The Lost Tapes

OC x Apollo Brown - "Prove Me Wrong"

2012-02-28T12:34:00.000-08:00

I've been eager to hear something from the project OC recently recorded with producer Apollo Brown out in Detroit so I'm happy to present "Prove Me Wrong". This is a radio rip just premiered on Live From HeadQcourterz by DJ Premier and it's just as sick as expected. OC is definitely not to be fucked with on the microphone, the man hasn't lost a single step since he broke through with the classic "Word... Life" and the equally impressive "Jewelz". I pray we get vinyl copies of this, but the digitized heads can pre-order their copies of "Trophies" @ iTunes now. Official album release on May 1 via Mello Music Group.

Prove Me Wrong (Live From HeadQCourterz Radio Rip) by Apollo Brown & OC

Cormega x Large Pro LP in the works

2012-02-28T12:19:00.001-08:00

A full album worth of Cormega ripping Extra-P laced bangers have been whispered about for a while but here Corey makes the announcement loud and clear. Considering how consistantly great both these have been I'm assured this album will hold one of the top spots of this year end's best-of lists if they manage to deliver it in '12. 'Mega also clears up just exactly what to expect from the collabo with Roc Marciano, Saigon and Action Bronson on a joint called "Mars", which is one of the songs recorded for the project so far.

[Videos] Fokis + Georgia Anne Muldrow

2012-02-28T12:02:00.000-08:00

The first of two new videos I want to put a spotlight on today is that of a track you've might heard on The Lost Tapes before; Fokis' Sadat X featured single "Justsayin'" which is a real dope cut with a good ol' school vibe that I've been blasting lately. Make sure to check out Fokis entire mixtape, "A Vintage State Of Mind", hosted by The X-Man of Brand Nubian and mix duties hanlded by DJ Chonz.

Next up is the visuls to the debut single and title track from Georgia Anne Muldrow's upcoming collboration with Madlib on "Seeds". The vid is coming right on the heels of the premier of the second leak from the LP, "Husfriend". As I'm sure many of y'all also will recognize, this is shaping up to be one really worth watching out for. March 27 is the set date.

Showbiz & AG - "In Trouble"

2012-02-27T17:50:00.000-08:00

Ooh shit!! The Bronx is in the house with that straight raw ol' boom bap; Show on the beat, A on the mic and Preem on the cuts. It don't get no better than that. I can hardly wait for "Mugshot Music" after all these heavy leaks we've been fed since late last year. Shouts to DJPB.

SHOWBIZ & AG - "IN TROUBLE"

Planet Asia / Raekwon - "No Apologies"

2012-02-27T17:43:00.002-08:00

There's been alot of Wu and Planet Asia on The Lost Tapes lately, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that so lets keep that theme shall we? Here Asia teams up with Chef Raekwon who drop bombs over a knocking Oh No beat. "Black Belt Theater" is out on CD tomorrow, vinyl heads will have to hold on to March 20.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://naturesounds.bandcamp.com/track/no-apologies"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;No Apologies by Planet Asia (ft. Raekwon) (prod. by Oh No)&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

GHOSTFACE - "Supreme Clientele" [Canadian]

2012-02-26T05:17:00.000-08:00

In the early '90s Wu-Tang Clan was already one of the absolute top crews in the modern hip-hop landscape but when Raekwon dropped his "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Niggas" in '95, its mafioso infected dreams of the big bucks, fly Shaolin slang and references to future embraced brands like Cristal truly changed the game. To me, it's still the top album ever released, and besides Raekwon's name the cover also bore the under title "guest starring Tony Starks A/K/A Ghost Face Killer". In fact Ghost appeared on no less than fourteen of the album 17 or 18 cuts (depending on which version you bought) and it was his chemistry with The Chef and RZA's futuristic production that made the LP the instant masterpiece it was and still is. The following year, Ghostface once again hooked up with Rae and RZA and released his own debut, "Ironman", an equally impressive project. Despite the three main characters being the same, RZA's samples were now instead steeped in the '60s and '70s soul and funk that the young Dennis Coles had grown up on (including Al Green, Bob James, Jackson 5 and Sam Cooke). If you never heard Coles before, after listening to his debut front-to-back you'd be left with the feeling that you know Ghost and his persona, ideals and history. Classics like "All That I Got is You" was a heartfelt dedication to his mother while also dealing with the hardships of his youth, "Camay" told a taseful love tale while the super misogynistic "Wildflower" saw a furious Ghost spew hate over a cheating ex-girlfriend with no spare on the profanity. Together with Rae, both their two albums was additionally filled with fantastic storytelling raps that would make Slick Rick and KRS-One proud and helped cement the pair as one of the finest rap duos of all time.

After RZA completed his five year plan for the Clan with the release of 1997's superior multi-platinum "Wu-Tang Forever" he took a step back from producing the 9 generals solo music to focus on what he called his "c-artists"; peeps like Killarmy, Cappadonna and Sunz Of Man. Instead he assigned Divine or Power as the main executive producers for Clan members various projects. This allowed the Wu members to release more music rapidly and with more personal input. This resulted in releases between '98 and '99 from RZA, Method Man, GZA, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Inspectah Deck, Red N Meth, U-God and Raekwon. While the majority of these projects were far from bad, even die hard Wu fans were agreeing that something was missing from them all and that they didn't live up to the high standards set by the Wu-Tang releases between 1992 and 1997. What was missing was clearly RZA's input, guidance and vision; on an average he produced one to three beats per project (save for RZA as Bobby Digital's "In Stereo" which could arguably be considered a part of the first round of RZA laced solo albums; although it was way ahead of its time when it first hit stores and caught a lot of flack).

By early 2000, the only Wu member to not have dropped a solo over the last couple of years (save for Masta Killa) was Ghostface Killah, much due to a six month bid on Riker's Island. Once he was released, he hit the studio to record "Supreme Clientele", an album that both Ghost, RZA, Divine and Power collaborated on and understood the extreme importance of. I remember hearing the Raekwon featured single "Apollo Kids" and feeling it was one of the best Wu songs in years and when I picked up my copy of Ghost's sophomore LP on the day of its release, I, like many others, knew that The Wu was back in full throttle. The album was totally cohesivem perfectly sequenced, had clever skits and followed a theme of a super hero on a mission to save the world; a metaphor for Ghost's importance in bringing back the Wu legacy with a classic worthy of the early '90s Clan solos. While RZA didn't prouce the majority of the beats, he and Ghost had a hand in the mix and final outcome of every track which gave the project it's unique sound. Instead of having the beatmakers produce their record in the studio, RZA and Ghost picked out beats from the likes of Beatnuts' JujJu, Carlos Broady, Allah Mathematics and Phantom Of The Beats and produced and arranged everything on the LP much the same way a rock producer would've done it. This is a very important part to the LP's success. Another equally impressive feature of "Supreme Clientele" was Ghostface's own lyrical performance, displaying a totally unique style of emceeing that hasn't been duplicated neither before or since. I even heard of an English teacher at an American university using some of the verses on the album as poetic art material for analysis. The stream-of-consciousness style Coles used here could be interpreted as jibberish by someone, as high art by another while a third party would chalk it up to twisted ghetto slang. What put the icing on the cake and truly made it one of the best rap performances of all time was the way Ghost spat his lines though, his flow on every verse delivered to perfection.

Epic, Ghost's label for his three first albums were masters at screwing up tracklists and denying sample clearances. This was especially evident on 2001's "Bulletproof Wallets" which could and should have been GFK's third classic in a row if it wasn't for the label. It's hard to believe that an LP as close to perfection as "Supreme Clientele" originally faced some similiar problems, resulting in the released version being slightly different than how it was first intendended. Luckily for fans, the original version was available for a limited time period on first pressings over in Canada. Which of the two versions is the better can be debated but it's unquestionably very interesting to hear this slightly different take on such a familiar classic. This version features 14 tracks rather than the retail's 21 as the skits appears after a track's song; the Ironman cartoon intro and outro is however entirely dismissed here and the sequence is slightly altered. The main differences though is that rather than the atmospheric RZA remix of "G-Dini" appearing on all other editions, here we get Ghost and Superb ripping the much more sinister and hard hitting Blaquesmiths beat previously used for "Bastards" (The Ruthless Bastards joint on "The Swarm Vol. 1"). Further, "Child's Play" features an extended vocal outro but RZA alters his beat by keeping the George Jackson organ sample on a steady loop while leaving out all the breakdowns and alternations which to me always helped elevate the song to the next level. The biggest and most important difference between the two editions however is that all but the Canadian's missed out on the absoultely brilliant "Wise", a vintage Ghost song with raw emotions on full display that works as a heartfelt tribute to his fallen friend and comrade Wise (Killarmy's original manager). The track is built on the classic Dramatic's song "In the Rain" but not only does it use a sample of the beat but it actually features production work and guest vocals by the original artist. This joint is to me a pivotal moment on "S.C." that every Ghost fan owes it to themeselves to hear, its long honoring verse can be likened to that on "Impossible" (which is thrown in here as a skit for good measure). So, which version is the better? Check it out below, TURN IT UP and decide for yourself!

01. "Nutmeg" (Ft. RZA as Bobby Digital)
02. "One"
03. "Saturday Nite" / "Impossible" / "Ghost's Theme"
04. "Wise" (Ft. The Dramatics)
05. "Mighty Healthy"
06. "Apollo Kids" / "Clyde Smith" (Skit)
07. "Buck 50" (Ft. Method Man & Redman) / "Stroke Of Death"
08. "Deck's Beat" (Ft. 60 Second Assassin)
09. "G-Dini" (Ft. Superb)
10. "Malcolm"
11. "We Made It" (Ft. Superb, Chip Banks & Hell Razah)
12. "Child's Play" [Original Mix]
13. "CherChez LaGhost" (Ft. U-God)
14. "Wu Banga 101" (Ft. GZA, Cappadonna, Raekwon & Masta Killa)

GHOSTFACE KILLAH - "SUPREME CLIENTELE"

Bumpy & Preem Prequel EP coming

2012-02-25T10:48:00.005-08:00

As we all know by now the long-awaited full-length album by legendary veteran Bumpy Knuckles, "The Kolexxxion", fully produced by DJ Premier is being released on March 27. As it's already available for pre-orders on both CD and vinyl from several sites I'm counting on it actually being released by then (unlike that NYGz album - what's up Preem?). Matter of fact, I pre-ordered my copy yesterday; I've heard 10 of the 17 songs from the album and I'm already now certain enough to say that this will be Freddie Foxxx's best LP since his masterpiece "Industry Shakedown" over a decade ago. Before the actual collection drops, however, the duo are giving fans a five-track EP of songs that didn't make the final cut called "StoodioTyme" (click to listen to a short snippet reel). The digital release will be available for a cheap price on March 5 via the regular sites sites like iTunes and Amazon. Below you can also take a listen to Flava Flav featured single "Shake the Room" from the LP, now in CDQ. Thx to Gim and his fine work at DJPB.

01. "StOoDiOtYmE"
02. "Fake"
03. "That Preemo Shit"
04. "tAkEiT2tHeToP"
05. "Inspired By Fire"

BUMPY KNUCKLES - "SHAKE THE ROOM" (Ft. Flava Flav)

Black Marvel - "BM" [Album]

2012-02-24T12:56:00.000-08:00

Black Marvel might not be the most recognized producer out there but he's one of the super underrated beatmakers in the Amsterdam group Godz Wrath. Aside from Black Marvel, rhe trio currently consits of Jordan River Banks and Ciph Barker. Together they have produced some of the finest music on such amazing releases as Killah Priest's "The Offering", Hell Razah's "Renaissance Child" / "Heaven Razah", Shabazz the Disciple's "Hood Hopera" / "THUG Angelz" and the "Black Market Militia" project. And they always bring that quality so when MOD The Black Marvel is now releasing his first solo album you can count on it being an interesting release.

A little suprisingly, "BM Ultra" features not only MOD behind the boards but kicking some rhymes while the production is handled by the entire Godz Wrath crew. Guests include Ciph Barker, Thun/Hurry Fubs and most interestingly the posse cut "Room 308" featuring the entire Maccabeez fam (Killah Priest, Hell Razah, Timbo King) and New York emcee Whosane, you can check that out below while you can stream the entire album here or download it for €8.99. To cop a CD version head over to Black Marvel's official site.

Room 308 (the forgotten Warriors) feat. Killah priest, Whosane, Hell Razah & Timbo King by Black Marvel

Bassi Maestro - "Seven Skills (A Rakim Tribute)"

2012-02-24T05:58:00.001-08:00

Between 1997 and 1999 The Microphone Fiend dropped two albums for Universl Records; "The 18th Letter" and "The Master". Both had their moments but was far from the level of his four earlier classics although they both had their fair share of real hot tracks (incluing the later LP which caught a lot of flack from fans). One year later, Ra signed with Dr. Dre and Aftermath and started recording "Oh, My God", an album that still remains unreleased after The R was eventually dropped from the label, save for a few songs and some guest spots either produced by Dre or with Aftermath artists (on a side note, you can anticipate a Rakim/Aftermath compilation soon, featuring all leaked/released tracks from his time on the label). Instead all material recorded with Dre in L.A. was scrapped. Instead Rakim recorded completely new songs for "The Seventh Seal", his long delayed third solo album that was finally released in 2009.

I've read so many negative reviews of that LP which is nothing but a god damn shame if you ask me! Sure, it had a few questionable tracks, mainly on the productionn and hooks side, but there were enough of plenty of fat productions that both suited Ra's sound while keeping with the times (for example tracks like "Holy Are U", ""Walk These Streets", "Man Above", "Still in Love", "Euophoria" and "Won't Be Long"). And lyrically it might just be Ra's best solo album, maybe not flow wise but lyrically the album is filled to the limit with clever and well executed themes and concept songs, more so than any other Rakim album (even including the Eric B. joints). One of my favorite tracks on it are the perfectly executed "Working For You" which has an amazing soulful beat using the classic hip-hop sample source "I Forgot to be Your Lover", although it's in fact The Robert Cray Band's take on the composition rather than the original William Bell version used for classics by artists and producers including Alchemist/Dilated Peoples, True Master/Killah Priest and P.King/Ludacris.

