Damu The Fudgemunk - "Brooklyn Flower"

Over the last couple of years, Slice-Of-Spice has rapidly becoming one of the most interesting underground label around. Specializing in limited releases of rare and previously unreleased cuts by the finest artists this rap game has to offer, S.O.S. has so far been responsible for hot wax from the likes of Lord Finesse, Paul Nice/Jay-Z, Biz Markie, K-Def/LL, Masta Ace and many more. This time, they have hooked up with Redef in order to bring fans an exclusive Damu The Fudgemunk joint called "Brooklyn Flower". And as a free download nontheless, so make sure you TURN THIS ALL THE WAY UP, and much props to S.O.S., Redef and Damu. 

[EP] HYENAS in the DESERT - "Die Laughing"

Funky producer Gary G-Wiz was first introduced to the hip-hop buying public as part of Public Enemey's production team. For P.E.'s three first album, the wall of noise was primarily handled by The Shocklee brothers, Eric "Vietnam" Sadler" and Chuck D, as The Bomb Squad. For the group's fourth LP, "Apocalypse '91... The Enemy Strikes Black", G-Wiz distinct hardcore sound was introduced as part of the Grand Imperial Ministers of Funk team. From there he was part of classic records by Eric B. & Rakim ("Know the Ledge)", Big Daddy Kane ("Nuff' Respect") and even Janet Jackson. It didn't take long before he was knighted an official member of The Bomb Squad, and played a huge role on Chuck D's very underappreciated solo debut, '96s "Autobiography of Mistachuck". The album also featured Long Island rhymer Kendo on the standout track, "Pain".

The aforementioned producer and emcee impressed the Public Enemey frontman so much, that he signed them as a duo to his then newly started Slam Jamz imprint (a sub-label under Columbia). The first act to get signed by the label was Hyenas in the Desert, the duo consisting of Gary "G-Wiz" and Kendo. After releasing two 12" singles on the label, "Concubinez", and "Can You Feel It?""Wild Dogs", Hyenas in the Desert released their debut EP on both wax and CD; "Die Laughing". The nine tracks presented on the disc was hardcore, dark and moody music with Kendo's ruff reality raps; matter of fact, Kendo was at one point thought to be Large Pro's replacement in Main Source before MC Mikey D took that place.

Due to lack of hype, Hyenas in the Desert never released anything after their impeccable debut EP, and it's a rather unknown release despite how dope it is. Neither G-Wiz or Kendo has done much worth mentioning after the split of the duo, although G-Wiz has reunited with Public Enemey and produced their latest album "How to Sell Soul to a Soulless People". Aight, 'nuff talk, check out this heatrock and let the hardcore beats and rhymes take over your mind for the coming 30 minutes.

01. "Elephant Graveyard"
02. "Can You Feel It?"
03. "Wild Dogs"
04. "The Longest Night (Journal #1)
05. "Concubinez"
06. "Why Me"
07. "Fresh Meat"
08. "Hyenas in the Desert"
09. "Other Side Of Midnight"

HYENAS IN THE DESERT - "DIE LAUGHING EP"

DIAMOND D - "Can We Do It Again"

Being that The Supreme Diamond D is one of the absolute top producers around, I've made it a habit checking his Soundcloud page on a regular basis. Every once in a while the D.I.T.C. legend premiers an exclusive snippet, or a neckbreaking instrumental jam for us to bang. The downside is that they are often taken down relatively fast. The most recent upload from Diamante is the superb instro, "Can We Do It Again", based around an absolutely addicting bassline, fat 808 kicks, and an underlying sample that I recognize from a previous production. Although the track clocks in at barely one minute, it's a must hear for all Diamond fans, so check it out while you still have the chance.

[LP Stream] BEATFREAKS - "&"

Beatfreaks is a team of producers hailing from Switzerland, who has just released their debut project "&". After working on the project for a long time, they have managed to secure guest spots by both local talents and legends like AG, Sadat X, Afu-Ra, Edo G & Street Soul. The result is pretty damn good and definitely worth a listen; you got the option to stream the project or purchase it for a relatively cheap price so make sure to at least check out a few cuts.

Sadat X - "I Know This Game"

The productive Brand Nubian legend follows up his "We in New York" with the second single from his "New York" LP, due out this summer. Great track right here, dark authentic hip-hop shit right here, produced by Real McCoy, that fits the X-Man to perfection. The turntable work by DJ Grouch adds yet another dimension to this hardboiled banger, and personally this is the type of Sadat records I want to hear.

AWAR - "Tunnel Vision" [prod. by Alchemist]

AWAR is a rapper from NYC who is currently preparing his debut EP, "Laws Of Nature (Nature of the Beast)" which will be available on August 7. Alchemist's contribution, "Tunnel Vision" is a certified banger and promises great things for the extended play. Other producers on the "tape" include M-Phazes, Jake One, Nottz and Vanderslice, while cameos come from Murs, Stat Quo, Joe Budden, and others. Without a doubt, one to look forward to.

RAKIM Interview @ Roots Picknick 2012

There's no denying that Rakim is one of, if not the, greatest rhyme sayer of all time. Yet he's never been a very  public figure, so an interview with the man is generally very interesting stuff. This six minutes conversation filmed at this years' The Roots Picnic, courtesy of AllHipHop.com, sees the God MC speak on his love for The Roots crew, naming Black Thought a top 5 emcee (gotta agree there) as well as some hints about a future Rakim album and possibly even his own record label.

