[Album] SADAT X - "Agua"

When the world first heard The Brand Nubians 1990 debut album "One For All", notorious for being praised with the much hyped five mics rating in The Source, few would think that Derreck X would be the artist out of that trio to have the highest profile and largest catalouge in a few years. In fact "One For All" treated Lord Jamar and Derreck X as Grand Puba's back up band, and didn't even appear on half of the album. But sometimes the tables turn, through hard work and dedication Sadat X (as he soon after changed his name to) crafted a unique style with an unmistakable voice with lyrics that often dealt with personal feelings and surviving in a world where friends and lovers often turn out to be willing to stab you in the back when you least expect it. The only problem was that he might have started to put quantity over quality a little too much in the last ten years or so.

It's been a long time since I've been really excited about an X album, though I did like his "Love, Hell or Right" album from 2013. Now the New York artist is back with "Agua" sporting a pretty damn impressive cast list of guest producers and emcee partners. How about Pete Rock, Diamond D, Da Beatminerz, Nick Wiz, DJ Scratch, Easy Mo Bee, Fokis, Dub Sonata and Will Tell? What about Lord Jamar, Dres, Edo G, A-F-R-O, Rahzel, Cella Dwellas' UG, Milano, Shabaam Sahdeeq, RA The Rugged Man, and Wordsmith? That's a lot of features and producers and as I haven't had the time to listen yet I'm not sure how cohessive the X-Man has managed to make it sound but one thing's for sure, there's bound to be several real bangers on here to cherish. Probably more than any Sadat X albums in ten years or so. Released on Tommy Boy, the album is available for purchase in both physical and digital form now, and can also be streamed and purchased (both digital and on CD) in full via X's official Bandcamp. One thing though, the last I heard from Sadat X was that he's working on a full-length album entirely produced by Diamond D, and as usual we get one track to show for it. Well, I for one hope it's still coming. But what the hell, with Pete Rock, Da Beatminerz and Nick Wiz I sure as hell can complain. I also wasn't a fan of Will Tell on some earlier X albums, but the single/video "Murder Soundtrack" (above) with AFRO and Rahzel has convinced me has stepped his game up big time. You can also cop the physical from UGHH where you can also see the credits for each track. TURN IT UP!

MILANO CONSTANTINE - "Loyalty"

More D.I.T.C. heat for us heads never sits wrong; Milano might have missed out on the recent D.I.T.C. Studios album but he has kept busy dropping heat rocks like the DJ Skizz produced digital single "Closer" / "Gotta Do It" that proved that the BX underground vet hasn't lost a step. Here he again hooks up with DJ Skizz a long with guest ecee J Bux for "Loyalty", utilizing samples and themes from the classic "Donnie Brasco" flick with Al Pacino and Johnny Deep. Milano we need a new album ASAP! Oh and in case you, like me missed it, check out Milano and Skizz take on one of the bangers from Adrian Younge's "Something About April II" called "38 Snub Nose Freesttyle". Word on the street is that Milano is about to put out an EP enitrely produced by DJ Skizz and Marco Polo so let's keep our fingers crossed!

MILANO CONSTANTINE - "Closer" b/w "Gotta Do It"

Milano Constantine, who first made his name known to underground fantatics the world over through his affiliation with the D.I.T.C. camp and his massively succesful 12" single "Rep For The Slums". Since then he has dropped some heat here and there, a few solid mixtapes, a few not so solid ones, and so on, but with the D.I.T.C. renaissance of today The Bronx Bomber is back with some heat for us - and dope it is. A digitial single dedicated to his late father titled "P.O.P.S. (Paragraphs Of A Poet's Soul)" featuring two bangers called "Closer" b/w "Gotta Do It" that sounds like that ol' Milano boom bap type of shit we first fell in love with. Both joints are produced by Milano himself and serves as preparation for on an upcoming EP/mini album called "The Road" that will exclusively be produced by DJ Skizz and Marco Polo so be sure to count on that heat. Also in case you missed it last month, check out this powerful Milan' freestyle over some Adrian Younge heat posted by Skizz as "38 Snub Nose".

