Bloggerhouse Hip Hop

Well, the biggest news to hit the “blog scene” this week had to be the early “leak” (does anyone have the “explicit” version?) of Kanye West’s highly anticipated & highly publicized (thanks 50!) third album “Graduation”. Hate Kanye all you want but he appeals to the mainstream as well as the underground headz (even though we don’t want to admit) making his music appealing to cats from all walks of life. Let’s state the obvious, Kanye can be an “asshole” but he knows it. Give him his due, the dude talked shit on record even before “Through The Wire”. The first time I heard his production on Beanie Sigel’s “The Truth” I knew that dude was gonna’ be big and later that same winter hearing Jay’s “This Can’t Be Life” (even though he’s made the earlier part of his production career uses the same drums Dre did on “XXXplosive”) only solidified my initial predictions for this up & comer with a bright future from Chicago. To quote Kanye on “Graduation”….”I talked shit & I lived it”, which he did….but, on “Graduation” it seems as if Kanye…who was even “high” on himself after “The College Dropout”… takes his self-loathing & boastfulness to a whole new level “on my own shit” on “Graduation”. Not to say that “Graduation” is a bad album, it’s just a little disappointing because some of the tracks that made the cut would have never seen the light of day on his previous two efforts (“The College Dropout” & “Late Registration”). Think about it, if I asked you “what was the only lackluster track on Kanye’s debut? The only cut that comes to mind for me is “Workout Plan”. Okay, what track should have been left on the cutting room floor that made “Late Registration”? Hmmmm, as I’m typing this nothing on the top of my head really stands out that granted exercising the fast forward button on “Late Registration”. Well, let me just look at the tracklisting for “Registration”…..alright, maybe “Celebration”….but that’s it!!! I even “got” the ode to his mother on the appropriately titled “Hey Mama”, even though I may have skipped it over a time or two before. With “Graduation” there is a handful of tracks that I can bare to listen to in their entirety, and that’s a damn shame because ever since my man Big Fonz e-mailed me the link early Thursday morning this album is all that I’ve been playing. Where should I let the bashing begin? First of all, let’s start with “Champion”, and my man Mike Dikk dropped a comment in the C-Box stating that “Graduation”..”is a little light in the loafers if you know what I mean”….on “Champion”….yes Mike, I do know what you mean! With a beat that sounds more like it belongs as the opener for one of those “feel-good” 70′s sitcoms like “Good Times” our “Welcome Back Carter”, Kanye lazily proceeds to unveil the “hart-warming” story of how his pops “used to grind so Ye’ could have a fresh wardrobe when school started” (in a nutshell). While I do see where Ye’ is coming from with this one, it all translates into boredom for me…much in part to the overused drums that have seemed to appear on more than a few of Kanye’s productions. Okay, now for the really bad and let me just give a shout to my dude A-One @ Know Good Music (sorry I’ve been sleepin‘ so long, finally got you linked up) who hit the nail right on the head with his observation of the Chris Martin (Coldplay) assisted “Homecoming” (even though A-One, I thought that “Beach Chair” was the best song on “Kingdom Come”). For those of you who haven’t heard the album yet, do yourself a favor and have a barf-bag nearby cause’ you just may need it! I’m sure all of you remember Kanye’s “Home” which appeared on some of his “pre-College Dropout” mixtapes such as “I’m Good”. Let me just put this out there, “Home” is probably my favorite Kanye joint EVER! Composed in a format similar to Common’s ode to Hip Hop “I Used To Love H.E.R.”, Kanye spits his love for the his home city (Chicago) over a “oh soo soulful, don’t you agree” track that made me say “Oh yeah, no doubt….dude is gonna’ blow!!”. Now, “Homecoming” is just a basic (and I mean BASIC) re-working of “Home”. The sad thing about it is, even though Kanye spits the exact same lyrics that made “Home” so damn dope, they don’t even fit the pace of the track on “Homecoming” and they sound way off-beat. There’s no way to tiptoe around this one….”Homecoming” just plain sucks!!

Of course there is the absolute “lowpoint” ,thanks to the Mos Def featured “Drunk & Hot Girls”. As many times as I’ve listened to “Graduation” on repeat within these last two days this is the one track that to say it gently is simply “unbearable”. For one thing, you heard it hear first…..stick a fork in Mos Def’s music career cause’ dude is done! I mean, what purpose does he serve on “Drunk & Hot Girls”? He brings absolutely nothing but a half-assed attempt at a “chorus” (if you want to even call it that!) Is Kanye serious with this one? Hell, when it first came on my headphones I thought that maybe it was just an interlude, but I became a bit concerned when “Drunk & Hot Girls” exceeded the 2 minute mark. This shit would have never even been considered to be included on his previous two efforts…Never!! C’mon Ye’ I’m even givin‘ you a break here!! The similarities between Jay’s “Hollywood” (from “Kingdom Come”) and the Dwele assisted “Flashly Lights” are obvious, even the synths on this track sound like they belong more on a “merry go round” then on here….but, it’s still somewhat enjoyable thanks much inpart to Dwele’s soothing vocals (dude, should be makin’ some green here recently). I, probably like many of you wrote “Barry Bonds” off the minute that I saw the track title and realized that Lil’ Wayne was featured on it, but it’s not all that bad…even though the chorus is extremely lame, the beat is solid and I’m always amazed at the shit that comes outta’ Lil Weezy’s mouth. I really and truly don’t know what to think of “Good Life”, this track rea

lly didn’t have much of a chance once I heard the synthesised vocals of the wannabe 2007 version of Roger Troutman/Teddy Riley T-Pain (who’s really buyin‘ this dude’s records anyway? Damn white folks!). I’m not totally writing this one of just yet though. Finally, there’s the first two singles from the album “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” & “Stronger” which have already been talked about enough, but oh well. Neither of the aforementioned cuts have impressed me one bit, and I feel that “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” was a poor choice for a first single. On the other hand, I’d never listen to “Stronger” but I have to cause’ my wife went against my will and now has it as her ringtone (the life of a married man, I tell you!)

What about the good? Believe it or not, as much “anti-Graduation” bashing as you’ve read thus far there are a few obvious highlights that almost make up for some of the miscues on the album. “Everything I Am” (featuring DJ Premier on the cuts) is the the obvious highlight of “Graduation” hands down. With it’s subtle piano keys in the background and the simple drum kicks it’s only fitting that DJ Premier is featured on “Everything…” because the track truly feels like it’s almost more suited for “Daily Operation” rather than “Graduation”. Would you have ever imagined hearing Chuck D’s voice scratched in on a Kanye record? Yeah, me neither. Kanye also lays his best vocals on this track, always clever with the metaphors, Ye’ also attempts to get a little “introspective” on “Everything….”. Secondly, there’s the album’s opener “Good Morning” which I must have played 10 times on repeat this morning while in the gym. Again, as with “Everything..” Kanye wins with simplicity….a steady drum kick, hard bass knocks and an addictive vocal sample. For a second, your led to believe that “Graduation” will continue with the wittiness and cohesiveness displayed on “Late Registration”….and then the tracks bleeds right into “Champion”….Arrgghh! Last but not least, how can I not mention “Big Brother”? Even though I can only imagine most of your responses the first time you heard the track….hmmm…let’s see..”Damn, is Ye’ on Jay’s dick or what?”, “Damn Kanye, couldn’t you have at least waited for dude to get out the game before you crafted an ode to him?”. While I’ve shared those exact same thoughts with you, it’s hard to deny the best lyrical performance from Kanye on the album along with a strong production that’s extremely hard not to nod along with. Wow!! Jay stole Kanye’s Coldplay collabo idea? He also made him buy his own tickets to Jay’s M.S.G. performance?…now that’s cold!

In closing, keep in mind I’m just an average Joe. I don’t write for any major publications this is just my take on what should have eclipsed Common’s “Finding Forever” and Talib Kweli’s “Ear Drum” instead of making me seriously consider which album was more thorough. Sad thing is, you all know that each and everyone of us will have “Graduation” in our headphones or stereos all damn weekend, simply based on the “Kanye factor”. When you captivate an audience with two monumental albums in succession that’s the way the ball bounces for you. Damn Kanye’s got us by the nuts!!!….-Eric

I wake up pretty early in the morning and the change of the season is starting to be felt in the early morning air. The air is crisp, no more seventy degrees at 6a.m., the sun isn’t already over the horizon and my car has a little moisture on the windows. In a couple of days, it will be September and autumn will be right around the corner. I must say if someone put a gun to my head and told me to pick my favorite season, I’d have to say the Fall. There is something about the changing of the season from a hot summer time, to the crisp autumn air. There is something about the trees changing color. I love waking up on a fall weekend and feeling the cool air and seeing the change all around me. Most off all though, fall means its football time!

I like to call myself a baseball guy. I played it from the time I was six until high school. But something about football that is just an “event” of sorts. Just this week, I’ve been playing Madden on my down time (hence the lack of posts). I had my main fantasy football draft this week, a league that is in eighth year. I’m listening to the a live stream on the internet of the Boise State football game as I write this. Football is just a huge sport in the states. We love our football. Saturday you get up and watch some college football. If you are lucky enough to live in a college town, its even more major.

