Public Enemy x Cormega x Large Pro - "Catch The Thrown"

Just finished a front-to-back listen of my digital copy of Public Enemy's latest full-length, "Most Of My Heroes Still Don't Appear On No Stamp". I admit to have been sleeping on PE's last few albums, but this is actually very good, so do yourself a favor and cop it @ iTunes. Made up of only eleven songs, it's a tight album with little room for filler and Chuck D sounding as charged as he's done anytime in the last 10 years. I might drop a full review for this in time, but for now I will only say that it is highly recommended.

I was a little dissapointed that a legendary crew like P.E. decided to release their LP exclusively as a digital project, so I was pleased to learn that Chuck D has announced via Twitter that it will be available on both CD and vinyl on October 1st. Since the promotion overall has been seriously lacking, I don't think it will be no harm to throw you another freebie from the joint, especially as "Catch the Thrown" is already up on YouTube. The track is one of my early favorites, and besides impeccable performances from Mistachuck, it also features Cormega who's style and lyrics here brilliantly taps into the Public Enemy zone. I think it's safe to say that Large Professor is the producer of this cut, as he's a credited performer but does not add any vocals to the song.

PUBLIC ENEMY x CORMEGA - "CATCH THE THROWN"

NAS - "Loco-Motive"

I can tell you right now that Nas' "Life is Good" will blow a lot of people out the water when it drops on July 17. When ALL singles from the project have been this hot, I can't really see this going wrong. For the latest leak, Esco once again taps No I.D. for production while Large Pro pops up on the hook.

[VIDEO] Large Professor - "Key to the City"

Released as a 12" single a few months back, "Key to the City" serves as a great reminder of why Large Pro should forever be considered one of the true keepers of the culture. Fat ass breaks, ill cuts (provided by the immortal Rob Swift), hypnotizing horns, graffiti burners and solid verses; true school as it should be! The track also appears as the intro to Extra-P's "Professor @ Large" which CD buyers can get now, while vinyl heads will have to wait another month for their fix.

More Large Pro memories @ Complex

As expected, William Paul Mitchell got a lot more stories to share for Complex during their Large Pro throwback interview. For this second edition, the Professor focuses on classic material he was involved in creating between 1996 and today. And while you're at it, grab yourself a copy of "Professor @ Large"!

LARGE PRO TELLS ALL PT. 2 @ COMPLEX

STEVIE CROOKS / LARGE PRO - "IVERSON"

Emcee Stevie Crooks is releasing his debut album, "Cashmere Killer", on June 12, most likely as a digital release exclusive. The first single from the project is another Extra-P laced cut of the day; this time it's the "Iversion" single from Crooks first release. Sounding good for sure, with the beats and the rhymes....

Large Pro on his Classics

Just as I hit play on Akinyele & Extra-P's 1993 masterpiece, "Vagina Dinner", I discovered that the producer is the latest to be featured in Complex's always brilliant "...Tells All: The Stories Behind the Classics" article series. There's few pieces in The Professor's catalouge that's not right down amazing, so you can bet this is an interesting read while we're waiting for the next LP. Especially cool to read the words on his early, largely uncredited work, on Eric B. & Rakim's and Kool G Rap / Polo's early '90s albums.

LARGE PRO TELLS ALL @ COMPLEX

"Professor @ Large" Trailer / Artwork

"Professor @ Large" is the title of Extra-P's fourth solo album, which is now completed and set for a June 26 release. We recently saw the video for the blazing posse cut of a single, "MARS", and the original lead single, "Key to the City", is still available on limited 12" vinyl. Now the album is up for pre-orders and I'm rejoicing over the fact that our favorite Professor hasn't abandoned the 2xLP format. Pre-order the CD or vinyl set, and peep this short promotional video teaser... 2012 is looking to be one of the best years of hip-hop music in several years; so many of my favorite artists are releasing new projects!