On the sleeve for "The Seventh Seal" the production credit for "Workin' For You" was left blank. The story goes that Rakim somewhere along the line had been given a beat tape by someone and by the time the album were being pressed he had totally forgot who was behind the beat. Of course it didn't take long until Italian producer Bassi Maestro made everything in his power to make sure the world know that he was the one behind the song Ra rhymed over on his album. Just check Maestro's 2004 cut "Tu Non Mi Rispetti" for Italian artist Sano Business which clearly shows he's telling the truth in this matter. Since "Working..." is one of my absolute favorites of an album I always felt the need to defend against the unwarranted hate it drew upon itself, I found Bassi Maestro's tribute tape to Rakim very interesting and should definitely be heard by any fan of the song mentioned above. It's a dope remix tape that runs for about 25 minutes featuring exclusive Maestro beats put together with classic Rakim rhymes. Most of the songs are really ill though there's a couple I felt were very average. The only problem I have is why remix classics that don't need to be touched upon ("Follow the Leader"; although a tight version; and "I Know You Got Soul"). What I want to hear is Maestro's take on more recent Ra material which gives us an inside look of how Bassi Maestro's Rakim collaborations would've sounded if he the Italian had gotten mroe placements on "The Seventh Seal". Luckily, the continous mix features remixes of "Hip-Hop", "It's Nothing" and "Holy Are U". Since the mix is placed in one continious downloadable or streamable track, you can scroll down to the bottom of the Soundcloud page and choose to stream the individual joints.

Copywrite / Casual / Evidence / Roc Marcy

2012-02-24T05:58:00.000-08:00

After seeing the tracklist for Copywrite's new album "God Save the King" on Man Bites Dog Records three songs immediatly struck out to me. Those were the two Bronze Nazareth productions, one titled "Love" which was recently released as the first single, and the other were the very promising posse cut "Golden State (Of Mind)" featuring Copywrite, Casual, Roc Marciano and Evidence. All these four guys are super lyrical and as expected the song hardly dissapoints with Vanderslice's solid production. "God Save the King" will be released nationally on the last of this month from the usual suspects like UGHH and Amazon. iTunes will be hosting an exclusive advance of the LP a few days before its release, starting on the 24th, which you can pre-order it via iTunes.

COPYWRITE x x EVIDENCE x CASUAL x ROC MARCY - "Golden State"

Tha Connection / Roc Marcy - "Strive EP"

2012-02-23T12:25:00.000-08:00

Today is a proud day for Sweden's hip-hop scene as great beathead Mok Vurban from Orebro produces two songs on American duo Tha Connection's new "Strive EP" featuring one of my current favorite emcees - Roc Marciano. On the EP, "Strive" appears in three different mixes in addition to "Shook" featuring Mok Vurban on vocals and the Cypria laced "For Thought". The digital extended play will be available via iTunes and Bandcamp on February 21 but you can already check out both Vurban 's contributions; "Stress" w. Roc Marcy and "Shook". Stream this, enjoy it and TURN IT UP!!

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://digicrates.bandcamp.com/track/strive-feat-roc-marciano"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Strive (feat. Roc Marciano) by Tha Connection&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://digicrates.bandcamp.com/track/shook-feat-mok-vurban"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Shook (feat. Mok Vurban) by Tha Connection&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Georgia Anne Muldrow x Madlib - "Husfriend"

2012-02-22T16:49:00.000-08:00

As I wrote about a few weeks ago, retro soul singer and talented producer Georgia Anne Muldrow has just recorded an entire album fully produced by hip-hop's busiest beatmaker; Mr. Madlib. Judging by the previous single, "Seeds" and this new joint called "Husfriend" I have a great feeling about this project which could very well be the illest, funkiest soul album in severeal years. If we get this on vinyl on its March 27 release date I'm definitely picking this one up. Check out the tracklist and latest single below and let the funk invade your mind!

01. "Seeds"
02. "Winds"
03. "Calabash"
04. "Kali Yuga"
05. "The Birth Of Petey Wheatstraw"
06. "Best Love"
07. "Interlude"
08. "Husfriend"
09. "Kneecap Jelly"
10. "The Few"
11. "Remember (Outro)"

Wu Block - "Hands Up"

2012-02-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

Although I'm always a bit skeptical when new projects of this caliber is announced, it actually seems as The "Wu Block" album might happen sooner than expected. Following The RZA produced title track, the second single has just hit the net and will not dissapoint neither Wu heads or D-Block fanatics. "Hands Up" features Sheek Louch and Ghostface Killah spitting quality verses and despite it's not as heavy as some of their previous collaborations, I can definitely dig it.

SHEEK LOUCH x GHOSTFACE - "HANDS UP"

J-Live - A Triple Threat

2012-02-22T04:01:00.000-08:00

Never watering down or letting his music become commercialized, DJ/MC/Producer J-Live released one of the noteworthy albums of last year with his "S.P.T.A. (Spitta)". Don't think for a second that means he's taking time off from the hip-hop game as he's constantly releasing interesting singles and fat freestyles. Today the once mid-school teacher turned celebrated hip-hop artist lets loose of no less than four songs via Bandcamp; featuring collaborations with Senor Kaos, Ekundayo and Lyric Jones, all clearly worth a listen so check 'em out!

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://senorkaos.bandcamp.com/track/restless-feat-j-live-flux"&amp;gt;Restless Feat. J-Live &amp;amp;amp; Flux by Señor Kaos&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://lyricjones.bandcamp.com/track/downtime-feat-j-live"&amp;gt;Downtime feat. J-Live by Lyric Jones&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://amondjackson.bandcamp.com/track/ascending-prod-nefarious"&amp;gt;Ascending (prod Nefarious) by Ekundayo + J - Live&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Rebel INS & 7L/Esoteric are Czarface

2012-02-21T13:44:00.000-08:00

For some time now rumours about Wu-Tang's super lyricist Inspectah Deck joining forces with Esoteric has been floating around the web. Now this project is definitely soon to become reality and it seems that Esoteric's traditional producer partner 7L will also be involved in the album which will be released under the group name CZARFACE (weird, I know). Rebel INS is one of my favorite rhymers of all time but besides the classic Clan album he has never been able to fully deliver a truly solid solo album if you ask me. He absolutely killed his latest LP "Manifesto" as far as the vocal part goes but except for a few beats ("The Champion", "Tombstone") it was real lackluster.

With CZARFACE we'll get to hear The Rebel rhyme over the talented 7L's production with additional contributions by the one and only DJ Premier (something fans have been fiending for since "Above The Clouds") and cameos from Roc Marciano, Action Bronson, Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire and Large Professor. I really hope the latter gets to supply a beat for the project as well, considering he's been truly on fire lately. But back on topic, I uploaded the classic 7L & Esoteric '99 single "Speaking Real Words" which was the first time they duo worked with Inspectah Deck; a classic song mixed by the one and only Marley Marl.

7L & ESOTERIC x INSPECTAH DECK - "SPEAKING REAL WORDS"

Prodigy - "H.N.I.C. 3" (The Mixtape)

2012-02-21T12:21:00.000-08:00

True to his word, Mobb Deep's Prodigy hits up the net with his latest free mixtape "H.N.I.C. 3". Following the same pattern he used for "The Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson EP", this drop is released as an exclusive collaboration with Complex.com. Full of P's trademark gritty flow, hardcore lyrics with some knowledge thrown in the mix for good measure you pretty much get what you'd expect from this QB veteran. There's some extremely questionable guest features on the tape to say the very least, but P comes through as far as his part goes for the most part and a good amount of the production is solid. Especially nice to hear him spit over sick Havoc beats like those on "I'm From the Trap", "Extreme" and the Mobb Deep song "Make A Hole". Other producers include J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Mr. Porter, SC, Sid Roams and someone calling himself Little Peoples who provides the beat for the impressive intro joint. The real mixtape is the first eleven songs as you notice they have production credits, tracks 11-22 are freestyles and snippets from various recent P cameos.

gENSu dEAn / Roc Marciano - "Yen"

2012-02-21T04:21:00.002-08:00

Underrated producer Gensu Dean and his trusted SP1200 has been providing beats in the background for years now but the majority of hip-hop heads might not even know who he is. At least not yet, but after his recent signing with Mello Music Group and the recording of his official solo album "Lo-Fi Finghaz" that is hopefully all about to change. Dean makes true shool hip-hop with a modern twist that should be right up the alley of readers of this blog and similiar sites. The album hit stores in physical and digital copies on February 28 and you can pre-order it now from Amazon or iTunes. You can already now stream the album in full and purchase it straight from the label, head over to Mello Music Group's "Lo-Fi Finghaz" site.

"Lo-Fi Finghaz" is really a really dope album, I have rarely heard an average beat from Dean and the tracklist is full of great guest artists. We already heard the incredible Large Professor blessed "Forever" and now the follow-up single, "Yen", features Roc Marciano and is another promising cut. Other emcees rhyming over Dean's beats on the LP include DMC, Sputnik Brown, Brand Nubian, Roc Marciano (twice that is), Prince Po, Blame One and many more. While listening (and hopefully placing your pre-order) make sure to read this great article about the making of the album conducted by Chris Moss over @ Al Lindström's place.

GENSU DEAN x ROC MARCIANO - "YEN"

Madlib Returns w. More Medicine

2012-02-21T03:02:00.000-08:00

So you thought Volume #12 concluded The Medicine Show that The Beat Konducta has hit us with on a relatively regular basis? Well think again my friends because Madlib and Stones Throw got one more installment and a monstrous box set to go out with a bang with. "Medicine Show No. 13: Black Tape" continues where part 12, "Raw Medicine", left off - a continous 60 minutes mix of exclusive Madlib remixes featuring a host of "some of rap's finest, half-best, brilliant and borderline-retarded MC's". The album will be available from the usual suspects on February 28. Head over to Stones Throw for more info about the album, see the cover and more. You can check out the song "Rappcats" from the CD at the bottom of the page featuring verses from DOOM and Jadakiss.

As if a new remix tape from 'Lib wasn't enough, Stones Throw is finally releasing the complete "Medicine Show" series in a sweet box-set titled "The Brick" (see pic at the top) including all thirteen CDs with their respective booklets. To learn more about the box and the respective entires in the series, check out the MMS page @ Stones Throw; shipping is expected March 27, 2012. This box is great news for me as I was hoping all along they would release something like this when the series was finished since the only album I bought was the first one that featured Guilty Simpson. Let's just hope the price is reasonable, although I must admit I have my doubts.

KILLAH PRIEST - "HEAVY MENTWO" (Demos)

2012-02-20T07:45:00.000-08:00

Early 1993, the Wu-Tang Clan is recording the posse cut "Da Mystery Of Chessoxin'" for the crews debut album at Firehouse Studios, New York. There was one slot left on the now classic track and Master Killer and Killer Priest both desperately wanted their voice on that record. As they both were writing and trying out a few verses to RZA's beat and time was running late, Walter Reed - better known as Killah Priest - dozed off for an hour or so. When he woke up, he heard the now legendary debut verse by Masta Killa ripping "Da Mystery..." to shreds. Had thing turned out differently, Killah Priest would probably been the official 9th member of The Wu-Tang Clan.

But unlike Masta Killa, Priest is more of a solo artist than a team player as proven by his 1998 solo debut "Heavy Mental"; still to this day, one of the illest and most original hip-hop albums ever created. It took me some time to fully appreciate the mental genius that is this album truly was. Almost the oppisute of your traditional '98 rap record consdering how different it was, the atmospheric and mystical producton that featured some of 4th Disciple, Y-Kim and Arabian Knight. Few times before or after have the production and heavy mental vocal performance by a true lyricist been such a perfect marriage. Just check 4th Diisciple's paranoid backdrop and floating horns on "Information" where Priest dwells deep into scary, but most likely often true, conspiracy theories. Or "Science Project" where Priest switch up his flow to tell a haunting narrative of a young kid in a rough hood that finds himself in a set-up over a frantic beat that builds up to the agressive end when you can barely take it anymore, Like Priest's companion Shabazz the Disciple once said: "Artists like 50 Cent and Jay-Z, they glorify the hood. I horrify it".

"Heavy Mental" runs for over 75 minutes without ever getting boring and should be listened to from beginning to end as it's one of a kind journey into the mind and spirit of Walter Reed. Throughout the 20 tracks Killah Priest proved that he was easily one of the best emcees of all time, and still to this day his debut album stands as one of the sickest lyrical displays ever put down on wax. Fantastic flow and delivery, a commanding voice, lyrics packed with knowledge and his obviously a very smart person; the only Wu-Tang representer that I can think of to be on that specific level is The GZA/Genius. And as if Priest's lyrical power wasn't enough to bring this album home, 4th Disciple probably hooked up his best batch of beats for "Heavy Mental" - not to mention True Master's and Y-Kim's contributions. I remember an article in HipHopConnection back around 2000 where they crowned Priest's debut "the best hip-hop album of all time" and while there's no singular dopest LP ever made in my opinion, it's definitely up there. This is spiritual hip-hop at it's finest and there's a big difference between religion and spirituality.

Yesterday I got a six minute snippet reel from a poster at the Philaflava forums featuring a bunch of songs that most likely was recorded for the album but didn't make the final cut. This gave me the idea to put together a lil' companion piece to my favorite Killa Beez release of all time, especially since there's so much dope material that didn't make the final cut that would be a great diservice for any Priest fan to miss out on. I wrote out a small description for each song on the mix to give you some background info while you're listening.

01. "Blessed Are Those" [Original Mix]

The original "Blessed Are Those" was for the longest supposed to be the one we'd hear on the album instead of the minimalistic, but still very atmospheric and great, remix we now hear on the LP. For this version underrated producer Y-Kim makes great use of an Al Green sample over the same drums that really beefs up the track. Unfortunately, Green refused sample clearance of the song for the reason of the Killah part of the artists name. According to K.P. this was one of the last songs recorded for the album and the first verse also received the "Quotable Of The Month" in The Source Magazine back in '98. This mix appeared on Y-Kim's producer compilation "Monster Reborn".

02. + 03. "Moanin" (Ft. Killa Sin) / "Street Opera" (Ft. Hell Razah)

Both these songs appeared on the "One Step" CD-single and 12" and I have a strong feeling that if there were more room left on the album, both these songs would appear on it. They are both incredible and would fit right in; Killah Priest puts on a memorable performance and a rare verse by Killa Sin makes the song even more superior. 4th Disciple produced both of these joints and once again proves why he might be the most underrated producer out there.

