DJ Jean Maron Ft. Mobb Deep & Big Noyd - "Itinierary"

The second single from France's DJ Jean Maron, following the M.O.P. joint below, features the talents of Mobb Deep and Big Noyd is definitely a very stellar cut. Judging by the two tracks we've heard so far and the announced guest features, Jean Maron's "True School" album is undoubtedly one to be checking for (grab it via the iTunes link in the M.O.P. post right below)!

DJ Jean Maron Ft. M.O.P. - "You Can't Hide"

Despite all the concerts I've attended during my relatively short life, I still haven't managed to catch one of my absolute top favorites (The Mash Out Posse) in action. They haven't released a proper solo album since the underrated "Foundation" (the Snowgons laced project not withstanding). While this is not a new M.O:P. single in its truest sence, "You Can't Hide"  will appeear on French DJ Jean Maron's upcoming full-lengther "True School" which is out NOW and features legends likeKRS-One, Onyx,  Masta Ace, Mobb Deep, Kool G Rap, and more. Be sure to order "True School" @ iTunes and check out that blood-boiling M.O.P. single below.

[Album] J-LIVE - "Around The Sun"

 One of my most anicipated albums of the year is J-Live's "Around The Sun" which we so far heard some terrific singles from. Now the album is out and can be purchased (and stream) from its Bandcamp page or iTunes. It seems that this is a digital release only, which is very unfortunate, since I can't find any pre-order links at UGHH or Fat Beats. I really hope they eventually will give it the release it deserves because this is a tight album no doubt; there are a couple of filler tracks, and a track or two that isn't all that special. But overall this is very good, J-Live ges it in as usual, and as with his clever writing you know you'll need to hear this several times before you really catch up (as recently happened to me with Pharoahe Monch's excellent "PSTD" outing just recently). Tanya Morgan makes inspired performances, and the same goes for Homeboy Sandman and Boog Brown. Complementing J-Live's impeccable writing talents and cuts, his gripping voice and flow, is an array of ill producers who've given 'Live classics to work on before. I'm talking about the talents of DJ Spinna ("Equionox)", Illastrate ("The Fun Razor Remix"), Oddisee ("Money Burns", "Worlds Apart""), DJ Nu-Mark ("Walk LIke"), Audible Doctor ("Hang On High"), PJ Katz ("City to the City") with the rest of songs produced by That Guy With The Glasses himself. So be sure to check this one out, if you're a J-Live fan I sincerely doubt you are not going to feel strong about this one as well. TURN IT UP!! (Remember that the emberded player below start as track 11; just rewind to track one or click here if it doesn't work at all).

[EP] KLAUS LAYER - "It's Like A Circle"

Since the release of his first Redefinition release, "The Adventures of Captain Crook", the German boom bap producer previously known as Captain Crook has been seen through my eyes as one of the absolutely most interesting young artists to emerge as of late. Of course, he's releasing his music on Redefinition Records, an incredible imprint that's always giv, as e their artists the highest creative freedom, as well as constantly following their slogan of "quality over quantity". Following the aforementioned "Adventures" LP, Layer has been busy releasing a couple of 45:s and lending his production talents to the likes of DXA. 

However, he relatively recently released his follow-up to his first Redef outing, albeit as a 6-track EP entitled "Es Ist Wie En Kreis (It's Like A Circle)". In isuaul Redef fashion, the 20 minutes deep projecct is available not only on vinyl but also cassette (who needs a CD anyway). Layer and the label have decided to give fans the chance to hear the album for free, by providing a free 320 kbps rip of the cassette available @ Redef's Soundcloud.

SADAT X Ft. CORMEGA - "On Fire"

Damn, this is as soulful as it is funky with it's beautiful arrangement and stand-out verses from Sadat X and the always incredible Cormega (who by the way is apparantly completed with his much anticipated Large Professor produced project new album which is intended for a summer release). "On Fire" the boys get busy spitting inspired verses about their come-up and legacy while R&B singer Lanelle Tyler. As far as I know this is the first official single from The X-Man's upcoming album "New York Never Left" which hit stores on June 24 so be prepared y'all! Stream "On Fire" for free below or grab the digital single @ iTunes.

[EP] V/A - "Hip-Hop Underground's Finest" (1999)

Now this is a real underrated underground gem that was released on the always trustworthy Hydra Entertainment back in early 1999, highlighting some of the artists or producers half-affiliated with the label around that time like Prince Po, Godfather Don (of course), L Swift of Natural Elements, Edo G, Sir Menelik and more with production supplied by Don, Nick Wiz, Alchemist, Prince Poetry, DJ Spinna, and Rich Boogie so you know this is a quality release that you need to get up on if you haven't heard it before. It was released on both CD and 2x12" on Hydra Entertainment, and this rip features all the six main tracks from the CD edition; unfortunately excluding the instrumental and clean versions however. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do, pure underground hip-hop at it's finest with some of my favorite producers of the era and some very impressive vocal performances as well (and some not so impressive - High & Mighty I'm looking at you, but with a dope Alchemist beat to back them up it gets a pass). Download, TURN IT UP!! and enjoy!

01. Godfather Don, Sir Menelik & Mic L - "No Competition" [prod. Godfather Don]

02. Matt Fingaz w. Punch & Words - "Just Ask Us" [prod. Nick Wiz]

03. L Swift & Eddie Brock - "Meltodown" [prod. Rich Boogie]

04. High & Mighty - "The Conflict" [prod. by The Alchemist]

05. Ed O.G. - "You All About Nothin'" [prod. by DJ Spinna]

06. Prince Po & Boku Rule - "Hot Syrup" [prod. by  Prince Poetry]

HYDRA - "HIP-HOP UNDERGROUND'S FINEST"

[Album] APOLLO BROWN - "Thirty Eight"

As you might very well have figured out by now Mello Music Group producer Apollo Brown is to me one of the most interesting producers doing it right now, from slamming instrumental projects, to outstanding remix EP:s, full-length collaborations with Guilty Simpson, The Left, and of course OC just to name a few he has really made his mark. In May MMG broke the news that he was releasing his new cinematic instrumental album "Thirty Eight" on May 6 which I clearly remember since it's my born day. At the same time we got the first single, the to me absolutely amazing "The Answer" and as the full album is now up for free streaming and digital purchase via Bandcamp (I just started listening) it definitely seems like a proejct that surely does not dissapoint so be sure to press play and purchase the digital copy or wait for the physical copies which I suppose still drop on May 6. This is very fine music right here, Apollo did it again!

