A list of the best albums of the decade as compiled by Jason Powers of Slapping Purses.

Beneath The Surface: A recap of various hip-hop styles on the radar, just beneath the surface… this week: Raekwon, Snoop, Rye Rye, M.O.P., and much, much more!

Music video for “Whatchadoin’?” from the album “The Spirit of Apollo.”

Music video for “Bang” by Rye Rye directed by M.I.A.

A year ago Buraka Som Sistema broke loose globally with a video for “Sound of Kudoro,” which at the time, seemed as though it was piggybacking off of the success of one of the song’s contributor’s, M.I.A.

Jay-Z is joined by M.I.A., Kayne West, T.I and Lil Wayne for a performance of his “Swagger Like Us” at the 51st annual Grammy Awards.

N.A.S.A.’s new album, Spirit of Apollo, confirms for me a longstanding suspicion I have had about famous musicians: they have a secret island somewhere that they sneak off to in order to have fantastic parties …

Recorded for Cokemachineglow’s ridiculous brilliant Fantasy-Podcast, Madison’s Pale Young Gentlemen give M.I.A. the I-never-saw-that-one-coming treatment with their rendition of “Paper Planes.” Making mention of the inspiration behind the cover, percussionist Matt Reisenauer noted, “We chose …

A year end list collecting the best mashups of 2008.

Twin Cities:
— Dosh & the Notwist played Webster Hall. (link) (link)
— In preparation for the group’s CD release show this Friday at the Triple Rock, Max Ross profiles Invincible Kids. (link)
— Atmosphere & Abstract Rude …

This week’s best mashups featuring ToToM, DJ Schmolli & the Hood Internet.

Music video for “Sound of Kuduro” by Buraka Som Sistema from the album “Black Diamond.”