MC EIHT - "Where We Go"

Compton's Most Wanted, MC Eiht, have been featured quite a bit on The Lost Tapes lately. The reason is his upcoming album "Which Way Iz West", produced by Brenk Sinatra and DJ Premier and set for release via Works of Mart / Blue Stamp Music sometime this year. A few weeks ago, I put together a five track sampler of all the released songs so far, and juging by those songs this could very well be the illest album of the year; or at least one of 'em. 

The good peeps over @ DJ Premier Blog yesterday posted a radio rip of another Brenk/Eiht record called "Where We Go". The ill cut will not appear on "Which Way Iz West" but is a left-over cut from those session. Who knows though, might end up an iTunes bonus or something of that nature. Whatever the case, this album NEED to happen as soon as possible! Link borrowed from DJPB, thanks!

MC EIHT - "WHERE WE GO" 

[Tracklist] NAS - "Life is Good"

Nas is still one of my absolute favorite rappers, and the old saying that he's a dope rapper that can't make good albums is plain bullshit if you ask me; matter of fact, he's got an impressive catalouge with only a couple of exceptions. The July 17 release of his tenth official LP, "Life is Good" has been a hot topic since it first was announced. Now, we have even more to look forward to since the tracklisting with production credits has been revealed. Lots of No I.D. and Salaam Remi beats, and a few contributions or co-productions by J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Buckwild, Heavy D, Swizz Beatz and legendary QB DJ Hot Day. What's up with the deluxe edition though? I want "Nasty" on my turntable?!

01. No Introduction (prod. J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League)
02. Loco-Motive f. Large Professor (prod. No I.D.)
03. A Queens Story (prod. Salaam Remi)
04. Accident Murderers f. Rick Ross (prod. No I.D.)
05. Daughters (prod. No I.D.)
06. Reach Out f. Mary J. Blige (prod. Salaam Remi, Rodney Jerkins, DJ Hot Day)
07. World’s An Addiction f. Anthony Hamilton (prod. Salaam Remi)
08. Summer on Smash f. Miguel & Swizz Beatz (prod. Swizz Beatz)
09. You Wouldn’t Understand f. Victoria Monet (prod. Buckwild)
10. Back When (prod. No I.D.)
11. The Don (prod. Salaam Remi, Heavy D & Da Internz)
12. Stay (prod. No I.D.)
13. Cherry Wine f. Amy Winehouse (prod. Salaam Remi)
14. Bye Baby (prod. Salaam Remi & 40)

DELUXE EDITION
15. Nasty (prod. Salaam Remi)
16. The Black Bond (prod. Salaam Remi)
17. Roses (prod. Al Shux)
18. Where’s The Love f. Cocaine 80s (prod. No I.D.)

Kurious / AG - "Magic" [prod. DIAMOND D]

Jorge Alvarez, better known as Kurious Jorge, took the world by storm with his 100% hip-hop, yet weird ass, banging '94 debut "A Constipated Monkey". The East Coast emcee had an unforgettable deliver, filled with humor, lyrics that many didn't even want to touch and slaming beats by The Betnuts family and the SD50's. The album is still remembered today as one of the standouts of the mid.'90s, and the pressure for a sophomore LP was skyhigh. 

However, that second effort didn't land in stores until about 15 years later, simply called "II". The LP felt quite outdated in most aspects and despite a few beats by the likes of Hi-Tek, The Mighty V.I.C., 88-Keys and Domingo, the project was a far cry from Kurious debut. Now, the South American rooted emcee has returned again with a new single, enlisting two D.I.T.C. legends in the form of rapper AG an producer Diamond D. Maybe there's still hope for the guy who absolutely molested "?" alongside DOOM on "Operation Doomsday". Check it out for yourself!