Unfortunately, when I was a Boise State student, they were still a Div 1AA school (lower than now for those of you who aren’t into the college football scene). Boise though, has always been a football city. Bronco football is a major thing in Boise, even in those days. Boise State is the only school in NCAA that has the luxury of winning a Junior College National Championship, a Div 1 AA Championship and a BCS Bowl game win. We’d tailgate our asses off, then drag our drunk asses into the stadium and make our way to the top, where we could drink our contraband alcohol we had snuck in with us. Things have changed since then. I just talked to my parents, who still live in Boise and they have said the town is shutting down tonight to watch the game, a game against a 1 AA school. People are Boise State crazy. Trust me, Saturday’s will be major event at Bronco Stadium and Lyle Smith Field this fall after their Cinderella win last year in the Fiesta Bowl.

Then you have Sunday’s. That is NFL time. There is nothing better than dragging your hung over ass out of bed around 10 a.m., jump in the shower to wash off the night before’s mess off of you and throw on your teams shirt or sweat shirt and either join a buddy at his house (if you down have Sunday Ticket yourself, like me) or you hit up your favorite Sports Bar watering hole. Every game counts, maybe thats why each game is so important. Your team goes on a two game losing streak and all of sudden they are facing an uphill battle. It’s just a great way to spend a Sunday. Probably why any girl I date must at least understand that.

As much as I like to call myself a pseudo hip-hop critic/historian, I also like to claim I know a thing or two about football and the NFL. Like any guy that thinks he knows his football, I’m going to play pseudo sport writer and give you the first annual WYDU NFL Football predictions. The NFL is pretty hard to predict from year to year. There is alway some good team that ends up flopping (the Steelers last year) and you have some team no one expected to do shit comes out and surprises everyone (New Orleans Saints), so yeah, basically I’m covering my ass already.

WYDU Presents – The First Annual NFL Preseason Predictions

AFC East
New England Patriots 11-5
Miami Dolphins 9-7
Buffalo Bills 8-8
New York Jets 6-10

Patriots geared up over the offseason for a serious playoff run. They shored up a questionable WR position by adding Donte Stallworth and malcontent Randy Moss. If Moss and Brady mesh, watch out. They also added free agent prize, ILB Adalius Thomas, a great catch to use in their 3-4 Defense (biters). Only thing suspect about them the secondary.

The Dolphins have to be somewhat better than last year. Trent Green should be an improvement over the scrubs they used last year at QB and new coach Cam Cameron should bring the most out of RB Ronnie Brown. They also claim one of the best defensive players in DE/LB Jason Taylor. Should be interesting to see what Free Agent signee Joey Porter brings to the table.

The Bills should improve with QB JP Losman improving over the season last year and add in long threat WR Lee Evans and rookie RB Marshawn Lynch to the mix and the Bills have as good of a chance as they’ve had the last couple years.

The Jets bring in new RB Thomas Jones, who did excellent with the NFC Champion Chicago Bears and with a solid O-Line, the Jones has a chance to have a stand out year. Pennington is stil a question mark at QB, but a decent defense should keep the Jets close in games.

AFC North
Baltimore Ravens 10-6
Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6
Cincinnati Bengals 9-7
Cleveland Browns 5-11

In a division where I hate every team except the obvious one, its hard to say any team is going to beat the Steelers. As much as I hate it, I still believe the Ravens are the cream of the crop, although I question how much more McNair has left in the tank and the durability of new RB Willis McGahee. But when you have a defense such as the Ravens, you don’t need more than a couple touchdowns or so a game.

Being a Steelers fan (duh), I might be a little biased. I have some questions about the new coaching staff. When the Rooney’s, who I admire greatly, let all the established staff leave to the new Pittsburgh west (Arizona) and brought in a new guy and not only a new guy, but someone you hasn’t even had a lot of ex
perience coaching in the NFL period. They have the potential on offense if Big Ben bounces back to his previous stature after a down year last year. Santonio Holmes came on strong toward the end of the year to be a nice compliment to Hines Ward. Willie Parker is a game breaker who can bust a long run at anytime. The D was kind of down last year, and Joey Porter felt the wrath and was let go in the offseason. The Steelers went out and drafted two OLB (the key to their defense) in the first and second rounds, Lawrence Timmons out of Florida State and LeMarr Woodley out of Michigan who could both factor in greatly before its all said and done with. The Steelers star defensive player, Troy Polamalu, just signed a contact extension during the off season, thankfully. The CB’s are suspect, although if Ike Taylor returns to form and Bryant McFadden continues to develop, they could be strong at the postion.

The Bengals faltered last year after a strong ’05 season and winning the division (which doesn’t mean shit, since the Steelers won the Super Bowl), but fell off when they faced a first place schedule. The offensive is top notch, if they can keep everyone out of jail. The defense is suspect, and will be their downfall.

The Brownies, oops, I mean the Browns seem to improve every off season, yet they can’t seem to pull it together. They bring in Jamal Lewis, who if he has anything left, will be an upgrade over last seasons running game, but then again, a dead corpse would be better than what they had last year. The Brownies….dammit, the Browns had a great draft in picking up stud O-Lineman Joe Thomas with their number five overall pick then QB sensation, Brady Quinn, with their second pick of the first round. Braylon Edwards and loud mouth Kellen Winslow could give the whoever starts at signal caller for the Browns some great targets.

AFC South
Indianapolis Colts 12-4
Jacksonville Jaguars 10-6
Tennessee Titans 8-8
Houston Texans 6-10

Its hard to argue against the defending Champion Colts, they lost a few key pieces from their Super Bowl team, but they still contain enough weapons to play against anyone on any given weekend. Peyton Manning is someone who I want to hate, but I have to admit, I enjoy most of his commercials and his Saturday Night Live guest host appearance was classic. Manning is the cream of the crop when it comes to QB’s and he still has Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison after losing third WR Brandon Stokely. Joesph Addai figures to be the feature back after gaining over a 1,000 yards on the ground as a rookie.

Jacksonville is another one of those teams that wins with its defense. They do contain fantasy darling Maurice Drew-Jones and 3rd year WR Matt Jones could breakout this year as well on offense. It’s the defense though that gets the recognition on this team.

The Titans came on very strong at the end of last season on the back of rookie QB Vince Young. If Young stays healthy, they could have a shot at a wildcard, but Young has the dreaded Madden curse hanging over his head. Is it real? I’m not sure, but I don’t think Sean Alexander, Donovan McNabb, Marshall Faulk, or Michael Vick would ever want to be on it again. Maybe they were playing out of their asses at the end of last year, but Young seems to have some magic to him. They’ll need Young to be his best with a running game consisting of Chris Brown and Twinkie boy LenDale White.

The Texans continue to improve, but I’m not sure how good newly signed Ahman Green will be and they have an unproven QB in Matt Schaub who they picked up from Atlanta in the off season.

AFC West
San Diego Chargers 12-4
Denver Broncos 10-6
Kansas City Chiefs 5-11
Los Angles Raiders

The Chargers just have too many weapons on offense AND defense for anyone to over take them, as long as new coach Norv Turner doesn’t try to do too much and fuck them up.

The Broncos have a young, unproven QB in Jay Cutler and while Travis Henry could be the stud RB they have been missing the past couple years, there are a lot of question marks involved with the o-side. The defense has look pretty lack luster in the pre season with a new D-Coordinator, it might take a while for the talented bunch to get it right. They promise to be more aggressive on defensive so we’ll see. I’m still calling my shot and saying: Steelers 27 Broncos 14 on Oct 21st Sunday Night game.

Chiefs have Damon Haurd at QB, journey man Damon Haurd. They can expect nine in the box to stop Larry Johnson at all times. Its going to be a long season.

The Raiders just suck, I don’t know what else to say. They have a decent corp of WR but I don’t think JaMarcus Russell will matter much this year and I think Dante Culpepper is washed up. They might have a decent running game with LaMont Jordan and Dominick “DUI” Rhodes. The D isn’t all that bad either, but who am I kidding, they’ll suck

NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles 10-6
Dallas Cowboys 10-6
New York Giants 9-7

Washington Redskins 7-9

The Eagles are always a challenger for the NFC title race. After last year’s run with QB Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb comes back from an ACL tear to lead the talented Eagles team. One must question the release of defensive leader Jermiah Trotter, but the D should be stout enough to get it done in a rather diluted NFC.

I thoroughly HATE the Dallas Cowboys, I always have, so it gave me no greater joy than to watch them lose the way they did last year in the playoffs. I’m still not sold on Tony Romo, and the son of Bum Phillips is a horrible coach, but owner Jerry Jones just wanted a puppet that he could control after headstrong coach Bill Parcells had the reigns for the last couple years.

Can that punk Eli Manning withstand the pressure of New York (and no Dino, I do not look like Eli)? No, I’m not a big Eli fan, I thought the way he handled the whole draft thing was a joke a few years back. Fuck him and the Manning family for that shit. The Giants seem to be a middle of the road team that could challenge for the NFC East title if Eli and bonehead Plaxico take it to the next level. I kind of expect big things out of big guy Brandon Jacobs.
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The Redskins bring in an inexperienced QB this year to go with a decent WR corp and decent RB’s in Betts and Portis. The QB position could take some time to level out as Jason Campbell is a fairly raw talent.

NFC North
Chicago Bears 10-6
Detroit Lions 9-7
Minnesota Vikings 5-11
Green Bay Packers 4-12

The Chicago Bears were somewhat of a surprise last year, and I still wonder what they will be like against a first place schedule. Questions abound with Wrex Grossman at the QB spot. Also, will Cedric Benson be able to carry the world load? With all the questions surrounding the offense, the defense is one of the premier units in the league and will once again carry the Bears.

