WYDU Has Merged With Bloggerhouse.net Two Blogging Powerhouses Combined Please Bookmark our new site Http://bloggerhouse.net Please Update the Links On Your Websites -The WYDU Team
My man Jason Gloss runs the best hip hop related forums on this here world wide internet. Hands down. I'm far from a big message board junkie, but if I do feel like wasting some time, having a laugh, or hearing something new, Philaflava.com is always the first place I go and one of maybe only three or four message boards I check out on a somewhat regular basis.
Gloss and company have also started up what is now one of the best golden age hip hop blogs going on the net in the T.R.O.Y. blog. Several times I've secretly cursed them under my breath for beating me to the punch on an idea or the such. But I have to admit, I've gotten a shit load of music from them and the T.R.O.Y. forum that can be found on the Philaflava site, so it's all love in my books.
They also have a new blog, Steady Bloggin' which is going to focus on the newer aspects of the hip hop nation. Here is their business manifesto
This week marks the official launch of Philaflava.com'sSteady Bloggin'. Last October we brought you our T.R.O.Y. blog and in less than 7 months we've become one of the most respected blogs covering the Golden Era of hip-hop. Steady Bloggin' will focus on current music that will range from hip-hop, jazz, funk, soul as well as film and books.
Our main aim is to provide you a daily fix that will ultimately make Philaflava your one-stop shop. Whether it's old school, new school or even some discussion, we're hitting you from every angle.
Steady B'sblog squad consists of 5 heads hailing from Harlem, North Cackalacka, T-Dot, Brooklyn and Miami. We all have different tastes and because of that we hope to provide you with an array of content other blogs fail to. We're not taking over the blogosphere or putting the big ones out of business. We're simply offering up an alternative and we can only do this with your support.
If you're an artist, author or film maker and would like for us to cover your project, please don't hesitate to contact us at Steadybloggin@gmail.com. We'll do our best to make sure the unheard, indie or starving artists are no longer inconspicuous. We want to educate, entertain and interact with you guys.
Please take this time out to bookmark the site, register for our message boards, spread the word about STEADYBLOGGIN.COM, follow us on Twitter. and don't forget to check out our big brotherT.R.O.Y. But most importantly be prepared to because we're about to set shit off!
This completely unexpected collabo not only sported the dope Cube sample hook (Da Lynch Mob - Guerillas In Da Mist) but the man himself along with cousin Kam. P.E. might have burned Hollywood with Cube first, but this is a gem that most are either are clueless about or simply forgot. Either way get hip and listen to this shit now!
This only dropped on vinyl to my knowledge due to sample clearances but its remains one of my favorite remixes from the mid-90's. Tragedy was at his peak during this time.
I try to read as much as I can when it comes to hip hop books. I'm sure there are people out there that have read a lot more than I have, but I've read my fair share of books over the past couple years. I'm sure a lot on this list will be fairly common knowledge to those that read often, but if not, I highly suggest you read these five books.
I include these books together, because they are fairly similar. Rakim Told Me was like the independent EP release of Check The Technique, which is a MUST read for any hip hop head out there. Coleman goes over the history of how certain certified hip hop classics came to be. He get's it straight from the artist, which is in my eyes, truly amazing and a great chronicle of this hip hop history.
The reason for this zany five days that I have going on this week. Like I said in the intro for this week, I'm a list junkie. I love lists. This book was made just for me, at least that's the way I felt when I sat down and read it a day and a half.
There are a couple dry places in Chang's "Can't Stop, Won't Stop," but the rest of it picks it up enough to get you through those. Lots of interesting stuff going on in the book and one that should be read by anyone that is thirsty for knowledge or just likes reading about other people's interpretation on hip hop and it's history.
I'm big on reading journalism regarding hip hop anyway, especially in the magazine format, so reading this book was a great way to catch some of the greatest articles ever written. This goes from the early 80's all the way to the present, with some classic articles from The Source, Vibe, and some of the others. This was another book that was easy to ready, just ready a chapter at a time. Good stuff.
I'm sure I'll be stoned for including this in my top 5 list, but the truth of it is, I loved this book. I think I read it in one night while drinking a six pack. Paul's Boutique is one of my favorite albums of all-time, just simply for all the crazy sounds that is going on it. I think it's a freaking masterpiece production wise. And this book, captures how the whole thing went down, and rather indepth too. Think of a chapter from "Check The Technique" and turn it into a book. That's basically what this book is. Any fan of the album, the Beasties, or music in general should check this book out.
I haven't done one of my Fav Trackslists lately, in fact for over a month or two at least. I wanted to do this like one of my "old school" aka "so last year" type of thing with some free shit that I've been bombarded with lately, the spins, the tracks and the return of "Why?", but as with a lot of things concerning the blog lately, I just ran out of time, so the rest of it will pop up at a later time (Thanksgiving maybe?).
None the less, grab whatever and leave some comments, I'm starting to wonder I'm just typing to myself, although the hits contiue to go up....talk people! This blog works a lot better with some discussion and that was something I never felt we had problems with until recently.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DJ Concept - Jimi Hendrix: A Tribute To ExperienceWith the passing of Mitch Mitchell, we officially say goodbye to The Jimi Hendrix Experience. The legacy of the band will live on through their music and I felt the need to mix up, just a small portion, of their catalog. Thanks to J-Zone & Jake from Rhymesayers. Turn the volume loud for this one…
An Introduction Star Spangled Banner Stone Free Gypsy Eyes Nit N Run // prod by: J-Zone Purple Haze Castles Made Of Sand Spanish Castle Music A House Burning Down Interlude One Foxy Lady Midnight Dirt f. Jay-Z Midnight Pimp Palace Magic // prod by: J-Zone Lover Man (Live) Today's Encore f. Jay-Z I Don't Live Today Interlude Two All Along The Watchtower Izabella The Wind Crys Mary Crazy Mary prod // by: J-Zone Bold As Love Fire (Live)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ILLOGIC "ONE BAR LEFT" EP PRESS RELEASE
Please visit Weightless Records for physical copies and instrumentals...
