“Can’t Forget About You” (Dope Albums You May Have Missed)
By crazyups | August 28, 2008
Now, this is some feel good hip hop right here! I usually like to listen to an album to refresh my memory a night or so before I post the album. I’ll tell you this much, after listening to “Lost In Brooklyn” this past weekend I’ve had it in constant rotation ever since. The beats carry this debut disc from Down South, while the majority of the production sounds exactly like The Beatnuts (who produced “Open Sesame”, “Around The Clock” and the title cut) which is always a good thing. Of course my favorite, as well as mostly everyone’s who’s ever heard “Lost In Brooklyn” has to be “Southern Comfort” which features production from Stretch Armstrong, but “Jimi Crack Korn” doesn’t fall too far behind. What’s quite surprising is that most of the production has a nice change of pace within the track, it’s not just the same loop over and over, props to Shawn J Period who handled the majority of the beats.
Lyrically, it’s enough to keep you entertained but again..I’m all about the beats, you could be spitting the most nonsensical lyrics but if the beat knocks I’m all in! Be sure to check for the 1:18 instrumental “Departure” that sounds like a Beatminerz banger. While we’re on the subject of “all too short instrumentals”, nothing pisses me off more when an MC wastes a perfectly dope beat by utilizing it for an album break or whatever..God, that kills me!! Still, please do yourself a favor and give this one another listen I promise you be glad you did. Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Bobbito makes a brief appearance on the posse cut “Spin Da Bottle”…now, one thing’s for sure Bobbito was never Rakim on the mic.
“Let Me Explain”-Mysterme & DJ 20-20
Let me tell you what I know about Mysterme & DJ 20/20 right off the bat…..very little, next to nothing! After hearing “Unsolved Mysterme” on a mixtape that I found while searching the net’ for Chi Ali’s “No Surrender, No Retreat”(Primo Remix) earlier this week, I was dumbfounded. “Why have I never heard this?” I asked myself. First of all, “Unsolved Mysterme” samples “Blind Alley” so if you’ve read any of my previous posts (sample appreciation) you already know what time it is. Kids, this is some dope ish! Released on Island Records/Gee Street (Hmmm…I think I just….yeah, I had an idea…stay tuned) in 93. “Let Me Explain” has that dope 93-94′ “flavor” that we all miss so dearly. While most of the hooks on the album are fairly simple, it’s just straight up dope hip hop and MC Mysterme’s voice is dope..almost a grimy, gravel-like D-Dot twist between his Two Kings In A Cipher days but not quite that of his Madd Rapper persona.
Seriously, you will fall in love with this album. If your like me, you may pick up a forgotten gem from “Bust The Facts” (major props to Dread and em’!, thanks for making my life easier!) and while it may have been that knock in the early 90’s, in present day your left like….ehhhhh? Well, I am extremely impressed with “Let Me Explain”, it’s just a crime that I didn’t pick this up in 93′. It would’ve been a major chapter music-wise during my high school days..or more like “daze”, that’s how dope “Let Me Explain” is! You’re gonna’ love this!
“Throwback Classics”-mixed by Green Lantern
Many of you are surely familiar with DJ Green Lantern through his affiliation with Eminem (however, most recent pairings with the likes of Charles Hamilton has me scratchin’ my head), and don’t get it twisted when Green Lantern drops a mixtape it’s usually pretty damn solid. I’ve seen plenty of “Golden Age” mixtapes but this one blends together quite nicely with a few tracks you wouldn’t see on alot of DJ’s so-called “Golden Age” mixtapes. I’m glad I came across this one yesterday, I’m trying to upload all my CD’s and tapes to a spare hard drive…boy if that doesn’t take over your life, maaaad time consuming!! In the meantime, I’m sure that your ears will be pleased after hearing this.
