SKYZOO & TORAE - "Double The Monsters"

This is another slamming 2DBZ premier for the day that at least I haven't heard before. This Marco Polo produed is where hardcore meets beautiful while Sky and Torae GOES IN.. Overall "The Barrell Brothers" was quite an underrated LP and should definitely have gotten more recognition, I always had a huge deal of respect for this guy and with songs like this they prove once again their incredible ear for beats and chemistry between each other. What bugs me is that too many artists save album highlights for bonus tracks which is a shame in my book. Anyway, take a listen to "Double the Monsters" below (again thanks to the site mentioned above) and be sure to bang your head to this short but sweet joint! It's on the vinyl though so that's good news rather than like most artist putting the bonus track as a digital only downlaod. Enjoy!

DJ PREMIER Presents SKYZOO & TORAE - "Bars in the Booth #7"

Like I wrote a few posts down I haven't had a chance to update the blog or even use my laptop for more than a week, so a long with some new shit I'm also gonna post some tracks and videos that's just too dope not to get a run under the spotlight. One such joint is the 7th and latest entry in DJ Premier's terrific video freestyle series "Bars in the Booth", showcasing some of the most talented rhyme slingers of today getting busy over exclusive Preemo bangers. This time it's a double feature as both of The Barrell Brothers gets busy and does a damn good job. When the series reach higher numbers a compilation of all the installments so far will be mandatory for the phone.

[Mixtape/Album] FATIN Presents "A Tribute to Black Dynamite"

Distributed by Pharoahe Monch's "W.A.R." media publishing imprint, "A Tribute to Black Dynamite" is a geat tribute mixtape/album in the honor of the great blaxploatation '70s style comedy (from 2005) "Black Dynamite". If you haven't seen the movie yet, DO SO, because it's absolutely hilarious and features an incredible soundtrack by Adrian Younge and his Venice Dawn album straight through. A while back the interesting East Coast prodducer Fatin "10" Horton decided to give his own take on a fcitional soundtrack to the film and the series, and the result is some funky-ass hip-hop tracks that should have you keep your head nodding fo-sho-sho. Features include Big Remo, Rapsody, Mela Machinko, Skyzoo, Jean Grae, CQ, Torae, and more, and most importantly a new Pharoahe Monch  joint produced by Fatin for the proejct (for those of you who don't know Fatin 

Horton has produced some of his finest album tracks the last couple of years). Check it out for free below!

BUCKSHOT & P-MONEY - "Just Money"

Duck Down and Bucktown legend Buckshot joins forces with New Zealand producer P-Money for a full-length project entitled "Backpack Travels". Judging by the new single "Just Money" (above, also featuring Raz Fresco) and the earlier "Flute". this is taking it back to the golden era with knocking beats, heavy bottom, tight cuts, well written rhymes and soul samples. The album is available on June 24, but just a few weeks ago P-Money dropped his own producer project "Gratitude" which beside Buckshot also features legends like M.O.P., Havoc, Freddie Gibbs, Roc Marciano, Talib Kweli, Skyzoo, and more. Check that out below or download via Bandcamp.

[Album] SKYZOO & TORAE - "Barrell Brothers"

Skyzoo and Torae finally gets together for an official album which is especially exciting as these two cats represent a younger generation of really talented East Coast emcees and they both broke into the industry around the same time. From what I've heard so far the album, "Barrell Brothers", is structured around Sky and Tor spitting seriously ill shit, building off each other's energy, over high powered boom bap bangers supplied by the likes of DJ Premier, Oh No, Black Milk, !llmind and Khrysis. The entire album steams for free @ DJBooth (where you can also purchase the downlaod) while the CD now ships from UGHH and other retailers.

EDIT - Be sure to also check out "Got It From Here", a bonus track for iTunes and the forthcoming vinyl release produced by Apollo Brown. Actually one of the strongest cuts of the project for me.

SKYZOO & TORAE / RANDOM AXE - "All In Together"

Perhaps my most anticipated joint from Skyzoo & Torae's upcoming "Barel Brothers" that is really shaping up lovely. Here they bring some real rugged, string-driven, hard-hitting hip-hop that's not short on the ill lyricism as the talented brothers bring in the Random Axe crew with Sean Price and Guilty Simpson plus Black Milk providing another banger. "Barrel Brothers" hit stores on May 27, but pre-orders are already now shipping from UGHH.

[Mixtape] SKYZOO & TORAE - "Pre-Loaded: Best Of The Barrell Brothers"

Two of the finer younger East Coast spitters of the day can be found in Skyzoo and Torae, and since they first broke on the scene as individuals to be reckoned with they have also released several slamming collaborations. As they are now teaming up for their highly anticipated "Barrell Brothers" project, including collaborations with producers such as DJ Premier, Oh No, Black Milk, !llmind, Khrysis, Apollo Brown, and more, the duo is already now giving us a pre-loaded batch called "Best Of The Barrell Brothers". Mixed by DJ E-Holla, this is a nice lil' something to hold you over until May 27. Spotted @ Rugged Ones.

