COMMON - "City to City" (Target Bonus)

The Deluxe Edition of Common's "Nobody's Smiling" have been going pretty warm in my earphones these last few days, and my homie Ant a.k.a. ZiLLA blessed me with an extra joint from the album called "City to City". This funky banger is an exclusive to the Target edition only, and just like the rest of the project its produced by No I.D. I'm definitely feeling this more than a couple of the lesser tracks on the ordinary tracklist so I think it's only right y'all get to hear this.

Timbo King - "God's Image"

Timbo King, the lead emcee from Royal Fam and one of the illest Wu-Tang Killa Beez, is back with another single. The smooth groove "God's Image" is produced by WRDOZE (yeah me neither), mixed by Chris Conway, and features the brilliant jab at Christ Bearer "I'm not that Killa Bee that cut off his bee sting".

[Album] LEWIS PARKER - "The Puzzle 2 - The Glass Ceiling" (Instrumentals)

Continuing with Lewis Parker, this summer sees the release of the instrumental version of his excellent second installment in his "The Puzzle" album series; "The Glass Ceiling". To me Parker might just be the most overlooked producer working in the biz right now - sure he's had some major placements on albums by Ghostface Killah and most recently he laced many of the hottest joints on Shabaam Sahdeeq's new LP but this cat deserves to be on everybody's radar for sure. "The Glass Ceiling" features 30 sample based beats with boom bap drums that together creates a lush, brilliantly arranged sonical concept LP that proves that Parker's music sounds as classy with or without vocals. The 2xLP deluxe edition (featuring a bonus 10" record) is available for pre-order @ King Underground Records and will be delivered on August 18. The digital version, however, is already available for purchase and can be previewed in its entirety below. Of course if you haven't heard the original vocal version of "The Glass Ceiling" , which features Sadat X/Shabaam Sahdeeq (on the instant classic "Walking On A Razor Pt. 2"), yU, John Robinson, T.R.A.C., and more including of course Lewis Parker himself, be sure to peep it ASAP!

LIL' DAP - "Code Of Silence" / "Self Esteem"

Yes I am aware that this was released as far back as four months ago but how can I fron't on a relatively new Lil' Dap banger produced by the always incredible UK beat monster Lewis Parker? The track is called "Code of Silence" and was released on limited 12" and digital EP back in April on King Underground Records; aside from instrumental, accapella and an exclusive remix of the A-side the release also comes strapped with another Dap/Parker collabo called "Self Esteem". Order the wax @ KU's Online Store or cop the digital via their Bandcamp (where you can also stream the entire project, see below). This shit goes HARD!

[Video] SLIMKID3 & DJ NU-MARK - "Boom Boom Fiya"

The second single from the extremely highly anticipated full-length project from former Pharcyde member's SlimKid3 and the extraordinary DJ Nu-Mark is here and it's called "Boom Boom Fiya". It doesn't quite grab me as the first leak with Del and Murs ("Bouillon") but as I know from "Broken Sunlight" you really need to hear the entire album in its entirety to truly get how truly brilliant it is. The tracklisting is looking serious to say the least and August 28 is the date! Pre-order the wax from Delicious Vinyl.

Side A
1. Work Hard (featuring K-Natural)
2. Let Me Hit
3. I Know, Didn't I (featuring Darondo)
4. Fade To Black (featuring J-Live)
5. No Pity Party

Side B
1. What Are Words For
2. King (featuring Diamond D & K-Natural)
3. Bom Bom Fiya
4. Godzilla Or Gamera
5. Bouillon (featuring Del & Murs)

Side C  & D- instrumentals

[EP] KOOLADE Ft. MASTA ACE & CRAIG G - "The Juice Crew EP"

Croatian producer Koolade is best known for producing Masta Ace's fantastic "Beautiful" from his "A Long Hot Summer" LP. Now the two has teamed up again a long with Stricklin and Craig G for a three track EP that Koolade has given the title "Juice Crew Special". It was released about a month ago but I totally missed out on its original release and I'm sure I'm not the only one. This is definitely some smooth shit, with two versions of the Masta Ace/Stricklin' joint "Love Crazy" that was recorded some time ago. The Craig G joint "From The Soul" was originally recorded in 2011 but none of these records has seen a release previously. All instruments, production and artwork by Koolade, and you can stream the entire thing below.

Also in case you missed it, Koolade also released a powerful single with two other legendary New York emcees in Diamond D and Sadat X called "The Natural" back in February. In case you slept on that when it dropped definitely be sure to check it out below and support it @ iTunes.

