With a heartfelt “aloha,” the four-time GRAMMY Award-winning, blues artist Keb’ Mo’ tipped his hat to a sold-out venue for the first of a three-night run at the prestigious Blue Note Hawaii in the Outrigger Hotel in Waikiki.

Keb’ Mo’ (born Kevin Moore), the charismatic songwriter with a signature eclectic take on Delta blues, had the audience hanging onto his every note, bending their emotions just as skillfully as he bended the strings on his steel guitar.

He opened with “Rita,” off his seminal album Suitcase. Hard to believe that this toe-tappingly cheerful melody is, at its base, a story of regret and missed opportunity. But such is the beauty of Mo’s music and the power of the blues; his powerful lyrics and talent were able to draw out the emotions lying just under the skin and bring them to the surface.

Similarly, during Keb’ Mo’s feel-good fan favorite, “Old Me Better,” the musician is thankful for his old lady making him a better man--but he still reminisces about the days before she put that sweater on him, when he was a lot more fun. “I’m always a little hesitant to play this one ... espe-cially when she’s in the audience,” he said, smirking. With the crowd still reeling with laughter, a group of woman stood up in unison and screamed, “Shave Yo’ Legs!” With a laugh, Mo’ took their request and broke into a love song about accepting your significant other just the way they are, hairy legs and all.

During short breaks between songs, Mo’ proudly took drinks from an aluminum water bottle sitting on a table at his side during the set. He began to preach the benefits of reusable bottles and began his next song, “Don’t Throw It Away,” a catchy sing-a-long against single-use plastics, seemingly written for us specifically out in the Pacific Ocean.

Towards the apex of the show, woman were standing on edge eagerly awaiting their anthem. He delivered with “Put a Women in Charge,” a song off his latest album, performed alongside Rosanne Cash, which unabashedly provides us with a simple solution for the problems facing our world.

If Robert Johnson was alive today, I would imagine he’d be smiling from behind his six-string, knowing that there’s a champion carving a new path for the blues: Keb’ Mo’. One channeling the genre to speak to today’s times and serve as a positive vehicle of compassion for a whole new generation of songwriters unafraid to dip their feet in the pool of their forefathers.

Before last week, I never knew the name Keb’ Mo.’ Today, I’m proud to say I’ve listened to his latest album, Oklahoma, for the tenth time since his show, and have gone through his entire discography many times over, discovering new favorites with every listen. He’s currently touring through the US--don’t miss your chance to bask in the glory of this amazing blues phenomenon.

On a cool and windy Sunday night, Crobot's dirty, groove-rock poured out of the newly redesigned legendary Asbury Lanes into the streets of Asbury Park, NJ. The Pennsylvania quartet, created by vocalist Brandon Yeagley and guitarist Chris Bishop in the summer of 2011, was in town to showcase their latest release - Motherbrain.  Crobot has had great success in the past eight years (including breaking the top 16 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart) and their latest is clearly another step in the right direction, proving that heavy, funky, rock and roll is not dead, but and alive and kicking in the Garden State.  Better yet, this show was literally the first time I had ever seen or heard Crobot (aside from some pre-show research), and was excited for my real-world baptism as a 'Beardo' on Sunday night.

Crobot kicked off the show with "Legend of the Spaceborne Killer", and what immediately stood out was the band's incredible on-stage presence.  You could tell right away that these guys loved playing with one another by the intense energy they each brought to the stage.  Add in face-melting guitar riffs, thunderous bass and drums, and Brandon's extraordinary vocals, and you had all the ingredients required for a true rock and roll party.  Although tight as a band, it was clear that each member brought their own unique style to the stage, and collectively brought the crowd on a journey through time and space.  Brandon's rock-star persona was on full display throughout the evening highlighted by his dancing, attire, and of course his incredible voice.  The band seemed to feed off that energy, with Eddie and Chris running around the stage, Chris jumping off amplifiers and spinning his guitar around his body, and Dan always laying down that perfect beat to keep the party going. But none of Crobot's on-stage antics took away from the excellent musicianship of the band as they collectively set fire to Asbury Lanes.

