[LP Stream] RAS KASS & JACK SPLASH are SEMI HENDRIX - "Breakfast @ Banksy's"

Ras Kass is a very interesting artist in my opinion, since his demo or advance album sampler in the early to mid-'90s he has showed more lyrical promise than most yet his projects have often been badly hampered by flat production. Last year he however managed to get a lot of good reviews when he hooked up with Detroit's Apollo Brown to produce the entirety of his album. Therefore it comes at no suprise that Ras' has decided to once again hook up with Mello Music Group and have connected with a single producer to create his album.

The resulting LP, "Semi Hendrix" marries Ras' intricate rhyme schemes and agressive lyrics with funky production by Matt Kahane, better known as California producer Jack Splash. The nineteen track sees Ras Kass getting busy over funky backdrops, often spewing verses that works on the level of an indictment against the American justice system, the still prevalent racism of todays society and much more. Among the albums guest stars we can find Cee-Lo Green, Kurupt, Raheem DeVaughn, Wreckonize and even Slipknot member Starstruck. I've only listened to a few cuts so far but will give it a thorough front-to-back listen within the next couple of days. Neither Mello Music Group or Ras Kass rarely dissapoints, so I'd suggest you check it out for yourself as well! You can stream and purchase the HQ download @ MMG's Bandcamp while the 2xLP and CD editions can be copped @ UGHH .

[Stream] SCARFACE - "Deeply Rooted"

Mr. Scarface, one of the top 5 lyricists of all time if you ask me, finally returns with a new album and shit sounds banging from the first few cuts. This is Face's first full-length since 2008's overlooked "Emeritus" and now free from his Rap-A-Lot chains, he seems to be in an artistically great place. The bulk of the beats on here is produced by long-time associate N.O. Joe who brings forth the classic dark, deep and gritty Houston vibe we'd come to associate with this legendary emcee. I'd be suprised if this doesn't end up being one of the strongest albums of the year so be sure to support the man with a purchase (iTunes, UGHH). FACE IS BACK!!

01. "Intro"

02. "Rooted" (Ft. Poppa Reu)

03. "Hot Seat"

04. "Dope Man Pushin'" (Ft. Poppa Reu)

05. "Fuck You Too" (Ft. Z-Ro)

06. "Steer" (Ft. Rush Davis)

07. "Anything"

08. "Do What I Want" (Ft. Nas, Rick Ross & Z-Ro)

09. "God" (Ft. John Legend)

10. "Keep It Movin'" (Ft. Avant)

11. "You" (Ft. Cee-Lo Green)

12. "All Bad"

13. "Voices"

14. "No Problem"

15. "Outro"

STREAM "DEEPLY ROOTED" @ SPOTIFY

Goodie Mob - "Pinstripes"

2013 mark the official reunion of Goodie Mob, who is preparing their first album as a quartet in almost fifteen years (damn, where does the time go?). "Pinstripes" is a rowdy up tempo banger that works well. Beside verses from Khujo, Cee-Lo, T-Mo and Gipp, T.I. is also invited to kick some bars.

Gnarls Barkley working on 3rd album

 This is just incredible news for me; MC/Singer Cee-Lo Green is once again teaming up with super producer Danger Mouse for a third installment of Gnarls Barkley. Since I first heard "St. Elsewhere" I was absolutely blown away, as with the the previous Goodie Mobb albums and D.M. produced albums like "The Grey Album", "Ghetto Pop Life", The DangerDOOM LP, "Demon Days", etc. has been constantly making me hit the rewind button over the years.

Danger Mouse is one of the most original and abstract producers of the decade and he just can't stand still, always trying to push the envelope further. Similary, Cee-Lo has always been an incredible talented and daring artist with a large, large dose of that SOUL. Gnarls Barkley might just be my favorite project from either one of them though; one of the best modern producers of all time as far as modern experimental and often abstract production goes that really meshes well with Cee-Lo's unique style. A clear winner.

I can't fucking wait for this project since this is easily two of my favorties. I realy hope this will turn out as good as "St. Elsewhere" and "The Odd Couple". What you think, will this be just milking something that's already been done to perfection and can't be improved or might it be equally good  as the previous LP? Drop a comment in that section with your thoughts on this. I for one will most definitely check it out, that's for sure! STAY TUNED!!!