Following the excellent 2011 Chappel debut, entirely produced by Kenny Dope, the highly skilled East Coast emcee Rasheed Chappell has hooked up with his producer for another full-length projct to follow soon. The first single is called "Franchise" and is another sure shot. "Bricks & Motar" is set for release later this year, but 'til then you can bang your head to the first single "Franchise", a sick K.D. beat and an impressive lyrical performance by Chappel.
While looking through the related videos when making my last post, I came across the collaboration between Reks, Rasheed Chappel, and Maffew Ragazino from DJ Skizz's magnificent hip-hop opus "B.Q.E. (Brooklyn to Queens Experience)". While the video/single was released roughly a month ago, I missed out on posting it the first time around and I definitely want to take any chance I get to hype up and promote DJ Skizz album; clearly one of the most slept-on of the year. To hear both Reks, Rasheed Chappel and Maffew Ragazino clash on a powerful Golden Age-esque beat with punching drums, superb scratches and a nicely chopped sample. All in all, this is some powerful stuff and if you're still sleeping on "B.Q.E.", you better WAKE THE FUCK UP!!
Also check the videos for "Metal Bars" (w. Masta Ace & Nature), "Vio-Lence" (w. Ill Bill & Lil' Fame), "Triboro Thoro" (w. Panchi, Big Noyd & H.Stax) and pick up the CD @ FatBeats) ASAP.
This has been a good summer for hardbodie hip-hop records, and here's another one that will definitely serve your ears right. I have always given props to French beat maestro DJ Low Cut as he's dropped fat project after project without ever losing a step. After several collaborations with rugged Queens' spitter Nutso, the pair felt it was time to do something more official and earlier this month they released the ten track mini album "In The Cut" which you should definitely pick up, either digitally via iTunes or grab a physical copy (CD or wax) through DJ Low Cut's Bandcamp where you can also stream the project in full!
This is straight up HEAT to take you through any rainy day, and there's no question that DJ Low Cut and Nutso got a rare chemistry ; add features from Dirt Platoon, FT, Rasheed Chappell, AG Da Coroner, Timeless Truth, & C-Rayz Walz to that and I don't think I have to sell the idea you need to check this out any more, so press PLAY, TURN IT UP and let the HEADBANGING begin!!
Since I started The Lost Tapes I've been getting tons of new music in the mail on a daily basis. This is of course mainly a great thing, but as I don't have the time to check even close to everything, a lot of good stuff tend to get lost in the shuffle. Cleaning out my inbox I just found this funky J57 versus Rasheed Chappell song in an unopened promo letter from the BBS crew dating back to October 3. In other words, there's a good chance you are familiar with this one by now, but just in case you've been as sleepy as I, here goes the Rob Levy directed visuals for "Elite Status" - featuring DJ Brace on the cut. The track is one of ten songs that can be found on J57's latest EP "2057", which is available exclusively at J57music.com.
Observant readers should be aware that you already have been warned of this monster a few times, and now it's here; what is most likely the hottest mixtape of the year! M-Phatik Sounds & Illegal Promo presents "On The Verge", mixed and hosted by the seasoned DJ veteran that is J-Love. Featuring 31 tracks, the tape features a large host of the absolute best underground rappers on the scene right now. If you think that hip-hop is dead in 2012, with the possible exception of the already well established lyricists who's still putting out hot shit, prepare to get your mind completely changed about that (together with the just released "Formula=99" by Soundsci). "On the Verge" is chock full of true school esthetics, gritty, analog sounding sample based HIP-HOP beats, crazy turntable work, and headnod material. In other words, to sleep on this would be a big disfavor to yourself.
