[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"

APOLLO BROWN - "Not That Guy" / "Detonate"

Apollo Brown is sometimes a little hit or miss to me, but his track record has proved time and time again that he can be an INCREDIBLY dope producer when he gets everything right and with amazing albums and EP:s under his belt I will always keep checking for him. His latest project is a "solo" project in the vein of "In Control" and "Soul Survivor" where Apollo provides banging backdrops for a handful of talented emcees from all over. The guests include MOP, Oddisee, Skyzoo & Torae, Evidence, Rasheed Chappell, Chino XL, Finale, Ras Kass, Vinnie Paz, Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Freddie Gibbs,OC, Sean Price, Reks, and more. The project drops on Mello Music Group the 25:th of September but already know you can check out the two promising singles released so far. Below you'll find the streaming singles "Not That Guy" featuring Your Old Droog and even more intriguing his collaboration with MOP called "Detonate". Bang this LOUD!!

[Album] BIG POOH x APOLLO BROWN - "Words Paint Pictures"

Yes I am aware that this was released a week ago but as I haven't posted it yet and some people, like myself, might haven't gotten around to bang it out yet I'm definitely throwing it up here. I know my man Antoine recommended me this one heavily and as I'm hitting play I can see why. The former Little Brother emcee is spitting some brilliant shit and Apollo Brown continues his reign of beautiful chops with pitched vocal samples, funky basslines, broken piano melodies and hard hitting drums. And best of all, there's some crazy turntable work on here as well, which I am a true sucker for when it comes to this type of hip-hop. While "Words Paint Pictures" is officially labeled as an EP, I'm more inclined to call it a mini album as it contains seven original tracks and two remixes (by Brown and L'Orange, respectively). No matter what you call it this is pure headnod shit so TURN IT UP!!

[Album] Compilation - "MMG - Persona"

Let's continue on the Mello Music Group theme right now. A while back we got some slamming single from an upcoming MMG compilation called "Persona" featuring exclusive songs from a host of the fat roster of the respected indie label, often collaborating with other respected underground artists. Emcees and collaborations on here include a lot of interesting things; how about Oddisee & Phonte, yU & Nottz, Apollo Brown & Ras Kass (produced by Apollo Brown, so almost a "Blasphemy" bonus track), Apollo Brown & Masta Ace, L'Orange & Kool Keith, Red Pill & Oh No, and many more. Very dope compilation that YOU NEED TO HEAR! You can stream the album for free via MMG's Bandcamp where you can also purchase a HQ download of the allbum.

[EP] RED PILL - "Learning to Punch"

Mello Music Group signee and Ugly Heroes member Red Pill lets loose a free, digital three track EP called "Learning to Punch" that's especially effective as an introduction to the emcee for those of us not too familiar with his past work. With boom bap-esque production by Oddisee, Apollo Brown, and Duke Westlake this one is certified. Enjoy!

APOLLO BROWN / RAS KASS Ft. SEAN PRICE - "Impossible Dreams"

Apollo Brown and Ras Kass' recent collaborative project definitely featured some top-notch moments of raw hip-hop with a message (how heavy is that "Deliver us From Evil"?) and it turns out there was at least one stunning moment left on the cutting room floor. "Impossible Dreams" features the impeccable Sean Price who is a great fit for both Ras and Apollo's styles. 

RAS KASS / APOLLO BROWN Ft. Xzibit & Bishop Lamont - "Giraffe's Pussy"

The third single from the upcoming "Blasphemy" album brings more raw heat from Ras Kass over heavy, synth-driven heavy beats by Apollo Brown. For "Giraffe Pussy" (haha what) the duo invites Xzibit and Bishop Lamont for a real West Coast rendezvous. "Blasphemy" drops on October 28 via Mello Music Group, count on me to cop this! Pre-order and check the tracklist @ Bandcamp.

