[Comp] FREDDIE GIBBS - "Volume One: The Guest Spots"

Last week I saw Freddie Gibbs perform  a blazing 90 minutes set ar KB (Kulturbolaget), Malmö, Sweden. No hype-man, only a DJ at the back and his mic presence was nothing short of incredible. A true emcee if I ever saw one - with no bling and other stuff distracting from the music Gibbs gave his best performing in only jeans and a white Tee, and the setlist was absolutely terrific. The Gary gangster performed outsanding versions of some of his best tracks from "Pianta","ESGN", "Shadow Of A Doubt", "The Miseducation..." and some of his iller guest spots. Since I am, even in this day and age, an album guy, I didn't truly get into Gangsta Gibbs unti his modern day classic "Pinata" (2012) with Madlib. While Gibbs gruff voice and gangster mannerism and thuglife boasting isn't really nothing new, he does it with same conviction as 2Pac and legends of that stature and there's never a case in which you don't believe him. Then you enter his current muical partner Madlib which he did the entire "Pinata" album with and the marriage between 'Lib's sunny soulful, chopped up sample goodies has never been attacked by an emcee in such a manner before - making "Pianata" a truly original album that will be regarded as a classic a couple of years from now. 

The night included material from his early mixtapes, his mini-albms, his two real LP:s and then some, and through the years Gangsta Gibbs has popped up everywhere as an impeccable guest features on some hard hitting beats by the likes of Alchemist, Just Blaze, Statik Selektah, Madlib (including the cherished B-sides from the "Pinata" LP) and more. There's no denying that Gangsta Gibbs is one of the more interesting and original artist to emerge out of this decade, having released an album with Madlib that's about as dope as "Madvillain"was in 2004. Gibbs is also one of the rare breeds who's at home with a multitude of different styles - he can get busy over soulful, obscure sampe chops, banging West Coast bangers, NY bom bap type beats, Trap beats and then some. I can't think of any other artists who can handle that entire range of modern hip-hop with that kind of authority - another aspect that makes him one of the greatest doing ir right now. And this live concert was ample proof that Gibbs is not only a great studio artist but an all-around great artist, both on and off stage.

Following the combination of "Pianata" and this outstanding concerts there was no doubt i my mind that there was time for a Freddie Gibbs compilation here at The Lost  Tapes, something I've been meaning for a long time anyway. This 20 tracks compilation mainly focuses on Gibb's guest spots, a few B-sides and remixes from the Madlib sessions, as well as the single "Freddie Soprano" which is just too dope to sleep on. It's very likely you'll find a Volume 2 here @ The Tapes in a couple of week or so, but this is the real deal so turn out, tune in and DROP OUT.... and don't forget to TURN IT wUP!!


01. "Freddie Soprano"

02. "Deep" (w. Madlib)

03. "Cocaine Parties in L.A." (w. Madlib)

04. "Home" (Ft. BJ The Chicago Kid) (w. Madlib)

05. "Scottie Pippens" (Ft. Prodigy & Alchemist)

06. "Till Three Angels Come" (Ft. Prodigy, Domo Genesis & Alchemist)

07."Pimp Hand" (w. The Purist)
08. "Clap" (w. Mr. Green, Chill Moody & Apollo The Great)
09."Break It Down" (w P-Money & Fashawn)
10. "Make It Out Alive" (Ft. Statik Selektah & Termanology)
11. "The Return" (Ft. Danny Brown)
12. "God Damn!" (Ft. Reks)
13. "Who's That" (w. Apollo Brown & Maffew Ragazino)
14. "Gunnin' For The Throne" (Ft. A-Villa, elZhi, Naledge & Vic Spencer)
15. "Illegal" (w. Ski Beatz)
16. "Terrorist"
17. "Bugatti Bullet Holes" (w. Vanderslice)
18. "Built For This" (Ft. Method Man & StreetLife)
19. "Carry On" (Ft. Joey Bada$$ & Statik Selektah)
20. "Remember" (Ft. SEAN PRICE)

FREDDIE GIBBS - "GANGSTA GIBBS VOL. 1"

[Stream] DOM PACHINO / BRONZE NAZ - "War Poetry"

Bronze Nazareth can be quite hit or miss to me, I know he's considered the second coming of RZA which I Think is just nuts but there's definitely no denying that he often can Cook up very dope beats and when the emcee is right magic can happen - especially as he is steadily getting better. His full-length collaborations with Willie The Kid ("Living Daylights"), Canibus ("Time Flies...Life Dies") and now Killarmy's Dom Pachino with "War Poetry".