Tracklisting
1 - Intro
2 - Pete Rock & CL Smooth – Mecca & The Soul Brother
3 - A Tribe Called Quest – If The Papes Come
4 - Kool G Rap – Road to the Riches
5 - JB’s – Jimbrowski (Green Lantern remix)
6 - Ed O.G. – I Gotta Have It
7 - O.C. – Time’s Up (Green Lantern remix)
8 - Nas – It Ain’t Hard To Tell (remix)
9 - Special Ed – Five Men & A Mic
10 - The Beatnuts – Reign of the Tec
11 - KRS-One – Sound Of Da Police
12 - Masta Ace – Saturday Night Live
13 - Main Source feat. Nas – Live At The BBQ
14 - Black Moon – Who Got Da Props
15 - Diamond D – Sally
16 - Gangstarr – DWYCK (remix)
17 - De La Soul – Saturdays
18 - Ultramagnetic MC’s – One To Grow On
19 - Main Source – Fakin’ The Funk
20 - K-Solo - Spellbound
21 - A Tribe Called Quest – Scenario (remix)
22 - KRS-One – Like A Throttle
23 - Gangstarr – Just To Get A Rep (Green Lantern remix)
24 - Jeru da Damaja – Come Clean
25 - Public Enemy – Shut ‘Em Down
26 - D.O.C. – Funky Enough (Green Lantern remix)
27 - Lady of Rage – Afro Puffs
28 - Ice Cube – Tell Ya Bitch To Come Here
29 - MC Eight – Growin’ Up In The Mood
30 - Kool G Rap – Ill Street Blues (Green Lantern remix)
31 - Fat Joe – Flow Joe
32 - The Pharcyde – Passin’ Me By (Green Lantern remix)
33 - A Tribe Called Quest – Butter
34 - Big Daddy Kane – Young, Gifted & Black
“Masterpiece ‘01″-Mixed by Pete Rock
Yet another one of the numerous albums that have ended up on my hard drive (which crashed yesterday…oh shit!!!) and I couldn’t begin to tell you how I came across it originally. “Masterpiece 01″ along with “Masterpiece 03-Mixed By Lord Finesse” are both Japan only releases from the Handcuts Records imprint..which I know absolutely nothing about. As far as this mixtape handled by Pete Rock is concerned, it’s not one of my favorites being that there is really no flow to the overall mix that the “Soul Brother #1″ has pieced together. Not to say that it’s a bad thing whatsoever, it’s just that tracks like the opener (Mandrill’s “Fencewalk”) seem a little out of place setting the pace for the likes of The Roots “Panic!”. The same case can also be made for The Peech Boys “Dance Sister” blending into Common’s “Go”. Still, P.R. does get major props for highlighting some of my favorite “overlooked” classics within the mix i.e, Cru’s “Bubblin” & O.C.’s “Far From Yours”. Pete also drops the Tom Scott classic “Today” which has been a major sample for some of your favorite artists. I’m sure you’ll get the same feeling as I did upon first listen when Pete drops The Lost Boyz’ “Jeep, Lex Coupes…” and leads you smack into “Freeway & Allen Anthony’s “Alright” (WTF??). While not quite as long track-wise as the Finesse “Masterpiece” I posted earlier, Pete Rock’s “Masterpiece 01″ still contains more than a few classics with decent blends that will surely make for an enjoyable listen on any road trip.
Track Listing
1 Mandrill /Fencewalk
2 The Roots/Panic !!!!!!
3 Peech Boys/Dance Sister (Biofeedback)
4 Common/Go!
5 Tom Scott/Today
6 L.L. Cool J/Mama Said Knock You Out
7 Redman/Can’t Wait
8 Parliament/Funkentelechy
9 Cru/Bubblin’
10 Showbiz & A.G./Next Level
11 Ghostface Killah/Be Easy
12 Lost Boyz/Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz & Benz
13 Freeway feat. Allen Anthony/Alright
14 Black Sheep/Flavor Of The Month
15 Group Home/Supa Star
16 Rakim/The Saga Begins
17 The Jackson 5/I’ll Bet You
18 O.C. feat. Yvette Michele/Far From Your
19 Pete Rock/Revenge
20 Pete Rock feat.Vanessa Sanchez/I Had To Say
21 Pete Rock feat.Slum Village/Gansta Boogie
Topics: Can't Forget About You, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Rapper Big Pooh Preps New Solo Project “Rapper’s Delight” as a “free download” for Sept. 2nd
By crazyups | August 26, 2008
Nearly a year after the release of “GetBack”, the third opus from North Carolina’s own Little Brother, Rapper Big Pooh prepares to release his new solo project titled “Rappers Delight” on September 2nd as a free download via HallofJustus.com with an official version on November 4th. As with Little Brother’s recent project “And Justus For All”, Pooh teams up with DJ Mick Boogie & DJ Warrior for “Rapper’s Delight”, which also features appearances from Talib Kweli, Bishop Lamont, Joe Scudda, Chaundon, Jozeemo & more. Not to be outdone on the production tip, Pooh packs an all star line-up of beat makers to include J. Dilla, Khrysis, Focus & Nottz along for the ride.
With the teaser track “With You” produced by 9th Wonder, becoming an internet and YouTube smash, Pooh picks up right where his 2005 debut solo album “Sleepers” left off. Reminiscent of “I Used to Love H.E.R”, Pooh speaks to Hip Hop as if it were a woman looking for direction. Tired of the status quo, Pooh laces down his views on the current state of hip hop and where him and his crew stand by means of spitting game.
Also preparing the release of the next single, “Plastic Cups”, Rapper Big Pooh is ready to close out the summer with “Rapper’s Delight”, available for FREE DOWNLOAD Sept. 2nd on HallofJustus.com with the OFFICIAL version available on November 4th with additional features from Jay Rock, Oh No & more…including production from 9th Wonder.
About Big Pooh & Little Brother:
Little Brother hails from North Carolina and consists of emcees Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh. Their debut album “The Listening”, released in 2003 to high acclaimed, and was followed by “The Chitlin Circuit 1.5″ mixtape in 2005. The group’s second album, “The Minstrel Show”, also dropped in 2005 and received a “XL” from XXL magazine and 4.5 Mics from The Source. Following the release of “Rapper’s Delight”, Rapper Big Pooh is planning his second full length album “Dirty Pretty Things” due in spring of 2009. He is also planning an album with another Detroit based producer Young RJ with their collaboration titled “The Recipe”.
Topics: Let's Talk About.....(Review Series) | 2 Comments »
“Funky Ass ‘Ish For Ya’ System” aka “Most Played For The Week”
By crazyups | August 25, 2008
1. “Sauced”-Freddie Joachim (click to preview)
Not exactly a “catchy” album cover by any means, but don’t let it fool ya’ Freddie Joachim’s got beats for days kid. I ganked this track from the “Nueve Vol. 14″ compilation over at HHB this past weekend and coincidentally “Sauced” is also the same cut that served as that album’s opener as well. What a great way to start a “mixtape”. Catchy horn loop? Check. Crisp Drums? Check. Breezy filter? Check. Taken from Freddie’s instrumental LP “Tiger”, when bumpin’ “Sauced” beware, whiplash may occur.