"Sometimes an emcee comes that changes the way that one listens to hip-hop. An emcee that manhandles the English vocabulary to a point where one can almost forget all that's been heard and said before. We have had a few Poets in our generation, Nas, Rakim, who have clearly shaken up the hip-hop community with their visually enticing lyrics and polished intonation. Those such as Nas and Rakim have been heard before, but the name Illogic may not quite ring a bell to the average hip-hop head...as of yet." - hiphopsite.com
Born and raised in Columbus Ohio, Illogic honed his mic skills at an early age in hallway ciphers during high school. Nearly a decade and six studio albums later, through constant nationwide touring, Illogic has shared stages with Rakim, Casual, Atmosphere, Eyedea, Brother Ali, The Roots, Common, and many many more. Most in the underground circle might remember Illogic for his classic debut, "Unforseen Shadows", the first release of now legendary Weightless Records. Following that was the nationally acclaimed "Got Lyrics" and cult-classic "Celestial Clockwork", all sonically molded by the deft hands of Blueprint (of Soul Position and Rhymesayers noteriety).
Between constant touring and raising a family, Illogic has been preparing his return to Weightless Records, as well as his return to the spotlight after a nearly three year hiatus. In Spring of 2009, Illogic will release "Diabolical Fun", a lyrics and melody driven record that balances the poetic nature of a classic Illogic verse with the soulful and "out-there" melodies of album producer Ill Poetic (The World is Ours, Budden/Portishead & NIN/Outkast mash-ups). In anticipation of this release, Illogic has cooked up the upcoming EP, "One Bar Left" as an appetizer, so-to-speak. The EP will be available for free download on Tuesday, November 25th, and will also be available for digital purchase, with the inclusion of all EP instrumentals.
The IllogicOne Bar Left EP is here! After a 4-year hiatus, Illogic has returned with this FREE EP titled One Bar Left, produced entirely by up and coming producer and Ohio native Ill Poetic. Get it now! Illogic's full-length album Diabolical Fun will be released on Weightless Recordings on March 24th. Support the movement! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Keelay & Zaire - The Times (Video & Mp3)
New video from my dudes Keelay & Zaire, featuring vocals from Blu, Fortlive and Nino Moschella - premiering live on MTVU all day today. You can grab the video and embed code below. There are also links to the mp3 below, along with the b side to the single, "Addicts For Real," featuring yours truly. Let me know if you can post the video!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Free Download: Tha Connection "Trapeze" album sampler
The most raw and soulful duo never heard! Hailing from Hempstead, NY, Tha Connection (Hus and SmooVth) come with their debut via Domination Recordings entitled "Trapeze" for a digital release this November. Filled with undiscovered gems to keep the underground boom bap and love soul alive. First appearing on 12bits Rawkus 50 release "Stranded On Planet Rock", Tha Connection represented 11 out the 23 tracks on the Rawkus album. With a recent vinyl appearance via Germany's Melting Pot Music that was released in August 2008, on Fella Vaughns produced "Love Song" and another release via Swedens Peakaboo Music entitled "SmooVth and Drums EP", these young men with old souls are on the uprise. "Trapeze" is kept in the true underground classic form, dope Beats and dope rhymes all the way through!
My man Rhymezwell is going to be ticked at me. He sent me this about a month ago, which I ended up losing on the blackhole that is my computer. Then he sent another link last week for it. It didn't work (Z-share is a piece of crap lately) so then he sent me another. I've been so backed up with material that I haven't gotten around to it yet. I did let a friend listen to it and he said it was cool, so I'll take his opinion on it and I have time with it coming up either tonight or tomorrow. I imagine you'll see this cat again in the near future. - Trav
Its Been Two Years in the making!!! Bostons own RhymeZweLL is Finally set to Release his much anticipated Mix-Album Just The Words Vol. 1 Blended and Mixed by Nashville's Number 1 DJ, DJ Wick-it Download Free Here: CLICK HERE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD!!!!!
-- www.RhymeZweLL.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Top 10 Spins
13. Q-Tip - Gettin' Up
I know a lot of hip hop heads have been hating on the new Q-Tip and I can't defend it a whole lot. I do however really dig "Gettin' Up". It's one of those songs that I think has a very infectious sound to it. The beat and lyrics are both chilled, but very memorable, almost on that "anthem" level.
12. Count Bass D - Can We Hang Out Tonight?
After listening to the first two tracks of our "Top 13", you can see the vibe I've been on this past month or so. The Count drops an amazing track that is in traditional Count Bass D flavor. I know some cats won't get it, but that's okay. Just move on to the next track and let the rest of us enjoy Count's mellow guitar licks and horn stabs as he successfully pulls off what Phonte was trying to accomplish on the last Foreign Exchange album.
11. DJ Design w/ Oh No & Roc C - Play
Oh No and Roc C on the same track? Dizamn! This beat is kind of weird, in the fact that it's heavy on synths, but the hook and the ill bass line all make it work real well together. Of course all Oh No & Roc C do their jobs well and add that Stones Throw that y'all seem to like so much.
10. Now On - The A
I've always been a sucka for strings and subtle vocal samples and "The A" from D-town's Now On packs those just right for a mellow track for the MCs to get loose over. I wasn't as crazy about this album as Eric from WTR was, but it's still good and this is bar far my favorite track from it.
9. Castor Pollux - 1979
I don't know much about this cat, but Castor Pollux dropped an album "In Name of the Father" with Ariano and then dropped a collection of loose ends, entitled "Guts & Garbage: A Collection of Shit", both of which are really good. This track, "1979", is a busy track (one of the few on the list) which gets embedded in your subconscious. Castor reminds me another MC, but I'm having a trouble placing it. He's a strong MC that attacks the track. The beat itself is a thing of beauty, with strong littering the soundscape and an uptempo feel comes rushing at the listener. A great track which is among my favorite of the year.
