Forget about Facebook versus Myspace, it's now Apple versus the world. Apple recently introduced their own music-based social networking platform, Ping. Integrated into Itunes, you can follow artists, fans, and your friends' activity just like on Facebook, or Soundcloud. There's been some criticisms, but Apple is king - and hey, it looks pretty cool and we all use Itunes anyway.  In the near future, look out for Apple to take it next-level with a cloud-based service announcement.

Some gems have been hitting the net recently - here's some I've been diggin: The Foreign Exchange, a grammy-nominated duo consisting of Phonte and Nicolay, who met on the internet and started making music via email - Check the first leak from their third album here.  Ropeadoper King Britt's live experimental/electronic outfit Saturn Never Sleeps released an EP here.

Are you a picky eater? I'll eat pretty much anything, but for those of you who are, or even if you just like tasty foods, you gotta check out Slant Shack Jerky. They're a NJ-based artisan company that will custom make beef jerky to your specs. Not your thing? Check out custom made pet food, protein shakes, and energy bars. Remember to eat up, so you can Stand Strong with Ropeadope.

Yesterday, we hipped you to some next-level cover bands and today, it's next-level trumpeters. Don't get us wrong, we love Miles Davis, but it's 2010 and we appreciate the efforts of those who are pushing art further (just like Miles did throughout his career).  So, head on over here and check out who's evolving the world of trumpet - from new sonic contexts, new effects, and new ways of playing. Dope.

Ropeadopers know the power of music, but the scientific explanations of such are still in the beginning stages. This includes how music effects us mentally, but also the physical effects it has on our body's systems. For now, this study shows a correlation between better exercise and upbeat music. So, just remember music is all powerful and to run faster, listen to this.

Our man Clay Ross is still goin at it with his monthly free singles. Grab this month's right here. Inspired by his close friend's experiences in the Israeli army, "Battle Hymn" is another gem we're glad to have.  If you've been sleepin, catch up with all of these here.  Thanks Clay!

Sure, some of the cover bands out there are gooood, but they can only do so much for us. So, we want to hip you to some next-level stuff - the innovators of the cover band scene. For instance, we got the Judas Priest cover band Nudist Priest (yup, it is what you think it is). Also, check out Dread Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Pipers, and the Misfats.  Never before has the bar been set so high.

A friend of our friend David Chaitt, hooked us all up with a most excellent live recording of the Benevento Russo Duo. Taken from their recent set at the Highline Ballroom, all 100-minutes of their set were captured with incredible quality. Check it out right here. The two are staying busy on their own, but it looks as though we can expect another Duo album soon!

Is it really going to be September this week? And is Summer really almost over? I suppose so, but that's nothing to be sad about. It was a memorable Summer indeed, where it was reissue season at Ropeadope, which saw the reemergence of classics by the Dead Kenny G's and Antibalas. But looking ahead, we got some great things cooking, and first up is Snarky Puppy. Stay Tuned!

When Below the Heavens came out, I became a diehard Exile fan.  As one half of the duo for that record, he was the man behind the beats, creating the perfect backdrop to rapper Blu's imagery.  And armed with his MPC and records, Exile stood strong with his solo release "Radio", which was comprised of samples soley from the LA radio airwaves.  Tomorrow, the remix album of Radio, "AM/FM", drops.  Be sure to check it out.

He made his name when the internet blew up over Jaydiohead - a remix project that mashed up Jay-Z and Radiohead. And now, Max Tannone keeps it movin with his next installment of dub remixes. Sequel to Mos Dub, check out Dub Kweli - Talib Kweli mixed with classic dub reggae tracks.  Hmmm, is a "Dub Star" album next?

Uh oh, it's almost the last weekend of summer, so you gotta enjoy it while you still can. To accompany you while barbecuin, beachin, or maybe just drivin with the windows down, it's important to have the right music. Remember the ones that we hipped you to earlier here and here. Then, add to the mix by picking up these two here and here that each pay tribute to legends that are guaranteed to put you in a better mood.  Shouts to Philly favorites Jazzy Jeff, Phsh, and the Illvibe collective.  Happy Summer!

Dopeness Galore and Klipmode artist Suzi Analog released her project NNXTAPE this week. You can pick up the digital version for free right here. Dig her introspective lyrics that meld perfectly with the fresh instrumentals - supplied by a who's who of the underground beat scene. Suzi created a new, innovative sound that is uniquely hers. Also available for sale on cassette tape (yea, tapes are coming back too).

