The Black Keys, one of the most creative groups in the current entertainment environment, have breached the walls of their rhythm and blues and alternative cocoon in the most unexpected fashion. The group has entered the hip-hop universe under the pseudonym Blakroc and has crafted a self-titled LP and have also created a label under the same name for their explorative ventures. According to the band’s website and trailer for the LP (make sure to check out the long trailer as you will see The Keys sitting down with CEO Damon Dash as he hooks up the boys Mos Def and Jim Jones), the album will feature an impressive guest list that includes RZA, Raekwon, Q-Tip, Ludacris, Pharoahe Monch, M.O.P.’s Billy Danze, the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Mos Def and Jim Jones (the latter two artists feature on the single “Ain’t Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo)”; it is downloadable below).
In June, Jim Jones twittered “Aight back to our reg schedule I did some dope music with black keys and mos def last night def a good rock n roll experience.” Unfortunately, we don’t have minute-to-minute updates from other featured artists on how their respective recording sessions went, but it is clear that all parties involved are excited about this new project, and so is [cardboard living]. Hopefully, there will be much more to come in the upcoming weeks…
Blakroc – Ain’t Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo) feat. Mos Def & Jim Jones
8.7/10. In typical Keys fashion, guitars twang, brass instruments wail and percussion thumps as the boys from Ohio provide bluesy backing vocals, Mos Def sings the hook and Jim Jones spits some decent verses.
Lewis Corson