PHANTOGRAM / AUDIBLE DOCTOR - "Fall In Love" [Remix]

You know we are huge fans of Brown Bag AllStars highly competent producer/emcee Audible Doctor here at The Lost Tapes and for his latest endeavour he remixes Phantogram's "Fall in Love" giving it more of his trademark boom bap sound while keeping much of the original intact. Definitely interesting; he even adds a verse for good measure - check it out up top and read the words on The Good Doctor below:

""When I first heard Phantogram's "Fall In Love" I thought it was beautiful. From the vocals, to the production, everything was just beautiful...so naturally I had to destroy it." - Audible Doctor

D.I.T.C. - "Da Enemy" [Bink Remix]

The always underrated Bink gives us his take on one of the hardest hip-hop bangers of all time, D.I.T.C.'s "Da Enemy" featuring stand out performances from both Big L and Fat Joe. This is the third single from  the upcoming "D.I.T.C. The Remix Project", and every single track so far has been absolutely blazing. I previously posted the radio rip of DJ Premier's remix of the first D.I.T.C. posse cut ever recorded, 1991:s "Diggin' in the Crates" - which is now also available in its full CDQ version for download via the official D.I.T.C. Entertainment website. This LP is definitely extremely high on my wish list right now and we only have to wait about a week to get it in all its glory. BANG THESE OUT LOUD!!

"Da Enemy" [Bink Remix] / "D.I.T.C." [DJ Premier Remix] / "We All" [Alchemist Remix] @ DITCEnt.com

[Comp] SCREWBALL - "Street Conflicts"

I always been a sucker for that true gangster street-edged, hardcore East Coast hip-hop and when the Queensbridge quartet known as Screwball came out with their 2000 debut "Y2K" i was simply in awe. Since the crew of Blaq Poet, Kyron, KL and Hostyle hardboiled debut album, which included such monsterous bangers as "F.A.Y.B.A.N.", "Who Shot Rudy?", "Attn. A&R Department", "On The Real", to name a few, the crew released the dope but definitely not up-to-par "Loyalty" LP in 2001 (which of course despite featured a shit load of bangers, it's after all Screwball we're talking about). This was followed by a slamming compilation called "Screwed Up" featuring some of the best works from both official LP:s as well as a few remixes, B-sides and previously unreleased cuts. Yet there are a bunch of Screwball and/or Screwball related material that didn't make any official album released under the group's name (including guest apperances, a few solo tracks by members and some real rare single releases under the Screwball name). Being that these QB OG's are amongst my favorite crews of all times a compilation of these tracks (which also includes a very few amount of cuts from "Screwed Up"). With 18 songs and about 70 minutes of pure QB hardcore hip-hop from these lyrical beats this compilation was really a no brainer, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

On an important side note - This one is dedicated to my main man as it's one of his favorite groups - happy birthday Big Rob! BOOO-HAAAA!!

01. Screwball - "Screwed Up" ["Screwed Up 12" - 1996]

02. Screwball - "They Wanna Know Why" ["Screwed Up 12" - 1996]

03. Hostyle - "Victory Or Defeat" [DJ Mugg's "Soul Assassins II" - 2000]

04. Screwball - "Beat'Em On The Head" [Cookies-N-Cream 12" - 1999]

05. Screwball - "Cookies-N-Cream" [Cookies-N-Cream 12" - 1999]

06. Screwball - "Give It Up" [W.C.W. Mayhem: The Music 12" - 1999]

07. Blaq Poet, Kyron & Nutso - "Nuts & Screws [Collector Item EP - 2009]

08. Kamakazee & Blaq Poet - "Right Here" [It's All Good VLS - 2004]

09. KL, Hostyle & Cormega - "Street Conflict" [Molemen's "Killing Fields" - 2006]

10. Screwball & Cormega - "What's The Deal" [What's The Deal VLS - 2002]

11. Screwball - "Fuck Y'All Niggaz" [Q-Butta & Ric Rude Mixtape - 2006]

12. Kamakazee - "Spread It Remix" [Snakes 12" - 1996]

13. Screwball - "Suck My Dick" [Heat Is On 12" - 1999]

14. Screwball - "First Blood" [F-A-Y-B-A-N 12" - 1999]

15. Screwball, Prodigy & Godather Don - "Heat is On II" [Screwed Up - 2004]
16. Blaq Poet & Hostyle - "Thinkin' About Cash" [Beatnut's "Stone Crazy" - 1997]

17. Hostyle & Infamous Mobb - "Born Again" [Special Edition LP - 2002]

18. Screwball - "On Point" [V/A "Hip-Hop Independent's Day II" - 1998]

SCREWBALL - "STREET CONFLICTS"

THE ROOTS - "Tomorrow" (Ft. Raheem Devaughn)

I can hardly believe it's been two and a half years since The Roots "undun", one of the best albums of 2011 without a doubt. Having not listened to it for a good while, I recently dusted off my copy and gave it a front-to-back listen at least three times during two days. As the musical unit has never released a even remotely close to weak album, and they are preparing yet another concept album with "...And then you shoot your cousin", I have extremely high hopes for their 11:th proper album as a group; due out this spring (May 13 to be exact). We previously heard the first single "When The People Cheer", a definite grower, and now the talented crew let loose of single #2 - the Raheem DeVaughn assisted (whom I always had a soft spot for) . In fact,quite unfortunately, Black Thought even sits this one entirely out with the song relying only on the beautiful vocal performance of DeVaugn. Check out "Tomorrow" for your self which you can hear below in a HQ 320 kbps rip - stream only for now though.

