ULTRAMAGNETIC MC's - "Ain't It Good to You" [PAUL C Mix]

Damn, this is a real gem that TR Love and Marc Davis' label Black Pegasus dug up for us right here! Limited to 200 copies this piece of vinyl features a previously unreleased version of Ultramagnetic MC's "Ain't It Good to You" (as heard on 1988:s stone cold classic "Critical Beatdown"), mixed by none other than the legendary super engineer Paul C. Check out the official track description and the promo video below, and head over to Black Pegasus Music to grab a copy while they're still around.

"Just like the album version it uses the Manzel "Jump Street" sample, but this time around TR and Ced-Gee chopped and programed it slightly different on the SP1200. The track is sped up a bit faster and adds more of the soulful parts from the break beat. As incredible as the programming is the real power of this record comes from late all-star engineer/producer Paul C.'s mixing and editing of this Holy Grail.

Once again Paul C.'s innovative 808 bass sounds are still damaging ear canals while he manages to add a slight twist with Ultra incredible drops (different from the album) that are perfectly timed and bring out the best of Kool Keith and Ced-Gee's scientific flow!! When you hear the verse where Kool Keith lyrically insults the great Rakim with "I see your balls of clay with x vision/I'm a scientist your stage lights are weak/they get dimmer every time I speak" you really feel the wrath of Ultra!! The Sweet vocal side and the triple O.G. instrumental makes this unseen release a true Ultra sure shot!"

[Documentary] "MEMORIES OF PAUL "C" McKASTY

People who follow this blog and know me know I'm a hugely fascinated with the work of Paul C McKasty; the pioneering producer/engineer in the early to late '80s that was behind some fantastic Music like "Give the Drummer Some", Main Source stuff, much of Eric B. & Rakim's arguably best album "Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em" and Organized Konfusion's 1989 demo (although his spiritual fingerprints where all over their classic 1991 self-titled debut, two years after his untimely passing). On top of that he was Large Professor's nr #1 mentor and Large Pro is like the spiritual predecessor to Paul C as he started really building his career when the Young but super innovative producer/engineer was tragically murdered (Large Pro still to this day is calling his production copany Paul Sea productions in an homage to his old master). This one hour documentary features interviews with many of his closest collaborators; including Rakim Pharoahe Monch, Ced Gee & TR Love of Ultramagnetic MC's, Mikey D, Rahzel, Super Love C and Cassanova Rud to name a few. A must Watch for anyone fascinated with hip-hop and legends that lef the physical way too early, but his Music still has an extreme impact on any true old-school fan, so ENJOY and TURN IT UP!!! Spotted @ EgoTripLand.com and by extension this WordPress.

 

PART 1 @ VIMEO

PART 2 @ VIMEO

[DEMO] ORGANIZED KONFUSION / SIMPLY II POSITIVE MC's

In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s New York City hip-hop groups came a dime a dozen; but only 5-10 percent really had something to say. Enter Organized Konfusion, the duo consisting of two young Queens veterans known to the world as Pharoahe Monch and Prince Po. From 1990 to 1997 they released three full-length albums that are toay all more or less part of the definite hip-hop canon. Usually any rap group worth its name, features at least one rhymer that’s not really up to par; if only to make the A+ rapper look all that more extraordinary. That was not the case with Organized Konfusion at all; Po and Monch were both brilliant writers and complimented each other’s distinctive styles to perfection- Not only were it that they were incredible lyricists, sporting immaculate flows, but they also had a knack for creating unbelievably original song concepts (see tracks like “Stress”, “Inverto” and their most infamous joint “Sray Bullet”). The duo was easily one of the most creative and original crews in hip-hop. Unfortunately, all good things must eventually come to an end, and after ’97s “The Euqonix” the duo called it quits as a group to focus on respective high-acclaimed solo projects on Rawkus and Lex Records, respectfully. I mean, who can forget Monch’s breakthrough solo single, the underground club monster called “Simon Says”?
 