Cormega, Roc Marcy, Saigon & Bronson - "MARS"

Only a few days ago, Extra-P announced his upcoming album "Professor @ Large", as well as revealing his new distribution deal and the official tracklist. Besides "Key to the City", a little suprisisingly the other song included we've already heard is "M.A.R.S."; the superb posse cut with Cormega, Roc Marciano, Saigon and Action Bronson. What's confusing is that was a song supposedly recorded for the forthcoming Large Pro produced Cormega album. However, as we all remember from the "Main Source" album, W.P. Mitchell included the AZ/Styles P collaboration "The Hardest" as a bonus track although it already had appeared on both AZ's and Style's respective albums. This might be a similiar situation, but... 

Whatever the case, the song bangs hard as hell and now we can enjoy the full music video for "Mars", featuring apperances from all the emcees. Directed by Chris Krook and Large Professor himself.

Large Professor @ Large

Last year, the Flushing, Queens born and bred super producer Large Professor helped Neek the Exotic to create "Still On The Hustle"; an album that made my top 10 of 2011 list. A few months ago, he released the limited 12" single "Key to the City" (which I of course supported). It turns out this is the official first to The Professor's brand new upcoming full-length LP, "Professor @ Large". William Paul Mitchell, as his real name is, is not only incredible on the beats but can also hold his own on the microphone and has a sick catalouge. With that in mind and guest features from a bunch of heavy hitters, I'd be suprised if this doesn't make my top 10 countdown this year. No release date yet, but the album will be distributed by Fat Beats / Distrolord Digital. Peep the tracklist below and feel your mouth start watering for that true school boom bap.

01. " Key To The City"
02. "UNOWHTMSAYN"
03. "Straight From The Golden" (Ft. Busta Rhymes)
04. "Focused Up" (Ft. Cormega & Tragedy Khadafi)
05. "Happy Days R Here" (Ft. Lil' Fame)
06. "Professor @ Large"
07. "Light Years"
08. "Barber Shop Chop"
09. "Live Again"
10. "Mack Don Illz" (Ft. Mic Geronimo & Grand Daddy IU)
11. "Sun, Star & Crescents"
12. "Kick Da Habit"
13. "L.P. Surprise"
14. "Back In Time"
15. "M.A.R.S." (Ft. Cormega, Action Bronson, Roc Marciano & Saigon)

Rome Clientele - "Lifetime Losers"

A while back I premiered the debut single by Elmira, NY artist Rome Clientele, "Blue Magic" featuring the always incredible Tragedy Khadafi alongside Alycat and T-Nast. Rome Clientele was then new to my ears but WNYU DJ Dharmic X has brought to my attention that Rome's an emcee that's been in the trenches since the late '90s as a frequent collaborator of Just Blaze before he blew up.

Now Rome Clientele is preparing his comeback and to kick things off he will introuce himself to the world with his upcoming EP "The Empire: The Lost Catacombs" in late April. Production on the records will be handled by a host of sick beat maestros including Large Professor, Just Blaze and Rome Clientele himself with cameos handled by Tragedy Khadafi, Skyzoo and Alycat amongst others. In promotion of the soon-to-be-released EP, Dharmic X sent over "Lifetime Losers" where Rome Clientele gets busy over Styles P and AZ's Large Pro produced "The Hardest". The track works as a preview to the actual Extra-P / Rome C. collaboration that'll appear on the actual EP.

ROME CLIENTELE - "LIFETIME LOSERS"

True School Lives!

I haven't posted in a couple of days or so, so got some catch up to do. Up top is the visuals for Gensu Dean's Large Professor starring "Forever" from GD's crazy 2012 debut "Lo Fi Finghaz". Below you'll find the DJ Premier Remix of Freddie Foxxx and Nas 2005 collaboration "Turn Up The Mics", lifted from "The Kolexxxion" dropping this Tuesday. Spotted @ 2DBz.

BUMPY KNUCKLES / NAS - "TURN UP THE MICS" (DJ PREMIER REMIX)

"One Time 4 Your Mind"

Nas had first met fellow Queens hip-hop artist Large Professor who immediatly recognized the incredible talent and efortless flow this young man embodied. Large Pro went on a mission to get Nas a record deal, not only by letting him appear on Pro's group's '91 album on thé classic posse cut "Live From the BBQ", but also produced Nas two track demo the emcee used to shop around to various executives and A&Rs. Their hard work eventually payed off as Faith Newman (pictured above) and M.C. Serch went nuts over the tape and immediatly signed the lyrical monster from QB to Columbia Records to start recording his debut album.