The Lions figure to be better with an extra year under OC Mike Martz’s system. Yes, they have Jon Kitna at QB, but Martz made a star out of a Arena Football QB in St.Louis. They have a good WR crew and although I’m usually not fond of rookie WR’s, Calvin Johnson could be the real deal.

The Vikings appear to be in a mess. They possess a mediocre defense, a young QB who doesn’t even have that much potential and a rookie RB that could be a star….if he stays healthy. And with the Vikings passing game, the run back tandem of Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson could be carrying the workload.

What was Bret Favre thinking? He wanted to come back to this? Not only did they not get better in the off season, they potentially got worse. They lost Ahman Green (okay, no big loss there), although rookie Brandon Jackson could be a good one. The WR corps isn’t all that great and second year man Greg Jennings fell the fuck off after a great first couple weeks. The defense is nothing to write home about either. It could be a looooong season for the Pack.

NFC South
New Orleans Saints 10-6
Carolina Panthers 5-11
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 5-11
Atlanta Falcons 2-14

The Saints were the nations darlings last season after coming back to a city that the government ignored after Hurricane Katrina. Drew Brees shocked NFL insiders and arm chair QB’s alike by coming back from shoulder surgery stronger than ever. Coupled with a stud 7th round pick rookie WR in Marques Colston and soon to be super star (if he isn’t already) Reggie Bush, the offense could put up some serious numbers. The defense lacks a little, but in the NFC, it won’t be enough to keep the Saints from making a serious run in the playoffs

The rest of the division with Carolina, Tampa and the ATL are not nearly in the same league as the rest of the NFC. Carolina is questionable with, well, just about everything. Tampa Bay is bringing in a QB old enough to remember the when they had leather helmets and just doesn’t seem like a good fit to coach John “Chuckie” Gruden’s system, but what do I know? I’m just an idiot on a computer. Atlanta’s season got drowned liked one of Vick’s dogs (booooo I know, bad joke). It’s not because Vick is such a great QB, but there are so many things a defense has to take in account when Vick is back there that they don’t when ummmm, Joey Harrington is back there. ATL is a running team, and are built for that, although Dunn is up there in age and I’m not sure Norwood is a feature back and they are going to be facing eight men in the box all season long.

NFC West
Arizona Cardinals 10-6
Seattle Seahawks 10-6
San Fransico 49er’s 9-7
St. Louis Rams 7-9

I’m picking the Pittsburgh Steelers of the West aka the Arizona Cardinals to be the surprise team this year. They had all the intangibles in place for the most part before Ken Whisenhunt was brought on, but I believe Whisenhunt will take QB Matt Leinart to the next level to compliment probably one of the most talented group of WR in the NFL. The O-Lin is shakey, but assistant coach Russ Grimm, a former “Hog” himself, will make it better than what it is. The D is consistently getting better and with potential big time players such as Karlos Dansby and Adrian Wilson and a hybrid of a 3-4 defense, the Cardinals are poised to FINALLY make a move in the NFC West.

The Seattle Seahawks are just good enough to make their presence known as well. You have to think with Sean Alexander being off the cover of Madden that he should return back to dominate RB status and Hasselbeck is just good enough to get over the hump.

The Niners are also another team to watch. Alex Smith keeps getting better and Frank Gore stepped up to be one of the better RB’s in the NFL last year. The defense is somewhat questionable, but has some quality players that could make San Fran another “surprise” team this year.

In St. Louis, the Rams are kind of a hard team to judge. Bulger is a good QB when healthy and Steven Jackson is one of the top two or three when it comes to RB. The defense has always been somewhat shaky and in a division with some prolific offenses.

Wild Card
Steelers vs Patriots – Pats
Broncos vs Ravens – Ravens
Cowboys vs Cardinals – Cowboys
Seachickens vs Saints – Saints

Divisional
Pats vs Chargers – Chargers
Ravens vs Colts – Colts
Saints vs Eagles – Eagles
Cowboys vs Bears – Bears

Conference Championships
Colts vs Chargers – Chargers
Eagles vs Bears – Eagles

Super Bowl
Eagles vs Chargers

Super Bowl Champs
San Diego Chargers

Music…..Reeeeeee-Ups

45 King Presents The Flavor Unit (Tuff City, 1990)

01	Flavor Unit Assassination Squad
	Featuring – Apache , Double J (2) , Lakim Shabazz , Lord Alibaski , Queen Latifah Producer – 45 King, The
02	Lyrics In Motion
	Producer – 45 King, The
03	I Feel Like Flowing
	Producer – 45 King, The
04	Top Gun
	Producer – 45 King, The
05	Passin’ The Mike
	Producer – 45 King, The
06	What It Takes To Be A Rapper
	Co-producer – Mighty Maestro, The Producer – 45 King, The
07	Hands Of Fate
	Producer – Lakim Shabazz
08	Crunch Time
	Producer – Mighty Maestro, The
09	Smooth Yet Hard
	Producer – 45 King, The

Beat Factory Presents Rap Essentials Volume One (Beat Factory Records, 1996)

A1	Rascalz	Fitnredi (4:29)
		Producer – Kemo
A2	Concrete Mob	Boiling Point (3:17)
		Producer – Scam (3)
A3	Down To Erf	Learn To Earn (3:25)
B1	Kardinal Offishall	Naughty Dread (4:24)
		Producer – Kardinal Offishall
B2	Black-I	No Lawz (4:23)
B3	Wio-K	Sunlight (3:42)
C1	Red Life*	Who’s Talking Weight (Remix) (3:46)
		Producer – K-Note
C2	Dan-E-O	Dear Hip Hop (3:24)
C3	Scales Empire	Bright Lights, Big City (4:00)
D1	Choclair	Twenty One Years (4:17)
		Backing Vocals – K.C. Thomas Producer – Day
D2	Citizen Kane (2)	Structure, Foundation (What’s The Plan) (3:14)
		Producer – Erf Productions
D3	Ghetto Concept	U.L. (4:24)

Percy Miracles – The Ladies Champ (Roy Lee’s Records & Tapes, 2005)
1. Sweet Percy
2. Dance Floor
3. Miss Eda
4. Back To The Motherland
5. You Can Be
6. You’ll Never Change feat Poohnany & Big Trick

Street Fighter Original Soundtrack

1. Street Fighter – Ice Cube

2. Come Widdit – Ahmad/Ras Kass/Saafir

3. One On One – NAS

4. Pandemonium – The Pharcyde

5. Street Soldier – Paris

6. Something Kinda Funky – Rally Ral

7. It’s A Street Fight – The B.U.M.S.

8. Life As…. – LL Cool J

9. Do You Have What It Takes? – Craig Mack

10. Straight To My Feet – Hammer/Deion Sanders

11. Rumbo N Da Jungo – Public Enemy (Chuck D)/The Wreck League

12. Rap Commando – Anotha Level

13. Worth Fighting For – Angelique Kidjo

14. Something There – Chage & Aska

Digital Underground – Sons of The P (Tommy Boy, 1991)

1. The DFLO Shuttle
2. Heartbeat Props
3. No Nose Job
4. Sons Of The P
5. Flowin’ On The D-Line
6. Kiss You Back
7. Tales Of The Funky
8. The Higher Heights Of Spirituality
9. Family Of The Underground
10. The D-Flowstrumental
11. Good Thing We’re Rappin’

Ras Kass & DJ Lt. Dan – On The Run

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1. “Casualties Of War”-Boot Camp Click
Off their new release of the same name (which also features production from Moss, Marco Polo and a nice joint from 9th Wonder as well), “Casualties….” kinda’ has the same feel as the Marco Polo produced “He Gave His Life” from their previous album “The Last Stand”. I don’t know who this cat is (Marvel) that produced “Casualties..”, but if he keeps bringin’ heat like this he’ll be makin’ a name for himself in no time.

2. “H.I.P.H.O.P.”-Jazz Addixx
Damn, if your readin’ this, Ragz the “questions” are on the way. Anyway, I believe I mentioned this a few weeks back..but this cut from the superb “Oxygen Refreshed” shares the same feel and emotion for me as Marco & Ace’s “Nostalgia”. I love the “break” on this one…”From the old school comes a new degree….H.I.P.H.O.P., H.I.P.H.O.P., H.I.P.H.O.P.” This album has really become a bit of a “go to” joint for me lately.

3. “All That You Are”-Foreign Exchange
Had to pull “Connected” out for a few listens this past month and “All That…” is the first track that I listen to 9 times outta’ 10. Utilizing the same sample that made Blue Scholars “Loyalty” so addictive, Nicolay & Phonte truly do make an odd but extremely productive combination. Add a pinch of Median with a hint of D-Brock and you have a dope, uplifting track.

4. “One More Chance (Remix)”-Biggie
This track was included on the Ego Trip link that I posted up last week and I completely forgot how dope this shit really was (BTW, if someone has the “other” remix that rips the Marley & Craig G beat hit me up). Also, I picked up the remastered version of “Ready To Die” that included an additional disc that featured Big’s videos from the album and it really took me back to 94′. Man, everyone from Uncle Luke to D-Nice made a cameo in “One More Chance”. Don’t front even Puffy’s adlibs were even bearable when Bad Boy was runnin’ thangs.

5. “Love Is A Battlefield”-CL Smooth
Taken from CL’s new mixtape/leftovers from “American Me”……”The Outsider”. What can you do, right? It’s a rarity that we can get Pete & CL together on “one” track so you have to love it like there’s no tomorrow, even if the end result is less than spectacular. Even with the re-working of Pat Benatar’s 80′s smash (or was it late Seventies?) of the same name, “Love Is A Battlefield” wins on it’s “catchy” factor. This is actually the same beat that you can witness Pete Rock construct from the ground up, thanks to the YouTube clip posted below.

