For those who might care, since this is one of my most anticipated albums of '08 which will probably compete against the show & if life gives you lemons.. for my number one spot..
Well it's not too much, no new informations, no release date, but at least something that will give you a little taste about what is about to drop and I'm pretty certain it's gonna be another masterpiece, so check it out:
Nicolay Music (info@nicolaymusic.com)
www.theforeignexchangemusic.com
"Thank you for listening."
Showing posts with label Nicolay and Kay. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nicolay and Kay. Show all posts
8/18/2008
Leave It All Behind
7/17/2008
Half Way Done: The Midway Report - Top 20 Albums Part 2 (1-10)
It took me awhile to get the second part of this. It was originally scheduled to go up over the weekend, but no dice. Then the last two weeks I planned on getting up, but MLB All-Star festivities on TV put a damper on that, including the five plus hour All-Star game last night. Oh well, you should be out enjoying the summer weather instead of reading this damn blog anyway. Speaking of which, I'm off to my old stomping grounds of Denver, Colorado this weekend (Fri-Mon), so I doubt you'll see much of me this weekend and if you do, it'll probably be in a drunken state. I love summer.
Back to the list, in case you missed 11-20, this is what you missed
11 Raashan Ahmad – The Push
12 Kids In The Hall – The In Crowd
13 Ill Poetic – Joe Budden Meets Portishead Mood Musik
14 Jean Grae – The Jeanius
15 One Be Lo – The R.E.B.I.R.T.H
16 Akrobatik – Absolute Value
17 All Natural – Elements
18 Substantial – Sacrifice
19 Weapon X – Portrait Of a Starvin Artist
20 The Camp – The Campaign
As I've said before, this were MY personal favorites of the first half of the year, so while you are more than welcome to drop your input, arguing with me much is probably going to be futile, since it's my opinion we are talking about here. No, there is no Immortal Technique, which wasn't horrible, but I didn't listen to it until after July 1st, no Nas, which again, I don't think I listened to until after July 1st, but I doubt that it would make the list if I had. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, Nas has no concept of what a good beat is even if it bit him on the ass. All these albums are albums I can listen to from front to back and the top seven especially are complete albums that are solid in all areas. You may agree with me on these, you may not. You may find something you haven't heard yet, and truly, that is the reason I'm doing this, hopefully to turn you all on to something you might have missed. Here we go, the top 10.....
Top 20 Albums for the First Half of 2008: 1-10
10. Archetype - Unfolding 
Sounds Like: It's kind of difficult to put a "sound" on this duo, coming out of Kansas, they sound like Atmosphere crossed with some Living Legends. Or not....
Summary: This might be cheating in some sense. For those of you that haven't been around WYDU for any length of time, Archetype's U.S. label submitted their Bleed For Them, album for review purposes last year and I simply fell in love with that album. Not a knock on anyone who sent me music, but Bleed For Them is my favorite music I've ever recieved for review purposes. It was a great album with melodic beats provided by Nezbeat and strong lyrics from iD. Unfolding is basically Bleed For Them, packaged for overseas, most notably Japan. It is armed with seven new songs (so half the album is new), four of which are as equally dope or more so than anything found on Bleed For Them. Only reason this probably isn't higher is that half of the album has been getting play since September of last year, not bad for a couple kids from Kansas.
Favorite Tracks: (Of the new tracks) "Blocked Up", "Unfolding", "Live It Up"
9. Guilty Simpson - Ode To The Ghetto 
Sounds Like: That slowly defining Detroit sound, commonly attributed to J-Dilla and passed on to Black Milk. Lyrically and vocally, Guilty reminds me of Beanie Seigel.
Summary: At first I was rather disappointed with this album. Not in the way I'm disappointed with the new Nas album, but in a way I expected a near classic from Guilty Simpson after the Stray Bullets mixtape and the success of Detroit artists of late. While I didn't dislike it, I guess I expected more. Over the past few months though, this album has steadily grown on me, including a drunken birthday weekend, in which we cruised around in my man's Mustang from place to place, blasting my newly purchased Ode To The Ghetto CD. I love the sound of this album, sparse, hard as fuck beats and ruff-n-rugged rhymes from Guilty. Shit, I even dig the Madlib tracks, and I'm not a big Madlib fan. I think I have to say Detroit is my favorite locale for music as of late.
Favorite Tracks: "Pigs", "I Must Love You", "My Moment"
8. Little Brother - And Justus For All
Sounds Like: If you don't know who Little Brother is, you probably shouldn't be reading this blog. Add traditional North sounds (Native Tongue) crossed with the swagger of the South.