[OG Mix] GHOSTFACE KILLAH - "Slept On Tony"

I simply love original, unreleased mixes of dope material popping up every now and again from my favorite artists. Such is the case with Ghostface Killah and his rare original mix of "Slept On Tony", produced by DJ Finesse and Anthony Acid in 2007 for the "Ironman Soundtrack". While this version is certainly even doper than the version that, despite not making the soundtrack, turned up on the Ghost compilation "Ghost Deini The Great" (although I had a guilty pleasure for that disco driven dancefloor monster as well). The uncredited "remix" appeared as two previously unreleased Ghost tracks - the other being "Ghostface X-Mas". You can check download both versions of "Slept On Tony" below, and last but not least much thanks to Unbroken for putting me on to this true gem.

ghostface_kilah_-_slept_on_tony_[original_mix].mp3
ghostface_killah_-_slept_on_tony [album mix.mp3

J-LIVE - "City to City" (Ft. Tanya Morgan)

You know I'm a huge fan of the work of J-Live, a.k.a. The Triple Threat himself, and currently he is working on much anticipated upcoming album "Around The Sun". The recently released Tanya Morgan blessed single "City to City" is the third single from the project and just like the previous outings "Money Matters" and "Not Listening", this is another ill track that really makes me looking forward to the 12 track LP which drops on April 29. Check out the previous singles here where you also be able to stream the entire LP as soon as it's available (of course you'll found an embeded link on The Lost Tapes as well).

[EP] CURTESSY - "Different World: Technically Speaking"

Talented South Central spitter has released two projects with the homie and Lost Tapes favorite The Militia over a relatively short period of time and they all have been very sick releases. For his third and latest release, the eight track project "Different Worlds" that was just premiered @ DJBooth for free download, half of the release is produced by The Militia (including the first single "Hope" while the remaining joints are produced by Curtessy himself except for the final joint "Halluciniation" which is laced by Self Taught. Be sure to check this one out!

[Video] EDO G - "Fight Off The New"

Fittingly enough, considering that I just announced a new Ace project in the post below, here's the brand new video from Edo G's upcoming June release "After All These Years" and it's fucking TOUGH. If Edo G truly gets this album right then this could definitely be a best album of the year consideration. TURN IT UP!

[Trailer] eMC - "The Turning Point" LP

Being as Masta Ace is one of my absolute favorite rhymers of all time, the recent news of a brand new eMC album on M3 Records to drop very soon is amazing shit in my book (despite "The Show" never being the classic many claimed to me). I've seen them live too a couple of years back, and the flawless chemistry they provide on scene was even better proof than their debut of how good these guys (Ace, Stricklin', Punch & Words), compliment each other. Let's just hope they grab some crazy beats and we should all be good. The album is called "The Turning Point" and drops worldwide already May 20 so be on the lookout. Being that it's Ace and M3 I would be very suprised if this doesn't make it to a vinyl release as well. Check out the trailer above and make up your own mind!

SKYZOO & TORAE - "Blue Yankee Fitted"

Skyzoo and Torae, sometimes by far two of the most itneresting emcees out of the "new" NYC area of young spitters, are finally getting together for an official release entitled "Barell Brothers". Featuring proudction by !llmind, DJ Premier, 9th Wonder, Oh No, Black Milk, Khrysis, Apollo Brown and more, this is bound to be dope. Check out the first single, the !llmind produced "Blue Yankee Fitted" up top and peep the tracklist below.

1. Intro
2. Talk Of The Town (prod. Oh-No)
3. Make You A Believer (prod. Jahlil Beats)
4. Tunnel Vision (prod. !llmind)
5. Blue Yankee Fitted (prod. !llmind)
6. All In Together f. Sean Price & Guilty Simpson (prod. Black Milk)
7. Triangle Offense f. Sha Stimuli (prod. !llmind)
8. Movie Album (skit) (prod. Auréli1 a.k.a TIGA)
9. Albee Square Mall f. Livin Proof (prod. Praise)
10. The Hand Off (prod. Khrysis & Cyrus Tha Great)
11. 4 Bar Friday (prod. The Stuyvesants)
12. Memorabilia (prod. AntMan Wonder)
13. Rediscover f. Blu (prod. MarcNfinit)
14. The Aura (prod. DJ Premier, co-produced by AntMan Wonder)
15. Got It From Here (prod. Apollo Brown) (bonus-itunes & vinyl only)

[Video] MIC HANDZ Ft. Lil' Fame - "Don't Get Stomped"

Underrated Brooklyn emcee Mic Handz is defintiely on the come up with some hard shit as evident by a couple of recent singles, perhaps the doping one being this Lil' Fame blessed banger produced by Aaron Lyles. Fame brings his usual rugged grittisism and Mic Handz does a good job of keeping things up over a neck breaking backdrop that should have you rewinding this one. Premiered by Robbie @ Unkut, so all thanks to him! Free clean version of the single below, the dirty you can purchase from iTunes.

SLUM VILLAGE - "We On" [prod. Black Milk]

Since the release of the Villa's second more official release, "Trinity", the SV crew have always sounded particularily ill over production by Black Milk ("The Reunion" anyone?). But of course now that eLzhi is gone there's no one to hold down the super killer lyrical styles it might have lost some of its magic, but the new single "We On" which sets T3, Young RJ, and guest verses from Frank Nitty and Milk himself over a thumping knock out track by the latter is particularily nastyy any way. The second single from SV's upcoming EP "Vintage" which drops in June and I can clearly say I like it a lot better than "Yeah Yeah".