2. “Numbers Can’t Measure”-Buff 1 f. Now On
Is Buff’s “There’s Only One” the album of the year? Quite possibly. You know an album’s got some sh*t for that ass when you find a “new favorite” each week. Upon hearing this album for the first time, I leaned toward the catchiness of “Dream Streets”. This week I’ve been killin’ “Numbers Can’t Measure” f. Now On. With about 40 seconds remaining this track catapults to another level as the drums disappear paving way for an emotional outro. Buff, you got a near classic on your hands kid!! Is there any doubt that Detroit, with outstanding releases from Elzhi, Buff and Guilty Simpson have absolutely held down this Rap sh*t in 2008? Man, Dilla would be proud!!
3. “Viagra”-88 Keys f. Kanye West
A snippet of this song was on Yeezy’s pre-”Graduation” mixtape “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”. Now, Decon Records has finally leaked out the full MP3. The song provides a heavy dose of anticipation for 88-Keys’ upcoming album “The Death Of Adam” which coincidentally is also executive produced by Kanye West. I’m really lookin’ forward to “Death”, especially after diggin’ “Adam’s Case Files” soo damn much. My favorite mixtape rapper Grafh murked “Fibs” and the heavily-hyped Kid Cudi injected a much needed dose of comedy into “Wasting My Minutes” (you can’t tell me that you’ve never dated a chick EXACTLY like that!).
Nevada’s Canto I is back with their follow up to last year’s heavily slept-on “Entry Level Elements”, “While You Where Sleeping”. Canto’s “First Things First” (from “Entry..”) not only made W.T.R.’s “Top 100 Tracks of ‘07″, but also appeared at #16 on Hip Hop.com’s “Top 50″ of ‘07. Needless to say, this duo has outdone themselves once again with “While You Where..”. “Death Connection” is a clever narrative that follows the “Speak Ya’ Clout” format, switching up the beats with each verse. I’m not quite sure as to which beat I’m feelin’ the most, but the break for the second verse is on some Dan The Automater/Dr. Octagon type ‘ish for sure. Don’t sleep on “While You Where…” either, as the album also features resident W.T.R./W.Y.D.U. fav’ Has-Lo on the “Check 1-2 ish” “To The Sky!”
5. “Hold On” (M Phazes Remix)-Foreign Beggars
Taken from M Phazes remix project “Gridin”, London’s Foreign Beggars absolutely ride this bouncin’ beast of a beat to absolute perfection. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony ain’t got nuthin’ on these cats when it comes to the so called art of “fast rap”. And the M Phazes production? In a word or two, NUCKIN’ FUTS!!! “Hold On”, unless something else comes along and completely blows me away, features the most thunderous bassline that I’ve heard thus far in ‘08 (shit, the year’s almost over!). Listening to “Hold On” in your headphones just won’t do this track any justice, you HAVE TO hear this cut in a booming stereo system, at home or in the hooptie. I’ve heard of Foreign Beggars, but I’ve never actually “heard” the Foreign Beggars. However, after their performance on “Hold On” I’ll most definitely be diggin’ thru their catalog and keeping up with their future work. This track would be even higher on the list had I not just heard it Saturday for the first time.
Produced by J-Slikk, “Get Mine” takes it back to the days of “The Main Ingredient” sounding just like a track that you’d expect to hear from the likes of the Soul Brother #1 himself. Until I conducted some research I actually thought that Hadee had produced this himself, but I was sorely mistaken. “Get Mine” taken from J-Slikk’s forthcoming mixtape “Flavor Spectrum”, a mixtape that has been nearly 5 years in the making that will be available for free download in a month or do. Lyrically, Hadee brings the flavor with his consistent delivery, riding the smoove production with relative ease.
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7. “Talking To God Pt. II (Resurrection ‘08)
I was relatively hyped about Term’s forthcoming solo LP “Politics As Usual”, but after hearing Term murder Common’s “Resurrection” he’s got me sayin’ “if these cats production is up to par with his lyrics, “Politics As Usual” is sure to be one of the better albums of the year. And there’s absolutely no reason why it shouldn’t, especially considering that Termanology’s production line-up is comprised of legendary beatmakers such as Primo, Showbiz, Buckwild, Pete Rock…..*gasp for air*…Hi-Tek, Alchemist, Large Professor and Havoc. It’s “gon’ be some sh*t, right”? In the immortal words of one Paul Wall, Term’s recent leak the Primo produced and Bun B featured “How We Rock” has already “got the internet goin’ nuts”. Scheduled for release on the 30th of September on Nature Sounds, “Politics As Usual” better pack heat, more so than the “photo-shopped” album cover.