[Out Now] MILANO CONSTANTINE - "The Believers"

Ever since he held his own next to Big Punisher on the D.I.T.C. classic "Where Ya At?" back in '99 real heads have definitely been fiending for more music from Milano Constantine. Back in the early 2000s the Wild Life member signed to T-Ray's Beatdown Recordings and recorded the full-length album "The Believers" with an all star line-up of producers including Showbiz, Lord Finesse, Amed, Buckwild and T-Ray. Unfortunately the LP was shelved leaving the public only with the three track EP "That's Milano". Now the 15 song album is finally seeing an official release, with the digital copies already being sold through iTunes and the CD coming very soon. Support this one y'all, this shit goes HARD!

01. "The Believers Intro" [prod. Buckwild]

02. "When You Hear" [prod. Emile]

03. "Drama" (Ft. A Black) [prod. Lord Finesse]

04. "Hope You Listening" [prod. Showbiz]

05. "Bring It Home" [prod. Showbiz]

06. "Tramps Freestyle"

07. "Awful" [prod. Amed]

08. "That's Milano" [prod. T-Ray]

09. "Show 'Em" [prod. Showbiz]

10. "Morir Sonando" [prod. Lord Finesse]

11. "Harlem" [prod. Showbiz]

12. "Live Your Life" [prod. Showbiz]

13. "New York City" [prod. Molecules of The Legion]

14. "Where Ya At?" (Ft. Big Pun) [prod. DJ Premier]

15. "Warrior's Drum" [prod. Lord Finesse]

16. "Everybody Hurts" [prod. T-Ray]

"THE BELIEVERS" @ iTUNES

HUS KINGPIN / MILANO / SMOOVTH - "Love @ The Store"

NahRight just premiered thiis mindblowingly smooth jazz banger featuring the always underrated Milano with Tha Connection's excellent Hu Kingpin and SmooVth and they sound absoutely brilliant over this monster of a beat, supplied by DJ Premier none the less. It's possible it's an older beat alá "Beatss That Collected Dust" (Sol. 1 or 2) but as long as it's this dope who gives  a fruck.

[Album] MILANO CONSTANTINE - "The Believers"

Only a few days ago I posted the back cover of Milano's new mixtape from his mixtape which featured both newsongs and classics. Well, it turns out that this is actually the abum Milano recorded when he was signed with T-Ray on Beatdown Recordings which only resulted in the three track EP "Show 'Em" / "That's Milano" / "Morir Sorando" that was released in 2004, although the album was recorded in 2002 and featured a few older jams like the DJ Premier remix of "Where Ya At?"featuring Big Punisher. Thisgonna be a real interesting listen as I've always been a uge Milano fan and i never felt he got the proper props he deserved.

As I could only reveal the back cover with the tracklist and production credits when I first posted on it, it is now thanks to Unkut.com revealed that the title of the album is "The Wariors" by Milano Constantine, and not only that he got a hold of the entire album - How amazingis that?. Production by the usual D.I.T.C. co-horts, T-Ray, Molecules and Emile. A huge thanks to Robbie @ Unkut - you truly made my otherwise shitty day!

[Upcoming] MILANO CONSTATINE

Milano Constatine  is a well-kown name amongst the D.I.T.C. head, having released solid 12" singles and mixtapes produced by Amed, Show, OC, Lord Finesse, T-Ray, DJ Premier, Cues of The Legion and Buckwild to name a few. He's an ill battle rhymer as well, perhaps best known for his classic Big Punisher collaboration "Where Ya At?". As far as I can see it's still untitled while the artwork is handled by Philip J Bux Capiello but according to the post on Milano's Facebook it's coming really soon so stay tuned! Mixtape of the year?!