[Album] COMMON & NO ID - "Nobody Smiling"

I gotta be honest in that I was slightly dissapointed on my first couple of listens of Common and No I.D.'s just released "Nobody Smiling". Mainly because it wasn't quite what I expected; you can tell that the lush arrangements of the production has heavily influenced Dion from working with Kanye West and vice versa, which is not a bad thing in my opinion. It's not a perfect album, but the more I listen to it the more I'm feeling it, the song "Rewind This" is one of Common's best songs in a long while, and "Kingdom", "The Neighborhood", "7 Deadly Sins", etc are simply brilliant music. It does need the three bonus tracks offered on the Deluxe Edition and I'm glad that at least they are not just iTunes bonus but are actually available in physical formats. You can stream the entire thing via Spotify below, and when you've finnished listening to the album be sure to check out this magnificent interactive video conversation of Lonnie and Dion discussing and breaking down the LP track by track - it's a real interesting watch. Cop the Deluxe Edition of "Nobody Smiling" at Amazon (interestingly enough both the regular CD and the Deluxe version shares the same price).

[Album] KLAUS LAYER - "For The People Like Us"

German turned American boom bap producer Klaus Layer a.k.a. Captain Crook recently released his second album on Redefintion Records (following the outstanding "The Adventures of Captain Crook". I posted a couple of singles from this one a while back but thanks to Redef's Bandcamp page for the LP you can now stream/preview the entire album as well as purchasing a digital copy for $8. The instrumental album features 12 songs that makes for a great front-to-back listen which is the way I highly recommend you listen to it.  The album is of course also available on 12" vinyl from Redef's shop. Don't sleep!

SUPA DAVE WEST - "Let's Rock"

I always felt that Supa Dave West always been a bit too overlooked a producer amongst hip-hop heads despite lacing countless classics for De La Soul as well as ocassional bangers for J Dilla, Ghostface, Planet Asia, Phife Dawg, E-40, Talib Kweli, Masta Killa, Slum Village and more. Therefore I'm real glad to announce that the live drummer and producer is finally coming into his own, working on several solo projects and hooking up with quality label Redefinition Records. First out is the instrumental concept LP "Beat Boxing" which is set for an August 19 release. This will be followed by the companion piece "Spit Boxing" which will be an emcee record and the third installment in this trilogy will be a breakbeat record entitled "Chop Sticks". As if that wasn't enough he's also hard at work on the next De La album, got LP:s with yU and Blu in the work and has recently been in the studio with Faith Evans. In other words, there's a lot to get hyped about here - and the first single from "Beat Boxing", "Let's Rock", is promising great things. Check it out above and pre-order @ iTunes (where you can also see the tracklist). Vinyl and cassette editions will drop via Redef in September so stay tuned for more info on that!

PLANET ASIA - "Off The Turf"

Planet Asia keeps the heat coming with a great ear for beats and well-written lyrics as he once again hooks up for Gold Chain's Music DirtyDiggs for his new single "Off The Turf". Unqestinably a rewind worthy joint; according to DirtyDiggs Soundcloud this is a single from Diggs' upcoing solo album which will be mostly instrumental. Check out DirtyDiggs' Soundcloud for more exclusive collaboratioms by Asia, Hus Kingpin, Rozewood, Rasco, Mitchy Slick, and more.

DYNAMIC DUO x DJ PREMIER - "Aeoa" / "Animal"

Recently Korean hip-hop group Dynamic Duo announced that they have been over at D&D Studios with DJ Premier recording "A Giant Step" vinyl. The first announcement made it seem that the trio had actually recorded a full-length LP together but as the record now has been releeased it turns out that its a two-track 12" record, produced by DJ Premier and featuring the two tracks "AEOA" and "Animal", two cuts featuring the emcee duo of Choica and Gaeko getting busy over some vintage C. Martin boom bap. Band "AEOA" up top and peep "Animal" below, and be sure to turn that volume up! Also you can check out the official music video for "Aeoa" right here.

[Album] CORMEGA - "Mega Philosophy"

Cormega is by far one of the realest and best artists out there, just like Large Professor is without a doubt one of the sickest producers to do it. Their past track record as a duo speak for itself ("Journey", "M.A.R.S.", "The Come Up", "Focused Up") so the news that the two Queens' legends was about to collaborate for a full-length album was obviously an early contender for album of the year on paper. And though a bit too short at only 33 minutes it does not dissapoint in the slightest and will go down in history as a legendary album. Both Extra-P and 'Mega sounds brilliant on here, though perhaps a little suprisingly many of the beats are more laid-back than some might have expected. But there's definitely no weak tracks here, far from it - the album hit stores on July 22 on CD and cassette with vinyl LP following August 8 but for some reason Spotify has already uploaded the album so if you have that software just press play below and get that head banging! Shouts to Big Rob for noticing that Spotify jumped the gun on this slamming album.