 

Killarmy has always been a very interesting group to me, but to be honest I never cared at all for them lyrically save for Killa Sin, Dom Pachino a.k.a. PR Terrorist and the ocassional Shogun Assasson verse but those members apperances together with the immaculate 4th Disciple productions have allowed them to come out with several classic tracks and even incredible front-to-back albums. And as I stated Dom Pachino is one of the few emcees out the crew that I Think can hold down a solo album by himself so you can bet I was hyped for this when the first singles and info broke. Now the album is here and it does not dissapoint - what with guest apperances from Killa Sin (possibly the last we'll ever hear from him), Prodigal Sunn, Leatha Fase, Shyheim, Timbo King, Sav Killz, Pop Da Brown Hornet, Shogun Assasson, C-Rayz Walz, Termanology and even a bonus production by 4th Disciple himself... And a scorching Cilvaringz diss track in "Haunted Dreams". For any fans of Wu-Tang, Bronze Nazareth, Killarmy, this is an obvious must hear. Unfortunately the small amount of limited CD runs is already gone so the album is only available in digital format, which you can stream in its entirety over at Dom's Bandcamp so be sure to give it a go and support the real! BANG BANG!

 

[Album] EA$Y MONEY - "The Money (Motive Of Nearly Everyone)"

 Ea$y Money is an emcee hell bent on bringing back that boom bap sound without sounding dated and from the stuff I've heard from him he is doing a damn good job at it. As part of Termanology's St. Da Squad collective, Ea$y has dropped the ocassional mixtape as well as appearing on records by Reks, Term, Action Bronson, Big Shug, Statik Selektah, Serial Killers (Xzibit, B-Real & Demrick), Slaine, and more. His official retail full-length debut album is now here and features the sound of hip-hop a lot of people might have been missing if they haven't been knowing were to look (and if that's the case bookmark The Lost Tapes y'all). With production from DJ Premier, Statik Selektah, Buckwild, 9th Wonder, J. Cardim and more and cameos from the likes of Lil' Fame, Termanology, Jared Evans, Wais P, Joey Bada$$, Action Bronson, to name a few. This shit goes hard so be sure to press play. The album is OUT NOW on Showoff Records. Stream below and if you like what you hear, head over to iTunes and show your support!

BIG SHUG x DJ PREMIER - "Off Rip" (Ft. Termanology & Singapore Kane)

Shit, this one goes HARD, but what else is expected from the gruff voiced Boston legend. He is currently in the midst of promotion his soon-to-be-here new album "Triple Oguz" that will feature production and cames from DJ Premier, Works Of Mart signee GemCrates, MoSS, Kid Called Quest, Termanology, Singapore, and REKS. The first official single, that is now getting the video treatment, is a rugged and raw Preem banger called "Off Rip" that also features sick verses from usual suspects Termanology and Singapore Kane. The album will be available via Brick Records on March 17 and can be pre-ordered @ UGHH (CD only though; click the link to see tracklist, features and production credits + artwork) or iTunes.

I was a fan of Shug's latest solo offering "I.M.4-Eva" which featured plenty of bangers, though not suprisingly the really, really hard hitting joints where all produced by Preemo, and that might very well be the case on this one too. These guys definitely need to hook up for a full-length album together - between Shug and Bumpy they are the only two guys that I feel can come close to creating new music with a Gang Starr flavor (given that Premier is behind the boards of course).

BOAZ - "Like This" [East Coast Remix] (Ft. Oddisee, Termanology & Vinny Radio)

Boaz is a Pittsburg emcee who released his debut album "The Audiobiography" in 2009. This Tuesday's he's getting his sophomore on, with the release of "Intuition" which features production and guest spots from the likes of !llmind, Jadakiss, Styles P, Junior Reid, and Larry Fisherman. For the !llmind produced single "Like This", Boaz has unveiled two remixes - one representing the West Coast and featuring Crooked I, Murs and Fashawn, and now the East Coast remix which sees Boaz getting busy together with Oddisee, Termanology & Vinny Radio. Check both of them out below and also visit Boaz Soundcloud to peep joints with Styles P, Jadakiss, Junior Reid, Scarface, Sean Price, and more. Pre-order "Intuition" @ iTunes.

A-Villa Ft. Inspectah Deck, Big KRIT & Termanology - "The Colosseum"

Sick new track from producer A-Villa featuring strong performances by Inspectah Deck, Big K.R.I.T. and Termanology called "The Colosseum". Check out the background info on the song and its creation at the Soundcloud page.

