[STREAM] REKS - "Rebelotionary"

It wasn't too long Boston's REKS and Numsonic announced their collaborative album "Rebelutionary" for a release tomorrow. This is actually Reks' second album this year, following his pretty cool joint with Statik, "Straight No Chaser". Already now, we can preview the Gracie Records release in full below. Haven't listened yet, but I have yet to hear a project from this guy that has dissapointed, so this is a given.

The Smirnoff Remix VLS

Hip-Hop and large corporations didn't exactly go hand in hand. Things change however, and when multi-million dollar company Smirnoff launched their new Signature Mix series brand of vodka, the promotional run included exclusive tracks from some of hip-hop's premiere emcees and producers. The idea was to have some of the hottest beatmakers of the day create '08 versions of some of hip-hop's finest's most classic joints. The resulting three songs were made available for free via the now defunct Smirnoff Signature Mix Series website for a limited time, but luckily it didn't took to long before a 12" version was released; featuring the clean edits and instrumentals of the three joints. The idea and execution was a success, promting the brand to repeat the idea the following year; remixing classics by Buckshot, Nas and Nice & Smooth, but thaat's a post for another day. One last thing, the VLS included all the instrumenstals, but here I only featured thevocal mixes. Enjoy!

01. KRS-One / DJ Premier - "Criminal Minded '08"

For us true school heads, the true blessing of this 12" was the DJ Premier and KRS-One collabo for "Criminal Minded '08"; a dark production with a bass keys loop at the center stage; a time machine with sinister beats, ill scartches which inspire KRS to deliver a performance attacking sucker emcees and reminiscing of where he was in life when cooking up the original "Criminal Minded". Personally, I absolutely love this joint and as has been said so many times before, we need that "Return Of The Boom Bip" ASAP!

02. Common / Just Blaze - "The Light '08"

Just Blaze remixes Common's classic J Dilla produced hit single "The Light"; taking a more laid-back approach with piano and strings take the center stage while Marsha Ambrosious takes on the role of Erykah Badu on the original Jay Dee remix. Both Just and 'Com does a pretty good job here, but considering how fantastic the original version was, this is hard to fully appreciate. The scratches near the end is a nice touch though. Considering how superb just Blaze often is, it's a little suprising that this is without a doubt the least intersting song on the 12" single.

03. Q-Tip / Cool & Dre - "Midnight '08"

"Midnight" was and remains one of my favorite tracks from one of my favorite rap albums of all time, "Midnight Mauraders". And as perfect as that record was, the question is whether or not it was a good idea to do a 2008 version of this; produce by Cool & Dre on top of it all. However, Q-Tip gives a great performance on this record, revisiting the origina song topic with new lyrics to great effect. The production is not bad, but Cool & Dre's seems to be aiming to recreate the vibe of the original, but with heavily relying on a electro sounding synthesizer rather than the trusted Fender Rhodes piano that was so prominent on the early Tribe albums. It's an interesting song though, and as it was recored around the same time as The Abstract's "The Renaissance" he is, to me, bringing his A-game here.

SMIRNOFF Signature Series '08 VLS

[Shelved Classics] One Man - "Crime & Punishment in America"

A discussion about 4th Disciple's brilliant production work on Killarmy's "Silent Weapons For Quiet Wars" over @ The T.R.O.Y. Forum sparked my interest in revisiting the Shelved Classics section of this blog. I don't really think 4th Disciple need no longer introduction here, but a few interesting poiints can be made. He first met up with The RZA when the latter lived in 4th and about half of Killarmy's home of Steubenville, Ohio for a period of time - spreading knowledge about the NOI and their 12 jewels. 4th Disciple, who was a superb producer in his own right, was soon invited to be a part of the Wu-Elementz and in 1994 became the first producer to work on a Wu-Tang Clan solo album besides RZA when he got a co-producer credit for Method Man's "Sub Crazy". It was first in 1997 that his name really started to ring bells amongst hip-hop heads, as he got the chance to provide no less than five stand out cuts on the multi-platinum selling "Wu-Tang Forever". This was soon followed by the release of "Silent Weapons For Quiet Wars", the '97 debut of 4th's own group Killarmy, which was featured six emcees, made up of members hailing from both Sreubenville and NYC. Aside from two RZA beats, 4th Disciple produced the album in its entirety and arranged and molded it in to a dark, haunting sonic masterpiece. It was these two releases that once and for all solidified his name as a genius producer with a unique sound vision.

