David: A Few Songs From Lovecraft

Lovecraft

The homie, Lovecraft (who's going to the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music program at NYU with me next year), shot over some of his favorite tracks of his to post up on TKFV. This guy has a very unique sound and is probably one of my favorite musicians/artists coming as a freshman to ReMu next year. All songs are produced by Lovecraft. Check everything out below:

Painted Mask - Lovecraft & Nicky C


Black Hole Arcade - Lovecraft


Unagi don - Lovecraft


Donner Party, For 83 - Lovecraft featuring DJ Rhymes


Goonsday - Lovecraft & Nicky C


Spoonguard - Lovecraft


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David: The Weeknd x Rolling Stone (Single)

The Weeknd

The Weeknd, probably my favorite artist out right now, just released this single called, "Rolling Stone." The production on this song is a little different than what you can find on his previously released mixtape, House of Balloons, with a subtle guitar loop while The Weeknd's voice moves easily throughout the track. Definitely a favorite of mine from this guy. Listen and download the track below:



Bonus:

Birthday Suit - The Weeknd

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David: The Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music at New York University!

Last Friday on my way down to NYC I heard back from my dream school and top choice, NYU! I was accepted into the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music with 30 or so other students. In the fall I will be going in as a freshmen in the Producer Entrepreneur program. This really is everything that I've hoped for over the past few months and I'm extremely excited to be in. For those that don't know much about the program it is a professional business and artistic training toward a BFA degree for aspiring creative entrepreneurs in the music industry. People like Lady Gaga have been in this program and producers like Swizz Beatz come to teach and mentor students at the school. So glad this is all becoming true. I've already been talking to my future classmates and the range of musical influences, favorite artists, and personal musical talent is across the board. Being able to create with talented people who make and perform music in a different genre than my own is going to be amazing. I definitely can't wait for this year to start... So if there are any high school teachers of mine reading this post... I'm sorry in advance if I drift off a little bit. My mind is elsewhere at the moment.

Below are some pictures of the studios at Clive:

I'M IN COLLEGE!!!

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David: Two New Songs From Dave Raps

Dave Raps

Here are two new tracks from the homie Dave Raps. The first track he goes over Frank Ocean's track "Swim Good," which is also one of my favorite songs from Frank's nostalgia/ultra album. The second track he is featured on Mick Stillz, "Kick It," which will be featured on part 2 of Mick's Neighborhood Nerd mixtape series alongside DJ Ill Will. Out of both of these, "Swim Good," is my favorite, but regardless both these songs are dope. Check them out below:

Swim Good by Frank Ocean featuring Dave Raps


Download here - Hulkshare

Kick It by Mick Stillz featuring Dave Raps


Download here - Hulkshare

http://www.daveraps.com
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David: Ditto on Unbiased Writer

Big shout out to Unbiased Writer for the post on Ditto! Check out the full article of Alan South and I (Hugh Cosby) over on their site here!

http://www.twitter.com/dittolistening
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David: Yung Lotta x Lark On My Go Kart (FreeStyle) [Music Video]

Yung Lotta

I was first introduced to Yung Lotta from my good friend, Frendy Lemorin, after he sent me his video for "Thrilla N Manila." Now, Lotta is back with a new video for his freestyle over Asher Roth's song, Lark On My Go Kart. I'm digging this song and video a lot more than Asher's version. Check it out below!


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David: Lazerdisk Party Sex's New Song Tigerblood

Lazerdisk Party Sex

Earlier today, Lazerdisk Party Sex, released their new song called, "Tigerblood." I remember when Pres was showing me this track a few weeks before they released it when him and I were working together in his studio. This song has a little bit of everything. iPhone ringtones, dancing, head nodding, swag, and a little sex party in between. Big ups to my older brothers in Lazerdisk. They officially played this song for the first time out at Snowball in Colorado, which they rocked. Right now their on root for Miami. Be on the look out for these guys in a city near you in the future! But for now check out the song below and download:

Download here - Mediafire

For more info on Lazerdisk Party Sex check out their Fan Page on Facebook for tour details and more.
http://lazerdiskpartysex.tumblr.com/

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David: Justin Timberlake Expected To Start Recording A New Album This Summer

It's crazy to think that the last Justin Timberlake album, FutureSex/LoveSounds, was released 5 years ago. I'm excited to see what's to come from Justin Timberlake for his next album after his recent absence from the music scene to pursue his acting career. Hopefully he'll bring out that creativity from Timbaland much like he did on his last album. And hopefully everything will come out perfect unlike the 2004 Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction with Janet Jackson haha.

We'll be waiting for what's to come JT!