[Mixtape] V/A - "Counterstrike 2: A Decade of UNKUT"

Robbie Etterson's brilliant hip-hop site UNKUT was definitely one of the reasons I wanted to get into this blog game, and it still remains one of my favorite sites. A few years ago Robbie got together a gang of dope underground rappers and producers and released the Unkut mixtape "Counterstrike". But now, on the 10 year anniversary of the sites incarnation, Robbie definitely steps it up with "Counterstrike 2: A Decade Of UNKUT", featuring 20 tracks with exclusive material from a lot of my favorite artists and producers. Some of the most interesting is the first Real Live material in years (K-Def and Larry-O for those not in the know), an Amed produced Milano banger, Grand Daddy I.U., Omniscience, Beneficence, $amhill, Craig G/Agallah and several others. This is a definite must hear if you love underground hip-hop, in the true school end of things, and is available for free download and CD and possible tape editions will pop up as well. 

Executive produced by Robbie Ettelson, mixed by Crate Cartel's Discourse, artwork and design by BURN Crew and (C) by unkut.com 2014. Click here to read more, check out the tracklist, etc.. Download or stream below and MEGA props to Robbie for this one; you're da fucking man!!

DOWNLOAD @ ZIPPYSHARE

HUS KINGPIN Ft. Rosewood & Milano - "Pyramid Points" [Remix]

Following my review in the best of 2013 countdown of Hus Kingpin's excellent "The Cognac Tape", I realized that Hus had released yet another mixtape back in late November. The 16 songs set is entitled "Richard Dumas: The Mixtape" and is available on CD for the price of $14 @ Hus Bandcamp. As I wrote in my review of its aforementioned predecessesor, one of my favorites on that tape was The Snowgoons' produced "Pyramid Points", featuring Rosewood. The "Dumas" tape features two new versions of this track, but I especially want to bring one of them to your attention. The Druids Remix is not only produced by the always reliable Arch Druids, but also features an extra verse from D.I.T.C. affiliate Milano. Bang this loud, and again if you want to check out the mixtape you can buy it here. Hus official album "Sade" was originally set for a late 2013 release, so hopefully we'll see that one soon enough.

Milano Constantine Freestyle 2013

Check this fiery freestyle from the always underrated Milano Constantine on DJ Eclipse's Rap is Outta Control this July 30. Never lost a step, that voice, that flow, those bars... Damn!

[Mixtape] D-FLOW - "Paraphernalia"

D.I.T.C. heads should consider themeselves very lucky this Monday as we're getting a brand new mixtape from D-Flow, the superb spitter of Ghetto Dwellas fame. I've always been a big fan of his cameo verses on albums by Show & AG, OC, and so forth but I believe "Paraphernalia" represents the first time I've heard a full project from the man, and with production by Showbiz, E-Blaze, and Drawzilla you know it's gonna be a mad interesting listen. Also featured on the project are Milano, AG, Majestic Gage, and the late, but always great, Party Arty... TURN IT UP.... A LITTLE LOUDER!!!!

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Powered by DatPiff.com

[Video] MILANO - "Fishin' Rough"

Milano Constantine of D.I.T.C./Wild Life fame has droppped plenty of quality material throughout the years, and his latest endeavor is gearing up for a soon-to-breleased mixtape entitlted "Alfa Romeo". Spotted at UNKUT who recently interviewed the Bronx bomber about his ties with the DI crew, his new music, among many other things. The interview will be up in the next couple of weeks, but until then you can bang your head to his latest single from the upcoming tape "Fishin' Rough". No release date has been given yet, but look out for it in a near future, I will of course update here with any related news.

[Mixtape] MILANO - "THE HURT LOCKER"

Milano Constantine is such an underrated emcee in so many circles, yet even amongst many of them his 2006 mixtape "The Hurt Locker" seems to have gone over a lot of people's heads. It's a dope but short mixtape, but filled with exclusives; unfortunately the only version I know of it is ripped in 128 KBPS but it's definitely listenable. Production on this tight tape is handled by D.I.T.C. affiliate Amed who contibute no less than five exclusives (who you btw gonna see a lot more here on The Lost Tapes very soon, both in the form of a compilation and a thourough interview).

