PRODIGY - "THE REAL H.N.I.C. Mixtape (Vol. 1)" [2000]

I and The Lost Tapes was missing in action when the devastating news of Prodigy's passing hit us all like an atom bomb. He was a guy that did so much for Hip Hop, always spoke his mind, but always with the respect he estimated his opponent to be deserving of and being a smart man he understood that there was so much more to life than petty hood beef that never gets anywhere constuctive for anyone. In the end it wasn't a violent confrontation by some disgruntled low-life thinking he owed them something (often despite helping them, giving handouts and power up to a point). But are we not all men, P wasn't put here to hold your hand through your careers, the fact that he gave you a helping hand at all speaks volumes of his character. Y'all kow who I'm talking about, but fuck them, this isn't about them, 

Together with his rhyme and production patner in Havoc they created 3 classics or at least damn near classis for Loud Recods before P's health and writer's block got the better of him for a while, all while the Hip Hip landscape was shaping up differently around them. But those three albums right tere, "The Infamous....", "Helll On Earth" and "Murda Muzik" will go down in history as some of the best music the '90s had to offer both musically and lyrically. At this time they were clearly on a roll, and despite the unreleased "Murda Muzik: The Movie" being pretty damn unwatchable they did record an unreleased soundtrack for the album - granted some of the songs found other outlets later, some of them being on this very mixtape although some are only snippets to get you hyped for the actual album with WHOO KID quipping "COMING ON INFAMOUS RECORDS THAT MURDA MUZIK: THE SOUNDTRACK". Well I'm am going to bring as complete Murda Muzik Soundtrack album that is humanly possible so stay tuned for that.

But one man doesn't make Mobb Deep, but one man sure as hell made "H.N.I.C." which is in fact a better album than later Mobb Deep albums like "Infamy", "Blood Money" and "Amerika's Nightmare" (I did dig the last joint they put out as a team though). Just titling his solo "Head Nigga in Charge" was bold as hell, but his rhymes, songs, bars and personal statements and struggles on there sure as hell backed it up. You got "You Can Never Feel My Pain" (perhap the realest shit 'P' ever wrote), you got "Keep It Thoro", you had "Three", you had "Veteran's Memorial", the "Trials and Tribulations", the obligatory Mobb Deep cuts. Yes, this was everything a Mobb Deep head was wanting to hear at the time but from Prodigy's side of the spectrum and over the years it has only grown in status.

But this is not only a little mini-review of "H.N.I.C." but also a thank you to Albert Johnson for helping to shape Hip Hop as a whole and as such my own adolenscene. This is also about the official DJ Whoo Kid mixtape "H.N.I.C. Mixtape Part One" that dopped in 2000. To my knolwedge there was never a second part ever made but this mx is dope enough to rewind at least a couple of times. I've noticed that there's been floaing around a lot of fake mixtapes with this title on YouTube, basically Prodigy compilation of YT users favorite tracks. But this is the real deal. As DJ Whoo Kid shouts out "This is the best of P" several times, the tape had a few objectives to lay out. Showcase Prodigy as one of the best emcees out there and one who could do it on the solo tip, but also to promote Infamous Records with the upcoming Bars-n-Hooks (why do you think Bars N Hooks get the 5 minute opener),and the "Murda Musik: The Soundtrack" and film. There's some really sick exclusives here so press play and enjoy.

Matter of fact I was going to upload and do the Mp3 thing, but thanks to DJ Whoo Kid himself he has uploaded it to his AudioMack account. Last but not least: Rest in power Albert Johnson a.k.a. Prodigy, you were one of the truly greats and we won't let you be forgotten! 

[Stream] BUGSY DA GOD - "Camoflauge Discipline"

Hip-hop has always been a movement for the underdog which explains why many of the all time best projects in the genre has been created on a real underground movement. Bugsy Da God might not be the most recognized name in this industry, that's for sure, but he heavily endorsed by Killarmy's Dom Pachino and by extension many of the extended Wu-Tang family (the dope ones at that like Shyheim, Falling Down, 4th Disciple and Bronze Nazareth). In 2011 he released "Terrorist Advocate" his solo debut, again presented by Dom Pachino, and featuring production by 4th and Bronze and received acclaim from dedicated Wu-Tang and Killarmy fans all over the globe. With his second album which was just released the other day his gritty reality raps has been sharpened a lot more as his flow, delivery, writing and performance has been severely improved. And with strong production by Havoc, 4th Disciple, UK's Endemic, Falling Down, Bronze Nazareth and guest verses from Dom Pachino, Timbo King, Tragedy Khadafi, Lethafase, Trife Diesel, Afu-Ra, Masta Killa, Progial Sunn, Big Noyd, Killah Priest, Polite, and Islord you can count on this being one of those albums people will rediscover ten years from now, wondering why the hell people totally overlooked this gem on release. So don't be that guy and be sure to peep this shit ASAP, you can stream the entire project below and order the limited CD for $15.00 so don't wait because this will not be repressed.