To get ready for the Disco Biscuits' upcoming tour, they treat us to their first ever feature short film.  Check it right here.  Watch as the guys do their take on the epic opening scene from Resevoir Dogs. Make sure to check the upcoming tour dates for the 'Big Time Baby' End of Summer Tour here.

Ah the daily grind...it can be more exciting than you think. Here's some RAD tips on how to make your work day a tad more engaging. On the way to work, play Mario Kart for real - avoid the bananas, while nabbing up those mushrooms. At the office, don't get overly excited and take it too far by doing this (even though we all want to). And finally, to get rid of some extra energy on the way home, play some real life frogger. Good luck!

Over here, we love interactive maps. So why not hip you to this one? The RapMap - a google map mashup that points to locations referenced in rap lyrics. Anyone wanna make an interactive map (RADMap) for us? Hit us up!

I knew people were nostalgic about vinyl records, but damn...over here, they offer the service of pressing your cremated ashes onto a vinyl record. You can additionally record personal messages on the record along with a soundtrack, or you can just keep it raw with your own pops and crackles. It's creepy enough already, but as these guys point out, it does offer an oppertunity to get one last joke in.

Finally, a phone app made for us, by us. Ropeadoper Jonathan Sheldrick hipped us to the app he helped create as part of his day job. Called Improvox, it tunes and harmonizes your voice in real time, so that as you sing into the mic, you hear perfectly tuned 4-part harmonies in the headphones.  Check a video here. Now only if I could take my phone into the shower...Shout out to Fatty Acid!

It's been a minute since we've talked about our new friends Snarky Puppy, but they've been keeping it moving - Catching some buzz here and keeping busy here. And now we're excited because it's time to get you geared up for their forthcoming Ropeadope release this fall! Make sure you're following the pups activity and you can get caught up here and here.

From the inner city to the suburbs, everyone knows Wu-Tang Clan ain't nuthing ta fuck wit. Their ever powerful influence taught us that cash rules and they even have some (actually) great books out. They're individually still going strong today, but the Wu history book is steeped in drama.  Dig (another) upcoming documentary here.

You've probably heard it by now, but it's definitely worth mentioning again - Cee-Lo's new track is fantastic! Check it here. It's tastefully untasteful. It's pop, but it's not. It's Cee Lo. And, I think he struck gold again. Don't think he can have a hit without radio? Then hey, "fuck you".

The good reviews are flowing in and we really hope you aren't missing out. As so many people point out, "Who Is This America?" is a testament to how great the mighty Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra is - the band made their careers tributing Fela Kuti and taking part in the musical, but they deserve respect in their own right! Dig the timeless political messages over the equally enduring funky rhythms.

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem recently hit a gold mine of never-heard-before jazz recordings. Consisting of high quality recordings of radio broadcasts, the archives include many of the legends of Jazz music. The collection boasts songs that were thought to be unrecorded, as well as, extended versions of songs that were recorded without the time restrictions of the 78 RPM record. For now, you can only listen at the museum.  Dig.

In another sign of the times, the Internet blew up the other day about the closing of the famed Hip Hop record store, Fat Beats. Sure, we just don't consume music the same way anymore, preferring digital methods. But, these indie record stores were institutions of culture and not just a place to get some music - something you could never really get from a Best Buy, a blog, or Itunes.  Support your favorite indie record spot today.

Blue Note Records songstress Norah Jones is gearing up to release her next album in the fall.  Aptly called "...Featuring", the record has a guest collaboration for every song - from The Foo Fighters to Outkast to Herbie Hancock. And adding to the broad musical spectrum, Ropeadopers the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Charlie Hunter represent as well! Be sure to look out for this album.

The word is out - Antibalas' Ropeadope release is one "ultra-funky, retro-nuvo-nostalgic" record. Another says that the record "sounds as fresh today as it did six years ago, wearing the longevity stamp that all great records have". Everyone is talking about it, so we really hope you aren't missing out on the Antibalas record that came out this week. So what are you waiting for? Hear what the fuss is all about right here.

Feel like being a film director this weekend? Whip out that Iphone and take your home movies to the next level. Over on Vimeo, you can submit your own flicks made and edited only on your phone. Feel like that might be limiting? Step your game up and try to top the one made by Ropeadope's own.  Check it out - you never know where you might end up.

