Bloggerhouse Hip Hop

I re-upped the EP “Don’t call me John” from 99 for y’all, someone requested it some time ago, sorry that I was s lazy. 7 tracks with superb beats and lyrics. Feature guests are Tajai, Swahili, Clever Jeff, Cool King Asaad & Defari. The EP was out on ABB records. It was supposed to be a demo but it was so good that they released it.

Don’t call me John EP

This is the new music video of Quame, called Microphone Doctor. I love that track, it’s on his album Godfood-The Break-fast. I recommend everybody to cop it, cause it’s good music to listen to. You can check out some more stuff on his myspace and you will find the links to the new cd or the itunes version there.
Quamallah’s myspace

I wish you a good start in the new week!
Peace,
SoulClap

Traversing across the great big wide world of blogs this week, we find the best of the best, or at least the stuff that interested me and hopefully it will interest you, the reader. Some might be old news, some might be something that you overlooked. I hope there is something new out there for those blog traveling caravans.

Dread at Bust the Facts never fails to amaze what he pulls out of his crates. This week he posted up a Gregory D & DJ Mannie Fresh (yes, that Mannie Fresh). The 1987 LP “Throwdown” makes an appearance, surprising even me. All old school crate diggers should pick this album up.

Souled On keeps it hot and poppin’ with part XIII of the Souled On Samples series, which is a personal favorite of mine anyway. Scholar just keeps droppin’ it like its hot. Amazing. Also check out a nice little mix by the guest blogger of the week, Larry from the Funky 16 Corners blog. Good stuff.

Eric had a wild week over at When They Reminisce in a 36 hour period, he cashed in his chips and announced the sites closure, joined WYDU, had wifey tell him that he was crazy then re-opened up shop. I’m glad he did, he keeps me on my toes.

Dan Love does a great beat deconstruction of Pete Rock and CL Smooth’s “Lots of Lovin’”. Its what Dan is known for by now.

The boys at Dumpin.net have came up with an interesting little competition. A battle royale of sorts, having sixteen combatants submit 25-30 minute mixes and compete against each. Dorkiness is all its internet glory. Yes, I’ll probably submit something myself. Click the link for emails and essential details.

Slurg at “Press Rewind If I Haven’t Blown Your Mind” drops an excellent article from Rap Pages from CL Smooth and Pete Rock from 1994. I love old magazine articles and this site is the best for them.

I know all of you drink 50′s vitamin water, so you’ll be happy to know that now there is a healthy breakfast cereal to go along with your Formula 50, “Empower!” Seriously, just check it out.

Jaz drops some things on his mind along with pointing out all the dope reissues this year that have dropped on the scene. Since I haven’t bought as many of them as I’d like, anyone looking for Christmas present ideas for me, just take a look at the list.

My boys from Streets On Beats drops a nice little write up of the Boo-Yaa Tribe. If those dudes don’t scare the crap out of you, then your obviously not to bright

Werner Von Wellenrod dropped some dope shit this past week, giving up some rare Percee P shit, then doing a two part interview with former Cold Chillin’ artist, Grand Daddy IU.

Good to see Tommy B back and posting once again at Miscreant Produtctions. He has some sex tapes, movies and all sorts of shit going on this week.

A great Kurious Jorge interview with the best interviewer in the blog game, at Unkut.com

Some great Paul Nice mixes at Mass Corp, good stuff, check it out for all those mixheads. (couldn’t get the single link to work, but its from 9-25)

Dart Adams has been a mad man this week, covering, well just about everything. Movies, his beloved Red Sox, Jena 6 and more.

A couple True Mathematics singles can be found on To The Break Of Dawn, you know I had to point that out after the Bomb Squad praising I did last week.

Dirty Waters has some nice 12 inch remixes of Distortion of Static from the Roots, Get Funky from the Beatnuts and Crossover (Trunk of Funk) remix from EPMD.

Added Blogs This Week

Down To Erf Sessions

10. “Vagina Diner”-Akinyele

From Ego Trip’s “Book Of Rap Lists”: “Two tons of boasts, freaky tales and wicked wordplay. Plus, it’s the only complete LP produced by Large Professor outside of Main Source’s “Breaking Atoms”

From Eric: “Am I the only one who remembers The Source hyping Akinyele as “Hip Hop’s next saving grace” back in 1993? Yeah right, like Hip Hop was in desperate need of any “saving” back in those days….my,my,my! Not soon after his appearance on what would become the legendary “Live At The BBQ” (which appeared on Main Source’s CLASSIC debut), Akinyele set forth to stake his claim as part of the “resurrection crew” (Black Moon, Wu, ATCQ, etc), in a valiant attempt to bring back “that ol’ New York Rap” back to NYC…while it was currently chillin’ in the West Coast thanks to Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic”. Released on Interscope Records with production in it’s entirety by the now legendary Large Professor, Akinyele scored a wonderful debut when compared to most of the freshman releases we’re subjected to nowadays. Although, “Vagina Diner” did fall short of our expectations in 93′. Still, over the years this album has never failed me, packed with an overabundance of metaphors and boasts, Akinyele would have fared very well in today’s underground “battle” circuit where mostly everything is based on an overreliance of punchlines and braggadocio. While Akiniyele is far from a herb lyrically, the constant metaphors do wear thin by album’s end. So how did “Vagina Diner” end up on this list? Simple enough…..Large Professor!! The beats on this album are pure Golden Age boom-bap brought to you by the only notable member of the now defunct Main Source. The album begins with a less than stellar Extra P production with “WorldWide”, of course Large Pro’s “less than stellar” beats far surpassed that of 90% of his peers even then (read: it was no “Looking At The Front Door”, but still decent). Quickly, things turn around with the irresistible “head nod” found courtesy of “Outta State”, which also finds Aktapuss “ready to make papes somewhere other than his place of residence”. For some peculiar reason, the album’s most disturbing track “I Luh Her” has always been the centerpiece of “Vagina Diner” for me. On “I Luh Her”, Akinyele’s disturbing (well..not at the time but nowadays rappin’ about “killin’ babies with coat hangers wouldn’t go over with the public too well) lyrics are virtually subdued by Large Pro’s masterful production yet again. Overall, “Vagina Diner” has always been a fun, lighthearted listen…I mean, c’mon…..Who else would make a song about hating to work out as Aknell did with “Exercixe”??? Plus, other than Main Source’s “Breaking Atoms” and Large Pro’s “The Lp” & “First Class” where else are you gonna’ find an album with beats produced 100% by the legendary Extra P?”….-Eric