Besides his work with Wu-Tang Clan and its many affiliates, 4th produced albums worth of material for lesser known artists that unfortunately never saw the light of the day (another day I'll make a post on The Orphanage crew). One such project in particular was the immaculate "Crime & Punishment in America" starring the mysterious Ohio native One Man. Not much information is available on either the album or the artist, and while he's not the sharpest rhymer 4th recorded with, his mixture of political, afro-centric rhymes, and heartfelt, deeply personal lyrics more than makes up for any shortcomings on the technical side of things. Production wise, 4th Disciple's vintage mid-'90s sound is quickly recognized with all of its trademarks - breakneck drums, multi-layered tracks often incorporating string sections and music with symphonic qualities, avoiding the typical funk and soul grooves commonly associated with '90s boom bap - giving the music an epic feel in creating a sort of hip-hop symphony. Together these two go together like you wouldn't believe - peep the haunting center piece of the album, "Black Sheep", where 4th's saxophone driven beat and One Man's brutally honest lyrics about growing up hard together creates images and feelings as clear as any cinema will produce.

There's little info on when this in reality was recorded, or even if it originally was intended as an album, but the information sheet released with the CD states that at least parts of the music found here were recorded in 1994. This means it predates the Killarmy debut and "Forever" joints by three years, going back to a time where really the only released 4th production was N-Tyce & Meth's "Hush Hush Tip", which was co-produced by The RZA. The then unknown 4th's unconventional production style, and One Man's personal experience as a poor black man in America could not have been an easy sale to whatever mountain climbing A&R they might have shopped the album too, but it makes it clear why RZA made sure 4th Disciple were included in the Wu-Tang fold. 

There's also a chance that the album was recorded but lost in 4th's vaults, until it was found around the year 2006, considering the release of a very limited edition digital release of the album in 2007, made available together with another nine track mini-LP of unreleased productions entitled "The Best Of 740: Unreleased Classics" . The latter is getting a proper re-release this year but the, in my opinion, superior "Crime & Punishment in Ameirca" is still not available in any official capacity. This is something no 4th Dsciple and/or Killarmy fan should allow themeselves to miss out on hearing, so make sure to grab the free download below. I also added a 13th bonus track featuring both artists, lifted from 4th's original '99 solo debut; "The Steel Valley Project Vol. 1" (remember mp3.com fellas?), which will make for another interesting post another day. Enjoy this gem and TURN IT UP!!

01. "Nowehere to Run"

02. "Deadly Missionz"

03. "Next Level" (Ft. Juvenile)

04. "Interegations"

05. "Evolution"

06. "Game #7" (Ft. Killah Priest)

07. "Pain Growz"

08. "Black Sheep"

09. "Symphony Of Life"

10. "Heavy Berdenz"

11. "Attak the Slave Master"

12. "Lass Days" (Ft. Unknown)

13. "Just For You" [*]

ONE MAN - "CRIME & PUNISHMENT IN AMERICA"

[VIDEO] Gangrene / Roc Marcy - "Drink Up"

The boys behind last year's terrific "Greneberg" EP joins back up for some nice visuals to the trio's collaboration from the equally slamming "Vodka & Ayahuasca" project on Decon. Produced by The Alchemist.

Marley Marl & "Mama Said Knock You Out"

Marley Marl is your favorite producers favorite producer, and for a good reason, considering how he was more than an innovator in the production game, and a pioneer in recording techniques. Marlon Williams produced classic albums for everyone in the Juice Crew, from Big Daddy Kane, to Biz Markie and Kool G Rap.... The list goes on, but my personal favorite might very well be the superior work he did with LL Cool J in 1990, whne he prodduced his "comeback" album "Mama Said Knock You Out". From the way Marley hooked up the exact right type of samples and cooked up the perfect mix of agressive "punch you in the face" killer cuts to laid back chill out records, and that one classic around the way girl anthem; the total production was nothing short of genius, and to me it's not only Marlon's finest full-length, but LL's as well. It was a very clever move on LL's part to hook up with the hottest producer of the day to take charge of his next project afer his mostly ill-fated "Walking With A Panther". 