EDIT - For those of y'all who aren't signed up to Spotify you can now stream the album @ DJBooth, but I strongly recommend y'all support this by purchasing a physical copy; it's short but potent as hell.

ROME CEE x ILLCONSCIOUS - "Life's A Bitch 2014"

Baltimore's Rome Cee is one of the most interesting underground artists doing it right now, and he's far from lazy with his output. His latest single is the powerful, yet somewhat laid-back "Life's A Bitch 2014" produced by Ancient Sounds and features Rome going bar for bar with anoter talented spitter by the name of Ill Conscious X. The joint will appear on a project entitled "No Titles" that should be out this fall. Don't sleep!

The UN - "Time For Some Action" [2004]

The UN's much too slept-on album "U N Or U Out" is finally starting to give its proper credit due to Roc Marciano's imressive solo ccareer. The 2004 album has been out-of-print for yeats (luckily I managed to pick up a cop when it was still avalanle. Beside the '04 debut, they also dropped he strong mixtae "World Domination" and Roc's street album "Strength Or Honor". Hopefuly we will eventually get properly mastered versions fóf those tapes as well, as Fat Beats has reissued the original debut album in a beautful digipck with two hard knocking bonus tracks. Now the quartet and Fat Beats have unearthed a previousy unreleased banger called "Tiime For Some Action" for the same that's truly the deifnition of a slammig hardcore hip-hop cut. I'm not sure where this will end up; perhaps a 7" single, but eiter way TURN IT UP!!

UGLY HEROES - "Naysayers & Playmakers"

The trio known as Ugly Heroes (produer Apollo Brown; emcees Verbal Kent and Red Pill) released their self-titled debut as a unit in late summer last year. Now one year after the fact the trio is once again gearing up for a new project to be released in digital format on MMG August 19 with a vinyl release coming soon after. Labeled as an Extended Play, the 12" record actually features five new songs, including one joint that's a collaboration with Murs, while the flip side is made up of four bonus cuts. The first single "Naysayers & Playmakers" is vintage Apollo Brown with its pure soulful boom bap that sets the perfect platform for Red Pill and Verbal Kent to get busy to. iLL!

[Album Stream] 7EVENTHIRTY - "The Problem"

For Mississippi to Dallas emcee 7evenThirty's sophomore album, the captivating spitter gets a hold of fellow Missi/Dallas producer Gensu Dean (who has really came through with severao interesting projecfts the last couple of years) for the entirety of the record. The resulting twelve track album showcases the duo's powerful chemisty and if you've been catching up on their two singles released recpectively. Now the "The Problem" is finally available via Mello Music Group this past Tueday. You can stream the entire thing in full and purchase the CD @ MMGM, etc. TURN IT UP and cop the album here!

[Street Album] DICE RAW - "Jimmy's Back"

Dice Raw, has been down with The Legendary Roots Crew, way back since 1993 when he as a 17-year old  spit a jaw-dropping verse on "The Lesson". Since then his role in The Roots Crew has grown more and more steady since then;with each album he has appeared on more and mor songs and most recently he's also started dabbling in production and showing his knafk and voice and hooks found him to be an excellent crooner on a majority songs from "Game Theiry to their most recent "Undun" While we're waiting for his upcoming solo album I stumbled across this 13 track mixtape called "Jimmyy's Back" which was complete news to me, so if you haven't heard it either before be sure to press play, sit back, enjoy and also check out the new music video for "Animal". You can purchase the ditgital album @ iTunes.

DIRTYDIGGS / PLANET ASIA - "Off The Turf"

Planet Asia's close.-to-flawless last year's album "Black Belt Theater" featyred Asia getting busy over the production of a certain DirtyDiggs, who at least to me was news. Once the album dropped. it sure as hel wasn't a dissapointing record, and espeially the DirtyDiggs joint whose soulful boom bap provided a perfect platform for Asia's strett savy rhyme. Now the duo reunites for "Off The Turf", a jazzy/funk//hip-hop joint with a heavy replay factory that should satisfy the most hardcore Asia fan. It seems that the single is from a forthcfoming full-length collaboratiion between Diggs and i'm defiinitely looking forward to the LP- You can cop the single @ iTunes. Enjoy and stay tuned!

