[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] GANGRENE - "You Disgust Me"

 Alchemist and Oh No is back together again for another serving of that nasty ass Gangrene shit. These two legendary producers and ocassional spitters really bring the heat on their third full length which they have given the fitting title "You Disgust Me". While Oh No is pretty cool on the mic, ALC is not very interesting but it really doesn't matter since the guys have a sick rapport with each other and it's all about the production and overall atmosphere on these Gangrene discs. Heavy on bass, distorted jazz samples, turntable attacks and vocal clips about floating feces, fans of "Gutter Water" and "Vodka & Ayahuasca" will definitely not be let down... Guest spitters include usual suspects like Fashawn, Your Old Droog, Action Bronson, Evidence, Havoc and Sean Price. "You Disgust Me" hit stores this coming Friday (order it @ UGHH), but already know you can stream the entire project below. TURN IT UP!

DJ EFN x K-DEF - "Selfish Remix" (Ft. Fashawn, King Tee & Kurupt)

Redefinition Record signee DJ EFN just released his star studded debut album "Another Time", featuring artists like OC, Scarface, Fashawn, Kin Tee, MOP, Milk Dee, Sean Price, dead prez, DJ Premier, MC Eiht, Blu, Sizzla, Talib Kweli, Masta Ace, Thirstin Howl III, Cormega, Defari, and many more. But it doesn't stop there...

Label mate and constant Lost Tapes favorite Kevin Hansford, better known as K-DEF, is releasing a 45 single of exclusive K-DEF remixes of tracks originally appearing on "Another Time". Notice how it is called "Looking For The Perfect Remix Volume 1", meaning there might be very well volumes to come in this series. I believe the A-side will feature new versions of "Selfish" featuring Fashawn, Kurupt and King Tee, while the B-side will have ""Revolutionary Ride Music" with OC, Royce Da 5'9", Your Old Droog and Reks - most likely with the instrumentals for each joint. OC on a K-DEF beat? Oh hell yeah!!!

[Album] DJ EFN - "Another Time"

DJ EFN is a DJ and producer originally hailing from Miami, originally known for his early '90s "Crazy Hood" mixtapes series, Now after over 20 years in the industry, learning the ropes, and building connections, EFN is stepping to the table with a retail album under his own name - entitled "Another Time". The album is oficially released today and is filled to the fucking limit with incredible guests from all coasts and different generations - or how about Scarface, Inspectah Deck, MC Eiht, Blu, Sean Price, Your Old Droog, M.O.P., Guilty Simpson, KAM, Fashawn, Cormega, Cory Gunz, Masta Ace, Killer Mike and many more. Sounds almost too crazy to be true right? While the majority of the production is handled by DJ EFN himself, DJ Premier, Hazardis Soundz, Davincci and Miami Heat Wave each contribute a track or two as well. Damn sick cover by Skam2? as well, everything about this project screams true ass hip hop if you ask me... Another incredible release from the always trustowrthy Redefinition Records - order it directly from REDEF, Fat Beats or iTunes.

01. Intro feat. Umar Bin Hassan (The Last Poets)
02. Another Time feat. Inspectah Deck, Guilty Simpson, M.O.P., Bernz (¡MAYDAY!)
03. Selfish feat. King Tee, Fashawn, Kurupt
04. Lane 2 Lane feat. Don Logan (Gunplay), Denzel Curry
05. South-West feat. MC Eiht, Blu, Kam
06. Crazy Dope feat. Milk Dee, Sean Price, Murda Mook
07. Revolutionary Ride Music feat. Your Old Droog, Royce da 5’9, OC, Reks
08. Crazy (Interlude) feat. Umar Bin Hassan (The Last Poets)
09. Who’s Crazy? feat. Troy Ave, Scarface, Stalley, DJ Premier
10. Fiyah Gun feat. Smif N Wesson, Spragga Benz, Kardinal Offishall, Bittah Sosicka
11. If U Run feat. Killer Mike, Webbz, KXNG Crooked (Crooked I)
12. Survival feat. Juvenile, Dead Prez, Trick Daddy
13. When I’m Dead feat. Joell Ortiz, Chris Rivers, Keith Murray, Skam2
14. Warrior feat. Sizzla, David Banner, N.O.R.E., Jon Connor
15. Power feat. Sa-Roc, Masta Ace, Thirstin Howl III
16. Role Model feat. Bun B, Jarren Benton, Eric Biddines, Amber Monique
17. Paradise feat. Talib Kweli, Wrekonize, Redman
18. Motivation feat. Defari, Cormega, Boaz
19. G Shit feat. McGruff, Prez P, Grafh
20. #HomeTeam feat. Garcia, Dynas, Skam2?, Heckler, Society, Mother Superia
21. We Earned It feat. Ras Kass, Black Milk, Black Collar, Cory Gunz