Artists featured on the tape include Super N.E.S., Rasheed Chappell, Rashad & Confidence, Smif-N-Wessun, J-Quest, Tragic Allies, Relentless, The Audible Doctor, Chino XL, J-Love, ASN, G.Dot & Born, Edo G, Ace & Hustle, Price Stylez, J-Love, Bambinoo, Crucial, T-Max, Tony Moreaue, Red Eye, Singapore Kane, Born Unique, Agallah, Hell Razah and Tokyo Cigar as Heavenly Cartel, and many more. And we haven't even got to the producers yet, so here goes... The main lacers are Tokyo Cigar, Confidence, Nick Wiz, Purpose, M-Credible and Cyrus The Great, but additional contributed bangers comes courtesy of the great ThoroTracks, Tha Audible Doctor, P-Solid Connection, DJ Grazzhoppa, The Breaks, Crucial G and Cuzzo Sosay. 31 tracks, including both slamming posse cuts and outstanding solo tracks, all expertly mixed and cut up by J-Love with virtually no DJ shouts for those of y'all who strongly dislikes that. "On The Verge" is basically a 90 minutes smorgasbord of gripping, authentic hip-hop of today's illest up-and-coming US rappers and producers - many of who might become the legends of tomorrow - mixed with a few cameos from some of the already well-established greats for good measure.
But don't take my word for it, the mixtape is totally free and if you like the content of this site, I can guarantee you will love this as much as me. Check out the back cover with tracklist and producers below, if you can't get a full size even when you click on it, try this instead. Much props to everybody involved for making this incredible project happen, it will make a lot of haters shut up about the state of hip-hop in 2012. There's only one rule though once you hit that play button...TURN IT THE FUCK UP!!!!
Just like every year, there's some good new underground scenes that makes their mark on the scene, but if you ask me it's today a rare occassion when a young up-and-comer comes through with what I guess will be a future classic debut album. New Jersey emcce Rasheed Chappell is the exception to that rule in 2011. Chappell's voice and delivery is laid-back, a little nasal and distinct and charismatic. And for the actual lyrics they are very clever and well-written, brutally honest, dealing with a number of topics ranging from government conspiracies and looking sharp. Bottom line is that all throughout the album Chappell is keeping it #100 real - it's clear he never tries to be someone he ain't - he even rather use his birth name than an artist alias.
The story of Rasheed Chappel as a serious artist (read my interview with him for further info), leading up to "Future Before Nostalgia" was when he met underrated DJ Kenny "Dope" Gonzales. The hip-hop, funk and house producer, who was once part of Masters @ Work with "Little" Louie Vega, had been missing from the hip-hop scene for some time until he met Rasheed. The two instantly clicked on both a personal and musical level and the emcee became the first signee to Kay-Dee Records and as a result Gonzales also produced Chappell's album front to back. A very wise decision indeed it turned out. As dope as Rasheed are on the microphone, the musical chemistry between him and Gonzales are something absolutely extraordinary and in all fairness I would say that this is a true collaboration between the two, rather than a solo record by an emcee produced by one guy.
From the introspective opening "Invocation" to the similair closing joint "Thankful" the album never gets boring and the rhymes and beats are always on point. This album needs to find its way to vinyl; hopefuly we could get a very limited run because I would buy it in an instance. Right when the album dropped, I wrote a longer more analytical review that the artist himself absolutely loved, so rather than break it down more here, you can read my original review here.
As a hip-hop fied and one who truly cares about the culture it's always a blessing when a fresh, young emcee comes out and sweeps the rug with most of the veteran's work of the year. That this scenario would happen in 2011 with brand new and dope releases from artists like KRS-One, J-Live, Raekwon, Pharoahe Monch and Timbo King seemed unlikely. But that is exactly what happened when newcomer Rasheed Chappell released his critically acclaimed debut album "Future Before Nostalgia" on Kay Dee Records earlier this year. I can't imagine many heads dissapointed by this drop, and if you have yet to pick it up - do so while you still can @ for example UGHH or cut out the middle man and get it from Kay Dee Records. I recently got the chance to ask Rasheed himself some questions about this album, so check it out and enjoy!
c7: Peace, How are you doing?
Rasheed: I am doing GREAT! Feeling good, enjoying life.
