Detonator Records, Vol. 1 (2001) Featuring Akrobatik, Breez Evahflowin', C-Rayz Walz and Chan w/ Special Appearances By Afu Ra and Reks
http://www.zshare.net/download/74901440ffcee7e6/
This compilation came out in 2001 as I was just becoming familiar with some of the artists featured. It was the first time I heard C-Rayz Walz and I remember not really digging him at first, but he grew on me quite a bit. All the emcee's featured here are great and the album is solid. Fakts One handles about half the production on the album
As far as the label is concerned, I don't think they lasted too long after this release. There were a few singles and I think Akro released an LP or an EP on the label, but I can't find a whole lot of information, as their website is no more. Regardless, this LP is well worth the listen.
1. Breez Evahflowin' - 'Hok2'
2. Akrobatik - 'News Flash'
3. Chan feat. Reks - 'Big In Japan'
4. C-Rayz Walz - 'Not For Nothin'
5. Akrobatik - 'Too Chill'
6. Akrobatik and Breez Evahflowin' - 'Grown Men'
7. Breez Evahflowin' - 'I Love Hip Hop'
8. Akrobatik - 'The Flow (Remix)'
9. Akrobatik, Breez Evahflowin', Chan, C-Rayz Walz - 'Explosion!'
10. Akrobatik - 'No Losses'
11. Chan - 'Combat Zone'
12. C-Rayz Walz - 'Whodaf*ckareyou'
13. Akrobatik feat. Afu-Ra & Breez Evahflowin' - 'Ruff Enuff (Remix)'
14. Chan - 'Politickin' w/ Chan'
15. Akrobatik - 'Basementality'
16. C-Rayz Walz - 'Degrees'
17. Breez Evahflowin' - 'After All'
4/12/2010
Detonator Records Vol. 1
12/02/2009
A day with the Master
So on Monday Masta Ace and Edo.G came to the town where I study, Kiel. I've seen Ace for the seventh time, each time it's different, but this time it was really special!
I arrived in Kiel on Sunday,I drove 2 1/2 hours with my brother, since I don't really live in Kiel anymore, I just go there to write my exams (but pssssst). So that night there was supposed to be a Ustream of Ace and Edo from Birmingham, England. Right on time at 9pm my time they were sitting in front of the laptop ready to stream. During the chat i mentioned that I'm watching football, and they asked how I can do that in Germany. I got Digital TV with ESPN America, so I can watch all the NFL games. Ace and Ed got all excited, since they are huge football fans and they knew they would come to Kiel the next day. They said they might wanna watch Monday Night Football over at my crib. The stream continued for over an hour, whoever wants to watch it, you can check it here (It was really cool):
The same night I emailed Ace if they really wanted to come to the crib to watch the game, and he was like: DEFINITELY. So the next day I went grocery shopping and got some beer and coke (cola, lol). I was preparing a lasagna and some chicken curry for the night. I also got the word 2 days ago, that Strick would come too, he will be the Merch Guy this tour. Akrobatik and Paten Locke were also announced for the show.
My boys Esperado and Matt Sense also had their first big performance with 12 Finger Dan as the local act, they had a couple beats from me too, and they ripped it, they did a great job. Matt picked me up around 4 and we went over to Epserado to do a last little rehearsal (I had to kick a verse too). We went to the Luna Club around 6 to do the sound check. Ace, Edo, Ak, P, Strick and DJ Moe-D arrived around 7. It was a very warm welcome and Ace told me that they would premiere the joint I did for their album. I didn't even get to hear it before that day, so I was really excited about it. I heard it during the sound check and it sounded crazy.
Anyway, my boys got on stage around 9.30 and did a great show, Ak and Paten went on afterwards and ripped it too. Ace and Edo got on stage around 11. They did ALL the classic joint like - I got to have it, The Symphony, Love comes and goes, Born 2 roll (with the 3rd verse over the Ante Up beat) Good ol love, Beautiful, Rock the beat and a lot more, they also played a lot of the songs off the new album. The people went totally crazy and since it was a prettysmall club and it was packed, it had a really great feel to it.
So they left the stage for a short moment to come back for an Encore, it started with Take a walk, by Ace and then there was my moment, I don't wanna tell y'all too much, besides that it was a world premiere, just check the video right here: (The Sound quality is really good)
So after the show I jumped in the tour van and we went to the hotel for a quick second, before we got over to my brothers (my former) crib. My brother and a couple friends were already there, and since the living room is pretty small, it was PACKED!
Ace was really classic, while watching football he was drinking tea and Henny, lol. We talked about a lot of things, but I can't tell y'all everything, I just say it reached from music to plastic surgery... Ak and Edo were a little pissed that the Pats were getting their ass beat tho. Akrobatik was ustreaming live from the appartment, making bets when Ace would fall asleep, but Ace stayed awake doing some, what Ak called "Pre-Game-Routines". I also finished the lasagna and cooked the rice to go with the chicken curry, and everybody was really happy about getting something to eat late at night, don't need to tell y'all that I'm a hobby chef, just ask these dudes, lol. I brought em back to the hotel around 6 am, they had to leave for Oslo, Norway around 7, so you can be pretty sure they didn't catch any sleep... But that's how it is if you do what you love.