8. U-N-I - Yesterday
I'm probably guilty of lumping together a bunch of the new wave of LA acts. I don't always pay attention to the Pac Div stuff or this group, U-N-I. A couple weeks ago, I was listening to a mixtape or a radio show and this track came on. I had to do a little searching to see who it was from, so when I found it was from U-N-I, I was pleasantly surprised. Musically, this track is a whirling of strings with a harp like sample that gives it an almost angelic texture. Lyrically, U-N-I who consists of Thurzday & Y-O, are quite efficient on the mic as well, taking the song to the heights it needs to be. I'll be looking forward to their future material and dig out the Fried Chicken & Watermelon lp that I've been ignoring on my computer.
7. Zilla Rocca - Flow God Zilla
Give me a track with a well placed rock sample in it, and you have me. Zilla comes off as the lost fourth member of the 1986 Beastie Boys with this deliciously hard edged track with a electric guitar twinge ruling the beat. That's me BITCHES!!! There is so much attitude brought to the mic by Zilla, you'd swear he is going to jump out of the track and slap, only to pull his hand away at the last second and run his hand through his slicked back hair. This needs to be some UFC fighters entry music like right now!
6. The Gent$ - Cold
Armed with a hollow sounding drum sample, this Gent$ track offers the unorthodox sound that I tend to gravitate from time to time when done right. It's a simple track, with the bucket drum acting as the tracks backbone then with some synth sounds and vocal samples thrown in for good measure. I can't help but to nod my head while listening to this track.
5. The P-Brothers feat Roc Marciano - Outta Control
You have to dig Roc Marciano, especially on this track which is dominated by the thickest fuckin' bassline that sounds like it got straight jacked from one of the DITC producers back in their hayday. The bass can do it's job on any stereo, good or bad, exemplified by my little stock system in my ride. Traditional hip hop in all it's beauty.
4. Blu & Mainframe - Wow!
At first I thought this song sounded like a shampoo commercial, but the shit is catchy as fuck. Blu is Blu on this track lyrically, as he spits rhymes like an 9mm. Beatwise, as I said, it reminds me of something from an old episode of Charlie's Angels, that straight out of the 70's funk type of vibe.
3. Black Milk - Hold It Down
I already know someone is going to say "I like so & so track better from the album." Even when I talked to Black Milk himself (interview coming soon) he was surprised when I said it was my favorite track from his album. I guess it's the bouncy beat that just kind of hypnotizes me as my head bobs from side to side with the beat. This could be an album though that sees multiple favorite tracks as time goes on.
2. Tha Connection - Take It Higher (Revamped)
If I had actually done this list weekly like I have always planned on doing instead of the two months it's been since I last done it, this track would have been in the number one slot for a long ass time. Armed with an unknown producer, Vans Cal, the duo of Hus & Smoovth ride this beautiful beat all the way to the finish line. My grown ass could listen to this magical beat for next five years everyday, it's just that good. I can't pick out the sample, but the strings and muted horn just takes the track to uncharted territories. Yes, it's that good.
1. Ludacris - MVP
Never in a MILLION years did I think Ludacris would be number one on ANY list I ever could conjure up. What changed? A fuckin' INSANE DJ Premier beat. It's not that Luda is bad, but he's never been my favorite, but once again, Primo brings out the best in an MC, as he did with Biggie, Jay, and Jeru. This is classic Primo in all it's golden goodness. Fuck, stop reading this and just listen to it.
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.
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.
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'sMood 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.
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.
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
Time again to go over what I've been listening to in the old iPod (yes, I finally joined the revolution). There are some great songs that I play over and over lately, which is always good to have, but as far as full albums go, it's been kind of weak so far this year. Be on the look out my opinion on the first quarter along with another special blogging guest here later this week. I'm sure there will be a few WTF?'s for the list, but I've never been one to follow a certain path.
I honestly didn't realize this was a 9th Wonder joint until I looked before writing it up (then the shout out to 9th at the end of the track should have given it away as well). Not that it's totally out of the ordinary for 9th, but it reminds me of the 9th that I used to big up every song he graced. Lately, I haven't been feeling much of 9th, but the two beats he contributed to Kooley High's "Summer Sessions" EP were top notch. The EP has several songs that I've been jamming lately, but this track just sticks in my head and I can't seem to shake it. The chorus is on some smooth shit, but in a good way. If you are not a fan of the Little Brother style, then skip it, but if you are, these dudes (and dudette) is doing it right. More to come on them in the future.
The iPod shuffle is an amazing thing. I "previewed" this album, but never really listened to it. On my "wonderful" hour long drive home from work last week, this song popped on during a random shuffle. Needless to say, I played it four more times. The song's appeal is multi-faceted. The sample is something I should know, but escapes me, but the dream like strings bring the emotion of happiness to the listener (god forbid hip hop should make one happy...) . You can't help not to nod a long to the beat with a smile on your grill. Then just the message in general, which contains the Chicago groups message and memories when it comes to music, a song that could become a personal anthem for me in the future.
Another group you will be seeing more of on WYDU. Nothing new as far as subject matter, but damn, Citizen and Living Poetry make it sound so damn fresh. Hard drums and an ill horn sample just kills shit for me. This got more than a few plays last week. My only beef with the joint is that it isn't longer.
Ahh yes, the group that I have made it my own personal vendetta to make everyone who has ever came to this blog listen to. This is from their "new" Japan only release "Unfolding". Nez Beats comes with the style that has made me fiend for their music, with sharp keys, and a smorgasboard of other sounds. iD, the MC, comes off in his typical style as well. Truth be told, I was just happy to hear some new music from the crew, but that still doesn't take away from the quality of the song or the album for that matter.