[Album] COMMON - "Nobody Smiling"

Damn, there's something seriously wrong here, I have written thsi article three times now and it just keeps dissapearing for some reason. So I'ma keep it short now, Common Sense has always been an emcee I held in the higest regard; his flow, his cadence and especially his lyrical theme - and the way he always uses one singular producer or production team for his LP.s - creating early classics with No I.D. such as "Like Water For Chocolate" (2000), "Electric Circus" (2002) [yeah I said it], his three debut albums produced by Nio I.D. and the KanYe West produced "Be" and Finding Forever" (2005/2007). Last but not least in 2012 he hooked up with No I.D. again on the excellent +"The Dreamer/The Believer" as well as some side projects like the Cocaine '80s mixtape featuring some of Chi-Town's finest from all apsects of music. His catalouge is steadily growing stronger, out of his 10 albums or so there is only one I don't care for - The Neptunes produced "Universa Mind Control"

Now he's back with another free mixtape in preparation for his upcoming full-length and it's another really good LP juding by the four singles we've hars so far. The new album is called "Nobody Smiling" and is a concept album on the rising violence and gun packing in Chicago cityy. The CD is released next Tueday while the vinyl drops via Def Jam @ UGHH. You can stream the album and pre-order the project. Until then get your freak on and ress play below and sith back, relax, and enjoy some words of wisdom from tge fanukt,

01. "The Neighborhood"
02. "No Fear"
03. "Diamondss"
04. "Blak Majik"
05. "Speak My Piece"
06. "Hustle Hard"
07. "Nobody's Smiling"
08. "Real"
09. "Kingdom"
10. "Rewind That"
DELUXE EDITION
11. "Out Of Bound"
12. "7 Deadly Sins"
13. "Young Hearts Run Free"

COMMON - "NOBODY SMILING"

[comp] DJ SCRATCH - "DJ Scratch - Not DJ Scratchator"

With the summer being blazing hot I haven't had that much time to update the blog lately, and as I haven't made a compialtion for quite some time and I never before done based on of DJ Scratch's incredible catalouge I think it's about that time, don't you. Featuring 17 stand out tracks produced by George Spivey not featured on any of the album that the's been heavvily involved in (like all the Busta and Flipmode albums), ranging from his earliest production on the "I'm Mad" remix for EPMD back in 1990 to LL Cool J's "Rocking With The G.O.A.T." and as a bonus track I added his most recent remix, the lead single from his new Nas / Illmatic remix album which unfortunately is only available in digital for purchase. "Scratchmatic" which dropped late last month was released on the low-key and can be downloaded for a reasonable price @ DJ Scratch official site so HURRY UP and BUY!

The title is slightly ironic considering that a lot of people thing that DJ Scratch and Busta Rhymes' tour DJ and sometimes producer DJ Scratchator is the same person. Spivey definitely didn't proudce cuts like Mehtod Man and Busta's "What's Happening" to name one. But this is a great mix that I suggest you give a front-to-back listen as it's properly sequenced and works as a great career overview and features a wide array of Scratch's different style, featuring work for 50 Cent, PMD, EPMD, Erick Sermon, LL Cool J, Tha Alkaholiks, Xzibit, Cassidy/Nas/Quan, GURU and more. Don't sleep, and watch out for volume II in this series. This one goes out to you Mal! Enjoy my trusted readers and TURN IT UP LOUD while you're at it!

01. DJ Scratch - "Phuck It Up Scratch: Intro"

02. 50 Cent - "I'm A Hustler"

03. Das EFX - "Comin' Thru"

04. EPMD - "I'm Mad" [Scratch Jazzy Remix]

05. Ill Al Skratch - "Stick-N-Move"

06. Half-A-Mill Ft. Changing Faces - "Don't Go Away"

07. Busta Rhymes - "Live to Regret"

08. Bahamadia Ft. Rah Digga - "Be Ok"

09. Tiye Phoenix - "Revolving Door"

10. Tony Touch Ft. Xzibit, Tash & Defarui - "Likeit Rhyming"

11. Tha Alkaholiks Ft. Busta Rhymes - "Bully Foot"

12. Cassidy Ft. Nas & Quan . "Can't Fade Me"

13. Beanie Sigel Ft. Bun B - "Purple Rain"

14. Erick Sermon - "I Do"

15. GURU Ft. Angie Stone - "Keep Your Worries"

16. LL Cool J - "Rocing Wih The G.O.A.T."

17. Nas - "It Ain't Hard to Tell" (DJ Scratch Remix) [*]

DJ SCRATCH - "NOT DJ SCRATCHATOR" [Mirror 1]
DJ SCRATCH - "NOT DJ SCRATCHATOR" [Mirror 2]