All of these MC's are great people and I felt really fotunate to spend a whole night with em. See y'all next year!
Clap
Edit: Ace gave me an A&E shirt plus... one of the CD'S that were already pressed up, with the A&E logo on it and in a digi pack, which is way cooler than the jewel case. I will leave that motherfucker sealed! This version can never be sold and I'm really fortunate to have one, HA!
7/11/2008
Half Way Done: The Midway Report - The Top 20 Albums Part One
2008 has been kind of odd. While there hasn't been tons of albums that have been "mind blowin'", there has been a large quantity of "enjoyable" albums. When I say "enjoyable", I mean albums that I can put on and enjoy, although I don't I probably won't think much about them after a month or so. Nothing wrong with that. Anymore, if an album gets more than two or three plays from me, it's doing something right. I just have too much to listen to, as well does anyone that frequents online sites much. I will say that my favorite seven albums are all GREAT albums, which does make it an exciting year regardless. I've been HORRIBLE about reading other blogs and checking the forums the past six months, so this list has not been affected much by outside influences. They are all things that I have played quite often. They are found on the iPod at any time. They make me appreciate being a hip hop again.
Of course, my tastes are probably not the typical blogger tastes. In my old age, I like what I like, which is the underground obscure shit. I guess I can't relate to a lot of the music being made these days. There were some albums that I didn't get a chance to listen to just recently, such as the Snowgoons, Opio, Danny! and most notably, the new Invincible "Shapeshifters" album, which I think would have easily made it into this top 10. Be on the look out for that album in the third quarter report. We will start with the bottom half of the top 20, then wrap it up with the top half tomorrow (or possibly Saturday). As I've mentioned before, these are MY personal favorites. There are also NO mixtapes, I'll cover the mixtapes this weekend. I'm not going to say they are the absolute best, because after all, it's only my opinion and nothing else. But if you are someone that has similar tastes as me, you oughta check anything out you haven't heard yet. With that, let's jump on into it.
Top 20 Albums for the First Half of 2008: 11-20
20. The Camp - The Campaign 
Sounds Like: They show a lot of influences from Apathy and the Demigodz crew. Party music, nothing too serious.
Summary: Coming out of the northeast, Boston more specifically, The Camp is just some good ole fashioned boom bap with the party vibe coming down with them. The Campaign is comparable to an action comedy movie, where you don't have to do a lot of thinking and are entertained through the whole watching/listening experience. Apathy of the Demigodz was the Executive Producer on this project and his influence is readily seen on the album as they soemtimes come off as official Demigodz card carrying members. Only negatives I would say is that with five MC's, they kind of blend together and it's hard to tell who's who and at seventeen tracks, a few could have been shaved off. Regardless, it's an enjoyable album that fans of this type of hip hop should check out.
Favorite Tracks: "The Campaign", "Gentlemen Needs", "Little Story"
19. Weapon X - Portrait of a Starving Artist
Sounds Like: I think Jedi Mind Tricks when I think of Weapon X both in the terms of rhyme style and beats.
Summary: Weapon X was one of those artists that I ran across on a blog, downloaded the album on the strength of a recommendation, and really enjoyed the album. Since then, I've have mentioned the album several times on WYDU, posted several tracks from the album, and even interviewed X himself. Goes to show you that blogs ARE good for something. Portrait of a Starving artist is somewhat of a dark album, as we take a trip through X's psyche that is filled with uncertainty, struggle, and roadblocks. Armed with everything from deep thoughts, to straight up "F.A.Y" (fuck all y'all for those of you not in the know) type tracks, X paints a strong image with this album.
Favorite Tracks: "Destined For Greatness", "Don't Dream Of Women", "Asshole Syndrome"
18. Substantial - Sacrifice 
Sounds Like: You've heard him on several QN5 projects, as well as part of EFamm.
Summary: Maybe I'm a little biased by the fact that I saw Substantial live this past May and besides being a very cool dude, he put on a hell of a stage show. Then again, Sacrifice was ranked in the first quarter as well. This album is kind of hit in miss as far as the tracks go, but that's only because Substantial isn't afraid to take chances. Some of those chances don't work, but at least he doesn't create some boring album that plays it safe the whole way through. The songs that do work though are well exucuted and creative. Who knew that you could make a quality song using an interpolation of a Christmas carol as it's hook. Substantial is also a very versatile MC, going from battle rhymes to concept songs almost effortlessly.
Favorite Tracks: "Chain Reaction", "Resurrection of a House Party", "It's You"
17. All Natural - Elements (Fire)
Sounds Like: Coming out of Chicago, these are underground cats should that bring that late 90's indie boom bap to the scene.
Summary: I've been a fan of Chi-town's All Natural since first hearing them in the late 90's. They haven't changed their sound much over the last decade, but in this case, that's not a bad thing. DJ Tone B Nimble and Capital D are down with the Molemen. Their album, Elements (Fire), it's nothing more than straight up, quality boom bap hip hop. This is an album that I'm still getting more and more into, so this has a chance to move up even more before the end of the year. Great for fans that wish hip hop hadn't changed so much.