11. “Slaughtahouse”-Masta Ace Incorporated (CD Rip)

From Ego Trip’s “Book Of Rap Lists”: “An exceptional concept album that outwitted of Juice Crew fans expecting more rhymin’ with Biz”

From Eric: “Shit, I sure the hell don’t have a clue who’s “sleepin’ on” this Classic sophomore album from the legendary Masta Ace. I’ve always loved this album ever since I purchased it on the strength of the single “Jeep Ass Nigguh” being featured in the Source’s “Sure Shot Singles”. “Slaughtahouse’s” elevation to classic status (I assume) is greatly due to it’s appearance on countless blogs and Hip Hop featured sites that more or less gained the album a cult following (I’ve even seen one very prevalent blogger (who shall remain nameless) give this album the #1 spot on his top albums of all time. Ace totally blindsided the listener (hell, he even flipped the script a bit with “Sittin’ On Chrome” as well) with this very original and brilliant follow up to “Take A Look Around” all the while making a mockery of all the “shoot em’ up” gangsta rappers that attempted to capitalize on the success of reigning “gangsta” heavyweights such as Ice Cube, Ice T, The Geto Boys and N.W.A., but failed miserably. “Slaughtahouse” is a truly timeless album…..a gem, listening to this album today you can’t help but get the feeling that it was so0 far ahead of it’s time it’s ridiculous. The majority of the production on the album was so unlike anything else that hit the streets in 1993, I often hear the word “boom bap” thrown around loosely (shit, I do it my damn self!) but the production courtesy of a vast array of beatmakers such as Uneek, The Bluez Brothers & Masta Ace aka Ace One truly defined “BOOM BAP”. At times Ace’s debut “Take A Look Around” felt a bit light-hearted, not as intimidating, but on “Slaughtahouse” don’t you dare take Ace, Lord Digga or Paula Perry lightly for one minute or you’re bound to be slapped back to reality on tracks such as the incredible “Style Wars” (why didn’t that make my “Top 25 beats”?) and the unscripted rawness of “Boom Bashin”. My absolute crowning moment on “Slaughtahouse” comes courtesy of the track that shares the album’s title. At about the 2 minute mark, after Paula Perry’s warning to all wack emcees…the playfulness of the cut is quickly halted by the rolling drum track and Lord Digga’s repetition of the phrase “Death to the wack emcees, Death to the wack emcees”. “Slaughtahouse” is the perfect opener to the album as Ace makes his intentions to steamroll over all fraudulent emcees clear as day. Okay, here’s were you, the reader comes in….I need a bit of clarification, when I bought “Slaughtahouse” on tape back in 1993 I could have sworn that the album’s finale (the certified classic “Saturday Night Live”) was NOT included on the cassette. Is this indeed true? Okay, here’s part two of my dilemma…..At about the 17 second mark of “Saturday Night Live” you can vaguely hear one of Ace’s homies utter “DJ Premier” just as the scratching commences, shortly thereafter I swear that you can also hear Lord Digga say “DJ Premier” again. Trav from WYDU & I have been dissecting this portion of the track for the last few minutes via InstantMessanger, he says it’s not Primo on the cuts….but, I say it is indeed the better half of GangStarr. Can someone please offer us some clarity on this “argument”. In the meantime….”death to the wack emcees, death to the wack emcees, death to the”……..-Eric

12. “Enigma”-Keith Murray (CD Rip)

From Ego Trip’s “Book Of Rap Lists”: “The most beautifulest thing in this world? Mr. Murray’s second album, jive turkeys!!”