6. “13th Floor/Growin’ Old”-Outkast
Taken from Kast’s 96′ CLASSIC ATLiens, this track was accidentally omitted from my “Top 25 Beats”. The subtle piano strokes add soo much to the simple bassline and the chorus is just the right touch. Remember the days whe Dre was pre- Badu Dre & Big Boi was more focused on makin’ records than makin’ movies?(“Who’s Your Caddy!! WTF????). Gotta’ love Dre’s parting lyrics “Fat titties turn to teardrops, fat ass turns to flab, souls that was open wounds eventually turn to scab…”. CLASSIC!!

7. “F & F Daily C”- Thes One
You’ve already read my rant on “Lifestyle Marketing” posted earlier this week. I’ve never been one to revert back to “instrumental” albums after the first listen (other than “Entroducing” & “Donuts” that is) but I’ve really enjoyed what Thes One is doing with his clever production on this album and it just so happens that this is my favorite track from the better half of P.U.T.S.

8. “Far From The Average”-Jazz Addixx….yet again!!
Damn, this one actually dropped in 05′!! How did I ever overlook these cats? Crazy production and lyrics from Mudd (damn, that Puba sample was mad clever), while DJ Ragz “takes em’ out with tha’ fader”……”Please don’t even go there with that!!!!” (insert Puba voiceover). Stop sleepin’ on “Oxygen Refreshed”!!

9. “Looking At The Front Door”-Main Source
Does anyone have an extra copy of “Breaking Atoms” they wanna’ sell?? Between “Looking…” & “Just Hangin’ Out” this album has been in heavy rotation the past few weeks. For all those out there that are married I’m sure that you can emphasize with Large Professor on this one. Damn, Large Pro’s production on “Breaking Atoms” and Akinyele’s “Vagina Diner” sound so different it’s hard to believe that he handled all the production duties on both albums.

10. “Getaway Car”-Aesop Rock f. Breezly Brewin & Cage
Who would’ve thought that I’d enjoy Aesop’s new LP “None Shall Pass”? Hell, I liked it enough to pick it up at Hastings today! “Getaway Car” is just one of three extremely dope cuts (the title cut & “Catacomb Kids” being the other two) that pop up on the album. Cage brings his own unique style to the table and Aesop has always impressed me on the mic….it’s just some of his production is a little out there for me. And Breezly Brewin?? Is it just me or does Breezly have one of the dopest voices and flows in Hip Hop EVER??

Pete Rock “births” “Love Is A Battlefield”

Thes One-Lifestyle Marketing

Believe it or not, I’ve never checked out a single release from People Under The Stairs. Hell, I couldn’t even name for you a single track from any of what some folks consider “must have” releases such as “Question In The Form Of An Answer”, “O.S.T” or the more recent “Stepfather”. Ahem! After first listening to Thes One’s (1/2 of P.U.T.S., for dumbasses like myself!) instrumental album “Lifestyle Marketing” I sincerely feel that I may have been missing out. It’s a total coincidence that I even gave this album a listen, it’s been buried in my Ipod for what seems like the better half of 2007. While running some errands Saturday evening, for the first time in recent memory I just let my Ipod play on shuffle (which I never do) only to stumble onto “Hy-Vee“. The track from “Lifestyle…”, which plays out from the beginning like a 60′s commercial of sorts (with the opening “Hiiigh Veeee” sung in an almost elevator music-like manner) ….almost instantly drew me in. Immediately I placed the Ipod off of shuffle and proceeded to let the remainder of the tracks “play out”. What killed me the most was that I didn’t have the slightest idea who this was providing the mellow groves and crisp bass knocks busting through my speakers. You best believe as soon as I returned home I was searching thru Itunes trying to figure out who this genius was. It’s such a rarity when I even hear an album just once that I can’t come up with the artist name. Now keep in mind, I’ve never been that “big” on albums that are comprised of strictly “instrumentals” but with “Lifestyle Marketing” Thes does a heck of a job keeping the tracks from being stagnant and boring. With cleverly placed samples, mellow filters and most importantly “clarity” Thes has succeeded in providing me with a nice album that is cool to play in the ride on that warm summer evening (or at least what’s left of the summer) or just throw it in the headphones while getting your ass whooped (that’d be me….Damn computer!!!) in Madden 08′. I do feel that I need to hip myself to P.U.T.S. a bit more before I delve into Thes One’s discography for a more indepth review…but hey, I gotta’ start somewhere, right? For evidence of my praise, be sure to check out the aforementioned “Hy-Vee“, “Gate City Savings & Loan” and my favorite “F & F Daily C” from “Lifestyle….”. Again, this album is not for everyone but it’s a solid instrumental album from an established beatmaker that deserves some ink. Peep it HERE.

Various Artists-Payday “Representin‘ The Streets”

In what may have very well also been deemed “The Best Of DJ Premier”, released in 1996 London Records subsidiary Payday/FFRR dropped what would serve as little more than a talent showcase for their hefty roster. Including compositions from East Coast strongholds Group Home, Showbiz & A.G., Jeru The Damaja, Jay-Z, O.C. & a then little known duo from the “D” comprised of Jay Dee (J. Dilla) & Ronnie Cash (Phat Kat) who went by the title of First Down. Also, WC & The Maad Circle seem a little out of place on this compilation with the Ice Cube produced “Home Sick”. I actually picked up “Representin‘ The Streets” on cassette, I may have given it a listen or two before placing it to forever collect dust in my old plastic clothing bin that I picked up from Wal-Mart back in the day. Of course, by the time this hit the streets Jeru’s “Mental Stamina” and “Scientifical Madness” (prod. by Premier, duh!) had already hit their peek when “The Sun Rises In The East” debuted near the summer of 94′ and the same case could also be made for the two Group Home cuts that are featured on the compilation as well (“Sacrifice” & “Tha Realness”). Two more Showbiz & A.G. cuts pop up on “Representin‘….”, the Primo remix of “Next Level” & “Got Tha‘ Flava“. This may be a nice pick up for some of you based on the nostalgia factor of Jay-Z’s “In My Lifetime” remix and First Down’s (J Dilla & Phat Kat) “Front Street”, which was also produced by the late, great Dilla Dawg. Hmmm, I don’t know..would you have let this one slip out of your grasp for a measly $1.99?….-Eric

All City-Metropolis Gold

Released in 1998 on MCA Records All City’s “Metropolis Gold” has always been somewhat of an enigma to me. I mean, taking a look at some of the producers featured on this album (Primo, Pete Rock, EZ Elpee, Ron “Amen Ra” Lawrence, Rockwilder, Clark Kent, etc.) one can nearly salivate at the thought of what a gem “Metropolis Gold” could have been. One theory that I have is that this album was dropped entirely too late and included waaaay to many failed attempts at radio play. Wasn’t “Who Dat” leaked to the streets in something like 1995 (damn, that beat knocked…way too short though). Hell, I can remember it being featured on DJ Cash Money’s “Guess Who’s Coming To Diner” that same year. If you read my “Top 25 Beats” list last week you already know how passionate I am about Primo’s production featured on “The Actual” and the Pete Rock produced “Priceless” is the dope that we’ve come to expect from one of the greatest producers of our era and the choice of the Biggie sample “I want the fuckin‘ fortune like the wheel” elevates the track that much more. Hell, even the Fredro Starr produced (shit, are we ever gonna’ forgive dude for “starring” on Moesha?) “Xtreme” bangs as the funky horn loop and steady bump of the track will no doubt have your head noddin‘. It’s not that emcees Greg Valentine & J Mega aren’t entertaining….it’s just that lyrically they’re really not sayin‘ much. You can even hear a little Mase influence on the piss poor attempt at urban radio play, the Clark Kent produced “Hot Joint” and speaking of “piss poor” go head’ and throw “Live It Up” in that category as well. Hmmm, let’s see….what else? Oh, the V. Black produced “Afta Hourz” is a nice little track that combines elements of both Primo & Pete Rock to formulate an impressive beat that is delivered from a “no name” producer. This album is the yin & the yang of being released on the cusp of a commercialized new era, there are joints that are hard enough and deliver enough mid 90′s boom bap too keep you eager to listen. Although, there are enough “jiggy” attempts to keep you pissed off and throw this album underneath your passenger seat only to never be given another play….-Eric

A.D.O.R.-Shock Frequency

If you don’t own A.D.O.R.’s heavily slept-on “Shock Frequency” then shame on you! While I’ve never been a big fan of A.D.O.R. on the mic some of the production displayed on this album the best that you’ve never heard. Everyone already knows the brilliance of the Pete Rock produced “Let It All Hang Out” (remember the orange and yellow multi-colored cover of the 12″?). As soon as you press play be prepared to be hit with the unmistakable production of Diamond D featured on “The Rush” and Diamond even does the unthinkable and “one ups” himself on “The Kid Is Crazy”. How could one overlook the Peter Phillips productions on “Shock Frequency”? The aforementioned “Let It All Hang Out” is right up there with the “Jump Around” & “Shut Em’ Down” remixes when speaking in terms of quality. For those of you who have been under a rock for the past few months, Dan Love already analyzed the beauty of Pete Rock’s production on “Enter The Center”. Even the breezy production courtesy of Willie Gunz on the album’s title track deserves some serious attention. Funny thing is, every Hastings that I’ve raided
within the last few weeks has had an overabundance of “Shock Frequency” in stock. So if you live near a Hastings, I’d highly recommend skipping on over there and picking up this album, it’s worth every penny!….-Eric

Second Spin; Denver, Denver Colorado $24.13

I love Fridays, especially after a pay day. I work weird hours during the week, coming in the office by 6 a.m. and getting off between noon and 2 p.m., depending on the work load. This past Friday, I left the office around noon, stopped by Pat’s Cheesesteaks (best Philly’s in Denver) and munched down on a philly cheesesteak sandwich then decided to hit up Second Spin, probably my favorite used CD stop in Denver. Although it was pay day, after paying bills and the such, I had to watch what I spent. I couldn’t do one of my infamous $75-$100 trips. So I pulled a $20 out of the ATM went into the shop. The best thing about Second Spin is they always have pretty good specials going on. This time it was buy two used CD’s get the third for half price and their usual any CD 3.99 and under is half priced. They had a fair amount more in terms of selection when it came to the $3.99, they must have missed me, since I hadn’t been in for awhile.