KURIOUS / AG - "MAGIC" [DIAMOND D]

[COMP] DJ SPINNA - "Spinnin' Spinnin Vol. 1"

Vincent Williams, better known to the hip-hop community as DJ Spinna, first made his entrance into the recording industry around 1995-1996; producing and remixes stand out cuts for underground and well established artists including, J-Live, Kool G Rap, MC Eiht, Das EFX, N.O.T.S. Click and Mike Zoot and even 4 Hero and Faith No More, just to name a few. Since then he laced classics for Shabaam Sahdeeq/Eminem, Scaramanga/Brand Nubian, Edo G, Masta Ace, Defari, GURU, Ronny Jordan, Sadat X and many more. But unlike some of, especially today's hip-hop producers, Spinna's got an equal love for a wide range of different genres; putting together mixtapes celebrating Stevie Wonder, disco/funk, and definitely least house music which he have a huge love for.

In the late '90s, he was signed to the, then incredible, Rawkus Records where he released his debut solo record; the headnodding mini album "Heavy Beats, Vol. 1". The 8 tracks project saw Spinna's take on the vintage boom bap sound, not only filled with mesmerizing instrumentals, but also included vocal tracks from the likes of Eminem, Talib Kweli, Apani B. Fly Emcee and Missin' Linx. The record sold poorly, and as the quality of Rawkus rapidly lost its quality, BBE's incredible The Beat Generation Series signed the DJ and producer for a one album deal. The result was  the absolutely terrific "Here to There". The first time I head it, I wasn't exactly blown away but it's one of those albums that grow with each listen. The 75 minutes project, featured neckbreaking instrumentals full of well executed turntable work, heavy vocal hip-hop cuts featuring the likes of Shadowman, Jean Grae, Apani B. Fly Emcee, Jigmastas, Mr. Akil and more. Suprisingly to some, the LP also featured some authentic house tracks towards the end, which added to making the album a true musical journey of different genres. A very risky album indeed, and one that put the genius of Williams at the forefront.

This was followed by two further solo albums and lots of very classy 7" singles. As if that wasn't enough, Spinna was also part of, and the main producer of, Jigmastas, Polyrhythm Addicts for whom he produced two full-lengths, and most recently SPOX PhD with emcee Ox The Architect who's currently working on an album to follow up their brilliant single "Brilliance" / "Four Times Raw". There's no question that Spinna is one of the most overlooked producers of all time; and besides all the albums I mentioned above, that you need to check out eventually, what better way to intoduce new listeners to some of Spinna's outside work in a context that I believe long-time fans of the producer will be able to appreciate as well... Oh well, TURN IT UP!!

01. "When Planets Collide: Prequel"
02. "Baggin' Writes" [Dome Cracker Remix] (Ft. J-Live)
03. "5 Star Generals" (Ft. Shabaam Sahdeeq]
04. "Black October" (Ft. Sadat X)
05. "No Grease" (Ft. GURU, Mendoughza, New Child, Lae D-Trigga)
06 . "7XL" (Ft. Sadat X & Grand Puba)
07, "Soda & Soap" (Ft. Jean Grae)
08. "Don't Talk About It" (Ft. Edo G)
09. "Watch Deez" (Ft. Thirstin Howl III & Eminem)
10. "Dillagence" (Ft. Phonté)
11. "Quicksand Millenium" (Ft. Black Thought / The Roots)
12. "Microphone Master" [Dome Cracker Remix] (Ft. Das EFX / Mobb Deep)
13. "Simplistic" (Ft. Shawn J. Period)
14. "Jungle Punch" (Ft. Mike Zoot)
15. "Work is Never Done" (Ft. NOTS Click & Big L)
16. "ThreeSixFive" (Ft. OldWorldDisorder & Eminem)
17. "Dilla is the Goat: Prequel"

DJ SPINNA - "SPINNA SPINNIN' VOL. 1"

Super N.E.S. - "Sole Collector (Love His Kicks)"