[Mixtape] STATIK SELEKTAH - "Pro-Off Radio Ft. Joey Bada$$ & Pro Era"

Sweet hour long exclusive DJ mix by Statik Selektah promoting his upcoming album "What Goes Around", in stores August 19, where the Boston DJ/producer premieres several tracks from the upcoming LP as well as exclusive freestyles from Joey Badda$$ and Pro Era. Good listen for sure, be sure to peep it, and you can also download the full thing here.

eLzhi & FASHAWN - "Kiss The Ring" [prod. Markis Precise]

Both Fashawn and eLzhi is two of the most lyrical younger cats holding it down right now and their recent collaboration "Kiss The Ring", produced by Markis Precise, definitely is a soulful sure shot that does both emcees justice. The song is lifted from Precise forthcoming producer-driven album "The Feeling of Flying" which is out soon. Stream the track above, bang your head and support the cause by purchasing the song via iTunes.

KOOL KEITH Ft. RAH DIGGA - "Non Stop"

Kool Keith keeps dropping solid singles from his recently released DJ Junkas Louz 2xCD album, such as the incredible AG collaboration "Eldorado" we heard a while back (click here to listen). For the latest single "Non Stop" the veteran emcee hooks up with Rah Digga for an old school flavored jam that's sure to get some heads nodding. Below you can check out the non album Ray West remix of "Eldorado" that I forgot to post once it dropped. Pick up the 2xCD digipack @ UGHH or if you're a digital head, head over to iTunes to cop.

COMMON - "The Neighborhood" (Ft. Cocaine '80s)

With the exception of one single album in a long and illustrious career Chi-Town's finest Common has released nothing but quality albums, and his new team-up with No I.D. in "Nobody Smiling" hardly seems to be an exception. It's a short album with only 10 songs and the two previous singles were both real slaming; not Com and No I.D. lets loose one of the joints from the deluxe bonus limited edition album featuring the producer's band Cocaine '80s and Lil' Herb. The song is called "The Neighborhood" and is another impressive cut, albeit not quite as strong as the previous two official singles - but it's far from bad, far, far from it. "Nobody Smiling" drops next Tuesdy, and I for one can't wait. Check out the single below and bang your head to this smooth jam.

[Album] COLE JAMES CASH - "Saigon"

Until a couple of days ago I wasn't familiar with the name Cole James Cash, that was until my homie M-Credible put me on to him and as he has a great ear for finding talents on the rise I was sure as I was in for some heat. While Cole mainly, or at least so far, has been putting out music in the instrumental sphere, his digital albums like the one I'm presenting here is far from being just beat tapes. "Saigon" is an instrumental concept album built around musical cues representing the Vietnam war which is evident from both the music, occassional vocal samples and titles such as "Good Morning Vietnam"; "Indochina"; "American Arrival"; "Tet 1968"; "NVA Fire Mission" and so on. It's quite different from the typical boom bap, but it's atmospheric thump making use of brilliant samples to create a mood and the drum programming definitely thumps. Cole James Cash is making some moves right now, preparing another release very soon and he just produced two vocal tracks on UNKUT's "Counterstrike 2" mixtape (be sure not to sleep on that tape). You can also check out two additional albums @ Cole James Cash's Bandcamp page.

Throwback] RAS KASS - "Rasassination" (Bonus Trx)

 Back in 1998 Ras Kass followed up his magnificent and later to become a classic solo debut "Soul on Ice", which proand ved that he wasn't just a nice emcee speaking on real topic over to this unforgettable beats (records like "Soul On The Ice", not least the remix, "Nature od The Treat", "On Earth as It Is", "Sonset", and the list goes on). But following such a solid album, not to say classic, is always a risky thimodeng - the infamous sophomore jinx which we've seen so many tmes from various, great artsts. Still signed to Priority records the year after his debut was released, Ras was back at the studios getting busy with collaborators such as Dr. Dre and Mack 10 who supplies rhyme with Ras over a hot joint laded down by Dre's protogé at the time, Stu-B-Doo who produces another additional four songs.Other guests and producers include Big Jaz, Xzibit, Saafir, Twista, and man more.he collaboration between The RZA and Ras Kass over a stunning Easy Mo Bee (on "The End" - to this day one of my favorite track from both Ras' and Mo Bees' respective catalouges.  