Rewind in Ropeadope history a bit and re-discover Sketches for Albinos. We were lucky enough to release the critically acclaimed album "That City Is a Liar" back in '07. Fast forward back to today and he's back at it with a brand new album available here. "Days of Being Wild and Kind" is of the same brilliance - mixing post-rock and electronic sounds to make hauntingly beautiful soundscapes. Dig.

We already tried to turn you onto her on here, but just in case you missed, you must check out Esperanza Spalding. On the surface she's a stand-up bass playing jazz vocalist, but really, she has her own unique brand of music - a potent blend of jazz, folk, world, and classical music. Check out her innovative sounds on her latest, Chamber Music Society. Don't Sleep!

Sure, they've part of the Tony-nominated Broadway musical Fela, and they've made a reputation for themselves playing on records for Amy Winehouse, TV on the Radio, MMW, and many others. But, right now and right here, Ropeadope is proud to be bring to you Antibalas in all their glory. The wait for "Who is this America" is finally over! Head on over and cop it right here.

If you need some help getting through your day, head on over and check out the top eleven craziest things about the universe. Like, time travel is possible? Quantum physics, the big bang theory...it's all guaranteed to blow your mind.

Yesterday, we showed you the thirty most recognizable guitars, but now we're taking it a little deeper. NPR identifies the five pioneers of electric jazz guitar. The amplifier was an innovation that gave the guitar the possibility to be a lead instrument and these were the guys that set the blueprint for what we hear today. Dig.

There are literally hundreds of thousands of apps available for your phone, so we decided to dig out some good ones for you Ropeadopers. For those who want to create music right on their phone, check out "Band", which even includes an audience simulation, so you can rock out extra hard.  Also, check out Tunewiki, which gives you the essential info, as well as interactive maps to see what others around the world are listening to.

Since its invention in 1936, the electric guitar is possibly the most representative instrument of popular music.  Even today, the glorification of guitar gods is still alive in youth culture with games like Guitar Hero and Rockband. And, maybe even more iconic than the legends and the memorable riffs they played, are the guitars themselves. Check out Blender's list of the 30 most recognizable guitars here.

Yep, sharing is caring, so naturally we want to share this Antibalas track with you. "Big Man" is the lead single from the "Who Is This America?" reissue coming out this upcoming Tuesday on Ropeadope. Over the famous Antibalas rhythmic grooves, dig the powerful messages that are as important today as they were the day this gem first came out.

It's Friday and as always, Ropeadope is here to help you push through the last day before the weekend. So this week, we recommend you spread happiness and joy with some great office pranks. Get some inspiration from a master here, and get some more from here and here. Then, go over here and check out one of the best accidental pranks ever. Happy Friday.

Sure a picture is supposed to be worth a thousand words, but also as these guys point out, "artists, writers, and historians can try to be as truthful as possible, but only a camera is capable of 100% pure objectivity".  (Forget about Photoshop for a second). So, go on over and check out 10 images that changed the world - from the first ever photograph to the first porn to the first picture of space. Dig.

We started with this man here and we went on to release classics from Mike Gordon to King Britt to MMW. We were the home for supergroups like The Philadelphia Experiment, The Word, and the Grammy Nominated Spanish Harlem Experiment.  Since then, we've ventured all over the musical spectrum from Jneiro Jarel to Black Landlord to Clay Ross (and many more).  On our plate now, we're bringing back classics to today's world here and here next week.  We're proud of our past, but we're still standing strong in 2010.  Thanks for standing with us and we hope you're as excited for the future as we are.

They may have stopped that leak for now, but let us not forget we still have lots more to go. People are speculating over what the actual damage is, citing "mass hysteria" as being responsible for exaggerated claims.  But really, people in our country are hurting from this. The fishing and tourism industries are filled with common folk just like you and me. And don't forget, we have to clean up and be prepared for another disaster as oil drilling will never stop.

So much new music floating around here, there and everywhere, so it's hard to keep track of what's going on, let alone finding stuff you like. Here's some that I've been digging on: Jazz bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding, who has a sound of her own. Scottish electronic music producer Hudson Mohawke of Warp Records. Modern day funksters that sound like their from the 80's - Chromeo and Dam-Funk. And, I'm always a fan of new Broken Social Scene and Mark Ronson.

Antibalas, an afrobeat band that is modeled after the band of Fela Kuti - who had a tribute song made for him by Common - who's record was executive produced by Questlove - who is one of the producers for the Broadway show Fela! - which employs Antibalas as the in-house band...(who have a record coming out on Ropeadope next week!)