Super N.E.S. is without a doubt one of the most interesting debut artist of the yesr. The NY emcee got a love for that true school sound we all love and cherish, and I have a feeling his mixtape will be one of the best of year. Put together  by DJ Grazzhopa and A&R Mal Moe, the tape will feature a mix of N.E.S. going in on obscure underground classics, but maily the original production will be handled by the likes of Nick Wiz, Da Beattminerz (work in progress), Purpose of Tragic Allies, Confidence, Tokyo Cigar, The Autible Doctor and of course DJ Grazzhoppa himself and many more. The mixtape will be presented by The Lost Tapes and We Goin In. In case you missed the first single, don't sleep on the impeccable Nick Wiz produced "Introducing N.E.S.".

As a warm-up to the tape, a non mixtape cut called "Sole Collector (Love His Kicks)" will appear on the Cormega hosted "Digital Dynasty Tenty" mixtape which is out soon, so stay tuned for that cuz you can count on it being available on The Lost Tapes ASAP.

SUPER N.E.S. - "SOLE COLLECTOR"

[Shelved Classic] LORD HAVE MERCY - "UNGODLY HOUR"

In the mid-to late '90s, the Busta Rhymes led Flipmode Squad was one of the most interesting and original crews on the hip-hop map. During that time, they didn't give too much of a fuck about appealing to the commercial radio, although certain members 'managed to sell a lot of records on their own merits. Unfortunately, by the end of 2000-'01, I believe they started to go more and more of the commercial route, whch is a real shame since they already had their own little niché while also selling records on their own terms. Some of the best releases eventually got shelved completedly, and it seems Busta was pretty much more interested only to get his own records out there, while much of his crew was left "in the cold"; somrething that has become clear with interviews with the other members of the group. Today the original Flipmode Squad members has pursued other interests, and long-time members Lord Have Mercy and Roc Marciano, who you might remember for several dope Flipmode Squad collaborations, posse cut and a few rare slamming solo joints. Lord even fully recorded a solo debut album in the mid '90s - "Tha Ungodly Hour".

The LP/sampler I'm presenting y'all with below has still never leaked anywhere in its full version; despite being completed and ready for release. However, I got seven bangers in good quality that definitely will have you happy if you never heard this before. No matter what, this is definitely one that awards repeatedout spins. Elektra Records has made such bad decisions from time to time, and the recording of this album remained shelved besies the dope music that eventually leaked. I'm sure y'all gonna love this one. Lord Hace Mercy also appeared on several dope cuts on Flipmode's group album - "The Imperial", Lord also released two singles on Elektra before "Tha Ungodly Hour" was shelved - "Wicked Ways" and "Say What Say What".

Both aforementioned singles are included on this sampler, as well as "Venegance", "Paint Ya Face", "These Men Don't Cry" and "Ride Away". The classic joint, "Home Sweet Home", produced by Nottz and featuring M.O.P., was originally meant for this LP, but when it got shelved it instead ended up on M.O.P.'s masterpiece "Warriorz" in 2000..Bottomline, it's a real shame "Tha Ungodly Hour" never got a proper release while Busta released album after album, and even Rampage and Rah Digga got to drop solo albums.,At least, with half the songs we are able to hear here, proves us that this album had fantastic potential. Check it out and enjoy it for yourself, I doubt you will be dissapointed.

 

01 "Venegance"

02. "Wicked Ways"

03. "Paint Ya Face"

04. "Ride Away"

05. "These Men Don't Cry"

06. "Home Sweet Home" (Ft. M.O.P.)

07. "Say What You Say"

LORD HAVE MERCY - "THA UNGODLY HOUR"

Nas - "Accidental Murders" [No I.D.]

Nas' 11th album has been shaping up lovely to the promotion and three singles that has been released so far, all of them has been in constant rotation and proves Nasir is back on his A+ game; mixing politics, battle rhymes and family, especially regarding his, now, 17 year old daughter. So far, Nas has really made an impression, and the beatmakers backing him up on the three songs released so far have all bbeen pretty damn interesting to say, from both a lyrical and production standpoint. Nas verses are fire, No I.D. on the beat really came through, so it's all good. Or?