Nothing horribly rare by any sense of the means, although a couple CD’s I was happy to run into. I think most if not all have been seen on the blog circuit (what hasn’t?) and I’ve even posted more than one of these. I dug through the entire section and since I was on a “strict” budget (I still managed to go over my $20 limit) I only picked the $3.99 and under CD’s. The result? Twelve disks for $24.13. Here is my bounty.

Rottin Razkals – Rottin’ Ta Da Core (Illtown, 1995) $2.00

Naughty By Nature’s weed carriers dropped their only album in ’95 to a semi warm reception. Nothing terribly exciting about this album, but if you liked Naughty, then you should probably check this album out, shit even Treach is the first person you hear when you play the first song. All the production was done by Naughty (read Kay Gee) so you know what to expect.

JCD & The Dawg Pound – A Day In The Life (Profile, 1992) $2.00

I remember picking this up on tape way back in the day as a result of seeing it in “The Source” or “Rap Pages” or something like that. I completely forgot about until Dread posted it up on Bust The Facts awhile back. It’s not a lost gem or anything, but it’s not all that bad. It was executive produced by Courtney Branch & Tracy Kendrick, who did some stuff with the “304 Posse” (DJ Quik, AMG, 2nd II None, Hi-C and Slyk Smoove) which is probably why Slyk Smoove appears on a track.

Success N Effect – Drive By Of Uh Revolutionist (Wrap/Ichiban, 1992) $2.00

1. Intro
2. Success N Tha House
3. Cinfrontation In Mosley Park
4. Bucking On Dope Niggers
5. Bullshit Views
6. Raised From Depression
7. Brainwashed Niggers
8. Real Black Souljas
9. Gameplan
10. Ultimatedrive By
11. Police Brutality
12. Fuck1 Time
13. Wblk (We Be Black)
14. Black Radio Aint Black
15. Pimps And Players
16. Out Ta Get Rich
17. Warr
18. Forty Aces And A Mule
19. Fuck The System
20. Comin’ Up
21. Voice Of A Black Revolutionist
22. The Other Levell
23. Change The Dial
24. Final Call

For some reason, I’ve always liked this group, although I’m not really sure why. I guess its because I love their self-titled debut album, which is just about a bitch to find a real copy of. They changed over their three album career. If I remember right, this is their last album they released, which was basically on a black power platform, but some good music, filled with common and familar breaks and samples.

Mic Geronimo – Vendetta (Blunt Recordings, 1997) $1.50

1. Nothin’ Move But The Money
2. Vendetta
3. Survival
4. Life N Lessons
5. For Tha Family
6. Street Life
7. Be Like Mic
8. Unstoppable
9. Single Life
10. Things Ain’t What They Used To Be
11. How You Been?
12. Usual Suspects

I’ve never been a big Mic Geronimo fan, I’m not sure why, but he has never exc
ited me. Well, after Polarity dropped a review his one cent album, I’ve had some weird desire to hear it. Just by looking at the production list on it, you’d think it would have a good chance of making some noise.

Kool Moe Dee – Knowledge Is King (Jive/RCA, 1989) $1.50

I’ve always enjoyed this Kool Moe Dee album more than any of his other ones for some reason. I had this on tape, but never did pick up the CD for some reason. “Pump Your Fist” was always one of my favorite Moe Dee joints. This was also about the time he started dabbling a bit in the New Jack Swing stuff that pops up on here in a few places.

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – ….And In This Corner (Jive/RCA, 1989) $1.50

1. Then She Bit Me
2. I Think I Can Beat Mike Tyson
   
3. Jazzy’s Groove
4. Everything That Glitters (Ain’t Always Gold)
5. You Got It (Donut)
6. Girlie Had a Mustache
7. Reverend
8. Who Stole My Car?
9. Men of You Dreams
10. Numero Uno
11. Too Damn Hype
12. Jeff Waz on the Beat Box

I ain’t gonna lie, I though Jeff’s and Will’s first four albums were great, and I always particularly liked this LP. Not sure why, its just fun to listen to.

Easy Mo Bee – Now Or Never: Odyssey 2000 $2.00

Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz – Make It Reign (Columbia, 1998) $1.50

I never bought this album when it came out, not even sure why, I guess it didn’t really excite me when it dropped. Or it could have been my friend bought it and I just dubbed it from him. None the less, I threw it in when I got home and it pretty much sucks. Oh well, it was cheap.

C.E.B. – Countin’ Endless Bank (Ruffhouse, 1992) $1.50

This was another album I’m not sure why I never bought. I loved “Summertime In The LBC” and “This Is The Shack”, but I never dipped into the cash box for the CD. Giving it a listen Friday night, I loved it. Not sure if it was the seventh beer I was on, or the Madden game I was enjoying, but G-funk never sounded so good to me. Only bad thing, it’s the fucking clean version. So if anyone wants the clean version, I’ll put the link up, but I doubt anyone would.

Too Nice – Cold Facts (Arista, 1989) $2.00

I know what you are thinking, that cover looks like some horrible group. While Too Nice isn’t exactly the greatest thing since chocolate and peanut butter, but they are better than they look. I’m not sure if I remember them back in the day. I think it was one of those things I always saw at the record stores I frequented, but never bought because I never heard them. Bust the Facts posted it up this past spring and I kind of enjoyed it, soooo, I found it and the rest is history.

Kriss Kross – Totally Krossed Out (Ruffhouse, 1992) $1.50

Yeah, yeah, yeah I know, nostaligia is a bitch sometimes. I lost my copy of this sometime ago, and I guess I was too cool to get another at the time. Now I’m old enough, I really don’t care. It’s not that bad. Besides, I’d rather listen to all the old corny hip-pop stuff from yester year than 99% of the shit thats on the radio presentely. At least I did put down the copy of “Please Don’t Hurt ‘Em, Hammer”

What’s up ya’ll? Damn, it’s been a minute since my last post….work’s been crazy busy this week and to be honest I’ve had a slight case of “Madden 08′” addiction. The only complaint that I have with “Madden..” is….throwing the ball!!…..it’s soo damn difficult!! Don’t ask me why, but the Dolphins have always been my squad (being from PA I can’t figure out how that came about) and with Trent Green at QB….well, let’s just say 7 interceptions in before halftime doesn’t really do anything to help his case. Arrgghh! You see there I go again, conversing about “Madden” when I’m supposed to be composing a post. Getting back on track, over the last few weeks my case of “Downloader’s Remorse” has evolved into yet another “addiction” (anyone else noticing a hint of “obsessive compulsive disorder” here? Oh well, blame it on the Military!! Usually in a normal work day I may find myself with an hour or so of “down time” between appointments and needless to say, I’ve been making the most of it. There has been two sources that have aided me in satisfying my “case” of sorts…..Hastings Book & Music Store and Amazon. Com. No shit, I’ve probably purchased over 200 CD’s (maybe even more, I have yet to count them all) of “golden age” material over the last month. I became familiar with Hastings while my wife and I where living in Oklahoma while she was stationed at Vance Air Force Base, up until that point I’d never even heard of the chain store (again, being from PA….I really don’t think we have Hastings on the East Coast). Furthermore, I really didn’t even bother to see if we had any local stores since moving to Little Rock until recently. Needless to say, I’ve basically “raped” (sorry for the lack of better wording) every Hastings within a 160 mile vacinity in the last two weeks. Let me tell you, Hastings $1.99 “clearance” rack is NUTS!!!! You wouldn’t believe some of the gems that I dug up this week. It was almost to the point where the words “Holy shit, I can’t believe that they put this in here!” became cliche after about the twentieth time time I mumbled them to myself while searching for more goodies. The only downside is that I’m 6’5″ and bending down to search through every listing like a “crackhead searching for a rock” has give me one helluva’ back ache this week!

