Jaded Incorporated is Mayer Hawthorne and fellow Michiganite 14KT, aka Kendall Tucker of the hip-hop collective Athletic Mic League. Although they're longtime collaborators, this is the duo's first project together. Coining the term “beat wave” on their debut, The Big Knock, they draw from synthesizer-based postpunk and new wave, with a nod to ghettotech and booty (see the title track for the latter). The Big Knock doesn't have Hawthorne's heartbreak or Tucker's soul-driven R&B – not even on “Monster,” which includes a late-'90s J Dilla beat. Instead, it has a Thomas Dolby – like buzz and a metronome beat, exemplified by “Coconut Sofa.” Still, Hawthorne's humor surfaces in the robotic honks of the storytelling “Half Moon Bar OK.” It wouldn't be a huge stretch for these two to top off their sharp suits with robot helmets.

Mon., June 23, 8 p.m., 2014
(Expired: 06/23/14)

Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.