SKYZOO & TORAE - "Blue Yankee Fitted"

Skyzoo and Torae, sometimes by far two of the most itneresting emcees out of the "new" NYC area of young spitters, are finally getting together for an official release entitled "Barell Brothers". Featuring proudction by !llmind, DJ Premier, 9th Wonder, Oh No, Black Milk, Khrysis, Apollo Brown and more, this is bound to be dope. Check out the first single, the !llmind produced "Blue Yankee Fitted" up top and peep the tracklist below.

1. Intro
2. Talk Of The Town (prod. Oh-No)
3. Make You A Believer (prod. Jahlil Beats)
4. Tunnel Vision (prod. !llmind)
5. Blue Yankee Fitted (prod. !llmind)
6. All In Together f. Sean Price & Guilty Simpson (prod. Black Milk)
7. Triangle Offense f. Sha Stimuli (prod. !llmind)
8. Movie Album (skit) (prod. Auréli1 a.k.a TIGA)
9. Albee Square Mall f. Livin Proof (prod. Praise)
10. The Hand Off (prod. Khrysis & Cyrus Tha Great)
11. 4 Bar Friday (prod. The Stuyvesants)
12. Memorabilia (prod. AntMan Wonder)
13. Rediscover f. Blu (prod. MarcNfinit)
14. The Aura (prod. DJ Premier, co-produced by AntMan Wonder)
15. Got It From Here (prod. Apollo Brown) (bonus-itunes & vinyl only)

[EP] SKYZOO - "An Ode to Reasonable Doubt"

It's no secret that the music of Jay-Z has been a huge inspiration on fellow Brooklyn son Skyzoo. As yesterday marked Jiggaman's birthday Skyzoo links up with producer/composer Antman Wonder in the creation of "An Ode To Reasonable Doubt". In similiar fashion to what eLzhi did to "Illmatic", Skyzoo and Wonder uses the original tracks as blueprints for a live orchestral rendition of the music, with the original vocals functioning as a take off point for Sky. A pretty damn sick listen without a reasonable doubt... especially if you can't get enough of the unbelivable masterpiece that is "Reasonable Doubt". The nine track EP is available as a free download or stream via LoyaltyDigitalCorp - enjoy!

[Album] ROME CLIENTEL - "The Empire 3"

Since I first heard him a couple of years back, Elmira, NY emcee Rome Clientel has never failed to dissapoint me; and his three first official free albums serves as a loosely formed trilogy of dope music. Now the final installment in his "The Empire" series is completed, and just as expected it's fucking off the hook. With some of the most talented up-and-coming producers giving him a hand on the superb "Bang Bang!" [prod. by The Militia], "L.E.G.A.C.Y." [prod. by ATG], and several others as well as more established producers like the always interesting Quincey Tones this 9 track set is a must listen if you're a fan of his previous works. The sound is broader, and it's Rome's finest lyrical output to date; overall it's probably his finest entry in the series even; and solid cameos from Skyzoo, Blue Legacy, Realm Reality and The Antiheroe's Sha Prince doesn't exactly hurt either. So be sure to press play and TURN THIS FUCKER UP!!

Lil' Fame - "Get Busy Freestyle"

There's no question that Lil' Fame still got it, just check this latest freestyle off J-Ronin's latest tape, where Slap gets busy over the "Get Busy" beat. This'll appear on J-Ronin and All Element's upcoming "Freestyle Files Vol. 2" which also includes tough frees by Skyzoo, Ras Kass, Sav Killz, Tragedy Khadafi, Sadat X, Krumbsnatcha and many more.

[Album] DYNASTY - "A Star In Life's Clothing"

I'm not that familiar with Dynasty, the fast rising Queens emcee, aside from her two excursions into the Works of Mart with their two terrific boom bap collaborations "Dynasty" and "Street Music"; both been incredible street shit. The girl can definitely rhyme and I'm about to listen to the album ASAP; I don't really know what to expect, but I hope that there will be more of that Heavy sound despite DJ Premier's only contribution to the finished product is just the aforementioned "Street Music". I'm not sure who the other producers are but the Jakarta Records LP does feature collaborations with Skyzoo, Talib Kweli, Hometown Hero, and a few others so it should at least be interesting. The same goes for the second single, "Sweet Music" (which yous see up top). I'm definitely checking this and I recommend you do the same! Stream the album below, and order your digital, CD, or LP copy here.

Rome Clientel Ft. Skyzoo & Realm Reality - "Champions"

One of Lost Tapes' absolute favorite underground emcee, Elmira's Rome Clientel, is back at it again which is always a good thing. Following the banging The Militia produced lead single "Bang, Bang (Elmira Anthem)", he is now back with the second single from the final installment his "Empire Trilogy" ("Coronation"). "Champions" is a hardknocked posse cut that sees Rome reuniting with Skyzoo and Realm Reality, produced by DJ Concept. "Empire 3: Coronation" drops October 14, and if these two singles are a good indication this could very well be the finest entry in the trilogy yet; but we just have to wait and see. Peace to Dharmic X!