Other producers include T. Ray, Will Tell, Grim Team, Agallah, and freestyles over classic '90 beats inncluding "Ain't The Devil Happy" and "Elevators". Clocking in at only 30 miutes, this is a focused mixtape, with dope production and showing Milano is always a damn dope emcee. So press play and let it run through, you won't be dissapointed. Mad thanks to Antoine for hooking me up with this, thx bro!

In related news I saw a post on Amed's Facebook page saying "Milano & Amed" album coming soon, this was posted around January but I think this got a good chance of actually manifesting, and I would love to hear that. We'll just have to wait and see, but I have high hopes for it; especially considering all the amazing music he has produced for Milano; a producer and an emcee that I always really liked, and have made a lot of underground classics together already.

01. "Warrior Call" / "Where You Been @" [prod. T-Ray]
02. "Big Dogs Freestyle"
03. "When You Hear"
04. "What You Thinking 'Bout" [prod. AKI]
05. "New York Got Me Depressed" [prod. Amed]
06. "The Formula" [prod. Amed]
07. "Global Warning" [prod. Amed]
08. "Show 'Em Part II... Freestyle"
09. "Mean" (Ft & prod. Delta]
10. "Ain't The Devil Happy Freestyle"
11. "Everybody Hurt's" [prod. Amed]
12. "The Lord is With Thee" [prod. AX]
13. "Heavy Metal" [prod. Will Tell]
14. "Hardcore" [prod. Grimm Team]
15. "Agallah & Milano" (Ft. & prod. Agallah]
16. "Elevator '90s Freestyle"
17. "That's Milano" [prod. T-Ray]

MILANO - "THE HURT LOCKER TAPE"

[Video] MILANO - "What Kind Of Shit You Want"

Milano Constantine is such a great artist, yet he's haven't really gotten the props he deserves; a fact that is hopefully about to change soon. From his early 12":s with D.I.T.C., his unbelivably ill collabos with P Brothers, to his "Sidewalk Stores" mini LP and now recently his part in the trio BarBury'n with D-Flow and Gauge who so far has released two brilliant singles with Showbiz in 2012. The video you see above is a P Brothers produced single from a way overdue solo release entitled "Boulevard Author" which I really hope will be out sooner rather than later.

12" Throwback: MILANO - "Show 'Em VLS"

Right before D.I.T.C. dropped their amazing '99 debut "Worldwide", Rudy Mogan (better known by his stage name Milano, sometimes Milano Constantine) was taken under the wings of the D.I. producers, especially Lord Finesse and Showbiz. Now, more than ten years later, he unfortunately has yet to release a proper retail album (not counting 2009's free mini album "Sidewalk Stories)". However, he became an honorary member of D.I.T.C. and appeared on no less than two songs on "Worldwide" alongside Big Pun, Cuban Link and OC. In 2000, Morgan released his masterpiece of a debut single, "Deal With A Feeling" B/W "Rep For The Slums". The single didn't make that much noise, though it got played on a lot of underground stations and was beautifully produced by Showbiz and Amed, respectively.

When D.I.TC. temporarily disolved and changed their name to Wild Life Entertainment, Milano became a full blown memeber of the new crew; dropping hot 16s on several slamming 12" releases such as "Rap Game / Wild Life Theme" and "Done in Vain". The latter was released in 2005, and so was the Show produced "Hope You're Listening", and it's immediate predecessor "Show 'Em", a three track EP, that showcases Milano's distinct flow and sharp lyrics over production by Lord Finesse, Showbiz and T-Ray. Not to be slept on in other words, so make sure to check it out below...