Several people expressed their dislike for this last week. I think though, if it was the same song, except the contributors were changed, like some no name on the hook and Jake One or someone on the beat, the reaction would have been different. No knock on those who expressed their dislike (I have the utmost respect for Jaz and Dan Love), I just think sometimes names blind how we feel toward something. I honestly don't see how this joint differs much from what was found on the "Constipated Monkey" LP other than it sounds somewhat more updated. I'll stand by the song and say I really like it.
What should I touch on first? Well first, we'll state the obvious reason why this song grabbed my attention, DJ Premier. Primo has been killing it the past few beats I've heard him dude. There was (gasp) talk about he might be fallin' off....but hell no! The beat on "Every Day Is War" is a perfect example of why I love Premier so much. Funny thing is, I could hear Guru catching wreck on this beat. Next is Ali Vegas, I really think this cat could put out a decent album. I've been looking for him to drop since since he had a song back in 2002-2003 that I really dug. Sadly, he is kind of like Saigon, and it seems like that day will never come.
I've been diggin' this track for awhile now. Of course the Molemen track is just all kinds of dopiness. The guitar lick on the sample is just insane. Great for a mellow ride home in traffic and keeps me from chucking my ice scraper at the asshole who just cut me off. Astonish is nice MC as well. I can see him getting better with time. Check out the album/EP as well.
If you aren't feeling this bassline, then you probably aren't breathing. But again, people tend to focus on the name and not the music. I will admit though, I'm still not feeling this as much as I thought I would. It just seems too "safe" for what I expect out of Slug and Ant.
This shit grows on you. I went from not really liking it, to having the damn song stuck in my head. Busta used to be one of my favorite MC's at one time, then he went into my "dog house" and I didn't check much of his music. But then I was, from my observations, to like The Big Bang Theory. Beatwise, it doesn't sound like it would be a club banger, but of course Busta turns it into just that. I can see this song getting a lot of play this summer, not just from me, but everyone.
Maybe the Ace sample, maybe it's the Clipse rip off sound, maybe its the Neo Miami Bass sound to the track. For some reason, I really DON'T want to like this, but I do. In my older age, I'm losing touch with what is "hot", but my younger colleagues have informed me that the new "hipster" movement is this Miami Bass sound, ie The Cool Kids and that kind of thing. Whatever I guess. So my "stay away from the hipster shit" makes me not want to like this, but my personal tastes say...damn, I'm a taste maker....haha.
Top 5 Spins For The Week
This list will probably change drastically next week, as I have a couple albums I have been playing non stop the last two days that didn't make it on this weeks list. You'll just have to wait and see what those were.
1. Kooley High - The Summer Sessions EP
It took me awhile to get this into the rotation. Not that I didn't like when I first heard it (shout out to the guys from Kooley High for hooking me up with this gem) but with all the music being thrown at us these days, sometimes it takes awhile for things to get into the rotation. This defiantly got in the rotation last week. I'm able to listen to music at my boring ass job (thankfully or I would have went off the deep end by now) and this gets played every morning between 8am and 10am. I have more with this group coming up, so I won't get too deep into them, but check the album if you are into that JL sound.
2. Archetype - Unfolding This came out of nowhere for me. If you have visited this blog often, you know I pumped these cats up every chance I got last year. So you would think I would know when they had a "new" album dropping. I didn't until I got a text from Eric asking me when Archetype dropped a new album. I knew nothing about it. Well, it's not necessarily new, as it contains a good portion of last years rerelease of "Bleed For Them" but it also has a handful of new tracks as well. Nothing disappointing about this, especially if you haven't heard of them before. I should mention that this is a Japanese only release.
3. The Camp - The Campaign This was one of those albums I came in with very little expectations and came away being pleasantly surprised. Nothing really mind boggling here, just good quality hip hop from this Apathy affiliated crew.
4. Astonish - From Now Until Forever
The newest member of the Molemen crew shows a lot of potential with this release, to prove that, yes, Chicago does have some good music coming out of the area. The production is what you would expect from the Molemen (can we just go ahead and call them one of the more slept on production crews around?) and Astonish is covers a lot of different topics and styles on this introduction EP.
5. Fat Ray & Black Milk - The Set Up
And yes, I would say Detroit is simply killing it these days. I would even go as far as to say that it's the hottest spot on the map. Black Milk continues his dope ways with this release. The production is on point, and even the lyrics aren't all that bad. Worth checking out.
I'm 22 now, I didn't experience the first generation of Hip Hop. I can't even remember when exactly i started listening to Rap. I just wanna let you know about some important stages of my life with Hip Hop, which accompanied me for the last 10 years of my life!
So it goes like this: I know I got that "Still can't stop the reign" album by Shaq, and I think that was the first one, but I don't consider it as this cause I wanted it because I was a basketball fan and saw that video on MTV. I think the first serious Rap album, where I thought, damn, I love that sound was "When disaster strikes" by Busta Rhymes, I remember hearing "Turn it up" on a compilation, it wasn't the "Fire it up" version and not the turn it up version on the album, must have been another remix, but I fell in love with it, so I had to cop the album. I consider that my first real Hip Hop album and as far as I remember, I bought it in the beginning of '08. I didn't know anybody who was into Hip Hop, so I pulled my little brother, who is 3 years younger with me. We didn't have any knowledge, so from time to time we went to the store and went through the black music section of a cd shop and just took something. The TV was our source to get to know the new stuff.