8. “Modern Day Hippie”-Currensy
Haha!!! Maaan, I know my homeboy who keeps me freshly dipped, Derek from Sneaker Politics (good lookin’ on the gear and kicks!!) is gonna’ be doin’ back flips after learning that I’m finally diggin’ his dude, “the mixtape a month makin’/hot spitta” Currensy (Fly Society stand up!)…especially after frontin’ on him for soo long. “Modern Day Hippie” is most definitely my “guilty pleasure” of the year, and when you hear the opening synths from the track you’ll understand exactly why. But don’t get it twisted, “Modern Day Hippie” surely ain’t no “Night at The Roxbury”. You can’t help but nod your head to this sh*t as Currensy spits catchy-ass bars like: “Bumpin’ “Paper Plans” by MIA/ I’m partyin’ in Mia./ Bitches lookin’ for me say I’m M.I.A.”…not exactly a “Hip Hop Quotable”, but emerging from New Orleans Currensy has definitely got the “IT” factor goin’ for him and he’s equipped with a laid-back flow that injects memorable bars in your brain that you’ll be uttering to yourself all day. Of all Currensy’s mixtapes that I’ve heard this far, “Fast Times at Ridgemont Fly” has gotta’ be my favorite to date.
9. “Love Don’t”-C.R.A.C. Knuckles
Okay, I know that upon it’s initial “leak” I sh*t all over Blu & Ta Raach’s joint effort, “The Piece Talks”. So, needless to say, prepare yourself for another rendition of “Eric eats his words” (once again!). I think that the initial shock upon hearing this album for the first time was the fact that it wasn’t ANYTHING like I’d heard in the Blu & Exile CLASSIC (damn skimpy!) “Below The Heavens” (which, I see that alot of you STILL haven’t even heard yet, BUY THIS SH*T!!!!). Plus, the “Hey Ya” vibes of “Buy Me Lunch” may not have been the most accurate selection for a first single, by any means. But I’m hear to tell you that after listening to “The Piece Talks” for a better portion of July/August this is a damn good album. Ta Raach’s daring production has grown on me like a bad fungus and Blu is Blu….one of the best emcees in the game as we speak. And speaking of Blu, tell me THIS isn’t one of the dopest tees on the market right now and the lyrics to “The World Is..” (which has served as my ringtone for quite some time) on the back is a nice touch as well (well worth the price tag, a quality tee with a nice fit). “Love Don’t” is catchy as hell, especially when you factor in Ta Raach’s frantic production and the slick Blu-belted hook: “Baby, Baby/ Love Don’t motivate”, the Beanie Sigel sample from “Do It Again” is quite clever as well. Even though I wrote “The Piece Talks” off earlier this winter, it is steadily becoming one of the most innovative albums of the last few years. Do yourself a favor and give this one another listen, you won’t be disappointed.
10. “All In One (5 Mics)”-Reks f. Lil’ Fame
Who said innovative? While Torae attempted to accomplish the same feat of taking on the lyrical styles of some of your favorite emcees with “Switch” (off of “Daily Conversation”) earlier this year, Beantown’s Reks has totally changed the game with “All In One (5 mics)”. Not only does Reks do a dead on 2pac impersonation, but he also morphs into some of N.Y.’s finest lyricist of all-time, the three “Bigs” (Biggie, Big Pun & Big L) all in one track. When I say “dead ringer” I mean DEAD RINGER, after hearing this for the first time I was amazed at how Reks seemed to transform into each legend….even down to their delivery and wordplay. Thrown in a Lil’ Fame to get the party amped, and you got yourself a certified banger!! Far from the only heat-rock on Reks’ “Grey Hairs”, the album would have been even more of a beast had it slimmed down to say….maybe 12 tracks.
Topics: Most Played For The Week, Uncategorized | Comments Off
“Let’s Talk About”…..Tha Connection’s “Universal Dominance”
By crazyups | August 24, 2008
Damn Yo!! It’s been the year of the “EP” and the “free download”, to say the least!! Whether it’s been Donwill & SuhBurb’s “Suhburban Sprawl” or…well, hell there’s nearly too many quaility joints to mention. Let’s say that we, the listeners, have been blessed with a boatload of “free sh*t” in ‘08 (keep em’ comin’!). Next on the list is Tha Connection’s “Universal Dominance”, a collection of remixes and sort of a “best of” that entails their brief but promising recording careers. For those that “don’t be knowin” Tha Connection is comprised of two “freestyle ready” emcees who go by Hus Tha KingPin and SmooVth Dude who hail from Hempstead, New York. Some of you may even remember this duo from their 2007 release “Connect”, which looking back I DL’ed from HHB sometime last year (you already know the deal son!!) and for those that really dove into the whole “Rawkus 50″ phenomenon, Tha Connection appeared on 12 Bits’ digital release “Stranded On Planet Rock”. Since then, they have released and appeared on the “Cosmic Bounce” EP by SmooVth and Drums, the Hus The KingPin appearance on “Love Song” from Fella Vaughn’s “Do My Thing” single (Melting Pot Music) and a few promo EP’s. Their hard work and consistency is just now beginning to come to fruition, most recently inking a deal with Goontrax in Japan for their first retail release that will be in stores December of this year. To continue on, they are now preparing another release with Domination Recordings (also home to the Jazz Addixx, whaddup Ragz!!!!!!).