Favorite Tracks: "The All", "Poppers Pop, Breakers Break", "Nothin' To Lose"
16. Akrobatik - Absolute Value 
Sounds Like: A cross of battle rap, political consciousness, and Ak being Ak; a versatile MC
Summary: Absolute Value, grew for me over time and continues to win me over as the year goes on. Akrobatik is a very accomplished MC who brings a versatile LP to the consumer, to almost a fault. Absolute Value has something for everybody, everything from nuggets of knowledge found as Ak and Chuck D kick it "Kindred", to Ak just kickin' battle rhymes on the title track, produced by the great and mighty J-Zone. As I mentioned, the album kind of lacks a central focus and strays a bit in some places, but it's still a quality album that should stay in the top 20 when 2009 rolls around.
Favorite Tracks: "Soul Glo", "Put Ya Stamp On It", "Absolute Value"
15. One Man Army - The R.E.B.I.R.T.H.
Sounds Like: A lyrical MC that would rank up with the top MC's in the game right now. One Be Lo is very consistent, you know what you are getting when you get a One Be Lo album.
Summary: I haven't heard much about this album being mentioned in the hip hop circles after having a critical acclaimed release in 2005 in S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. One Be Lo's sophomore retail album, The R.E.B.I.R.T.H., is everything his debut was, but just more focused. After being unceremoniously left off the first quarter list, I made sure the album was included on the midway report. The album is a twelve track focused effort, as One Be Lo is one of the more sociological MC's, touching on society as a whole as well as the state of hip hop. There are a couple classic tracks to be found on the effort, as both "Hip Hop Heaven", which takes a spin on Scarface's "I'm Dead" and "Gray", which incorporates a laid back beat with a sax loop that should be on any "end of year" list.
Favorite Tracks: "Rebirth", "Gray", "Hip Hop Heaven"
14. 9th Wonder & Jean Grae - The Jeanius 
Sounds Like: With beats from 9th Wonder, you get that soul sampled North Carolina sound that 9th has basically trademarked. With Jean Grae, you get a lyrical female MC that can hang with any male when it comes to rhymes and making songs.
Summary: The first of three albums that have appeared previously before in one form or another in the top 20. I was a big fan of the version that leaked on the 'net way back in 2004. The beats found on the original was one of 9th's best efforts. While a few things have changed on the 2008 version, the reincarnation is still undoubtedly dope. Jean proves while she should be mentioned as one of the top female MC's to ever grace the mic as she drops lyrical gems and thought provoking jawns as 9th paints soundscapes that seem to match perfectly with what Jean Grae has to say.
Favorite Tracks: "Don't Rush Me", "My Story", "The Time is Now"
13. Ill Poetic Presents Joe Budden X Portishead: Mood Muzik's 3rd (LINK)
Sounds Like: Something completely new....
Summary: My man Eric over at When They Reminisce has done enough campaigning for Ill Poetic to last the next two years, and while I've always thought Ill Poetic was dope, I just wasn't into his music as much as E. I also liked Joe Budden's Mood Musik 3, but it didn't get a ton of play from me. That is until Ill Poetic presented us with this "mash-up" of sorts. For those of you not familiar with the concept, Ill Poetic made beats using Portishead samples and it works WONDERFULLY. It's something completely new sounding and very creative. Tracks like "Roll Call" is just freakin' hard as fuckin' nails. It almost reminds of the 2008 version of The Bomb Squad. Just pure noise and chaos.
Favorite Tracks: "Dear Diary", "Roll Call", "Warfare"
12. Kidz In The Hall - The In Crowd
Sounds Like: Little Brother meets Cool Kids meets 90's Native Tongues
Summary: While some of my fellow blogging cohorts question their taste in fashion (and probably rightfully so), I wholly expected not to care for this album when it dropped for different reasons. Not because of the new image they were trying to cash in on, although the "Drivin' Down The Block" single didn't help at all, but I also wasn't a big fan of their debut, "School Was My Hustle". I still can't stand "Drivin' Down The Block", and I'm not big on their "image" (I won't call them douche bags though), the album was a pleasant surprise. Once again, versatility rules, as they cover a wide spectrum of sounds and topics. The production is on some top notch quality, when they aren't trying to cash in on the hipster sound. I'm not sure of the staying power of the album yet, but so far, it's getting the spins.
Favorite Tracks: "Let Your Hair Down", "Mr. Alladatshit", "The Blackout"
11. Raashan Ahmad - The Push
Sounds Like: Mr. J Medeiros comes to mind and his album from last year. Also, since Raashan Ahmad is from the Crown City Rockers, there is some of that flavor as well.
Summary: I've never been one to get into the Crown City Rockers. It's not that I didn't like them, I just didn't pay them much attention. I don't really remember what made me listen to The Push, I guess a couple people who's opinions I value said it was a good album. Sure enough, I played this album two times in a row the first time I heard it. There is nothing totally mind blowing on it, but just about every track is quality. Raashan Ahmad isn't the most lyrical MC there is, but he constructs quality tracks that lends to a overall cohesive album that grows on the listener the more he/she listens to it.
Favorite Tracks: "Cool Down", "Here We Go", "Get Funky"
Thirty Tracks from Jan-July 08 That You Need To Hear: 11-20
Amad Jamal - Goin' Postal (myspace)
Baje One - Mission Statement (Weightless EP)
Camp Lo - Lumdi (?)