Now even underground hip hop acts are turning themselves into multi-industry moguls. Stones Throw producer and musician Madlib has teamed up with Intelligensia Coffee to make his own blend of espresso. Hmm, is this the secret "medicine" that keeps the Beat Konducta going?  Because his output this year, and his whole career, has been seriously unreal. Try to catch up with the man here and check out his latest, Advanced Jazz, here.

If you're in New York and need some breakfast, check out the new Pop-Tarts store in Times Square. You get to build your own sugary concoction by picking your own combination of the classic frosting, toppings, and drizzle. So, if a "Fluffer Butter, marshmallow spread sandwhiched between two Pop-Tarts frosted fudge pastries" sounds like the breakfast you want...be sure to grab one while its still there.

Ropeadopers take notice! On August 17th, we are excited to announce that we are having RAD acts Clay Ross' Matuto and Gina Ferrera performing live in our great town of Philadelphia. So come on down and be sure not to miss out. See you there.

Throughout the years, Rock 'n' Roll, and other genres like Hip Hop, have been inspired by the youth and subversion of authority. A spirit that gave birth to powerful songs, like our favorites here, here and here.  But as Flavorwire points out, the "teenage rebellion anthem" is on the way out. Some more proof here.

From George Bush to Obama and back, the Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra continues to raise the flag and ask - Who Is This America?  While the band was busy on Broadway leading the Fela revival, the demand for this lost classic grew (and grew).  Who knew?  We did - so here it is.  Ropeadope is proud to release this special edition of the Antibalas classic 'Who Is This America?'.  The questions and powerful social statements on the record are as relevant today as they were in 2004. Grab a bonus track and more.  Pre-order right here.

Summer is here and there is only one place to be, Camp Ropeadope. First stop is the woodshop, where we can learn how to pimp out a coffin. Then we head over to the kitchen, so we can learn to cook with poo (very nutritious). And finally, learn some good ol' family values with this great text here. Register for camp now, cause spots are filling up.

Well shit...it's Monday. The beginning of the work week doesn't exactly make anyone happy, but research shows that you should let that aggression out through some good old video games. Our first recommendation is the boss punching simulator. Then if you're still feeling some stress, take it out on some stick figures here. We usually don't condone violence, so remember to keep it virtual and hey, it's Monday.

I was scrollin around the internet and I came across Dame Dash's little site here, which led me to discover this ridiculously awesome band The London Souls. Sure they're another throwback, but this simple trio will leave you feeling refreshed - see what I mean here and here.

We're deep into Summer and we all need some music for our Summertime excursions of beaches and barbeques.  Thankfully, Ropeadoper Matt blesses us again with his choice musical selections from around the web.  First, he recommends Croweology, the new acoustic double album from the Black Crowes. And secondly, he recommends Mulennium, a live disc from Gov't Mule's New Years Eve show during the year of the Y2K.  Thanks Matt!

Philadelphia hip hop collective Dumhi recently released their album "The Jungle" and garnered quite a bit of love from around the city. And now, Dumhi producer/beatmaker Haj has just released the instrumental version of the album for free. Hot off the press, these tracks were pieced together using only Ethiopian jazz samples. Dig.

From one of my all time favorites Medeski, Martin and Wood, drummer Billy Martin lets us in on his other artistic side. Head on over here and check out his new paintings. The 'Safed Birds' are oil pastel sketches on found newsprint from Israel and the 'Montalvo Birds' using oil pastel on hand made paper. Dope.

Well, it's Thursday and you're probably thinking about Friday, so what are you gonna do? Youtube, of course. Check out these Ropeadope favorites that we guarantee will cure your boredom for the next five minutes. Deer attack here. People doing video game moves in real life here. This kid looks how I feel when I listen to dubstep. People getting hurt is funny. And, scaring people is funny as well.

The reissue of Antibalas' "Who Is this America?" is coming to Ropeadope in two weeks! The record, made six years ago, holds social statements that still need to be heard today. Get in line for your limited edition package right here. The album will also include an unreleased track produced by Scott Harding. Out August 17th.

Pitchfork always seems to get a lot of hate, but I don't mind giving them props for the excellent features they have once in a while. Check this one, "Got 'Til It's Gone" - a well done piece on the legacy of J Dilla, one of the most influential producers for today's music. Check these gems from the man that gave the drum machine soul.