As this show was billed as a record release party for the band's fourth album Motherbrain, it was great to hear a few words from Brandon Yeagley and his thoughts on the record:  “I think it’s a much darker record, musically, lyrically, and thematically. It’s some of the heaviest material we’ve ever done, but it’s also some of the funkiest. We’re widening the Crobot spectrum even more. It’s the catchiest too. It’s less about wizards and dragons and more about everyday turmoil and the struggles of life. Corey made it digestible and appealing for not just dudes with beards or chicks with dicks.” 

The boys played many songs off the new album including "Burn" and "Keep Me Down", and I must say these songs were simply unbelievable.  In addition, Crobot mystified the crowd with an incredible cover of Soundgarden's "Outshined".  I'm a huge Soundgarden fan and am sure Chris Cornell would have been proud of their rendition - it was truly one for the ages.

Near the end of the show, you could tell Yeagley was having fun and took an impromptu shot at The Jonas Brothers  (who were spotted in Asbury Park earlier in the day taping a performance for the MTV VMA awards).  "Did you see the Jonas Brothers today?" The crowd then responded with a mixture of silence, some murmurs, and a few boos. Yeagley then asked, "Why?"  Crobot then proceeded to tease a little Led Zeppelin for the Jonas Brothers which immediately fired the raucous crowd right back up.  I liked that, a little humor at a rock show - it was just what the doctor ordered.

Asbury Lanes has gone thru some changes recently and is newly renovated.  It has a bar, diner, bowling alley, and stage perfectly set up for any concert goer to enjoy rock and roll from any location in the house. On Sunday night, the Crobot faithful were able to get a beer, grab some food, and bowl a few games while at the same time enjoying their favorite rock and roll band. This was a perfect spot for Crobot to shine in NJ and it was a show I won't soon forget.

At the end of the day, Crobot's show on Sunday night was special and their album Motherbrain is straight up rock and roll at it's finest.  I highly recommend it to anyone looking to get loud and rowdy and suggest you catch the band while they are on tour in a town near you.  I'm now a Crobot believer (and this is coming from someone who had zero exposure to the band prior to this show).  Crobot is the real deal.  They are fresh, entertaining and they deliver on all-cylinders!

David Hayman, Creative Director and Lead Music Supervisor of the creative agency Supergroup Sonic Branding Co., sits down with Hot Tub Johnnie and Jeff Gray to talk about his passion for storytelling through music and film and more.

David's extensive experience spans across 15 years worth of multi-genre television series work, award winning advertising, and celebrated independent films. David works closely with The Toronto Raptors (MLSE) and was part of the Hubert Davis Documentary about GM Masai Ujiri “Giants of Africa” which premiered at Toronto International Film Festival. David has helmed series on Netflix, Hulu, ABC, CTV, CBC and has had a number of successful feature film projects, most recently debuting A David Hayman, Creative Director and Lead Music Supervisor of the creative agency Supergroup Sonic Branding Co., sits down with Hot Tub Johnnie and Jeff Gray to talk about his passion for storytelling through music and film and more.

Throwing Some Love to The Rock-N-Roll Genre!

We want to present to you this great song from Dinosaur Pile-Up called "Back Foot"! Dinosaur Pile-Up is an English alternative rock band who formed in late 2007. Hailing from Leeds, West Yorkshire. Current members are the lead singer and guitarist Matt Bigland, drummer Mike Sheils and bassist Jim Cratchley. Their past members include Steve Wilson (2008-2010), Tom Dornford (2008-2010), Tommy Davisdson (2008), Harry Johns (2010-2011), James Sacha (2013).

With the ink still drying on a deal with the legendary Parlophone Records, Dinosaur Pile-Up singer and guitarist Matt Bigland know the platform is now there for him to showcase his talents as one of rock music’s finest songwriters. His band has long been talked of as one of British music’s most consistently exciting outfits. Now it’s time to prove it.

Listening to “Let’s Get Cucked Up” a single by an underground punk band from Los Angeles, Mr. Max, literally the greatest punk band name I’ve heard in awhile has made me rethink that maybe punk is not dead. All the non-hardcore punks have died out and decided to listen to mainstream instead of remaining loyal. 

Mr. Max’s “Let’s Get Cucked Up” doesn’t take itself seriously and hand delivers an amazing music video for the young men out there who still get sucked into their girlfriend’s lives and then get manipulated by them. It’s a perfect shoutout song. It also includes perfect humor and for some reason it looks like an old 2005 punk rock music video. It’s an amazing song with a fantastic old school early-ish 2000 punk rock feel. Check out Mr. Max perform live at the Mint on September 16 during the Hunnypot party. 

