[Compilation] TRAGEDY KHADAFI - "The Kuwait Tapes"

We here at The Lost Tapes love Tragedy Khadafi, while I did like his "Intelligent Hoodlum" album it was when he dropped "Tragedy: Saga Of A Hoodlum" that I really started to fuck with him. And then we got his whole 25-to-life movement and the molding he did of Capone-N-Noreaga from average street rappers to revolutionary slang kings on "The War Report". Nas, Mobb Deep and Tragedy Khadafi is the epitome of the Queensbridge sound, there can't really be one without the other based on the fact on how much they inspired each other. Some might think that Tragedy is just a street rhymer but they are clearly not listening - Trag is as ill a lyricist as Nas and Prodigy were at their prime. Just check Tragedy's verses on "L.A. L.A." (the Kuwait mix where he just keeps going and going), "T.O.N.Y.", "Parole Violators", "Calm Down", "Message to Killa Black", "Blood Type", "They Forced My Hand" and "Permanently Scarred". And that's just to name a few classic verses and tracks.

Recently Khadafi dropped two free tapes featuring some of his finest, yet rarest material from this period - fittingly titled "The Kuwait Tapes". The tracklisting is similiar to a Tragedy compilation I upoaded way back when that I never got around to reupload so I hope you'll enjoy it again this time around. I know I will! 

01. "Calm Down" (Ft. Nas & Noreaga)

This 1997 classic was supposed to appear on "The War Report" but it's a good chance label politics got in the way. At least it was released on the CNN 12" singles from "The Report".

02. "Judas Theory" (Ft. Capone-N-Noreaga & Mobb Deep)

This monster was produced by Stretch Armstrong as a promo for the upcoming artists back in '96.

03. "Half A Mill" (Ft. Capone-N-Noreaga)

This was another radio freestyle to get the CNN names out there. Some sources says it was recorded in 1995 and some sources say 1996. My guess is for the latter.

04. "Strange Fruit" (Ft. Noreaga, Pete Rock, Cappadonna & Sticky Fingaz)

Pete Rock was working on his first solo album back in 1997 and while the album came out nothing short of blazing the Soul Brother sure made a name for himself. The exception was the Nina Simone sampling "Strange Fruit" which was by far the hardest record on the LP. The album version didn't feature Noreaga, Pete Rock or Sticky Fingaz either.

05. "The Turnaround" [Thug Remix] (Ft. Real Live & Capone)

Only the real heads knows about this one as it was the B-Side to the "The Turnaround" and thougit's proudced by K-DEF it really features that thugged out CNN type sound mid-'90s. This is probably my favorite CNN remix / B-side / rarity and for good reason so if you never heard it you are definiteyl in for a treat.

06. "LA LA" [Iraq Mix] (Ft. Capone-N-Noreaga & Mobb Deep)

The 'Kuwait Mix' was always my shit, as I always felt it came as hard as it could and it also proved Marley Marley was still one of the dopest producers in 1996 (Stretch Armstrong did the edits). The Iraq Mix wasn't bad by any streth of the word, but the West Coast vibe that payed "homage" to the Dogg Pound song didn't pack the lethal punch that a diss record of this caliber truly needed.l.

07. "1st Day of Spring" (Ft. Mobb Deep)

Word is that this is a "Hell On Earth" leftover, though I don't think I ever seen an official source for it. Either way it does pack Havoc's dark horror vibes production and raw verses from Hav, P and Tragedy - remember that Tragedy was the one that took Havoc uner his wing back in the early 1990s and had him rhyming on his "Saga of a Hoodlum" LP. "Hell On Earth" is basically perfect as it is, but to be fair, I'd rather have this song than that enhanced CD content "In The Long Run".

08. "Thug's Paradise Remix" (Ft. Capone)

"Thug's Paradise" originally appeared on the Nothing to Lose soundtrack before appearing as a hidden joint on "The War Report". And the worst song at that. D-Moet's flashy production really didn't do nothing for that album and this remix does equally little.