A few years later, Marley and LL reunited for the "14 Shots to the Dome", an album that still often fails to get the rightful props it deserves. But that's another story for another day... The video below is a real, real treat for all the true school fanatics out there; Marley breaks down the thought process behind hooking up with LL, to him taking a trip down memory lane, speaking on and recreating several tracks from the album. And as if that wasn't enough, Marlon digs into the archives and brings out an exclusive alternative LL verse recorded to the title track; never before heard. Absolutely priceless, major shouts to Okayplayer where I spotted this gem!

Kool Keith x Roc Marciano - "Pressure Up"

Here's the first single from the "Luv NY" compilation that Red Apple 45's Ray West is putting together and producing. "Pressure Up" is a real smooth summer banger, centering on a addictive "accoustic sounding" electric piano loop and a nice rhythm track, and true New York legends Kool Keith and Roc Marciano doing their thing as expected. Based on this, I must say that Ray West stepped his game up and if the album features more joints of this quality then put me up for a purchase. Other guest artists include lots of AG, OC, Kurious, Dave Dar and more Kool Keith and Roc Marciano. Snippets, info and tracklist here. Shouts to 2DBz ont the linkage!

KOOL KEITH x ROC MARCIANO - "PRESSURE UP"

[Tracklist] Showbiz & AG - "PRELOADED: Remixes"

Now that Gang Starr is gone, there is no question who's the sharpest duo around; whenever Showbiz & AG drop I always support. "MugshotMusic: Preloaded" and "Still Diggin' Vol. 1" have been on steady rotation this year, so you can imagine my joy when Show took to Twitter to announce a limited vinyl release of exclusive "Preloaded" remixes and outtakes. To give more credibility to Show's statement we soon after got treated to a booming remix of "That Nigga Crazy", followed by "Do It 4"; a vocal take on one of the exclusives from "Still Diggin' Vol. 1".

I've searched long and hard for somewhere to pre-order; all the online record spots, and even iTunes, but not a single mention of this record anywhere. But then Kamal made me take notice that Amazon has posted a link for pre-order, stating the official release date is July 24. I would absolutely LOVE to have this on wax, and I hope they come to their senses and release it on was or at least on CD, but for now it seems we will be getting another digital release. You can pre-order the album via Amazon where you can also hear snippets of all the cuts.

01. "Intro"
02. "Show & A" [Remix]
03. "Mugshot"
04. "That Nigga Crazy" [Remix]
05. "Celebrate"
06. "Justice"
07. "Timeless"
08. "Do It 4"
09. "Just Go Along" [Remix]
10. "Trapped"
11. "Berri Love" [Remix]
12. "Suspended Animation" [Remix]
13. "Walk With Me" [Remix]
14. "If I Met Me"

Side Effectz - "Counter Clockwise"

Linkan goes IN on Side Effectz's latest promo single, "Counter Clockwise". The video is just as  low budget and rugged as Linkan and the homies in AOTS like it, as Akopalips basically just filmed the emcee spitting his verses; home made stylee baby. The song might, or might not, appear on the upcoming "Wunderbaum Music" EP, which is planned to feature around six brand new cuts. If everything goes as planned we might very well see a limited vinyl release of the project so keeps your fingers crossed, and stay tuned for more info. 

At the same time, próducer Akopalips is preparing a fully instrumental project to be released simultaneously, tentatively titled "Akopalips Now: Leaving Earth". The first single was released a while back, "Splash (Champion)", and it's sounding real promising! Last but not least, in case you've missed out on my extensive interview with Sweden's finest, peep the interview here.

[Mixtape] Wu-Tang Clan / D-Block - "Wu-Block"

Dennis Coles, the masked assassin broke through on the sccene in 1993. Now, 21 years later and some ten albums later, he stil remains one of the most interesting emcees hip-hop has to offer. He's an amazing story teller, got one of the most unique voices in the game, created his own slang lexicon and knows how to create a real live drama with only 16 bars, no problem; we must never forget that Ghostface music is 100% based in the streets in whatever he does, more than the majority of his Wu brothers GFK represent the streets.

Another group that's the epitome of New York street music are D-Block, originally knwn as The LOX, and out of its members, maybe the most hardcore motherfucker of them all is Sheek Louch. Therefore, the news that Ghost and Sheek were working on a full length album together seemed as natural as Bruce Lee's fighting style. Consdiering that both artists are currently signed to Def Jam, and the leaks have been coming on a regular basis I hink it's safe to safe that the "Wu-Block" album will actually see the light of the day, and probably sooner than we think!