STREAM "ANOTHER TIME" @ DJBOOTH

[Documentary] FASHAWN - "The Ecology" / Mass Appeal

I forgot to include this ill documentary that Mass Appeal Records released a few days prior to the official release of Fashawn's slamming sophomore release "The Ecology". The 16 minutes long clip put together by the label traces the artists transformation from Santiago Leyva to Fashawn, and offers a glimpse into the creation of the new album. An interesting note is that Nas found his inspiration to start writing rhymes again via Fash and "The Ecology", listening to "Golden State Of Mind" it ain't hard to tell!

[Album] FASHAWN - "The Ecology"

I remember back in 2009 when two really true fresh emcees stepped onto the scene with their respective debut albums that at least for me brought back the classic vibes of what a banging hip-hop LP used to be. I'm talking about Skyzoo and Fashawn, two quite different artists but who had the love of the music and an endless array of clever, well written rhymes and a knack for picking great beats. Fashawn's official debut project, "Boy Meets World", was entirely produced by Exile and featured a wide array of different styles, never coming of as boring or predictable, and I for one had him pegged as the great young hope. However his 2012 street album "Champagne & Styrofom Cups" left a sour taste in my mouth - so much that I almost entirely wrote him off...

Big mistake, a couple of months ago he teamed up with The "Alchemist and released the free mixtape "Fashionably Late", an absolutely fantastic showcase in beats and rhymes that proved to be a lot stronger than most albums released in 2014. Now signed to Nas' Mass Appeal records (the Queensbridge legend also acts as the executive producer of the project and appears on the stand out track "Something to Believe In"), Fashawn follows up with his official second album, entitled "The Ecology". Taking a much smoother approach than on The Alchemist collaboration, with tracks packed with fast drum beats, uplifting piano and synthesizer melodies, percussive vocal adlibs and smooth guitar licks as a trusted staple while Fashawn provides the songs with his unique vocal talents and well written and well spitten vocal output. Rather than letting Exile produce all of the album, Fash are also inviting a few friends to help him out behind the boards - including Alchemist, DJ Khalil, ATG, Quincy Tones, and Beewirks. I have a feeling this will be a real grower upon repeated listens, so be sure to support Fashawn and Mass Appeal records by purchasing the CD or 2xLP (coming April 7) @ UGHH.

FASHAWN x NAS x ALOE BLACC - "Something To Believe In"

When young California lyricist Fashawn first broke out onto the scene on a national level I was super hyped by this incredible wordsmith, solidified by his official solo debut "Boy Meets World", produced by Exile, and the ALC-produced prequel tape "The Antidote". Unfortunately since then this promising young emcee has barely released a track that has managed to capture my attention, releasing mixtape after mixtape that strayed way too far from what made me fall in love with his East Coast influenced West Coast bangers. Now signed to Nas' Mass Appeal Records, he late last year released the absolutely incredible free Alchemist collaboration "Fashionably Late" which even made it to my man Antoine's top three albums of 2014 and I wouldn't place it far behind. The real album will be another Exile full-lenght collaboration, this time called "The Ecology" and so far the singles are sounding a lot more promising than anything released by this heavy spitter for years. 

The latest single "Something to Believe In" features excellent verses by Fashawn and Nas going at it, while Aloe Blacc provides some welcome vocals to take it to the next level. The other singles released thus far include the Busta Rhymes assisted "Out The Trunk" and the lead single "Guess Who's Back". Check all singles below and watch out for "The Ecology" on Febbruary 25.

