A Taste:

Kings of Leon, Passion Pit, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes

Drake is undeniably the hottest new rapper in the game.

So we had to know…what the hell is he listening to?

“Indie rock,” Drake laughs with a big smile. “I feel like that that music is the best that it’s been in years. There are so many bands that are simply phenomenal.”

Even though he’s rolling with Lil Wayne and trading verses with Slim Shady, Drake prefers to kick back and turn up some fuzzed out artsy bands. That’s probably why he’s got such a unique style and melodic sensibility. You can’t mess with Drake and his shoegazin’ playlist!

Drake opened up his iTunes for ARTISTdirect.com editor and Dolor author Rick Florino in this exclusive playlist feature. Check out what Drake is spinning below and pick up his brand new EP, So Far Gone, available now!

Drake’s Playlist:

1. Passion Pit

2. Frances and the Lights

3. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes

4. Kings of Leon

I listen to a lot of Passion Pit, Frances and the Lights, Edward Sharpe and Kings of Leon.

5. Grizzly Bear

I love Grizzly Bear. There are almost too many great indie bands. They’ve got their own sounds going on. From the lyrics to the melodies, everything is great. I feel like indie rock is at a real strong place right now.

—Rick Florino
10.13.09

A Taste:

Kid Cudi, Mike Snow, Passion Pit

3OH!3 represent Colorado proudly by creating a sound that’s just as majestic as their home state’s mountain ranges.

The alternative electro hip hop duo has been lighting up the charts with their fresh and fiery rhymes. They’ve also been tearing up stages across the world and garnering a massive fan base in the process.

Nathaniel Mott of 3OH!3 opened up his iTunes and shared his playlist with ARTISTdirect.com in this exclusive feature. Check it out below and catch 3OH!3 on this summer’s Warped Tour!

Nathaniel Mott’s Playlist:

1. Kid Cudi

This dude is great. His rap style is really innovative and, his mixtape might be my favorite collection of the past year.

2. Mike Snow

What happens when Swedish super producers Bloodshy andAvant and American “wonder boy” Andrew Wyatt come together? Magic!

3. Neon Hitch

Lok out for her! This British wonder has one of the most amazing and unique voices I’ve ever heard!

4. Passion Pit

I know everyone is all over it, but it is really, fundamentally pretty cool sounding music!

5. Christoph Eagleton

He’s producer and beatmaker from Colorado—look out!

—Rick Florino
07.06.09