[Album] PAWZ ONE - "Face The Facts"

Pawz One is a quick-minded writer and spitter with a good ear for beats that's been on the rise for a few years with independent mixtape releeases like the "Verbal Virus" series, "B.A.D. Company" and "Numbers Don't Lie". Coming from the streets of Los Angeles you can count on Pawz having a whole bunch of interesting stories to tell, and as the press release states "the album plays out like a Golden Era hustler's anthem, [but it's the] delivery and presentation that makes this one so memorable". "Face The Facts" is eighteen tracks of fine storytelling rap, everyday life documents and striving from nothing to the top over a mix of gritty boom bap and slightly smoother jazz-esque joints provided by long-time collaborators Default and Breeze (both fellow LA-reps), respecitvely. While Pawz would perfectly hold down this LP by hismelf it's hard to complain when the guests invited to the table includes Ras Kass, Rakaa Iriscience, Masta Ace, Termanology and 2Mex. Another positive is the heavy use of cutting and scratching, something that pretty much any real hip-hop LP benefits tremendously from in my opinion. Though Pawz have been making his name known through the mixtape series throughout these recent years, I'd say that practice is over and "Face The Facts" is Pawz true introduction to the world - an introduction that indiciates that this young L.A.-born and bred emcee is definitely hear to stay. Easily one of the best debuts of the year - excellent!

"Face The Facts" are being released by Below System Records (the same imprint that gave us another of 2014:s strongest outing with Shabaam Sahdeeq's "Keepers of the Lost Art") and are right now selling the album in digital format and as a three panel digipack CD. However Below System will be doing a run of the LP on wax, limited to 250 copies, and unlike all those fancy labels that choose to make new vinyl releases rare by pushing the prices to ridiciolous amounts, these 250 copies are not priced much higher than the CD which is a big thumbs up from me. The vinyl drops on September 26, and can be pre-ordered as a part of three different packages. Package #1 (the LP only), Package #2 (the LP + CD + three track cassette single of "The Luv" featuring Masta Ace) and Package #3 (same as #2 but also includes a Pawz One/Face The Facts T-Shirt). Via Bandcamp you can order the CD (which are shipping now) and cop the digital as well as stream the entire album which I have embeded below (notice that the player starts with track #8 just back up til' you come to track #1 before you hit play). PLAY IT LOUD.... A LITTLE LOUDER!!

DJ KAY SLAY Ft. Termaology, Trick-Trick, Troy Ave & Trae - "Ghetto Survivor"

Zulu Nation's DJ Kay Slay have been in the game for a while now, releasing both some fantastic music and some mediocre stuff. For 2014 the legendary DJ is gearing up for the next installment in his Streetsweeper series, entitled "Streetsweeper Presents: The Rise Of A City", featuring a host of both veteran emcees and new talents mostly hailing from the NYC area. The first single was the impeccable seven minutes "90s Flow" which I thought was somewhat overlooked by many as it featured quality verses over a strong beat from Prodigy, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Rell, Fat Joe, Sheek Louch, Herb McGruff, M.O.P., and N.O.R.E. I realized I never posted it on the site, so as the second single "Ghetto Survivor" is here I figured it's a perfect opportunity to post both tracks. "Ghetto Survivor" is produced by the underrated Blastah Beatz and features lyrical performances by Termanology, Troy Ave, Trick Trick & Trae. Enjoy these banging joints while we wait for the full project to drop.

REVELATION / M-DOT / TERMANOLOGY - "We're From Mass"

Emcee Revalation of the EMS Crew released his debut album "Feature Presentaton" late last year; an interesting LP that you can hear in full here @ Audiomack, featuring collaborations with spitters like Sha Stimuli, Reks, Joe Scudda, M-Dot, & Termanoogy. The two latter appear on the remix, by Polish producer Gajos, of "We're From The Mass" and is definitely worth a few rewinds, so press play below.

Termanology Ft. Inspectah Deck & Maffew Razino + Sheek Louch, Lil' Fame, Kay Slay

Termanology is preparing another LP this year and its titled "G.O.Y.A. (Gunz & Yay Available)" and is sheduled for a October 8 release via ST/Brick Records. I got two singles for you from the LP and they are both intense posse cut featuring fellow NY talents in Inspectah Deck and Maffew Ragazino for "You Ain't Safe", and DJ Kay Slay introduces Term, Sheek and the always incredible Lil' Fame on "Straight From The Block". Despite the status of these guests they are only a small amount of all the rhymers and guest vocalists that Term has rounded up for "Goya". Or how about Reks, NORE, Chris Rivers, JuJu, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Action Bronson, Jared Evans, Tony Touch, Doo Wop, and a few others. The entire project is produced by Shortfyuz, an-up-n-coming producer from Term's neighborhood. Enough said, check the tracklist and the two joints right below (Three if you count the NORE single I liked to above)! I really dug the LP with Lil' Fame so let's see if this can live up to that one...