EdO. G & Masta Ace aka A&E - What Does It Matter (Advance)
Kurupt - Yessir (?)
Oddisee ft Motion Man - Holding Back (Good Tree EP)
Praverb - Freedom To Prevail (Center of Attention)
Foul Mouth Jerk ft Masta Ace - Small Town USA (Street Light Music)
Suzi Analog ft DJ SoulClap - HandClapRap (myspace)
The Grouch - Artsy (Show You The World)
2/25/2008
Weekend Lite....blah blah blah Part One
We are still experiencing the winter doldrums as far as new music is concerned. A few things have started popping up on the scene. Of course there is the eMC which seems everyone has an opinion about, either good or bad. I'm still kind of holding off on mine for the time being. Two albums that have grabbed my attention recently have been the Nicolay & Kay - Time:Line album. I was a little hesitant after finding "Here" to be less than what I expected, but I have to say this album is quickly fitting into major spins around this way. The production is excellent and although I've seen some people bash Kay's lyrical skills, I don't have a bit of a problem with the job he did on the mic. A very good album that I look forward to staying in the spins for most of the spring.
The other album is from Akrobatik. I received a promo copy of it a couple weeks ago and finally gave it some spins while I was on death's bed a couple weeks ago. At first I thought maybe it was the fever, but after coming out of the crap, this album is still sounding good. Don't get me wrong, I was a fan of the Perceptionists album back in '05 and have liked some of the guest joints that Ak has dropped in out, namely the Smile Rays album last year, but I guess I just haven't pictured myself to be into his music all that much. Regardless, there is some strong material to be found on "Absolute Value", shit, the J-Zone produced joint is alone worth the price of admission.
Another surprise album is not even from this country. I've documented my "allergies" to any hip hop that is not made in the lower 48 states of the U.S. I'm not saying it's right, I just tend to 
automatically ignore anything that comes from overseas. Yes, it's rather ignorant of me, and one such album is trying to single handedly change that. The 4orce who is coming out on BBE, a label I hold with great respect, dropped an album called "Mind The Gaps Anthems Vol 2", which Dan Love has the more "technical" information on the Brit. All I'm going to say is this is a damn good album that has all the requirements for a dope album, regardless where he is from. The production is masterful, with some dope tracks. Even the lyrics are good enough to keep me from being turned off by the accent. It's something that should be checked out, where ever you claim as your home turf.
Here is a sample track for y'all to check out:
Never Shoulda Feat Marrisa Anglin
Alright, we are sooooooo far behind on material that has been sent to me. My apologies for slacking on posting this stuff for those who have sent me material. I have a ton of stuff I've behind on after being sick for over a week and this blog is one of them. So bear with me.
Goodies From The Inbox
Albums
Editor's Choice of the Week
Frequency Activism - Hip Hop In Strange Places
Coming straight out of Connecticut and New York, this group is comprised, from what I can gather, a couple MC's in the name of Hired Gun and Mista Mayday and is backed by a live band of drums, bassist, guitarist, and sax and flute. Sure, the idea having a live band back a group is getting kind of...normal, for the lack of a better word, but it's something I don't have a problem with as long as it's done well. This album is something that is probably best suited for those particular people that have an open mind when it comes to their hip hop, but those that do get into this kind of thing will not be disappointed.
From the groups Myspace:
Click Cover For Album Download
Frequency Activism is a CT/NY political hip-hop/soul/funk/jazz group consisting of vocalists Hired Gun (also of 3rd Party), PaintDragon (flute and saxaphone), and Stat, d.j./vocalist Mista Mayday, The Specialist on drums, bassist Sean Canedy and guitarist Matt Turcotte. In other words, a full funk band with emcees trading off with a jazz vocalist with dense, politically charged lyrics layered with a dj. Yeah.
Check for their first album, Hip Hop in Strange Places, in addition to solo albums and other projects by these artists.
Hired Gun, NJ born / BK residing emcee, has performed all over the country, from small clubs to large music festivals, and recently completed a 3 year run of a regular set at the Bowery Poetry Club in NYC. He has headlined the NorthEast Kingdom Music Festival alongside the Coup and Fishbone, and performed on the same stage as many hip hop luminaries. He is a member of the ESP crew, founder of Free Radicalz music, and co-founder of Say Word Entertainment. Though already several albums deep, including an album that recieved 4 stars in Urb magazine, he is readying to release his first solo albu, "The People's Verses".
PaintDragon is an artist/jazz vocalist from CT who has played all over New England with various jazz bands. Also proficient on saxaphone and flute, she is well known throughout the music/poetry/art community in southern New England.
Mista Mayday is a well known activist/musician from CT. He is secretary of the CT socialist party, a former member of the Demigodz crew, founding member of the ESP crew and former co-host of WHUS's Boombox from the Boondocks, the legendary hip hop college radio show co-hosted by rapper Apathy. Mista Mayday has released many albums and mixtapes working with artists ranging from hip hop to the well recieved collaboration with New London, CT bluegrassers the Can Kickers.
Stat is the former front man of the Subterranean Beet Cooperative. A guitarist and emcee, he has performed all across the country, from NY to CA. His solo efforts have involved collaborations with producers all over the US and Europe.