[Video] APOLLO BROWN & RAS KASS - "Humble Pi"

Following the hard knocking single "H20", featuring Pharoahe Monch and Rakaa of Dilated Peoples, the duo of Ras Kass and Apollo Brown is now following up with an equally hot singe "Humble Pi". The video has been out for a few days, but it's dope enough not to sleep on, so enjoy for those of you who missed it before. "Blasphemy" drops October 27, check out the tracklist and pre-order @ iTunes.

RAS KASS & APOLLO BROWN - "H20" (Ft. P. Monch & Rakaa)

As you might be aware of by now, the latest legendary emcee in line for a full-on collaboration with Detroit producer Apollo Brown is Sir Ras Kass. The album, which is set for a October 28 release via Mello Music Group, is called "Blasphemy" and consists of 15 songs featuring collabs with people like Sick Jacken, Sean Price, Royce Da 5'9", Xzibit, Bishop Lamont, Pharoahe Monch and Rakaa Iriscience. The two latter is featured on the first single "H20" (didn't Ras already put out a song with that title?) which you can check out above. Finally a Ras Kass album entirely produced by a really talented cat with a sound akin to the Golden Era. Pre-order a copy of the limited 2xLP set @ MMG, press play above and check out the tracklist below.

01. "Next Caller"
02. "How To Kill God"
03. "H20" (Ft. Pharoahe Monch & Rakaa Iriscience)
04. "Please Don't Let Me"
05. "Strawberry"
06. "Giraffe Pussy" (Ft. Royce Da 5'9", Xzibit & Bishop Lamont)
07. "Roses" (Ft. 4 Rax)
08. "Deliver Us From Evil"
09. "Too Much of A Good Thing"
10. "Animal Sacrifice"
11. "Humble Pi"
12. "48 Laws Pt. 1"
13. "Francine"
14. "Drink Irish" (Ft. Slaine, Sick Jacken & Sean Price)
15. "Bon Voyage"

[Album] UGLY HEROES - "Ugly Heroes EP"

Back in the spring of 2013, emcees Red Pill and Verbal Kent hooked up with producer Apollo Brown to form Ugly Heroes and released their self-titled LP on Mello Music Group, A few days ago the trio continued on their rampage with a new EP/mini-album enitled "The Ugly Heroes EP" featuring 10 new songs from the crew (track #7 guest produced by Oddisee). Like its predecessesor it is released on MMG and made available as a digital download for $7.49. It's definitely sounding ill and is a good warm-up to Apollo Brown's upcoming full-length project with Ras Kass. Stream and/or purchase the full project below and enjoy the warm soulful boom bap beats and tight lyricism. 

UGLY HEROES - "Naysayers & Playmakers"

The trio known as Ugly Heroes (produer Apollo Brown; emcees Verbal Kent and Red Pill) released their self-titled debut as a unit in late summer last year. Now one year after the fact the trio is once again gearing up for a new project to be released in digital format on MMG August 19 with a vinyl release coming soon after. Labeled as an Extended Play, the 12" record actually features five new songs, including one joint that's a collaboration with Murs, while the flip side is made up of four bonus cuts. The first single "Naysayers & Playmakers" is vintage Apollo Brown with its pure soulful boom bap that sets the perfect platform for Red Pill and Verbal Kent to get busy to. iLL!

APOLLO BROWN Ft. Roc Marciano - "Shotguns in Hell"

Back in May Apollo Brown released his cinematic long-player "Thirty-Eight". While the project consists of  20 vintage Brown instrumentals, both the CD and 2xLP editions came with a 5" vinyl single. This 45 contains two songs with Long Island giant Roc Marciano going in over two of the cuts from the album; "Lonely & Cold" and "Shotguns in Hell". Previously MMG let digital heads hear "Lonely & Cold" and now peeps are also able to check out "Shotguns in Hell"; one of my favorite beats from the album. Rugged and raw!