09. "Mumia 911" (Ft. Chuck D, Pharoah Monch, Black Thought, Last Emepror & Zack DeLa Rocha)

Ok now we're getting back to business. This was always a favorite of mine and the full-lenght version features a bunch of other rhymesligers like Afu-Ra, Wise Intelligent, Slim Kid 3, Aceyalone, dead prez and then some. This was released as a 12" single in honor of political prisoner Mumia Abu-Jamal under the collective name of Unbound Allstars. The 12" single featured remixes by Fat Lip, Diamond D and an uncredited one called "Rocks Tha World Full Length Mix". I'm not entrely sure but I think the version included here is the Diamond D remix so that's a good sign in and of itself.

10. "Renaissance 2.0." (Ft. Black Market Milia & R.A. The Rugged Man)

The only Black Market Milia member not to make an apperance here is Killah Priest but it's Ok considering how dope the beat is, and how Tragedy Khadafi. Timbo King and R.A. The Rugged Man murder shit.

11. "Lift Ya Glass" (Ft. Imam Thug)

This Ayatollah produced banger was actually included on Trag's first solo album, "Against All Odds" but consering how excellent this joint is and the back and forth between Trag and Imam Thug is I don't mind in the least.

12. "Usual Suspects" (Ft. DMX, Mic Geronimo, The Lox & Ja Rule)

Mic Geronimo had a lot of potential so it's a shame he kind of dissapeared after his second album, "Vendetta", from where this is lifted. "Usual Suspects" is kind of the follow-up to "Time to Build" that featured DMX, Ja Rule, Jay-Z and Mic Geronimo. The track in question is produced by Daven Prestige Vanderpool who was kind of an uneven producer but here he broguth the goods..

13. "Armageddon (Crime Side of Life)" (Ft. Self)

This Tragedy Khadafi single dropped in 1999 on Next Level Distribution but didn't make too much noise at the time. Consdering that Trag's "Against All Odds" was originally supposed to drop in 1999 it's possible that this is actually a cut song from the original album.

14. "Enemies Of The State" (Ft. Canibus)

One of a couple of collaborations between Canibus & Tragedy. I think the year is between 1997 and 1998 but I could be wrong.

15. "Bottom Line Dollar Sign" (Ft. X1, F.T. Royal Flush & Jane Doe)

Now this is an ill posse cut right here featuring several somewhat forgotten rappers. Personaly I'm a big fan of F.T. of Street Smartz and Jane Doe recorded a solid album with 88 Keys that never got released, and of course Royal Flush is an underground street legend in his own right. This js a rare joint right here, I actually never rhard heard it before.

15. "Let's Be Specific" (Ft. Havoc, Raekwon, Freddie Foxxx & Cool Whip)

This is an underrated banger for sure. Taken from Funkmaster Flex first installment of his "The Miixtape Vol, 1; 60 Minutes of Funk"). This is a power house ending to a sick compilationso sit back, press play, turm the volume up and ENJOY!'

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[Demo] TRAGEDY KHADAFI - "Black Rage Demos Pt. 2"

Between 1989 and 1992 Tragedy Khadafi released two excellent, yet sadly very overlooked, albums under the moniker Intelligent Hoodlum. Produced by Marley Marl, Large Professor, Joe Fatal and K-DEF both LP:s have truly stood the test of time and paved the way for future QB classics by Nas, Mobb Deep and Capone-N-Noreaga. Now Diggers With Gratitude has hooked up with Trag and dug deep into the archives and unearthed some certified gems that for long was thought to have been lost. These songs were originally recorded between 1991 and 1992 for the "Black Rage" album, which after label intervention was softened down a bit to the (still militant) "Tragedy: Saga Of A Hoodlum" LP. The second installment in a Black Rage Demos series, this EP collects eight never before heard cuts and is definitely one for the collectors. Check out the snippets below.

01. "Intro"
02. "Black Rage"
03. "Rebel to Amerikkka"
04. "Adolescents to War"
05. "Underground" [Alt. Version]
06. "Bullet"
07. "Fuck George Bush" [Interlude]
08. "Amerika Eats The Young" [Remix]

[comp] SKEFF ANSELM - "And Skeff He Gets Props Too"

My homie Mal Moe a.k.a. M-Credible came to me with a great idea of me doing a compilation of Skeff Anselm's material, and though he's definitely very dope I knew much of his material was hard to come by but I also know that Mal has been helping me out a lot and have a great ear for these sort of things so I was at least gonna try. It took me some time tracking down everything but in the end I managed to find pretty much everything he ever did, which isn't much but pretty much all very dope. The end result is a 15 track compilation I hope y'all enjoy as much as I do and help fans understand just how dope Anselm was at one point.