The Hitfarmers - Joining Forces Bootleg
More overseas hip hop. The cats have been down with the Snowgoons in some kind of way, which escapes me at the moment. I haven't personally listened to this mixtape yet, but usually the stuff (except that christmas joint) they put has been at least somewhat enjoyable.
The Munich Germany based production team THE HITFARMERS, have been a
mainstay in the international Hip Hop scene.
They worked on tracks with legendary Hip Hop acts including KRS-One,
Freedie Foxxx, Planet Asia, Afu-Ra, Army Of The Pharaohs...
just to name a few, One of the latest projects THE HITFARMERS took a
hand in, has been the mixing and mastering of the soundtrack
for highly recommended graffiti-movie WHOLETRAIN, currently running in
cinemas across Europe!
While entering the lab to start work on their official debut album
sheduled for a late 2008 release, THE HITFARMERS - JOINING FORCES bootleg
is now avaible for free download on www.rappers-guide.com featuring
mixtape tracks, remixes and previously unreleased collabos they did with
Army Of The Pharaohs, Sicknature, Planetary, Ciph Barker, Mr. Malchau,
J-Spliff, Mesidge, Kosha Dillz, Little Vic, Critical Madness... over
the last months.
Tracklist:
01 - Hifarmers ft. J-Spliff - The Harvest
02 - Hitfarmers ft. Critical Madness - Hail To The Fetus
03 - Hitfarmers ft. Mesidge, PhaizRok & C4mula - Light Em Up
04 - Hitfarmers ft. Army Of The Pharaohs - Grown Men (Joining Forces
Remix)
05 - Hitfarmers ft. Little Vic - Get With It
06 - Hitfarmers ft. Mr. Malchau - The Harvest
07 - Mesidge ft. Planetary - Werk Of Art (Hitfarmers Remix)
08 - Hitfarmers ft. Ciph Barker - The Harvest
09 - Hitfarmers ft. Substance - 32 Bars Part.II
10 - Hitfarmers ft. Mental Infinite - This Is Life
11 - Hitfarmers ft. Kosha Dillz & Sicknature - Joining Forces
12 - Riot Squad - Money Time (Hitfarmers Remix)
13 - Hitfarmers ft. Army Of The Pharaohs - Grown Men (Original Version)
Download the HITFARMERS - JOINING FORCES Bootleg for free:
http://www.rappers-guide.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=954&Itemid=188
More Mick Boogie material....
Spectac & Amiri - L.I.F.E.
For those hardcore North Carolina heads out there, you might remember Spectac as a Justus League affiliate of sorts that dropped an unofficial album with 9th Wonder waaaaay back in the day. Dude was nice on the mic and had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, he never really took off and there was even some rumors that he quit the game. Those rumors were put to rest recently on the Lawn message boards, for the Justus League as MIDIMarc p osted up a free album from Spectac and producer Amiri. I have only been able to give this a quick listen, but people into that whole "North Kakalack" sound and positivity (no cursing on this joint) will pr obably dig th is project.
Spectac's Myspace
http://www.mediafire.com/?5dz1unta9n5
01 Just Wasting Time
02 HelloGoodbye
03 Cross The Line
04 Hee Haw
05 Life
06 Lady
07 Dreams
08 Gone In 60
09 Lines
10 Snitch
11 Jealousy
12 Baby Boy
13 Fluety Loops
14 Right Now
15 Mythology
16 This Is It
More goodness found on The Lawn, what can I say, they have good music posted up there that I usually dig. I'm not familiar with DJ Paradime, but I am familiar with DJ Forge an d dude is pretty nice when it comes to making mixtapes. This one I can vouch for, I gave it a listen last night and this morning. Very good music and some exclusives. Worth checking out
DJ Paradim
e & DJ Forge - Rent’s Due pt. 3 (hosted by Tightman)
Told you it was gonna be monthly! This edition is hosted by NC’s own Tightman and features a TON of exclusive joints by him and others. Download away, here’s the link!
Myspace pages:
Jay-Z Remix
RAVAGE aka MeccaGodZilla, once co-conspira
to
r and student of MF GRIMM, opens up 2008 with a brand new remix album with monsterous production. In the vein of his Monsta Island Czars
brethren, RAVAGE strategically morphs Jay-
Z's American Gangster vocals around heavy drums and GodZilla Giant Monsta movie influenced music. Jay-Z at times will appear to spit with the off beat accurate timing that made Rodan and Megalon of the Monsta Island Czars crew famous!
All songs were produced by RAVAGE the MeccaGodZilla and mixed by the young Mezmerizer aka Destroyah.
Highlights incl
ude the remixes to I Know, which revisits the Bittersweet Symphony that made the Verve famous, Blue Magic, Ignorant Sh_t and Roc Boys. A bonus remix of Nas' "Hope" acapella that was featured on the Hip Hop Is Dead Album finishes up the album. RAVAGE made a DJ Premier style beat to make that Nas verse bang! You're in for a treat, whether you're rocking the ipod or driving in the whip with the stereo system on blast...