Fans and emcees weew hopng for some original QB veterans, being that this is said to be somewhat of a "taking it back to Queens" album. But I can't really get over the Rick Ross cameo here; to me he's the worst kind of rappe out there right now; possibly since Vanilly Ice in my own personal opinion. Selling a bullshit image with no basis in reality, is what's in now, sadly. Anything to keep people fram waking up to what's really going on. I give him two more years tops om the hip-hop scene; do you think this is a valid point or do you actually like Rick Ross and his dark, fake ass "club" musik?

OL' DIRTY BASTARD - "O.D.B.E.P." [1996]

There's no debate that Russel Jones was in many ways the heart and soul of Wu-Tang, and in hip-hop in genreal; he always spoke his mind, his ryming style was unorthdox and original to say the least, and he had a great ear for beats. On top of that, he was totally unique both as an artist and as a person, He truly was a free spirit, who finally found his sanctuary in the afterlife in November 2004. He never cared the least what people thought about his wild antics and there's so many amazing stories about this man which makes it clear that his legacy will live on forever, both through his music and his personality. After the critically acclaimedd debut album from Jones, it would take four years before his sophomore (and highly overlooked) "Nigga Please" made it to the stores, but already in 1996 he released a rare, and very ill EP/mini album called "The O.D.B. EP"; originally a Japanese only release which collected the majority of 12" singles, remixes and a few RZA produced cuts that didn't make the final cut of Dirty's debut album. For fans of the Wu, there's definitely a lot to love aobut this EP, as it's great to hear alternative takes on such classics as "Brooklyn Zoo" and "Shimmy Shimmy Ya". Remix credits include Dante Ross' SD50's, Lord Digga, Studio Ton and even an unexpected cameo from West Coast legends MC Eiht and E-40, and a few unfuckwithable previously unreleased RZA productions reminiscent of his work on "Return to 36 Chambers". 

"The O.D.B. EP" is a full-bown extended play, featuring not only the eight original songs/you'll find below, but also instrumentals and accapellas.,I decided not to include those to make it a better play-through, but if you're interested in those aforementioned versions, let me know and I'll upload the entre thing ASAP. Enjoy this rare collection of classic Ol' Dirty Bastard 12" singles, B-sides and exclusives, originally released in 1996. The spirit of Russel Jones lives on, we love and miss you brother!

01. "Brooklyn Zoo" [Lord Digga Remix - Clean]

02. "Give It To Ya Raw" [LP Version]

03. "Give It To Ya Raw" [SD50 Remix]

04. "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" [Extended Version]

05. "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" [Studio Ton Remix] (Ft. MC Eiht & E-40)

06. "Don't U Know Part 2" [Clean]

07. "Ol' Dirty's Back" [LP Version]

OL' DIRTY BASTARD - "O.D.B.E.P." [Modified]

KNOiota x Edo G x Jaysaun - "Boston Blocks"

Boston / Copenhagen based rapper KNOiota recently knocked out this banger with Special Teamz brothers Edo G and Jaysaun. The song appears on KNO's album "KNO Now Or Never" that was released yesterday. Dope! 

Alchemist + Durag Dynasty - "Spudnik Webb"

ALChemist drops off this monstrous non-album track single called "Spudnik Webb", featuring Durag Dynasty. Those who followed the promo for Planet Asia's recent LP, remembers that his next project was as part of the trio Durag Dynasty, besides Killer Ben and Tri-State. The album, which he praised as one of the best hip-hop albums in a long time will primarily be produced by Alchemist. This is obviously a taste of what's to come, and I for one has got zero complaints about that.

ALCHEMIST / DURAG DYNASTY - "SPUDNIK WEBB"