[Mixtape] TOKYO CIGAR - "The Other Side of ILL"

The big homie and highly underrated artist Tokyo Cigar has recently dropped his own take on all the "Illmatic" tributes that are popping up all over the net right now, based on that classic album's 20 year anniversary taking place this month. The fiftheen track project titled "The Other Side of Ill" can be divided into two sections - the first ten tracks follow Tokyo showing his rhyme skills over most of the original beats from the "Illmatic" sessions (those that have been realised), the remaining tracks with similiar tracks from the original producers - and sequenced the same way. Why this is very dope, the real treat for me is tracks 11 to 15 which features Tokyo Cigar remixing four "Illmatic" classics as well as one of my favorite mid-'90's cuts ("Shootouts") and the result is astonishing so don't sleep, this cat got beats for days and definitely deserves to blow up!

ULTRAMAGNETIC MC's - "Ain't It Good to You" [PAUL C Mix]

Damn, this is a real gem that TR Love and Marc Davis' label Black Pegasus dug up for us right here! Limited to 200 copies this piece of vinyl features a previously unreleased version of Ultramagnetic MC's "Ain't It Good to You" (as heard on 1988:s stone cold classic "Critical Beatdown"), mixed by none other than the legendary super engineer Paul C. Check out the official track description and the promo video below, and head over to Black Pegasus Music to grab a copy while they're still around.

"Just like the album version it uses the Manzel "Jump Street" sample, but this time around TR and Ced-Gee chopped and programed it slightly different on the SP1200. The track is sped up a bit faster and adds more of the soulful parts from the break beat. As incredible as the programming is the real power of this record comes from late all-star engineer/producer Paul C.'s mixing and editing of this Holy Grail.

Once again Paul C.'s innovative 808 bass sounds are still damaging ear canals while he manages to add a slight twist with Ultra incredible drops (different from the album) that are perfectly timed and bring out the best of Kool Keith and Ced-Gee's scientific flow!! When you hear the verse where Kool Keith lyrically insults the great Rakim with "I see your balls of clay with x vision/I'm a scientist your stage lights are weak/they get dimmer every time I speak" you really feel the wrath of Ultra!! The Sweet vocal side and the triple O.G. instrumental makes this unseen release a true Ultra sure shot!"

ZION I Feat. Sadat X, Opio, Mr. Lif, Kev Choice, Deuce Eclipse - "Get Urs"

The duo of Zion I can be very interesting but I can't say that I feel they deliver every time. For example, they just dropped their new free EP "Libations" which features six tracks of varying quality. However the posse cut "Get Yours" featuring the crazy line-up of Sadat X, Opio, Mr. Lif, Kev Choice and Deuce Eclipse is definitely a banger. Check out the track below or stream/download the entire EP @ Zion I's Bandcamp. On the other hand their earlier "The Masters Of Ceremony" is a lot stronger and well worth a listen!

PHAROAHE MONCH - "Get Down" [prod. M-PHAZES]

While Pharoahe Monch's "Post Tramautic Stress Disorder" LP is blasting through most serious hip-hop heads speakers on a daily basis, Coalmine Records lets loose of another ill single from the Mighty Pharoahe. "Get Down" is produced by the often very impressive M-Phazes with cuts by the equally impressive DJ Revolution. The track is lifted from Coalmine Records upcoming compilation / mixtape "Unearthed" which drops May 13. Now with this record available for listen basically the entire project is available to stream track-by-track.

EDIT - I just realized that Coalmine is not only selling this as a digital single on sites like iTunes, but are actually pressing up a limited run of 45 singles with the instrumental on the flip. You can pre-order it @ Fat Beats for its 4/29 release date.

YOUNG ZEE - "Problems" / "Everybody Get" [Q-Tip Remix]

Before Tha Outsidaz was a name known outside Brick City, Young Zee managed to get a record deal with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis label Perspective Records. Two promo singles was released in '96, the Ski produced "Problems" (which I dug up the music video for which you see up top) and "Everybody Get". Unfortunately like so many other dope '90s albums, "Musical Meltdown" as it was titled was shelved but not before a very limited amount of promo cassettes had been sent out to publications and radio stations for reviews and promotion. Strangely enough, The LP only received a two mics rating in The Source which I find quite odd considering that it's exactly a pretty banging record with guest verses and production by Lauryn Hill, KRS-One, Rah Digga, Ski Beatz, PaceWon, Twista. That wack The Source review might very well have been one of the reasons the album never got an official release  as critics pulled a lot of weight back in those days.

However, the vinyl heads at Dope Folk Records have finally made the album available to collectors via a two volume vinyl pressing for $20 each. Unfortunately the first volume, featuring the first 30 minutes of the album, is already out of print but Part 2 can be purchased here. Since it's limited to 300 copies you'd better hurry up if you want one for your collection. Once they are out of print I will upload the entire album here @ The Lost Tapes since it definitely deserves to be heard by as many people as possible if you ask me. One real cool thing about Dope Folk Records reissue is that they dug up a previously unreleased Q-Tip remix of the single "Everybody Get", and we all know that mid-'90s Abstract beats are pure GOLD. Check it out below...

[EP] IRON BRAYDZ - "Verbal sWARdz"

"Verbal sWARdz" is a 10 track mini album slash EP by North London emcee and producer Iron Braydz. This is no doubt some nice hardcore hip-hop right here, and it's especially impressive considering that Iron Braydz not only provides the lyrical premise but is also behind the majority of the beats. Another main plus is that the project features guest verses from no lesser legends than Prince Po, Sean Price and Phat Kat. Bang your head to this!

[Remix Tape] MOBB DEEP vs. DRASAR MONUMENTAL

With the release of Mobb Deep's suprisingly sick "The Infamous Mobb Deep (Super Deluxe Edition)" I figured this was a perfect time to bring out producer/DJ Drasar Monumental's 13-track remix album of his personal interpretations of some of the M-O-B-B's hardest joints. The mix is called "Remix Weaponry" and was created in 2011 for VendettaVinyl and is a free download that comes highly recommended as it features Mobb's vintage lyrics over Drasar's bombastic sample heavy producion. Of course followers of The Lost Tapes are well aware that Drasar Monumental is one of the most intersting producers around in my opinion; so much in fact that his two projects with MF GRIMM, "Good Morning Vietnam (Pts. 1 & 2)" was considered the best project of 2013 by yours truly, In further news considering "Good Morning Vietnam Vol. 3" , I just got words from Drasar that 95% of the project is now completed and GRIMM is rhyming like a man possessed on these tracks. How about that?! Stay tuned for more news...