Summary: Yes, this dropped last year as well, but this version of And Justus For All is the trimmed down version with a handful of new songs. I was pretty vocal with my dislike of The Get Back, last year, mainly because I consider LB one of my favorite groups. It's true that they seem to make better mixtapes than albums (the two Chitlin' Circuits shit on anything in their catalog not named The Listening) and this is an example of that. I enjoy this album more than anything found on The Get Back, LB is that shit, fuck what anyone else might think. Plus, I've used Phonte's opening line on "Life Of The Party", so much I should be giving him royalties (of course I change it to blogger, which makes it even worse....haha "Girl, whatcha mean you don't recognize me? I'm only the biggest blogger star in your apartment complex...")
Favorite Tracks: "Life Of The Party (Remix)", "Cross That Line (Remix)", "Stylin"
7. Shawn Jackson - First Of All....
Sounds Like: Reminds me of a Murs of sorts...strong lyrical MC
Summary: One of the surprising "out of nowhere" albums, Shawn Jackson's First Of All did catch some fire among the bloggers, such as my cohorts Eric of When They Reminisce and the one who first start pushing his music, Dart Adams of Poisonous Paragraphs. This album is a pure, solid and cohesive project that comes with thirteen quality tracks. Everything on this album is up to par, the lyrics, the hooks, the beats, they are all combine to make a great album that will undoubtedly gain more momentum and could very well be this year's Below The Heavens. If you haven't heard this album yet, you need it in your life...
Favorite Tracks: "Fix Ya Face", "Feelin' Jack", "Gold Medal Kids"
6. Pacewon & Mr. Green - The Only Color That Matters is Green 
Sounds Like: Back in the day hardcore east coast hip hop....
Summary: I'll probably always be biased toward the artists that I grew up on when they drop a quality album. That's the case with Pacewon and his new producer, Mr. Green. I was a hardcore Outsidaz fan from back in the day and have always picked up anything with Pacewon's name on it. "The Only Color That Matters...", is one of those albums that I probably favor more due to Pace's "back in the day" ties, but don't let that fool you. Mr. Green brings a sound that....it's hard to put my finger on, but it's a sound that I've always liked. That's saying, it's nothing ground breaking, nothing that hasn't been heard before, he just takes a sound and does it to the best of his ability. A rugged sound with lots of strings and dusty drums combine to offer the PERFECT backdrop for Pace to drop his raw, yet smooth, rhymes. Trying to find this album on CD is kind of a bitch, but you can order one from Mr. Green's myspace page
Favorite Tracks: "Hip Hop", "Four Quarters", "Children Sing"
5. Dagha - The Divorce 
Sounds Like: A lot like his label mate, Dooley O....
Summary: In what could very well go down as the most creative album of the year, Dagha dropped The Divorce, in which is about what it sounds like, a shitty divorce. Now, I've never been through a divorce, but any man who has been through a break-up after a long term relationship can relate as well. Dagha raps for a whole album about, what I'm assuming, his divorce. Without sounding whiny or turning it into a long bitch session, Dagha brings a cohesive album that flows together quite nicely. The beats are on point and the story telling style of Dagha makes this album a fav of mine this year (obviously).
Favorite Tracks: "Scat", "My Luck", "Devil's Work"
4. Grip Grand - Brokelore
Sounds Like: quality underground/backpacker (I hate that term), maybe Grouch? I'm not sure I have a good comparison.
Summary: I absolutely LOVE Grip Grand's Brokelore album. I could listen to this album every day for the rest of the year and be okay with that. I wasn't familiar Grip Grand until about April, when in the same day, two people who's opinions I value and also know my tastes said I had to check out the album. Eric from WTR and my homie Scholar from Souled On both told me I needed to check this album out. I've been bumping it since then. There is only one track that I don't care for ("Handle That"), the rest are all great tracks. The beauty of the album is there is a lot of variety in the terms of subject matter and sounds, yet it still comes in as a cohesive album. Grip has everything from straight up braggadocio hip hop, to dissing himself, he talks on the social ills, to braggin' about "Poppin' Pockets". He has two classic guest apperances in the form of Percee P and A.G., but he is more than capable of handling the rest of the album on his own. I can't brag about this album enough. If you are someone that has similar tastes as me in the past, then this album is a must.
Favorite Tracks: It's hard to pick three, but right now, I'd say "But Anyway", "Love/Drama", "Remember The Time".