04. "Wolf In Sheep's Clothing"

"Wolf In Sheep's Clothing" is a rather unknown joint that was released on a limited white label 12" with an atmospheric beat that might very well be another 4th banger with an addictive trumpet hook running throughout over the kicking hi-hats. Featured on the song are also Shanghai the Messenger who also provided sung vocals on "Atoms to Adam" and "Mystic City".

05. "Devil In Descize"

This originally appeared on a rare promo copy of 4th Disciple's debut album "Steel Valley Project Vol. 1". With it's somber grand piano, floating flute, cuts and Shanghai the Messenger heartfelt lyrics, it was one of the absolute stand-outs on 4th's EP. Killah Priest kicks his "usual" metaphors where he tells the story of how the most trusting person can turn out to be a devil in disguise.

06. "Life Is A Gamble"

After Wu-Tang Clan's epic multi-platinum selling "Wu-Tang Forever", the Clan and its affilliates like Killarmy, Sunz Of Man and LA The Darkman all embraced the high quality The "W" represented. On LA's classic '98 debut, 4th Disciple produced a banger titled "Fifth Disciple". But the sinister steet sonics of 4th's beat was originally in Killah Priest's possession as a demo song recorded for his debut undder the title "Life's A Gamble". It's very interesting to hear the contrast between Darkman and Priest's versions.

07. "Mind As A Weapon" (Ft. Hell Razah)

Hell Razah and Priest were both members of Sunz Of Man and there voices and lyrical themes has always gone together perfectly. "Mind As A Weapon" is a typical late '90s Sunz joint, produced by 4th Disciple, that remained unreleased for several years and when it finally surfaced the sound quality wished much to desire. Still, the production and both rapper's vocals and lyrical themes makes it a well worth listen.

08. "Gallery (One Step)"

"Gallery" was the original demo version of "One Step", the opening track on "Heavy Mental". This version was originally recorded during a Sunz Of Man session which explains why Hell Razah also participated in the session (on the hook). Popa Wu also appears on this version and Tekitha's part is slightly alternative. Both the beat and verses have slight differences too.

09. "King & The Ceasar (B.I.B.L.E.)"

"B.I.B.L.E." of course appeared originally back in 1995 as a bonus track on The GZA's "Liquid Swords". It's maybe the #1 trademark Killah Priest song so it's nothing strange that he wanted to include it on his debut album as well. The one that ended up on "Heavy Mental" is basically identical to the GZA version but the demo, which I guess was initiated '96 or '97, features a different intro, a different hook and some slight changes to the beat.

10. "Crusaides" [Mix #2] (Ft. Tekitha)

The 4th Disciple produced "Crusaides" appeared on the album as a short bridge between "It's Over" and "Tai Chi" and with it's spacey atmosphere it worked really well. Originally "Crusaides" was a full song rather than an interlude, recorded and mixed in at least two different versions besides the one we hear on the LP. The original version ended up way too long and featured the entire Sunz Of Man and Rose Cartel and a total of 12 emcees according to Priest. This version has however never leaked but the mix featured here is an extended take on the album version, running for about four minutes with Priest and Tekitha exchanging prophetical words.

KILLAH PRIEST - "HEAVY MENTWO" [THE DEMO'S]

RAKIM - "The Lost Album"

2012-02-19T13:57:00.000-08:00

We all know that hadn't it been for Rakim and his work with DJ Eric B. between 1986 and 1992 the hip-hop game wouldn't have been the same. Before The R hit the aiwaves like an atombomb with "Eric B is President", "My Melody" and shortly after the "Paid in Full" LP, rap as an artform was still kinda basic. William Griffin III and some of the late '80s emcees like G Rap and Big Daddy Kane changed the game and the way lyricism could be forever. Rakim came out of nowhere strapped with lyrics of fury performed at a breakneck speed, filled with multies, metaphors and super tight ryme schemes - never missing a beat. And the raw, funky and soulful production that he, Eric B, Patrick Adams, Large Professor, Paul C and Kerwin Young hooked up over the four albums the duo released was next level to say the least. Together with Boogie Down Productions, Kool G Rap, Kane, Ultramagnetic, De La Soul and a few others they changed the way rap music sounded forever. If you don't already own the four full-lengths Eric B. & Rakim released over the five years they were active as a duo, you are missing a large chunk of rap musics history so go out and dig in the crates ASAP.

After the duo's last album, '92s "Don't Sweat the Technique" Rakim broke up with Eric B. to instead focus on a solo career. There was one problem though, MCA Records didn't want to allow The God MC going solo which put his career on limbo, save for a few guest spots and soundtrack apperances. He had started recording his solo debut around '94 but it would take until 1997 before Universal Records bought out his contract for $1000.000, allowing him to release his proper LP "The 18th Letter". The compilation you'll find below focuses on the years between Ra started recording for his unreleased solo album and the last album with Eric B. until early 1997 when his official debut dropped. I deleted a few alternative versions with exclusive beats and hooks but with the same verses as other songs on the tape and the '97 album and I also added a small amount of guest features from this period. The result is a slamming Rakim album featuring production by the likes of Buckwild, Easy Mo Bee, Gary G-Wiz, Pete Rock, Havoc, Nick Wiz and more. In other words it's the missing link between "Don't Sweat the Technique" and "The 18th Letter". Considering that Rakim is one of my absolute favorite emcees of all time, you can count on this only being Volume 1 in at least 2 or 3 volumes series showcasing The God MC. Tune in, press play and TURN IT UP!!

01. "Heat It Up"

02. "Bring It Up (Turn It Back)"

03. "Shades Of Black"

04. "Murderer" (Ft. Barrington Levy)

05. "Last Resort"

06. "Living For the City"

07. "Hoodlum" (Ft. Mobb Deep & Noyd)

08. "New York to Cali"

09. "Tryin' Ta Write Rhymes"

10. "Once Upon A Rhyme"

11. "Show Me Love" [Nick Wiz Mix]

12. "Hoodlum '94"

13. "Game Of Death" (Ft. Shaquille O'Neal)

14. "Heat It Up" [The Wiz Mix]

15. "We All Got Plans"

RAKIM - "THE LOST ALBUM" ('93-'96)

Mixmaster Mase announce solo LP

2012-02-19T07:47:00.001-08:00

When De La Soul's Pos and Dave formed their new duo First Serve, it made me wonder why the group's DJ/co-producer Maseo a.k.a. Plug Three wasn't involved. Turns out that there's no bad blood between these three vets but rather a way for its members to branch out and try some new stuff. At the recent L.A. Red Bull Music Academy event, Mixmaster Mase / Maseo announced a solo album that he's been working on for some. He'll of course handle all the production and cuts for a host of artists including a mixture of well-known artists and new artists. The album is called "DJ Conductor" and so far Mase has recorded tracks with legends like KRS-One, Freddie Foxxx and Fashawn. For some reason that guy Mac Miller will also appear on the album but I'm still betting my money on this being a serious album well worth the money. It's gonna be interesting to see which project is better - the First Serve LP or "DJ Conductor".

For a little taste of what might to expect from this album, I uploaded "Words & Verbs" for y'all; a Maeso produced single featuring Kovas from 2000. This tight cut also appeared on some versions of De La's "Oooh." maxi-single.

MAESO - "WORDS & VERBS" (Ft. Kovas)

Bumpy Knuckles / DJ Premier - "Shake the Room"

2012-02-19T02:45:00.001-08:00

Now we're only roughly a month away from The Kolexxxion, the looooong-awaited full-length collaboration between legendary emcee Freddie Foxxx and super producer DJ Premier dropping March 27. The duo first collaborated in 1997 on two singles from OC's fantastic "Jewelz" and a stand-out joint on M.O.P.'s "First Family 4 Life". One year later heads really started taking notice to the rapper due to Foxxx's agressve and memorable verses Gang Starr's masterpiece "The Militia". A few years down the road, Preem once again laced Foxx on four tracks, collectively, on Bumpy Knuck's two solo albums "Industry Shakedown" and "Konexion". Premier supplied the four illest cuts on both records, further cementing this duo as one of hip-hop's most powerful. Since then real hip-hop heads have been fiending for a full-length collabo between these two thugged-out gentlemen, and on March 23 the wait is finallt over.

An interesting fact is that Bumpy Knuck's never have Premier custom made beats for him but rather spit over beats rejected by others, making them nothing short of his own. The seventeen songs album is a collection (hence the title) of new and previosuly released music - whether mixtape leaks, non-album 12" singles. Now that's all great to have them in great quality, the only problem I have is the inclusion of "P.A.I.N.E."; I don't see the point of including an already releaseed Preem/Bumpy track from one of Foxxx'ss official album. Oh well, this is obviously an instant buy. The latest leak from the album is track #2; "Shake the Room" with Flava Flav, a radio rip courtesy of the DJPremierBlog (who also supplies the link below).

BUMPY KNUCKLES - "SHAKE THE ROOM (Ft. Flava Flav)

Get Ready for M.A.R.S.

2012-02-19T00:10:00.001-08:00

M.A.R.S. is the formation of a brand new "supergroup" that will put a unit like Slaughterhouse to shame to say the least. Presented by Cormega, the quartet also consists of Roc Marciano, Saigon and Action Bronson; four of my current favorite New York rappers at the moment. In other words this could and should be the most lyrically interesting project of the year. It's still a little unclear if this is an actual album or a forthcoming single but as the big red cherry on top, the project is produced by none other than The Large Professor. On a side-note, Roc Marcy made a dope song in preperation for this project called "Preset Mars" on the Union album this year.

[LP] Blu x Madlib - "UCLA"

2012-02-18T23:52:00.004-08:00

Since LA emcee Blu came through with his 2007 debut album "Below The Heavens", the rapper has been keeping busy with various free and out-of-nowhere project like "J E S U S", "NoYork", "Give Me My Flowers..." to name a few. The latest offering from Blu is a collaboration with none other than producer Otis Jackson Jr., better known as Madlib. You can stream all fourteen tracks in great quality via Blu's Bandcamp but for download you need to put up the loot.

01. "Blu Meets Madlib"
02. "Fully Crack"
03. "California Bears"
04. "Funky Cowboys Meets Funky Drummer"
05. "Burgandy Whip" (Ft. MED & Jimetta Rose)
06. "What U C" (Ft. MED & Jack Spade)
07. "EZ"
08. "Call My Nigga" (Ft. Bub Watts, Swheatpee & Lil' Stoney)
09. "Fo' Figa Rings"
10. "We Got It!" (Ft. Co$$)
11. "Play Wit' Love"
12. Give 'Em Up"
13. "Interlude"
14. "Cut 'Em Up"

BLU / MADLIB - "UCLA"

DJ Premeir / Nas / Apathy - "Regenation Rmx"

2012-02-18T07:46:00.000-08:00

Close to three months ago DJ Premier got the job of composing a fusion of classical music and boom-bap hip-hop with the help of The Berkleey Sympony Orchestra, titled "Re:Generation" which was both a dope and very original track that showed Preem's versitality. Also invited to the session was none other than one of the true G.O.A.T.'s of hip-hop history in the form of Nas; making this the third collabo these two legends has participated in together since "New York State Of Mind Pt. 3" and later "Classic (Better Than I've Ever Been)". Prior to "Re:Generation" these two greats has collaborated on maybe ten songs - all superior moments in both the emcees and producers extended catalouge..

As the official screening for the documentary of the same name begins today, Apathy of Demigodz fame has put his own spin on this already crazy joint. Matter of fact, it even features an exclusive verse by Apathy himself and the beat is darker than its predecessor. What do y'all think about this? - Not many have the nerve to remix DJ Premier's work for the reason that it's almost impossible to improve on his original mixings. This is pretty tough though so make sure to check it.

DJ PREMIER / BERKLEE ORCHESTRA - "REGENERATION REMIX" (FT. NAS & APATHY)

[VIDEO] Sadat X - "Fake Out"

2012-02-18T03:22:00.000-08:00

Since his early days in one of rap's greatest group, Brand Nubian, Sadat X (p/k/a Derreck X) always stood out with his unique voice and personal lyrics mixed with some 5% knowledge. In 1996 he dropped his classic debut solo "Wild Cowboys", which made it known to the world that Doddy X had no problem holding down an entire project without his Nubian brethren. After a hiatus, save for a fat '99 EP, he returned in 2005 with "Experience & Education" which was followed by "Black October" a year later; two solid full-length releases. Since then he's proven to be one of most productive emcees in the industry, pretty much dropping an album each and every year; some incredible (like "Band New Being") and some rather mediocre ("Wild Cowboys II" and the two Will Helm produced joints "Generation X" and "No Features"). Absolutely nothing wrong with his lyrical and vocal parts but he sometimes picked pretty weak, uninspired beats on those.

Future projects include a collaboration with AG and DJ Jab as The Trinity (with instant classics like the Diamond laced "Time is Now" and the dope Roc Raida Tribute). No word on the project has been heard for quite some time now. But Sadat X keeps moving. The latest single is a hardrock banger titled "Fake Out" that pretty much appeared out of nowehere a couple of days ago. According to my man Jaz the song is produced by City Parks and it got that vintage New York boom bap sound with DJ Premier figurating heavily in the video and is also responsible for the cuts on the track. The X-Man's flow on this is super sick here too so TURN IT UP!!

[LP Stream] M-PHAZES - "Phazed Out"

2012-02-17T17:49:00.000-08:00

M-Phazes has definitely been one of the producers I've been checking for over the last couple of years or so. Originally hailing from Australia, he has plenty of impeccable production placements on a host of both underground and half-mainstream American artists including M.O.P., Heltah Skeltah, Ace & Edo G, Pharoahe Monch and many more. He never tried to switch up his gritty, sample-based tue school style though, only modifie it. His latest BabyGrande release, which is also his retail debut, "Phazed Out", works as a look at his musical history, mixed by DJ Rhettmatic of Beat Junkies fame. The seven teen tracks are a mix including a large chunk of his released production discograph, complemented with some newer, unreleased material and plenty of exclusive remixes. In other words this is an essential lessons for both loyal followers and newcomes to M-Phazes.