Rewind to the 1960s and Pete Seeger wrote the anti-war song "Turn, Turn, Turn" and helped popularize "We Shall Overcome", the anthem of the civil rights movement. Songs written for specific events of American history that inspired society to stand up and do something, and also remain timeless today. Fast forward to today and the BP oil spill has him back at it again - check it out here.  Protest songs were written by prominent figures in culture that inspired real action - where is that today from our generation?

Definitely a unique dude inside and out, check out this old interview with David Bowie from 1974. Peculiar, genius, talented, and probably a little coked up.  Part one here and part two here.  Maybe Ziggy Stardust really is from Mars.

It is our dream and mission to get every elevator, hotel, and dentist office out there to replace this lameness with our awesomeness.  Join our army and pick up your weapon right here.  The Dead Kenny G's are an incredible find and you do not want to miss out on their Ropeadope release Bewildered Herd.  Oh, and someone should update this page here.

Anthony Bourdain is the wild man you've seen on TV that eats all the ridiculous shit from around the world, and also author of this great book here.  And it turns out, his musical tastes are just as eclectic as those he has for food.  From the Stooges to Curtis Mayfield, Bourdain curates an awesome playlist as part of a guest DJ set, as well as includes a personal description for each.  Dig.

Right now at the Nasher Museum of Art, they have an exhibition called "The Record". It's a showcase of contemporary art from the 1960s to the present, that uses vinyl records as a subject or medium. From the records themselves to pimped out turntables, there's a lot of awesome stuff there - check it out.  Also, check out their page of other dope vinyl related stuff.

Need 3 stupid games to get you by August - the third month of summer?  Get high off the cloud powered jet pack here.  Practice for 2012 by playing a dinosaur running from a meteor impact here.  And finally, get badass and be the last soldier alive being attached by a whole army here.

If you still haven't picked up this week's Ropeadope release, Bewildered Herd by the Dead Kenny G's, then you don't know what you're missing!  Check out what others had to say about it here, here, and here.  You can grab it digitally from us or Itunes by clicking right here.

Under the direction of Damon Albarn, the Gorrilaz collaborated with Syrian conductor Issam Rafea to compose what would end up being this. Recently, the two forces met up again to share the stage in the Middle East. Check out the magic over here.

Need help getting through the last work day of the week?  Ropeadope is here to help.  Check out the stash of everyone's favorite pot head over seventy.  Check this and the video of the making of the world's strongest, most expensive beer that also happens to be inside a stuffed squirrel.  Prepare for intergalactic warfare (or maybe just Halloween) by making one of these.  And finally, watch this leopard fuck up some wildebeests with the most fitting music in the background.

Man, I thought it was dangerous enough when I discovered I could bid on Ebay right from my phone. But now with this, an app that lets you remotely drive your car, will put butt-dialing and even drunk-dialing at the bottom of the list for the worst shit you could do with your phone. Check out some more ridiculous apps here, here, and here.  UPDATE: yea - unfortanately, it's fake.

Dallas is known for its tight knit music community and staying true to that reputation, the city is alive with weekly jam sessions. Recently, members of our own Snarky Puppy jammed with the musical heavyweights in Lady Gaga's band - who was touring through the area. Read about the magic that happened here.

Yes! Our own Clay Ross is coming to our hometown this upcoming month. His Philadelphia invasion includes two intimate warm up shows here and a gig at the prestigious Philly Folk Festival. See you all there.

Digitally get a taste for New Orleans music culture through this new project Open Sound New Orleans. It's an interactive "soundmap" where users can post and share authentic and unedited homemade recordings from the streets of the city. From there, anyone can listen, share, reuse, and collaborate. Awesome.

Speaking of shows you shouldn't miss, one of our favorites, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, have announced their upcoming tour dates. Though it seems they forgot our town, we're still proud of them for standing strong on our their own and earning industry-wide respect with members playing on records for this guy, this guy, our guy, and this guy among many others.

Yes everyone, today is Resurrection Day! The Dead Kenny G's are now as undead as ever as they offer up a reissue of their album Bewildered Herd. Ropeadope resurrected this eclectic classic for you and it's available right now, right here. It goes from cool and jazzy to full on metal - pick it up now and join our war against the smooth 'n' cheesy king himself.

As part of NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts, they recently featured the amazing Jimmy Cliff. You know him from this, but the man is still going strong today - by both being honored for his past, as well as, writing new magic today. Dig it right here.

