[EP] DJ SHADOW - "The Mountain Has Fallen" (Ft. Nas & Danny Brown)

With a release like this EP, that brings back traditional hip-hop values, and invites some of the illest lyricists of the both past and present some haters might say that the legendary DJ/producer behind '96 stone cold classic "Endtroducing" is somewhat on a return. His new EP "The Mountain has Fallen" is no doubt a hardcore back-to-basics four-track project but the truth of the matter is that Shadow has been dropping gems for years; it's hardly like "Endtroducing" is his only worthwhile album and his legacy rest on what a fucking classic that was. That album broke a lot of ground as far as being 100% concocted from samples while being instrumental and sounded like totally new musical compositions. But beside "Pre-Emptive Strike" (which was recorded before '96) he kind of switched up his style and yes there's been some duds along the way; but that's what happens when you're an artist and experiment. But don't forget that he in 2011 released the super-slept on album "The Less You Will Fall" that sported a new era but borrowed heavily from what made Shadow fans first take notice, and also featured guest spots from Posdnous, Talib Kweli and even Little Dragon for good measure. If you haven't heard that album be sure to check it out ASAP.

Now Mr. Davis is teaming up with Mass Appeal, gearing up for another album, and just dropped an EP to whet our appetites and the four track project sure as hell does not dissapoint. A mixture of vintage samples, live instrument, breaks for headnodding hip-hop and some imrpessive turntable work this genre defying project will be getting a lot of play. Especially the first song that features no less than the first meeting between NAS and Shadow on the throwback banger "Systematic". Steven Price does a great job of closing out the project with the hectic "Corridors". Check it out for free below stay tuned for a new full-length by this one-of-a-kind DJ/producer.

[Album] ALCHEMIST x OH NO - "Welcome To Los Santos"

The Grand Theft Auto series has always prouded themeselves on excellent soundtracks to accompany the gaming experience. For GTA V, which drops tomorrow for PC, they are taking it one step further as the Gangrene brothers Oh No and Alchemist has been left fully in charge to produce the original soundtrack. The game has been out on various consoles since 2013 which has allowed ALC and Oh to really soak in the atmosphere of the adventure that is "GTA V - Welcome to Los Santos". The fourteen tracks deep album features new music by Freddie Gibbs, Action Bronson, MC Eiht, Danny Brown, Killer Mike, AB-Soul, Curren$y, Kokane, and many more. But don't expect a straight up hip-hop album, as the two Ayahuasca loving producers draws inspiration from a wide range of different styles and sounds to create something totally unique. It's definitely a dope listen though, so don't sleep on this one! You can stream the entire album via the YouTube playlist up top and NPR or purchase the digital download from iTunes if you want to pay your dues.

PURCHASE "WELCOME TO LOS SANTOS" @ iTUNES

GHOSTFACE x BADBADNOTGOOD - "Six Degrees" (Ft. Danny Brown)

Ghostface Killah and jazz trio BadBadNotGood has teamed up to create a stupid fresh 10" single for LEX Records called "Six Degrees" with Danny Brown popping in for a guest verse as well. Pre-order @ LEX and get it by June 23.

DANNY BROWN / APOLLO BROWN - "Contra"

Danny Brown's "Contra" originally appeared on Danny Brown's fourth volume of his "Detroit State Of Mind" mixtape series, as well as an eLzhi featuring remix which House Shoes used for his "Daily Bread" project. So no, it's not new by any  means but who cares as long as it's this damn dope. Brown's hyper charged flow and hilarious verbal gymnastics sound extra amplified over Apollo Brown's hardcore street soul and drums of death so prepare to get your head nodding.

The reason this joint resurfaces is now is because Danny Brown is reissuing his "Hot Soup" on 2xLP which will include no less than seven exclusive joints. "Contra" is not only one of them, but will also be the A-side on the bonus 45 that follows with the purchase. Released via DJ House Shoes' Street Corner Music imprint the disc(s) will be available on April 19. Spotted @ EgoTripLand,

[Stream] RZA Presents "MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS"