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David: Spain Trip - Day 12

A part of the cheese factory/farm

Today we had a tour around a cheese factory. We started off walking to check out some of the animals on the property and saw a few sheep to start. Next we saw some tamed bulls that weren't harmless and kept their distance and never charged. So we were actually able to walk into their area and try to interact with them. The whole time I found myself dodging poop piles and hoping my nice dress shoes that I wore on this field trip stayed in tact. But don't worry TKFV I was successful and kept my distance and kept my shoes clean!

Sheep

Tamed bull (at least I think that's what they said it was)

After our outdoors visit we went over to the factory where they make the cheese. They had a nice little lunch ready for us too with fresh cheese, meat, water, and bread. I swear I haven't eaten much cheese as good as what I had today. I couldn't stop hogging the plate just to myself I loved it that much. I'll even be carrying a small package of cheese back to the US with me because it was so good.

Food they prepared for us

After the cheese factory we stopped in a small town to walk around for a few moments. I snapped one picture of the view of the town when I was there.

Once we returned back to the school, James and Matt came with Manu and myself to my house. Manu had to study so I worked on my Spanish presentation on snowboarding and skiing for tomorrow morning and then played a soccer game with them (of course I won I'm too good). Afterwards we went downtown where we met up with Luis, Connor, Amanda, and my new American friend, Kata, who I mentioned yesterday. We all went to the same bar we've been going to almost the whole time this trip and just talked. Jose Juan, Matt's host, our friend James (pronounced Hi-me), and Luis' cousin all came later to sit and enjoy the rest of the evening. Everyone then left except for Manu, myself, and Kata and then our friends Sarah and Cristina joined us for awhile and we watched the first half of the Manchester United versus Chelsea game. Once the first half ended we said goodbye to everyone and went home.

Right now I need my sleep for this presentation tomorrow though. I'll be letting everyone know how it goes! Adios!

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David: Spain Trip - Day 10

Segovia

Lazy Sunday wasn't so lazy today. Manu, his family, and myself all went to Segovia and Ávila for the day, both different provinces in Spain. First we drove about an hour and a half to Segovia where we spent the first half of the day walking around town, checking out El Alcázar (a castle in the city), and finished off the rest of our time there at a restaurant. I've eaten a lot this trip, but I think I ate the most today. I started with lamb and a salad accompanied by bread and finished off the meal sharing two desserts with Manu. When I'm back in the United States I think all I'm going to be eating is salad for about a month or two.

Another view of Segovia

Manu & myself 

Manu, Myself, Manu's dad, and Manu's sister Claudia

Claudia, Manu's mom, and myself

The cathedral

Another view of Segovia

The menu (I ordered the cordero lechal asado with Manu)

Myself & Manu

Lamb

After Segovia we drove about 30 minutes to walk around in Ávila for a few minutes. We were only there for a little bit because we had to get home, but Manu's family wanted to show me another area of Spain. I enjoyed the views and watching the sun set for the few minutes we were there. After Ávila we got back into the car and went back to Salamanca.

Ávila

Another view of Ávila

When we got back to Salamanca Manu and myself met up with our friends Sofia, Alyssa, Santi, James, Amanda, and Lucia. We hung out for about an hour and then Manu and myself went back home. We ate dinner (and I don't know how I did after all that food I had for lunch) and now I'm about to head off to bed. Goodnight TKFV! 

P.S. - For those watching the Oscars tonight can you let me know how they are?

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David: Spain Trip - Day 4

Manu at a bus station in Salamanca

Today was our last morning in Madrid. We started the day off going shopping, where I picked up a pair of Converses (and I know in my last post I said I wasn't interested in buying much unless it was one of a kind or vintage, but I was craving my Converses at home so I picked up a cheap pair here).

After we finished up shopping we hopped on the bus to head to Salamanca, which took us about three hours. When we got to Salamanca all of our friends were waiting outside getting ready to greet us with their families. I said my first hello to Manu in Spain and met his mother for the first time too and we drove to his house where I got my first tour.

We ate lunch and I struggled to understand his mother's accent a bit, but I was able to pick things up gradually and was able to respond with a little help from Manu. After we finished eating Manu and myself went downtown to meet up with the rest of our friends and we had our first get together downtown.

My friend Luis at our get together

After our get together Manu and myself went back to his house for dinner with his whole family where I met his father and his sister for the first time. Again, it was a little struggle at first, but I'm getting used to everything slowly. I brought some gifts along with me from Vermont too which I gave to them. So I hope they liked them all!

Anyways, that was pretty much my whole day today. Tomorrow I'll be heading to Manu's school for the first time and celebrating my birthday at night! Day 4 done.