[EP] FASHAWN x THE ALCHEMIST - "Fashionably Late"

Entirely produced by the great Alchemist, the somewhat underrated Grizzly emcee Fashawn has released a very strong new free EP featuring seven tracks that showcases a great MC/producer constellation over its short running time. This is a must hear for any fan of either man's work and is even stronger than "The Antidote" (scroll down a bit for a download/stream), with the artists both putting in their best performances possibly. It's interesting that many of these free EP:s released these days stand as projects just as good as retail releases. This was released three days ago, but since I haven't updated in a while (sorry about that, life keeps getting in the way haha) this was suffering from my readers. Well, as I often say, better late than never as this is definitely something you want to check out. Hope for a 12" EP too, would be a great look (especially as some of ALC's collaborations originally available as free downloads later has found their way to vinyl). I also think it's somewhat beautiful posting this a few days to late - it's still "Fashionably Late" though! Enjoy, and TURN IT UP!!

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FASHAWN Ft. EVIDENCE - "Dreams" [prod. by ALCHEMIST]

I'm a big fan of Fashawn's earlier work up and until his debut album, though I feel that he has kind of strayed from that path a bit too much for my personal liking lately. With his upcoming EP "FASH-ionably" (December 19) there's a good chance I and those like me will not be the least dissapointed as he has hooked up with Alchemist for the entirety of the projects production. The first single "Dreams" also features Evidence and is nothing but a certified banger. 

On a side note - this is the second time Fashawn and ALC has linked up for an entire project as the 11 song prelude to "Boy Meets World" did just that in 2011. Check out "The Antidote" below while we await the new EP.

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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.

eLzhi & FASHAWN - "Kiss The Ring" [prod. Markis Precise]

Both Fashawn and eLzhi is two of the most lyrical younger cats holding it down right now and their recent collaboration "Kiss The Ring", produced by Markis Precise, definitely is a soulful sure shot that does both emcees justice. The song is lifted from Precise forthcoming producer-driven album "The Feeling of Flying" which is out soon. Stream the track above, bang your head and support the cause by purchasing the song via iTunes.

DJ SPINTELECT Ft. Fashawn & Sham - "Situations"

Fashawn is one emcee I've always dug a whole lot since I first heard him a bit before his official debut "Boy Meets World". Unfortunately, I feel that his ill flow and introspective lyrics are often "wasted" on lesser production, something that definitely can't be said about "Situations", a new collaboration with DJ Spintelect and fellow vocalist Shaw. Apparantly, DJ Spintalect is Talib Kweli's tour DJ and now he's taking a step towards the limelight with an album of his own ("Support Your African") - "Situations" being the first single. Looking forward to hearing more from this producing DJ! Spotted @ 2DBZ.

[Mixtape] ALCHEMIST - "The Cutting Room Floor 3"

No matter how much The Alchemist we've gotten over the last couple of years, we just can't get enough. Recently he produced the entirety of Boldy James "My 1st Chemistry Set" and early next year he and Evidence will release "Lord Steppington" as Step Brothers, but as all play and no work makes Al a dull boy we are treated to "The Cutting Room Floor 3" in between. Those familiar with Alchemist knows that "The Cutting Room Floor" is a series of mixtapes (the first released in 2003; the second in 2008) featuring unreleased goodies, demos, alternative takes, instrumentals and weed smelling interludes. The third installment is truly done in a classic mixtape fashion with snippets of songs bleeding into each other, and featuring both previously unreleased old stuff, new cuts, fresh beats, and a few songs that have been out a few years; all produced and mixed together by DJ Alchemist. With verses from Nas, Raekwon, Havoc, Kool G Rap, Blu, Mobb Deep, Large Pro, 50 Cent, Evidence and Gangrene over a stupid fresh batch of ALC bangers, this 20 track set is an absolute joy to listen to, even despite the fact that it has Rick Ross on it. The deluxe edition features an additional six joints which includes new music by Roc Marciano/Action Bronson, Fashawn and Styles P. Aside from Bronson and Marciano's "Pool Hall Hustler" I feel the tape flows much better with just the original 20 tracks however.

If you happen to have a Spotify account you can stream the entire thing over there, otherwise the digital mixtape is of course available to buy from Amazon or iTunes. However you go about it, make sure you hear it!