D.I.T.C. - "Diggin' In The Crates" [DJ Premier Remix]

A few days ago D.I.T.C. unleashed The Alchemist remix of the rare OC & AG track "We All", with came with the announcement of a "D.I.T.C. Remix Project" featuring exclusive versions of classic D.I. joints by the likes of Diamond D, Buckwild, Lord Finesse, Showbiz DJ Premier, Apollo Brown, 9th Wonder, Marco Polo, Bink! and of course The Alchemist. Thanks to the DJ Premier Blog we now get to hear another single from the May 7 project, and though it's a radio rip it's actually very good quality though I think it cuts off a minute or two before the track actually ends. The track in question is the DJ Premier remix of the ultimate Diggin' classic - the first posse cut ("Diggin' in the Crates") from Showbiz & AG's 1991 EP "Soul Clap / Party Groove". At first every major news site was mentioning the remix album as a free album (as in a digital only LP), but the more I dig for info it seems that it will be at least released on a limited quantity CD. For more info visit DITCEnt.com, the newly launced Diggin' website. In the meantime, much thanks to the DJPB and bang your head to this!!

DELTA - "Missing Link" [prod. Amed]

D.I.T.C. affiliate Amed is currently in the lab cooking up some marvelous shit, including the first single, for XL - the newly formed group consisting of  Sadat X and El Da Sensei. Though he's output isn't exactly mindblowing, I awyays love hearing a new Amed beats as he have never, ever dissapointed and he knows how hardcore boom bap is supposed to sound. Therefore I wanted to share with y'all one of his most recent productions that I think a lot of y'all have missed out on. Dela is an Austalian artist who in February released his third album "Pyramid Schemes" which features an absolutely ruggedly sick Amed beat on the track "Missing Link" (Milano also makes an apperance on the album). TURN IT UP!!

[Album] A-PLUS - "Legrowlize It Vol. II"

Souls Of Mischief producer/emcee A-Plus have created some absolutely amazing beats throughout the years, some really good zone out material and in honor of the 4/20 celebration he lets loose of a 30 minutes free project entitled "Legrowlize It Vol. II" (check out "Legrowlize It Vol. 1" as well in case you missed it before). Featuring 30 minutes of kush-influenced instrumentals created under the influence between the late '90s and early '00s, made on an ASX-Pro. Presented by Annette Eyewear "this is the perfect perfect to crank up and zone out to. Enjoy responsibily". 

PRO STATUS x THE MILITIA - "Emceeism" (Ft. Rome Clientel & Curtessy)

South Afrian golden era boom bap masestro The Militia has been hard at work since he first burst on to the scene a few years ago, dropping project after project; the next doper than the last. His latest venture is an album with emcee Pro Status called "Above The Rhyme". The final single before the free album drops on April 24 is called "Emceeism" and is a beautiful soul banger featuring Pro Status going head-to-head with Elmira, NY's super lyrical Rome Clientel and West Coast spitter Curtessy. In case you missed the first single, check out "You Could Be The Master" here and be sure to check back here on Thursday for a link to the full project.

ARMY OF THE PHAROAHS - "God Particle" [Mr. Green Remix]

Through his extensive work with PaceWon and Malik B. I have during a rather short time became a huge fan of the brilliant production work of Mr. Green. Here he takes on Army Of The Pharoah's latest single "Curse Of The Pharoahs", originally produced by Blastah Beatz. Mr. Green's Live From The Street Team (which also includes beat head Sam Lipman-Stern gives the joint a more laid-back vibe with a beautiful accoustic piano melody taking center stage backed up by powerful cuts, and a ill bass and drums combination. Considering how different these two versions are they work great as a back-to-back listen.

"God Particle" features verses from Vinnie Paz, Celph Titled, Planetary, Apathy and Esoteric. Army Of The Pharoah's new album "In Death Reborn" drops April 22 on Enemy Soil Records - to check out the tracklist, production credits and pre-order the CD head over to UGHH.

ARMY OF THE PHAROAHS - "Curse Of The Pharoahs" [Mr. Green/Live From The Streets Remix]

[Press Kit] GANG STARR - "Step in The Arena" (1990)

Can you believe that it's now been four years since the tragic passing of Keith "GURU" Elam? Forever one of my favorite artists and the work he did with DJ Premier as Gang Starr has truly made him immortal. Although they did release their debut album "No More Mr. Nice Guy" in 1989 it was really with "Step in the Arena" that the Gang Starr saga truly began. In this press kit video seen above a young Premier and Guru discuss the creation of the now classic LP as well as featuring clips from live shows and in-studio sessions. A true gem in other words! As a little bonus I uploaded a HQ rip of the original 12" version of "Just to Get A Rep", the one with the extra GURU verse that was missing from the LP for some reason.

[DJ Mix] LORD FINESSE - "Soul Synopsis Mix"

Lord Finesse is not only known for being a punchline king and producing hardcore hip-hop bangers, but he's just as talented behind the wheels of steel. In particular he's fond of creating seamless blends of sweet soul classics such as here on his new "Soul Synopsis Mix". Perfect for a chill Sunday evening where you just want to kick back, perhaps with that special person in your life.

[Mixtape] THE 45 KING - "The Best of 45 King"

This is an amazing mix by the great legendary DJ and producer Mark The 45 King called "The Best of The 45 King" that I stumbled across some time back that I thought a lot of y'all should love as much as I do. It's only 20 minutes long but it features a wonderful blend of classic 45 King moments, rare tracks, breakbeats and snippets of the original samples. There's no question in my mind that 45 King is one of the greatest, yet most underrated producers, to ever do it and this lil' mixtape is a perfect way to spend 20 minutes listening to great music. What is interesting is that there's at least two or three Jay-Z collaborations that I never heard before. Press play, enjoy and TURN IT UP!!