My first exposure to Tha Connection came in the form of “Sentido” (click to preview) via the crew’s myspace page. Let’s just say that I’m feelin’ this sh*t so much right now that if you also peep my myspace page you’ll see just how much. The buildup of this track is crazy ill thanks to slick production from AGQ and the consistent lyricism paired with fluid deliveries of Tha Connection make this cut one of my favorites of ‘08. The bumrush doesn’t stop there with this 12 track album, “Hibernation” is fueled by ill production as Vans Cal laces Tha Connect with a sick filter and an elegant horn loop that SmooVth and Hus verbally murder. “Supa” (prod. by Max I Million) f. Prolifical almost possesses a more “West Coast” feel as the true art of “sh*t talkin” is mastered to pleasing results over “G-Funkish” production. Also of note, is the appropriately titled “Tunnel” a dark, grimey freestyle joint that flips the Nas mixtape cut that didn’t make “Hip Hop Is Dead” (for Christ sakes, I can’t think of the title of that track to save my life!!).
I hear (and don’t hear) alot of bullsh*t that floods my inbox nowadays, you really have to “pick and choose” what you get yourself into. Needless to say, Tha Connection’s “Universal Dominance” was a good choice as it will more than likely find itself amongst my “surprises” of 2008. Not to say that “Universal Dominance” is an instant classic…yes, there is indeed room for improvement in certain spots on the album. However, I’m anxious to see what the future holds for this talented duo from N.Y. ’cause these cats are definitely worth following! Click HERE to download “World Dominance”.
Topics: One Album Wonders, Uncategorized, Year End Lists ('07), randomness | 1 Comment »
14 KT (of LabTechs) Podcast…..Don’t Miss Out!!!
By crazyups | August 20, 2008
Topics: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
(Cue Grand Puba) “A Lil’ Of This And A Lil’ Of That”….”Most Played For The Week”
By crazyups | August 18, 2008
Yeppers, I know that it’s been a loooong minute since I’ve had the opportunity to actually sit down and offer you my various ramblings in regards to some of the latest “leaks” floating around the ‘net. Well, in short, let’s just say things have been very “hectic” to say the least on the work front. Still, not a moment has passed that I have forgone a chance to catch up on some of the hottest material out there. First things first, I recently received an advance copy of Common Market’s latest LP “Tobacco Road” (the follow-up to the very impressive EP “Black Patch War” released earlier this year) and let’s just say that it’s equally as potent as the Blue Scholars sleeper/gem “Bayani”, also released around this time last year. For those of you that have been under a rock for the past year of so, one half of Common Market is Blue Scholars’ producer extraordinaire Sabzi, while the microphone duties are more than aptly handled by the ecletic RA Scion. Criminally slept-on, Scion (whose beard makes Drew Gooden’s look “weak” by comparison) in my opinion is one of the deepest, lyrically potent emcees on the “market” right now! Equally as potent, is Sabzi’s bass heavy, melodic prodution that is very easy on the ears. For a prime example of Sabzi’s production wizadry, peep the way that he flips the Mic Geronimo classic “Masta I.C” (from Mic G’s ‘95 classic “The Natural”) which provides a thumping backdrop to “Slow Cure”. Also, surely by now many of you have heard the title track to this album which still serves as the album’s highpoint. Don’t slumber on this album when it drops September 9th.
After last year’s release “Pure”, I wasn’t really sure if Buff 1 would be able to match the quality that one of 2007’s biggest surprises delivered, with his highly anticipated follow up “There’s Only One”. Holy Shit!!! Buff’s second attempt is fu*kin’ AMAZING!! It’s almost inevitable to not group this release along with all the hype that surrounds fellow Detroit resident Elzhi’s solo debut “The Preface”. However, after listening to “There’s Only One” constantly for the past two weeks I’m here to let you in on a lil’ secret. Three things are very apparent when comparing Buff’s solo effort and Elzhi’s debut: 1. Most of you already know that Black Milk handled the production duties on “The Preface”, and even though Black does contribute one track to the album (”Never Fall”), the production team of the Lab Techs (who handled all but one track on “There’s Only One”) trumps Milk’s usually outstanding work….BIG TIME!! If these cats aren’t in high demand after the spine tingling beats featured on this album, then the Hip Hop industry is insane!! 2. All in all, there’s really no comparison between the two (”Only One” & “The Preface”)….”There’s Only One” is the better album, POINT BLANK, there’s really no discussion. 3. Even though Elzhi may be the wittier of the two emcees, Buff 1 is right up there with my favorites in Hip Hop right now. As sad as it is to admit to some, there’s only two emcees (now three, if you include Buff) in the game who’s lyrics I can memorize after listening to their albums in full for just a few times, those “two” being Jay Z and….are you ready for this??…the Game!!! Buff is one of those emcees whose lyrics and delivery are extremely easy on the ears. All in all, a wonderful follow-up that only improves on it’s debut, easily one of the top three releases of the year thus far.