From Eric: “I know, I know….back when this site came to fruition a mere 7 months ago (time flies, huh?) I’d written off Keith’s follow up to his phenomenal debut “The Most Beautifulest Thing In This World” as a “sophomore slump”, boy, I couldn’t have been more wrong (you can’t pick em’ all right). Over the last several months my outlook on “Enigma” has changed drastically, almost forcing me to believe that “Enigma” may actually be a more well-rounded album than his 1994 debut. Released on Jive Records in 1996 the Hip Hop world was introduced to “Enigma” via the first single “The Rhyme” (remember the Jive sampler was packaged in an issue of the source with this single along with a few E-40 cuts on it?), which to I really never cared for (“we keep it jiggy, jiggy, jiggy, jiggay….we keep it wiggy, wiggy, wiggy, wiggay!). While the Ummah helmed remix of “The Rhyme” was a vast improvement to the track, I felt that “The Rhyme” was a poor attempt to capitalize on the same vibe as “The Most Beautifulest..”. Keith Murray’s mentor and pal Erick Sermon of EPMD handled the majority of the production on the album as he did with Keith’s debut, the overall feel of the E Double’s production is very comparative to that of The Ummah & J. Dilla in particular (The Ummah did produce “Dangerous Ground” as well as the aforementioned “The Rhyme” remix). Many of the beats on the album could have doubled as instrumental backdrops for A.T.C.Q’s “Beats, Rhymes & Life” released the same year as “Enigma”. Like I said before, I truly pegged this album wrong…other than “The Most Beautifulest..” no other track on Keith’s rookie effort captured the same feel and essence as tracks like “What A Feelin” (gotta’ love that Total vocal sample, those chicks couldn’t hold a note for shit!!) , “Yeah” (f. Jamal, Redman, Busta & E Double) & the album’s opener “Call My Name” did for me on this impressive second “go round” for this intricate lyricist. I don’t know where my head was at ya’ll this album is niiiiice! While listening to Keith’s unlimited vocabulary (dude, sounds as if he just wrote the lyrics with a thesaurus in his back pocket) is by comparison like listening to Aesop’s Rock “None Shall Pass”, Keith’s always animated and enjoyable nonetheless. Damn, give me “Enigma” all day, everyday……now, we’re subjected to this bullsh*t ass “Rap Murr Phobia”. To hear Keith at his peek, “Enigma” may have very well been Mr. Murray’s last call to greatness”….-Eric

Another week in the “As The World Turns” world of hip-hop. Things were kind of quiet on the home front this week. Top news was LL Cool J and Jay-Z flipping shit in each others direction.

There was this myspace thing from LL.

My first reaction to this is: “Does it really fucking matter?” I was a huge Cool J fan in my younger years. He was probably my favorite MC up until Redman came out. I also love hip hop beef that stays on wax, which most of LL’s do (although there are rumors of Moe Dee and LL going on it fisticuff stylee ). Its part of the male macho braggadocio style that encompasses hip hop. That being said, I haven’t bought a Cool J album since “Mr. Smith” which I grimaced when I heard “Hey Luv” (ask my boy Dino). I like Jay too, I know its not the “cool” thing to do, but fuck, I don’t care. Jay is nice and has been since day one. To me, LL hasn’t be relavent for a long time, although he still puts on a dope live show. Does it matter if LL comes at Jay-Z? I mean I still support the “old school” (I guess Cool J is these days) but LL arguably beat Canibus. I would even accept that when it came down to song against song that ‘Bis won, but LL still took him out, because dude never had a career. Whether thats from Bis lack of making a decent solo album or not, is debatable, but Bis had “2nd Round Knockout” and that alone was pretty strong. Speaking of LL and Bis, E at WTR sung this way, a phone convo between Canibus and LL…its more than real, you can hear the call waiting going on…….First time I’ve heard that convo. Bis comes out like a little bitch on that parlay, and yes, he reads the internet.

Jay Z responded with this non conformable quote:

” I’ll be honest if I wanted to go there, I just really go all the way out there. But I got respect [LL Cool J] did a lot of things. I don’t like the way he’s carrying it cause we coulda definitely talked about this. Or he coulda gave me a phone call… but I respect him as a legend in the game and he’s gonna get a couple passes because of that.”

Well Cool J has started taking shots at Def Jam boss, Jay Z. Hopefully if they start throwing disses at each other, its over actual tracks and not some bullshit spit song over some existing beat already. It could be could if they actually put effort in it and it would be good for hip hop and New York hip hop altogether. Somehow though, I’m not going to hold my breath on this. It’ll probably be some overblown hype that I could care less about, which is sad coming from two strong New York MC’s.

Hip Hop being examined in Congress (Philaflava jack)

http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2007-09-25-hip-hop-congress_N.htm

Congress examines hip-hop language
By Jim Abrams, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers, music industry executives and rappers disagreed Tuesday over who was to blame for sexist and degrading language in hip-hop music but united in opposing government censorship as a solution.

“If by some stroke of the pen hip-hop was silenced, the issues would still be present in our communities,” rapper and record producer David Banner, whose real name is Levell Crump, said in prepared statements to a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing. “Drugs, violence and the criminal element were around long before hip-hop existed.”

At the hearing, music videos showing scantily clad women were played; music executives in dark suits testified on the uses of the “B,” H” and “N” words, and black civil rights leaders talked of corporate exploitation.

“We have allowed greedy corporate executives — especially those in the entertainment industry — to lead many of our young people to believe that it is OK to entertain themselves by destroying the culture of our people,” E. Faye Williams, chair of the National Congress of Black Women, said in prepared remarks.

“From Imus to Industry: The business of stereotypes and degrading images” was the title of the hearing, referring to former radio host Don Imus, who lost his job after making derogatory comments about the Rutgers women’s basketball team. The Imus incident has sparked debate within the music industry about black artists using offensive, misogynist and violent language.

FIND MORE STORIES IN: Congress | CEO | Imus

Former gangsta rapper Master P, whose real name is Percy Miller,
told the panel he is now committed to producing clean lyrics. In the past, seeing his relatives and friends shot and killed, “I just made the music that I feel, not realizing I’m affecting kids for tomorrow.” But he said he found he didn’t want his own children to listen to his music. “So if I can do anything today to change this, I’m going to take a stand and do that.”

“This hearing is not anti-hip-hop. I am a fan of hip-hop,” said subcommittee chairman Bobby Rush, D-Ill., who gained national prominence in the 1960s as the founder of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panthers. But he said there was a need “to address the issue of violence, hate and degradation that has reduced too many of our youngsters to automatons.”

