Boom Boom!!

February 15, 2007 1:58 PM

I'm looking for urban cuts that sound like Mia's "Ten Dollar". Bass-heavy, utterly debaucherous, with a style that isn't necessarily "American" sounding. Are there any afficionados out there can help me with this search?
posted by phaedon to Media & Arts (17 answers total)

You should probably check out the work of Diplo, since he produced most of M.I.A.'s debut, Arular. He has done quite a bit with Hollertronix as well.

M.I.A.'s general style is heavily influenced by Baile funk, jungle, and grime, so those are some genres worth looking into for you.
posted by synaesthetichaze at 2:02 PM on February 15, 2007

You may also want to check out Lady Sovereign, who reminded me of M.I.A. when I first heard her, 'cept a little rougher and less funky. Fergie's been trying to go more this way lately (see "London Bridge"), but that's maybe better regarded as... not a shining jewel of the genre.
posted by rkent at 2:11 PM on February 15, 2007

... and for anyone who hasn't seen it yet, I might as well throw this link in here: M.I.A.'s new video for the forthcoming Bird Flu single.
posted by synaesthetichaze at 2:18 PM on February 15, 2007

DJ/rupture does some great mixes that have a lot of non-western sounds.
posted by djamiem at 3:08 PM on February 15, 2007

Best answer: Bondo De Role (i believe that's the spelling, I don't have my albums handy) is a Baille funk band that sings about assfucking in Portuguese.
posted by klangklangston at 3:11 PM on February 15, 2007

The Bug
posted by afx114 at 3:17 PM on February 15, 2007

Mr. Oizo is certainly bass-heavy, but I don't know if the music is entirely what you're looking for.
posted by lalas at 3:35 PM on February 15, 2007

Lily Allen is a little bubble-gummier, but has some of these elements. And the Streets, too.
posted by jtajta at 3:40 PM on February 15, 2007

And yes, Lady Soveirgn is right up your alley.
posted by jtajta at 3:43 PM on February 15, 2007

Man, do I love "Ten Dolla". I listen to that to get pumped up for a big bike ride.
posted by neilkod at 3:48 PM on February 15, 2007

If you'd like some slammin' bass but not of the grime variety, check out Keep Hope Alive(J.D.S Mix) by The Crystal Method-you will not be disappointed. I dont know, if you'd consider it "American" sounding or not.
posted by neilkod at 3:53 PM on February 15, 2007

Keep Home alive can be found on Community Service II.
posted by neilkod at 3:55 PM on February 15, 2007

Response by poster: More Bondo de Role - type stuff!
posted by phaedon at 4:42 PM on February 15, 2007

Well, first off, there's the Baille Funk samplers floating out there on the web. Second, you can look into the B-more scene (which Diplo kinda comes out of) for a lot of similar stuff.
Third, I'll look around once I get home, since I tend to dig this (and everyone else I know hates it, so I play it when I'm alone).
posted by klangklangston at 5:10 PM on February 15, 2007

Response by poster: ill look for the samplers when i get home (still a work). in the meantime, thanks for the followup, and i look forward to more of your picks!
posted by phaedon at 6:13 PM on February 15, 2007

Best answer: You might have some luck with various South African kwaito artists. While it's not exactly like M.I.A., it's usually "urban" and bass-heavy, though it trends a bit more towards the housy side of things. You might have luck with Mandoza or Pitch Black Afro (at a minimum, check out PBA's hair).

I can't comment on the debauchery-level, as I can't understand a word they're saying.
posted by mjbraun at 6:41 AM on February 16, 2007

Response by poster: Slick One "We Makoti" - i found that search for kwaito artists on itunes. how beautiful.
posted by phaedon at 10:39 AM on February 16, 2007