - You’re Good But I’m Better

Type of Cut: Mystery Meat

Ok this one is on the Hypem popular list too but I mean...damn! This track absolutely goes! Danish progressive pop diva, Kill J, comes thru with this highly creative and super fresh cut entitled, “You’re Good But I’m Better”. This track features one of the best intro beats I’ve heard in a minute, and overall--the production is phenomenal. If you’re down for something super different to freshen up your midweek grind, look no further than this track. 

- Your Local Butcher

SOFI TUKKER - Drinkee (Original Mix)

Type of Cut: Brazilian Steakhouse Mystery Cut

So this New York duo known as SOFI TUKKER came outta nowhere and smacked the internet in the head with this dance floor killer entitled, “Drinkee”. Usually I don’t like posting stuff that’s super popular on Hypem, but, I admittedly didn’t even look at Hypem before posting this and when I realized it was numero uno on their “Popular” list, I decided that I didn’t even care because this track is so hot. There’s something about that twangy guitar and that woman speaking foreign words into my ears that instantly drew me to this track, and I guarantee it’ll have you wrapped around it’s finger soon enough as well. Caipirinhas anyone?

- Your Local Butcher

X Ambassadors - Renegades (The Knocks Remix)

Type of Cut: NY Strip

Yup! Been waiting to post something from these legends again and boom--I got you. The Knocks are back in a big way with this awesome remix of X Ambassadors’ “Renegades”. I really love the way these guys blend sonic aesthetics--their stuff is both digital, while maintaining elements of analog. Their music slow enough to cruise to, but fast enough to dance to. It’s also dark, but not scary dark; not too dark to be funky. Alright, I’ll shut up now--just fire up the skillet with some olive oil and start searing this beautiful Strip and enjoy medium rare.

- Your Local Butcher

LeMarquis - Holding Me, Touching Me

Type of Cut: French Dip

Really digging this young Frenchman’s rendition of Allure x Nas’s classic, “Head Over Heels”. This track features Allure’s unmistakably 90s-era vocals and even Nas’ part for good measure over a funky, downtempo, and synth-heavy instrumental. This is the first I’ve heard from LeMarquis, but, I certainly will keep an eye on him moving forward--and you should too. It’s the last day of summer--get to a rooftop and play this to a group of trendy people--you’re only going to win in that scenario.

- Your Local Butcher

ZHU x AlunaGeorge - Automatic

Type of Cut: Filet

YUP. The mystery man of deep, dark & provocative house is back again in a big way. Ladies and gents--”Automatic”. This cut is a little bit lighter than Zhu’s dance anthem “Faded”, but it certainly doesn’t disappoint in the groove department. Take a funky, house rhythm, add Aluna’s wonderful vocals (and George’s production expertise), sprinkle in a little saxophone surprise at the end, cook medium rare: magic. Turn this one up to 11 at a rooftop party with some trendy people dressed in all black, or just play it at your next pregame and be ahead of the curve--dealer’s choice.

- Your Local Butcher

RÜFÜS - You Were Right

Type of Cut: Brisket

I’m back at it...well, I never really left, per say. Here’s a funky cut from the trendy Australian trio, RÜFÜS. Beyond their use of the umlaut for their name--the “two dots over the ‘U’ for you uncultured folk”--they also really know how to make a great contemporary pop/dance tune. This cut comes grill-ready with a nicely paced, danceable rhythm, a catchy chorus, and awesome synth work. This is a super versatile track--good for low-key gatherings, pregames or autumnal roof parties, if you’re so inclined. Crank up the heat and serve medium-rare.

- Your Local Butcher

Nicko Veaz ft. Widma - Won’t Let Go

Type of Cut: Brisket

So yeah, it kinda sucks that summer is winding down a bit, but, I live in the city and it is too damn hot and it’s starting to smell--so I’m kinda down for the incoming autumnal weather. Going along with that end of the summer vibe, I think Nicko Veaz and Widma’s “Won’t Let Go” pairs quite nicely with such an aesthetic. The whole track is great--don’t get me wrong--but that horn/saxophone breakdown is just so good. The great thing about this track is that it sounds different enough from all the crappy tropical house/sax house tunes out there right now, but maintains a level of “chill” and downtempo vibe that we’ve all come to love from the larger genre. Fire up that grill one last time and let this one cook nice and slow.

- Your Local Butcher

Arches ft. Karen Harding - New Love (Kokiri Remix)

Type of Cut: Brisket

Kokiri is back on Prime Cuts, this time with another bright piano remix of Arches’/ Karen Harding’s “New Love”. We’ve also supported Karen Harding’s work in the past--her track “Say Something”  was an absolutely massive tune from this past year. But back to the matter at hand--Kokiri is back, setting up proverbial “shop” in your ear drums with this end-of-summer club tune. The piano and bass work on this are literally incredible and surely will not disappoint those who appreciate house music in general. Pop this on while the weather is still warm--could be a great back-pocket (or front-pocket, honestly) play for this upcoming, long weekend.

- Your Local Butcher