Hip Hop of course has a multi-faceted cultural significance, but something that has universal appeal is the story telling. Read about the Hip Hop Vignette here, where they break it down into excellent detail. Check some examples here and here.

RAD intern Kirk sent me an email on July 22, 2010 4:15:01 AM EDT: "Just in case you wanted some more Snarky Puppy videos, I thought these might come in handy.  The Old Man Dance - proof that Snarky Puppy really is music for your brain and your booty.  The Pups showing off their chops.  And, Whitecap off the new album."  Word to Kirk (and always to our favorite K-9's).

My beloved Ropeadope nation, I hereby proclaim that this is the week of young Eric Hahn, who will be guiding this web vessle while I vacate along the real shores of Jersey.  Yes indeed Summer Lovin' is having me a blast, so pay attention to Eric, click where he tells ya, say thank you and please, and be at ease.  Eric's got the keys - hit him with requests here.

Big things goin on for Ropeadopers Otis Grove! You can check them at a month long residency in Cambridge and additionally, the band is releasing a new single, "Rock City", for free from their upcoming release. To get it, (tomorrow) you gotta stalk us on twitter and look out for special instructions - get a clue here.

Sometimes there's nothing really to say.  Ya know, when a band just blows you away?.  From the very first note that they play and they come from around the way.  Just drop the needle and play.  These cats are here to stay.  (And oh by the way - if you Free Energy people are in town, let's meet for tea and discuss how Ropeadope can design you some tees.  Just email me.)

Total Etsy fan.  Last night, if I could of, I would of picked these 5 things that sound real good:  This bocote wood guitar pick makes a great gift.  I want my sister Lisa's art tattooed all over me.  Check out these green-friendly tables. You can even buy some nice vinyl.  And, you can even dig up some cool homemade music gadgets.

Big (BIG!) congratulations to Ropeadopers Snarky Puppy for winning the 2010 Dallas Observer Music Award for Best Jazz Act. We don't mean to brag, but...that's three years in a row! (You better) Know why they won by checking this and this, and get ready for an upcoming Snarky Puppy release on Ropeadope.

Maybe disco just doesn't get the credit it deserves? Meet Walter Gibbons, the pioneering DJ of the disco sound in New York's 1970's club scene. Out shined by the emergence of Hip Hop and their similar DJ techniques, Gibbons was still considered a DJ's DJ by developing extraordinary mixing capabilities, which lead to the release of a remix on the first ever 12-inch single. Check out what you may have missed with this new retrospective album.

International man of mystey Blu has been shaking up the art world for the past decade with his rebellious and unconventional habits. Leading a nomadic lifestyle, his career's major works are the infamous graffiti pieces found around the world. Also, the man is incredibly skilled in the digital realm, creating these amazing videos here. Just who is this guy?

Found here is a massive archive of MTV's 120 Minutes series. Ultimate Chart is a ranked list of the week's most popular artists and songs. About the NBA Jerseys of Pitchfork Fest here. After the release of his critically acclaimed album Radio, Exile delivers a free collection of bonus tracks to keep fans and followers satisfied here.  And finally, kill some boredom online with Stumbleupon here.

Don't forget that Ropeadope man Clay Ross has been releasing a new single every month! Amazingly, they're available for free and you must not sleep on them, so catch up with these here, here, and here.  Then, go over and cop this month's track "Street Sweep".  Oh, and don't forget this either.  

It's Jazzy Jeff & Mick Boogie serving up this Summertime mixtape up for you like a volleyball on a beach.  49 songs expertly mixed, cut and spliced - covering anything and everything Summer.  Smooth!  Lots of Summer style to be had - make sure to get yours soon.

Big (big) up to the Disco Biscuits who have worked their collective asses off, and the "public" is just starting to catch wind.  Did you hear about camp? and the redunkulous lineup? or did you just laugh because it was the Biscuits?  Nobody's laughing louder than my man Brownie.  Love 'em or hate 'em - the Biscuits have arrived and they 'aint going nowhere.

Director David Lynch and Danger Mouse (aka Brian Burton) sat down with Morning Becomes Eclectic host Jason Bentley to talk together for the first time about their collaboration on Dark Night of the Soul.  Dig it all here.

Ropeadopers - meet The Transgress. As our very first signing from Poland, they will be gracing us with their debut album in the fall. With the support of Fermata, they recorded a very fresh sound using instruments traditionally associated with classical music.  Understand and get familiar by digging it here.