Large Professor produced the street anthem "Halftime" which appeared on the MC Serch produced "Zebrahead"  in 1992. Nas vicious delivery over Extra-P's harhitting drum pattern, scorching bass line and agressive turntable work was one of the few songs that snatched hip-hop right back to its original home of New York City. Although "Illmatic" wouldn't find its way to stores until the summer of '94, "Halftime" was such a timeless joint that it still appeared on the final product. Another equally "old" collaboration with The Professor was "One Time 4 Your Mind". This is a very interesting joint as writers is often heard things like "if Illmatic had an akilles heel it would be "One Time", although it doesn't". Statements like this are pure bullshit as "One Time 4 Your Mind" adds to the exact perfection that Nas debut is just as much as "Life's A Bitch", "It Ain't Hard to Tell" and all the other masterpieces found on the LP.

"One Time..." is an extremely essential part to "Illmatic" and further cemented the important relationship shared between rapper Nas and his first producer. It's almost like an intermission, a real chill-out joint that's clearly a old-school tribute/throwback from both the vocal and musical perspective. They both keep it simple with Large sample and looping jazz(fusioon artist Jim Gordon & His Jazz Pop Band's '69 hit "Walter L" to create a simple but effective hip-hop banger very hard for anyone with his heart in this not snapping neck to. Nasir treats the addictive piano note, rolling bassline melody and boom bap drums as the perfect music to show his immaculate skill, old school style. Rather than weaving an intricate story or doing any soul searching he basically turns it to a glorified freestyle session, kicking fly shit about a regular day in Nasir Jones life at the time without much happening besides waking up, lighting one up, kicking back to some dope new music and reminiscing about past times. Basically something we all can relate to, right.

Nas' classic debut wouldn't have been the same without the perfection that is "One Time 4 Your Mind", it really gives further insight into the artists persona and for a golden era head to not feel the music is on par with other classics of that era is totally beyond me. "Illmatic" is the perfect hip-hop album and everything from "The Genesis" to "It Ain't Hard to Tell" are equally important parts of the whole; I wouldn't change one beat, one title, one line, the cover, or anything about that LP but I do wonder if we ever will se another as immaculate state of hip-hop perfection again. I doubt it considering how Nas and the all-star cast of producers managed to create something that both encapsuled the time era it was created in ar the sajme time as it's still timeless and will continue to inspire generations. Peep Nas, Large Pro and Wiz's breakdown of this particular track from the XXL Article The Making of Illmatic.

Large Professor: "We got this kinda attitude. It wasn't like, "Yo, the budget," and all that type of shit. It was cool, 'cause it was a little quick rhyme that he had. Some shortie-to-the-store shit, like that. Not like he was tryin' to go too hard or lyrical. It was just like, "Yo, I'm a regular dude. I'll kick some cool, around-the-way, corner shit for you."

Nas: "Honestly, that song was just like, "Hey, we chilling". That song, I didn't give a fuck - it was just go in there and have fun. I wanted Wiz's voice on that. Out of everybody around, I thought that he had a voice that can be on a record and come off. I always wanted him to rhyme and shit, and that was my way of pushing him into that."

Grand Wizard: "At the time, we were just listening to the beat, and Nas was like, "Come in [the booth] with me and help me with the hook." So I get on the mic and say, "One Time for Ya Mind, One Time..." And Nas comes in with, "Yeah, whatever..." He just knew how to bounce off of me."

Cormega & Extra-P on "Mega Philosophy"

No reader of The Lost Tapes can have undgone the news that two of Queen's finest music makers have started recording on their long-awaited album together. I am of course talking about QB emcee Cormega and Flushing, Queens producer/rapper Large Professor who already have a very impressive track record. No releasse date has been given yet but an album title has been decided on; "Mega Philosophy". Don't miss out on "Still in Love (Placements '08 to '12)", a twenty tracks collection of Extra-P''s production placements rekeased over the last four years, as well as "Verbal Graffiti" including twenty 'Mega collabrations. These two recent Lost Tapes comps gives a good insight into what that album might very well sound like. As an added bonus I uploaded the remix of "Journey", the Large Professor produced cut from 'Mega's 2009 album "Born & Raised". This particular remix is even iller than the original as it features cameos by both OC and Sadat X (sorry about the tags though).