Record company executives defended the parental guidance labels and edited versions they said keep the more controversial material away from children and stressed that uniform standards or censorship won’t work.

In the ’50s people were deeply offended by Elvis Presley, and a decade later many were scandalized by The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, said Edgar Bronfman Jr., chairman and CEO of Warner Music Group.

“We have a responsibility to speak authentically to our viewers,” said Philippe Dauman, president & CEO of Viacom Inc., which owns such cable networks as MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and BET.

He said his company takes an active role in editing obscenities out of music videos and excising gang symbols or portrayals of violence, but “we also believe that it is not our role to censor the creative expression of artists.”

Alfred Liggins III, chief executive officer of Radio One, Inc., one of the largest media companies that primarily serves African-Americans, said the company reviews the contents of songs before broadcasting them and takes care to comply with Federal Communications Commission guidelines. But “Radio One is also not in charge of creating content, or in the business of censorship or determining what is in good or bad taste.”

The hearing was reminiscent of, although tamer than, a similar event in 1985. At the earlier hearing, lawmakers where exposed to Van Halen’s Hot for Teacher and Twisted Sister’s We’re Not Going to Take It, and the late rocker Frank Zappa hurled insults at Tipper Gore, wife of then-Sen. Al Gore, and Susan Baker, wife of then Treasury Secretary James Baker, who were urging the recording industry to voluntarily police itself on song lyrics.

Sir Jinx is a left coast legend who doesn’t nearly get the credit or recognition that he deserves as a producer. His influence in the west coast history is also greatly overlooked. Jinx has been down with the game since Ice Cube, Kid Dee aka K Dee, and Jinx jointed together to form the group C.I.A. (aka Crew In Action, aka Criminals In Action), which was an early west coast group that was in exsistence before the conception of N.W.A. The group started off by doing a parody of “La-Di-Da-Di”, changing the words around to fit their surroundings. This would attract the attention of Lorenzo from the World Class Wreckin’ Cru, signing the group to release a single that contained the tracks “My Posse”, “Illegal” among other cuts. After doing a few shows and getting a little rep from LA to as far north as Seattle, Ice Cube would leave the group to join N.W.A. after penning Eazy-E’s “Boyz-N-The Hood”. There would be no hard feelings between the members and Jinx and K-Dee even are shown on the N.W.A.’s album cover “NWA & The Posse”.

It was during this time that Dr. Dre, who happened to be Jinx’s cousin would come live at his crib. Jinx would see the artists such as DOC, Above The Law, and Yomo & Maulkie start off under Dre’s tutelage. During the tours N.W.A. started doing, Jinx would go out on the road with the crew where Eazy would pay him $150 a date. Crediting that experience for “learning the ropes” of being a DJ, Jinx would start doing some work on the side with Coolio in the early 90′s.

When Cube jumped ship, he would take Jinx with him to New York and meet up with “The Bomb Squad”, although both Cube and Jinx claimed that he had a lot to do with the creation of “Amerikkka’s Most Wanted”. It was during this time that Eric “Vietnam” Sadler of the Bomb Squad took Jinx aside and gave him the confidence to be the best producer he could be. A lot of stuff from Jinx in the pre “G-Funk” era sounds strongly influenced by the Bomb Squad material. “Death Certificate” and “Ain’t A Damn Thing Changed” have that flavor to them. “Death Certificate” had DJ Pooh as well, another producer which Jinx claimed to learn much from.

It would be those albums plus his work on the WC joint that gave Jinx a name in the business. In ’92, Kool G Rap would come out west for his third album and get Sir Jinx to produce all but three tracks on “Live & Let Die”, giving it an almost theatrical feel to the album with a heavy west coast influence. In 1995, Jinx would release his little known solo album with guests (a producer album before they became popular) on Jinx beats. It’s probably not as good as it could have been with a heavy G-Funk influence, but still worthy enough for the Jinx and west coast fans out there. He has worked with everyone from Yo-Yo, Too Short, Tone Loc and had a large part in Xzibit’s second album “40 Dayz & 40 Nights”.

Kool G Rap & DJ Polo – Live & Let Die (Cold Chillin’, 1992) (Albumbase link, but will rip my personal CD on Monday)

Sir Jinx – Chastisment (Deez Days) (Raging Bull Music, 1995) **albumbase linke, which I’m sure is from Bust the Facts, will also be switched out Monday**

01 – intro
02 – all about money
03 – i putz it down
04 – city never sleepz
05 – no love
06 – ain’t givin’ up no love
07 – right here
08 – pic-a-nic
09 – rally park
10 – skit
11 – who’z the man
12 – life styles
13 – sho-nuff
14 – come blaze wit me
15 – skit
16 – don’t get it twisted
17 – insert
18 – beaz & nigz
19 – whoz watching who
20 – free your mind
21 – the mindstate
22 – insert
23 – power to the people

Chilly Tee and Ras Kass “Demo” links have been fixed. Muthafuck a Mediafire. I didn’t hear of any other of them being bad, so if there is something else, it’ll probably have to wait until Monday. Enjoy.

It’s sad that some producers seem to be severely overlooked in the grand scheme of things in hip hop’s vast history. One such producer was a white kid from Manhattan. Sam Sever first got his introduction to the hip hop culture by writing graph starting in 1979. By the early 80′s, Sam would be involved in the legendary The Roxy club scene, watching classic shows such as Afrika Bambatta and The Soul Sonic Force, Grandmaster Flash, Jazzy Jay, Love Bug Starski and other legendary old school artists as a young kid.