But already way back in the late ‘80s, Prince Poetry and P Monch, went by Simply II Positive MC’s, recording music using a unique style that blended complex rhyme schemes with political messages, social commentary and more ordinary day-to-day happenings. Their style caught the attention of the legendary producer/engineer Paul C, a hip-hop veteran who during his tragically short career supplied classic material for the likes of Ultramagnetic Mc’s, Eric B. & Rakim, Main Source, Too Poetic, and Super Lover Cee, just to name a few. Paul had an unbelievable record collection and was straight up masterful at chopping samples and fatten up drum to a whole new level. Paul was a true master of his craft, and could easily make an aggressive or laidback masterpiece with his trusty SP1200 and a choice selection of vinyl. Paul seemed like the ideal producer to work with the Simply II Positive emcees, and Paul and the two Queens rhymers quickly struck up a friendship. As a trio the group was something out of the ordinary; one of the best, and most innovative producers around, and two of the most innovative spitters New York had to offer.
 

In 1989 the trio first started working on material together, with Paul C, together with Poetry and P Monch, crafting tracks like “Audience Pleasers”, “Cooling One Day”, and the breakneck speed monster “Prisoners of War”. Using funk and jazz samples, with a heavy emphasis on groove¬-infected basslines and powerful drum programming, Paul C’s production was the perfect fit for the machine-gun delivery and knowledgeable lyrics of the Simply II Positive MC’s. Picking out five of the newly recorded tracks for the official demo tape (“Audience Pleasers”, “Cooling One Day”, “Inernational Arrival”, “Mind Over Matter”.  “Prisoners of War”), this would be the start of Organized Kondusion as the hip-hop fan would come to know them. Po and Monch had hopes of signing with Def Jam, but the demo got in the hands of a small Queens label called Solid Sound Records. Working with two no-name producers by the name of Neal Kelly and Kevin Osborne, the duo released two 12” singles which aimed for a cheesy commercial R&B-tinged sound that had nothing to do with the actual demo tape that they had originally supplied. The singles were named “Memories Of Love” and “South Side in Effect” and failed to receive any airplay at all despite the commercial direction the producers took the group’s music in. It was quite evident that this was not a direction that these Positive MC’s should move ahead further on, and luckily they were able to get out of their contract.

Around this time they changed their name to Organized Konnfusion and managed to sign a deal with Hollywood BASIC.  Shortly before this their producer Paul C was tragically murdered in the middle of recording Eric B. & Rakim’s 1989 masterpice “Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em”, which was completed by his young protogé William Mitchell a/k/a The Large Professor. This however meant that Paul C wasn’t able to produce Organized Konfusion’s self-titled ’91 debut  although it’s quite clear that the ghostly fingerprints of the SP extraordinary is all over the record. Much of the songs might very well have originally been initiated by the late producer before being going into post-prouction and mixing by the artists themselves (the credited producers). This would be supported by the fact that “Organized Konfusion” sound likes a refined, natural extension on what’s heard on the Paul C demo. Add to that the fact that two of the demo tracks (“Audience Pleasers” and”Prisoners Of War”) appear here as well, in very similar mixes, and last but not least that both subsequent Organized albums sound very different from this actual debut LP. We may never know for sure, but what we can be certain of is that Paul C’s sound heavily influenced O.K.s debut z great deal. But more than that, it’s a fantastic album no matter what, and one that almost 25 years down the line, it still holds up as both a lyrical and musical masterpiece. But before you dust of this classic follow me on a trip down memory lane and listen to the original Simply II Positive MC’s, fully produced by Paul C.

01. "Audience Pleasers"
02. "Cooling One Day"
03. "International Arrival"
04. "Mind Over Matter"
05. "Prisoners Of War"

SIMPLY II POSITIVE MC'S - '89 DEMO

[Mixtape] Paul C. Lives!

The legendary Prince C. McKasty (1964 - 1989) was around for a very short time but in those few years he managed to influence the sonic aspect of how a hip-hop record could sound. McKasty had a lot more engineering credits than production credits, but back then the engineer was often the guy who would get either producer or most definitely a co-producer credit since they were the hands on equipment. Had it not been for Paul C.'s tragic murder in the late '80s, I am sure that he would have blown up as one of the hottest in-demand producers of the day. His work on Ultramagnetic MC's "Give the Drummer Some" is a legendary cut that, at the time, was unmatched as far as sonic brilliance goes. In early 1989 he was hired by Eric. B & Rakim to ghost produce what would be their masterpiece "Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em" as well as producing a six songs demo for the incredible Queens duo Simply II Positive MC's; better known today as Organized Konfusion.