Hussein Fatal Free Mixtape
HUSSEIN FATAL
NEW MIXTAPE
FREE DOWNLOAD
CLICK HERE
http://www.4mydjs.com/emailblast/fatal/fatalmixtape.zip
www.myspace.com/officialhusseinfatal
Podcasts
Yeah, I guess I'm giving into the idea of "podcasts". Damn technology. This is from XM radios Dilla Day. I haven't listened to it yet, but my buddy told me it was pretty good.Singles
More Wu-related goodness for all you Wu-Tang junkies out there. Big up to Ale x at Killa Beez Promotions.
Lounge Lo is Cappadonna's brother. He has an album out. Be sure to check it out.
Grab it!
http://sharebee.com/284401fc
More music from 6th Sense, who teamed up with Mick Boogie a few months ago to drop a dope mixtape and also has a Rawkus 50 joint out. He teams up with another Rawkus 50 alumni, Wildabeast and drops this interesting little ditty called Arcade Fly.
The Knux - Cappuccino
http://www.zshare.net/audio/8070588b3b75d1/
New group out of New Orleans who is managed by Paul Rosenberg and is on Interscope. I'm not crazy about the hook, but everything else is pretty damn nice in my opinion. The beat is something I can get with, the main lyrics are tight and on point. This group has caught me attention and I'm anticipating more music from them.
Hero - Be Aware
http://www.zshare.net/audio/8072983009e4be/
"Be Aware" from HERO (E-Dot and Darp Malone) from their forthcoming and self-titled debut which will be released on 3-25-08.
Not sure what I think of this track just yet. Maybe a few more listens will get me to warm up to it. Check it out and see what you think.
Truth & Soul - Loves A Losing Game (Remix)
Something for the soul lovers out there. This track is amazing in it's own right. Beautiful.
Some info:
When Soul Fire Records officially retired in 2004, Soul Fire house musicians Leon Michels and Jeff Silverman started their own label, Truth & Soul Records, which has now become a label and production house based out of Brooklyn, NY that specializes in creating deep funk and soul music. They have released a slew of 7" and 12" releases by bands such as El Michels Affair, Bronx River Parkway, Timothy McNealy, Quincy Bright, The Evil D's, Lee Fields and The Expressions, The Fabulous Three, Cosmic Force, and Tyrone Ashley's Funky Music Machine .
Fallin' Off The Reel Vol. 2 will be released on on March 4th. Truth & Soul have b een consistently releasing limited edition 45 singles never exceeding 2000 copies pressed. For the first time, those who don't have a record player or simply missed out on these singles, will finally be able to hear these musical gems that have given Truth & Soul their impeccable reputation for quality music.
Trav's take: I need to do a review on "Fallin' Off The Reel" soon, but by all means, check this compilation out, is full of great soul and funk. A great listen.
Father Jah - Don't Be Afraid
Father Jah is a MC out of Louisville, Kentucky. He dropped a new cd 2-12-08 featuring M1 of Dead Prez, Dinco D of LONS, Deacon of Cunninlynguist, Imam Thug, and Nappy Roots. You can peep his music at myspace.com/fatherjah. This joint has that soulful down south sound that you hear from certain artists. I'm digging this song.
Good Money - Worldwide
Former Bad Boy Entertainment recording artist Bristal (of Junior Mafia) and Twanie Ranks, formerly of Duck Down Records by way of the Boot Camp Clik, have linked up to form Good Money; the first single from their forthcoming project, “Get Money, Never Rest” was just released in December. The track is called “Worldwide,” and I think it showcases the smooth, souled-out bravado you’d expect from two Brooklyn-bred emcees that cut their teeth during hip-hop’s best years. Together as Good Money, Twan and Bristal are putting the finishing touches on “Get Money, Never Rest,” eyeing sometime in March 2008 as a release date. The album plays like a welcome back party and aims to re-launch the careers of two artists that already have long-standing industry and street support.
For more information, you can check them out on MySpace: http://myspace.com/bristalandtwan
The Camp - Gentleman Needs feat Apathy
Bisc 1 - Turbulence
A native of Massachusetts by way of Connecticut, Bisc1 moved to NYC 10 years ago and quickly made a name for himself DJ'ing at clubs, distributing mixtapes, and in graffiti circles. Soon, Bisc1 picked up the mic and won several battle raps including the Whose Line Is It monthly at the Knitting Factory in NYC 4 consecutive months in a row. His debut release, The Basics EP (2006), gained the favorable attention of music critics and his subsequent release, The Stay Up Project mixtape (2007) was downloaded over 5000 times. Bisc's penchant for capturing our chaotic reality with his narratives, images, and collaborations has earned him a reputation as one of the most honest and creative artists of today. Going beyond music, Bisc1 is also an accomplished graphic artist. He's done cover art, designed promotional materials and spearheaded art direction for artists such as Aesop Rock, The Perceptionists, C-Rayz-Walz, Murs, El-P, and others. His art has been featured in several magazines and art house coffee table books and in galleries, such as Danny Simmon's Rush Arts Gallery. When Electric Night Falls, for which Bisc did all the art direction, will be available March 11th on Embedded Music.