[VIDEO] Ka - "No Downtime"

Back in the late '90s, Brownsville emcee Ka was a member of the Natural Elements collective, before a longer break from the rap game to hone his mic and production skills. I first encountered him again on his Roc Marciano produced solo cut, "Firehouse", from GZA's "Pro Tools". After being the sole guest feature on Roc Marcy's 2009 LP, Ka has released two brilliant albums, "Iron Works" and this years "Grief Pedigree". Both albums are highly recommended; just check out the latest single/video "No Downtime" up top and decide for yourself.

[Tracklist/Artwork] Prodigy - "H.N.I.C. 3"

Since Prodigy's release has been released a gang of mixtapes and singles of varying quality. My main issue is that P seem to attrackt new fans by collaborating with new rappers that's far below his skills, rather than sticking to what he does best. With that being said, P still drops some heat satisfying longtime Mobb fans. Next up is the third installment in his "H.N.I.C." series, which hit stores July 3 on Infamous Record. I got mixed feelings about the project right now; out of the three singles we've heard so far, two were very dissapointing ("Gangsta Love", "Pretty Thug") and one absolute FIRE (the Alchemist laced opener, "Without Rhyme & Reason"). It will definitely be interesting to give it a spin though, I still got faith in the Mobb... "H.N.I.C. 3" will also be available as a Deluxe Edition, featuring four bonus tracks as well as a Mobb Deep documentary DVD.

01 Without Rhyme or Reason (prod. by Alchemist)
02 Slept On (prod. by Alchemist)
03 Pretty Thug (prod. by Ty Fyffe) 
04 My Angel feat Willie Taylor of Day 26 (prod. by Beat Butcha)
05 Co-Pilot feat Wiz Khalifa (prod. by The Colombians)
06 Live (prod. by Alchemist)
07 Make It Hot (prod. by Young L)
08 Get Money feat Boogz Boogetz (prod. by Young L)
09 Life Is What You Make It (prod. by S.C.)
10 Award Show Life (prod. by S.C.)
11 Who You Bullshittin feat Havoc (prod. by Sid Roams)
12 Skull & Bones (prod. by Beat Butcha)
13 Smack That Bitch feat Esther (prod. by Valentino)
14 Let Me Show You feat Vaughn Anthony (prod. by Ty Fyffe)
15 Gangsta Love feat Esther (prod. by Valentino)
16 What's Happening feat T.I. (prod. by T.I.)

[Compilation] E-BLAZE - "BORN LORD V.1"

Erick Blaze was born and grew up in Paris, France and grew up around music all his life. His brother was a bass player, and a wide array of different styles were constantly around the young Erick. It was only a matter of time, before he himself started dabbling in music production and other musical ventures, especially after the rising hip-hop scene were starting to make its impact felt on France and its European neighbors. It didn't takle long until the young Blaze made a conscious decision that this was something that would have a profound impact on his life.

At a time during high school he started out as a rapper with a local crew, but soon realized that production was his true forté. Stepping out of the booth, he started concote beats for his crew and friends, and while he did start to get some recognition for his unique musical style, he felt he needed to be closer to the culture and its origins. In 1996, he therefore moved to New York City to try his luck; something that would prove very fruiitful. Eventually, he became a full-blown NYC resident, finding himself connected with a host of legendary underground producers interested in his work.

Beginning around 2004, he encountered interest from several Queensbridge veterans, and in 2004 E-Blaze produced both tracks on the underground classic "It's All Good"/"Right Here" by Kamakazee (feat. Blaq Poet), shortly followed by the rugged Screwball antghem "Fuck Y'All Niggas". The QB connection continued with bangers for Littles/Havoc, Infamos Mobb and one of the final tracks recorded by KL.

What really made him a household name though, was when he became an affiliate of the D.I.T.C. camp, trough legendary producer Showbiz, who was a big fan of Blaze individual sound. Not only did he soon get the chance to produce two classic Show & AG records, but also got the chance to produce half of the highly anticipated OC/AG collabo "Oasis", and many other unforgettable pieces by the likes of Smiley the Ghetto Child, KRS-One, Raize/Killah Priest, and Verse. If you're still not up on Eric Blaze catalouge, now is the time to check it out for yourself; The Lost Tapes present a 20 track compilation featuring 60 minutes of various E-Blaze cuts, which I'm sure you'll enjoy. Aight, let's get down to business - TURN IT UP!!!

01. Infamous Mobb - "Capital Q"
02. KRS-One & Showbiz - "The Truth"
03. Kamakazee - "Right Here" (Ft. Blaq Poet)
04. Smiley the Ghetto Child - "Close to 30 G's"
05. Marwan - "Yes My Son"
06. 950 Plus & AG - "Does My Thang"
07. Adanis - "If I Was You"
08. Kamakazee - "I Hold Mine"
09. D-Shade - "Get That"
10. Show & AG - "Magic"
11. Raize / Killah Priest - ""Whales"
12. Screwball - "Fuck Y'All Niggaz"
13. Littles - "If Niggas Only Knew" (Ft. Havoc)
14. Ressa Exel - "So Real" (Ft. AG & Smiley the Ghetto Child)
15. Adanis - "Black"
16. Smiley the Ghetto Child - "Battlestar Galactica"
17. Wille Hen - "Love My City"
18. Verse - "Hello Morning"
19. Kamakazee - "It's All Good"
20. Show & AG - "Experience"

E-BLAZE - "BORN LORD" (Vol. 1)