Paul C.'s name was given huge respect by the hip-hop community and the tragic shooting that took his life in the summer of '69 shook the rap world. Hadn't he passed away then, who knows how far he could have gone?! His music lives on through his catalouge of music he recorded while he were here, but also through his protogé The Large Professor who even named his publishing company Paul Sea Lives. DJ Kid Grebo's mixtape "Paul C. Lives Vol. 1" , hosted by Paul C's friend Prince Po of Organized Konfusion. The tracklist includes much of the work Paul C conducted both as a producer and as an incredibly talented engineer and features lots of impeccable old school jams. Rest in peace Paul C, you will live on! Big shouts and thanks to the good people over at Philaflava/T.R.O.Y. Forums (what up Fortuna) for putting this to my attention as I've been starving for something like this. While you're listening to the 25 tracks tape, take some time and check out the scans of this great article on the musician, posted by our friends at Olas Un Bekons.

01. Intro
02. Atom- Main Source
03. Line for Line- Freak L
04. Sex, Sex, And More Sex- Spicey Ham
05. Girls I Got ‘em Locked- Super Lover Cee & Casanova Rud
06. The Ghetto- Eric B. & Rakim
07. Listen To The Man- Kev-E-Kev & Ak-B
08. Its My Turn- Stezo
09. We’re Back Y’all- Freddy B and the Mighty Mic Masters
10. God Made Me Funky- Too Poetic
11. Time To Get Paid- Heartbeat Brothers
12. Go G. Whiz- Captain G. Whiz
13. A Thing Named Kim- Biz Markie
14. Comin’ in the House- Mikey D and the LA Posse
15. Interlude
16. Give The Drummer Some- Ultramagnetic MC’s
17. Ladies First- Queen Latifah Feat Monie Love
18. Got To Get Paid- Live ‘n’ Effect Posse
19. Cooling One Day- Simply II Positive (Organized Konfusion)
20. Stop The World- Black, Rock & Ron
21. Louder- Sport “G” & Mastermind
22. Pelon- 360 Degrees
23. Can’t Get Enough- Black By Demand
24. Outro

PAUL C. / DJ KID GREBORO - "PAUL C. LIVES"

LARGE PRO - "Still in Love ('08-'12)"

William Mitchell, better known as the Large Professor (a.k.a. Extra-P) quickly established his name as one of the top producers in the hip-hop game at an early age. In his young years, William and the Mitchell family moved to Flushing, Queens; something that would change his life forever. He soon befriended super-engineer (and sometimes producer) Paul C who quickly took him under his wing as his student. Paul learned the young Mitchell to work the SP1200, various mixing tricks and teaching about what muisc to sample to create rugged hip-hop with a heavy umph. This was around early '88 and as Paul C. McKasy took on Mitchell, the young student took on the name The Large Professor for himself.

Paul C was tragically gunned down and murdered in July 1989. Shortly before the tragic event, Eric B. & Rakim had hired the prolific producer/engineer to work on what would be their classic "Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em" LP. After more or less completing a handful of songs on the album (including the title track, "In the Ghetto" and "Run 4 Cover"), the horrible tragedy struck. This resulted in the then seventeen year old Large Professor stepping up to complete the remaining songs and finish Paul C's material. And what an album it turned out to be! in fact it was the first Eric B. & Rakim LP to receive a 5 mic rating in the, then very respectable The Source Magazine.

