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Click here to read part one or here to read part two.

By the time Matador Records entered the ’00s they found themselves, somewhat surprisingly, having an incredible amount of commercial success. Gone were the days of overlooked Japanese experimentalists. Instead, the label was inking deals with emerging acts like New York City gloom rockers Interpol, while also churning out hit records by indie chanteuse Chan Marshall (otherwise known as Cat Power).

And while, sure, that amounted to one of the most exciting periods in the label’s history—a genuine comeback, by most standards—what really made Matador special in the ’00s was their willingness to go out on a limb for artists who they truly believed in, like hardcore experimentalists Fucked Up or fuzzed out rocker Kurt Vile. And, truth be told, it is that dedication that is likely to keep them here for another 21 years.

Kansas-born rapper, Donovan Johnson, better known as XV, is taking the term ‘backpack rap’ literally as he jives around town with his pack slung over his back in his new video for “Mirror’s Edge.” This is one smooth-spittin MC you’ll be hearing a lot about so pay attention.

Check out other new single and video premieres at MySpace Music.

What happens when you mix live concert footage with claymation figures that are skateboarding and rocking out, all over hip-hop-meets-punk rock thrash? Well, the new (hed) p.e. video, of course. Check out the new video for “No Rest For The Wicked” from the Huntington Beach crew.

Check out other new single and video premieres at MySpace Music.

To honor Bad Religion’s 30th anniversary, we partnered with SPIN to present Germs of Perfection: A Tribute to Bad Religion. We gave the reigns to “Introducing…” Danish rockers New Politics for their take on 1992’s “Generator.”

For only two dudes, “Introducing…” artists Middle Class Rut sure create a lot of noise. After a handful of killer EPs the duo’s tunes are now plastered together into a solid debut LP, No Name No Color.

Listen to Middle Class Rut’s new album here.

Check out other new single and video premieres at MySpace Music.