3. Atmosphere - When Live Gives You Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold
Sounds Like: Lil Wayne meets Master P
Summary: After putting on one of the most interesting promotional pre-album release events ever seen, Slug and Ant delivered on the goods, with When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold, which might be the best since Lucy Ford, if not of all their catalog. It's a different sound for them, in some ways, Ant has returned back to his earlier sound. At first, I wasn't sure I was going to like or not, but after hearing the project as a whole, I've grown to really get down with this album. It's a more mature Atmosphere, as Sean delivers a loosely themed album, talking about the common man's struggle. I can see this dropping a few slots as the replay value isn't as strong as some of the albums behind it, but still, this is a great album for established Atmosphere fans and I've already heard of heads who weren't fans of them before this get on board.
Favorite Tracks: "Puppets", "You", "Me"
2. Nicolay & Kay - Time Line
Sounds Like: Nicolay has his own sound for sure....as a whole, this album is similar in feel to the Phonte and Nicolay Connected project.
Summary: Nic & Kay hooked up to drop an early gem on us back in February. I've been playing Time Line since then. I know Kay got some knocks on not being the best MC, but truthfully, I've never had a problem with his MC skills. The beats on this album or amazing, as Nic comes with an interesting sound that matches the albums theme perfectly. The album starts with "birth", goes through a life cycle, with the music fitting each theme, and goes to the death. It's one of those albums that should be listened to as a whole, but nothing wrong with spending a solid 45 minutes with quality hip hop.
Favorite Tracks: "Tight Eyes", "Blizzard", "I've Seen Rivers"
1. eMC - The Show
Sounds Like: Good Hip Hop Music
Summary: Did you really think I'd have anything but The Show? Yes, I'm a border line Ace stan, but that doesn't mean that this doesn't deserve the number one slot. Words, Punch, Strick also show up with Ace to deliver an album that is a well constructed concept album (what did you expect from Ace?. The came with some great beats and work their magic lyrically, as they take you through a day of eMC starting with getting picked up in the airport to the after party. Yes, it could have been cut down by about 15 minutes, yes, a couple beats were lacking and yes, a couple hooks could have been better, but they still bring the heat, that you can ignore that.
Favorite Tracks: "Winds Of Change", "Leak It Out", "We Alright"
Honorable Mentions: Albums that were on my radar, and are worth checking out, but didn't quite make the list...
Presto - State of the Art
Astonish – From Now Until Forever
The Roots – Rising Down
Prolyphic & Reanimator – The Ugly Truth
Yameen – Never Knows Best
J-Live – Then What Happened
Foul Mouth Jerk – Street Light music
Lazerus Jackson – Filthy
Prodigy – HNIC 2
Praverb – Center Of Attention
Tha 4rce – Mind The Gap Anthems
Silent Knight - Restoration
Braile – The IV
Craig G – Operation Take Hip Hop Back Trav Williams – The Trickle Down
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)
February 15th, 2008 by Forge
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
American Monsta the Jay-Z American Gangsta Remix album
produced by RAVAGE aka MeccaGodZilla
download it here:
or
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.
1) Fes Taylor & Mr. President f/ Inspectah Deck - Staten Island (The G Remix)
2) Anthony Hamilton f/ Ghostface Killah - Do You Feel Me (Remix)
4) Dom Pachino - Fuck Critics
http://www.zshare.net/audio/80178501a403d5/
Lounge Lo is Cappadonna's brother. He has an album out. Be sure to check it out.
Grab it!
Lounge Lo - Simpstonian Institute
1) Lounge Lo f/ Solomon Childs - Hot Times (New Album 'Simpstonian Institute' - In Stores Now!)
2) Lounge Lo - Lingerin (New Album 'Simpstonian Institute' - In Stores Now!)
Lounge Lo is Cappadonna's brother. He has an album out. Be sure to check it out.
Bonus: ODB - Wastin Time (Brand New Unreleased ODB Song! - Ave rage Sound Quality)
--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
Commonwealth Records is thrilled to announce the signing of the Massachusetts based hip-hop group The Camp (which consists of Dese, Grime Tha MC, Excetera and DJ Hevan) to its ever expanding roster of talented recording artists. The Camp, renowned for their live shows, are one of the fastest rising groups on the Boston hip-hop scene and they are set to release their debut album, The Campaign, on April 1st, 2008. The Camp’s debut, The Campaign, will be distributed worldwide by Independent powerhouse Amalgam Entertainment (which recently signed Joe Budden). The Campaign is Executive Produced by Apathy and will feature guest appearances by Apathy, Slaine (of La Coka Nostra and Special Teamz) and Sha Stimuli, as well as production from Apathy, J Cardim, Jaguar Skillz (who also Lupe Fiasco’s “We On”), Teddy Roxpin, Turbz, E. ONE , and Confidence.
Trav's Take: Dope jammy, never heard of this crew before, but I'm diggin the song.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)
Prepare For The Almighty (All 6 artists as 1 group!)
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
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