1. STV News (Ft. Sway)
2. Scandalous (Ft. Chris Rivers)
3. Pulp Fiction (Ft. Reks)
4. Judo (Ft. NORE)
5. American Dreamin'
6. Back In The Day
7. G.O.Y.A. (SKIT) (Ft. Large Pro, Lil Fame, Pete Rock & DJ Premier)
8. Sazon (Ft. H Blanco & Ea$y Money)
9. Straight Off The Block (Ft. DJ Kay Slay, Sheek Louch & Lil Fame)
10. Secret Location
11. Compra (Ft. Tony Touch & Doo Wop)
12. Juju (SKIT) (Ft. Juju of the Beatnuts)
13. Take My Turn (Ft. Action Bronson & Jared Evan)
14. Cocaine Eyes (Ft. Wais P)
15. You Aint Safe (Ft. Inspectah Deck & Maffew Ragazino)
16. Black Hole (Ft. Lee Wilson & Dice Raw)
17. 100 More Jewelz

[EP/Mini LP] AG DA CORONER - "Crushed Grapes"

Brooklyn to Queens representative AG Da Coroner clearly has no intentions of letting the dope music that he's been supplying us with for the last two years. His latest addition to an already fat catalouge is the free project "Crushed Grapes", entirely produced by ATG who I have praised several times here on The Lost Tapes. The latter is progressively evolving his own hard soul based sound, filled with grinding organs, bluesy basslines and boom bap-type drums which is a perfect match for AG's rough edged voice and intense street themed lyrics. Add to that guest verses from Meyhem Lauren, M.Reck and a posse cut with Nutso, Lord Nez (in addition to appearing on two other cuts), Termanology, Realm Reality, and Spit Gemz and this is a straight up and down crazy release that will work well in holding us over until Da Coroner's official album drops.

[SINGLES] Statik Selektah - "Extended Play"

DJ Statik Selektah is releasing his fifth "solo" album "Extended Play" via Duck Down/ShowOff, and quite fittingly five singles have been released so far. Some of these cuts is among the most interesting things I've heard from the star producer in quite some time (especially when discussing the albums released under his name), such as the absolute minblowing collaboration between Raekwon, Black Thought and Joey Bada$$ on "Bird's Eye's View", and the sinister, stomping "Camoflauge Dons" which pairs up Tek N Steele with The Flatbush Zombies which you can check out up top. Other previously released tracks are the unlikely pairing of Sean Price and true school's most hated Mac Miller in "21 & Over", the beautiful piano driven "Game Break" which includes a stupid welcome performance by Posdnous, who's joined by Termanology and Lecrea. Just as mellow, dope and even haunting is "Funeral Season" which features outstanding performances by Styles P, Bun B, and Statik on the crossfader... Oh yeah, Hit Boy makes an apperannce too.
After hearing these five cuts I can say that I have a strong feeling that "Extened Play" is gonna be the illest Statik Selektah release since his very debut. To be honest I have been dissapointed in the majority of releases made under his own name since they have felt rushed and like a collection of pretty bland posse cuts. These joints instead sound passionate, are very well produced and are filled with a superb mix of artists. If the remaining cuts follows these footsteps, this could very well end up being one of the top albums of the year... June 18 is the date!

DJ Allah Matematics / Wu-Tang Clan, Termanology - "Men Of Respect"

Another dope release coming out on April 16 is the fourth solo/production album from DJ Allah Mathematics; in a way one of the founding members of The Wu-Tang Clan though he's initital focus was on promotion and marketing and the occassional DJ set. But when he started producing in '97 it was evident that he had learned from the best, some of his finer moments ("Mighty Healthy", "Wu Banga 101", the five songs on GZA's "Beneath the Surface", his contributions to both Red/Meth albums, his contributions to RZA's "Digital Bullet", Killarmy's sophomore and "The Swarm" compilation, etc.