My next big thing was "Changes" by 2Pac. I remember videotaping it so i could watch that video again and again. So shortly after that I bought 2Pacs Greatest Hits and became a huge fan of him, bought a poster, books and all kinds of stuff. I went on copping Wu-Tang stuff, Cypress Hill, Big Pun, A Tribe called Quest... I spent pretty much all my money on CD's. It usually went like this: I was watching Hip Hp shows at night, on TV to see what's up. I discovered some of the greatest ish there, like "When I be n da mic" by Rakim or "Concrete Schoolyard" by Jurassic 5. I started videotaping all kinds of videos so I culd watch them over and over again. The next important step was when we put together our money to buy our first turntable, a Reloop 3000 whatever... I bought Q-Tips "Amplified" album along with it and my brther bought AG's dirty version. At that time I dug deeper into Hip Hop cause I started reading magazines and copped the albums of the month, which were usually really dope! Must have been in 99 or 2000. It was pretty shitty wrking with one tunrtable and no mixer, lol, cause I wanted to be a DJ! So some time later I bought a mixer and my brother bought a second turntable. I started making mixtapes for my friends, who always loved em. Then my And1 mixtape period started. Volume 3 was the first one I got and I loved every single track on that video. "Set it off" by Snoop, Ice Cube, MC Ren, Nate Dogg, Kurupt and The Lady of Rage, damn that was hot, I even bught the whole album, although the rest was pretty shitty, just for that track! The next one turned out to be one of my all time favs, "Invincible" by CNN, i watched the part with that track on it over and over again. "We run New York" by MOP and Teflon, raw NY Hip Hop, that was just released as a white label and "The Streets" by Kool G rap were the other tracks. Volume 4 was just as good and on volume 5 there was a really special track to me! "Soulclap" by Styles P, I loved that one, and belive it or not, that's the track where I got my name from! S it will always be a very special track to me! I tried to cop all the tracks that have been on the mixtapes one to four, but I just couldn't get all of em.
2001 was the year where disposable arts came out, my favorite album till this year. (eMC will have that spot next year) It lifted my love for the music to a whole new level and Ace will always be a special person to me, for that! The next 3 years were just pretty regular, copping as many records as possible, finishng school, playing basketball and all that good stuff. The next important Hip Hop moment in my life was in July 2004! I just finished school and I flipped when I heard the news: Masta Ace is coming to my town, with Edo.G!!! Oh my god! I was so excited about that, it was the A long Hot Summer Tour, the album hasn't been out at that point. I already had the Good Ol Lve 12" and the Make some noise 12" he did with Edo.G. That was one of the best nights of my life. Seeing him on stage, with Strick, and all that energy he had, super charismatic and with a great presence, performing some of the greatest tracks of all time was really like fulfilling a dream!
When I moved to anther town in october of `04 cause I started to study, I started making beats. But I don't wanna tell that story again at this point, y'all know how it went! I'm just glad I met so many great people just because we listen to the same type of music! Hip Hop connects!
So I will come to my Top 100 Tracks of all time! It's always hard putting together these long lists, but I like doing it!
01. Masta Ace - Beautiful
02. Rakim - When I be on da Mic
03. The Crooklyn Dodgers - Return of...
04. Reflection Eternal - The Blast
05. Pete Rock & CL Smooth - Take you there
06. Royce da 5'9" - Boom
07. Dilated Peoples - Worst comes to Worst
08. Capone N' Noreaga - Invincible
09. Keith Murray - Nobody do it better
10. Afu-Ra - Defeat
11. Masta Ace Inc. - INC Ride 12. Gang Starr - Full Clip 13. DJ Jazzy Jeff feat Baby Blak & Pauly Yamz - 4 da love of da game 14. Mos Def - Ms Fat Booty 15. Nas - Memory Lane 16. Big L - Put it on 17. 2Pac - Changes 18. Reflection Eternal - Move Something 19. Method Man & Redman - Da Rockwilder 20. Limp Bizkit feat Method Man - N2gether Now 21. Marco Polo feat Masta Ace - Nostalgia 22. Nice & Smooth - Old to the New 23. Edo.G & Da Bulldogs - Love comes and goes 24. Kanye West - Hey Mama 25. Masta Ace Inc. - Terror 26. Eric B & Rakim - Know the Ledge 27. The Procussions feat Talib Kweli - Miss January 28. The Pharcyde - Runnin 29. Jay-Z - Encore 30. A Tribe Called Quest - Electric Relaxation 31. Craig David feat Mos Def - 7 days (DJ Premier remix) 32. Souls of Mischief - 93 til Infinity 33. Beanie Sigel - Feel it in the air 34. Common - Nuthin to do 35. Baby Blak - Wake up 36. Das EFX feat Mobb Deep - Microphone Master remix 37. The Foreign Exchange - All that you are 38. Gang Starr - Moment of truth 39. The Game feat 50 Cent - Hate it or love it 40. Jaylib - The Red 41. Phife Dawg - Miscellaneous (hi-Tek remix) 42. Big L - Flamboyant 43. Amad Jamal - The Renaissance 44. Masta Ace - Don't understand 45. Talib Kweli - Two & Two 46. Mos Def - Speed Law 47. Edo.G & The Bulldogs - I got to have it 48. Masta Ace - No regrets 49. 2Pac - Keep ya head up 50. Wordsworth - Shoulder 51. Afu-Ra - Equality 52. Consequence - And you say 53. Slum Village - 05 54. Hi-Tek feat Common & Vinia Mojica - The Sun God 55. Masta Ace - Postin High 56. Nice & Smooth - Sometimes I rhyme slow 57. Jay-Z - Lucifer 58. Notorious BIG - Machine Gun Funk 59. J.Rawls - Check the Clock 60. Masta Ace, Edo.G, Common - Claimin Respect part 2 61. Little Brother - Life of The Party 62. Gang Starr feat Jadakiss - Rite Where you stand 63. A Tribe Called Quest - Award Tour 64. Scarface feat Nas - In between us 65. De La Soul feat Redman - Ooooh 66. Crooklyn Dodgers - Crooklyn 67. Cali Agents - Neva Forget 68. 2Pac & The Outlawz - Baby don't cry 69. Zion I - Bird's eye view 70. O.C. - My World 71. Royce da 5'9" - My Friend 72. The Roots - Guns Are Drawn 73. Supastition - Baby Story 74. Rhymefest - Bullet 75. Talib Kweli - Get By 76. Unspoken Heard - Dear You 77. Jay-Z - Izzo 78. Common - The Food 79. J Dilla - Won't do 80. Lacks - Star of the Story 81. Slum Village - Call me 82. BDK feat Jay-Z, ODB, Shyheim... - Show n Prove 83. Wu-Tang Clan - Shame on a N**** 84. Large Pro feat Q-Tip - In the Sun 85. Group Home - Supastar 86. Kanye West - All falls down 87. Camp Lo feat Trugoy - B-Side to Hollywood 88. Gang Starr - You know my Steez 89. MOP feat Busta Rhymes, Remy Ma, Teflon - Ante up remix 90. Snoop Dogg - Beautiful 91. Sean Price - Heartburn 92. Family Tree - Flow 93. Busta Rhymes feat ODB - Where's your money 94. Eric B & Rakim - Don't sweat the technique 95. KRS One - MC's act like they don't know 96. Da Beatminerz feat The Flipmode Squad - Take that 97. Heather B - Steady Rockin 98. Styles P - Soulclap 99. Talib Kweli - Put it in the air 100. Inspectah Deck - Word on the streets
Damn, this list might lok really different if I did it again, I forgot Give up the goods and Shook ones part 2, lol. put them anywhere between 10 and 20... I don't wanna think about it again, it was a lot of work... if some "o's" are missing, it is because my keyboard aint working right ;)
I wish y'all a good day, part 2 coming this week too!