It would also be during this time that Sam would catch the producer’s bug. In junior high, a classmate of his would be K-Rob (of “Beat Bop” fame, K-Rob and Ramellzee). K-Rob would rhyme while Sam provided the beat by banging on gym bleachers, lunch tables, elevators, desks, doors, anything to make sound. By 1983, K-Rob and him would meet up with another kid known as DJ Rick who lived uptown. Rick would have a TR 606 drum machine, a machine that would blow Sever away, being able to program all the little beats he had in his head on this machine.

Sam’s journey through hip-hop history would continue onwards and by 1984, Sam would start cutting schools to make beats and hanging out with another local legend, Man Parrish, who had a slept on classic record himself, “Hip Hop Be Bop”. Sam would end up buying Man Parrish’s TR 808 drum machine. By this time, Sever really caught the production bug. Through his Roxy connects, Sam Sever would also met an up and coming Sleeping Bag artist Kurtis Khaleel, better known as Mantronik. Mantronik was in a group with MC Tee to form the group Mantronix, who would release the classic New York single “Fresh Is The Word”. Sam would sit in on many Mantronik production sessions, such as the Just Ice and Mantronix session.

In 1986, Sam would hook up with Tricky Tee and release the single “Leave It To The Drums” b/w “, which Sam was the producer. It was also during this time that while hanging out at the club “Danceteria”, a skinny 17 year old Sam Sever would meet the Beastie Boys, Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. The meetings would result in Sam going to Rubin’s crib with his drum machines and start playing beats right there on his stereo for him. Rubin would be so impressed that he would call up Run and from there, Sam would program the drum beat “Is It Live” from the Raising Hell LP. Sam Sever would start working with Russell and the Def Jam label, he would do a track for Oran “Juice” Jones and another R&B cat named Tashan.

Sam Sever is also responsible for the exsistence of 3rd Bass in many ways. It would also be Sam’s big break as well. He would met MC Serch and would help him with his demo. At the same time, Sam was also working with Pete Nice on his demo as well. It would be Sam that convinced the two to combine forces and form a group. 3rd Bass was formed, from there they would get signed to Def Jam (to take the place of the departed Beasties). Sam would go on to say that fun thing about making “The Cactus Album” was the spontaneity.

By the early 90′s, Sam would take his own crack at being in a group when he would join forces with MC Bosco Money to form Downtown Science. The group would be signed by Def Jam and they would release a rather obscure self titled album. The album spawned two singles “Radio Active” and “Room To Breathe”. Graced with with creative beats, Bosco Money does a solid job on the album in the lyrical department. It might have just been a bit “too different” (think a predecessor for El-P or even RZA) for the time period, meaning to me at least, it was ahead of its time.

Sam Sever has worked with LONS, Nikki D, Sham the Proffessor, ADOR, Beastie Boys, Lordz Of Brooklyn and others. Sam continues to make music and has a reported project in the works that has him working with a variety of artists and styles.

http://www.samsever.com/
http://www.myspace.com/samsever

Downtown Science – Downtown Science (Def Jam, 1991)

1. “Let’s Get Higher”-Stat Quo

When I first heard this on Shade 45 last Wednesday while driving to an appointment, I damn near swerved off the road. “Stat Quo?” I said to myself while making a funk face that would make even Craig Mack envious. I don’t know who produced this banger, but Stat does give a shout to a cat named “Diverse” so I’m assuming that’s who crafted this masterpiece. I know that I tend to coin alot of beats as “soulful” but it is what it is and that happens to the type of shit that me…approaching the ripe, old age of 32 loves nowadays (see Ill Poetic, Cunnin‘, Blue Scholars, Blu & Exile, Panacea, etc.) Uhhh, question….what in the hell is Shady/Aftermath doin‘ ya’ll!!?? Hurry up with “Statlanta” already! Even though I’ve never quite caught on to the whole “Down South movement”ere’s there is no denyin‘…Stat’s a beast on the mic! YEAH! The chorus is just too damn catchy….”I heard heard Lindsay Lohan just left rehab and Amy Whinehouse won’t go…I heard Bobby Brown can’t put the pipe down and Anna Nicole OD’d on blow”….Now turn your radios u..u..u..u…up, let’s get higher”. Damn, this is some catchy ass iddish!! Be sure to watch the video for “Let’s Get Higher” below!

2. “Tears Dry On Their Own”-Amy Winehouse

“WTF!?”..Yeah, I know right….Amy Winehouse! While doin‘ some CD shopping on my lunch break this past week (picked up Panacea “The Scenic Route” & Mr. J “Of Gods & Girls”) I hear “Tears…” blaring over the store’s sound system. At first I thought it may have been the chick that sung the hook on Nas‘ “Can’t Forget About You” Chrisette Michelle, but much to my surprise at the song’s finish I hear “That was “Tears Dry On Their Own” from Amy Winehouse’s new album “Back To Black”. “Shit”, I said to myself…I think that I bashed this chick in a “THOUGHTS” post earlier in the year….now I’m gonna’ have to by the album. “Tears…” gets a ghetto pass simply based on the fact that it’s (along with a few other tracks on the album) produced by Salaam Remi, who’s also crafted a few classics for the likes of Nas (in particular “Made You Look”), The Fugees & Zhigge to name a few. After listening to the album I’ve come to see just what “all the fuss is about” and the Mark Ronson & Remi productions provide the perfect backdrop for Miss Winehouse. Better late then never, I guess.