Younger readers might not have a clue about Skeff Anselm is because he held such a low profile, but he was an engineer, mixer, producer and remix artist from the Boogie Down Bronx, originally working under Jazzy Jay on his UNI label. Among his earliest recording work for the label as an engineer was for Grand Puba's original group Masters Of Ceremony on the single "Sexy", the entirety of Don Barron's debut album and the single "I'm Not Playing" and parts of the unreleased album by The Ultimate Force (Diamond D/MC Rob) which was supposed to follow but was eventually shelved (until it finally saw the release a couple of years ago: and thank god for that!. As a producer his first project was the full-length album for hip-hop trio Nu-Sounds  "Mackin'". It was in its entirety produced by Anslem in conjunction with group member DJ Fashion (credited as Rohan Robotham) while emcees Craig Burrus and RMR handled vocals. Without Burns and Anslem the group reformed, adding rapper Broadway, as Strictly Roots a few years later and released "Begs No Friends" to little noise, but that's another story. Check the YouTube video below to stream the complete album!

Anslem undoubtedly is most known for his excellent work on A Tribe Called Quest's most classic albums "The Low End Theory" and "Midnight Mauraders", where he laced such timeless pieces as "Showbusiness" and "8 Million Stories". He also worked with Brand Nubian on their equally classic debut album "One For All" where he was credited for the Lord Jamar solo "Ragtime" and some engineering, mixing. However I have a feeling that he did some uncredited co-production work on there as the 12" single for "All For One / Concerto in X Minor" clearly states him as co-producer of all songs on the release, including the remixes (check it out for yourself). After production on D-Nice's second album (including two versions of the Naughty By Nature collaboration), MC Serch's solo debut, and a joint on Heavy D. & The Boyz popular "Blue Funk" album, he started remixing and producing more low-key records for what was more or less one hit wonders (Yall So Stupid, Blakkheart, Akiko, B'Zar Behavior. Jamalski). In 1996 he produced his final high-profile record in the form of the De La Soul/Mos Def collaboration "Big Brother Beat". Two years later he reappeared for the final time (to my knowledge) co-producing a joint called "The Street Mix" by some no name kid group called Mag 7 - I have not included it on the compilation but you can check out the video for it right here.

So what really happened with Skeff Anselm and why did he leave the music biz behind. He definitely had a slamming sound and much of what he produced or remixes is considered classic today. One reason that he might have been quite hard to work with, something that I learned from two interviews (although remember that there's of course two sides of every story). First Diamond D said the following in an interview when answering the question how it was working with Skeff (who's credited for engineering work on both "I'm Not Playing" and "Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop") - "Working with Skeff was cool, but he kinda always looked down on me" (Platform 8470 Magazine: Interview with Diamond). Then there's an interview Lord Jamar about the making of their second Puba-less album "In God We Trust" and the decision to record it themeselves. This is what Lord Jamar had to say on the topic - "This guy did some production on the first album. He's still my man so I don't want to bring his name up. He did a song on the first album and was always cool with us. He thought that he was going to be the producer and he was going to try to exploit us. He did a beat and the price was crazy higher than it should have been. For that price of one beat, we could buy equipment and make all our beats at home... I know for a fact that my beats are hotter than this dude" (MVRemix: Lord Jamar). Now remember that the only outside producers on "One For All" was Stimulated Dummies, who of course includes Dante Ross who in fact worked on both "In God We Trust" and "Everything is Everything". Beside Skeff and Dante Ross the only other producer is Dave "Jam" Hall and I think we can all be assured that's not who he's talking about. This is not to spread gossip, and if you know anything please let me know and I'll be glad to fix it, I'm just interested in how it come that a talented producer and engineer basically dissapears from a promising career. With that said, let's get on with the compilation, some classic, and some quite rare or at least obscure, early to mid-'90s bangers to please your ears. TURN IT UP, ENJOY and NOD YOUR HEAD!