CORMEGA x LARGE PRO - "JOURNEY" (Ft. OC & Sadat X)

LARGE PRO - "Still in Love ('08-'12)"

William Mitchell, better known as the Large Professor (a.k.a. Extra-P) quickly established his name as one of the top producers in the hip-hop game at an early age. In his young years, William and the Mitchell family moved to Flushing, Queens; something that would change his life forever. He soon befriended super-engineer (and sometimes producer) Paul C who quickly took him under his wing as his student. Paul learned the young Mitchell to work the SP1200, various mixing tricks and teaching about what muisc to sample to create rugged hip-hop with a heavy umph. This was around early '88 and as Paul C. McKasy took on Mitchell, the young student took on the name The Large Professor for himself.

Paul C was tragically gunned down and murdered in July 1989. Shortly before the tragic event, Eric B. & Rakim had hired the prolific producer/engineer to work on what would be their classic "Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em" LP. After more or less completing a handful of songs on the album (including the title track, "In the Ghetto" and "Run 4 Cover"), the horrible tragedy struck. This resulted in the then seventeen year old Large Professor stepping up to complete the remaining songs and finish Paul C's material. And what an album it turned out to be! in fact it was the first Eric B. & Rakim LP to receive a 5 mic rating in the, then very respectable The Source Magazine.

This led to Mitchell gradually becoming a household name, resulting in getting hired to produce the vast majority of another legendary duo's classic LP - Kool G Rap & DJ Polo's "Wanted to Dead or Alive" - all while still attending high school. In the same way that he didn't get the proper creits for lacing the aforementioned classic, the G Rap affair in many ways played out like a reprise; a case of paying dues for an up-and-coming producer. In fact The Professor was heavily involved in the production  on all songs besides maybe two. For example the track "Talk Like Sex" which was credited to G Rap, was listed as a Large Pro production by the artist himself on his 2002 song "Radioactive". The game goes for "Jive Talk" which was credited to DJ Polo but revealed by Dr. Butcher to be a Pro track in an Unkut.com interview. Already by 1990, Large Pro had now been heavily involved in two of the finest rap albums of its time and although he might not have gotten the proper credit, it was the perfect example of Payin' Dues which is how many great producers got their start back in the day.

But Mitchell wasn't only a super skilled boom bap maestro but also a highly talented emcee, and in late 1989 he formed the trio Main Source, together with two Toronto DJ:s known as Sir Scratch and DJ K-Cut. The trio eventually signed to the now defunct Wild Pitch Records and in 1991 released their unxerground masterpiece "Breaking Atom". Their debut album was full of clever punchlines, ill storytelling verses, superb turntablism and impeccable beats sampling everything from Sister Nancy's "Bam Bam", Bob James, Skull Snaps, Donald Byrd's "Think Twice" and many other known and lesser known great vinyl. The album is perhaps best known for featuing one of the illest posse cuts of all time though. "Live From BBQ" featuring Joe Fatal and most imporantly the debuts on wax by two young stars in the making - Nasty Nas and Akinyele.

The two abovementioned artists would be a pivotal part in Large's future career as he took both emcees under his tutelage. In 1993 he produced the entirety of The AK's debut album "Vagina Dinner", an extremely dope album, not in no small way thanks to Extra-P's jazzy but hardcore sonics. Nasty Nas' "Illmatic" followed a year later, but was on the other hand, not fully produced by Mitchell Instead he worked as something of a glorified A&R for the project (which also included lacing three of the hottest joints on the project). Besides Pro's contribution, he was also the one that hooked up the young QB emcee with a slew of additional super producers such as  DJ Premier, Pete Rock and Q-Tip. The result was stunning and took the world by storm; to this day, "Illmatic" stands as one of the best records ever released, and rightfuly so.