I first started really paying attention to him through the credits and title track of M.O.P.'s "Foundation" album in 2009 which led me to check for the guys work and I'm usually impressed. Just check the work he did with Saigon/Inspectah Deck, Oddisee, Strange Fruit Project, Skyzoo, Sha Stimuli, Talib Kweli to name a few of the high-profile names ithat's contacted him for his unique sound. On the 22nd of this month the producer is releasing his first official compilation, all produced by M-Phazes. You can now stream the album below and feel free to drop a comment on how you feel about this release. The label is Coalmine Records and the actual record hit stores on February 22; if you like what you hear, show your suport and pick up "Phazed Out"LP ASAP.while it's still availabke.

NAS - "Illmatic: The Remixes"

2012-02-17T11:40:00.000-08:00

As we all know, when 19 year old Nasir Jones hit up D&D studios in '93 under the suprvision of MC Serch and Faith Newman with producers like Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Large Professor and L.E.S. The result was "Illmatic", an album that still to this day holds up as the greatest hip-hop LP ever recorded. The blend of Nasir Jones impeccable lyricism which allowed us to take part of his everyday life in the Queensbrige project. The LP only featured 10 tracks, all classics, in other words a very strong contender to the best executed hip-hop album of all time. It's quite clear that these albums would have not possibly could've been better.

However, there were a bunch of remixes on the 12" singles that appeared over the first couple of years after its release as well as some unreleased remixes by some of the producers that contributed to the original "Illmatic". These were Q-Tip's slamming remix of "The World is Yours", that even featured some alternative lyrics from Nasty at his peak. Then you got the two DJ Premier alternative versions of two of his three beats on the original - "Represent" (the original version with the heavy bass-line that was Preem's first song recorded for the LP) and the unreleased remix of "Memory Lane (Sittin' in da Park)" which takes on a much more sinister backdrop for Nasir's original verses. Also Large Pro's remix of "It Ain't Hard to Tell" with the infamous Biz Markie sample. The remaining remixes were made around '94 and features work from Buckwild, Def Jef, Groove Merchantz (Godfather Don & The Mighty V.I.C. which also features an amazing exclusive Sadat X hook that brings a dark take on one of "Illmatic"'s more chilled out songs; a dope remix of "One Love" by The LG Experience and a remix of "Halftime" by Joe The Butcher, one of the guys DJ Muggs had a long-relationship with. Any fans of the greatest hip-hip album ever released absolutely need to check this ou and if you can get your hands on the original 12"'s don't hesitate to pick them up.

01. "Life's A Bitch" [Buckwild Remix #1]

02. "It Ain't Hard to Tell" [Large Professor Remix]

03. "Memory Lane (Sittin' in da Park)" [DJ Premier Remix]

04. "Represent '93" [Original Version, prod. by Premier]

05. "The World is Your's" [Q-Tip's The Tip Mix]

06. "One Love" [The Goove Merchant'z Remix]

07. "Life's A Bitch" [Def Jef Remix]

08. "Halftime" [Joe 'The Butcher' Nicolo]

09. "It Ain't Hard to Tell" [Dave Scratch Stink Mix]

10. "One Love" [The LG Main Mix]

NAS - "Illmatic (The Mid-'90s Remixes)"

Meyhem Lauren debuts on Wax

2012-02-17T02:08:00.000-08:00

Queens representative Meyhem Lauren has been holding it down with the dope music like crazy for some time now but vinyl heads hasn't been able to spin his shit in 33 RPM yet. Now Chopped Herring Records is about to change that as they are now shipping the very limited 12" EP "The Total Meyhem EP". Strapped with Meyhem's usual street lyricism and raw flows this record features six tracks that are all exclusive to this release. You can pick it up from ChoppedHerringRecords.com for the reasonable price of £14.99 + shipping while it's still available.

A1. "Got the Fever"

A2. "Ray Lewis" (Ft. Action Bronson & AG Da Coroner)

A3. "The Silk Shirt Ambassador"

B1. "Steak With A Glass Of Red"

B2. "Total Meyhem"

B3. "NY Where Ya At?!"

[Mixtape] Planet Asia & Doo Wop - "The Arrival"

2012-02-17T01:46:00.003-08:00

Planet Asia hooks up with Doo Wop for his latest mixtape, "The Arrival". The tape serves as the official prelude to Asia's upcoming "Black Belt Theater" which drops in 11 days. Features on this one comes from Krondon, Rasco as well as Planet Asia's new crew Durag Dynasty which includes TriState and Killer Ben. While we're at it, check out "Fuck Rappers", the latest single from "Black Belt Theater" which I haven't posted before..

01. "Intro"
02. "PA’s EFX" (Ft. TriState)
03. "Leather Goose Musik" (Ft. Doo Wop)
04. "So Naive"
05. "Street Clothes Pt. 1"
06. "Interlude"
07. "Love Hella Right"
08. "Cosby Kids" (Ft. Krondon)
09. "The Honorable" (Ft. Killer Ben & TriState)
10. "Dum Dumb"
11. "What RU Doin?"
12. "Gat In Yer Mouth" (Ft. Rasco)
13. "Smothering"
14. "Doo Wop Outro"
15. "Prestigious" (Ft. Doo Wop)

PLANET ASIA Ft. Doo Wop - "THE ARRIVAL"

Copywrite / Bronze Nazareth - "Love"

2012-02-15T05:05:00.000-08:00

Bronze Nazareth comes through with a crazy beat for one of his two production placement on Copywrite's new album "God Save the King". The single "Love" also features vocals by fellow MHZ spitter Tage Future and promises good things for this LP. Other producers and guests on it includes Khrysis, Illmind, Evidence, Roc Marciano and Casual (the latter three all appearing on one posse cut which I bet will be the best song on the album). Video directed by Seanie G. Pre-order the album on CD @ UGHH or in digital format via iTunes.

Slum Village - "Tell Me What You Want"

2012-02-15T04:17:00.001-08:00

J Dilla's close friend Wajeed continues to drop unreleased Dilla goodies for us heads to enjoy. This time it's a previously unreleased song by Slum Village called "Tell Me", although it's not the track that appeared with the same title on "Fantastic Vol. II". Very interesting as this seems to be one of the very first Slum Village songs recorded. Pretty damn dope shit too! Posted by Wajeed @ Bling47.com who added the following comments on the song:

"While some consider Dilla’s strong suit to be production, others look to his rhyming for inspiration. This early Slum Village track, “Tell Me What You Want” is a fine example of his ill penmanship. It was one of the first efforts as Baatin, T3 and Dilla came out of the Senepod crew name and became Slum Village. At the time Dilla didn’t even have a drum machine, so this beat was actually made using the “pause and record” tape method. It was never released."

Kalhex Ft. Rob-O & Grap Luva

2012-02-15T03:55:00.001-08:00

I've been meaning to post this for a while but it kept slipping my mind, but French hip-hop duo Kalhex will be releasing their new single "Perspectives" / "La Fine Ligne" on 12". The vinyl single will be available on March 15 and is limited to 500 copies. Interesting is that both joints on the single features a former member of the legendary underground unit InI. The A-side "Perspectives" features Grap Luva on the mic and can be heard in full, great quality below. This track is really dope, pure hip-hop with its smooth hypnotic sample and heavy drum pattern. Really makes me want to hear the B-side with Rob-O. Visit Akromégalie Records for more information.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://akromegalierecords.bandcamp.com/album/perspective-s-la-fine-ligne"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Perspective(s) / La Fine Ligne by Kalhex feat. Grap Luva &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Rob-O&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

K-DEF's Signature 7 Series

2012-02-15T03:39:00.000-08:00

As I've reported earlier, the Slice-Of-Spice label and Lord Finesse are releasing a series of seven 7" inch singles called The Signature 7 Series, all featuring one previously unreleased song in both vocal and instrumental versions. It now appears thar the impeccable K-DEF has got the same deal with the label worked out. No release dates has yet been given but according to S.O.S. pre-orders will be taken soon. Three of the songs that will be released has been made available as snippets for preview; the song "Long Gev" is a track 'Def produced for World Renown's unreleased debut album around '94 . The two others are performed by artists that I'm not previously familiar with but they are both equipped with that grooving K-Def funk that gets you right in the mood. Peep the snippets below and stay tuned for more information about the series.

Willie The Kid - "Waste Not, Want Not"

2012-02-14T09:53:00.003-08:00

Check out the video for "Waste Not, Want Not", The Alchemist produced heatrock from Willie The Kid's sick ass mixtape "The Cure II" that dropped a couple of months ago. This has to be one of my favorite WTK songs yet, the kid got skills and knows how to pick a nasty beat to display it over!

[EP] Brother Ali - "The Bite Marked Heart"

2012-02-13T13:28:00.000-08:00

Rhymesayers' Brother Ali bangs out his new EP called "The Bite Marked Heart" free of chargee for all his fans. With usual suspects ANT (tracks 3 and 4) and Jake One (all others) behind the boards you can bet safely on this being worth your time. Can't hate on a Phonte / Ali collabo either, right!?

01. "Shine On" (Ft. Nikki Jean)
02. "Electric Energy"
03. "I Can't Wait"
04. "I'll Be Around" (Ft. Phonte & Stokley Williams)
05. "Years"
06. "Haunted House" (Ft. Aby Wolf)
07. "The Bite Marked Heart"

BROTHER ALI - "THE BITE MARKED HEART"

Planet Asia preps LP with Alchemist

2012-02-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

Besides getting ready to release his new solo album "Black Belt Theater", Planet Asia has been in the studio working with producer The Alchemist on an LP featuring The Durag Dynasty Clique. The crew is a trio of emcees led by Asia which also features TriState and Killer Ben. In a recent interview with HipHopDX Planet Asia spoke about the album, praising its production as some of ALC's finest work as well as assuring to deliver "the best albums of 2012". He also compares it to Group Home's classic '95 debut "Living Proof" which is promising to say the least. Check out the full article @ DX and peep the Alchemist produced "Over Your Head" (from 2006's "The Medicine") for a taste of what these two hip-hop veterans can cook up together. I'm absolutely hyped for this one!

PLANET ASIA x ALC - "OVER YOUR HEAD" (Ft. Black Thought)

Killer Mike / El-P - "Big Beast" (w. T.I. & Bun B)

2012-02-13T01:42:00.001-08:00

Some time ago the unlikely collaboration album between ATL legend Killer Mike and original underground hero El-P was announced to be conceived in a near future. The first single from that LP (which will be titled "R.A.P. Music (Rebellious Afican People's Music)") is now delivered. "Big Beast" is quite a different look for both the artist and producer but it's definitely a dynamic and interesting combination which I look forward to hearing more from. Also featured on the track are T.I., Bun B and Trouble. Thoughts about this one?

KILLER MIKE x EL-P - "BIG BEAST" (FT. BUN B, T.I. & TROUBLE)

Dillon / Diamond D - "Take Japan"

2012-02-11T17:23:00.000-08:00

Emcee Dillon who I don't know the first thing about delivers a hot single called "Take Japan" from a free project titled "Dillon Ain't Playin'". This new song is produced by none other than D.I.T.C. legend Diamond D which always guarantee greatness and that is no exception if you ask me. Diamond remains as one of the most underrated producers in my opinion considering I hold him as a top 5 producer based on past works and he rarely dissapoints as far as beats goes even to this day. You can now free of charge or buy "Dillon Ain't Playin'" which also features production from, amongst others, Supa Dave West and collaborations with Boog Brown and Willie Evans Jr.

Lord Finesse / DJ Spinna - "S.K.I.T.S."

2012-02-11T17:12:00.000-08:00

Turn up the volume on this nasty meeting between two A-team producers as the one and only DJ Spinna puts his spin on Lord Finesse's '94 classic "S.K.I.T.S." ("Shorties Kaught Up in the System" that is) resulting in a funky remix. According to 'Ness current label Slice-Of-Spice this will be a bonus joint on their "Lord Finesse's Signature Sevens" set (which is a series of exclusive 7" records) which will be going on pre-sale next week. This Spinna mix might very well have been made for the long-awaited "Funky Techician" project although "S.K.I.T.S." was a soundtrack and 12" joint released a few years after that masterpiece of an album.

Damu the Fudgemunk / Raw Poetic - "Streamline"

2012-02-11T15:15:00.000-08:00

Redefinition Records keeps cementing their position as one of the leading labes for pure underground hip-hop. The latest forthcoming project out the camp is a Damu the Fudgemunk 16-tracks album with Panacea emcee Raw Poetic (who made a marvellous recent apperance on K-Def's "Night Shift"). The LP will serve as the follow-up to a previous collaboration between the two known as "Kilawatt V.1" (the new project is instead titled "Killawatt V.1.5") The first single which you can hear below and is sure to get you hyped goes by the name of "Streamline". February 28th is the release date so be on the lookout. For more info and to place orders head over to The Redefinition site.

"Dilla Bot Vs. The Hybrid" [Alt. Mix]

2012-02-11T15:05:00.000-08:00

The Pete Rock / Ma Dukes overseen "Jay Stay Paid" that was released in 2009 is still getting the occassional front-to-back play at my place. In fact it's a beat tape that any serious Dilla head should have in their collection and is easily one of the best and most well executed posthumous albums I've ever heard. During its 60 minutes running time I was introudced to Danny Brown for the first time who mangaed to impress me on the song called "Dilla Bot Vs. The Hybrid". Now Nature Sounds lets loose of the original, or at least an alternative, version of the joint featuring different verses from Brown. Worth checking out y'all!

&lt;p&gt;&amp;lt;a href="http://naturesounds.bandcamp.com/track/dilla-bot-vs-the-hybrid-alternate-version"&amp;gt;Dilla Bot Vs. The Hybrid (Alternate Version) by J Dilla &amp;amp;amp; Danny Brown&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Imagine That / Shyheim / Block McCloud

2012-02-10T14:34:00.000-08:00

Duo Imagine That (Mike Love and eNVy) drops their fat new single, "Why Try", featuring Shyheim and Block McCloud and a severely ill self-produced backdrop. This song is set to appear on Imagine That's upcoming drop "Fried Liquor", coming soon. For more music from the group check out ImagineThatMusic.com.

"We hooked up with Block after my cousin Arkitech mixed the Brooklyn Academy album. We sent him this beat from us and he happened to be in the studio with Shyheim, then boom. Got this track rolling."