VADO / PRODIGY / CHINX - "Zoo Music"

Under normal circunstances I wouldn't consider Vado Lost Tapes materiial but this single "Zoo Music" not only features another stellar recent P feature but a real soothing beat provided by Dolla Bill Kidz. I can dig it!

ANTI-LILLY & PHONIKS - "14 Til'"

Just the other day I came across the EP "Autumn in New York" by proudcer Phoniks whose blend of acoustic jazz and boom bap literally blew me away. For the Souls Of Mischief homage "14 Til'" emcee Ant-Lilly has enlisted just Phoniks to catch that jazzy soul sound. Video directed by Catch&ShoorViuals. Nice lil' summer anthem riht here!

[Album] L.E.O. & CARNAGE - "The Boombox Theater"

You might remember Flushing, Queens artist L.E.O. (Love Equals Omnipotence) for his 2008 free album "Spiritual Intelligence", which was entirely prdóduced by Large Professor. Since then L.E.O. has been hard at work with his group Unleashed By Science, releasing muaic videos for "Manipulation Under Anasthesia" and  "The Killshot", both from their free EP "Rooftop Logic".. Now L.E.O.'s back again, teaming up with fellow wordsmith for the release of their joint album "The Boombox Theater". I'm not too acquainted with Carnage but they do have a nice chemistry together and the beats is constantly banging evoking the golden era of hip-hop. And it's a free doownload none the less, so be sure to give it a chance!

[Tracklist] COALMINE Presents "UNEARTHED"

As far back as September 2012 Coalmine Records announced the release of an upcoming compilation album featuring exclusives from their label roster. A whole bunch of singles we're released from September '12 to the late spring of '13 but then any word on the project just seemed to die out - despite all singles being pretty damn mindblowing. Lucky for us, it turns out that the project was simply on hold and both a tracklist, artwork and release date has now been announced. The 20+ tracks that makes up "Unearthed" is mixed by the legendary DJ Revolution (released May 13) though a Deluxe Edition will consist of an unmixed version of the project (released May 27) which also includes three bonus tracks (including a brand new Diamond D remix). 

Check out the tracklist below and click on the linked songs to listen; damn, I didn't realize just how many of these singles have already been released but almost every single track here are up for streaming so enjoy! I gotta say all these joints on the same project found here is simply unbelivably sick. You can pre-order @ FatBeats, UGHH or iTunes.

Disc 1: Mixed by DJ Revolution
01. Unearthed (Intro) [feat. DJ Revolution] (prod. by Young Cee)
02. Pharoahe Monch – Get Down (prod. by M-Phazes)
03. Bang This (Interlude)
04. One Dae – Bang This (prod. by Marco Polo)
05. Revolution’s House (Interlude)
06. Big Noyd, Large Professor, Kool G Rap – Naturally Born (prod. by Ayatollah)
07. Blu (feat. MeLa Machinko) – Kiss The Sky (prod. by M-Phazes)
08. Royce da 5’9″, Skillz & Diamond D – One For The Money (prod. by G-Squared)
09. El Da Sensei – Show Stoppa (prod. by DJ Devastate)
10. Apathy & Celph Titled – School for Scoundrels (prod. by Ayatollah)
11. Guilty Simpson & Small Professor (feat. DJ Revolution) – On The Run
12. Drop ‘Em (Intro)
13. The Rockness Monstah - Drop 'Em [prod. by Bean One]'
14. Rah Digga (feat. Fashawn & REKS) – Never Back Down (prod. by M-Phazes)
15. Torae – Real Talk (prod. by Young Cee)
16. Guilty Simpson & Small Professor (feat. Boldy James & Statik Selektah) – I’m The City
17. The Artifacts – Easter (prod. by Khrysis)
18. Land of the Crooks (Interlude)
19. Sean Price, Billy Danze, Maffew Ragazino & DJ Babu – Land of the Crooks (prod. by M-Phazes)
20. Blu & Nottz (feat. Nitty Scott, MC) – Boyz II Men
21. Most Confident (Interlude)
22. Wildchild & MED – Most Confident (prod. by Create & Devastate)

Disc 2: Untagged Deluxe Edition
01. Unearthed (Intro) [feat. DJ Revolution] (prod. by Young Cee)
02. Pharoahe Monch (feat. DJ Revolution) – Get Down (prod. by M-Phazes)
03. One Dae – Bang This (prod. By Marco Polo)
04. Big Noyd, Large Professor & Kool G Rap – Naturally Born (prod. by Ayatollah)
05. Blu (feat. MeLa Machinko) – Kiss the Sky (prod. by M-Phazes)
06. Royce da 5’9″, Skillz & Diamond D – One for the Money (prod. by G-Squared)
07. El Da Sensei - Show Stoppa (prod. by DJ Devastate)03. Artifacts (feat. DJ Revolution) – Easter (prod. by Khrysis)
08. Apathy & Celph Titled – School for Scoundrels (prod. by Ayatollah)
09. Guilty Simpson (feat. DJ Revolution) – On the Run (prod. by Small Professor)
10. The Rockness Monstah – Drop ‘Em (prod. by BeanOne)
11. Rah Digga (feat. Fashawn & REKS) – Never Back Down (prod. By M-Phazes)
12. Torae – Real Talk (prod. by Young Cee)
13. The Artifacts - Easter (prod. by Khrysis)
14. Sean Price (feat. Billy Danze, Maffew Ragazino & DJ Babu) – Land of the Crooks (prod. by. M-Phazes)
15. Blu & Nottz (feat. Nitty Scott, MC) – Boyz 2 Men (prod. by Nottz)
16. Wildchild & MED – Most Confident (prod. by Create & Devastate)
17. Royce da 5’9″, Skillz & Diamond D – One for the Money (Mananz Remix)
Bonus Tracks:
18. Royce da 5’9″, Skillz & Diamond D – One for the Money (Mananz Remix)
19. Guilty Simpson & Small Professor – On The Run (Ran Reed Remix)
20. Blu & Nottz – Boyz II Men (Diamond D Remix)