Could you give us a quick breakdown of the title "Future Before Nostalgia" and what it means to you?
The title actually came about after recording "Building 8" we were working on an album entitled "Nostalgia". We wanted to give people a warm-up, it was supposed to be a mixtape but it morphed into an album the more we worked. The title serves as a bridge to what has inspired Kenny and I musically but also a glimpse of what we hope to be.
It was very refreshing to see you using a back-to-basics formula by sticking with one producer for the entire project, especially since the chemistry between you is so evident. How did you first hook up?
[Speaking on the 2008 single release, "Dope Muziq" / "Resurrection"] Well Kenny is a DJ first and foremost so the 7" was his way of introducing his fan base & DJ's to him embarking back to his hip-hop roots. I was happy with the turnout of that single, it's become a collector's item these days ha ha! I am blessed for that & yeah, those were some of the first songs Kenny & I recorded. The producer of the B-side, Maleet, was the link to Kenny and I. He actually produced "Resurrection" and he played that song for Kenny. Kenny liked it, asked to meet me and the rest if "future before nostalgia", ha ha!
What's your personal favorite joint of the album?
Ahhh, my FAVORITE joint on the album, probably "The Genesis"! I feel it tells the entire story of the album and the ideas and mood behind it.
What was the idea behind the album opener "Invocation" and the closening "The Future" which really sews the LP together in a major way?
It's funny, with both those records Kenny had a clear idea of where he wanted them on the album before I wrote a single word. With "Invocation" he came to me and said "THIS is gonna be the intro" ha ha. He has visions I guess and so I wrote it with that in mind. Same thing with "Thankful", so many people are responsible for me being here and I just wanted the world to know their names.
Was it a conscious move to only use songs that made the album a coherrent front-to-back listen; no skits, no filler?
Yes and no. I couldn't think of any skits and by the time I did it was too late ha ha. I have never really done them, I might in the future thought if it makes sense and fits the story line.
How long did the recording of the album take, everything counted, and did you think the LP would have the impact on the underground scene as it has?
The album took about two years to complete. Kenny always said that there is no time limit, let's just get it right. I was anxious to release music at different periods of the recording process but I am happy we waited and put the right songs on the album. I am just thankful people listened, I had no idea it would be received so well, I had hopes but no real idea. I honsetly feel like I have SO much more to give so I just take it as a blessing.
Were there a lot of songs that got cut from the album and if so, are there any chances fans will get to hear any of those in one way or another?
We recorded about 60 songs for this project, some will be used on the next album, some for different projects because they didn't fit the vibe of this project.
Only one alternate version [of anything from "Future..."] exists and that's for "Shut It Down".
Your music has a boom-bap quality to it and it's refreshing to hear someone with well thought out socially conscious and personal lyrics. What are some of your main influences and what do you listen to?
My main Hip Hop influences are so varied, I grew up listening to my older cousins music such as Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Public Enemy, BDP, Lord Finesse and others. When I finally got a chance to have MY Hip Hop I was into Nas, Wu-Tang, Mobb Deep, The Roots, Common and others. Outside of Hip Hop I am a huge fan of old Soul and R&B courtesy of my parents. I listen to everything honestly, Rock, Jazz, Reagge. I listen to the lyrics first and if they draw me in, I listen.
Any producers or artists out there that you would like to work with at the moment or in the future?
I am a fan of so many artists and producers out there like Nas, Raekwon, Premier, Alchemist, Evidence, just too many to name, but right now I want to focus on our sound, perfecting my craft and etching out my own legacy.
Last but not least I want to ask you what the future holds for Rasheed Chappell?
God willing more music, more LIFE and more oppurtinity to fulfill my dreams!
Many, many thanks to Rasheed Chappell for taking time out and doing this interview. "Future Before Nostalgia" is available in stores and online NOW so make sure to support the realness. As an added bonus, check out this recent freestyle where Rasheed goes IN over the classic DJ Premier beat for Nas' "New York State Of Mind". Of course hailing New Jersey, this is the "NJ State of Mind".