APOLLO BROWN Ft. ROC MARCIANO - "Lonely & Cold"

If you ain't up on Apollo Brown's latest release "Thirty-Eight" you definitely need to catch up on what might be the Detroit producers finest batch yet. Roc Marciano pops up on two bonus tracks available on 5" vinyl when purchasing the LP, now you can also check out one of 'em - "Lonely & Cold" as a free download via MMG.

FES TAYLOR / APOLLO BROWN - "Darkness"

Staten Island rhyme slinger Fes Taylor have been appearing on various projects here and there (including several songs with Inspectah Deck and Ghostface Killah) and released a vast amount of albums and mixtapes via Chamber Musik. Taylor's undoubtedly is a pretty sick emcee and when coupled with the right production he can clearly make fantastic music, as is the case with his latest single "Darkness". The single is produced by none other than Apollo Brown and will appear on Fes' "Staten Ain't Big Enough" mix CD.

[Album] APOLLO BROWN - "Thirty Eight"

As you might very well have figured out by now Mello Music Group producer Apollo Brown is to me one of the most interesting producers doing it right now, from slamming instrumental projects, to outstanding remix EP:s, full-length collaborations with Guilty Simpson, The Left, and of course OC just to name a few he has really made his mark. In May MMG broke the news that he was releasing his new cinematic instrumental album "Thirty Eight" on May 6 which I clearly remember since it's my born day. At the same time we got the first single, the to me absolutely amazing "The Answer" and as the full album is now up for free streaming and digital purchase via Bandcamp (I just started listening) it definitely seems like a proejct that surely does not dissapoint so be sure to press play and purchase the digital copy or wait for the physical copies which I suppose still drop on May 6. This is very fine music right here, Apollo did it again!

[EP] APOLLO BROWN - "Cigarette Burns"

On May 6 Apollo Brown is releasing his first instrumental album in a few years, and judging by the single "The Answer" that dropped a few weeks back it is very promising. With two weeks left to go the versatile producer has decided to give fans a treat by releasing the free digital three track EP "Cigarette Burns" through the Mello Music Group Bandcmap and it doesn't dissapoint. It's more of the cinematic, introspective production style that made "The Answer" such a compelling record. Matter of fact that record appears here as well which is a good thing since now you can download it to your computers as well Brown keeps creating hot shit for sure so just enjoy!

APOLLO BROWN - "The Answer"

Some very ill instrumental music from Apollo Brown's upcoming project "Thirty Eight", out this summer on CD (including bonus tracks with Roc Marciano), 2xLP and digital. May 6 is the date, MMG the label!

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,

VERBAL KENT - "Underrated?" [Apollo Brown Remix]

Ugly Heroes members Apollo Brown and Verbal Kent reconnect with a remix of "Underrated?", lifted from the Japanese edition of Kent's recent album "Sound of the Weapon".

[MMG Comp] APOLLO BROWN / MURS + QUELLE CHRIS

As I reported earlier one of today's finest underground labels, Mello Music Group, is gearing up to release an album/compilation this month showcasing the majority of their finest roster. It turns out that MMG has decided to release two volumes simultaneously; splitting the two projects into one featuring more of an avant-garde route, while Volume 2 will focus on more boom bap heavy hardcore hip-hop shit. "Volume 1: Polysonic Flows" includes exclusive joints from the likes of L'Orange, Oddisee, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Quelle Chris, Mr. Lif, Castle, Has-Lo, yU, and more. "Volume 2: Today's Mathematics" is created around new cuts by heavy htiters such as Apollo Brown, Gensu Dean, Fredro Starr, Audible Doctor, Murs, Verbal Kent, Blacastan, 14KT, Wise Intelligent, Def Dee, Rapper Big Pooh, and others. Both collections will be released on January 28, so check back then for a full album stream right here @ The Lost Tapes. Until then you can pre-order both albums at iTunes (vol. 1) (Vol. 2), and check out the two lead singles from each isntallment below - the beautifully soul/boom bap mash-up that is Apollo Brown & Murs' "The Pain is Gone", and Quelle Chris'"Going Swell". Both sounding real good!