About an hour ago, I posted the first video from above mentioned  soundtrack, Meth's, Gibb's and Street's "Built For This". Turns out, I got something a whole lot better for y'all today, something that I'm definitely gonna give a real through spin later tonight. I'm talking about a stream of the complete "Man With The Iron Fists" original soundtrack, not the score that is, but the 17-tracks exclusive joints version that drops on October 23. As I said before, the half I do have heard is nothing short of exceptional, so it will be real fascinating to see if the remaiing tracks lives up to the same standard; in that case, this is another absolutely amazing soundtrack directed by The RZA (see the trailer below). 
A lot of Frank Dukes production, a lot of live instrumentation by The Revelations, a RZA/Kanye production collaboration (that has wack lyrics but an exceptionally well produced backdrop), two new Wu-Tang Clan joints; one of them featuring Kool G Rap, a couple of RZA collaborations, the beautiful cover of "I Forgot to be Your Lover" by Tre Williams and The Revelations, a smooth but excellent Talib Kweli & RES collaboration, the final version of "Tick, Tock" with Danny Brown added, etc. For some reason the last song, Wu-Tang Clan's "Six Drections of Boxing" is not included in this set. Neither is the Wu-Block type of bonus joint which is good since that means there's still a suprise in store for us left once the album drops. If you're still not convinced by everything written abovfe, then this is clearly not for you. For us others, put on your favorite pair of headphones, click play below and let the 15 tracks play in full from front-to-back...And enjoy!

ALChemist / Danny Brown / Q - "Flight Confirmation"

The Alchemist's psychadelic trip of a musical journey, "Russian Roulette", was released on CD yesterday. If you're a militant vinilyst, you'll have to wait for July 31 to cop the 2xLP set. The album is a truly different affair, or should I say a complete hour of mind fuck? Fans of the early Alchemist might not even be to keen on what he's doing here, but he's an artist and I'm glad that he's puhing the envelope; creating a project filled with instrumentals, short vocal tracks and rare Russian samples. It's quite obvious that his time in the duo Gangrene with Madlib's brother Oh No has had a huge impact on The Chemist's music making. Personally, I really like it, and if you have yet to hear the twisted music tale, you can stream "Russian Roulette" in full @ Spin.

The album is filled with guests, often dropping only a 16 each, and up top you can watch the video for the first single, "Flight Confirmation", featuring Schoolboy Q and Danny Brown.

Alchemist / Danny Brown / Schoolboy Q - "Flight Confirmation"

Alchemist's been real heavy on the psychadelic mind-fuck music since the formation of Gangrene. Right now, the producer slash rapper is preparing his next solo album, "Russian Roulette". For the first single, he grabs Danny Brown and Schoolboy Q, who turns this monster of a beat into a winner. Who do you think will have the better album out this year between ALC and Oh No?

Danny Brown - "Jay Dee's Revenge"

We just saw the trailer and artwork to the next entry in the J Dilla saga, "Rebirth Of Detroit". The LP will be released on June 12, but already on May 25, a limited 10" single with the tracks "Jay Dee's Revenge" (featuring Danny Brown) and "Birhtright" (featuring Big Tone, Guilty Simpson & Finale) will be available via OfficialJDilla.com. The Danny Brown cut is given the visual treatment, seen above, and is a real killer..

Black & Brown - iTunes bonus

I strongly recommend my readers to pick up "Black & Brown", the brand new Black Milk produced Danny Brown EP that recently dropped in both digital, 12" and CD format. These two Detroit artists really compliment eachother extremely well, Brown spit rhymes with a relentless flow that have you say "did he really say that?!" while locating the rewind button. He might very well be illest youngster to emerge from The "D" at the moment and Milk's futurustic headnodders compliment his flow just perfectly. We all know Black Milk is an extremely hot producer right now and it's not too often you'll hear a subpar beat from him.

With that being said, I think this EP has the illest production he's laced since at least the "Tronic" album. Milk got the hardcore boom bap on lock, but ain't afraid of trying new things and incorporating alot of unexpected instruments in his compositions. One can still spot traces of Dilla, Detroit's house and techno culture and of course the good ol' Motown soul. "Black & Brown" consists of ten tracks and clocks in at just under 25 minutes but there's also an iTunes exclusive called "Nanandos" that digital purchasers was blessed with. As I'm strictly a militant CD and vinylist buyer, I feel no shame in hooking up my readers with that joint too to add to your playlist. Hopefuly you'll pick up the release on wax or Compact Disc @ Fat Beats who's the label behind this release while checking out the iTunes exclusive below.

DANNY BROWN / BLACK MILK - NANANDOS"

STREAM: Black Milk / Danny Brown (Full LP)

Two of Detroit's hottest artists has hooked up to create their 10 track opus "Black & Brown" which will be available in stores and from iTunes on the 1st of November. But already now fans can get a preview of the album in full since Black Milk and Danny Brown has decided to upload the album in full for free streaming via Soundcloud. I haven't listened yet but it would suprise me if it turns out not to be a banger and if it's as good as I think I'll be copping the vinyl. You can pre-order from Black Milk's site, Fat Beats, Amazon or your store of choice. Enjoy!

Black Milk and Danny Brown - Black and Brown EP by BLACK MILK