OBX - "Make It" / "No Love"

Texas spitter OBX is a new name to me but he definitely got both lyrics and style plus veteran producer Nottz laces him something beautiful on "Make It" too. The single is lifted from a forthcoming album titled "Villain" dropping November 25 which also features the soulful knocker "No Love" that also packs a memorable apperance from Fashawn. Other guests and producers to look forward to include Meyhem Lauren and Frank Dukes. Should be one to check for!

[Video] FASHAWN - "The Beginning"

When I first came across Fashawn through his works with Alchemist and finally his Exile produced official debut "Boy Meets World" in 2009, I was super hyped about this talented young West Coast spitter and couldn't wait to hear more music from the man. However, I have to admit that I have lost track on his many releases since, as not many of them have really imrpessed me too much, save for a few bangers here and there. However, it's no question he's a lyrical beast and when he's got the right production to back him up (preferably on some hard shit), things rarely go wrong. Such is the case with his latest single, "The Beginning" sporting an Evidence beat stripped down to its bare (Ev also directed the video above), rugged essentials and a charged Fash doing what he does best. Taken from the forthcoming "The Ecology" (which was the title of one of the best songs on the aforementioned debut album) which features Exile as its executive producer should hopefully be out soon.

P-Money Ft. Fashawn & Freddie Gibbs

Duck Down's latest signee, producer P-Money follows up his previous collabos with Roc Marciano, and the one with Havoc and Skyzoo with "Break it Down", the second single from his forthcoming D.D. release "Gratitude". Two of the finest emcees of the younger generation spits bars over P's hot production here; Freddie Gibbs and Fashawn, so you know you can't go wrong with that.

RAH DIGGA Ft. Reks & Fashawn - "Never Back Down"

Rah Digga's "Never Back Down" featuring Nitty Scott MC hit the web last week, but it turns out that was in fact the remix. The original version, which is available now, not only has Digga going in but also comes packaged with slamming verses from Fashawn and Reks. The M-Phazes produced single, including both versions, are available on the iTunes single. It will also appear on the upcoming Coalmine Records compilation "Unearthed", out next year.

Journalist 103 / Fashawn / Saigon - "Hear Me"

Besides releasing his new album today (see below), The Audible Doctor is also responsible for the stellar production work on this second single from Journalist 103's "Reporting Live" LP (following the equally knocking "Walk With Me").  103 is far from a slouch on the mic, and when inviting Saigon and Fashawn to break bread you know you're about to hear some real lyrical ish right here. The CD drops today, vinyl on November 6 - take your pick.

[VIDEO] Fashawn & Murs - "Slash Gordon"

Wow, MURS & Fashawn's "This Generation" gonna be a threat to their competition in 2012. They are both from The West, but apart from that , and being emcees, they really don't share too many similarities, but together they diaplay a chemistry  that makes for great records. The full-length project drops on Duck Down Records on September 25 but til' then we can check out the duo's debut single "Slash Gordon" which is certified heat to say the least, produced by Beatnick & K-Salaam (who will also produce the entire project). "Slash Godon" is now also given a vieo, directed by Todd Angkkausen, who hooks up visuals that perfectly fit the forth-and-back style presented by these two fantastic rhyme slingers.

[Tracklist/Cover] Murs x Fashawn - "Our Generation"

Two of the best from the West will join forces for a collaborative project titled "This Generation", set for a September 25. Completely produced by Beatnick & K-Salaam and released via Duck Down, there's a lot pointing towards this being a superb album. I love both of these guy's music, though I must say that neither has managed to impress me that much with their respective recent releases. I have a great feeling about this one however!

01. "Just Begun"

02. "64 Impala"

03. "Reina De Barrio (Ghetto Queen)" (Ft. Adrian)

04. "Stone Cold"

05. "Yellow Tape" (Ft. Krondon)

06. "Peace Treaty"

07. "And It Goes"

08. "Slash Gordan"

09. "Heartbreaks & Handcuffs"

10. "This Generation" (Ft. Adrian)

11. "Future Love"

12. "The Other Side"

Murs & Fashawn "Slash Gordan"