And as I've been on a hiatus from posting, the sister or brother album to this excellent release which was also released on Napalm Recordings earlier this year is Dom Pachino's new, and without a doubt finest solo release yet, "War Poetry" fully produced by Bronze Nazareth (save for a bonus cut laced by 4th) - check it out here while you bump this crazy Bugsy Da God LP below. Trust me that you won't see this on many years ends best of list beside The Lost Tapes, which's why you coming back to this banger right!

[Video] GANGRENE Ft. SEAN PRICE & HAVOC - "Sheet Music"

Gangrene just put together a video in tribute to Sean Price and his apperance on the sickest song from the duo's latest banger "You Disgust Me". "Sheet Music" is a Heavy posse cut with a grinding funeral organ and pounding drums where Sean P, ALC, Oh No and Havoc go head to head. Video isn't anything to write home about but it's good that they getting this song more attention at this moment! SEAN P!!!!

[Stream] GANGRENE - "You Disgust Me"

 Alchemist and Oh No is back together again for another serving of that nasty ass Gangrene shit. These two legendary producers and ocassional spitters really bring the heat on their third full length which they have given the fitting title "You Disgust Me". While Oh No is pretty cool on the mic, ALC is not very interesting but it really doesn't matter since the guys have a sick rapport with each other and it's all about the production and overall atmosphere on these Gangrene discs. Heavy on bass, distorted jazz samples, turntable attacks and vocal clips about floating feces, fans of "Gutter Water" and "Vodka & Ayahuasca" will definitely not be let down... Guest spitters include usual suspects like Fashawn, Your Old Droog, Action Bronson, Evidence, Havoc and Sean Price. "You Disgust Me" hit stores this coming Friday (order it @ UGHH), but already know you can stream the entire project below. TURN IT UP!

MOBB DEEP - "Survival Of The Fittest" [ESPN Remix]

This is just fucking mindblowing shit right here - Mobb Deep's "Survival Of The Fittest" was one of the true standouts for me from one of the most important albums of my life, 1995:s "The Infamous...". Here Havoc and Prodigy was invited to remix the classic song for ESPN:s program that will open up ESPN:s NBA Countdown on the channel during the Western Conference Calls. This Havoc remix is a straight banging reworking that will take you back to the Mobb's heyday. Can't wait for that upcoming Mobb album entirely produced by Alchemist and Havoc (especially since Havoc's last solo album was the best production he has put out for years if you ask me).

HAVOC - "What I Rep" (Ft. Nutso & Sheek Louch) [Divided Souls Remix]

The homies Divided Souls Entertainment (Chris Moss, Brent Dixon, DJ Pain 1) recently fully produced one of 2015's hottest releases yet, Nutso's "Divided Soul". Now they take on "What I Rep", the Sheek Louch collaboration from Havoc's suprisingly hot "13 Reloaded" album. The Divided Souls/DJ Pain 1 remix, not too suprisingly, adds a Nutso verse to the synth and turntable heavy remix. TURN IT UP!

MOBB DEEP - "Temperature's Rising" [Original Mix]

I've been listening a whole lot to the previously unreleased 1994 sessions packaged as the bonus disc on "The Infamous Mobb Deep" last year. That shit almost plays out like a lost classic, and reminds us how incredible Prodigy and Havoc when they first broke through with "The Infamous...". The version of "Temperature's Rising" that appears on the disc, however, is not the original version of the track but rather Havoc's remix that also appeared on the 12" single. The original version of the song was actually released on a rare promo 12" single back in '94 and played by the likes of Stretch & Bobbito. This is "Temperature's Rising" before Q-Tip came in to work on the album and is built on a completely different beat, with a banging Al Green sample that probably couldn't get cleared. Enjoy!

MOBB DEEP - "TEMPERATURE'S RISING" [OG MIX]

[Mixtape] MOBB DEEP - "White Cocaine #2"

Though they always been among my favorites, a few years ago I had almost counted out Mobb Deep as a group but a couple of strong releases as of late has definitely proved me wrong on that point. As they are working on the follow up to last years "The Infamous Mobb Deep" album, P and Hav hooks up with DJ ArabMixTapes to let fans get a taste of what's to come. There's some strong material on here to be sure, Havoc continues dropping those crazy hard hitting beats that made "13 Reloaded" one of my favorite albums of last year. Also, as I was browsing through Fat Beats catalouge I noticed that the aforementioned "The Infamous Mobb Deep" has finally been pressed up on wax with four vinyls containing the regular album (with bonus tracks) and that incredibly dope disc of previously unreleased 1994/1995 sessions. For $40 it's a bit pricey for me at the moment but you can cop it @ FatBeats.