With tracks like the aforementioned I always felt that he had the power to be just as good as True Master and 4th Disciple, but unfortunately many of his later productions haven't done much for me save for the occasional banger; his previous solo albums, while still good have left some to desire if you ask me. However, for the 20:th anniversary of the Wu-Tang Clan's first single "Protect Ya Neck" (which of course Math designed the logo for and was a creative part of), Math is releasing "The Answer"; fully produced by the man himself, and chock full of the usual suspects, and then some. To kick things off, here's the first single  The line-up of thi posse cut is pretty damnn crazy, you got Ghostface and Raekwon ripping it, you got Termanology coming through and two verses from Math's side-team which includes Eye Slow and Bad Lucc.

Lil' Fame & Termanology - "Too Tough For TV"

The second single from Slap and Term's collaborative project, "Fizzyology" (November 6) is here, and just like the title track this one goes HARD. It's got a real heavy M.O.P.-ish vibe which makes me think that this is one of Fame's own productions. In fact, I remember that DJ Premier played "Too Tough For TV" on LiveFromHQ at least one year ago, which is cool because it let's us know that this duo really has taken their time with the LP.

More on "FIZZYOLOGY"

Not sure if this is the actual artwork to "Fizzyology", Lil' Fame and Termanology's collaborative LP due this fall. Sorry to see that no vinyl release is listed, but production from Preem, Alc, Fizzy, & Statik Selektah with features from Busta, Bun B, Styles and Billy Danze should guarantee one solid album. As a throwback bonus, I added the "Watch How It Go Down" remix, which I believe was Slap and Term's first meeting on wax.

TERMANOLOGY x LIL FAME x PAPOOSE - "WATCH HOW IT GO DOWN" RMX 

Lil' Fame & Termanology - "Fizzyology"

Lil' Fame and Termanology have probably done an album worth of collaborations already, so it's only right they've decided to make it official. "Fizzyology" is the title of the LP that drops on November 6 this year, and the title track that you see and hear above is produced by The Alchemist. Rugged and raw!

Reks - "Ignorance is Bliss"

Ever since he made a name for himself with the mindblowing "Grey Hairs" , Boston rhymer Reks' has dropped hot albums non-stop. Latest in line is his second 2012 album, "REBELutionary"; a collaboration with producer Numsonic that hit stores on July 24. Below you can check out another single from the project in the form of the Termanology featured "Ignorance is Bliss".

ChrisCo x Reks x Termanology - "Treez"

Many might remember California's ChrisCo for his freEP with Alchemist last year, "How Does It Feel?". Now, he's preparing his next project, a mixtape titled "Green x Purple" that will be available for free download sometime next week. For the first single, he enlists Reks and Termanology for a blunted weed anthem produced by The Academy, effectively named "Treez".

CHRISCO x REKS x TERMANOLOGY - "TREEZ"

BIG SHUG Ft. Slaine/Termanology/Reks/Singapore Kane [prod. by Fizzy Womack]

Gang Starr Foundation's own Big Shug is prepared to release his fourth official solo album, "I.m.4.Eva" on July 24 this year. The singles and tracklist is looking like this will without a doubt be one to checking for; besides the album, record buyers also get a hard back, 36 page book chronicle the legacy of Gang Starr, full of anceotes and rare color photos. 

Big Shug is more than capable of holding his own on the microphone with his rugged voice and commanding delivery, but a little outside help has never hurt. Featured producers and emcees on the disc include DJ Premier, Fizzy Womack, Reks, Singapore Kane, Slaine, Termanology, M.O.P., Fat Joe and more. Following the previous banging singles, next in line is the Fizzy Wo produced posse cut "For The Real", featuring Reks, Termanology, Singapore Kane and of course Shug himself. All I can say, is that this LP is shapening up lovely, so stay tuned (also check out the expanded tracklist, that now include production credits).

01. Still Here (Prod. By A Kid Called Quest)
02. Hardbody feat. Fat Joe & M.O.P.  (Prod. by DJ Premier)
03. Spit Six (Prod. by DJ Premier)
04. For The Real feat. Termanology, Slaine, Singapore Kane & REKS (Prod. by Fizzy Womack)
05. Blue Collar (Prod. by DJ Premier)
06. Ass Mouth (Skit)
07. I.M. 4-Eva feat. Singapore Kane
08. Big Fly Homie (Prod. By A Kid Called Quest)
09. No More feat. Trumayne
10. War In The Club  (Prod. by Lee Bannon)
11. We Miss You (Prod. by DJ Premier)
12. My Kids
13. I'll Be Here
14. Sixteen Go
15. New Era
16. True Love
17. Basically (Prod. by Fizzy Womack)

BIG SHUG - "FOR THE REAL"