Streams:
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Bisc1/Bisc1-Turbulence_Cassettes_Wont_Listen_remix.mp3
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Bisc1/Bisc1-Turbulence.mp3
Videos
Atmosphere promo video with Ant and Sluggo. I must admit they are doing some creative publicity stunts for their up coming album "When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold". Some of you hate Atmosphere, fine, but save the "That ain't real hip hop bullshit", cause personally, I don't care. I like the music, good enough for me, although I do have to admit the traditional Atmosphere fan can kind of grate on my nerves. So be it.
Also a new song "Shoulda Known". A different sound from Ant and as usual with most of their shit, I'm not sure what to think of it rig
ht away, but as usual, I'm sure I'll end up liking it.
Wu-Tang Clan and The El Michaels Affair - Bring Da Ruckus
Wu-Tang Clan - Take it Back
Dom Pachino (PR Terrorist of Killarmy) - Fuck Critics
What if the critic likes it? Are we still dicks? Eh, oh well, it is dope regardless, fuckin' critics.
Shyheim f/ Dom Pachino - Loyalty
I like this beat
News....
KIDZ IN THE HALL SET TO RELEASE SOPHOMORE LP, THE IN CROWD, ON 4-29-08
THE IN CROWD FEATURES APPEARANCES BY THE CLIPSE, COOL KIDS, GYM CLASS HEROES, PHONTE, SEAN PRICE, BLACK MILK, BUCKSHOT, MASTA ACE, CAMP LO
Kidz In The Hall (comprised of Naledge and Double-O) are not your average group. Following their successful debut record, School Was My Hustle, released on October 31st, 2006, the duo teamed up with legendary Mix Tape DJ Mick Boogie, to release Detention, a digital-only LP, in late 2007.
Now these Ivy League Graduates of the University of Pennsylvania, co-signed by producers Just Blaze and 9th Wonder, are poised to release their second full-length release, The In Crowd, on 4-29-08 courtesy of Duck Down Records/Major League Entertainment.
The In Crowd is entirely produced by Kidz In The Hall’s Double-O and will feature some of the most relevant MC’s in the game today. Though Kidz In The Hall’s debut, School Was My Hustle, was universally hailed, Naledge and Double-O have set much loftier standards for themselves with its proper follow-up, The In Crowd, as Double-O states “fans can expect to hear a tremendous growth with The In Crowd. Our debut was a stepping stone in our movement. The In Crowd is a masterpiece and a concise reflection of our sound, as it’s a bolder and bigger sounding album made for huge shows and cigarette lighters. We have taken our experiences and our year of traveling and performing and morphed it into a true musical experience with some of the best rappers and musicians around---the true In Crowd.”
Naledge takes things a step further asserting “The In Crowd is going to solidify us as the best new group in Hip-Hop. Our new album is the re-definition of the Kidz In the Hall sound and our experimentation with artist collaboration. The first album was a lot rawer and showed our potential for greatness, but The In Crowd is our greatness coming to fruition. We went out of our way to create an album that has something for everyone and is air-tight from beginning to end. This is a definite classic for the Hip-Hop lover.”
Kidz In The Hall’s surging success has even caught the eye of Presidential Candidate Barack Obama, who has featured their hit song, "Work to Do" in his campaign effort. The s
ong has been posted on Barack Obama’s Website as well.
Kidz In The Hall will also be touring in a town near you. Check for them at this years’ SXSW Music Conference in Austin, Texas and at the Winter Music Conference in Miami, Florida. They will also be joining Duck Down Record’s Roster of Artists for a US Summer tour that will touch down in over 35 major cities. Keep an eye open for Kidz In The Hall’s upcoming video for “Driving Down The Block” (The Low End Theory), directed by Rik Cordero (Jay Z’s Blue Diamond Trailer Director) and the group’s second single from The In Crowd “Lucifer’s Joyride.”
Tracklisting and credits for The In Crowd (all songs produced by Double-O):
1.) Intro
2.) Blackout f/ DJ GI Joe
3.) Paper Trail f/Phonte
4.) Drivin’ Down Block (Low End Theory) f/Masta Ace
5.) Lucifer’s Joyride f/Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes
6.) Snob-Hop f/Camp Lo
7.) The In Crowd f/Tim William
8.) Let Your Hair Down f/Skyzoo and Lil Eddie
9.) Midwest Thang Pt’s 1 &2 f/Black Milk, Guilty Simpson and Fooch (co-produced by Black Milk)
10.) Mr. Alladatshit
11.) Sean Na & Buck f/Sean Price and Buckshot
12.) Life I Know
13.) Drivin’ Down The Block Remix f/The Clipse and The Cool Kids (Bonus Track)
M-EIGHTY (HOLY TOLEDO PRODUCTIONS/THINK DIFFERENTLY)
BRONZE NAZARETH (HALF ENTITY PRODUCTIONS/THINK DIFFERENTLY)
SON ONE (RAWTHENTIC ENT./BOOTLEGG INC.)
C RAYZ WALZ (DEFINITIVE JUX/BABYGRANDE RECORDS/SUNCYCLE ENT.)
5 STAR (URBAN ICON/DEZERT EEZ ENT.)
PRODUCTION CREDITS: BRONZE NAZARETH, PRO THE LEADER, KEVLAAR 7, DAVEY D, MAESTRO, KHROME, AND 1 VERY SPECIAL UNNAMED PRODUCER...