Does the summer heat got you beat?  Stay inside and take a ride: 5 ways to best spend your weekend indoors.  Rent and catch up on a few seasons of one of my favorites, Dexter.  You definitely shouldn't waste anytime fidgeting with this.  Follow Chef Black Thought's recipe for a tasty-looking dessert thing.  Open up Itunes and listen to "2010's Best Albums So Far" here.  And get in shape with this thing here.

The summer is for barbecues, the beach, and of course, David Chaitt's Backyard Brunch Sessions. David invites musicians to his Brooklyn house where they cook, eat, and perform unplugged. Check the first episode of many to come here, which features Ropeadope family Nicole Atkins and the Spinning Leaves.

South American music and culture magazine Sounds and Colours has just released their "Top 5 Albums of 2010 so far" list...and guess what? Ropeadope's own La Otrabanda made the list with their RAD release Pueblo Vivo/Vibrant People! Check it all out here.

Over here at Ropeadope, our temporary halt in t-shirt production is because we're using our workspace for our independent exploits in developing a space-age, hyper-complex technology to plug that oil leak. Meanwhile, the interns are gathering intel on how this mess started in the first place. Maybe it was the eco-terrorists? Or the guy with the dope shades? Nah, it's probably just the end of the world.

Lame or not lame, I prefer a movie soundtrack over a mixtape almost always.  Well, there's the obvious classics made by these guys, this guy, and this nut/genius. But, fast forward to today's times and even the compilations are great - Check this Grammy-Award winning one here. Get your 70's and 80's on with this one and this one.  A lot of people talked about this one.  And finally, get your Ropeadope on with this one.

Lately, all the new cutting edge technologies have been stealing the spotlight - the new Iphone, the Droid. But, it's interesting to point out how some now-archaic gadgets still have their place in today's world. Some examples: Why do people still bother having landline telephones? Lady Gaga is a creative director for Poloroid instant cameras. And vinyl record sales increased from 1.9 million to 2.8 millions units sold last year.

Advertisements are everywhere - tv, online, in front of you, and even on you.  Check out Creative Online's archive of the Top 5 most creative ads from around the world. It's interesting to see how differently a company will position themselves in other countries.

Who wants to see a bear film?  It's short, it's funny and....there's a bear in it: Dig.  Want an amazing book for your summer read?  Dig this - The Bear Comes Home - it remains one of my top 10 books of all time.  And why not?  Let's watch bears having sex.

Any of you remember the annoying smooth jazz poser Kenny G?  If you do remember, chances are you wanted him dead.  Skerik and friends take a more metaphoric approach with his band the Dead Kenny G's.  Wow is the one word that seems to come out of my mouth every 60 seconds into their sets, and now we all wow as Ropeadope is honored to release the band's "Bewildered Hero" project later this summer.  Tour dates and more in store.  Stay tuned.

Eric Hahn is my #1 intern.  A senior at Drexel and he's into many things.  I asked him for 5 random links and here's what he gave me:  Hello world - I play sax, most currently in the live set up for these dudes here.  In Philly, I have a party called Electric Butter - here's an awesome mix here, here's my superdope DJ, and my multi-talented host here.  I get addicted to TV shows and watch entire seasons in near one sitting - I know Ropeadopers will dig my new favorite here.  Annndd last night for dinner I had one of these will some of this here.  Was that 5?

No wait - they never left!  But, with the gig on Boadway and all, well...they've been busy.  Catch them out West as they get ready to load up the bus and bring back the rhythm and the rebel.  Also, look for Ropeadope to release the classic 2004 recording "Who is this America" with a new track and new pack.

Get inside the east coast hippie-crack ring here.  Carlos miller is the illest guerilla photographer ever.  And, I would definitely buy one of these.

Two dope podcasts from two of the dopest djs/producers alive.  From Philly, King Britt drops his 80's loft party inspired mix for Phrequency.com.  From the left coast, my man Cut Chemist drops his African records mash up here.

Holy crap...is anyone else buzzing about Cee-Lo Green right now? I know I am cause he's killing it right now, leaking gem after gem on the internet. You may know him from here and if not, definitely from here, but don't forget this dude can stand on his own. Out hopefully sooner than later, I can't wait for his upcoming album "Cee Lo Green is the Lady Killer" - get more hype here.