01. Intelligent Hoodlum - "Mad Brothas Know His Name" (Remix) [1992, 12" EP]

02. Brand Nubian - "Concerto in X Minor" (Remix) (1990, "All For One" 12")

03. MC Serch - "Hits The Head" (1992, "Return of the Product" LP)

04. A Tribe Called Quest - "Check The Rhime" [Skeff's Mix] [1991, 12" EP]

05. D-Nice Ft. Treach - "To Tha Rescue" [Skeff's Mix] (1991, "Time to Flow" 12")

06. B'Zar Behavior - "Behavior The Sickness" (1995, "Street Jazz LP", 12" sampler]

07. Heavy D & The Boyz - "Talk is Cheap" [1992, "Talk is Cheap" LP]

08. Brand Nubian - All For One" (Trap Mix) [1990, "All For One" 12"]

09. D-Nice - "No No No" [1991, "To Tha Rescue" LP]

10. Jamalski - "African Border" [Skeffington Mix] [1993, "African Border" 12"]

11. Yall So Stupid - "Van Full Of Pakistans" (Skeff Main) [1993, "Van Full..." 12"]

12. Brand Nubian - "Ragtime" [1990, "One For All" LP]

13. De La Soul Ft. Mos Def - "Big Brother Beat" [1996, "Stakes is High" LP]

14. A Tribe Called Quest - "8 Million Stores" [1993, "Midnight Mauraders LP]

15. Blakkheart - "Fire" [1994, State Of Emergency Vol. 1, Compilation]

SKEFF ANSELM - "...AND SKEFF HE GET PROPS TOO"

[Video] Endemic Ft. Tragedy & Ruste Juxx & Afu-Ra

"High Society" was the first single to drop from talented producer Endemic's star-studded production compilation "Terminal Illness Pt. 2" a while back. Now this banging track with its crazy line-up (who are all getting their grime on here over an addictive Endemic chop), gets the video treatmeant are we are getting closer to the full-length album. November 26 is the date, so stay tuned for more info and get ready to support if you're feeling this - and press play, lean back and ENJOY!

Tragedy Khadafi - "Stay In Ya Lane"

New heat from Tragedy Khadafi is always mad appreciated, and "Stay In Ya Lane" shows the legendary emcee shining bright. The single also features an apperance by Zagnif Nori of Noble Society who Trag hooked up with through Hell Razah. Word from 25 to Life is that we'll be seeing more new shit from Khadafi very soon so be on the look out!

Marco Polo Ft. OC, Large Pro, Inspectah Deck & Tragedy - "Astonishing"

The countdown to my most anticipated LP right now has soon came to its end, with Marco Polo's "PA2: The Director's Cut" finally hitting the streets on November 12 via Soulspazm. The tracklist is just filled with exceptional talents, and Marco Polo is just as reliable as DJ Premier when it comes to delivering that good ol' boom bap heat, so you know this gonna be a special project. If you're not yet convinced, check the posse cut and third official single "Astonishing" below, featuring four of the most talented hip-hop artists of all time over a vintage Marco beat. Also features the reliable DJ Revolution on the crossfader.

Endemic Ft. Tragedy, Afu-Ra & Ruste Juxx - "High Society"

UK's Endemic gathers a pretty insane insane line-up for "High Society", the lead single of the producer's forthcoming "Terminal Illness 2" LP.  Besides Tragedy Khadafi, Afu-Ra and Ruste Juxx, other guests set to appear on the project include Masta Killa, Cappadonna, Roc Marciano, Planet Asia, Skyzoo, Bronze Nazareth, Shabazz The Disciple, Killah Priest, Hell Razah, Darkim Be Allah, Prodgial Sunn, William Cooper, P.R. Terrorist, and many more. In other words you should definitely anticipate the October 29 release.

Almighty Ft, Cappadonna, Tragedy, Vinnie Paz, Bronze Naz, Planet Asia & Canibus - "Immaculate Process"

M-80 assembled The Almighty crew in 2008 and dropped their banging album/compilation "Original S.I.N." which featured several A-list emcees going in over boom bap beats supplied by the likes of Bronze Nazareth, DJ JS-1, Preservation, etc. Now, a new team is assembled for "The 2nd Comming", dropping on August 13 via RBC Records. The first leak "Immaculate Process" sets one of my favorite emcees in Tragedy Khadafi together with several other heavyhitters like Cappadonna, Planet Asia, Canibus and Vinnie Paz. I believe this is a Bronze beat, but I'm not sure, but no matter what this is a fucking monster! 