A solo career shortly followed, recording and releasing three albums under his own name between 1999 and 2008 that I strongly recommend you picking up if you haven't heard them yet. Although there's been several years between every solo project, Extra-P has kept busy producing bangers and classics for various artists, some lesser known as well as some of the absolute best the game has to offer. As he's been responsibe for so many of my favorite hip-hop records of all time and is one of the few sample musicians out there that still continue to put out impeccable material on a regular basis twenty years after he first broke through on the scene. Therefore I wanted to make a compilation showcasing all, or at least the vast majority of Pro's production placements between 2008 and 2012 (for his recent album with Neek, order here). This will also be a teaser to the upcoming Large Pro produced album for Cormega so this will give us even further insight into what to expact from that project. Twenty tracks in total, so if you're an Extra-P head, upload this to your iPod or burn it to a CDR and I can assure you it will have your head banging til' it damn near breaks. TURN UP!!

01.Grand Puba - "Same Ol' Drama" [Intro]
02. Lil' Dap - "I'n My Lifetime"
03. Cormega - "Journey"
04. Lord Finesse - "Here i Come" [Remix]
05. Large Professor - "Key to the City"
06. Krumb Snatcha - "Mind Power"
07. Eearatik Statik - "No Problems" [Remix]
08. Jak D - "Why U Wanna Do That" (Ft. Sean Price, Craig G & Large Pro)
09. NAS - "No Idea's Original" [Large Professor Remix]
10. Cormega - "MARS" (Ft. Action Bronson, Roc Marciano & Saion)
11. Termanology - "Sorry I Lied to You"
12. Joell Ortiz - "Ooh!" (Ft. Joell Ortiz)
13. Planet Asia & Goldchain Military - "Organc Food)
14. Sénor Kas - "Slick Money" (Ft. P.SO)
15. Presto - Conquer Mentality Remix (Ft. OC & Large Professor)
16. Reks .- "Stages"
17- Termanology - "Sorrry I Lied to You"
18- Rhymefest - "Bad Self" (F. Rahzrlt)
19. Torae - "Do The Match

LARGE PROFESSOR - "'STILL IN LOVE"

Cormega x Large Pro LP in the works

A full album worth of Cormega ripping Extra-P laced bangers have been whispered about for a while but here Corey makes the announcement loud and clear. Considering how consistantly great both these have been I'm assured this album will hold one of the top spots of this year end's best-of lists if they manage to deliver it in '12. 'Mega also clears up just exactly what to expect from the collabo with Roc Marciano, Saigon and Action Bronson on a joint called "Mars", which is one of the songs recorded for the project so far.

Get Ready for M.A.R.S.

 

M.A.R.S. is the formation of a brand new "supergroup" that will put a unit like Slaughterhouse to shame to say the least. Presented by Cormega, the quartet also consists of Roc Marciano, Saigon and Action Bronson; four of my current favorite  New York rappers at the moment. In other words this could and should be the most lyrically interesting project of the year. It's still a little unclear if this is an actual album or a forthcoming single but as the big red cherry on top, the project is produced by none other than The Large Professor. On a side-note, Roc Marcy made a dope song in preperation for this project called "Preset Mars" on the Union album this year.

Gensu Dean / Large Pro - "Forever"

Texas producer Gensu Dean invites the one and only Extra-P to rock over this epic SP1200 created track called "Forever". The song has been out for a while but is now being given an exclusive release on limited green 7" vinyl featuring a brand new remix and the special B-side, "One Man Combo". The label behind the release is allowing fans to stream or grab the mp3's in perfect quality for free and I bet a lot of y'all will be tempted to order this as soon as you hear the A-side. Shit, I know I am! You can order it from Fat Beats now !

GENSU DEAN / LARGE PRO - "FOREVER" EP

The Funk League Ft. Large Professor

Blazing new track called "Through Good & Bad (45 Remix)" with Large Professor on the mic and French production duo The Funk League on the boards. This is the third single from the latter's upcoming album, "Funky as Usual" which hit stores on January 24. This is some classic sounding shit right here and between this, the joint with Diamond & Sadat plus additional features from AG, Gift Of Gab, Afrika Bambaataa I'm definitely pumped for this LP! Thx to Okayplayer for this one.