IMAGINE THAT / SHYHEIM / BLOCK MCCLOUD - "WHY TRY"

Union / Roc Marciano - "Preset Mars"

2012-02-10T01:49:00.000-08:00

Union is a duo consisting of OJ and Gold, two producers hailing from Paris. They are currently signed to Fat Beats and has just released their full-length album "Analogtronics" on both wax, CD and digital format. A dope LP that might fly over alot of people's heads considering they are not a well known act. To compliment the soulful soundscapes created by OJ and Gold are a host of guest features made up of some of todays illest rhymeslingers - Talib Kweli, Roc Marciano, MF DOOM, eLzhi, Big Pooh, Moka Only and Guilty Simpson. The joint with Strong Island O.G. Marciano is called "Preset Mars" is short but very effective as the new single from the album, check it out. To order your copy of "Analogtronics", head over to UGHH.

UNION / ROC MARCIANO - "PRESET MARS"

GANGRENE - "THE FiX"

2012-02-09T14:07:00.000-08:00

As promised, the homie Pattch82 and myself delivers the goods with the third and final volume in our Gangrene compilation series. I just received my copy of their slamming "Vodka & Ayaushcha" album earlier so I'm in G.G. mode today. The 10 tracks "tape" presented below includes every released collaboration between Oh No and The Alchemist outside of their two albums and the Greneberg EP with Roc Marcy. Considering that it's out-of-print by now, we decided to also include the four songs from the Sawblade EP (tracks 3 to 6) which bumps up the length of the compilation to roughly forty minutes of blazing heat. In case you missed any of the previous albums, they are still up for grabs (Alchemist's "ChemTrails" + Oh No's "Disruption Productions").

On a side note, M.E.D.'s latest album "Classic" has a song produced by Alchemist that also features Oh No on vocals. However we decided not to include it here, but when you finished bumping this mix you can always peep the video for "War & Love" at the Tube.

01. "Under Siege"
02. "Demons" [Remix] (Ft. Evidence & Fashawn)
03. "Freshest Rhymes"
04. "Operating Room"
05. "The Sickness"
06. "Overdose"
07. "Acts Of Violence" (Ft. Roc C & Crooked I)
08. "From the Creation" (Ft. Fashawn & Roc C)
09. "How to Drown A Fish" (Ft. Scram Jones)
10. "Chinatown Wars" [Gangrene Mix] [*]

GANGRENE - "THE FIX"

NaS & Pete Rock Live in Concert

2012-02-07T12:31:00.000-08:00

Check out this fifteen minutes clip of two legends in effect on stage, courtesy of ConnectDaDot. Nas backed up by DJ Pete Rock in 2011 points towards fantastic things to hopefully be achieved this year. Overall it's just great to see these two veterans reunited for the love of music and hip-hop. This ill footage was shot at the York University in September last year.

Sean Born - "Pluck Em Off"

2012-02-07T12:24:00.000-08:00

Mello Music Group had made their presence known as one of the most reliable labels out there when it comes to heavy underground hip-hop with lots of flavor. Next in line from MMG is the debut of Sean Born, who you previously caught a glimpse on with the "909 Jack: BTS Pause Mix" tape. "Behind the Scale" will be available on February 15 and is filled with slick rhymes over soulful beats as proven by the Oddisee laced "Pluck 'Em Off" which you can check out below. The album will be pressed on both CD and LP, either can be pre-ordered @ UGHH. While you're at it, make sure to check out the homie Chris Moss' interview with Sean Born over @ AlLinfstrom.

SEAN BORN - "PLUCK 'EM OFF"

Fokis / Sadat X / Livin' Proof - "Lyrical Homocide"

2012-02-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

Lower East Side's Fokis sends out his sick new single "Lyrical Homocide" in tribute to Run DMC. Just like on the previous "Just Sayin'" there's lots of welcome old school vibes on this one. Fokis is set to drop his mixtape A Vintage State Of Mind" on the 21st of this month so be on the lookout. The tape is hosted by Sadat X and mixed by DJ Chonz.

FOKIS - "LYRICAL HOMOCIDE"

Fatal Lucciauno - "The Message E.P."

2012-02-07T02:25:00.000-08:00

Fatal Lucciauno is a new emcee hailing from Seattle, WA. He's about to release his debut album "Respect" on February 21 via Sportin' Life Records. In the meantime the young artist has unleashed the mini album "The Message E.P." to be streamed or downloaded from his Bandcamp for free. Interestingly enough the entire 11-tracks set is produced and arranged by Jake One who always supplies hot shit for the heads. I haven't had a chance to listen to more than a track myself yet but I bet it's dope so give it a shot. Spotted @ The Dopehouse.

01. "Curtains"
02. "The Proclamation"
03. "Drunken Poetry"
04. "Sinner’s Prayer"
05. "Warm Ups"
06. "My Caliber"
07. "Speak On It" (Ft. Grynch & Spac3man)
08. "The Mad Hatter"
09. "The Life"
10. "Don’t Look Back"
11. "Cry For Help"

FATAL LUCCIAUNO / JAKE ONE - "THE MESSAGE E.P."

KRS-One Runs Down Catalouge @ VIBE

2012-02-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

Similiar to what Complex is doing, classic rap/R&B mag Vibe is occasionally adding on to their series wherein legendary hip-hop artists tells their stories behind their records. The most recent article puts the spotlight on KRS-One whose 25 years career and catalouge of classic LP:s makes for some intriguing reading.

KRS-ONE ARTICLE @ VIBE.COM

Shabazz The Disciple - "Bail Money"

2012-02-04T16:58:00.000-08:00

New single from Shabazz The Disciple called "Bail Money". Can't front on this!

A.D.O.R. - "The CONCRETE"

2012-02-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

The early to mid-'90s offered hip-hop heads so many incredible releases that a vast load of great albums went straight over people's heads. One of those forgotten gems that I decided to focus on today is the debut album from Money Earnin' Mount Vernon rhymer A.D.O.R. - "The Concrete". This joint was originally released in 1994 on Atlantic Records with executive producer DJ Eddie F. The artist had started rhyming at an early age and by the time he enrolled from high school he had befriended people like Pete Rock, Heavy D and Sean Combs. The latter helped A.D.O.R. shop his demo to various labels while Eddie F took on the role as manager.After Atlantic Records showed their interest they quickly signed a one-album deal in 1992.

Being that both A.D.O.R. and Eddie F already knew a lot of amazing producers and rappers, "The Concrete" ended up a family affair while featuring some of the best beat maestros in the industry. The first single, "Let it All Hang Out" is vintage '92 Pete Rock with its blasting saxophones and grooving bass and is nothing short of a bonafide classic. Elsewhere on the LP, K-Def backs up A's verbal fire with the masterpiece "One For the Trouble", which later became the sample source for Fatboy Slim's remix of DJ Wildchild's "Renegade Master". Notable is also the fact that five of the albums fifteen tracks were produced by D.I.T.C.'s Diamond D. The beat virtuoso is in fine form here with deep bass, thick boom bap drums and glaring horns on personal favorites like "The Kid is Crazy", "Heart & Soul" and "Day 2 Day" (appearing in two equally fat versions). As far as vocals goes, A.D.O.R. does a great job of holding down these heavy backdrops all by himself, proving that he's a more than capable emcee. He got a ill voice, pretty high-pitched, that blends well with the deep and jazzy sample laced soundscapes.

Needless to say the LP didn't take off in the way one would imagine the label exec's and the artist himself had hoped for. Nevertheless, since his debut he has released quite a few albums on (what I guess is) his own imprint, True Reign Records. They all feature some heavy music, often including one or two Diamond D cuts, but he has yet to reach the high level of superior beats and rhymes heard on "The Concrete" again. If you've missed out on this heatrock before, make sure to grab it below as it is now out-of-print.

01. "Intro: The Penetration"

02. "One For the Trouble" [prod. by K-Def]

03. "Life Flow" [prod. by Ron 'Amen-Ra' Lawrence]

04. "Ill @ Will" [prod. by Spunk Bigga]

05. "Day 2 Day" [prod. by Diamond D]

06. "Interlude: Off The Top"

07. "Let It All Hang Out" [prod. by Pete Rock]

08. "Interlude: The Voice"

09. "Keep It Real" [prod. by & Ft. Diamond D + Ft. K. Terrible]

10. "From The Concrete" [prod. by Ski]

11. "The Kid Is Crazy" [prod. by Diamond D]

12. "Here Comes Da Wreck" [prod. by FM]

13. "Heart And Soul" [prod. by Diamond D]

14. "Day 2 Day" [Diamond D's Mecca Mix]

15. "The Last Word" [Interlude]

16. "One For The Trouble" [Sam Sneed Remix]

17. "Let It All Hang Out" [Instrumental]

A.D.O.R. - "THE CONCRETE"

Organized Noize Tells All @ Complex

2012-02-02T15:30:00.000-08:00

Next up for Complex's Producers Tell All series is The South's finesh, Organized Noize. Check out Rico Wade and Mr. DJ break down the science behind 34 of their favorite classics from Outkast, Goodie Mobb, Nappy Roots, UGK, TLC and many more. Don't sleep!

ORGANIZED NOIZE PIECE @ COMPLEX.COM

Gensu Dean / Large Pro - "Forever"

2012-02-02T05:48:00.000-08:00

Texas producer Gensu Dean invites the one and only Extra-P to rock over this epic SP1200 created track called "Forever". The song has been out for a while but is now being given an exclusive release on limited green 7" vinyl featuring a brand new remix and the special B-side, "One Man Combo". The label behind the release is allowing fans to stream or grab the mp3's in perfect quality for free and I bet a lot of y'all will be tempted to order this as soon as you hear the A-side. Shit, I know I am! You can order it from Fat Beats now !

GENSU DEAN / LARGE PRO - "FOREVER" EP

Unreleased Jay Dee Shit

2012-02-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

It's not often we are treated to actual never before heard treats from the late, great J Dilla but today happens to be one of those days. Fellow Detroit producer and executive Wajeed are in the process of re-launching his Bling47.com imprint; the label behind the Jay Dee "Instrumental" series. In celebration of the event he's dropping off two previously unreleased remixes for R&B-singer Ray J's 1996 single "Let It Go" as well as the "Clap Your Hands" freestyle. All three joints definitely has that dirty Detroit bass and Dilla's trademark thump reminiscent of The Ummah and early Slum Village days. Check out Wajeed's full story behind these drops! Spotted @ the mighty Crates Of JR.

Throwback - Group Home / "East NY Theory"

2012-02-01T07:14:00.000-08:00

Everyone knows about Group Home's classic debut album with DJ Premier in "Living Proof" but there's quite a bit of material not available on that disc that's outstanding. Even though Lil' Dap and Melachi were hardly superior lyricists, they certainly had something that made their music authentic, raw and often great. A good example of the duo standing on their own legs without Gang Starr is the limited 12" single "East NY Theory", featuring the Brain Sick Mobb. The song was produced by Mix Master G-Flexx and released on his Tape Kingz imprint in 1997, and despite it's limited distribution even had a video made for it as you can see above. I don't have the instrumental but the mp3 below sounds great and is ripped in 320 kbps.

GROUP HOME - "EAST NY THEORY"

ALCHEMIST - "CHEMTRAILS" [GANGRENE V.2]

2012-01-31T14:41:00.000-08:00

Time has come for the second installment in mine and Pattch82's Gangrene series that celebrates the recent release of the duo's "Vodka & Ayahuasca". Following last week's Oh No tape "Disruption Productions", for this one we have picked out twenty top tracks from the amazing production discography of Alchemist. Since he first started making a name for himself with placements on classic releases by artists like Mobb Deep, DJ Muggs and Dilated Peoples, ALC quickly became one of the hottest producers out there and still holds a top spot in 2012. A long introduction to the music presented on this mix is therefore hardly neccessary. Instead we simply recommend you to grab it, sit back and enjoy the sounds of a true hip-hop chemist at work. (Side Note: I tried several times to upload to Mediafire but had to settle for 4Shared, hope that works smoothly for y'all).

01. Inspectah Deck - "The Champion"
02. Diamond D - "Y'all Need to Know"
03. Big Noyd / Prodigy - "The Grimy Way"
04. Everlast / B-Real - "Deadly Assassins"
05. Evidence - "Sleep Deprivation"
06. Rascalz - "On the Run"
07. Defari / Evidence - "Focused Daily"
08. Sheek Louch / Ghostface Killah - "Movie Niggas"
09. Cormega - "Who Can I Trust?"
10. Nas - "My Will"
11. Big Pun - "Mamma"
12. GURU / Timbo King / Killah Priest - "In Here"
13. Smut Peddlers - "Red Light"
14. Swollen Members / Ghostface Killah / Alchemist - "Weight"
15. Kool G Rap / Havoc - "American Nigthmare"
16. Roc C / Alchemist - "StarChild"
17. Mitchy Slick / Xzibit - "Makin' Your Money"
18. Fat Joe / KRS-One - "My Conscience"
19. Dilated Peoples / GURU / Havoc - "Worst Comes to Worst" [Remix]

ALCHEMIST - "CHEMTRAILS" [GANGRENE V.2]

Prodigy - "I'm From The Trap"

2012-01-31T12:28:00.000-08:00

"I'm From the Trap" is a rumoured single from "H.N.I.C. 3" and is built around heavy Havoc production. I'm not a fan of French Montana or his part of the song which is a shame considering how dope this track is otherwise. This is the type of shit I wanna hear Hav and P rhyming as a unit on! Link borrowed from 57thAve.

PRODIGY - "I'M FROM THE TRAP"

Sean Born - "909 Jack: BTS Pause Mix"

2012-01-31T06:05:00.000-08:00

DMV's Sean Born's album "Behind the Scale" is set for release via Mello Music Group on February 15. Throughout the last few years, Born has made his name known from guest apperances on several quality albums by artists like Kenn Starr, Hassaan Mackey, Apollo Brown, Kaimbr and Kev Brown. The last mentioned is also the main producer of "Behind the Scale" which is usually a sign of quality. You can pre-order it on vinyl or CD @ UGHH or in digital format via iTunes.

To initiate us into his world, Sean Born has connected with DJ Marshall Law and host Peter Rosenberg to hook us up with "909 Jack: BTS Pause Mix". The tape is an ode to the old school pause mixes that many of todays best producers took their first musical steps with - "In true Low Budget fashion we take it back to dual tape decks. DJ Marshall Law and host Peter (PMD) Rosenberg get you familiar with Sean Born on this throwback featuring new, unreleased and random joints".