 "Resuecction"  might not be the bonafide classic that '96 debut is, but it's most certainly a very good album. Lyrically Ras is as on point as always it's a blessing listening to his wordplay, serious lyrics and his voiceaddictive cadence. Add to that the majority of beats that really knocks for the most part, and when you take these two concepts  Add a bunch of hot guests from both the East and West and you can't deny that you have a hot album on your hands. The only downside was that it's slightly too long and a bunch of he tracks didn't hold up to the high standard of the best mateial here. Deleting about four tracks Ras Kass had created an incredible album that I still play from-time-to-time a long with his debut two years earlier.,

So how come I'm making a post and nini-article on this particular 1998 album, it happens that I do it when I have just listened to an older album that I love and want to revisit its strengths and wealnesses. Here though, Ras Kass has just released an updated version of the album (digital only it seems), which is available for stream and/or download in HQ "mp3:s from Ras' Bandcamp.. I'm not sure if it has been remastered but the most interesting thing about the release is that it is a deluxe edition featuring three previously unreleased tracks recorded during the making of the project, and they are all iLL too; "DJ Red Alert Drop" as you would've gussed is just a thirty second drop from Red Alert over a funky, thumping beat; "Game Face" is perhaps the most interesting joint, recorded in 1997, it features Ras and Xzibit going back and forth; last but not least you got "66-Sicks", a smooth beat where Ras Kass goes into storytelling mode and takes on the topic of how fucked up the world can, and often will be. This would have been perfect on the album, I can't understand why he would ditch it. It would've been perfect as the closing song if  "The End" didn't already do that job marvelously. Oh well, at least we are now finally able to hear this gems as well as revisit Ras last classic album if you ask me. In case you're new to this site, be sure to check out two next two albums following this, that unventually got shelved after competion and thought was lost for years. Luckily the incredible Lost Tapes contributer ANT hooked me up with full, mastered versions of "Goldyn Child"  and  "Van Gogh" so we should definitely THANK HIM for thosse gems. Ait, time to get your Ras Kass on!

[Video] DJ SKIZZ / ROC MARCI / AG / OC / G.O.D-Father III

"Light Years", by far the illest posse cut on DJ Skizz' amazing 2013 producer album "The B.Q.E: Brooklyns-to-Queens Experience". There's tons of döpe music on that disc, while no room for weak moments, but this OC, Roc Marciano, AG, OC and Godfather Part 3 really sets the bar high. Check out the visuals above,  If you don't have "B.Q.E." yet it's definitely time to stop sleeping and order a copy from (where?). Hope this turn out to be a digital only project.

[VIDEO] EA$Y MONEY Ft. DJ PREMIER - "Nothing ALike"

Boston emcee EaSy Money has made his precense known on several tracks and posse cuts initiated by the likes of fellow Boston artists such as Statik Selektah, Big Shug, Reks, Termanology, DJ Deadeye, etc. The DJ Premier produced track "Nothing Alike" will appear on Ea$y Money's first full-length debut dropping later this year. Keep your eays and ears open for that cuz this is pretty damn cool.

AWAR Ft. FREDDIE GIBBS - "Wake Up Call"

AWAR is planning to follow-up his hevily slept-on 2012 album "The Laws Of Nature" with another project due out this year. And just like the preceding LP the first single from "The Winning Team", out next Tuesday. "Wake Up Call" features Freddie Gibbs and is produced by Vanderslice who also handles production on the entirety of the LP.

DILATED PEOPLES - "Show Me The Way"

It's been a while since we got an official Dilated Peoples album (although all members of course has been holding it down lovely on the solo tip) so I know we're a lot looking forward to "Directors of Photography" which drops August 8 on Rhymesayers. We previously heard DJ Premier and The People reunite on "Good As Gone" now the LA trio grabs Jake One and Aloe Blacc for the potent "Show Me The Way" - two singles that are definitely pointing in the right direction as far as this LP is concerned. Peep the tracklist below, courtesy of Amazon.com.

01. "Intro"
02. "Directions"
03. "Cut My Teeth"
04. "Defari Interlude"
05. "The Dark Room" (Ft. Vince Staples)
06. "Good As Gone"
07. "Show Me The Way" (Ft. Aloe Blacc)
08. "Figure it Out (Melvin's Theme)"
09. "Let Your Thoughts Fly Away"
10. "Century of the Self" (Ft. Catero)
11. "@mrevidence Interlude"
12. "The Reversal"
13. "Opinions May Vary" (Ft. Gangrene)
14. "Trouble"
15. "LA River Drive" (Ft. Sick Jacken)
16. "The Bigger Picture" (Ft. Krondon)
17. "Times Squared" [*]
18. "Halleluljah" (Ft. Fashawn, Rapsody, Domo Genesis, Vinnie Paz & Action Bronson) [*]

[Video] NAS - "Represent"

As the often quoted "best hip-hop album of all time" celebrates its 20 year anniversary in 2014, Nas and his team decided to revisit one of the standout tracks in his catalouge not to have a video to its name. Following a contest held by Mass Appeal, director Brian Katz got the chance to direct the creative video which is based around themes from the 1920's flick "Thief of Bagdad" (the source of the sample used by Preem). Also check out the behind-the-scenes clip.