[New 52] MidaZ The Beast - "Here I Come"

I've missed out on a couple of weeks of MidaZ The Beast's The New 52 series so it's time to catch up for y'all. The last one I posted was #13, the inspired freestyle over Dilla's powerful "King", and today MidaZ let loose of another one of his vintage collaborations with IMAKEMADBEATS called "Here I Come". Press play on the embeded player up top while below you'll find volumess 14 and 15 below; "You Got It" is another freestyle over a low-key Dilla banger while "Writer's Block" is a soulful wondertrack that might just be my favorite New 52 joint yet. I can't fucking wait to get a vinyl copy of the 16 or so greatest tracks from this series.

[Video] KRS-ONE - "True School"

Backed with the right production KRS-One is still one of the absolute best emcees to ever grab a microphone, perhaps even the greatest. Bang your head to his latest single "True School", produced by French born producer DJ Jean Marion. This boom banging track is the first single from Marion's producer driven follow-up to his critically acclaimed "Run MPC" album features a bunch of NY legends going in over Marion's production including Kool G Rap, Masta Ace, M.O.P., Mobb Deep/Big Noyd, Edo G, REKS, and Skyzoo. The album hit retailers on April 29 and can be purchased directly from DJJeanMaron.com or iTunes if digital is more of your thing.

DOMINGO x KOOL G RAP - "Sessions Vol. 2"

Following up on my last post, the second volume in Domingo's upcoming "Sessions" series focus on unreleased collaborations with another super lyrical legend - Mr. Kool G Rap. Check out the two first singles below, "Foul Cats Remix" and the original version of "Risin' Up". HEAT!

DOMINGO x KRS-ONE x CHANNEL LIVE - "Sessions Vol. 1"

I always felt New York producer Domingo's been a particularly underrated beat slinger despite churning out timeless classics like KRS-One's "The MC", Fat Joe's "Part Deux", Big Pun's "The Dream Shatterer" and many, many others. Good news then that he's got two upcoming projects on the way called "Sessions". Vol 1 in this series features previously unreleased music from The Blastmaster and Channel Live. Check out two singles below; "New York, New York" by KRS-One from 1999 (could this have been created for the original "Maximum Strength" LP?) and Channel Live's "Rethink, Replan, Refine".

[Album] ENCYCLOPEDIA BROWN - "Mr. Brown's Revenge"

Encyclopedia Brown is a new name to me but listening to his new mixtape "Mr. Brown's Revenge" there's no doubt the man got skills. Like so many other talented but relatively unknown spitters operating today, Brown is a representative of Chicago whose last release was  a 2004 mixtape entitled "Brown Sound Vol. 1". Now he's back with the follow-up that, featuring a very well-rounded sound with Brown going through a wide range of topics and themes over stellar production from Madlib, Marley Marl, Karriem Riggins, Exile, 9th Wonder, Statik Selektah, Damu The Fudgemunk, House Shoes, Vanderslice and the late Nujabes. Strongly recommended; don't sleep!

[Album] THE UN - "U N Or U Out" (ReIssue)

In 2005 Roc Marciano, Dino Brave, Mic Raw and Laku released their one and only album as The UN, the brilliant hardcore set "U N Or U Out". Although I was lucky enough to get ahold of a copy when it first dropped, it quickly went out of print and if it's one 2000s album to deserve being in print it's this one. With the gritty street realism provided by Marciano, Dino Brave and the rest and hard hitting pure hip-hop beats courtesy of Oddisee, Pete Rock, Large Pro, and Mahogany, there's really not many albums that's as unbelivably dope as this one. Luckily for those of you who missed it while it was still in print, Fat Beats have reissued the album on both CD, cassette and vinyl as well as digital @ iTunes. In addition to the original 14 tracks this version includes two equally fat joints recorded around the same time. "UN Da House" appeared on the "World Domination" mixtape but the other bonus track "For Da Love" is entirely new to my ears and an absolutely stunning track. Fat Beats have uploaded the entire album as a free stream for your listening pleasure below. Spotted @ Collectors Item (peace Brandon).

DE LA SOUL / DILLA - "Smell The D.A.I.S.Y." vinyl EP

Barely two weeks ago De La Soul released their free mixtape "Smell The D.A.I.S.Y.", an eleven track set made up of Plug One to Three getting busy over nothing but J Dilla beats. Not only was it a fantastic idea on paper, but as it turned out it was actually one of the most exciting releases 2014 has yet had to offer. A vinyl release of this is an obvious purchase so you can imagine how happy the news of the EP actually seeing a liimited 12" release made me. 

Now as dope as that sounds, for some reason they have gone with the decision to release it as an instrumental version only. There are so many posthumous Jay Dee releases (both vocal and instrumentals) out there by now that I have a hard time seeing the logic. Especially considering that Dave's and Pos' performances on these beats were simply mindblowing. The reason for the decision is stated in the press release as follows: "We decided to release an all instrumental version of 'Smell The D.A.I.S.Y.' to give people the eperience of a J Dilla beat tape that we were so lucky to receive. These beat tapes were the spring board that generated creation and inspiration for us". Fair enough, but considering that similiar things have already been attempted I must say I think it's a dissapointing route considering how fantastic the vocal version are. Oh well, the wax is limited to 1000 copies so go to WeAreDeLaSoul.com for more information.