N.O.R.E. / Tragedy / Havoc - "Student Game"

Looking at the recently released cover of N.O.R.E.'s upcoming album "Student Of The Game", I was satisfied that it's released as a NORE album (with a smal text saying P.A.P.I. right beneath, rather than the other way around). I believe this is the third single so far, and from those three it seems that the former CNN member want to take it back to the ruff, rugged and raw, considering the singles have been pretty hardcore so far. We heard the Large Pro produced "Building Pyramids" which was off the meatrack; The Neptunes joint wasn't no "Super THUG" but it wasn't wack either, and for "Camoflauge Unicorns" (what?), he links back with Tragedy Khadafi and Havoc over a hypnotizing beat, mixing the soft melody with the hardcore drums. Can't wait to see what this album will turn up like in the end. The album drops next week. Spotted @ Unkut.

[Video] BIZ MARKIE on "Celebrity Ghost Stories"

"Celebrity Ghost Stories" is an american TV-show that airs on The Biography Channel, where remotely famous people tell about their real encounters with spirits and the other side. I always kept an open mind about these things, so for me it was great to see the legendary Juice Crew member Biz Markie appear on the show back in October last year (though I didn't catch it until the other day which is why it's posted first now).

Markie's story is the first segment in the show which you can stream above, where he talks about his start as a rapper, at a very young and up until the release of the classic "Going Off" album with Marley Marl in 1988 and where that drive to continue came from. In my opinion, it's a very inspiring and fascinating story and deserves to be posted as it deals with the making of one of the real Juice Crew album classics.But for you non-believers out there I added a lil' bonus cut for y'all in the form of a hype radio show freestyle with Biz, Big Daddy Kane and a very young Tragedy (then Intelligent Hoodlum of course), promoting Marley's "In Control" album.

BIZ MARKIE x KANE x TRAGEDY - "88 FREESTYLE"

[Video] TRAGEDY KHADAFI - "Mental Journey"

Even after a three year stint, several albums (the earliest daring back to 1989), and countless ill guest verses; Tragedy Khadafi still got it. The "Thug Matrix 3" project was solid as hell, and so was the Blak Madeen collaboration "Militant Minds". If his latest, short but deadly, DJ Rybe produced single "Mental Jourey" is any indication of what's in store for his next solo release the wait will be tough, Lyrically, there's few emcees that pack as much knowledge and wisdom in his verse, and the beat selection is always on point. Check it out for yourself, the video is directed by D. Gomez Films. Thanks to the homie Rob for the heads up. 25 to life!

Black Madeen x Tragedy Khadafi - "Ready For War"

When Tragedy Khadafi appeared on Boston duo's Militant Minds single "Militant Minds", I thought it was just another dope, feature to add to the Trag catalouge. Now with the release of "Ready For War", where Militant Minds and Tragedy joins back up (together with stellar performances by Reef The Lost Cauze and Blacastan). it turns out that the trio will actually release an entire EP together. "Militant Minds: The EP" which will actually drop tomorrow, via DJBooth and will of course be posted here.

BLACK MADEEN / TRAGEDY - "READY FOR WAR"

[Mixtape] "OPPORTUNITY KNOX"

Deep Concept Media presents DJ Mickey Knox heavy mixtape "Opportunity Knox Vol. 1" featuring a lot of sick music. You can download the 13 track tape for $5.99, but as is custom these days you also got the option to listen to the entire thing free of charge. Features include Tragedy Khadafi, Rock of Heltah Skeltah, Joell Ortiz, Homeboy Sandman, UG of Cella Dwellas, Nature JoJo Pellegrino, etc, and a bunch of knocking beats provided by the likes of Sickness, DJ Supa Dave and DJ Concept.  

Rome Clientele Ft. Tragedy Khadafi

I have no clue who Rome Clientele are or is but this soulful joint is a winner in my book. It's always great to hear new ish from QB veteran Tragedy Khadafi, who opens the track with a sick verse. Especially since we haven't heard nearly enough of him over the last five years. The song also features apperances by rappers Alycat and T-Nast.