3. “Right Here”-Samon Kawamura f. Oh No
I downloaded this album from “HHB” a few weeks ago, after seein’ it pop up in Dart’s “For Doz That Slept” column in his weekly review series…so if Dart’s givin’ me a headz up I know it’s gotta be decent. In short, this Tokyo-born, Berlin-based producer & turntabilist’s sophomore LP “The Unfold” does not disappoint. Chalked full of faraway grooves and subtle, eargasmic undertones that keep the album fluid, Samon also scooped up quite an impressive line-up for this compilation of sorts. “The Unfold” also features appearances from some of the underground’s finest to include Kev Brown, Aloe Blacc, Ta’Raach and Oh No. The beats are the highlight of this album, as witnessed from the superb head-knocker “Right Here” were Samon gives Oh No a taste of his own medicine. “Right Here” is 3 minutes and 33 seconds of whiplash-inducing drums and strings, a track that bares a striking resemblance to some of Oh No’s fine production tactics that he’s garnered much props for. Plus, anytime anyone sprinkles a track with some of M.O.P.’s vocal antics it’s always a winner in my book. “Right Here” hits it’s apex near the 2:20 mark as the music goes from frantic to soothing…if that’s at all possible and the Pete Rock outro is a nice little added touch that pays homage to one of Hip Hop’s legendary beatmakers of all-time. Be sure to check this album out RIGHT HERE (props musical schizophrenia!), no pun intended. “Unfold” is a very cohesive, enjoyable piece of work from a little-known producer who may not be “little known” for very much longer. Oh, be sure to peep the Aloe Blacc (one of the most talented, underappreciated cats in Hip Hop) track “Try” as well……smooth as hell!
4. “Verbal Heat, Rapid Fire”-Percee P & Oh No
Oh, and while we’re on the topic of Oh No, it seems as if he is also trying his hand at remixing Percee’s ‘07 release “Perseverance” once again! This coming after Oh No’s big brother Madlib handled the original production on “Perseverance” and then gave it another ‘go round in the winter of ‘07 and remixed the project himself. However, plain and simple, this sh*t is banana sandwich!!! Oh No’s beats and sequencing seem to cater to Percee’s aggressive, rapid fire delivery, whereas the pairing of Madlib and Percee seemed to come off as “awkward” at times. Oh No’s production on this effort is top-notch, the bass thumps and there are moments where I feel as if I’m listening to some of the Bomb Squad’s earlier production. Matter of fact, I’m sitting here listening to this album in my headphones as I’m typing this and I’m just pissed at myself for not listening to the album more than what I already do!! Of all the efforts Oh No has put out, this has gotta’ be his crowning moment thus far and I’m a HUUUUGE fan of his debut, “The Disrupt”. Great stuff, Peep it HERE.
5. “Telepathy”-Ilyas (of Tanya Morgan)
Man, I gotta admit I’m becoming a bit of a Tanya Morgan “STAN” as of late, going so far as to track down much of whatever they’ve laid down over the last few years (don’t sleep on “Moonlighting”!!). The trio of Tanya Morgan has already delivered some of ’08’s best work with the release of their EP “The Bridge”. Also of note, DonWill and producer Suhburb’s collabo “Suhburban Sprawl” was an unexpected surpise as well that reeked of originality and dirty, distorted production (in a good way, of course). I know that this collaborative effort between members DonWil and Ilyas leaked on DJ Low Key’s site earlier in the year but for reasons unknown it’s got lost in the sauce amongst the 300 GB’s on my spare hard drive and I’ve just recently put it in the mix. Clocking in at 31 tracks deep, IlWil’s “Beat Thieves 2″ is a roller-coaster ride of eclectic production and quality lyricism that is very welcome in Hip Hop’s landscape. One of the most impressive qualities of Tanya Morgan is that they’re not afraid to make fun of themselves, never taking themselves to seriously and that’s a rarity today. However, Ilyas’ “Telepathy” is just the opposite, an honest ode to the female sex and the attraction between male-female from Ilyas’ perspective over THUMPING production! Honestly, if you would’ve have asked me a few weeks ago, I’d have placed this amongst my top five singles of the year….however, I’ve bumped “Telepathy” to death over the last month or so and the slew of dope releases of late has bumped this one down a few notches. Still, don’t sleep on this talented trio and in the meanwhile, give “The Bridge” a listen while you’re at it!!
Uhhh…I got a quick question? Why in hell is no one even mentioning L.E.O.’s “Spiritual Intelligence”? You see the little fine print in the the lower left hand corner in the pic to your left? That’s right, produced by Large Professor….11 tracks….the whole album…produced by the one and only Large Pro! Okay, I know that statement may not hold alot of weight since the leak of Large Pro’s less than impressive “Main Source” hit the ‘net last week only to find itself amongst the pages of subpar reviews, but still. Trust me, I know just as much about L.E.O. as you do and the first question that I had after listening to this album is “why didn’t Large Pro keep some of these beats for his own sh*t?”. While L.E.O will suffice on the mic, he’s no Nas and lyrically he’s just average in my opinion. But the beats on this joint for the most part are….Wow!! I still can’t believe that this album is earning next to no ink, even if it’s solely based on it’s production merits. “Mother Of God”, even though the lyrics may contain a lil’ bit much religious dogma for my taste, is crazy nice!! Large Pro drops some of the finest production that we’ve heard from him in years and the Nas featured hooked is icing on the cake. In cased you missed out you can still DL “Spiritual Intelligence” HERE (via GrandGood…only 985 downloads? WTF???). I STILL can’t believe that Large Pro didn’t keep some of these beats for “Main Source” (shaking head)!?!