[Video] INNOCENT? Feat. SEAN PRICE x RUSTE JUXX - "Silent Murder"

Jut over the last couple of days there's been more updates to The Lost Tapes thn I'm used to, but there's been a steady stream of very ill music coming so just press play and nod your head in agreement. Innocent? is a completely new name to me, but apparantly he's a Brooklyn emcee, and he manages to hold his own against Ruste Juxx and Sean Price. "Silent Murder" is an early sneek peek into an upcmig compilation called "Killin' The Game" courtesy of T.H.E.M. Recordings.

DJ PREMIER on "Memory Lane (Sittin' in Da Park)"

With all the hype surrounding Nas' 20 year anniversary of his classic debut "Illmatic" DJ Premier takes the opportunity to reminisce about the creation of what is many listeners favorite joint on the LP - "Memory Lane (Sittin' in Da Park)". Preem talks about how he wasn't really feeling the beat he programmed at first but once Nas recorded his verses it all fell into place. I'm sure most of y'all have heard the alternative, darker version of the song, but in case you haven't I've uploaded it for y'all below as it is a true grimey banger. Last but not least, with all the "Illmatic" hype, I'd strongly like to recommend you to get a hold of Matthew Gasteier's book on the album from the 33 1/3 series which is absolutely brilliant reading for any fan of the LP.

MOBB DEEP - "The Outcome"

Mobb Deep is definitely on a roll right now, haviing just released their best album in years with "The Infamous Mobb Deep", they now hook up with DJ Whoo Kid for "The Outcome", a track of DJ S. Whitt's upcoming mixtape "The Elevation 2". 

MEYHEM LAUREN & BUCKWILD - "Silk Shirts & Yellow Gold"

Just the other day the announcement of Queens to Brooklyn emcee/producer duo Meyhem Lauren and Buckwild revealed the upcoming May 29 release of a full-length LP entitled "Silk Pyramids". The first single is already now up for grabs; "Silk Shirts & Yellow Gold" sure as hell does not dissapoint... REWIND!!

JAY DEE - "Give 'Em What They Want"

Between "Welcome 2 Detroit" and "Champion Sound", Jay Dee was hard at work on his second solo album under the working title "Pay Jay" for MCA Records. The LP was a bit different from previous Yancey projects as it showcased his talents as a microphone maste while the beats were supplied by some of Dilla's inspirations - KanYe West, Pete Rock, ?uestlove, Karriem Riggins, Supa Dave. Biml amd a bunch of oters. The MCA deal also included the signing and release of a ful-length by local unknowns Frank-N-Dank, "48 HRS", entirely produced by James Yancey. Unfortunately both projets were ultimately shelved, but not long ago the FND album was released on CD and 2xLP (along with the instrumentals) on Yancey Media Group That leaves Yancey's MCA solo the only release left that the late Detroit legend actually woked on and had full creative control over.

Back in 2011 a rough rip of the album was leaked as "Pay Jay" and featuring 10 songs and an alternative mix. The closing track on that bootleg was a joint called "The Diary" and listening to the lyrics and overall vibe of the track - it was quite easy to see that this was actually the intro to the album, so it comes as no suprise that "The Diary". Now finally Pay Jay Records, the label run by the Dilla estate, is releasing the full album in all its glory and as far as I am concerned this is by far the most interesting Jay Dee release since 2006:s "The Shining". Two 12" singles have been released previously visa Rappcats, ("Trucks" B/W " "; "Diamonds" B/W "Ice") and now a third and final EP is being made available before the actual alnum is unleashed,

"Give 'Em What They Want" is produced by Dilla himself, while the B-side "The Doe" features another vocal performance oof the same lyrics set over a completely different Supa Dave West track. Last but not least, the EP is rounded out with another Supa Dave West produced cut called "So Far", which I believe is the same as "No One Knows" on rhe original bootleg. The EP of courss also ncludes instrumenals to both the A and Bösude. The EP is released on May 5 and can be picked up from Rappcats.com.                                                                                                                                   .

[Documentary] NAS - "Time is Illmatic"

For me there is three absolute perfect hip-hop albums ever created and released, one being Raekwon's "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...", one being Eric B. & Rakim's "Follow The Leader" and the last one of course being the debut album of the young Nasir Jones - "Illmatic". The latter was released exactly 20 years ago on April 19 and it's definitely nothing strange about how well this record has stood the test of time. Still to this day, maybe only Rakim's vocal performance on "Follow The Leader" is as well-rounded, from the song writing, to the advanced lyrical genius, the clever metaphors and the immaculate flow all perfectly married to the music which in the case of "Illmatic" set a new standard that lives on to this day as Nas gathered a plethora of the hottest hip-hop producers around rather than having one beat head work on the entire album. DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Large Pro and Q-Tip all came from succesfull New York groups of their own but came together based on the unbelivable talent they heard this 19 year old display on the microphone. The song that stood out in a respect was "Life's A Bitch" as it was not only the other track featuring an unknown Queens producer (L.E.S.) but also featured the only guest apperance on the album with AZ. Fortunately both of these debutants suprised everyone by supplying guest verses and beats, respectively, that were just as good as the others and have definitely stood the test of the time. If you're looking for a perfect album, "Illmatic" is the one and maybe only example of what an absolutely flawless hip-hop LP is supposed to sound. But you know all this already, so why I dwell on it....

As previously reported on April 19, Nas and Colombia/Sony is releasing the 20:th anniversary of "Illmatic" (called the XX Edition). Beside the original ten track set, remastered to sound as good as possible, the release include a second disc that includes remasters of every single one of the original 1994 remixes by producers like Large Pro, Groove Merchantz, Joe The Butcher, LG Experience, Q-Tip, Def Jef, and the UK:s The Creators and Dave Scratch - all originally available on the original 12" singles. The remaining bonus tracks are remastered versions of a 8 minutes Stretch & Bobbito Show freestyle circa early '94 as well as the previously unreleased (in any official capacity) "I'm A Villain. In other words a much better reissue than the 10 anniversary 2xCD from 2004 - what would be the dot over the i would be to have one of the CD:s enhanced and include the 20 minute documentary "Time is Illmatic" which you can see above.