Just to mention a few of the CLASSICS (well, at least they are pretty darn close to it) that were copped for a mere $1.99….Pete Rock’s solo compilation “Soul Survivor” (hell, there was actually about 10 copies of this album placed througout the bin…and we’re talkin’ NEW not used!!), Brand Nubian’s sophomore effort “In God We Trust” and EPMD’s “Business As Usual”. Plus, there where also some lesser known gems that I was delighted to find amongst the Ricky Martin’s and Snap’s of the world such as the Rough House Survivors debut on Relativity “Straight From The Soul”, Red Hot Lover Tone’s “#1 Player”, Broken English Klik’s self titled debut and the primarily Pete Rock produced EP….the YG’z “Street Nigga”. Talk about “makin’ out like a fat rat”!! Damn, I’m still ecstatic (insert Mike Tyson voice over) to have stumbled onto all of those important and underappreciated albums that I once had on tape but lost them in a dumpster somewhere (thanks Tara!) in Enid, Oklahoma. Now of course, there’s Amazon.com and surprisingly enough I was able to cop approximately 20 (some new, some used) CLASSIC discs for a pricetag in the neighborhood of $120.00 (shipping & handling is what bites you in the ass with Amazon, you think everything is fine and dandy until you checkout and all the shipping adds up!). Amongst some of my Amazon purchases are hits such as the Beatnuts self titled debut album (damn, I’ve been listening to this album ALOT lately and it’s probably moved into my “Top 10″ of all time), Diamond D’s masterful debut “Stunts, Blunts & Hip Hop”, Common Sense’s “Resurrection” and of course….Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s “Mecca & The Soul Brother”. Now, it’s not like I haven’t given the aforementoned albums thousands of listens of the course of the last 20 years…it’s just that….well, for one… it’s good to have them all with CD quality sound but most importantly, it’s just the feeling of reading the linear notes and actually possessing the album that I love. Hell, as creepy as it may sound I even love the smell of the inserts that serve as the linear notes and cover art….I know, pretty weird, huh?

So far, after spending what seems like a lifetime uploading the albums onto my hardrive (no shit, between that and filling up your Ipod…both can evolve into some life-consuming business!) I’ve really only been able to listen to a few of my new purchases in full length. Hell, there’s actually some that I’ll probably never listen to i.e, Shaq’s “You Can’t Stop The Reign” (although, there are a few dope tracks on what is widely considered as Shaq’s best work…in particular the cut with Biggie that borrows the album’s title), Eric B’s self titled debut released after the Rakim split (hell, it was only .99 cents what’d you expect?….just glancing at the track listing makes me quesy!) and Doug E. Fresh & The New Get Fresh Crew’s 1992 release “Doin’ What I Gotta’ Do” (hmmm, there is a track that is sparking my interest, the Pete Rock co-produced “No”..note to self: give that a listen!). I have however had the pleasure of enjoying Dres’ (of Black Sheep) “Sure Shot Redemption”, which I “jacked” for a mere .99 cents as well. This album truly flew “under the radar”, released on the little known (or at least, I’ve never heard of em’) Ground Control Records in 1999. Without the any assistance from fellow Black Sheep sidekick Mista Lawnge, Dres crafts an interesting solo debut that I actually liked more than than Black Sheep’s most recent release “8MM/Novakane Groove”. Dres has always had one of the most intriguing flows in Hip Hop and he doesn’t stray too far from the winning formula displayed on “A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing” and “Non-Fiction” and the production on the album is solid as well, with most of the duties being split between Dres and little known producer Molecules (?). You can peep “Sure Shot Redemption” above, a fine purchase for under a buck!!

I know that I’ve been promising you all the links for the “Top 25 Beats Of All Time” list, but work combined with the kids, sprinkle in a little Madden and a shitload of “golden era” purchase

s and it all equals to….procrastination! I will however, continue to compile the MP3′s for those lists and post the links in the C-Box so be on the lookout. Another thing that has been placed on the backburner that I normally LOVE to do is check out new music. While, the majority of my “new” listening has been restricted to “Below The Heavens”, “Bayani” and the “The World Is Ours” I was able to sit down (well, not actually I was out in the yard doing some mowing “sweatin’ like Shaq at the foul line”…thanks Dane Cook!) and had the opportunity to endulge in Insight & Damu’s (aka Y Society) “Travel At Your Own Pace”. The actual release date of “Travel….” is set for October 8th on Tres Records, but you can peep it…..well shit, I was going to say EFFICIENCY but as you all know they went private. So you better get an invite, or at least do a Google Blog search. Anyway, I was very impressed with this album….and I’m sure you will enjoy it as well…especially if you are a fan of some good ol’ “boom bap blended with a heavy jazz influence. Damu handles most of the production on the album (if I’m correct I think that MC Insight only produced the remix to the first single “Never Off”) while Insight provides the lyrical wizadry. I have to admit, I’m not that big on the first few cuts on the album…I even prefer the Insight remix to “Never Off” as opposed to the original. That’s not to take anything away from Damu cause’ dude is a SERIOUS threat on the boards. If your expecting stagnant beats with simple loops and breaks, this is not it. Damu is an obvious fan of the era of that produced classics such as “Mecca & The Soul Brother”, “Center Of Attention” & “The Low End Theory” and it’s evident in his “throwback” production (that’s a positive). On the M.I.C., Insight is a competant emcee who more than suffice “doin’ dirt all by his lonely”. The highlights of the album for me are “What’s Next?” where Damu’s production talents are fully showcased as the neck snaping break paired with Insight posing the question “What’s Next?”…indeed! Also, on “At My Own Pace” Rakim’s influence fuels Insight’s rapid-fire delivery while Damu’s up-tempo soundscape will truly have you saying “Damn, this cut sounds like it could have been on “Don’t Sweat The Techinique”. While this writeup is quite brief and not detailed as much as I would like it to be, “Travel At Your Own Pace” is a nice first effort from a duo that already sounds quite polished. Check It Out!!!!

One of the greatest privleges in having a (allow me to pat myself on the back here for a minute… ah hem) “prevelant” blog (although, yesterday was the least amount of “hits” I’ve had in two months) is the free shit you get from A & R’s & Labels in the mail. Whether it be stickers, press releases or promo CD’s, it always feels like Christmas when I head on out to the mailbox and find an unexpected mailing of “review material”. Believe it or not, I have yet to actually receive any wack material from any of the A & R’s…..I actually have a review in the works for Soulstice’s (or Wade Waters fame) (props Matt @ Movement Marketing) upcoming release “Dead Letter Perfect” which I was very impressed with upon my initial listen. I was really hyped this morning when I received the promo “official re-issue” of Kurious George’s 1994 classic “A Constipated Monkey”. The album, to be released on Amalgam Digital (props DJ Next!!) is geared to serve as a prequel for his forthcoming album which will feature production from the “masked one” himself, MF Doom. The album (…”Monkey) will also feature the B-side sleeper/classic “A Mansion & A Yacht” featuring Sadat X as well as Pete Nice’s “I’m Kurious” remix. Surprisingly, Amalgam Digital will also release albums from Tash & Treach in the near future, so that’s something to keep an eye out for as well. If you search thru the archives here you’ll find that “A Constipated Monkey” did indeed make my list for my favorite “100 Albums Of All Time” and you’ll also find the link for the original. Kurious’ debut, I’ve always felt has been an overlooked and important release from what was considered to be the best year in Hip Hop. Packed with solid production from a lineup that included The Beatnuts, SD50′s & Pete Nice…while also featuring guest slots from acts such as Casual & MF Grimm. Featuring the hit “I’m Kurious”, “A Constipated Monkey” was originally released on a label that blessed the masses with The Fugees and Nasir Jones, Columbia Records. I’d always been “Kurious” (pun intended) as to what happened with this Latino emcee after his classic debut, good to see he’s still alive and kickin’. I’m really looking forward to his follow up, but in the meantime “A Constipated Monkey” is sure enough to hold me over till his sophomore effort drops.

After just wraping up Brian Coleman’s excellent bbok “Check The Techinique”, I decided to continue on my quest to further my Hip Hop knowledge with Ego Trip’s “Book Of Rap List’s”. Man, talk about a fun read! This book is filled with captivating tidbits such as “Kool Moe Dee’s Report Card of Present Day Rapper’s”, “DJ Premier’s Quarterpound Of Underacknowledged Hip Hop Cuts” (Damn, now THAT would be a dope post and MP3 archive to compile!!) and “10 Songs Marley Marl Wishes He Had Produced” (“DWYCK was actually #1), “Rap Lists…..” is sure to cater to any Hip Hop lover in my age demographic. I just received this in the mail (used from Amazon.com) two days ago and I can barely put it down. Seeing all these original and intriuging lists makes me want to kick myself in the ass for not thinking of a few of these myself and doing posts on them. A few tidbits that I found very interesting: Bone Thugs N Harmony’s original name?? You got it, The Band Aid Boys!!! The “rejected” title for the Beastie Boys “Liscensed To Ill”? Damn, “Don’t Be A Faggot”…hard to believe they passed on that one! A direct quote from “Rolling Stone” (the magazine) in regards to Ice Cube’s “Amerikkka’s Most Wanted”: “The relentless profanity grows wearisome, the Bomb Squad beats lose steam and Cube’s attitudes toward woman are simply despicable…..Ice Cube ultimately sounds like the Andrew Dice Clay of rap”…….DAYUM!!! I definitely suggest this for any true Hip Hop historian, you can get it HERE (be sure to yit used for only 6 bucks and change…I did, just as good as new.