And another list for the complete nerds out there, it’s big year end list time here at WYDU and on many other blogs, while some are hating on those kind of lists many (me included) find it very interesting to see what you’ve missed, how many lists are different or how many times Nostalgia is on the number one spot or Bayani is being praised…
As already being mentioned various times, this year was a great year for Hip Hop, but then again it was a really weird year for me I think. I listened to a lot of new music I’ve never ever heard about and on the other side completely ignored big releases like Jay-Z (well never cared about but..) Little Brother (well big for me) Wu-Tang Clan or Redman (damn Trav I forgot about “red gone wild” add that to most disappointing albums…)
By ignoring I don’t mean that I didn’t want too listen to it, I just totally slept on those albums, with maybe the Cunninlynguists album as exception which I downloaded but managed not to listen to, forcing me to buy it first, that’s also why LB are not being mentioned in my “charts” (still waiting for my copy) or why there is no track from the Dirty Acres album, which I have finally listened to and that all week and which probably would have made it somewhere between spot 3 and 5.
So as already mentioned there has been a hell lot of stuff out this year, maybe too much for me, I hope this year there will be less and more quality (even more) and I’ll be able to catch up with the rest of the 07 releases..
With that being said here are my top5 albums of the year together with my own favourite tracks, those albums and tracks I’ve listened to probably the most or which had a special meaning/memory for me…
TOP 5 ALBUMS: 1.Blue Scholars - Bayani 2.Senim Silla - The Name, The Motto, The Outcome 3.Marco Polo - Port Authority 4.Surreal & the Sound Providers - True Indeed (released november 2006 i know..) 5.Ill Poetic - The World is Ours / Evidence - The Weatherman LP
TOP 10 TRACKS: 1.Masta Ace - Nostalgia 2.Evidence - A Moment In Time 3.Blue Scholars -Joe Metro 4.Wordsworth - The Wrong One 5.Blue Scholars - Loyalty 6.Guilty Simpson - Man's World (props to Jaz) 7. Buff 1 - For U 8.Senim Silla - Brothers killed Malcolm / Less than capital 9.Y Society - Hole In Your Pocket 10.Common - The Game / I want You
To start it off simple... This year was the SHIT! I didn't hear that many dope albums and Tracks in a long time. Hip Hop is alive, I saw it when I went to the Mos Def show, I saw it when I went to a 5th element jam, with writers and breakers, I saw it when I went to see Pharoahe Monch, Reef & Eternia and I hear it when I get a new load of records that I ordered... I'm really excited about this year. And it was really hard to put that list together, cause I'm sure I forgot something or I'd change something if i posted it next week... I don't have the time to comment on every track, like Trav, so much respect homie, but I'll try to make it as interesting as possible...
50. Kanye West – Champion Like most tracks on the album, dope beat and so and so lyrics...
49. Marco Polo feat. Critically Acclaimed – For the Future Dope! I listened to it a lot! The beat is hot and I really have to keep an eye (or ear) on Critically Acclaimed! Good one!
48. Brother Ali – Truth Is This Track brings back memories, we were on tour in southern Germany and were driving through a city with the van, when this track came up, and everybody was wilding out. Crazy thig was, the weather sucked like the whole summer, and it was almost over when we were on tour, but these days, the weather was off the hook. We were on our way to a local record store when that track came up, I din't have the album till then, but I found it in that record store and copped it. Dope track from a dope album
47. Consequence – Callin Me I'm liking that track more and more. The drum break is really nice! It's simple but dope!
46. T.I feat Jay-Z – Watch what you say Now Is I'm thinking about writing something to it... there was dope ish than that... maybe i shouold exchange it against a joint off the kweli album, the common album, or any other allbum...
45. Hocus Pocus – Je La Soul Really melodic french Hip Hop. There is no video for thsi, so i will posz the video from his last album from a track featureing the Procussions, you should check that!
44. DJ Jazzy Jeff feat Kardinal Offishall – She’s so Fly Pretty uptempo! I'm a fan of Kardinal Offishall. I think he really got game. You can echange this one against the track "war" on marco's album, they are equally dope... I'm waitng for a full length album!