This led to Mitchell gradually becoming a household name, resulting in getting hired to produce the vast majority of another legendary duo's classic LP - Kool G Rap & DJ Polo's "Wanted to Dead or Alive" - all while still attending high school. In the same way that he didn't get the proper creits for lacing the aforementioned classic, the G Rap affair in many ways played out like a reprise; a case of paying dues for an up-and-coming producer. In fact The Professor was heavily involved in the production  on all songs besides maybe two. For example the track "Talk Like Sex" which was credited to G Rap, was listed as a Large Pro production by the artist himself on his 2002 song "Radioactive". The game goes for "Jive Talk" which was credited to DJ Polo but revealed by Dr. Butcher to be a Pro track in an Unkut.com interview. Already by 1990, Large Pro had now been heavily involved in two of the finest rap albums of its time and although he might not have gotten the proper credit, it was the perfect example of Payin' Dues which is how many great producers got their start back in the day.

But Mitchell wasn't only a super skilled boom bap maestro but also a highly talented emcee, and in late 1989 he formed the trio Main Source, together with two Toronto DJ:s known as Sir Scratch and DJ K-Cut. The trio eventually signed to the now defunct Wild Pitch Records and in 1991 released their unxerground masterpiece "Breaking Atom". Their debut album was full of clever punchlines, ill storytelling verses, superb turntablism and impeccable beats sampling everything from Sister Nancy's "Bam Bam", Bob James, Skull Snaps, Donald Byrd's "Think Twice" and many other known and lesser known great vinyl. The album is perhaps best known for featuing one of the illest posse cuts of all time though. "Live From BBQ" featuring Joe Fatal and most imporantly the debuts on wax by two young stars in the making - Nasty Nas and Akinyele.

The two abovementioned artists would be a pivotal part in Large's future career as he took both emcees under his tutelage. In 1993 he produced the entirety of The AK's debut album "Vagina Dinner", an extremely dope album, not in no small way thanks to Extra-P's jazzy but hardcore sonics. Nasty Nas' "Illmatic" followed a year later, but was on the other hand, not fully produced by Mitchell Instead he worked as something of a glorified A&R for the project (which also included lacing three of the hottest joints on the project). Besides Pro's contribution, he was also the one that hooked up the young QB emcee with a slew of additional super producers such as  DJ Premier, Pete Rock and Q-Tip. The result was stunning and took the world by storm; to this day, "Illmatic" stands as one of the best records ever released, and rightfuly so.

A solo career shortly followed, recording and releasing three albums under his own name between 1999 and 2008 that I strongly recommend you picking up if you haven't heard them yet. Although there's been several years between every solo project, Extra-P has kept busy producing bangers and classics for various artists, some lesser known as well as some of the absolute best the game has to offer. As he's been responsibe for so many of my favorite hip-hop records of all time and is one of the few sample musicians out there that still continue to put out impeccable material on a regular basis twenty years after he first broke through on the scene. Therefore I wanted to make a compilation showcasing all, or at least the vast majority of Pro's production placements between 2008 and 2012 (for his recent album with Neek, order here). This will also be a teaser to the upcoming Large Pro produced album for Cormega so this will give us even further insight into what to expact from that project. Twenty tracks in total, so if you're an Extra-P head, upload this to your iPod or burn it to a CDR and I can assure you it will have your head banging til' it damn near breaks. TURN UP!!

01.Grand Puba - "Same Ol' Drama" [Intro]
02. Lil' Dap - "I'n My Lifetime"
03. Cormega - "Journey"
04. Lord Finesse - "Here i Come" [Remix]
05. Large Professor - "Key to the City"
06. Krumb Snatcha - "Mind Power"
07. Eearatik Statik - "No Problems" [Remix]
08. Jak D - "Why U Wanna Do That" (Ft. Sean Price, Craig G & Large Pro)
09. NAS - "No Idea's Original" [Large Professor Remix]
10. Cormega - "MARS" (Ft. Action Bronson, Roc Marciano & Saion)
11. Termanology - "Sorry I Lied to You"
12. Joell Ortiz - "Ooh!" (Ft. Joell Ortiz)
13. Planet Asia & Goldchain Military - "Organc Food)
14. Sénor Kas - "Slick Money" (Ft. P.SO)
15. Presto - Conquer Mentality Remix (Ft. OC & Large Professor)
16. Reks .- "Stages"
17- Termanology - "Sorrry I Lied to You"
18- Rhymefest - "Bad Self" (F. Rahzrlt)
19. Torae - "Do The Match

LARGE PROFESSOR - "'STILL IN LOVE"