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[2014 Review] HAVOC - "Thirteen" / MOBB DEEP - "The Infamous Mobb Deep"

As much as I loved Mobb Deep back in the mid-to-late '90s, especially Havoc's production work and their gritty street rhymes. But then "Infamy" hit, and I was pretty much appaled, something that continued with much of their work on the following Mobb albums; generic rhymes, delivered in a lazy fashion over subpar beats. And their solo albums and guest apperances/productions had the occassional glimpse of greatness. Havoc's solo debut album "The Kush" in 2007 was a rushed affair that really didn't make anything for anyone, while Prodigy's "H.N.I.C. 3" stands as one of the worst albums ever released by a great artist if you ask me. Hav's 2013 album "13" was actually a pretty solid effort though, but I can't say I really have played it too much. However, it turns out the Mobb wasn't ready to be counted out just yet.

Earlier in 2014, Mobb Deep reunited for "The Infamous Mobb Deep" a thirteen track album that by far is the best Mobb album for years. Havoc produced or co-produced about half the joints on it, including stand-outs like "Taking You Off Here", "Murderer" and "Legendary" why peeps like !llmind, Alchemist, Karyanda, and Beat Butcha does a great job on capturing an updated version of that vintage Mobb Deep sound. P and Hav still hasn't recovered fully as the immense lyricists they were one but there's plenty of ill one lines and derpressing QB thug rhymes. It's definitely the duo's illest album since "Murda Muzik" and a pleasant suprise to all of us 41:st side heads that had lost faith in the Mobb as a group. Especially the first half of the first disc is absolutely blazing; the aforementioned "Taking You Off Here" sets the album off lovely with a nice drum and bass combo by Hav underlined by a hypnotic organ grinder provided by !llmind that makes the QB legends murder rhhymes sounds fantastic. "Get Down" features that classic Mobb sound with progressive rhythm and a dusty, sample provided by Havoc that will definitely be a treat to heads who's been following the group for a long time. "Dirt" and "Timeless", produced by !llmind and Beat Butcher, continues the dusty sound slightly reminiscent of "Murda Muzik", and especiallly on the former Havoc comes through with a strong verse. Shame the version with Ghostface wasn't made in time for the album though, because that's on some other shit. Following some more low-key, almost R&B-flavored cuts the hardcore shit returns with "Murdera", "Check The Credits", "Gimme All That" (which with it's hypnotic keyboard sample and pounding drums might be the ultimate standout on the album), and The Alchemist produced "Legendary" which reeds listeners in with the magnificent dark strings and overall grimey sounds, almost reminiscent of a lost "Hell On Earth" cut. All in all Mobb Deep proved in 2014 that they can still put out a pretty damn great album, and for a long time fan that's been dissapointed in most of their recent releases this was nothing short of a revelation. That it cames packed with a bonus CD featuring fourteen tracks from the original "The Infamous..." '94/'95 sessions, before Q-Tip became involved with the album. This is the real treat of the LP, especially the impeccable prevously unreleased version of "Eye For An Eye". While I haven't copped this one yet, it's definitely will find its way into my collection sooner or later.

As a sister album, Havoc's "Thirteen: Reloaded" was perhaps an even more pleasant suprise to me, probably because Havoc's beats between 1994 and 2000 was some of the illest shit I've ever heard. I didn't have much hope for this album, and it even took some time for me to check it out after it was leaked... but man I was blown away by this album! Hav's rhymes on here are not his best, and not anything mindblowing, but he always had a good voice and with beats like this his lyrics doesn't take away from the overall context of the music. While lyrically it's standard thugged out Hav rhymes, the production on "Thirteen Reloaded" is absolutely amazing hardcore QB shit straight through and truly carries the album. I was impressed by the first two singles released "Dirt Calls" and "What I Rep" which showcased a hard hitting yet very simple approach, old school style, that really worked well and had my head nodding like crazy. Turns out that these two joints were far from the strongest joints on the album, as Havoc constantly proves that he's still one of the best producers around and has entered his second coming. Take joints like the hardhitting "Not Yours", and the Mobb Deep collaboration "Uncut Raw", the soulful exercises in "Don't Take it Personal" and "Listen to the Man", the breakbeat funk of "What's Your Problem", and the laid back beauty that is the Cormega collaboration "Fallen Soldiers" which by far is one of the strongest songs on an album filled with strong songs. There's also some tight bonus songs such as "Tear Shit Up" with Mysonne and the majestic yet dark "Champion Winner". In other words Havoc has for the first time in about 15 years released an album that is truly a great front-to-back listen - at least from a production standpoint.