43. Sean Price – P-Body This is a joint that would make me jump at a show! It sets me in a good mood!
42. Wu-Tang Clan – Life Changes A really good RIP track! I'm feeling it! One of the better tracks off the album! RIP Ol Dirty
41. Alicia Keys – No One Simple but dope! Classic Alicia!
40. DJ Jazzy Jeff feat. J-Live – Practice I know that sample... it's REALLY familiar, I was thinking a lot about it but didn't really find it... De La Soul? ATCQ? I don't know, but I think it's the right corner...
39. Freeway feat 50 Cent – Take it to the Top Hmm, 50 Cent? I don't know why I like this track so much, but I love the beat. Up to now I didn't even pay attention to the lyrics...
38. T.I – Don’t You Wanna Be High
37. Blue Scholars – Loyalty Used one of my favorite samples... Has already been used by Nicolay on the Foreign Exchange track All that you are, ne of my all time favs (I think Trav accidently said it was 9th on an LB track on his list)
36. Talib Kweli – Hostile Gospel Just Blaze? Didn't think that when I first heard it, but he and Kweli are a dope combination, we already heard that on Never been in love before.
35. Superstar Quamallah – Microphone Doctor 2nd Quamallah Joint on my list. Off the album Godfood the break-fast. It was mostly an instrumental album, but all the tracks he rhymed on were extra hot. You should check it out!
34. Sean P – One I love how they used the voice sample in the melody combined with P's lyrics. I love Sean P. It's like everything he touches turns out to be dope! Plus the dope low budget videos, haha.
33. DJ Jazzy Jeff feat Kel Spencer – The Definition Kel Spencer? Never heard of him before... or did I? He was a feature on Will Smiths Willennium album, haha. This is my fav from Jeff's album!
32. Termanology – So Amazing Lyrics ae crazy, i don't think it's one of the best Primo beats, but Termanology really lifts it up. he really is amazing!
31. Big Shug – Play it Let the music play! Big Shug hits the needle on the head and speaks out what has been on my mind for long. It should have been at least a top 15 track, but it kinda lost the replay value to me, which is pretty sad...
30. Talib Kweli – Everything man This just recently became one of my favs, the beat is hot, and the lyrics are dope. Got nothing more to say...
29. Blue Scholars – 50Thousand Deep Might be my favorite from a really dope album! Maybe it's another track, but it was hard to decide, there were so many good tracks on it with a pretty similar soundfloor, but I picked this one cause I love the beat!
28. T.I feat Nelly – Show it to me Now, I'm a little ashamed to have Nelly in my Top 30, but it is how it is. This track is a party starter, I remember dancing with my brother to it before we went to the new years parties. he put on the T.I Record and that track came up and we just started "dancing" I alwas put the needle back cause I wanted to hear it again. Dope Track!
27. Freeway – It’s Over Jake One, one of my favs in the last 2 years laced this beat. it's perfect for Freeway to flow on. I've always been a Freeway fan, the new album is dope, just like the last one! Damn, now I think it should be better in this list...
26. Black Milk feat Phat Kat – Look at us Now Beat is pretty simple, but i love the hard drums and the melody...
25. Little Brother – That ain’t Love Dope Hook, dope beat, dope lyrics... That kinda is love, haha!
24. J Dilla – Wild I love this track, I listened to it a lot, the kid's voice in the hook is nice! It's too sad that he had to go early, cause I was really feeling most of his newer stuff. Ruff Draft is a nice LP! I also copped the Jay Love Japan LP and I started writing to one of the beats on there because it inspired me, and I'm not a writer! R.I.P to a genius
23. Kanye West – Everything I am Damn I loved that track in the beginning cause the beat is hot, but this "I just take the I got a lot of cheese award" shit freaks me out... the lyrics are kinda between hot and wack...
22. Wu-Tang Clan – When the Heart Gently Weeps It's kinda sad that the first track i heard from the album is the best, but it kinda is. Good one, but I expected more... I like the melody, the raps, I love erykah, so it's a dope track, not more not less...
21. Talib Kweli – Hot Thing I really didn't like it that much when i first saw the video on youtube, cause I checked it on my laptop. The video was nice, but I just wasnt feeling the track. That changed when I copped it, cause you need to hear it really loud with a lot of bass. This track is a hit!
20. eMC – What it Stand For I think it's pretty clear what is stands for after listening to this track. Put like the 4 of the illest MC's in one group and this is what you get!
19. Consequence – Forget Em Maybe the best track from a dope album that still disappointed me. maybe i expected too much, cause I loved Take em to the cleaners. This track is like a typical quence and I can listen to it over and over again.
18. Kanye West – Flashing Lights "She don't belive in shooting stars, but she belives in shoes and cars"... umm... yeah. OK. Anyway, I love the beat, the strings, the drums, it's like a perfect beat, I can blend out the lyrics, so I really love the whole track. You need to turn it up really loud when you are driving through the cit at night!
17. Common – The People I kinda love this beat. The switchups fit really well and for some reason I'm a huuuuge fan of Dwele hooks. They always sound right. I don't know why this is the only track in my top 50, cause there were many dope tracks on the album. The drums on "the game" always made me wild out, i think you can exchange this track against many on the allbum that were just as dope, but i didn't wanna have common all over the list...
16. Marco Polo feat. Sadat X, AG & JuJu – Rollin Another Marco Polo joint. Don't have much to say besides, 3 legends on the mic, and a crazy beat! He told me it took forever to finish that track, but I'm glad it happened!
15. Gym Class Heroes – Shoot Down The Stars I'm sure some of y'all would beat me for having this in my list, but I really enjoyed this album. It's postive music that younger people can relate to in contrary to all that 50 cent ish... Shoot down the stars was one of my most played tracks this year, I love the hook, the verses are cool, good music!
