The Hood Internet

Pictured: DJs ABX and STV SLV. Courtesy thehoodinternet.com

We at recess have an appreciation for sample based and mash-up artists alike. With Flosstradamus set to grace Page Auditorium, I thought it was time to mention one of my personal favorite masters of the musical amalgamation, The Hood Internet. The group, which is comprised of DJs ABX and STV SLV, has just released The Mixtape Volume Three. Their latest effort does not disappoint. After Kanye West's "Stronger" illuminated the potential of the hip-hop/electronic hybrid, lesser artists such as Wiz Khalifa and T.I. have made similar attempts to revive popular electronic beats to less than spectacular results. It's disgusting, I never want to "Live [my] Life."

The Hood Internet's most recent release proves once again that samples are best left to DJs, not overly ambitious rappers. The duo distinguishes themselves from other mash-up artists by prominently featuring popular independent artists alongside the current stars of hip-hop (as great as Girl Talk is, he isn't using any MSTRKRFT samples). Most importantly, the two Chicago-based artists are adept at finding the perfect balance necessary to create a worthwhile mash-up hit, giving equal respect and exposure to both lyrics and beat, to crunk rap kings and hipster gods. Many of the songs I've heard on The Hood Internet have pushed me to seek out the underlying tracks. Maybe it's my equal appreciation for Lykke Li and The Pack, but the DJ duo does a great job incorporating a typical McCarren Pool lineup (see The Ting Tings, Black Moth Super Rainbow, and MGMT) with top 40 mainstay/ESPN blogger Lil Wayne. Check out one of the tracks on the mixtape below, featuring T-Pain and TV on the Radio:

The Hood Internet - T-Pain vs. TV on the Radio - Frozen Age