AUDIBLE DOCTOR Ft. BUMPY KNUCKLES - "The Beast"

Audible Doctor links up with Freddie Foxxx in the creation of "The Beast", a certified banger from The Doc's upcoming EP "Can't Keep The People Waiting" coming soon. This is the 2nd single from that project, following the Consequence collaboration "No Future", embeded below. Let that volume pump!

SOULS OF MISCHIEF x ADRIAN YOUNGE - "All You Got is Your Word"

The combination of the smooth flows of the veteran emcees in Souls of Mischief with Adrian Younge's compositional skills has proven every bit as interesting as one could have expected. The second single, "All You Got is World" features all the elements that made The Souls so memorable and loved when they first came on the scene. Also check out the previous single "There is Only Now" in case you missed it and keep your ears open for the album of the same name, out on August 26 via Linear Labs.

DJ PREMIER / LOADED LUX - "Bars in the Booth #5"

Another sure shot from DJ Premier's "Bars in the Booth" video series. This time Harlem emcee Loaded Lux enters the booth and gets loose... Nod your head to this!

[Artwork/Tracklist] DIAMOND D - "The Diam Piece"

Quite likely the album I'm looking forward to the most this year is Diamond D's "The Diam Piece" LP which marks the first time Diamond has dropped a producer-driven project a´la "In Control" / "Soul Survivor". Distributed by Fat Beats and released through Diam's own Diamond Myne Records with features from Pharoahe Monch, Talib Kweli, eLzhi, Alkaholiks, Masta Ace, AG, Pete Rock, The Pharcyde, Freddie Foxxx, Chi-Ali, Kurupt, Guilty Simpson, Ras Kass, and many, many more this will be definitely be a killer. Revisit the singles "Superman" and "Rap Life" and count the days to August 26.

B.I.G. - "Ready To Die: The OG Edition" [New Mixdown]

Back in 2008, DJ Semi and The Mixtape Marvel released "Ready to Die: The OG Edition", a highly impressive collection of demo versions, alternative takes and original uncleared versions of almost every song found on The Notorious B.I.G.'s classic '94 debut. Of course the sound quality was a bit lacking but the quality of the actual music made the collection one of the coolest drops of its year - who can get enough of Biggie, right? Therefore, I was pretty much knocked out when stumbling across the official Soundcloud page of DJ Semi and a new, updated mixdown of The OG Edition which sounds a whole lot better than the original release. Since then I've really been back on my Biggie shit and this tape has really been going warm so of course I want to share it with y'all. I also been working on a new B.I.G. compilation that should be up within this week so be on the lookout for that 1.

For those of you who might have missed this version of "Ready to Die" there's some truly mindblowing shit on here. While many of the tracks only differs in the slightest from their album counterparts (tbh with some of them I don't hear any difference at all) listeners are treated to the original, uncleared versions of "Me & My Bitch" (produced by The Bluez Brothas) and "Ready to Die"; The album versions of "Machine Gun Funk" and "Juicy" are replaced by fat ass remixes by DJ Premier and Pete Rock, respectively; the demo version of "The What?!" featuring two completely different verses from B.I.G.; another vintage Easy Mo Bee/B.I.G. collaboration from the earlier recording sessions for the album called "WatchuWant?" (replacing "Unpredictable" since that was the last recording made for the LP); the uncensored version of "Gimme The Loot". The bonus tracks consists of "Come On" featuring Sadat X as well as three early Biggie demos and a previously unreleased freestyle. All in all this set is on some other shit and is obviously a must hear for any fan of Chris Wallace, and especially as it's now available in pretty damn decent quality. DJ Semi uploaded the album in one large track which is avialable for stream and/or download up top, but Andyman187 from the Philaflava forums has provided us with the tracks separated so a huge Thank You goes out to him! Much props to everyone involved in this project and keeping the legacy of The Notorious B.I.G. alive.