One of the most curious aspects of Heavy Rock is the multitude of styles and genres that have developed over the years.  Hard Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Heavy Metal, Thrash Metal, Speed Metal, Doom Metal, Industrial, Celtic Metal, Alternative, Orchestral, Blues Rock, Southern Rock, and many more.  You get the point.  For me, I tend to gravitate toward the music that simply kicks ass regardless of what label someone gave it.  If it’s good, it’s good. 

Pennsylvania’s Crobot is good. Very Good. They’re a band that in some circles could be considered Stoner Rock.  Imagine Black Sabbath (considered by some as the original Stoner Rock Band), mixed with a bit of Sound Garden, intertwined with a sprinkle of STP, and a dab of Alice in Chains in the spirit of Clutch.  Crobot’s take on these influences is a high powered, fat, beefy style of music that equates to a funky kick to the teeth, that leaves you wanting more.

With their brand-new release Motherbrain, Brandon Yeagley (vocals, harmonica), Chris Bishop (guitar, vocals), and Dan Ryan (drums) who make up the core of the band, have put together a big leap forward from the band’s previous releases.  Lyrically, Crobot seem to have arrived in the now and are focusing on the burdens of everyday life, in a darker yet still accessible way. Musically they’ve found their way to become their heaviest yet.  Gargantuan plodding riffs provide the backbone to Yeagley’s powerful vocals in a way that’s just flat-out satisfying to your soul.  The chunky and funky “Keep me Down” is one of these gratifying tunes that makes your whole being smile.    

“Low Life”, their latest single from their 4th release, is probably their closest offering to an anthem on the album.  Taking aim at those who judge, the song is a vehicle for all of us to rally behind, asking the age-old question: “Who in the hell do you think you are”?  I see this as a perfect crowd pleaser and a staple at their shows for years to come. 

Perhaps the one song that identifies Crobot the most is “Destroyer”. A dreamy song in places that explodes into a massively imposing chorus that warns of the consequences of crossing the most powerful entity of all.  Your guess as to who that is.  Melodies are not lost on this band either, as “Drown” and “After Life” storm through your ears.  A steady meandering pace leads into an upbeat and precise chorus, showcasing the range of the band from melodic vocals to the Sabbath-like musical damage we’re all used to.

Crobot has skillfully assembled a groovy, filthy, in-your-face rock album in Motherbrain, which I think is so refreshing in today’s world.  This record does what any good rock album should do; it pulls you in and doesn’t let you go. Not just a single or two, but the entire album.  Like the good old days.  If you’re a fan of good solid heavy rock, I challenge you to spin this one just once.  

As always, rock on my friends!     Hunnypot Approved!     Overall Rating:  8.9 out of 10

Artist:  Crobot  LP: Motherbrain,   Release Date: Aug 23rd, 2019,  Label:  Mascot Label Group

INDICA mixes modern music with a retro feel in his new single and video.

"RETROMODERN" is the latest single by hiphop artist Indica, part of the 7-song EP with the same title. The video, directed by grey93, take you to a futuristic-retro ride through your favorite pop culture elements from the 80's, several movie clips and early computer special effects.

"RETROMODERN" was produced and engineered by Andrew Luce, known for his viral remixes of Jeremih‘s “Birthday Sex” and Kid Cudi’s “Day ‘N’ Nite” singles. The song besides being obviously a hiphop tune it also includes some  influences by R&B, electro-pop, funk and soul music.

RETROMODERN is 100% Hunnypot Approved!

-Renata Vontobel

When you think of bay area rap, there’s a few names that immediately come to mind. E-40, Too $hort, and Mac Dre are a few of the legends who pioneered the rap sound in the Bay Area. But over the past decade, the collective known as The HBK Gang have been making some serious moves and dropping some serious heat. The most recent project from the collective is co-founder P-Lo’s Shine.

Born Paolo Rodriguez, the Filipino-American rapper with a mouth of full gold doesn’t disappoint, dropping his signature combination of lighthearted lyrical content over heavy bass line driven beats. P-Lo, who brought us the popular 2017 single, “Put Me On Somethin,” blesses us with 16 new tracks here, fresh off the press. Let’s dive into a few of my highlights.