FEATURES: CANIBUS, PLANET ASIA, WARCLOUD, 60 SECOND ASSASSIN, JS-1, & 1 VERY SPECIAL UNNAMED GUEST...
ALBUM: ALMIGHTY: ORIGINAL S.I.N - "STRENGTH IN NUMBERS"
COMING 2008
Second single features Little Brother and production from 9th Wonder
The Song:
On Akrobatik's second full-length solo release, the only thing more impressive than the star-studded guest list - Chuck D, J Dilla, Talib Kweli, to name a few-- is the fact that he is not once overshadowed by the surrounding hip-hop giants. "Be Prepared," featuring Little Brother and produced by 9th Wonder, exemplifies Ak's ability to showcase other artists while keeping the listener informed as to whose album it really is. 9th Wonder, the possible co-star of "Be Prepared," throws Ak a varied, sample-heavy beat to knock out the park with lines like, "I
don't drive but always hear, 'Ak, you're a legend' (Acura Legend). " Sell your mittens, cop the album� guaranteed to keep you warm 'till spring.
The Background:
Known globally as one of Boston's finest, Akrobatik beasted his way onto the scene at the start of the new millennium with Rawkus Records and a series of scathing singles. In 2003, he released his first full-length LP, Balance. The album won Ak a slew of awards in his hometown in addition to a first prize at the heralded International Songwriting Competition for "Remind My Soul," a track regarded by many critics and fans as one of hip-hop's finest compositions to date. Akrobatik is perhaps best known as one-third of The Perceptionists alongside Mr. Lif and DJ Fakts One, whose 2005 Def Jux release Black Dialogue was the only indie rap album on The Rolling Stone's Top 50 Records Of The Year list.
Akrobatik is continually surrounded by hip-hop's elite. Having toured with Eminem, The Roots, Edo G., and Guru, his 2008 LP Absolute Value features Talib Kweli, Chuck D, J Dilla, Little Brother, B-Real, and of course The Perceptionists. Akrobatik's work has also been featured on HBO, on ESPN, and in NBA Live '06. Bostonians can tune in to JAM'N 94.5's Morning Show for Akrobatik's freestyled, daily sports recaps.
Streams:
"Be Prepared" featuring Little Brother
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Akrobatik/Akrobatik-Be_Prepared.asx
"Put Ya Stamp On It" featuring Talib Kweli
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Akrobatik/Akrobatik-Put_Ya_Stamp_On_It.asx
http://www.myspace.com/therealakrobatik
Akrobatik's imeem page:
http://www.akrobatik.imeem.com/
BUCKSHOT & 9TH WONDER SET TO RELEASE SECOND COLLABORATIVE LP, THE FORMULA, ON 4-15-08
Super-Producer, 9th Wonder, formerly of Little Brother, has once again teamed up with legendary MC, Buckshot, of Black Moon, and the lead MC, of the mighty Boot Camp Clik, for their follow up album The Formula. The due released their first project in 2005, entitled Chemistry, as part of Duck Down Record’s “Triple Threat” Campaign, which also showcased albums from Sean Price Monkey Barz and Smif N Wessun, Reloaded and Chemistry is now the highest selling album from the campaign.
9th Wonder continues to remain a force within the Hip Hop production landscape. He recently produced the lead-single, “Honey,” for Erykah Badu’s forthcoming LP and is also slated to release a solo album, The Wonder Years on Asylum Records in 2008.
Buckshot has made recent headlines by creating original music for ESPN’s 2008 Men’s College Basketball Programming, along with producing the title track for The History Channel’s “Gangland” Series. He has also teamed up with Lil Wayne for a remake of “Who Got the Props,” which will be featured on Wayne ’s latest Mix Tape, which will be in stores shortly.
When it came time to name their second collaborative opus, Buckshot lamented it was an easy choice “Every song is dealing with a topic. Each track specifically has a Formula, hence where the title of the album came from. I am The Formula and I found The Formula with 9th Wonder. I’ve always had a certain sound within Hip-Hop and 9th Wonder helps bring out my unique style. We share a comfort level that allows me to be at ease when it comes to recording and that natural sound translates into great music."
While The Formula’s lead-single, “Go All Out” f/Carlitta Durand) is already making waves, the video for the single will feature Charlie Murphy in a series of skits with Buckshot. Two-other videos for The Formula have already been shot as well, “Hold It Down” f/Talib Kweli and the LP’s title track “The Formula” which will feature 3D animation.
Fans can watch Buckshot live in concert this year at the SXSW Music Conference, the “Paid Dues Festival” in LA (March) and as part of Duck Down’s USA Summer Label Tour, which will touch down in over 35 major cities.
Tracklisting and credits for The Formula (all songs produced by 9th Wonder):
1.) Intro-The Formula f/ The Formula Crew
2.) Ready (Brand New Day)
3.) Be Cool f/Swan
4.) Go All Out f/Carlitta Durand
5.) No Future
6.) Hold It Down f/Talib Kweli and Tyler Woods
7.) Whassup with U f/Keisha Shontelle
8.) Only For You (Lou)
9.) Just Display
10.) Here We Go
11.) Throwing' Shade
12.) Shinin' Yall f/Arafat Yates and Big Chops of M1 Platoon
13.) Man Listen