To prove that point, D-Block and Wu-Tang has put together the official mixtape of the same title as the forthcoming album; "Wu-Block". The 11 track tape features all prevuous leaks from the LP; "The Heist" from the Rae/Ghost/Meth album; "Ready 4 War" is actually the original Styles P assisted version of 2006's "Tony Sigel"; "The Outsiderz" is an old D-Block joint. In other words, there's not many exclusives here but it's a great listen and works as a cool prequel to the official album that finally drops in late August. Thanks to HAQ and Hollow Dartz for link and information. Enjoy y'all!

01. "Wu-Block"
02. "Wu-Block Pt. 2"
03. "The Heist" (Ft. Trife Da God)
04. "Block 36th Chamber"
05. "Ready 4 War" (Ft. Beanie Sigel)
06. "The Oursiderz" (Ft. Papoose & Lil' Cease)
07. "Batman"
08. "Barry"
09. "Flash Back"
10. "Tradin' Places"
11. "Hands Up"

D-BLOCK & WU-TANG - "WU-BLOCK: THE MIXTAPE"

[Album] BEATIE BOYS - "B-Sides & Bullshit"

The trio of Beastie Boys hails from New York City and is one of the most hailed old school acts of all time. And on top of that, they are still active, 25 years later. Despite the success, they were always different than their peers on the current hip-hop scene, yet quickly was accepted by their peers. There style and apperance always differed vastly from the rypical hip-hop ac;, their music was more rooted in punk and roc attitudesk than their fellow peers funk, soul and jazz.,To say the trio that wasn't always htecily rooted in the hip-hop music of its time, woul be to sell them way short.

Once The Beasties' decided to go the hip-hop route full throttle, after in the early '80s releasing a few ill-fated punk rock singles, the group consisted of Michael "Mike D" Diamond, Adam "Ad-Rock" Horowitz and Adam "MCA" Yauch. Despite them all being cacausians, a rarity amongst respected and serious hip-hop acts in those days sif we are being honest, they found respect and praise from both their musical peers, hip-hop fans and even music critics. Some of the artists they early found respect from was De La Soul, Tribe, Run-DMC, BDP and even Public Enemy. 

Of course the future of The Beasties' right now is very uncertain as Adam Yauch this year passed away due to terminal cancer. A true legend who blessed us with many hours of classic music and entertainment, I would like to dedicate this post and out-of-print mixtape to the one and only MCA! Rest in power brother!

If you´re not up on the Beastie's vast catalouge yet, it's never too late to dig into it. In my personal opinion, you should start with their 1992 materpiece "Check Your Head", possibly followed by "Paul's Boutique", "Hello Nasty" and the '86 debut is a given. In 2006, Grand Slam Records released the limited, but absolutely fantastic vinyl only "B-Sides & Bullshit; a compilation of rare remixes, classic B-sides and previously unreleased material.Again, if you're still new to the trio's out-there, unique brand off hip-hop; this serves as a great introuction to their sound, at the same time as it has enough material to satisfy the most dedicared fan. The music spans more than a decade, and althogh The Beasties' are great producers in their own rightt; the 15 songs repsented on "B-Sides & Bullshit" features rare and absolutely knocking remies from tue hip-hop lrgrm including Madlib, Large Professor, Kutmasta Kurt, the Beastie's themeselves, Prince Paul, Paul Nice, Sever & Hoffer aand more. A definite listen no matter how huge a Beastie fan you happen to be, so before we get into the music I would jusr ask tou to TURN IT UP!!

01.  "Intergalactic" [Sever & Hoffman Remix]

02. "Shake Your Rump" [Madlib Remix]

03. "Sure Shot" [Large Professor Remix]

04. "Dub the Mic"

05. "Hey Ladies" [Paul Nice Remix]

06. "Looking For The Barrell Of A Gun" [Egon & John Doe Remix]

07. "Body Movin'" [Kutmaster Kurt Remix]

08. "Honky Rink"

09. "So Watcha Want" [All The Way Live Freestyle Mix]

10. "Shadrach" [Peanut Butter Wolf Remix]

11. "Pass The Mic Pt. 2: Skills That Pay The Bills"

12. "Root Down" [Prince Paul Baloon Mix]

13. "Alive" [Evidence Remix]

14. "Stand Together" [Live At French's Tavern]

15. "Intergalagtic" [Original 94' Version]

BEASTIE BOYS - "B-SIDES & BULLSHIT"