3. “Wonderful”-Cunninlynguists f. Devin The Dude

Not much else I can say about this track that I didn’t already say last week. On a trip to Missouri this past weekend I must’ve let this track play for two hours straight. Everytime the “ohh yeahhh” sped up sample hits during the break I get goosebumps. Kno truly did his thing production-wise on “Dirty Acres” and Deacon & Devin’s lyrical performance on “Wonderful” is nothing less than captivating….”to hug you from the back I need to ex-tera hands” and “girl I don’t wanna’ offend ya’ but I sure wanna’ put my thing in ya”…..one of those tracks that I don’t ever see myself getting tired of.

4. “Sum Of Me”-The Away Team (Sean Boog & Khrysis) f. Evidence of Dilated Peoples

My dude Matt from Movement Marketing sent out a streaming link for the promo of Away Team’s forthcoming LP “Training Day”, I finally got around to listening to it this week after passing it over a few times on my Ipod. The jury is still out on “Training Day”, I honestly need to give it a few more listens before I state the facts. Upon a few listens in full I’m definitely lovin‘ Khrysis‘ production, but what else is new? “Sum Of Me” is the first track that really grabbed me as the soulful, bass heavy track is evidence (pun intended) that once again the NC to CA connection works wonders (as also
witnessed on the appropriately titled “NC To CA” from Ev’s superb “The Weatherman”). Along with a beautifully sung hook by the reigning crooner of the Justus League (sorry Percy Miracles)Darien Brockington this track just has a nice, laidback feel to it that’ll have your head bobbin’ for days.

5. “Change”-Mr J. Medeiros f. Strange Fruit Project & Rez of The Procussions)

I finally picked up Mr. J’s impressive solo debut “Of Gods & Girls” at Best Buy this week. I was extremely surprised with this album when it first leaked around mid-June, but for reasons unknown I really haven’t listened to it all that much over the last few months….this week that all changed! “Change” may not be my favorite track from “Of Gods & Girls” (it’s extremely hard to compete against the vivid imagery of “Constance”) but it’s more or less my “flavor of the week” from the album. I’ve always liked Strange Fruit Project and Mr. J’s lyrics are well thought out and delivered with confidence and clarity, what’s most impressive is that Mr. J handled the bulk of the production duties on this Rawkus release himself. If you’ve been sleepin‘ on “Of Gods & Girls” be sure to check Mr. J out, a very dope album that’s pretty clean cut yet soulful enough to keep you noddin‘ away.

6. “Sweetest Language”-9th Wonder Presents The A.L.L.I.E.S.

Props to HipHopBootleggers for re-upping this EP a week or so back. After hearing the A.L.L.I.E.S. rip “Reminisce” from 9th Wonder’s “The Dream Merchant Vol.II” I had to pop “Sweetest Language” in the deck this week and give it a few spins. I love this song now, but when this first leaked back in the winter of 04′….oh man!!, I just couldn’t get enough of this shit. “Sweetest Language” still goes down as one of my favorite 9th beats ever and Big Remo and Novej sound soo fresh over this “neck snapper”…even though it utilizes “that same ol‘ snare”. Peep the EP HERE(props Krook!!)

7. “Clap Yo’ Hands”-Naughty By Nature (click to download)

Taken from Naughty’s best album to date “Poverty’s Paradise”, which you’ll soon see this week on “Top 100 Tuesdays”. “Poverty’s Paradise” was yet another “bargain bin goodie” that I just couldn’t pass up. Listening to this album in full over the last few weeks has really made me appreciate Kay Gee’s production. “Clap Yo’ Hands” is in my opinion one of Kay’s finest beats ever. Treach delivers his usual rapidfire lyrics and VinRoc serves as the perfect “wingman“. Remember Treach giving props to Puba on Naughty’s self titled debut? Treach stated at the time that Puba “was one of the fiercest emcees”…don’t sleep, Treach could’ve saved those same words for himself back in his heyday.

8. “All Of Me”-50 Cent f. Mary J. Blige

Let’s get a thing or two clear here….yes, I’m aware of all the backlash that 50′s “Curtis” is receiving and his so-called lyrical deficiencies. No, the album’s not as nice as “Get Rich…” or “The Massacre”, but there’s no denyin‘ that dude knows how to churn out a hit or two. Just cause’ I dig a few tracks on 50′s new shit, does that make me any less Hip Hop? I don’t think so. Now, let’s state the most evident…..Jake One is not fu*in’ around! I could honestly give two shits about what 50 is spittin‘ on “All Of Me”, Jake’s beat is freakin‘ BANANAS. So, you can’t vibe to this shit just cause’ it’s 50? Damn son, take the Jansport off your back and kick the Dunks off your feet and at the very least appreciate Jake One’s production on this joint. Damn, those horn stabs are serious! I’d put this track (the beat) up against anything on Kanye’s “Graduation”.

9. “Runnin“-Piakhan

Don’t thank me for this one folks, Ill Po’ sent me a downloadable link to share with ya’ll for Piakhan’s debut “Khankrete” this past week….dude is

no joke! For fans of Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek’s “Reflection Eternal” some of you may recall the Stat Quo like vocals of Piakhan on “Touch You”. Although I’m still not sold on “Khankrete” just yet, the Ill Poetic production “Runnin” (I’m tellin’ you, dude is the white Just Blaze) has been in the headphones for the majority of the day. Piakhan has what many emcees are lacking in Hip Hop today….a presence! Piakhan sounds more like a “seasoned vet” rather than another new jack hailing from Cincy. So you be the judge, here’s the LINK along with a brief press release compliments of Ill Poetic:

“If any of you are familiar with Piakhan, then ENJOY!!!If not, you might remember Khan’ from “Touch You” on Reflection Eternal, his “Wide Open” 12″ from late 90s/early 2000′s, his joint on the “Brown Sugar” soundtrack, etc. Don’t sleep on dude…he has one of the sickest flows I’ve ever heard in my life. I never get tired of it.This is an LP that was released primarily in Cinci’, but i’m trying to help spread the word far as i can…feel free to do the same…take this link wherever you want…it’s good for a week! HaHa!.The LP features Bootsy Collins, Maker (Glue), Animal Crackers, myself, and much,much,much more…Once again, enjoy..
Piakhan’s MySpace

10. “Ressurect”-Akir (click to download)

Taken from Akir’s “Legacy” that was released sometime last year. Damn, I’ve been sleepin’ on this album big time! You can’t tell me dude doesn’t sound JUST like AZ! I don’t know much about Akir other than that’s he’s down with Immortal Technique and was on that Terror Firma release a year or two ago, but I’m most definitely lovin’ this track and “Legacy” is really growin’ on me as well. Akir is a talented dude lyrically and the album sounds pretty solid, I just may have to buy this shit!

One final thought…damn, it feels good to be back doin’ this (even though I hardly ever left). The comments and e-mails were greatly appreciated and very overwhelming. I never thought that my “two-cents” and this site meant soo much to soo many people, it’s a good feeling and very satisfying to know that for just a few minutes in a day’s time you can sit down and enjoy a blurb or two and…well, reminisce. My wife hit the nail on the head in her post, it’s funny cause’ the few days that I told myself “I’m Done” the John Legend riff from an old Kanye joint kept playing over and over in my head..”I can’t see myself, gettin’ out the game”………..

Stat Quo-”Let’s Get Higher”

1  1

Miilkbone-”Da Miilkrate” (CD Rip)

Hmmm….I could never quite figure out why a dude who went by the alias of “Milk Bone” would actually spell his moniker as “My Ilk Bone”…..whatever. Nevertheless, this 1995 release on Capital Records from what was then a true rarity in Hip Hop…..a talented white emcee (gasp!). As a somewhat unofficial member of the whole Naughty By Nature/Cruddy Click fam, Milkbone did little to stray away from the potent formula that allowed Naughty By Nature to captivate many a listener with their unforgettable anthems….on the flip side of the coin, that same lack of originallity was what also held the Rottin Razkals debut “Rottin’ Ta Da Core” from standing out amongt the HUGE releases during Hip Hop’s golden era. On the same token, I’d be lyin’ through my teeth if I told you that I didn’t enjoy “Da’ Miilkrate” at least somewhat. My introduction to this New Jersey native was via the opening single “Keep It Real” (damn, wasn’t that just the “phrase of the day” in 94′-95?), which not only featured the dopest production on the album but also doubled as the album’s higlight. Clocking in at nearly 18 tracks deep with only 3 skits, the album does tend to drag along at certain points. Again, “Da’ Miilkrate” would’ve been better served as a 11-13 track disc….damn, I wish I had a dollar for everytime I’ve wished that upon an album. Lyrically, Miilkbone would put 85% of today’s emcees’ headz to bed. Although, subject matter is somewhat limited to killin’ emcees and partyin’ on this album it’s still a fun listen even today. Shit, I had no reservation whatsoever proppin down $1.99 for “Da Miilkrate” which also featured decent production from Kay Gee of Naughty, Nick Wiz and a handful of “lesser-known” beatmakers. Thanks to Discogs, I’ve discovered that apparently Miilkbone release a single on Death Row’s compilation album poorly titled as “Chronic 2000″. Later, in 2001 Miilkbone also dropped his sophomore album “U Got Milk”..I’ve never heard this, if you have..hit a brotha’ up. Most interesting, via Discogs: Miilkbone is now a Steel worker, residing in Miami, Florida. He is married with 1 son and spends most of his time bodybuilding. Also, get a load of this shit: CLICK HERE..good to see, that cat’s still around and kickin’. Who knows maybe Miilk can link back up with Kay Gee for a few more bangers..lord knows Kay Gee can’t be too busy!…-Eric

I like these kind of posts, easy and not much required on my part but uploading materials. I don’t really have a problem with re-upping things (God knows how many albums are on this site), and I’m sure their will be more. Just ask politely, be patient and I’ll get to it. If its been awhile, don’t be afraid to remind me again. Between working two jobs, still fucking with school, dealing with other things that life throws at me and probably killing more brain cells than I should have in my younger years, I forget rather easily.

J-Zone – Gimme Dat Beat Fool!

Ras Kass – Soul On Ice Demo ****UPDATED FIXED LINK (AGAIN)****

• 1. Everything I Love
• 2. Core Audience
• 3. High IQ
• 4. Won’t Catch me Running
• 5. Capital R-A-S
• 6. Blood Is Thicker Than Water
• 7. Interlude
• 8. Take A Deep Breath
• 9. Remain Anonymous
• 10. Take A Deep Breath (remix)
• 11. Walk The Walk

From May ’06

When you talk about the offical release of “Soul On Ice“, the lack of quality of production is usually brought up somewhere in the conversation. Likewise, the quality of lyrics and the scathing social commentary is almost always brought up as well. When taking a listen to this demo version of “Soul On Ice”, in it’s orginal carnation, one must wonder what could have been.

The demo version (if that what it truly is) features a less polished MC in Ras, but a unpolished Ras is still better than 90% of the MC’s out there. It also features beats that are better than what is heard on the final version. Information on who exactly are the producers is sketchy at less, but it seems to be the same two producers who are featured on the majority of the production on the final version, fellow Western Hemisphere memebers, Bird and Voodoo. This version is dark in nature much like it’s final version, but the beats are more layred but with a fuller, harder sound.