[Album] HAVOC - "Thirteen Reloaded"

Legendary Mobb Deep emcee/producer Havoc is back with his new project, "13 Reloaded". Though it may sound like some expanded edition of 2013's "13" this is brand new album featuring nothing but new material and from what I've heard so far it is most likely Hav's finest solo offering yet. The beats are hard as nails, stripped down and packing a thick, dark atmosphere that will definitely cater to long time Mobb Deep fans. Guest apperances come from Prodigy, Cormega (on the excellent "Fallen Soldiers"), Sheek Louch, and Mysonne. Entirely produced by Havoc too; overall a real nice suprise! Stream the album below via HotNewHipHop.com and get your official copy from iTunes.

HAVOC Ft. SHEEK LOUCH - "What I Reap"

The second single from Havoc's next album, "13 Reloaded", is here and it's more of that stripped down but real raw sound that we heard on the first cut. Also sees Havoc joined by Sheek Louch on the microphone... Pump it up loud though!

[Video] HAVOC - "Dirt Calls"

Mobb Deep's Havoc is gearing up for yet another album, and since both that last Mobb Deep album was pretty nice and Hav's original "13" album was pretty nice I'ma at least check it. The new album is called "13 Reloaded: Deluxe" but what's strange about that is that it's an entire new LP and not a deluxe edition of the original "13". The first single is called "Dirt Calls", and I gotta say I love this grimey ass beat, but Hav does not come strong on the mic here at all, typical same shit he's been spitting for a good while. Remember how creative he used to be with the rhymes back in the days? Oh well, I love me a good Hav beat and I hope to be suprised by the album. You can check out the tracklist and pre-order the digital project @ iTunes.

MOBB DEEP - "Avirex"

Back in 2007 Mobb Deep released a raw mixtape called "The Infamous Archives", the album version of an original J-Love mixtape making the loudmouth DJ the official compiler of the 2xCD. The double disc was a real treat coming off the G-Unit release "Blood Money", as it featured mostly previously unreleased songs from the "Infamous"/"Hell on Earth"/"Murda Muzik" era. A highly recommended compilation for any fan of P and H if there ever was on.

My man Fritz put me on to the fact that a digital release of the album was also available, this one featuring an additional six songs not found on the physical copies. This incudes "Fire", "King Of Rap", "How You Survive", "Thugged Out", "Who Wanna Test?" and last but definitely not least the short but deadly "Avirex". I'm not sure when this was released, but due to the sinister strings, pounding beat, overall rhymes and P's on point flow/storytelling points to "Hell On Earth". Clocking in at only 1:13 this is classic Mobb Deep at its finest, and why this wouldn't make an intro or interlude on "Hell On Earth" or "Murda Muzik" is totally beyond me.

MOBB DEEP - "Avirex"

BUCKSHOT & P-MONEY - "Just Money"

Duck Down and Bucktown legend Buckshot joins forces with New Zealand producer P-Money for a full-length project entitled "Backpack Travels". Judging by the new single "Just Money" (above, also featuring Raz Fresco) and the earlier "Flute". this is taking it back to the golden era with knocking beats, heavy bottom, tight cuts, well written rhymes and soul samples. The album is available on June 24, but just a few weeks ago P-Money dropped his own producer project "Gratitude" which beside Buckshot also features legends like M.O.P., Havoc, Freddie Gibbs, Roc Marciano, Talib Kweli, Skyzoo, and more. Check that out below or download via Bandcamp.

MOBB DEEP - "Taking You Off Here"

I haven't got much info about this joint, but this is most likely from the forthcoming "The Infamous Mobb Deep" - a very dope concept album, celebaring the 20 year anniversary of one of hip-hop's best album. The 3xCD album features a remastered version of the classic album, a disc of rare material and outtakes from the original sessions (most likely the majority which are made up of the many incredbly fat tracks that have been floating around on the web for a long time), as well as a completely new album featuring materials produced by Alchemist, Havoc, and Bo1-Ida (?!). Check out the new single from that latter discussed part of the album, a pretty ill joint entitled "Taking You Off There" featuring stellar production and verses from both P and Havoc. What you think?