7. “World Peace”-I. A. Dap aka Lil’ Dap of Group Home
Maaan, I can’t find the production credits anywhere for Lil’ Dap solo effort “Presents I.A. Dap”. Although, if I had to put money on it, I’d bet that the legendary DJ Premier produced “World Peace”…it’s gotta’ be him!! Lyrically you know what you’re gonna’ get from the more..um…”lyrical” half of the Group Home. I mean, you can’t tell me that you scooped up the Group Home’s classic LP “Livin’ Proof” for the lyrics, can you? “World Peace” sounds like it could have made that very same album, with a crisp drum kick and filter and a Biggie sampled hook this track truly takes it back to 1995. However, dare if you must, the rest of the LP does leave something to be desired. Hold Up!!!! I stand corrected, I was just able to locate the production credits for the album and it wasn’t Primo who laced “World Peace” it was……Attic Sound???? Whatever, it’s still a dead on for a Primo track. I also see that the album also contains production features from Large Pro, Alchemist and Lil’ Dap himself….hmmmm. Peep the album HERE (via West Coast Gospel).
8. “God Is In The Building”-Killer Mike
Yeah, yeah, yeah…we’re all aware of the drama surrounding Big Boi and Killer Mike…errr…there was “drama” I should say (it seems that recently the tension between the two has ceased). However, the real focus needs to be on Killer Mike’s most recent LP “I Pleade Allegiance To The Grind II”. Now don’t get it twisted, I’m as big of an “East Coast head” as you’ll find, outside of Outkast and a few others, I’ve never been a huge fan of “Southern” Hip Hop….especially with the most recent flood of B.S. emerging from that part of the map. However, Killer Mike nails it with this release, touching on a wide array of subject matter over trunk rattling beats that rattle your ribcage. “God Is In The Building” is as eerie as it gets. Over the same sample that PMD (of EPMD) popularized with the “Rugged N Raw” remix (that also featured Das Efx, I believe), Killer Mike goes for broke with a little assistance from an angelic hook that pairs up nicely with the tone of the sample. It doesn’t matter where you’re at or where you’re from, be sure not to let Killer Mike’s “I Pledge Allegiance….” fall upon deaf ears. “God…..Is….In…..Me”…
The GZA…GENIUS!!!! GotDamn!!! Dude came full circle with “Pro Tools” right? Let it be known, when this leaked last week…well….let’s just say out of all the albums that I..umm…previewed, this was the last one that I listened to. Not to say that I’m not a fan of the GZA’s body of work (Liquid Swords=CLASSIC), but outside of Ghost and the most recent Wu album, I tend not to get too excited about anything emerging from the Wu camp anymore. However, GZA just gave me a big “Fu*k You” with “Pro Tools”!! This album is without question his best album not named “Liquid Swords”, the lyrics are sharp the production is bangin’ (with a few small exceptions) and if I were rating this album I’d give it an easy 8/10. The true gem on “Pro Tools” is “7 Pounds”, which is produced by….you’ll never guess…Black Milk!?! I know, an odd pairing no doubt but it passed the test with flying colors. The only beef that I have with the track is that at 2:41 it’s entirely too short, especially when taking into account that it’s the highlight of the album. Juk, Jukka, Genius…take us the fu*ck outta’ here!!!!!
10. “Story Be Told”-Nieve and Cook
First things first, you remember A.D.O.R. of the Pete Rock produced classic “Let It All Hang Out”, right? Well, you can’t tell me that emcee Nieve doesn’t sound EXACTLY like him. What’s the relevance you ask, nothing really..just thought it was a nice little factoid. “Away With Words” is a “nice little album”. Sporting a jazzy/soulful/mellowed out vibe, “Away With Words” will more than likely fall between the crevices of the countless releases that will never garner much attention…but it should NOT be slept on…this album is real nice. It never fails to put in a positive state of mind, similar to the feeling I get when I listen to Theory Hazit’s latest joint “Lord Fire” and Ohmega Watts’ “Watts Happening”. “Story Be Told” reminds me alot of Braille’s “Many Stories” that I bumped the hell outta’ when “The IV Edition” first leaked, mostly in part to the belted, breezy hook. Also, don’t sleep on the Nomak remix of “Chronic Intoxication”, another joint that could have made this list as well.
Topics: Uncategorized | 9 Comments »
Saturday Night Videos w/ W.T.R. (some new ‘ish you might have missed)
By crazyups | August 2, 2008
“Go There With You”-Shawn Jackson f. Ty
“The Quiet Things”-Has Lo
“Who’s Gonna Save My Soul”-Gnarls Barkley (damn, this shit is FONKAY!!)
“Just Another Day”-Blu
“Don’t Act Like You Don’t Know”-Skillz f. Freeway
“Say Goodnight”-Reks
“Dope Boys”-Game f. Travis Barker
Topics: Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
ANTE UP!!!!!!!!
By crazyups | August 1, 2008
PS: Just received Common Market’s promo LP for “Tobacco Road” today in the mail. Can you say “Album Of The Year”?? Wow!!
Topics: Uncategorized | 3 Comments »
HIP HOP’S RISING STAR, TERMANOLOGY, READIES DEBUT ALBUM BOASTING A DREAM TEAM CAST OF PLATINUM PRODUCERS
By crazyups | August 1, 2008
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What the industry is saying about Termanology:
“Term has a unique desire for the culture because he touches the issues that I can relate to as a TRUE HIP-HOP HEAD..his flows are nice, and he stays creative with his subject matter…he even speaks for me and not every new MC comin’ up can do that.” - DJ Premier
“Termanology puts the MC back in MC’ing, he’s a breath of fresh air in this dirty game.” - Bun B
“Termanology shows he could be a leader of the new school” - The Source Magazine
New York, NY - Massachusetts -bred; New York-based rapper Termanology has now finished his official debut album “Politics As Usual”. One of this year’s most anticipated albums; it drops September 30th, 2008 through a joint venture between Term’s own ST. Records and Indy powerhouse Nature Sounds. Termanology’s debut merges the best of both worlds for all Hip-Hop fans, as its meshes classic boom-bap production from a virtual who’s who list of production royalty; DJ Premier, Hi-Tek, Pete Rock, The Alchemist, Havoc, Buckwild, Nottz and Large Professor all provide tracks, with Term’s lyricism, swagger and bravado.
