I like a lot of the highly produced pop/electro/hip-hop that has made a definite mark in the last ten years.  I’m talking about LMFAO, Flo Rida, and the godfather of this sound Black Eyed Peas.

I really find it interesting how electronic sounds are really permeating every genre of music to create “electro-something” genres.  I’m always trying to figure out what the distinct musical genre they will pigeon hold this decade in the future.  I think my best guest has something to do with this electro-takeover.

But back to the pop/electro/hip-hop genre.  It seems like a lot of people are jumping on this genre, and kind of ruining it.  I don’t see this lasting too much longer before Jay-Z and Dre take things back for the “real” hip-hop.  But the characteristics are fun and unique.  Beats with a lot of hi-hat and not strong loyalty to a steady kick/snare pattern.  There is always an interesting use of some type of electronic instrument whether it be a rave-inducing lead or a more bubble and subtle synth bass.  And the rapping that this type of music lends is probably the most interesting part.  The cadence is slow, laid back, autotuned a bit,  and more conversational than most rap.  And the topics of the songs are usually uplifting.

The latest great find in this genre is Moxie Black.  Whoa, sorry it took so long to get there.  But this guy really embodies this new genre, and does it more justice than anyone I’ve seen lately.  Everything I said in the last paragraph applies in all the best ways to Moxie’s new album, How Did This Happen?.

And as awesome as this album is, Moxie Black is really using it more as an introduction EP or well-produced mixtape.  He promises a follow up album (I assume on a major label), that we’ll probably be hearing on pop radio as soon as he releases it.

You can pick up the album for FREE at this site.  Here are a couple tracks from the album.  Enjoy.

Moxie Black – So Much Better

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Moxie Black – Sleepy Kids feat. Passion Pit (remix)

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