1.PMD
2. Invisible Hate (The Dope Jam) -feat. And Prod. By Early Reed
3. Never too late- feat. Kenny Cold - Prod. By Kev Brown
4. From my Porch -Prod By Kev Brown
5. Ready Rock (I wanna rock freestyle) feat. Kenny Cold
6. Isaac Jones Intro - Prod By Kev Brown
7. Rappin'- Kaimbr and Kev Brown feat Sean Born (The Alexander Green Project)
8.The Trenches - Hassaan Mackey feat Sean Born (from the Daily Bread Album produced by Apollo Brown )
9. Strawberry Diesel (Fuck Blunt Wraps) Prod. By Early Reed
10. This Home feat Kenny Cold, Kaimbr and 'Toine of DTMD - Prod. By Kaimbr
11. Codeine Dreams feat. Kaimbr and Kenny Cold- Prod. By Early Reed
12. Jim Kelly Feat. 'Toine of DTMD Prod. By Early Reed
13. Go Hard - Prod by Kev Brown
14. Bullshit feat Hassaan Mackey - Prod by Kev Brown
15. The Combination - Kaimbr and Kev Brown feat Low Budget- Prod By Kev Brown (The Alexander Green Project)
16. Solid- Kaimbr and Kev Brown feat Isaac Jones- Prod By Kev Brown (The Alexander Green Project)
17. Look- Isaac Jones - Prod. By Kev Brown
18. YellowCake - Feat. Early Reed and Kenny Cold- Prod by Early Reed
19. Isaac Jones Outro- Prod. By Kev Brown

SEAN BORN - "909 JACK: BTS PAUSE MIX"

Grand Official - "Dedicated"

2012-01-31T04:42:00.000-08:00

Those who've been paying attention to the underground scene knows that L.A.'s Grand Official is one of the crews to be on the lookout for in 2012. Following the potent two-punch that was "L.A. L.A." / "Invincible" the five man group now lets loose of the title track from their upcoming debut album - "Dedicated". Grip Cuts' vintage style production combined with the verses from MC's AdLife and ADose with the cuts by DJ Hallucin8 makes for another sure shot single, so be sure to check it out! You can listen to more music and follow Grand Official @ ReverbNation.

Lord Jamar - ".45 Caliber"

2012-01-31T03:31:00.000-08:00

In 2006 the incredible emcee and producer known to the world as Lord Jamar took a step back from rocking with his producer in Brand Nubian and released his solo debut, "The 5% Album". A very solid release indeed, it clearly proved that Jamar was very capable of holding down a solo career. Six years later, it's now time for his second LP, to be titled "Known Associates" which will drop on the Universal Indie Records and has been in the works for years. Previously confirmed features include Sadat X, Cappadonna, Jay Electronica, Bun B, Xzibit, M1 of dead prez, B-Real, Lil' Dap and Lord Superb.

Today the first single from "Known Associates" has been unveiled and is called ".45 Caliber". The song is produced by someone who goes by True Culture and gets the thumbs up from me. What y'all think about this song and the forthcoming LP?

LORD JAMAR - ".45 CALIBER"

[Video] KRS-ONE in Concert

2012-01-30T06:26:00.000-08:00

Don't miss out on this ill concert footage from a recent 2011 KRS-One tour stop, shot by Mnemonic for Top Nation Productions. I haven't had the time to watch it for myself yet but it's looking pretty good and the music is guaranteed to be slamming. Also, when you're finished peeping the vid I even got some more new Kris for y'all!

DJ Booth is sponsoring a forthcoming for-charity project with the artist Awkword titled "World View" on the Sub-City Productions label. From this album we can now listen to "Radio 2.0"; a collaboration with KRS, Chiago's Dug Ininite (producer and friend of Common and No I.D.) and jewish rapper/activist Brimstone127 over a Vice Soultronic production. You can read more about the song and the album it's featured on here.

Diamond D - "Love"

2012-01-30T05:27:00.000-08:00

The original "best producer on the mic" hits us with a two minute snippet of a new soulful banger simply titled "Love". I don't think I've heard any Diamond rhymes since his last album a couple of years ago when he dropped "The Huge Hefner Chronicles". I wonder what happened with that two-album deal he had with BabyGrande since we never got the follow up. One thing's clear though - this man's beats are still impeccable.

Tommy Ruffin / Rampage - "Cold Steel"

2012-01-30T05:14:00.000-08:00

Tommy Ruffin is an emcee from Bronx, NY that I'm not previously familiar with but whose latest single "Cold Steel" warranted my positive attention. The song features Rampage (previously of the Flipmode Squad) and is produced by S1 (Symbolyc One) of Strange Fruit Project. If you're feeling what you're hearing, look out for the rapper's upcoming mixtape "Revolution", hosted by legendary New York DJ Ron G. You can also take a listen to the Beat Butcher produced "Pressure", taken from the same project.

Meyhem Lauren & Buckwild LP coming

2012-01-28T03:53:00.000-08:00

Followers of underground hardcore New York hip-hop is definitely well familiar with Queens spitter Meyhem Lauren by now. Through his many collaborations with J-Love and his crew The Outdoorsmen as well as his ill 2xCD debut album "Self Induced Illness" he has rightfully built a strong following. It seems that Meyhem has no plans of slowing things down for 2012 as he's preparing several new projects for the year as revealed in this great interview @ HipHopGame which I suggest y'all head over and read right away.

The most interesting part of the conversation was the revelation that Meyhem has recently begun recording a full-length album with legendary beatsmith Buckwild. Between this album, OC & Apollo Brown's upcoming joint, the promised new Show & AG LP and all the Lord Finesse projects on Slice-Of-Spice Records this will likely be a fantastic year for the D.I.T.C. crew. Check out the quotes from the Meyhem interview below. Shouts to Meta4 for sharing the information.

You’re working on an album with Buckwild now. How’s that coming?
"It’s in the real early stages. It’s dope. It’s what you’d expect. It’s real hip-hop, classic New York sound with the beats and rhymes. It’s coming along well."

How did the album even come about?
"That actually came about through Dante, Dante Ross. Dante was actually managing me for a couple of months and he’s like family to me. I would come through and I would rock shows and Dante would ask me about my management situation so he was managing me and one of the first things he told me was that he was close friends with Buckwild and he thought I was dope. I grew up on Buckwild so for me to hear that was dope! I didn’t even know Buckwild knew who I was. Me and him made everything official with him managing me and Bronson. He wanted to set it up with me and Buck and just do it. That’s how it started."

Are you recording everything together or sending files back and forth?
"Well, we started. He sent me one beat through email and I wrote something crazy to that. But we’re basically doing it the old school way, going to the lab together, writing joints, really doing this together. It’s not just like he’s emailing me a bunch of beats. We’re doing it in the flesh. That’s how it’s going down."

Will we hear this in 2012?
"Early. That’s the first thing I plan on dropping, early this year. Hopefully in the next two or three months, it should be wrapped."

Are you working on a solo album?
"The Buckwild project, that kind of came out of the blue with Dante. But I was already working on an album called Every Day is Thanksgiving. I’ve been working on that for awhile and that’s gonna be crazy. I got some of J-Love’s best production ever and it’s featuring Large Pro and Ayatollah. Just Blaze got me on something for that project. Me and Just have been really cool for a long time. We’ve been building for when the time is right for him to help me out with something. Earlier I didn’t even want to bother him with something but with this project, he’s got me. He’s been a man of his word since I’ve known him so you can definitely expect a Just Blaze joint on that album. It’s gonna be really, really, really crazy. I’m not gonna go in too much on the features. It’s just gonna be me and a couple members from the fam. But that should be coming out at the end of the year. Look for the Buckwild project relatively soon and then I’m gonna try and end the year with this Every Day is Thanksgiving LP."

OH NO - "DISRUPTION PRODUCTIONS" [GANGRENE V.1]

2012-01-27T03:15:00.000-08:00

Since Gangrene just dropped their second full-length, "Vodka & Ayahuasca", (which I'm strongly recommending you to support) me and the homie Pattch82 decided to collaborate on a three series compilation to celebrate the ocassion. What we're gonna do is to kick things off with "Disrupted Productions" - a banging mix of Oh No outside productions. That will be followed by a similiar compilation showcasing some great Alchemist work and as the big bang final, we'll take things out with every non-album track ever released by Gangrene as a duo. We hope you'll enjoy this Gangrene week as much as we will!

Oh No is a producer and rapper from Oxnard, California who has released several dope albums (instrumental and vocal) through his current home, Stones Throw. Like his big brother Madlib, he got a very twisted, often psychadelic style and a love for the dusty, grimy and unexpected. Basically this fella can take any record you name and make something as amazing as original out of it. But despite solid work with legends like KRS-One, De La Soul, Mos Def, Kweli, AG, MED and many more he still doesn't get the amount of props he really deserves. That is however a fact I believe is about to change very soon, especially with all the Gangrene projects which seems to have landed him some highly regarded production work like the official Black Star reunion single. The compilation you're about to hear was sequenced and compiled by Pattch and includes plenty of material that should have you reaching for that rewind button and head nodding frantically. And just to be clear, we deliberately left off anything released by Stones Throw Records so there's no reason for this link to be taken down label heads!

01. KRS-One - "The Kool Herc"
02. Frank-N-Dank - "The Hustle"
03. Juggaknots feat. Slick Rick - "Vows"
04. Jose James - "Trouble" (Oh No Remix)
05. Oh No / KRS-One / Ricci Rucker - "Boogie Down OX"
06. A.G. - "Gigantic"
07. Percee P - "Throwback Rap Attack" (Oh No Remix)
08. MED - "Overdue"
09. Mos Def - "Supermagic"
10. Oh No - "Interlude"
11. Large Professor - "Radioactive" (Oh No Remix)
12. Erick Sermon & Jarren Benton - "Yeah (Bouncers)"
13. Oh No feat. Raekwon - "Terrorize"
14. Raekwon feat. Method Man - "Every Soldier In The Hood"
15. Roc C feat. Tri-State - "Maniac Murders"
16. Roc C feat. Guilty Simpson & Young Americans - "Ramsackaz"
17. De La Soul - "Reverse Your Steps"
18. Black Star - "You Already Knew"
19. Talib Kweli - "Distractions"

OH NO - "DISRUPTION PRODUCTIONS" [GANGRENE V. 1]

LA The Darkman - "Everything"

2012-01-26T17:47:00.000-08:00

Another pretty dope cut from LAD's new mixtape "Midwest Kush: Pyrex Edition Pt. 2" which you'll hear in full on February 25. This particular single features a rapper called S-Class Sonny and is titled "Everything". Spotted @ NahRight!

LA THE DARKMAN - "EVERYTHING"

"MA DOOM" Snippets + Ace Interview

2012-01-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

Always interesting and always underrated New York legend has had a mad interesting career. From being one of the youngest members of The veterans known as the Juice Crew that included other greats like Marley Marl, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, MC Shan, Craig G, Tragedy and more. Since then he has dropped several classic albums and banging full-length collaborations and never slacked off on the mic. As I have reported on eaerlier, his next project is a collaboration with MF DOOM titled "MA DOOM". It will feature Ace ripping previously released "Special Herbz" beats and such but it's still 100% officially co-signed by The Illest Villians.

On his recent almost one hour loung audio interview with Brooklyn Bodega Radio. During the conversation he speaks on the recent "beef" between Marley Marl and MC Shan over two decades old songs and touches on the upcoming Juice Crew reunion tour that's about to go down in Europe. What's most interesting is that Ace also previews three songs from "MA DOOM" almost in full; the music starts shortly after the 30 minutes mark. Can't wait for this one!

Gangrene - "Dream Nap" [*]

2012-01-26T05:24:00.000-08:00

This Tuesday, the Gangrene duo of Alchemist and Oh No released their impeccable headtrip joint "Vodka & Ayahuasca"; the best album of 2012 thus far. As is quite usual these days (and rather unfair to us militant record buyers if you ask me) the iTunes version offers an extra bonus track that's just as trippy and ill as the rest of the LP. "Dream Nap" is produced by Alchemist and features quality verses from Oh No, Roc C, Evidence and Montage One. Many thanks to Gerardoletal for the upload of this one.

GANGRENE - "DREAM NAP" [*]

The Mobb Deep Fam - "Keep Gettin' That Paper"

2012-01-26T05:09:00.000-08:00

"The Infamous Team" is a five tracks EP that was released digitally to sites like iTunes back in November. I remember checking out the tracklist and thinking it looked like a sick project, but then kinda forgot about it. A few hours ago though, Audible Doctor uploaded his featured remix of the song "Keep Getting That Paper"; a really dope cut featuring Mobb Deep, Infamous Mobb and Big Noyd. These three legendary QB acts are also the featured artists on the remaining three tracks (and original version of this song) so this extended play should definitely be well worth to listen to. Pick up "Infamous Team" @ iTunes now.

BDP - "Drug Daler#" [Prince Paul's Rough Mix]

2012-01-25T05:52:00.000-08:00

Without a doubt, "Sex & Violence" is by far KRS-One's most criminally underrated album. To me it might just be his best album ever mae, possibly tied with "Return Of The Boom Bap" and "Criminal Minded" was of course much more important impact wise but as far as the actual music goes, BDP's fifth album was a stronger effort booth lyrically and production wise. Unlike previous BP albums, KRS-One only laced the beats for a couple of songs while the rugged hardcore tracks was provied by great producers like DJ Kenny Parker, Pal Joey and even Prince Paul who contributed three songs to the project. You can read my extensive analysis of what makes the LP so fantastic in my opnion that I wrote a while back that also features a lil' EP of all "the B-sides" made around that time. .

In the recent Complex interview with Prince Paul the master engineer revealed that KRS contacted him and picked three beats for the album he was working on. Following that, he didn't hear anything from Kris until the record came out and his original tracks was on there but mixed by KRS-One and D-Square rather than having the original producer finish them. I love these three songs but i can imagine that they would have been straight out of this world. Today Paul Huston continued his"unreleased series" on his Soundcloud page and today's featured song are Paul's original rough demo of "Drug Dealer" before the BDP crew mixed it down. It's not that different from the album version but it does have some previouslt unreleased material soi if you're a fanatic of BDP or Huston you will definitelt want ti hear this. Here's what the producer has to say abiut the making of the 91 song:

"This is one of a few songs I did for the "Sex and Violence" album. For reasons unknown I never got a chance to fully complete the production on these songs and thus poor mixes were ultimately released to the public. When I hear those songs [today] I cringe.. I do wish I could turn back the hands of time and finish these recordings . Hope you enjoy these . More to come on the unreleased Prince Paul Collection." - Prince Paul

"Drug Dealer" [Paul's Rough Mix '91] by B.D.P.

