[EP] MED / MADLIB - "Classic - The Outtakes"

In celebration of the release of the new MED / Blu / Madlib collaboration (see post below) I've dug up a gem from MED's Soundcloud page that I never saw catch the buzz it should've. Medaphoar came up with Madlib in Oxnard and been an integral part of Madlib's career, appearing as the only guest emcee on projects like 'Lib's excellent Blu Note remix album. Madlib has also been the main producer of MED's two first albums, "Push Comes to Shove" (2005) and "Classic" (2011). The latter project is what this post pertains to, as an "outtake reel" of almost 15 minutes of previously unreleased material was made available for free streaming via MED's Soundcloud page a couple of years back. Featuring seven tracks originally recorded for "Classic", with guest apperances from Aloe Blacc, Oh No, Steve Arrington, and Pok, this makes for a gripping listen and a perfect addition to throw on following your next listen to the original LP. And did I mention that all of the music included here were produced by Madlib? Much of these beats, in slightly altered form, ended up on other projects created around the same time - most noticeably Guilty Simpson's "OJ Simpson" and the Strong Arm Steady LP. If you missed out on this set the first time around... TURN IT UP! [illest track - "Hold U Down", damn!]

FASHAWN x NAS x ALOE BLACC - "Something To Believe In"

When young California lyricist Fashawn first broke out onto the scene on a national level I was super hyped by this incredible wordsmith, solidified by his official solo debut "Boy Meets World", produced by Exile, and the ALC-produced prequel tape "The Antidote". Unfortunately since then this promising young emcee has barely released a track that has managed to capture my attention, releasing mixtape after mixtape that strayed way too far from what made me fall in love with his East Coast influenced West Coast bangers. Now signed to Nas' Mass Appeal Records, he late last year released the absolutely incredible free Alchemist collaboration "Fashionably Late" which even made it to my man Antoine's top three albums of 2014 and I wouldn't place it far behind. The real album will be another Exile full-lenght collaboration, this time called "The Ecology" and so far the singles are sounding a lot more promising than anything released by this heavy spitter for years. 

The latest single "Something to Believe In" features excellent verses by Fashawn and Nas going at it, while Aloe Blacc provides some welcome vocals to take it to the next level. The other singles released thus far include the Busta Rhymes assisted "Out The Trunk" and the lead single "Guess Who's Back". Check all singles below and watch out for "The Ecology" on Febbruary 25.