Lyrically, Rassy still can bring it on the mic, which he does on this version. Yet, he just doesn’t seem as sharp as what was heard on the later product. “Remain Anonymous” and “Won’t Catch Me Runnin’” eventually did leak their way out in the public, so if you have heard those, it’s a glimpse of what to expect on this.

As far as I can tell, most of these songs were scrapped for a variety of reasons. Sample clearance issues, label drama (damn, even back then) and inner beefs with his Western Hemisphere crew lead to most of these cuts getting scrapped. While it’s not the potential “breakout” album Ras has been missing, it’s still fun to hear some of the stuff that didn’t make the final cut and some of that is unfortunate.

Chilly Tee – Get Off Mine (MCA, 1993) ****UPDATED FIXED LINK***

They must have not paid the Bomb Squad enough money, because they couldn’t save this.

Gorilla Pimps (J-Zone) – Hotter Than Fish Grease, Vol 1 (Hip Hop Site.com Exclusive, CD Rip)

1. It Ain’t Easy
2. Pimptro
3. Bitch, I’m Rich
4. $lap That Bitch, Punch That Ho
5. Million Mack March
6. Pimp-A-Thon
7. Flo$$Traphobic
8. Ki$$ My Pimpin’ A$$
9. …And When You Whup Here
10. I $lapped The Bitch, The Money Was Short
11. Bu$ta Free Bubble Gum and Colla Pop Cookie$
12. Pimp Olympic$
13. What Work?

From the back of the Slip that came with the CD:
After years of legend and fable, Go-Rilla Pimp$’ album is here! This album was recorded one night, under heavy influence of Bacardi Limon, Billy Dee (Colt 45), the movie American Pimp, and some Too Short, Big Tymers, and Suga Free CD’s. Fuck a good mixdown, fuck creative production techniques, fuck getting it tight. We just made some typical funk “beats” hit the booth drunk and tried to have some fun and talk shit. Fuck edits, punch-ins, EQ, creative concepts, and all that shit! Once in a while you need to do something “unartistic” and clear your head! Half of y’all will probably take this project too serious and say, “Oooh, its not as creat as ‘Music Tu Madre’, he fell off.” Y’all need to chill the fuck out. This is me and Dick Stallion buggin in the studio, right after I finihsed recording “Fight Club” with Al-Shid and Huggy. So stop bitchin’ get a drink and pop this bad boy in ya system. But be warned ….I mixed this album drunk in one night in one take, so your speakers might get blown if you don’t adjust them song for song. Be glad u have this, cause this shit is NEVER comin’ out commercially. But volume 2 is going to be on MTV! And as much as this album was just a joke to us, its still better than your favorite rappers real album…..BITCH!

Hydra Beats 6 – Ghetto Pros (Hydra Beats)

Can’t find shit on this release, track list or cover

Hydrabeats Vol XI: God
father Don

A1 Mental Liks
A2 Pure Elevation
A3 As The World Burns
A4 Wilson Ave.
A5 Getaway
B1 Feel Me
B2 Pay Back
B3 Where I’m Coming From
B4 Twisted
B5 I’ll Be Back!

Scientifik – The Most Blunted

A few weeks ago we looked at Scientifik’s recently re-released gem ‘Criminal’. This week we’ve got Sci’s much more elusive ‘Most Blunted’ album. This record is a collection of demo songs Scientifik put together with the help of the Vinyl Reanimators team around 1992-1993. Thankfully, and unlike most other demo tape bootlegs floating around, the sound quality on this is pretty good and does not distract from the material.

According to the Reanimators’ DJ Shame, these songs were originally recorded on VR beats but for some reason were then remixed onto tracks made popular by other rappers of the time. Consequently, check the beat from Chi Ali’s ‘Step into My Room’ interpolated into the slamming safe sex anthem ‘Slicka Picka Upper’, Nas’s ‘Memory Lane’ flipped into the humorous ‘I Ain’t the Damn One’ etc. I’m not the hugest fan of recycling other people’s beats, but Scientifik definitely does all these tracks justice.

As much as I like ‘Criminal’, I think Scientifik comes off a bit nicer on the mic on these joints, his delivery sounds more relaxed and effortless. The subject matter here is more varied too, even if it ain’t groundbreaking. My favorite track ‘I Used to Know Ya’ with longtime associate Ed O.G. (the only guest spot on the record) features the two Bostonians trading stories about the hard it work it takes to get in the game and the inevitable lobsterheads who come calling once you make it.

No doubt these tracks would have languished in someone’s basement were it not for a mysterious entity calling itself ‘Don Corleone Entertainment’ who released the ten track album on wax around 2001. Reliable sources tell me that the people who put this out were the owners of the legendary Mr Bongo record store in London. I don’t know either way, but that’s where I copped my copy back in 2002 when I was living there (it was the last one in the rack). This shit now goes for crazy prices on eBay, and the revived interest in Sci due to the re-release of ‘Criminal’ is just more fuel to the fire. So for this is for all the broke cats like me: kick back and enjoy some classic east coast hip hop.

Polarity – with special thanks to Travis for uploading this for my busted ass.

Hydrabeats 14: Godfather Don 4

A1 Unreliable
A2 No Free Shows
A3 Hey! Why Show Up?
A4 Call Me A Cab
A5 Boning
B1 Just Mix It Yourself
B2 My Drivers Downstairs
B3 Video Taping
B4 Beep Lance
B5 Porno’s My Game

Omniscience – The Raw Factor (Unreleased)

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<
/em>“) 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!