[Mixtape] GENSU DEAN - "JOINTZ"

2012-01-25T04:20:00.000-08:00

Dallas, Texas beatsmith Gensu Dean is one of the latest signees to Mello Muisc Group, one of today's most interesting underground labels along with Duck Down, Redefinition Records and Stones Throw. Dean has previously honed his skills through placements on albums by Brand Nubian members Sadat X and Lord Jamar, Edo G, Ox The Architect and a bunch of dope remixes for a host of other legends (including the recent CL Smooth Remix Tape). Many of his productions and remixes has been mixed by DJ Chief-One for the brand new tape "Jointz" that's just been put out to get fans ready for Gensu Dean's debut album "Standard Life (Lo-Fi Finghaz)" which will drop on February 28. You can already now pre-order it on either wax or CD and check out the tracklist - head over to UGHH to do so right away. The mixtspr is free and you can stream it through the site but to download it you need to enter your e-mail but it'd no big deal so I recommend you doing that. Well, enjoy this one!

01. DJ Chief-One - "Intro"

02. Gensu Dean Ft. Large Professor - "Forever"

03. Edo G - "Pay The Price" [Remix]

04. Melatone Ft. Thaione - "Memoirs & Melodies"

05. Mejest Fatal - "U"

06. Sadat X Ft. Grand Puba & Lord Jamar - "The Chosen Few"

07. Edo G - "Boston" [Remix]

08. Roc Marciano - "Scarface Nigga" [Remix]

09. Oxygen - "Gone Diggin'"

10. CL Smooth - "American Dream" [Remix]

11. Mejest Fatal - "Get It"

12. Lord Jamar Ft. Sadat X - "State Ya Lessons"

13. Ill Relatives Ft. David Banner - "Cold Cold World"

14. Melatone Ft. Oxygen, Nomad & Rashid Hadee - "Making History (Remix)"
15. Gensu Dean Ft. 7even Thirty - "On & On"
16. Crooked Lettaz - "Caught in the Game"

GENSU DEAN-"JOINTZ" [MIX BY DJ CHIEF ONE]

Shyheim / Cappadonna - "Wild Shorties"

2012-01-24T03:24:00.000-08:00

Shyheim has been working on the sequel to his dope '99 album "Manchild" and now we are starting to get to hear some music from the project. Previously we've seen a few clips from recording sessions which has revealed features from Cappadonna, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Prodigal Sunn, Sean Price, Trife Diesel, Dom Pachino, Ras Kass and Solomon Childs and the beats I've heard promises a serious record. I haven't really been checking for the one-time Prodigy since after the aforementioned '99 album but I got a very good feeling about this one based on the cameos, Shy himself and the two released tracks so far.

Above you hear "Wild Shorties" with Cappa (an official video will be released soon) and if you click here you can listen to "E&W", another album cut featuring Dom Pachino, Ras Kass, Bad Azz and Solomon Childs. "Manchild 2" coming soon on Bottom Up Records.

[Mixtape] SAIGON - "WARNING SHOTS 3"

2012-01-24T02:44:00.000-08:00

Although it took some serious time and several delays for The Yardfather to drop his banging official debut "Greatest Story Never Told", he always kept his name hot on the mixtape scene. As promised he releases his anticipated "Warning Shots 3: One Foot in the Grave" via DatPiff today. The tape is presented by Just Blaze who also provides a few beats next to producers including Ez ElPee, DJ Corbett, Red Spyda, Scram Jones, Green Lantern and more. I can't wait to listen to this in full!

01. "One Foot in the Grave (Intro)" (Ft. Just Blaze)
02. "BBB (Real Niggas Never Die)" [prod. by Sire]
03. "I Am 4 Real" [prod. by DJ Corbett]
04. "Hungry" [prod. by Sire]
05. "Yeah Yeah" [prod. by Shuko]
06. "Bring Me Down Pt. 3" (Ft. Joe Budden) [prod. by Just Blaze & DJ Corbett]
07. "Say Yes Again" [prod. by Quiet]
08. "Come Again 2012" [prod. by Ez ElPee]
09. "Women Are the New Dogs" [prod. by Red Spyda]
10. "Kinky" [prod. by Sire]
11. "When Did U Get Hot" [prod. by Brain]
12. "Moscato Flow"
13. "CutDaBullshit" [prod. by Green Lantern]
14. "Another Man Down" (Ft. Lil' Fame) [prod. by DJ Corbett]
15. "WFKR Talk Radio Skit"
16. "War And Chaos" [prod. by Just Blaze & Scram Jones]
17. "Where to Find Me" (Ft. Quan)
18. "Learning As We Go Along" (Ft. Rough of Good Guy Gang)
19. "Mr. Cool (That Ain't Cool)" [prod. by Scram Jones]

SAIGON - "WARNING SHOTS 3"

BURNTmd / Phil Da Agony / Madlib

2012-01-23T19:12:00.000-08:00

Fresh rapper BURNTmd from Vermont hooks up with Strong Arm Steady's Phil The Agony for this Madlib produced track titled "GDTMIB: The PhilMadBurnt Anthem". The main emcee is preparing a Green Lantern helmed mixtape called "The Green Invasion" that will feature this song as well as a Madlib laced joint featuring Snoop Dogg. The Vermont spitter is also getting ready to drop the teaser EP "Not So Black & White EP" so be on the lookout. Rumors say BURNTmd made some cameos on the Madlib produced "In Search Of Stoney Jackson" that didn't make the final cut so the plan now is to leak these joints for free every now and then so this is definitely goo news for all fans of the Steady crew and The Beat Konducta.

BURNTmd (feat. Phil The Agony) - "GTDMIB: PhilMadBurnt Anthem"

[Double Feature] SADAT X

2012-01-23T17:58:00.000-08:00

Last year Brand Nubian's most prolific emcee Sadat X released his extremely overlooked album "No Features". The CD was fully produced by Will Tell and while it's not one of The X-Man's finest releases it does pack some heat like the video for the single above, "Remember That", and X's always been an interesting rapper.

And as if that wasn't enough, the duo Fokis released their second single from their upcoming De La inspired project, "A Vintage State Of Mind". The song is called "Just Sayin'" and just happens to feature none other than Mr. Derek X so enjoy this double feature y'all cuz they sure both bang!

FOKIS / SADAT X - "JUST SAYIN'"

William Cooper & Kool G Rap - "American Gangsters"

2012-01-23T17:12:00.000-08:00

Black Market Militia's William Cooper's "Beware Of The Pale Horse" was a seriously slept-on album back in 2009 that you definitely need to check out. Full of dope features, sick beats by the likes of Bronze Nazareth and BP (who laced this particular gem) and most important lyextremely well written and conscious lyrics; something that's lacking way too often in today's hip-hop and music in general. Fresh of G Rap's ill cameo on Gangrene's new LP, here KGR drops another one of his trademark sixteens that's sure to have you hit the rewind button. Support Cooper's debut by picking it up @ UGHH.

Jazzy Jeff Ft. Senor Kaos - "Peter Piper" [J.M.J. Tribute]

2012-01-22T16:46:00.000-08:00

Celebrating what would have been the veteran DJ Jam Master Jay's 47:th birthday yesterday, Funkmaster Flex dropped his ill 30 minutes set celebrating the legend and now DJ Jazzy Jeff and Senor Kaos hook up with eachother for another tribute; their take on the classic Run DMC cut "Peter Piper" that originally appeared on Mick Boogie/Jazzy Jeff's mixtape "My Adidas (A Tribute to Run DMC) last year. Senor Kaos is holding it down on the mic while Jeff is killing it on the turntables as well as providing the beats so you can bet on this being a certified sureshot, Don't hesitate, check it and pay your tributes to one of the true pioneers.

JAZZY JEFF / SENOR KAOS - "PETER PIPER"

[Album Stream] dRes - "Wild Produce"

2012-01-22T04:56:00.000-08:00

dRes is a up-and-coming producer from Philly who's starting to make a name for himself and is not to be confused with the genius of the same name from classic hip-hop group Black Sheep. dRes is definitely responsible for some hot productions filled with distorted horns, eerie vocal samples and some smooth rhythm that's heavy on the percussion. For his first album, which is free nontheless, he enlists some microphone help from the likes of Count Bass D, Homeboy Sandman, L.E.G.A.C.Y., Median, Truck North, Guilty Simpson, Tanya Morgan, Declaime and Georgia Anne Muldrow ro name some. Even if it's not up your alley, at least give it a shot below so check it out.

dRes - Wild Produce (LP) by Diamond Media 360

Funk Flex's JAM-MASTER JAY Tribute

2012-01-22T04:35:00.000-08:00

Jam-Master Jay is obviously one of the most important and pioneering artists and DJs to ever grace hip-hop with his presence. Besides his groundbreaking masterpieces with Run DMC, Hollis, Queens native Jason William Mizell started honing his skills on the tables at the early age of 13 and that hard work soon payed off. On albums like Run's classic "Raising Hill" he was also heavily involed with the music side of things; playing live drums, keyboards and bass, A few years later he started his own label, J.M.J. Recordings, producing banging records for Onyx, Real Roxanne, Terminaor X, Jayo Felony and a host of others.

The unique hip-hop legend was sadly shot and killed on October 30, 2002 and the music business, and especially rap music, lost one of its true pioneers. Say what you want about Funkmaster Flex these days but at least he's always been an ill DJ and he clearly hasn't forgotten his roots. Check this mix out and if you haven't peeped the great JMJ documentary "Two Turntables & A Microphone" make sure to get your hands on that one too.

FUNK FLEX'S J.M.J. TRIBUTE MIX

Choclair - "T-Dot" (Dirty)

2012-01-21T15:49:00.000-08:00

Choclair is a Canadian emcee who released five albums between 1999 and 2006 but since then been kinda quiet. He's worked with artists like Ol' Dirty Bastard, Rahzel, GURU, Kardinal Offishal, Kurupt, Saukrates and more but then more or less dissapeared from the scene. Now it seems that he's might aiming for a comeback as he just released a new digital single featuring the song "T-Dot", produced by DJ Bless. Pretty dope joint right here, let's see what the future has in store for Choclair.

CHOCLAIR - "T-DOT"

[Single] DIAMOND D / BLAKE CARRINGTON

2012-01-21T08:17:00.000-08:00

Legendary multi-talented producer Diamond D isn't afraid to branch out of his typical genre. In fact, he can create fatastic music no matter what lane he currently rocks; Diamond's an artist that always modified the beat to the artist he's working with and not the other way around. Besides more traditional hip-hop classics, the super producer occassionally dabbles in jazz, R&B/soul and psychadelic rock .And Joseph Kirland (or Diamond D as more of you know him) has got some serious skills on the wheels of steel too.

As reported earlier, The D.I.T.C. member is going back to his soul roots to produce the entirity of Blake Carrington's album, under the title "The Blask Moses Project". Carrington and Kirkland has worked together for a long time now; the former has made guest apperances on most of Diamond's solo albums since 1997 so they has clearly developed a very serious relationship. The digital single has been released via Diamond's soundcloud and must be the intro to the record considering it's titled "The Prolouge" and clocks in at just over two minutes. I can dig it!

The Black Moses Project - "The Prolouge"

LL Cool J '89; The Bonus Cuts

2012-01-21T04:05:00.000-08:00

The other day I picked up a vinyl copy of the one LL album I still don't had (while he still banged out good music on the regular that is) in a used records section - "Walking With A Panther". It's no "Radio", "B.A.D.", "Mama Said..." or even "14 Shots to the Dome" as it has a very strange mix of tracks on there. It goes from some of the cheesiest love ballads until '97s mediocre "Phenomenal" ("You're My Heart", "I'm That Type of Guy", "Two Different Worlds", etc.) to super dope lyrical exercises delivered over hardcore beats like "Droppin' Em", "Nitro", "Why Do You Think They Call it Dope", "It Gets No Rougher" and more.

Vinyl buyers drew the shortest straw as they were missing out on four bangers, and if these were added instead of the cheesy tracks mentioned above, "Walking With A Panther" would've been viewed in a totally different light is my guess. The CD version included two bonus tracks, an outro song called "Change Your Ways" as well as the classic Rick Rubin production from '88 that were recorded for the "Less Than Zero" soundtrack; the slamming "Going Back to Cali". The cassette copy featured both these tracks but also included the infamous Kool Moe Dee diss "Jack the Ripper", another Rubin production from the same soundtrack. Lastly the cassette also had a rare LL track called "Crime Stories" that's prety dope too. Thanks to Magnifik for riping and uploading the latter. Feel free to drop a comment, do you think LL's third LP would be better if including these four songs instead of some of the weaker ones? Enjoy!!

LL COOL J - "WALKING..."
THE LEFTOVERS

GRENEBERG - "Drink Up"

2012-01-21T02:50:00.000-08:00

Alchemist and Oh No's 2010's full-length release, "Gutter Waters", was an incredibly sick and original psychadelic hip-hop record. A year later the duo released one of the best releases of 2011, an EP as Greneberg with Long Island's curently finest emcee; four songs featuring Alc and Oh No and four songs featuring the one and only Roc Marciano and except for one joint fully produced by the Gangrene crew.

On January 24, the Gangrene duo is teaming up again with Deacon Records to drop their second full-length release, "Vodka & Ayahuasca". Previously the duo have released two singles from the project ("Vodka & Ayahuasca" and "Dump Truck") and now the third single has been made available. The joint is called "Drink Up" and features an ill 16 from the the always reliable Rock Marciano. So in a way, you could say that this is a continuation of the amazing EP from 2010. Enjoy this banger and turn it the fuck up!

GRENEBERG - "DRINK'S UP"

[Tracklist] Saigon - "Warning Shots III"

2012-01-20T01:30:00.000-08:00

Saigon's third installment in the "Warning Shots" series drops in only four days and looking at the tracklist below I'm sure it will be pretty damn dope. I'm a little suprised there isn't more Just Blaze productions on here considering that he's presenting the tape but Ez Elpee, Red Spyda, Green Lantern and Scram Jones will most likely deliver. The songs that have leaked so far have all been dope if you ask me, you can check out the latest one called "Hungry" at the bottom of this post.