FUNK LEAGUE / LARGE PRO - "THROUGH GOOD N BAD"

2011 in Review: [#9] Neek The Exotic

[#9] NEEK THE EXOTIC - "STILL ON THE HUSTLE"

Queen’s rapper Neek the Exotic made his recording debut in 1992 on a soundtrack joint by Main Source called “Fakin’ the Funk”. This meant that a working relationship with fellow Queen’s rapper and super producer Large Professor was established. Since then these two gentlemen has collaborated on a number of projects, including mixtape joints, 12” singles and soundtracks. Although Neek never made an appearance on any of Extra-P’s solo releases doesn’t mean that the chemistry they always displayed isn’t something out of the ordinary as this year’s “Still On The Hustle” is a true testament of.

Although criminally overlooked, many fans of New York styled hardcore hip-hop rejoiced over Neek’s exotic street rhymes and The Mad Scientist’s soul infused bangers. Neither beats nor vocals are in the most technically difficult lane; instead the music is straight to the point and hits right where it’s supposed to, each and every time. Cries for the authentic sounds of that ‘90s true school music are silenced as soon as this is by far the most throwback sounding record in quite some time. As soon as Extra-P’s amazing sample manipulation of the title track’s beat kicks in, so does fond memories of hip-hops past glory days. Chopping up a melodic soul loop over a dusty drum and bass pattern and an infectious sampled vocal hook, Large Pro makes it clear that he’s still one of the five illest producers of all time. “Still On The Hustle” charges our emcee to reflect on his past and his present, spitting memorable verses with that distinct, ruff and grimy voice that creates a superior contrast to the soulful music. This is one of the things that constantly make their collaboration work so well.

The stylistic vibe provided on the abovementioned joint is obviously a winning formula and is wisely reprised on the majority of the LP; switching it up just enough to never let the music become stale or repetitive. Large Professor and Joell Ortiz, respectively, join Neek on the equally impeccable two-punch that is “Guess Who” and “Street Rebels”; a pair of typical throwback boom bap headnodders that are some of the absolute finest music I’ve heard all year. The same can be said about “My Own Line”, one of two Marco Polo productions, and the piano driven “Head Spin” where the emcee carves out his own little niche in the game with several memorable quotables. The two mentioned songs are also the ones that take something of a left turn as they are far darker and sinister than the soul drenched music the rest of the LP has to offer.

As great as the album is, it does have its flaws which could easily have been fixed by pushing it back for just a few months. First of all the record is credited to Neek the Exotic and Large Professor so why shouldn’t we expect a full collaboration between the two? Out of the eleven featured songs, Extra-P only provides beats for six of them – in other words just over half of the music. These six joints are all straight fire and together with his own “Key to the City” 12” and work on Torae’s album, I feel confident in saying that The Live Guy Wit’ The Glasses deserves the producer crown of the year.

Marco Polo’s and Lord Finesse’s guest beats are similarly fantastic and has the same hardcore hip-hop sound that goes so well with Neek’s deep vocal tone. However, a young beatmaker named Carnage provides music for “New York” and “Stack That”; two songs that are not bad but compared to the contributions from the three A-list producers they stick out like a sore thumb on an otherwise incredible piece of work. Of course two joints out of eleven aren’t enough to really drag down an album full of dope beats and rhymes. But when you are supposed to get an album full of Large Professor beats, Carnage’s work just don’t cut it. Add that to the fact that the whole record clocks in at only 35 minutes and it’s clear that there’s no room for any mistakes at all.

To be fair though, there’s really nothing wack on the Fat Beats release that is “Still On The Hustle” so the abovementioned statements is basically nitpicking. Neek the Exotic with the help of Large Professor has here created one of the albums of the year; a record you can enjoy from front-to-back that easily has earned its place in the record collection of any lover of that mid-‘90s sound with a modern twist. Don’t sleep!

Soulbrotha Ft.Large Pro & Nutso

Soulbrotha is a production duo consisting of 12 Finger Dan and B-Base. Their EP "The Connexion" was released earlier this year and it's sick as hell with guest spots from several underground legends like Large Pro, Blaq Poet, DJ Premier, Freestyle Professors, Krumb Snatcha and NYGz. The video above, directed by Ali Charlemagne, is lifted from the EP and is a collaboration with Extra P and Nutso. Support the project by purchasing the EP from Amazon and be prepared for more heat from these guys in a near future.