01. "Intro" (Original w/ Uncleared Samples)

02. "Things Done Changed" (Demo)

03. "Gimme The Loot" (Uncensored Version)

04. "Machine Gun Funk" (DJ Premier's Version)

05. "Warning" (Demo)

06. "Ready to Die" (Original Version)

07. "One More Chance" (Demo)

08. "Fuck Me: Interlude" (Demo)

09. "The What?!" (Ft. Method Man) (w. Original BIG Verses)

10. "Juicy" (Pete Rock's Version)

11. "Everyday Struggle" (Demo)

12. "Me & My Bitch" (Original Version)

13. "Respect" (Demo)

14. "Friend Of Mine" (Demo)

15. "WatchuWant?!" (Unreleased)

16. "Suicidal Thoughts" (Demo)

17. "Come On" (Ft. Sadat X)

18. "Who Shot Ya?" (Original Demo)

19. "For The Macs & Dons" (Unreleased)

20. "Pepsi Freestyle" (Unreleased)

21. "Biggie Got The Hype Shit" (Unreleased '91 Demo)

B.I.G. - "READY TO DIE: OG" (Link #1)
B.I.G. - "READY TO DIE: OG" (Link #2)

[Album] ILLA GHEE - "Social Graffiti"

Due to the lack of updates this past week (sorry about that) I haven't yet posted Illa Ghee's newly released "Social Graffiti", one of the many interesting LP:s dropping this month. Illa's latest packs 17 hard jams with the talented MC going head-to-head with an amazing all-star cast of producers and guest vocalists; including OC, Sean Price, Large Professor, Crummie Beats, JuJu, Steele, Ayatollah, DJ Skizz, Fame, Rell and more. The whole project is up for free stream/digital purchase via DJBooth while the CD will be available next Tuesday - pre-order @ UGHH.

01. "Social Graffiti (Intro)"

02. "Salute The General" (Ft. Fame)

03. "Speak To 'Em" (Ft. Sean Price)

04. "Murda Boyz"

05. "Rum Raisin"

06. "Get Money"

07. "Razor Blade Vomit"

08. "Blurred Pupil" (Ft. Rell)

09. "James Worthy"

10. "Bruised Ego" (Ft. JuJu)

11. "No Mercy" (Ft. Guilty Simpson & Switch)

12. "B.O.D.Y." 

13. "Hold Up" (Ft. Royal Flush)

14. "Talking in a 3rd Person" 

15. "90" (Ft. Large Professor)

16. "On The Brooklyn Side" (Ft. Steele & OC)

17. "Open The Door" 

ILLA GHEE - "SOCIAL GRAFFITI" @ DJBOOTH

SLUM VILLAGE - "We On" [prod. Jay Dee]

SV digs up another previously unreleased joint of Jay Dee for their new single "We On" from their upcoming "Vintage" EP. The extended play will work as a prequel to Slum Village's next album which is called "YES" which should be out this fall. Maybe even more interesting than the single is the "Vintage" mixtape, put together by Young RJ and DJ TJ The King, and said to include SV and Jay Dee rarities. Peep the mixtape below or click here.

ILLA GHEE - "James Worthy"

Illa Ghee's much anticipated solo LP "Social Graffiti" finally sees the light tomorrow, and until then Illa drops off a final single. Titled "James Worthy", the song is an homage to its title subject as well as to street art and graffiti -“People dig my lyrics but I’m not a super star. The same way James Worthy was to Magic and Kareem,” explains Illa Ghee about the song’s title. “Most people look at graffiti and see it as trash. They don’t see the art, or the letters in the art. I feel like for Hip-Hop it’s the same thing… people don’t hear the beauty in the art form.”". Pre-order the album on CD from Fat Beats or cop the digital from iTunes.

ROBERT GLASPER EXPERIMENT - "Calls Remix" (Ft. Jill Scott & Pharoahe Monch)

This remix of The Robert Glasper Experience's darkly soulful Jill Scott-blessed "Calls" single was released quite a few months ago on a special 10" EP called "Porter Chops Glasper". Mr. Porter not only adds a fresh, new beat under Glasper and his band's powerful instrumentation but also brings in lyrical monster Pharoahe Monch who joins in behind Jill Scott. You can grab the entire EP from iTunes, definitely a nice addition to the Glasper catalouge.

[Video] INNOCENT? Ft. SADAT X - "Proof in Numbers"

Brooklyn's Innocent? and Sadat X hook up for "Proof in Numbers", borrowed from the formers upcoming full-length album "Love It Or Hate It". Look out for the LP on the fourth quarter of this year.