Growing up in the streets of the post-industrial, predominantly Latino city of Lawrence , MA, the half-white, half-Puerto Rican MC transitioned from silly freestyles at age nine to full-fledged records by 15. Constantly traveling between Boston and New York to pursue his music business dream, Termanology released his first 12-inch in 2002. Through his alliance with influential mixtape DJ (and fellow Massachusetts native) Statik Selektah, Term began earning the respect of Boston ’s Hip-Hop scene with several highly acclaimed 12″ singles.
At the onset of 2006, Term caught his big break when legendary producer DJ Premier, whom he met three years earlier, finally blessed him with one of his signature, scratch-laden beats. “Watch How It Go Down” instantly became an underground classic and Termanology appeared on Hip-Hop’s international radar. The conscious hood anthem garnered the earnest MC tons of praise, landing him in The Source’s “Unsigned Hype” and XXL’s “Show and Prove” columns.
Since then, Termanology has quickly climbed the industry ranks with his Hood Politics mixtape series and continued collaborations with DJ Premier and other big name producers. Term’s hard work resulted in a joint venture deal with Brooklyn-based label Nature Sounds, which he signed in late 2007. “I decided to go the Indy route to have total control of everything related to my project,” Term explains.
Nature Sounds is quickly becoming the indy home for classic hip-hop. During the last couple of years the label has released projects by several artists that include hip hop cult icon MF DOOM, Wu-Tang’s Masta Killa (Made In Brooklyn), the debut album from Havoc of Mobb Deep (The Kush), most recently, Pete Rock’s latest (NY’s Finest).
Term has already set things in motion for his debut, Politics As Usual, with the recent leak of the LP’s buzz-single, How We Rock,” which has the Internet buzzing and features Term rocking with two of Hip-Hop’s most beloved individuals, Bun B and DJ Premier (who produced “How We Rock”). Term has also shot a video for “How We Rock” and the video will be released to the masses shortly.
Tracklisting and credits for Termanology’s “Politics As Usual”:
1.) Its Time (Produced by Easy Mo Bee)
2.) Watch How It Go Down (Produced by DJ Premier)
3.) Respect My Walk (Produced by Buckwild)
4.) Hood Shit f/ Prodigy of Mobb Deep (Produced by The Alchemist)
5.) Float (Produced by Nottz)
6.) Please Don’t Go (Produced by Nottz)
7.) How We Rock f/ Bun B of UGK (Produced by DJ Premier)
8.) Drugs Crime & Gorillaz f/ Sheek Louch & Freeway (Produced by Nottz)
9.) In The Streets f/Lil Fame of M.O.P. (produced by Hi-Tek)
10.) So Amazing (Produced by DJ Premier)
11.) Sorry I Lied (Produced by Large Professor)
12.) We Killin Ourselves (Produced by Pete Rock)
13.) The Chosen (Resurrecting The Game) (Produced by Havoc)
Topics: Let's Talk About.....(Review Series) | 1 Comment »
Slum Village’s eLZhi Teams Up with Black Milk For First Solo Album
By crazyups | August 1, 2008
eLZhi, esteemed member of Slum Village, will be releasing his solo debut, “The Preface”, on August 12, 2008 through Fat Beats Records. The 16-track album, produced almost entirely by rising star Black Milk, features guest appearances by a who’s who of the Detroit hip-hop scene. Royce Da 5′9″, T3 (Slum Village), Guilty Simpson, Phat Kat, and more add to what many have predicted will be one of the most noteworthy hip-hop releases of 2008.
With “The Preface”, eLZhi displays the unpredictable flows and rhyme schemes he is known for and also touches on an impressive variety of concepts and subject matter. He demands perfection in his tracks and the attention to detail shows in the expert production of Black Milk. Having worked with countless hip-hop talents like Phat Kat, Frank-N-Dank, Lloyd Banks, Canibus, Pharoahe Monch, T3, and J Dilla, Black Milk tidies up the tracks with his signature air-tight beats and samples.
In the late-nineties, eLZhi made a name for himself by moving his way up through the ranks of Detroit’s underground scene and teaming up with Slum Village for his first big taste of success. He has since been making the rounds, working with local Detroit luminaries such as J Dilla, Waajeed of Platinum Pied Pipers, and Dwele, in addition to a well-received solo tour of Europe during his early years in the game. Hip-hop enthusiasts across the globe consider eLZhi to be one of the most skilled emcees in the entire scene, and bloggers and critics have been trumpeting this sentiment since the release of the last Slum Village album in 2005. With the release of The Preface, eLZhi looks to cement his name amongst the greatest emcees in the game.
Topics: Let's Talk About.....(Review Series), Uncategorized | No Comments »