Lastly, time to hip all you youngsters to some good shit that I’ve found while doing my daily (well, not this week) “blog rounds” this past week. First of all Jaz @ Cold Rock Da’ Spot has pieced together a nice little collection of B-Sides and remixes from one of my favorite groups, GangStarr for your downloading pleasure (hell, even I gotta’ get on the ball with this one). Secondly, Dan Love @ the always solid From Da’ Bricks ha

s composed a nice little blog detailing his recent visit to N.Y.C. that included a Brand Nubian show, Brian Coleman’s “Check The Technique” book release party and a nice run-in with Grandmaster Caz….good shit Dan! Finally, I received a text message from Travis @ Wake Your Daughter Up this morning that read: “12 CD’s for $24.00″ so you know he’s gotta’ have another “WYDU goes Diggin’” post on it’s way in the near future. Oh, and I always seem to forget about Dart Adams @Poisonous Paragraphs (Dart, that loading time on your page is a BITCH from my computer though!!) who’s site has steadily become one of my favorites and his recent reviews of releases from Oh No, Talib & Madlib where all very good reads. On a side note, send me an MP3 archive of your “Top 25″ if you can Dart!!! Oh, and last but not least if your a “new” blog out there and I haven’t linked you up yet drop me a reminder in the comments or C-Box….it’s nothing personal, it’s just pure laziness…but I really need to get on the ball and add some new links.

In closing, I somehow ordered two brand new copies of GangStarr’s 1992 classic “Daily Operation”. So let’s have a little fun here, whomever can answer the following questions posed will receive the extra copy that I have. I know if any of you are like me, ya’ll are some cheating bastards! Oh well, first one to drop the correct answers in the Comments section under this post will take the cake! Here we go:

1. What was Q-Tip’s first emcee name?
2. What emcee was supposed to appear on the Main Source classic “Live At The BBQ” but label politics prohibited him from doing so??
3. What was the name of the group that Alchemist was in before he made a name for himself?
4. Who c0-wrote “Jackin’ For Beats” along with Ice Cube?
5. Who was the first rapper signed to Loud Records?

Damn, that was too much fun!! Good Luck and enjoy the weekend!! BTW, all those links are rips straight from the CD…good quality ish.

I hate doing half-assed posts, but thats what you are getting tonight. I started working on some reviews, but the fun of a late summer Friday night is calling me and lets face it, I don’t really want to spend it writing a blog. I’m a nerd, but not that big of a nerd. I got a busy weekend ahead, most of it not fun, but I guess I can’t bitch after going to three baseball games this past week. I got a shitload of stuff to write up, but I’m not sure how much I will get done with the busy weekend. Be on the look out for a used CD shopping trip post coming up on Monday. Well like usual, when I want to rush a post out there just to do a post, I’m turning to albumbase.

The Justus League is a clique that has kind of turned into a modern day “Native Tongues” of sorts. Consisting of a network of close linked artists residing mainly in North Carolina. The exact list is kind of confusing, so I’m not sure if this is a correct listing, but its close:

Little Brother (Phonte & Big Pooh), Median, Joe Scudda, L.E.G.A.C.Y., Sean Boog, Khrysis, (The Away Team), 9th Wonder, Ceasar Comanche, Chaundon (one of my personal favorites), Darrien Brockington, DJ Flash, Big Dho & Edgar Allen Floe….

Little Brother leads the charge for the group with the most critical and commercial success with dropping the “classic” (in this bloggers eyes) “The Listening” in late/early 02/03. They have gathered a cult like following in the same vein as The Roots and the Okayplayers, a very loyal fan base. That fan base was tested with the departure of 9th Wonder for this latest album. Ninth and Khrysis still handle the majority of the league production duties.

Khrysis also is half member of the “The Away Team” with MC Sean Boog. The group dropped “National Anthem” to some lukewarm responses. Khyrsis continues to make moves as a producer and seems posed to make a big run in the near future.

LEGACY might just be the best overall MC in the League. Legs puts on a great live show (which I’ve been a witness to) and dropped an uneven, yet slept on album in the form “Project Mayhem” in 2005, one which I did a review for, but can’t seem to find.

Ceasar Comanche is considered the founding member of the League. Comanche has put out several albums that were once fairly rare to run across but enjoyed the re-release treatment in “Paper Gods” and “Wooden Nickels”.

Chaundon might just be my favorite MC out of the group, but has yet to put out anything other than a hard to find mixtape.

Joe Scudda often gets credited as being the wink link in the League, which might be unfair, but has yet to release anything other than a mixtape that was mixed by Just Blaze.

Darrien Brockington or “D-Brock” is the crooner of the League, dropping smooth R&B vocals and a slept on album in the form of “Somebody To Love”.

Edgar Allen Floe not only has the coolest name, but has the chance to be a very solid artist for the League as well. He has an album dropping in the near future as well.

Median is probably one of the lesser known MC’s (him or Chaundon) but has a ton of potential as well and a free mixtape floating around the net currently.

COURTESY OF http://www.netweed.com/nchiphop/justusleague/

THE JUSTUS LEAGUE

The Justus League Affiliated artists include The Away Team – Sean Boog and Khrysis, Big Dho, Eccentric, Yorel, Cesar Comanche, Chaundon, Edgar Allen Floe, Joe Scudda, L.E.G.A.C.Y., Median and Little Brother’s 9th Wonder, Phonte and Big Pooh. This list is not official, so use with care.

See Little Brother for more on 9th Wonder, Phonte and Big Pooh.

The Lawn Justus League discussion board/forums.

Hall of Justus Music Group Big Dho’s multimedia entertainment company.

6 Hole Records Myspace.com page featuring Justus League and related stuff.

The Mixtape Volume 1: NC State of Mind Tracks from Justus League members, plus review by Craig Smith.

Triple Play EP Featuring The Away Team, Big Pooh, L.E.G.A.C.Y. and 9th Wonder, reviewed by Matt Barone.

THE AWAY TEAM

National Anthem Album from The Away Team on

6 Hole (2005).

Reviews of National Anthem:

AllHipHop.com Reviewed by Chris Yuscavage.

MVRemix Reviewed by Low Key.

Okayplayer Reviewed by T.M. Wolf.

PREFIX Reviewed by Matthew Gasteier.

RapReviews.com Reviewed by Tom Doggett.

HipHopGame Khrysis interviewed by Brian Kayser (2005).

Soundslam The Away Team interviewed by da MetroGnome (2005).

CESAR COMANCHE

Cesar Comanche Justus League member, Raleigh.

Squirrel & The Aces On Abb Soul Records (2005).

Reviews of Squirrel & The Aces:

herohill “If you’re looking for an underground fix” – Naedoo.

Hip Hop Logic Clyde Smith rambles as usual.

Video of Lamb to Lion, single from Paper Gods.

IndyWeek K8 Erwin reviews Paper Gods.

Earwaks Cesar Comanche interviewed by Marmalade (2004).

Indyweek Interviewed by Finn Cohen (2003).

ThugLifeArmy Basic background (2005).

CHAUNDON

Slow Leaks Review of mixtape.

EDGAR ALLEN FLOE

Myspace.com Edgar Allen Floe’s spot.

True Links Edgar Allen Floe’s album on MCEO Records (2005).

Okayplayer Review of True Links by Miles Duncan.

MicTap Interview (2006).

MVRemix Interviewed by Todd E. Jones, also at Endorphin Bath (2005).

shotgun reviews Interviewed by the Lyrical Lounge crew (undated).

L.E.G.A.C.Y.

L.E.G.A.C.Y. Tracks by L.E.G.A.C.Y. at UndergroundHipHop.

Project Mayhem L.E.G.A.C.Y. album on 6 Hole (2005).

Reviews of Project Mayhem:

AllHipHop.com Review by William E. Ketchum III.

Okayplayer Review by Kimberly Perkins.

RapReviews.com Reviewed by Nin Chan.

BallerStatus.net Interviewed by Matt Barone (2004).

The Elements Early Little Brother profile with links to audio clips of L.E.G.A.C.Y. and 9th Wonder (2003).

MVRemix Interview with L.E.G.A.C.Y. (2005).

The Elements Interviewed by Todd E. Jones aka New Jeru Poet (2003).

Soundslam Interviewed by Alex Fruchter (2005).

MEDIAN

Median’s Relief More Justus League action.

Hall of Justus Mixtape – The Singles Files (2004)

If you know me at all, you know I’m a pretty big sports fan. For me, its mainly about football and baseball. I have two favorite teams in both sports that I have been rooting for since I was six years old, the Pittsburgh Pirates in baseball and the Pittsburgh Steelers in football. No, I’m not from Pittsburgh, it was coincidence for the most part. Today was a pretty good day as far as my connection to my teams.

Steelers are playing in Denver on Oct. 21, a Sunday night game. I already went to the AFC Championship here in Denver in Jan. of ’06, with the Steelers going on to the Super Bowl. One of the greatest moments in my life. My best friend (a Broncos fan) called me this morning saying he had a chance to grab two tickets for that Sunday game and if I wanted to go. Stupid question, of course I want to go. So I have tickets to that Sunday game, I’m pretty stoked. Plus my buddy lives in Salt Lake, so needless to say, we have a great time when he comes to town. Now as long as they are half way competitive, I’ll be happy.

Then there is the Pirates. The worst record in the NL Pittsburgh Pirates. I’m a firm believer in sticking with your teams. I hate bandwagon fans, but the Pirates are testing my alliance to them. The ownership is a big joke who don’t give a rats ass about winning and only care about the bottom dollar. Regardless, I get geeked up every year they come to Denver. And guess what? It’s that time of the year again. The Pirates visit Coors field for a four game set, starting tonight. Actually, the first two years I was here (’04 & ’05) they won the four games I went to. Last year was a different story as I missed the first game in which they won, and watched them lose the next two games, including the hottest game ever in Coors field which they got blown out 16-4 or some shit. Counting the first game I ever I saw, in which the Pirates lost 7-5 in 1997 and they are 4-3 with me in attendance. We’ll see what happens in these four games as I plan to hit them all up. (Note they won last night 4-2 in extra innings and I had to bite my tongue when three drunk frat boys started talking shit to me. Something I’m not too good at, but didn’t like my chances with three on one.)

