DJ K.O. - "Pick A Card" (Ft. Justin Bates)

If you would ask me for the most slept-on albums of 2012, DJ K.O.'s slamming "EPMBeTheTeam" would without a question be one of my picks. Not that it didn't make some noise but compared to some of these LP:s that been getting hyped, K.O.'s sophomore deserves a lot more credit. Stripping away most of the high-profile guest producers and emcees in favor of a tight click of rhymesayers and crate diggers works out really well. The booming beats are dripping with dusty funk and turntable madness, providing a bridge between the golden age of the mid-'90s and the hip-hop platters spun in 2012. One of the stand-out joints is the single "Pick A Card" which features K.O.'s new artist Justin Bates showing and proving on the microphone, with co-production by Madwreck. In case you're still sleeping on the album, the song gives a great idea of what to expect when blazing the full "EMPBeTheTeam".

DJ K.O. - "PICK a CARD" (Ft. JUSTIN BATES)

[ALBUM] MadKem - "Charles Workman"

Last year Soulspazm released the great "back-to-basics" debut album "Charles Workman" by talented wordsmith MadKem. In celebration of the LP:s one year anniversary, MadKem, Soulspazm and the crew have decided to let loose of the entire 11 track set as a free download for a limited amount of time via Bandcamp. Included are also a full spread digital booklet, two unreleased instrumentals ("Malcolm Browne" plus "How We Do") and the video for "The Moon", so it can't be anything but a done deal. I wasn't previously aquainted with the Queens rhymer, but this set really hit home with me as it's filled with great stuff that guarantees many future revisits. Not only do MadKem pack a distinct voice and a solid flow, he's coming with some really well written and clever verses. Not to mention that "Charles Workman" is built around a variety of interesting topics spread over the 11 songs. With production from DJ K.O., Madwreck, Analogic, Beatnick Dee, and more, this one comes highly recommended. Make sure to grab it while you can!