MPIRE x PRODIGY x GIT BEATS - "The Way I Do It" [Remix]

I'm not gonna front and say that Mobb Deep's Prodigy, once one of my favortie emcees ever, have dissapointed me gravely from time to time, his past merits and occassionally dope verses (e.g. Gangrene's "Dump Truck", Evidence's "Fame" and selected parts of the ALC produced tracks from "Albert Einstein" and even "HNIC 3") still makes me check for him from time to time. A positive track amongst those lines has just comen a long with a new ill remix from BBE/Yoruba producer Git Beats, who creates a dark and gritty soundbed for Mpire and a ill verse from Prodigy. The song is called "The Way I Do It (Git Beats Basement Ghost Remix)". This'll appear on a collaboration EP to be released between Mpire and Git Beats, set for early spring. As if that wasn't enough, Git Beats have a full-length LP with emcee Hubbs on the way for January called "Piece of Mind". Stay tuned!

In further Mobb Deep news, Prodigy and Havoc has once again hooked up for a "new" song, which is being released by Nature Sounds on a limited 7" vinyl. The song in question is a remix of "Life We Chose", originally a track from Havoc's  "13" album that originally featured a verse from Lloyd Banks. The new version is called The Mobb Deep remix and since we are not offered even a snippet I'm not sure if there's also a new beat accompanying the new verses, but if you order the 7" please let us know!

Prodigy Ft. Havoc & Raekwon - "R.I.P."

Something good actually came out of the dud that was "H.N.I.C. 3" since Prodigy actually listened to the criticism, called up The Alchemist and holed up in the studio recording nothing but that nitty gritty. Next week, on June 11 to be exact, sees the release of the fruit of those sessions with the release of "Albert Einstein" - an album with a whole lot of potential. On "R.I.P." P is joined by both Havoc and Raekwon and the results is just that type of hardcore hip-hop we all want to hear from these guys!

Slum Village / Havoc - "Cash Flow"

Since I first heard "Fantastic Vol. 2" I always considered myself a huge Slum Village fan. Of course, that was when one of my top 3 producers of all time still both dropped hilarious rhymes and produced all their albums in a way none other could. But although he more or less split shortly after that LP was released, as far as an official member that is, I continued checking for Detroit's Slum, and they have continued (with only one exception) to drop interesting, innovative albums that's always worth many listens. What's too bad about this original group is their internal affairs, and although they are releasing their new project "Evolution" on June 25 (which has been preceeded by some pretty hot ass mixtapes with Mick Boogie). I'll definitely check for it, that's for sure!

I came across this month old single when searching for some other stuff, that I somehow had totally missed out on. It is a single, posted on Slum's Soundcloud page, produced by none other than Mobb Deep's Havoc who does a great job with a really hard beat that suits the Slum trio just right. Both the single artwork and the actual track description clearly states that this is a Havoc joint featuring SV, rather than the other way around. However, since this didn't appear on "13", and Havoc is listed as one of the featuring artists on "Evolution" (alongside industry heavyweights like DJ Jazzy Jeff (!), Phonte & Rapper Big Pooh, Blu, Raheem DeVaugh, and Focus). So my guess is of course that "Cash Flow" will now appear on "Evolution", and I'm definitely not disssapointed by that - this is SHARP! Check out the original single artwork for "Cash Flow".

Havoc / Raekwon / Styles P - "Favorite Rap Stars"

Havoc's brings the heat both behind the boards and spitting the first verse on "Favorite Rap Stars", featuring Styles P and Raekwon. Hav's second official solo LP, "13", was released today on Nature Sounds. I'm glad to say that the legendary Mobb Deep producer really beefed up his drums for several choice cuts here, and as far as bangers goes this is definitely one of the strongest tracks on the album. Pick up the CD @ UGHH.

N.O.R.E. / Tragedy / Havoc - "Student Game"

Looking at the recently released cover of N.O.R.E.'s upcoming album "Student Of The Game", I was satisfied that it's released as a NORE album (with a smal text saying P.A.P.I. right beneath, rather than the other way around). I believe this is the third single so far, and from those three it seems that the former CNN member want to take it back to the ruff, rugged and raw, considering the singles have been pretty hardcore so far. We heard the Large Pro produced "Building Pyramids" which was off the meatrack; The Neptunes joint wasn't no "Super THUG" but it wasn't wack either, and for "Camoflauge Unicorns" (what?), he links back with Tragedy Khadafi and Havoc over a hypnotizing beat, mixing the soft melody with the hardcore drums. Can't wait to see what this album will turn up like in the end. The album drops next week. Spotted @ Unkut.