THE 5TH ELEMENT MAGAZINE

Jun 19

Quasimoto – Yessir, Whatever

What were you doing 12, 13 years ago? Back then, Madlib was making music. Those days, the enigmatic Oxnard-native was busy releasing an experimental Hip-Hop classic known as The Unseen. Through this album, Madlib slowly but surely introduced the Hip-Hop world to his animated alter ago, Quasimoto, with another full-length album following in 2005. Yet, little did any of us know that during that 12-year time frame, Madlib was also cooking up some tracks for his latest effort, Yessir, Whatever, which dropped yesterday. Read more

Jun 18

Jam On It: TiRon & Ayomari – “The Wonderful Prelude Pt. 2″

Jam On It: TiRon & Ayomari -

Kanye’s Yeezus and J. Cole’s Born Sinner have taken up the majority of the spotlight on Tuesday’s music release day. However, a few other gems like TiRon & Ayomari’s The Wonderful Prelude Pt. 2 dropped as well. The second installment in the West Coast duo’s The Wonderful Prelude EP series looks to be another solid offering based on the previous installment of TWP and their quality musical catalog. So for those that are familiar with how good TiRon & Ayomari’s songs can be, then trust that this latest release will not disappoint. Stop by their Bandcamp page HERE to check it out.

Jun 18

J. Cole and the ‘Dollar & A Dream’ Tour

J. Cole and his 'Dollar & A Dream Tour'

What can you do with a dollar and a dream? For North Carolina emcee J. Cole, his possibilities have no bounds. Intended to promote today’s release of his sophomore album, Born Sinner, J. Cole began his ‘Dollar & A Dream’ tour last week. Unlike other tours, J. Cole has taken a different approach to offer his fans an exclusive and intimate experience. Read more

Jun 17

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Snoop’s “Way of the Dogg” Video Game Hits iOS

Snoop Lion's new video game, Way Of The Dogg, hits iOS

For all you gamers and Snoop ~~Dogg~~ Lion fans out there, your prayers have been miraculously answered now that his new video game, “Way of the Dogg”, has seen the light of day. Available for iOS only at the moment, (Android loyalists will have to wait until later this Summer) you get the chance to experience Snoop’s top jams within a unique rhythm-action, beat-matching combat experience – sort of like any other night at the club, especially when you find yourself grindin’ up on another dude’s lady. Hit the jump for some screen shots of the game! Read more

Jun 17

Brick & Mortar: Bespoke Cut and Sew

Brick & Mortar: Bespoke Cut & Sew

The good folks over at Bespoke Cut and Sew have taken their hat customizing talents to a physical shop in Downtown Santa Ana, California. In this edition of Brick & Mortar, we highlight the first physical location of Bespoke Cut and Sew, boasting an impressive array of hat selections and hat customization options. They’re a definite welcome addition to the burgeoning scene that’s been causing plenty of excitement in Downtown Santa Ana’s East End section.
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Jun 17

Who is Molly? Why Is She Here?

Early this year Trinidad James had an anthem that banged at every party, with a particularly memorable line from it that went, “Popped a Molly, I’m sweatin. HOOOOOO!” It became an instant quotable that had just about everybody screaming along every time the song came on.

Kendrick Lamar’s video for “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe” concludes with the mysterious words, “Death to Molly”.

Tyga released a hit song entitled, “Molly”.

What is going on?
Read more

Jun 16

Jay-Z + Rick Rubin + Timbaland + Pharrell + Swizz Beatz + Samsung = Magna Carta Holy Grail

Samsung scored a huge coup with their latest partnership with a who’s who in hip hop. In their latest spot, we catch a behind the scenes look at Jay-Z working on his upcoming album, Magna Carta Holy Grail, which in a move that is so appropriately Jigga, is set to drop on the 4th of July. Read more

Jun 16

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ABC News – “Sneakerheads: Inside the World of High-Stakes Sneaker Trading”

ABC News Nightline recently did a story on the world of limited-edition sneakers, though in doing so sheds light on both ends of the sneakerhead spectrum. On one end they highlight the world of resellers and hypebeasts, while on the other, as represented by the legendary DJ Clark Kent himself, we see the purist’s perspective on how the sneaker game is nowadays. Watch as the video touches on both the positive and negative aspects of sneaker collecting, sneaker selling/trading conventions and the shifts by brands like Nike toward online-only release strategies. Though the story could have featured more on sneakerheads’ actual love of the shoe and collecting, instead of the actual hussle of the sneaker trade, it does capture the reality that the sneaker culture is in these days.

Jun 16

Hip-Hop Dedications to Dads

Being the compulsive list-maker I am, I had to jump on the opportunity to compile a list of tunes proper for Father’s Day, but this proved to be a daunting task. Let’s face it, guys. In the arena of Hip-Hop tribute songs, moms have the edge over dads by a huge margin. But that doesn’t mean dads go entirely unnoticed. Common’s dad makes a guest appearance on several of his records. Nas frequently collaborates with his jazz musician father, Olu Dara. Additionally, these four artists, each with a completely different approach, have crafted songs based on the importance of the fathers and father figures in their lives.

Jun 15

Jam On It: Jonwayne – “Notes to Myself”

Fundamentals. They’re necessary in all aspects of life; from work, to sports, to relationships, to, of course, music. Lately I’ve been going back to the basics, and craving some fundamental solid flows and sweet beats. As we all know, cravings don’t go away, which is why I was pleased to find this new track from Jonwayne. Clocking in at just under 2 minutes, “Notes to Myself” features a vintage J Dilla beat and Jonwayne’s signature flow, noted most recently during his take of Pusha T’s “Numbers on the Boards.” The track is a precursor to Jonwayne’s upcoming mixtape and full-length album, and it’s so simple, yet so effective. Check it out, and be sure to also catch Jonwayne live at the Stones Throw “Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton” Premiere Party on June 20 at Exchange LA.