14. Black Milk – Shut it Down OK, Black Milk is the man! The Last Slum Village album kinda made his way in my all time top 10 in the last 2 years. I'm never getting tired of it, I can listen to it as often as I want and i still love ALL of the songs. His and RJ's beats just made it special. Now on his solo album we can hear himself rap on his own beats. Dope! His voice is really cool and he flows like a muh'fucker on this beat, I like the beat switchups on zthis one, the calm part with the voice sample switching to the fast part with him flowing crazy on it. Dope music!
13. Little Brother – After The Party This is the 2nd part of "Life of the party" which was on No. 2 in my llast years list. The beat is a Khrysis beat, a really really dope one! The talking with the conscience in the begininning is hilarious. The hook is fuckin perfect, the voice fits so perfectly to the beat, it's incredible, plus some of the best LB rhymes ever. Funny lines like "Dikembe Mutombo blockin all attempts" (I love bball lines) "You geard all the cons now listen to the pros" or "I'm leanin on this Escalade but it ain't my car" I love LB! Cool guys with a lot of skills!
12. Brother Ali – Daylight CRAZY BEAT! That was what I thought when I first heard it. (Yes it was in the van on tour, lol) Brother Ali got really good lyrics, on every track on the album, he is one of the most consistent rappers in my opinion. He got no skippers on both of his albums.
11. Nelly Furtado – Say it Right This track was on the album that came out last year, but I really didn't pay attention to it since I hate maneater... but when this came out as a single this year, i directly fell in love with it. The beat is nice, kinda hypnotic and the hook is freakin catchy. Dope Track!
10. Alicia Keys – Tell you Something I've always been a huge Alicia Keys fan! I can really say she is the woman of my dreams, hot as hell, she can sing, she's smart... but forget about it, haha. This is my favorite from the new album. It really creates a tensed atmosphere. Nobody can do that as good as her. So if you read this alicia, please merry me ;)
09. Hocus Pocus feat T-Love & The Procussions – Vocab! French Hip Hop! Never listened to it a lot, although there is always some dope stuff. But Hocus Pocus is the shit. The guy raps and makes crazy beats as 20syl. He featured the Procussions on the single, just like on the last album. The Hook and the message are just nice! I uploaded the track for you, since I think there is no chance for you to cop it in the states, I really recommend d-loading it, cause I guarantee you you will like it!
08. Superstar Quamallah – Love has Made Us I finally found Quame on myspace this year and this was the first track on his page. I directly fell in love with it. Quame became a good friend over the time and his new album will be out in 08, you will hear the one or the other track that was produced by me, so stay tuned...
07. Eternia feat. Torae & Ms Davis – No Where No More I think I already said enough about this track in my Eternia post last month. This track is magic!
06. Kanye West, Nas, Rakim, KRS One – Classic (DJ Premier Remix) What a crazy lineup for a track? I don't know if you ever heard the original version, but I think it sucked. Primo's version is really hot tho. Plus one of the best KRS verses in a long time (and I don't like him). Those 4 guys on the same track with a primo beat just have to be top 10...
05. eMC feat. Sean P – Git Some This album is my most anticipated ever. Period. And they are always pushing it back, but now it looks like it will really come out in March. There will be a new single out soon, so keep your eyes and ears open. Check their myspace for tour dates, they are touring the states in march. This track is the b-side from the What it stand for 12". I like it more, cause this beat is totally sick. The lyrics are crazy on both tracks, I just wasn't feeling the beat on the other one that much. Plus "git some" got my favorite line of the year in it. Punch: "Like Magic, you say you ill but I don't see it" This line always cracks me up.
04. Sean Price feat Chaundon – Hearing Aid This track caught me from the beginning, when I got the Jess Price album. It always made me laught in the beginning when Sean P was talking... "I worked so hard to be this stupid"... "english at it's finest, baby"... The Beat is very simple but the melody is just dope! Plus Chaundon is totally murdering it, that dude is crazy! "Best of both Sean's part 2 are you feelin it?" Yessir, I am!
03. Talib Kweli – Stay Around This was the track that stuck out from the beginning, when I got the advance version of Eardrum. I wanted to wait till the album is out, but I couldn't wait any longer, i needed to listen to some stuff, cause the release was still 2 months away. Kweli is awesome, still. He is one of my heroes since Train of Thought and he didn't disappoint me. Sta around got a dope Pete Rock beat and like one of the catchiest hooks. The verses are dope too. Can't ask for more!
02. Marco Polo feat. Masta Ace – Nostalgia
OK, I really expected the Marco Polo album to be dope... but... it is better and this is the best track on it. It was recorded in exchange for the "Do it man" beat on Ace's A long hot summer LP, so it's pretty old, but that beat is one of the best I heard in a looong time! And Ace, as my favorite MC rips it as usual! The video is like real Hip Hop videos are supposed to be. Simple but hot!
01. Keith Murray feat Tyrese – Nobody Do It Better This joint got sent to me by Tony Tigerstyle, who told me that I needed to check that joint out. He said, it got the same drums as "Most Beautifullest thing" and I was eager to hear it. From the first moment on I knew this is something special. The Beat is crazy, defintely one of the better Erick Sermon beats. Keith rhymes really dope on it and the hook is really kinda magical to me. I think I never heard a track in a row that often (except Beautiful by Masta Ace). In this year, he was right with the Title, Can't nobody do it better!
I hope you enjoyed it you might have found something you still need to cop! Please support the real Hip Hop by BUYING the stuff you like!
I didn't include any of my tracks in the list, it's hard for me to compare my stuff to the other stuff and I just don't wanna do it. I hope to find the one or the other track from my EP in your list tho!
This week marks the official launch of Philaflava.com's Steady Bloggin'. Last October we brought you our T.R.O.Y. blog and in less than 7 months we've become one of the most respected blogs covering the Golden Era of hip-hop. Steady Bloggin' will focus on current music that will range from hip-hop, jazz, funk, soul as well as film and books.