Peter Jackson w/ MOP, Kweli, Skyzoo, Joell Ortiz & Troy Ave

God damn, the amount of interesting new tracks just don't stop today.. I'm not crazy about the beat, but a posse cut featuring favorites like Lil' Fame, Billy Danze, Talib Kweli, Skyzoo, Joell Ortiz, and Troy Ave. These emcees have been gathered by Toronto spitter Peter Jackson for his single "I Don't Give A Fuck 2.0"; the Metcalfe produced lead single from his upcoming mixtape "Good Company", hosted by !llmind and mixed by DJ Whoo Kid and DJ Dames Nellas. No said date as of now, but stay tuned! 

 

SKYZOO / TALIB KWELI - "Spike Lee Was My Hero"

Some days the possibility of making an update is barely possible, while other days the web is flooded with new and interesting hip-hop music; and such a day it is today. Skyzoo dropped his second official album "A Dream Deferred" this October, and while it wasn't as amazing as his 2009 debut, it featured it's share of dope music. One of the stand out tracks being the Spike Lee tribute "Spike Lee Was My Hero" which featured impressive verses by both Skyzoo and guest Talib Kweli, and a nice horn-driven beat by Tall Black Guy. The song now gets the visual treatment, complete with a Spike Lee cameo near the end. The "A Dream Deferred" CD is available @ UGHH amongst other retailers.

[Album] SHA STIMULI - "The Present"

Sha Stimuli is probably one of the most active emcees when it comes to dropping music this year. Starting in January of this year, he dropped the first installment in "The Rent Tape" series with "The Calling" mixtape. Since then, Sha has released a new free tape on a monthly based, and wisely he's save the best for last - "The Present" is a collaboration with production duo Dynamite Bruhz and is full of banging beats and intellectual rhymes. Guest features are many and heavy; how about J-Live, Reks, Torae, MidaZ The Beast, Wordsworth, Skyzoo, Planet Asia, Boog Brown, Rapper Big Pooh, Buff1, and more. Don't sleep on this one guys!

Sha Stimuli x Skyzoo x Torae - "Rapping Papers"

Three of the best emcees from the graduation class of 2009 joins forces for this bumping posse cut called "Rapping Papers". In case you have missed out on this, Sha Stimuli have released indidividual tracks as "The Rent Series" on a regular basic throughout the years, and this heavy htting collabo with two of NY's most interesting emcees at the moment closes out the series. In case you missed the Sha series, don't disspear as the full collection will be available for free on Monnday, December 24 via Bandcamp. Other features include J-Live, Planet Asia, Reks, Jamal Bufford, Playboy Tre and many more. Production and turntable work are provided by The Dynamite Bruhz, and three time Scrabble Jam champion DJ Presyce, respectively. Stay tuned for a link right here on The Lost Tapes on December 24.

Skyzoo's "A Dream Deferred" Out Now!

Brooklynite Skyzoo always has some interesting things to say, and is one artist whose lyrics rewards listeners upon repeated listenings. I've been sold since "The Salvation", but that is not to say that there's been a few of his projects that haven't really made much for me. The two singles from his latest Duck Down release, "A Dream Deferred" has managed to imrpess me though, and I will definitely keep my ears open for this project. Up top you see the new visuals for "Give It Up", where Sky's getting busy over the !llmind produced, heavily spaced-out "boom trap" sound that he's been experimenting with lately. You can cop "A Dream Deferred" @ iTunes, but if you are like me and prefer your music in the physical format, it's available on CD from UGHH amongst other sites. Still no word on an LP set though...

DJ PRINCE x SKYZOO - "Best Of Mixtape"

Ever since the 2009 release of Brooklynites official debut "The Salvation" Skyzoo has made a name for himself as one of the most interesting emcees of this generation. While preparing for his third retail album, "A Dream Defferred", which drops on DuckDown/Jamla on October 2, Sky has teamed up with long-time collaborator DJ Prince to bring a well-executed "best of mixtape". The 30 songs found here works well as both a reminder of some of of Skyzoo's mos memorable records, as logng as some new music and older rarities. Also visit SkyzooMusic, check out the official tracklist and let the muisc hrstf brloe sweep you in...

The Militia / Rome Clientel / Skyzoo

The Militia treats us to another single from his debut release, "Timeless Classic EP" that will be out as a free download via DJBooth on September 25. Everything has sounded real solid so far, so I would be suprised if this doesn't blow a lot of people out the water when it drops. Bringin in Rome Clientel and Skyzoo for the vocal takes doesn't exactly hurt either... Stay tuned!

THE MILITIA / ROME CLIENTEL / SKYZOO - "TIMELESS CLASSIC"