I’m a Pirates fan because that was the name of my t-ball team in little league and I’ve stuck through it all since then. I remember the Cocaine scandals of the early-mid 80′s, with coke head Dale Berra and Lee Lacy. They sucked horribly through most of the 80′s, only to actually build a strong team that won the NL East three years in a row with one of the best Outfields in the majors at that time with Bonds, Bonilla and Van Slyke along with Cy Young winner Doug Drabek on the mound. I’ve mentioned it before, but the ’92 NLCS is the hardest sports moment I’ve ever had to endure. I’ve seen the Steelers lose four AFC championships, but none of them were harder to handle than watching Sid Bream round third and Bonds half assing it to the ball and throwing it in to the catcher only to have Bream slide around the tag. I still wake up in cold sweats dreaming about that play.

It’s been fourteen years, thats right 14 long years since the Pirates have had a winning record. It tests you alright, I’ve pretty disgusted with their front office the past few years. Horrible trades, stupid FA signings have both plagued the Pirates front office. I used to believe that it was because of the small market the Pirates were in, but thats BS now with the Twins, A’s and other teams with no larger markets than the Pirates playing with the big boys. Yet, I still stand by team, no matter how pitiful they might be. Here is to hoping they get a split, cause I don’t know if I can handle a sweep. That might be enough to make me track down someone from the front office, and burn my Pirates jersey and hat right in front of them.

Talib Kweli Interview…..

On to some music, I’m sure you came here for that and not my rants on how bad the Pirates suck. Talib Kweli seems like he has taken some heat for his latest album. I’ve heard some people love it (Dan Love, my boy Dino) and others don’t care for it at all (Eric and a few others). Myself, I’m kind of in between. I don’t think it is up to his quality, which I’m not sure if that is being reasonable anymore since he only had one “great” album in Reflection Eternal, although I know a lot of you out there love the Black Star joint as well. Everything else he has done without Mos or Hi Tek has been mediocre at best (although I still like that “Liberation” joint he did with Madlib earlier in the year). None the less, I was sent a link for a good interview with Kweli on Studio 360. Kweli discusses his roll in the underground and why he is just a big nerd at heart. I’ll go ahead and post the interview, although they addressed me as “Trevor” in the email, but I like to think it was some hot young female intern that sent me the link, so I’ll let it slide…hahah

Talib Kweli Interview on Studio 360

Nas – Thief’s Theme Remix Video

I thought the original was pretty dope, but this remix is on some other shit. I freaking love it. I guess it was shown on that Conservative cock smoker Bill O’Reilly on the show he did about the whole Nas preforming at the Virgina Tech. O’Reilly doesn’t even know what he is talking about on the show and it shows when he mispronounces Nas’ name (do some research you conservative fuck, it makes you look even more like you are talking out of your ass…Nazz) and calls “Nazz” a “gangsta rapper”, which I don’t think anyone who knows anything about the music would call Nas.

Nas – Thief’s Theme (Midas Touch Remix) (anyone got an mp3?)

Bill O’Reilly Spewing Shit Out Of His Pie Hole

Funny Rebutal From XXL Mag Over The Whole Thing

Trav’s Top Spins

1. Masta Ace Discography – We all know my fondness for Ace’s music and this past week was one of those that I just played a lot of Ace. That happens from time to time.

2. Storm Davis – Kegstand Poetry for the Recovering Alcoholic
Doing the review for the album, plus it has just become one of those things I listened to every day. The album is kind of like a pair of comfortable shoes (no, really, that is a compliment) that I like putting it on while I’m doing shit around the apartment or getting raped by Poker Stars online.

3. Junk Science – Feeding Einstein
My love of albums that I missed the last two years continues as I am really loving this album of late once again. I just hope that since their next album is coming out on Def Jux ruins them.

4. Jazz Addixx – Oxygen
I’ll admit that when I first heard this CD, I saw it being no different than a 3582, Fat Jon, J Rawls, 5 Deez album. Which isn’t bad necessarily, but its something I must be in a mood for. I guess I was in the mood for them this past weekend during my all day Madden bender, because I played this album three or four times over the weekend.

5. Dahlek – Dual Consciousness
My next review material, hopefully to be up sometime this week. Remember, just because something appears in this top 5 spins means I like it, or does it………..?

WHY???

Why do I really have no interest in hearing that Lords Of The Underground joint?

Why does this interview with Q-Tip (who used to be one of my MC’s) only sink my hopes for any of the three albums he has on the shelves being any good?

Why do you not want to get me started on the whole Kayne/50 Cent debacle that might happen on 9/11 release day?

Why am I starting to think….hell, I’ve always thought, that Oh No is becoming a better producer than his brother, Madlib?

Why does the charges of a phony, lip syncing Doom in SF not surprised me?

Why do I always find RZA’s interviews at least entertaining, and sometimes not in a good way

Why do I always enjoy Ras Kass material, and why is he so on point his new joint “Hip Hop is Annoying”? Now, if he could just get some decent beats, shit would be on...Yeah!

Why do I really not care about Hi-Tek’s “Hi-Teknology 3″?

Why is it just when I think Havoc is the smart one in Mobb Deep he goes and says some stupid shit like “”Fuck T.I., I’m not trying to hate on him, because he’s definitely in my list, he’s a good artist. I love him to death as an artist, but he can’t fuck with M.O.B.B.” Has he heard the last couple Mobb Deep albums? I do agree with him though, saying there is a bunch of BS coming out of the South. But before the South cats come at me, there is a lot of BS coming out of New York as well.

Why did I spit out my Ice Tea when I read about a song by Duran Duran featuring Timbaland and Justin Timberlake?

Why am I excited about the upcoming Junk Science album, but weary of ties to Def Jux? Maybe I haven’t heard much out of the Def Jux camp that I’ve liked.

Why have I still not seen Barry Bonds record breaking home run? I hope I never see it.

Why is a pregnant Salma Hayek still sexy?

Ominscience ….. So good, I’m posting it twice. When you been doing this for almost two years, you can post a re-run every now and then.

OMNISCIENCE – THE RAW FACTOR

Year: 1995Label: East/West Records

1. Intro
2. Maintain
3. Greatest MC In The World
4. Who Is Down With Us
5. Lost In The Music
6. Everybody’s Got An Ego
7. Love To The Crews
8. Bumpheads
9. Touch Y’all
10. Amazin’
11. My Main Man
12. Big Kap (Interlude)
13. Get Our Dicks Sucked
14. Act Like You Know
15. Lady’s Freestyle
16. We Do It Like This
17. Rules Of The Game
18. Stage Domination
19. Fuck The Critics (Interlude)
20. Causin’ Terror
21. Halfway

Thanks to ShareAndSshareAlike for the track listing

Today we’ll jump into one of the harder to find albums out there, at least before the mp3 boom, and even now it’s not the easiest thing to find. Before I get into this, I must thank 6MWTD for dropping gem on the cocaine blunts boards this spring.

Omni was an MC coming straight outta of North Cacalack (North Carolina for those who don’t know). Finding info on him is rather difficult, most of what I tracked down came from two sites, the legendary Vinyl Addicts (RIP) and a site that I never knew about before www.smalltimehustle.com that had the most info about Omni that I’ve ever seen.

He first appeared on the scene sometime in the early 90′s as part of a group called Funke Leftovers with another North Carolina pioneer The Rhythm Fanatic from the early Bizzie Boys crew that also included Ski of Roc-a-Bloc fame. The duo dropped a single called “I Like Girls” in 92′. Around 93′ Omniscience ventured out as a solo artist and dropped “The Funky One Liner” EP. The EP featured four tracks, two for sure appears on this LP.

On the strength of that EP, Omniscience got signed to Elektra’s East/West Recordings, which would turn out to be the kiss of the death for Omni, among many others during this period of Elektra’s mishandling of classic underground hero’s. He would drop the underground gem of 95′ with his first single “Amazin’” (pictured up above). He would then drop a second single “Touch Y’all” which featured a remix w/ Sadat X, which Smoov from Vinyl Addicts posted up during his hayday. Shortly after the release of the second single, Elektra would do to him that they did to 8Off Agullah, Supernatural and a host of others, they shelved the album and dropped them from the label. As far as I can gather, the album was shipped as a promo to DJ’s and the such during the time and that’s probably where this came from.

Omniscience sounds like (voice wise) a mix of buckshot, canibus, and someone else I’m still trying to put my finger on. Lyrically he’s pretty nice with his. He drops lot’s of one liners (“I’m not Denny’s, I serve many brothers“) guess thats why he calls himself the “Funky One Liner”. Production wise, as far as I can tell, there were at least three people/crew’s involved in the production of the album, The Rhythm Fanatic, 3 Boyz From Newark, and Rheji Burrell and Vincent Herbert. There is some nice smooth shit and there is some funky ass shit. It’s very well produced..

This copy isn’t bad as far as sound quality. Some tracks fade out, and I’m not sure if that’s the way they are or not and their sounds like some basic freestyles here and there, so not sure what the deal is with that. None the less if you are a fan of the early/mid 90′s east coast sound, this is a MUST HAVE. Enjoy!

Superrapin’ (Groove Attack. 1999)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KE0SASHK