Check out some more photos from the day below:

Downtown

Manu

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David: Spain Trip - Day 3

Toledo, Spain

Another day in Spain and our last full day in Madrid. Today my roommates and myself missed our wakeup call and overslept through breakfast, which was actually kind of nice since I've been pretty tired at some points during the trip and luckily we were able to grab a few things to bring with us on the go. But besides the sleeping perk, today's morning routine became a rushed 5 minute hustle in our rooms to get ready, a rush to put as many bread products as possible on a napkin, and a fast jog to the bus, which we took to Toledo, the old capital of Spain.

Streets of Toledo

Outside the first museum we stopped at

When we arrived in Toledo after an hour bus ride we made our first stop at a museum close by. The museum held some more famous artists including El Greco, where we saw one of his famous paintings, "La Inmaculada Concepción." And by the way, I was allowed to take pictures in this museum so nobody can get me in trouble for this one! It took us about an hour or so to go through the whole museum, where we saw everything from old sculptures, to paintings, to tapestries (some of which took people their whole lives to complete).

El Greco's La Inmaculada Concepción

A small garden and fountain within the museum outside

Tapestry

Once we finished our tour through the museum we went over to the Santo Tomé Church where El Greco's "El entierro del Conde de Orgaz" (considered the third most important painting in the world) was framed. I was not supposed to take pictures of this one either, so excuse the blurriness and don't tell anybody.

El Greco's El entierro del Conde de Orgaz (click for a better image)

After my stealthy moves I tried to put on in the Santo Tomé Church, we went to a jewelry store to kill time before we went to lunch. Unfortunately I couldn't help myself and saw a necklace I really liked so I got it for myself to add to the gold piece I have already. I guess I had to get something while I'm here, but oddly enough I'm not as interested in buying stuff here unless it's one of a kind or vintage.

New necklace

Once the time came around, we made our way to lunch, which was good for the most part and my friend, Connor Scagnelli, and myself tried a famous local pork dish, which was pretty good. Besides that I had a small dish of spaghetti and shrimp as a small course and salmon as an entrée.

Connor Scagnelli

When lunch was finished, our tour guide led us around Toledo a bit and through the narrow streets, which a lot of us wanted to see while we were here.

We made our way through the streets and finally ended up at a famous Cathedral in Toledo. Unfortunately I didn't capture any photos inside, but the architecture was amazing. Here's a website with a few photos found on the right hand side of the webpage taken inside the Cathedral that I was not able to get - click here. An interesting fact that our tour guide told us too was that this Cathedral was the only one in the world with a skylight.

The Cathedral was our last major stop on our trip to Toledo and we returned to the square to do a little bit of shopping (though there wasn't really anything at all) and when we were finished we got back on the bus to head back to our hotel.

We were able to relax for a little bit while we were back, but only for about an hour until we went out for our final dinner in Madrid. To end our short visit to Madrid, we were treated with the famous Spanish dish called, Paella. I've had Paella before in the United States, but tonight was honestly one of the best dishes I've ever had of the meal, which I guess would make sense since it's a Spanish dish and I'm in Spain. Check out the picture below of the meal:

Paella

And that capped off our last night in Madrid. Overall it was a pretty mellow trip to the city, and of course I plan on returning to experience the bigger city life within Madrid in the future, but it was a good first experience for sure. Tomorrow we'll be heading off to Salamanca where I'll be staying with my friend Manu and his family. For now I need to get some sleep. Goodnight to everyone reading on TKFV!
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David: Spain Trip - Day 1!

Royal Palace

Today was our first day in Spain, and it seemed like it lasted an eternity. I was suffering from jet lag and I still haven't slept except for an hour nap in my room and a 30 minute nap, which didn't work out too well, on the plane. On top of that, the hotel we're staying at isn't the nicest place in the world, but my friend Connor and myself were able to explore the area a little more earlier today. We walked along some of the streets, parks, and bridges for most of the day and found a nice restaurant where we relaxed and ate ham sandwiches. I also had my first Burn energy drink experience, thanks to the recommendation from DJ Sum1, and that instantly woke me up for the day (which is part of the reason why I haven't slept much).

After our time exploring the area we took a quick tour of the Royal Palace, which can be pictured above. We were not allowed to take pictures inside, unfortunately, but the architecture and work put into this building was amazing. Also the stories that were mentioned about the previous rulers living in this Palace were interesting as well. 

After our tour we were able to relax for a bit and had our first dinner in Spain. I started off with an appetizer of ham and potatoes, had a veal dish as an entrée, and ended with cheese cake. So far a slow and tiring, but good start to the trip! Can't wait for tomorrow!

Below are some more pictures from the day:

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