I'm not sure about the following, but some time ago rumours said that Milano was no longer a member of either D.I.T.C./Wild Life after a falling out with Lord Finesse and Showbiz. This might just have been rumours though, and if not everything seems to have worked out in any case, considering he used two Show tracks on his official 2009 release "Sidewalk Stories". And even more, his recently released "The Hurt Locker Mixtaoe" both carries the DITC logo and is largely produced by Amed. Look out for that one here soon as well! Last but not least, major thanks goes out to my man Ant for the hook up of the "Show 'Em" EP. And in case you missed it, you should of course check out my Milano ccompilarion, "BarBury'n Wildlife"! Download, enjoy and TURN IT UP!!

01."Show 'Em" [Street] (Showbiz)
02. "Show 'Em" [Instrumental]
03. "Morir Sonando" [Street] (Lord Finesse)
04. "That's Milno" [Street] (T-Ray)
05. "That's Milano" [Clean] (T-Ray)
06. "That's Milno" [Instrumental]

MILANO - "SHOW 'EM" VLS

[Compilation] Milano Compilation (DITC / Wild Life)

The very talented street rhymer Milano Constantine (Rudy Morgan) was down with the Diggin' in the Crates crew since the late '90s. Making several apperances on both the group's official albums, as well as signing a production deal/with D.I.T.C. Records in '99. This lead to the release of now out-of-print classic underground 12" singles such as "Deal With A Feeling", "Rep For the Slums","Drama", "Done in Vain","Show 'Em". "Morir Sonando" and many more; all produced by people like Show, Ahmed and Lord Finesse. Rumours quickly started spreading that he was the latst official member to join the DITC crew, which isn't completely true.

However, in 2001, the D.I. crew temporarily switched their name to Wild Life Entertainment. Besides the original eight members, Wild Life also took in close affiliates as official members, people like Milano, Ghetto Dwellas, A-Bless and Ahmed. As Wild Life they released several fat 12":s, before they disbanded around 2005. A  lot of those tracks, as well as the original singles mentioned above, are featured on a compilation I just put together. Considering Milano just formed the Showbiz overseen group BarBury'n together with D-Flow and newcomer Gage, I decided to call the comp "BarBury'n WildLife". I think this works as a great look at his entire career, as the seventeen songs includes music recorded between 1999 and 2012. Milano's always been a great emcee who never got his proper shine imo. His digital album "Sidewalk Confessions" was a step in the right direction but he needs a proper retail release with productions from the DITC crew, T-Ray and the rest of the guys he's been working with through the years. Download, hit play and TURN IT UP!!

01. "That's Milano"

02. "Wild Life Theme" (w. OC & Party Arty)

03. "Deal With A Feeling""Spend It" (w. OC & AG)

04. "Rep For the Slums"

05. "Show 'Em"

06. "Done in Vain"

07. "Drama"

08. "Spend It" [D.I.T.C.]

09. "Morir Sonando"

10. "Down" (w. The Beatnuts)

11. "Where Ya At" [DJ Premier Mix] [D.I.T.C. / Big Pun]

12. "M.I.L.A.N.O."

13. "Somewhere Different"

14. "Dangerous" (w. Big L, Ray-von & Gheto Pro's)

15."Teleportin'" [Barbury'n]

16. "Hope You're Listening"

17. "Hold Ya Weigfh" (w. Agallah) [*Bonus Track]

MILANO - "BARBURY'N WILD LIFE"

D.I.T.C. Presents BarBury'n (Milano x D-Flow x Gage)

BarBury'N is a recently formed trio consisting of long-time D.I.T.C. affiliates and Wild Life members Milano Constantine, D-Flow (of Ghetto Dwellas) and new artist Gage. They are now preparing their self-titled collective debut album on D.I.T.C. Records. Showbiz has been mentioned as producer of the project but whether or not he's the executive producer or in charge of all the beats on the LP remains to be seen. One thing's for sure, The Lost Tapes will keep a close eye on these guys!

Up above is the group's first video that was released a while ago but slipped under my radar; "Living At Still". Below you can download their latest single "Teleportin'" which is another sick cut. Both tracks are produced by Show and most likely lifted from the upcoming album. Sounding good!

BARBURY'N - "TELEPORTIN'"