The first standout song that caught my attention was the youthful, “Off The Chain”. Originally a producer, P-Lo’s beat selection is primo. As the beat bounces, P-Lo composes a song with not only a couple of verses for the rap heads, but also a chorus and pre-chorus for overall music fans. He’s loose and vibes on the beat, focusing rather on well-tuned transitions than on ultra-technical and sometimes forced sounding lyricism.

The second standout track for me was, “Can’t Break Code”. Starting with a 10 second interview snippet of E-40, the beat drops and the song kicks right into high gear with a melodic chorus. On this hook, P-Lo sings, “Ay, uh, I cannot break code, Ay, uh, I do not chase hoes, Ay, yuh, all about bank roll,” pledging his focused allegiance to the hustle and the music game. Dropping only one rap verse on this song, it’s clear P-Lo understands he’s much more than just a rapper. Similar to “Off The Chain,” P-Lo proves he’s a musician. He makes music. He vibes. And for the remainder of the track, P-Lo doubles up on the hook and ties the bow on this track at a solid 2 minutes and 54 seconds, despite only dropping one rap verse.

Lastly, you can’t drop a hip-hop album without dropping at least one song for the ladies. Assisted by Oakland’s own Kehlani, the two deliver a modern romantic duet on “Sneeze”. On most rap/R&B duets, the rapper typically steps aside and lets the female singer lead the way on the chorus. Interestingly, on this one, P-Lo stays in the driver’s sea and sets the tone with a classic rap chorus. Kehlani only makes her appearance for the second verse. They team up on the outro chorus with P-Lo rapping the hook and Kehlani offering up soft adlibs and overall masculine/feminine balance.

All in all, this album is packed with reoccurring themes. You got bouncey bass driven beats and a rapper who isn’t afraid to break into melody and carry his own choruses/hooks. This melodic trend in hip hop is on the rise and everyone’s trying to do it, but the ones who stand out are the ones who can start a rap verse and seamlessly transition in a melodic hook. Throughout Shine, it’s sometimes hard to tell where the rapping stops and the singing starts, and (vice versa). If you’re looking for a lighthearted, vibey hip-hop album, give this one a listen. You won’t regret it!

As always, rock on my friends!     Hunnypot Approved!     Overall Rating:  9.1 out of 10

Artist:  P-Lo  LP: Shine,   Release Date: Aug 16th, 2019,  Label:  HBK Records

Doja Cat has released a new remix of her single “Juicy” featuring none other than Tyga. A typically vibrant cut from the Los Angeles-based rapper, “Juicy” also happens to fit well within Tyga’s wheelhouse of raunchy rap anthems. The song already slapped before Tyga hopped on it.

 Doja Cat threw "Juicy" onto the deluxe version of her 2018 Amala album this year. The James Begert-directed clip is a vividly colorful one, as the "Mooo!" artist dons various outfits to match all of her favorite fruits such as bananas, cherries, and watermelon. Even in the midst of promoting healthy eating, her wardrobe changes are still oozing with sex appeal. 

We love this single. Therefore, enjoy this official Hunnypot video pick.

-Shih Yi Wang

The name Channel Tres sounds like a perfume doesn’t it? But it is not I can assure you. Channel Tres the rookie rapper from Compton has a promising, but challenging career ahead of him; that’s a certainty with bangers like “Controller” and “Brilliant N***a “. With his background knowledge in music, which he studied at the University of Oklahoma it really contrived new insight in how to craft his work. 

His single “Sexy black Timberlake” pretty catchy title, right? Is guaranteed to get you on the dance floor at any dance club in L.A. Imagine listening to this song while on molly or something, (which I don’t consent to) and not having a good time. The music video for this dank banger has soothing aesthetics and amazing choreography, accompanied with great camera work on locations any L.A native might recognize. In one scene he’s shown dancing with the backup dancers on a metro terminal in the freeway and the whole way it was shot was perfect, maybe it's just me.

Creative and with a killer opener to “Sexy Black Timberlake”, Channel Tres an underrated modern rapper brings a plethora of new sounds into the song with different camera techniques utilized in the video that makes it unique to other rappers of this generation. It’s a smooth song that most of his audience cannot fathom why he’s not heard of more in the rap community.