Soundclouds of the Underground: Iconic Edition


ABOVE: DJ JOEY LABEIJA. PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIC JOHNSON.

These days, music truly lives online, with an infinite number of websites dedicated to hosting tunes for the laptop-wielding masses. However, the web’s bottomless pit of blogs isn’t the only place to troll for mp3 treasures—some of the newest and most exciting (Internet-friendly) artists can be sought out via Soundcloud, the online stage that allows musicians to promote and distribute their music to fans and friends across the globe. In this weekly column, expert Internet sleuth Alex Chapman goes into the depths of the music-sharing site, in hopes of shedding light on emerging acts, as well as sharing some digital diamonds in the rough.

This Saturday marks the highly anticipated return of the Iconic party series, a monthly event thrown by creative director Shawn Leigh and DJ Joey LaBeija. LaBeija will also headline this week’s installament of the event at Brooklyn’s Cameo Gallery. The lineup is truly a showcase of New York’s best and brightest emerging artists, and what better way to introduce them by including some of their hottest cuts below.

Joey LaBeija: “The Sounds of Iconic Promo Tape”

Who: A member of the famed House of LaBeija, arguably the first vogue-ing house to exist, LaBeija’s sets are rich with culture and eccentric in style, seamlessly integrating futuristic producers like Nguzugunzu (who recently featured the young talent in a mix) and R&B classics like Missy Elliott.

The Song: Missy, Eve, Cakes Da Killa and a host of others are featured on LaBeija’s most recent mix, a true testament to his tactful blend of international sounds from past and present. Dembow, baile funk, Rap and R&B all get some shine in this eclectic collision of cool sounds, a sure sign of what’s to come this Saturday.

Current Project:
Keep up with Joey via his Tumblr.


LSDXOXO: “SadEmoji”

Who: Slowly becoming the premiere producer for New York’s hottest acts, the aggressive and intricate LSDXOXO’s most recent release Whorecore showcases his sound—a gloomy, hypnotic combination of hard-hitting juke, industrial vogue, and pop culture savvy (see his sampling of Rihanna on “IndustrySexxxxxSlave”).

The Song:
Featuring a choice vocal loop from Lee Mazin’s “Back It Up,” LSD creates a melancholic dancefloor jam. With attacking percussion and distance synths abound, you won’t know whether to sulk or twerk upon hearing this track—it’s probably best to try both.

Current Project:
Stay in tune with LSDXOXO on Facebook and see him at Iconic.

Jay Boogie: “Thirsty”

Who: Since the subtle release of his epic yet understated video for “6 Speed,” talented rapper Jay Boogie has been marked as one to watch. Boogie’s rhymes go straight for the jugular, as can further be observed in his video for “Nigga What,” wherein he drops lines like “Comin for blood like an emo with a slit wrist.”

The Song: Another track crafted by LSDXOXO (for his Softcore EP released earlier in the year), “Thirsty” hits hard while maintaining a laid back sensuality with a smooth hook. The producer knew he had to bring out the big guns for Boogie, who assertively spits alongside the track in perfect synch.

Current Project:
You can grab Jay Boogie’s Pretty Spitta on Bandcamp.

Soundclouds of the Underground runs every Thursday. For more, click here.