Murs is someone I used to check for alot several years ago but lost track of, but this track knocks! Judging by this, his forthcoming collaboration album with Ski Beatz, "Love & Rockets Volume I: Declaration", will definitely be worth checking for. The track is called "316 Ways".
Rasheed Chappell is the illest debuting artist of 2011 if you ask me, at least up to this point and I'm doubtful someone will be able to break that during the next three months. Fully produced by DJ Kenny Dope, "Future Before Nostalgia", is still heavy in rotation!
Not that often, but every once in a while, a new debuting hip-hop artist appears on the scene that comes through and really grabs me with superior lyrics and delivery. Such is the case with Rasheed Chappell, a young emcee hailing from New Jersey, who pretty much packs the entire package. He have charisma, honest and thought-provoking lyrics, a sick flow, an ill, kinda nasal voice and the proper production to back him up plus a bright love for the hip-hop game which shines through in the music. From what I understand, Chappell has been around for a couple of years, dropping a vinyl single and a few mixtapes, but personally I first came in contact with him through his super phat official debut album - "Future Before Nostalgia". In classic hip-hop fashion the album features 16 songs of raw emceeing over beats supplied by only one producer, who happens to be legendary DJ Kenny Dope. With no guest emcees whatsoever, save for some seriously ill turntable work by DJ Scratch and DJ Mell Starr, it's all about Rasheed Chappell. Him and Kenny Dope certainly shows chemistry as a duo, seemingly bouncing ideas of eachother, bringing out the best in eachother. The canvas the producer creates includes enough different styles to avoid a tiresome listen while still making the full-length LP sound very cohessive.
Chappell is the first artist signed to Kenny Dope's new label, Kay Dee Records, and uses this golden oppurtinity to record a collaboration that shares many similarities with many classic debut albums from the early-to-mid-'90s. The complete lack of guest artists besides turntablist is one thing, letting one producer handling all the duties is another as well as the fact that "Future Before Nostalgia" isn't based on the typical braggadocious or pointless rap most debuting artists today make a living off. There's a few joints on here where Rasheed speaks on his impeccable skill set ("What I'm Here For") but most of the album deals with topics regarding the artists real life, an honest look at a young mans pains, struggles and glory ("Invocation", "Thankful") mixed in with some brilliant political songs (like "Portrait of the Ghetto" and my favorite track "Building 8" which you can hear/watch above). In this matter the album title stands in contrast to the contents of the disc; the overall vibe is reminiscent of past, better days in the rap game but as things often goes in circles, maybe he's hinting that important music like this will soon be the norm again. But probably, I'm just reading way too much into that. The fact remains though, Rasheed Chappell is the best debut artist of the year in my humble opinion and we can only hope he blows up like he deserves, though this is as far removed from the bullshit spunned on the musical armageddon that passes as commercial radio today.
As for the production, the four times Grammy nominated Kenny Dope (who most recently worked with Chef Raekwon), really does an amazing job at lacing Chappell with beats suited for his personality and musical style. Filled with hardcore drum breaks, dusty samples from old records with vocals and instruments parts of pianos (both electric and accoustic), deep basslines and soforth, Dope creates an outstanding album that's right in the tradition of "authentic" hip-hop. Let me put it like this, if you're a fan of true school rap and likes the content of this blog, and gonna pick up one debut album released this year, this is the one for you! Sick production, refreshing lyrics and fantastic turntable work, it's is sure as hell a very welcome change from Odd Future, Whiz Kalifa, Drake and all that other micro-wave music being force-fed to the public as "good music" these days."Future Before Nostalgia" will hopefully see a vinyl release soon but til' then you can pre-order the CD which hit stores on this Tuesday @ UGHHor straight from Kay Dee Records. Check out the videos in the post plus I also uploaded one of my favorite songs off the LP for y'all to bang while waiting on the album to drop. Don't sleep on this and support real hip-hop!