ROME CLIENTELE / TRAGEDY - "BLUE MAGIC"

Tragedy Khadafi - "Still Breathing" (Video)

Tragedy Khadafi drops off the second single from his underrated digital release, "Thug Matrix 3" that's available now. I'm still waiting for a physical copy of the album, preferably an LP release which would make my day considering Tragedy's one of the illest emcees in New York.  In the meantime you can purchase a digital copy @ iTunes. "Still Breathing" is produced by Now & Laterz and the video is directed by Donald Robinson Cole for SMP Productions.

Nutso Ft. Capone-N-Noreaga & Royal Flush

Here goes the new video from Nutso who provides that pure, uncut raw QB sound on this track called "Queens Galaxy" produced by SPKilla. Also features Royal Flush and what I believe to be the first Capone-N-Noreaga reunion since they broke up the group earlier this year. A verse by Tragedy Khadafi, who appears in the video to recite his sampled hook, would've catapulted this to even heigher heights! Thx to the homie Rob for the tip 'bout this one. EDIT: Just noticed the original version has Imam Thug in place of Capone.

New TRAGEDY KHADAFI

One of the true pioneers of what we know as the Queensbridge sound, Tragedey Khadafi also remains one of the illest to emerge from that project. Below you'll find the latest single from his soon-to-be-here street album, "Thug Matrix III", which will be available on September 20. I can only find pre-order links for the mp3 release of the tape so it's possible that it's strictly digital. If anyone knows what's the deal with that, hit up the comments section. Also check out this early review of the album, written by Robbie @ Unkut, who's overall very positive to it. I've personally been impressed by all three leaks from this joint so far, so this is looking mad promising in my eyes.This particular banger features cameos from Planet Asia, King David and the late, great Killa Sha.

TRAGEDY - "BEST OF BOATH COASTS"

New TRAGEDY KHADAFI

Only a few days ago, I reported that Tragedy Khadafi is brining out a third installment of his "Thug Matrix" series in September. As a big fan of the man's work throughout the years, I'm real hyped to finally hear a new album after his four year hiatus. Well, we already got the first single from the project and if this is what to expect from Trag on this release, there's a reason for being fucking Hyped! This sound almost like some gritty "War Report" ish and verses like these are exactly what I want to hear from him. The song is called "Ill-lumnious Flow" and is produced by Now & Laterz who has produced several joints for the emcee on previous releases.

TRAGEDY KHADAFI - "ILL-LUMNIOUS FLOW"

Announcement: Upcoming releases

Two of my favorite hip-hop artists have just announced their respective upcoming exciting projects. First off is Queensbridge's finest, Tragedy Khadafi, who's blessing the market with the third installment in his "Thug Matrix" series. This will be the veteran rapper's first album since finishing a three year bid on narcotic charges. The 10-tracks project will be released via his own 25 II Life imprint and distributed through Aura/Distrolord Digital. Hopefuly the small amount of songs will mean absolutely no filler and all killer; Tragedy's albums, while always being good, haven't really lived up to his true potential as an MC since '93s "Saga Of A Hoodlum". "Thug Matrix 3" will be available on September 20, check out the tracklist:

01. "Narcotic Lines" [prod. Araab Muzik]
02. "Ill-lumnious Flow" [prod. Now & Laterz]
03. "Black Prince" [prod. Ayatollah]
04. "Free Thinkers" [prod. Shroom]
05. "Each One, Teach One" [prod. Audible Doctor]
06. "Gorilla Warfare Status" (Ft. Killa Sha) [prod. Astmatik]
07. "The Wake Up" [prod. Booth]
08. "Still Breathin'" [prod. Now & Laterz]
09. "Outstanding" [prod. Audible Doctor]
10. "Best Of Both Coasts" (Ft. Killa Sha, Planet Asia & King David)

In other news, Billy Danze of M.O.P. revealed that his duo with Lil' Fame has started work on their next album; a collaboration with another duo, German production team Snowgoons. Even though an M.O.P. album without any DJ Premier involvement always seems a little weird, this project has extreme potential for being something out of the ordinary, something really amazing. Danze says they have recorded about eight tracks so far and that they are planning to keeping it light with the features. The LP will be released through BabyGrande and if everything goes as planned, they will be able to make a late 2011 release. Shouts to HipHopDX.com for this announcement as well as providing the audio of the interview you can listen to/download below.

BILLY DANZE INTERVIEW AUDIO