01. "One Foot in the Grave (Intro)" (Ft. Just Blaze)
02. "BBB (Real Niggas Never Die)" [prod. by Sire]
03. "I Am 4 Real" [prod. by DJ Corbett]
04. "Hungry" [prod. by Sire]
05. "Yeah Yeah" [prod. by Shuko]
06. "Bring Me Down Pt. 3" (Ft. Joe Budden) [prod. by Just Blaze & DJ Corbett]
07. "Say Yes Again" [prod. by Quiet]
08. "Come Again 2012" [prod. by Ez ElPee]
09. "Women Are the New Dogs" [prod. by Red Spyda]
10. "Kinky" [prod. by Sire]
11. "When Did U Get Hot" [prod. by Brain]
12. "Moscato Flow"
13. "CutDaBullshit" [prod. by Green Lantern]
14. "Another Man Down" (Ft. Lil' Fame) [prod. by DJ Corbett]
15. "WFKR Talk Radio Skit"
16. "War And Chaos" [prod. by Just Blaze & Scram Jones]
17. "Where to Find Me" (Ft. Quan)
18. "Learning As We Go Along" (Ft. Rough of Good Guy Gang)
19. "Mr. Cool (That Ain't Cool)" [prod. by Scram Jones]

SAIGON - "HUNGRY"

Brainiac Beats Ft. AG, Joell Ortiz ....

2012-01-20T01:15:00.000-08:00

Brainiac Beats a/k/a El Cerebro is a Spanish producer who's about to make a name for himself on the US scene. He has now released a free digital EP featuring six American artists, the most interesting being AG and Joell Ortiz. All tracks, cuts and engineering done by Brainiac Beats and the ill artwork you see above is created by Diego L. Rodriguez.

01. Joell Ortiz - "Praise"
02. Nikal Fieldz / Dwayne Collins - "Come Get Some"
03. AG / Shea Davis - "Hood Famous"
04. Serious Jones - "What Goes Around" [*]
05. Pete G - "Who Are You?" [*]

BRAINIAC BEATS - "B.B. PRESENTS" [EP]

Skyzoo - "Corner Store Classic" [Revisited]

2012-01-19T04:58:00.000-08:00

As I said before, few debuting artists of the last five years have came through with such skill and passion as BK's Skyzoo who hit the hip-hop world with a bang when he released his "Salvation" in 2009. But before that he was steadily building up a lot of hype through some great guest features and most importantly a bunch of hot mixtapes. One of the best was the critically acclaimed "Corner Store Classic" that dropped in 2007. Since I usually want full songs and can be bugged out by the DJ shouts, I love the fact that Skyzoo choosed to release a revisited version of that tape featuring 16 of the full tracks in good quality a year later. This is definitely a great tape for anyone who've missed it, full of the emcee's slick trademark flow, ill punchlines and stories weaved with clever metaphors. Production is handled by many great beatsmiths including Black Milk, M-Phazes, Needlz, Illmind and 9th Wonder. So if you have yet to hear this and liked Sky's official solo debut, make sure you check this one ut cuz you'll definitely feel it.

01. "Intro"

02. "I Shine"

03. "Braggin' Rights" [Remix]

04. "The Neccessary Evils"

05. "Never Sleep"

06. "Hold Tight" [Remix] (Ft. Black Milk)

07. "The Paper"

08. "All Over the World"

09. "Close Reach" [Remix] (Ft. Nina B.)

10. "Raw Rap '06"

11. "B.E.T. Rap City / Spit Ya Game" (Interlude)

12. "Straighten It Out" [Remix]

13. "Cop N Go" (Ft. Maino & Stimuli)

14. "Ghetto America" [HHG Remix]

15. "So Close"

16. "Outro"

SKYZOO - "CORNER STORE CLASSIC" [REVISITED]

Pos & Dave are... FIRST SERVE

2012-01-17T14:50:00.000-08:00

Posdnous (a.k.a. Plug Won) and Dave (a.k.a. Trugoy / Plug Two) of De La Soul has recently started the side project First Serve. I'm not sure why Maseo ain't involved but they are obviously able to hold their own as a duo as well. About a month ago they released their first mixtape which is called "The Goon Time"; a cool up-tempo mix featuring an eclectic mesh of blends and remixes topped with a few brand new cuts. First Strike's debut album is set for release in April but the first single is available already today and is entitled "Pushin' Aside, Pushin' Along". Check that out below and don't forget to stream or download "The Goon Time" from their Soundcloud.

FIRST SERVE - "PUSHIN'' ASIDE, PUSHIN' ALONG"

[Video] MadGibbs - "Thuggin'"

2012-01-17T09:09:00.000-08:00

Peep the brand new video for Madlib and Freddie Gibb's "Thuggin'", directed by Jonah Schwartz. I absolutely loved this track when I first heard it and it still goes hard. There was a rumor saying that there will be a full-length album by these two eventually which I'm sure would be nothing short of amazing if it actually happens. Keep your fingers crossed!

Bumpy Knuckles - "My Thoughts"

2012-01-17T05:06:00.000-08:00

As we all should be aware of by now, DJ Premier and Bumpy Knuckles is gearing up to release their highly anticipated "Kolexxxion" on March 27. Preem is obviously one of the greatest producers of all time and Foxxx has long been one of my favorite emcees so to have all these songs on wax is nothing short of a blessing. Although many of the tracks have previously been played by Preemo and someone happened to rip them, these songs are still previously unreleased in that they have never been available on a proper album.

Yesterday I put together something for my iPod with thirteen of their collabo's (including half of the LP) and played that straight through during the train ride this morning. Let me tell y'all that I can already now say that "Kolexxxion" without a doubt will be Foxxx's best album since the classic "Industry Shakedown" back in '99. For those who slept, I'm bringing out the amazing opening track called "My Thoughts" which really sets the mood for the raw sound of these two boom bap royalties. What a great way to kick of an album!

BUMPY KNUCKLES - "MY THOUGHTS"

Rock Mecca - "Top Of The World"

2012-01-17T04:55:00.000-08:00

Rock Mecca is a new emcee from Queens, NY who is about to drop his debut album "Pirate Radio Star" in March of this year. "Top Of the World"´follows "New York Noise" / "Runnin' Runnin'"as the second single from the project and gives us a nice taste of what this man and his music are about. You can follow Rock Mecca and learn about his music via Bandcamp and Reverbnation.

ROCK MECCA - "TOP OF THE WORLD"

Lords Of The Underground - "Say Yeah"

2012-01-15T04:10:00.000-08:00

Check out this crazy sick joint by Jersey's own Lords Of the Underground, produced by their original producer K-Def. I'm not sure if this is a newer track or if it is an older song from previous album sessions but either way this shit goes hard. I would love a new L.O.T.U.G. album with hot stuff like this and the collaboration with Pete Rock on "NY's Finest". Spotted @ The DopeHouse.

LORDS OF THE UNDERGROUND - "SAY YEAH"

[Comp] CYPRESS HILL - "Blunted On Reality"

2012-01-14T04:21:00.000-08:00

I haven't been able to hit you up with one of those Lost Tapes compilations many of y'all often request, but here is the first one for 2012. I've been listening heavily to Cypress Hill lately as they are one of my favorite groups of all time - the original Cypress that is, with DJ Muggs behind the boards, B-Real up front and Sen Dogg doing his thing (Eric "Bobo" is a cool addition too). Especially the first four albums are classic status in my eyes and although the later LPs haven't come close to that status there's always a bunch of gems on each that makes sure the group maintains their high level. The only one I was truly dissapointed in is "Rising Up", much because (to me) it is not even a real Cypress album considering Muggs is barely involved. Hopefully they will get back on track in time for the next round since all the joints B-Real and Muggs have appeared on together over the last five years or so have been crazy.

For this compilation I basically wanted to put together a majority of the non album cuts by the group that I know of or have heard. At first I was thinking about making it a strictly 1991 to 1999 affair and including the "Soul Assassins" tracks but at the end of the day I figured that they got enough hot unreleased shit from '91 up to last year. Therefore this 18 tracks collection now reflects the group's musical evolvement over the years and showcases a bunch of different styles. You got the blunted darkness a´la "Temples Of Boom" ("Da-Da-Da", "Roll it Up, Light it Up..."), the funkiness of their breakthrough ("Shoot 'Em Up"), early rock collaborations in the form of the songs with Pearl Jam and Sonic Youth from the "Judgement Night" soundtrack as well as the synthesizer driven sound heard on "To Death do us Part" ("Ready to Die", "Roll it Up") and much more. I even decided to include the three DJ Muggs produced tracks from "Rising Up", simply because I consider that more of a type of side project and this way I get to listen to these bangers in a real Cypress setting. All tracks on this sick ass "tape" are solely produced by Muggs except for "Scooby Doo" (T-Ray with Muggs on co-production), "Strike the Match", "Take My Pain" and "Pass The Dutch" (all three co-produced by DJ Khalil) and lastly the bonus track "Child of the Wild West" which is a production collaboration between DJ Muggs and Roni Size/Reprazent. So spark up a blunt, press play, lay back and enter the temples of BOOM.

01. "Roll it Up, Light it Up, Smoke it Up" [1995]
02. "Shoot 'Em Up" [1992]
03. "Champions" (Ft. PMD) [1998]
04. "U Know the Rules (Mi Vida Loca)" [2000]
05. "Roll it Up" [2004]
06. "Pass the Dutch" (Ft. Evidence & Alchemist) [2010]
07. "Strike the Match" (Ft. Tom Morello) [2010]
08. "I'm Still #1" [1997]
09. "I Love You Mary Jane" [1993]
10. "Scooby Doo" [1992]
11. "Da-Da-Da" [1995]
12. "So What'cha Want" [S.A. Remix] (Ft. Beastie Boys) [1992]
13. "Real Thing" [1993]
14. "Rags to Riches" (Ft. Barron Ricks & Chace Infinite) [1998]
15. "Can I Live" [2001]
16. "Ready to Die" [2004]
17. "Take My Pain" (Ft. Everlast) [2010]
18. "Child of the Wild West" [Murder Dem Remix] (w. Roni Size) [*]

CYPRESS HILL - "BLUNTED ON REALITY"

Saigon - "I Am 4 Real"

2012-01-14T02:46:00.000-08:00

The MC/producer duo who were responsible for one of the best albums of last year, Saigon and Just Blaze, are now preparing a new collaborative project for 2012. According to Saigon the third installment in his "Warning Shots" series (this one carries the under title "One Foot in the Grave") will be more of a street album than a mixtape which is a good sign since it should mean that it's all new beats, full songs and no DJ shouts over the music. The first single is titled "I Am 4 Real" and produced by DJ Corbett who previously did some of the bonus tracks on "The Greatest Story Never Told".

Rome Clientele Ft. Tragedy Khadafi

2012-01-13T03:39:00.000-08:00

I have no clue who Rome Clientele are or is but this soulful joint is a winner in my book. It's always great to hear new ish from QB veteran Tragedy Khadafi, who opens the track with a sick verse. Especially since we haven't heard nearly enough of him over the last five years. The song also features apperances by rappers Alycat and T-Nast.

ROME CLIENTELE / TRAGEDY - "BLUE MAGIC"

M.E.D. - "War & Love"

2012-01-13T02:19:00.000-08:00

"War & Love" is the title of this sick Alchemist produced track from M.E.D.'s latest release - "Classic". Besides Alc on the boards, the song also features a guest apperance by Oh No so both Gangrene partners were involved on this one. The video is directed by Shane Sakanoi.

The Funk League Ft. Large Professor

2012-01-12T13:43:00.000-08:00

Blazing new track called "Through Good & Bad (45 Remix)" with Large Professor on the mic and French production duo The Funk League on the boards. This is the third single from the latter's upcoming album, "Funky as Usual" which hit stores on January 24. This is some classic sounding shit right here and between this, the joint with Diamond & Sadat plus additional features from AG, Gift Of Gab, Afrika Bambaataa I'm definitely pumped for this LP! Thx to Okayplayer for this one.

FUNK LEAGUE / LARGE PRO - "THROUGH GOOD N BAD"

KRS-One / Channel Live - "Forever"

2012-01-12T01:23:00.000-08:00

Only a couple of days ago I posted on KRS-One relasing "The BDP Album" with his brother Kenny Parker. The project is now available and can be copped in either digital format, on wax or on CD from Amazon and 682 Records, respectively. Take a listen to the single "Forever" which sees KRS bang it out with Channel Live on the mic for the first time in years. Up top is a rather new interview with the master emcee, mroe than one and a half hour so you know that's gonna be a great watch (spotted @ DJPB).

KRS-ONE Ft. CHANNEL LIVE - "FOREVER"

RZA - "Shock Me" (2001)

2012-01-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

RZA continues his weekly Wu Wednesdays series with a lost cut from circa 2001. Said to be a demo from the Bobby Digital LP, "Digital Bullet" i'm guessing this one is produced by The Abbot himself. Ill ish...

SHOCK ME by RZAWU

Planet Asia / Timbo King / Hell Razah

2012-01-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

Hell Razah, Timbo King and Planet Asia joins up for this Thorotracks produced single called "Flash Backs". The song is one of many dope tracks that will appear on DJ J-Ronin's and DJ Snip's "All Elements", hosted by M.O.P. Check out J-Ronin's word on the project which drops next week.

"All Elements vol.12 is finally done, physical copies will be dropping next tuesday along with a digital download link on bandcamp. As per usual over a dozen records were done exclusively for this mixtape with M.O.P., Sha Stimuli, Cappadonna, Rock of Heltah Skeltah, Hell Razah, Planet Asia, Math Hoffa, Timbo King, Serious Jones, Cortez, Illa Ghee, Ruste Juxx, Sav Killz, DNA, Hollow Da Don, Nutso and more!

For the first time i will have a digtal download link for sale before i release a free version. You can preorder the mixtape here http://jronin.bandcamp.com/ Support All Elements and all the work we put in! Once the sales reach a decent amount i will drop a free download link." - DJ J-Ronin

PLANET ASIA / TIMBO KING / HELL RAZAH - "FLASH BACK"