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Yessir, I know it’s been a minute since I’ve done one of these, my evenings are usually filled (that is after the family usually hits the sack) with searching for piles upon piles of tracks to piece/blend together for our monthly mixes here at B-House. However, that’s not to say that there hasn’t been an overabundance of good tunes dropping on the daily over the last few weeks. Let’s get it started, shall we?

1. “Electric Company” (J57 Remix)-St Joe Louis

Taken From: “Almost There Remixes”

I gotta’ say, J57 of the Brown Bag All-Stars killed it on this remix!  As if St Joe Louis weren’t impressive enough on their free EP, “Almost There”, the trio is back again, this time with a revamped version of the well-received outing.  The only thing that kills me about this trio is their moniker, hailing from Jersey, their name indicates Nelly’s home state. You will find this track on the forthcoming “Old To The New II” blended with a certain Rakaa (Dilated Peoples) track, courtesy of yours truly!  Keep your ears peeled for the trio of Elete (producer/emcee), Tom Chase (emcee) and Michael Cardigan (emcee) as they’ll be releasing their long-awaited LP, “30,000 Ft. High & Rising” later this month.

2. “If I”-Trumaine

No, “If I” cannot be found on either of Trumaine’s “Beats by Trumaine”.  Lucky me, Tru’ sent this over last week, after much begging and pleading from myself.  Lucky for you, you know have entered the Trumaine experience.   Hailing from Waukegan, Illinois Trumaine’s production have been featured on nearly every #Scrunchface show, but it’s “If I” that has got me banging my head against the desk as I type this.  Don’t tell me that Tru’ isn’t on his “Rocky” sh*t with this one!  Good Lawd!

3. “Confess”-Ellis

Taken From: Ellis’ “Bluray E LP”

In case you didn’t already know, there’s more to Baltimore, Md. then “The Wire” and Carmelo Anthony.  With the release of his free LP, the “Bluray E LP’, B-More’s finest Ellis has made me love emceein’ again.  Hot on the heals of two solid videos, “Hardcore” and “Over Der Headz”, Ellis has proven that he’s a true throwback to the earlier days of Hip-Hop where it wasn’t necessarily about the beat or the “feature”.  However, thankfully, “Confess” features some nice, Sunday-afternoon, production that meshes perfectly with Ellis’ unique vocals.

4. “Written”- Incise f. Don Cerino

Taken From: Incise’s “Daily Methods”

Real talk, Incise laced Don Cerino with some breaker’s anthem-type production on the bouncy, “Written”.  While the remainder of Incise’s “Daily Methods” tip-toes the line between Hip-Hop and just jazzy instrumentation (think: Nomak), the featured appearances from the likes of Nieve, Dan Johns, Tunji and the 49ers, make this album one that you shouldn’t be afraid to pump in front of your kids.  You won’t have to dig too deeply within the album to find a few messages that truly hit home, over some decent, jazzy-tinged production to match.

5. “Freezing World”- Collective Efforts f. Dillon

Taken From: C.E.’s album of the same name

Yo, C.E.’s “Freezing World” just make a brother feel good! Also, just in case you missed out, be sure to peep our “B-House Approved” review of “Freezing World” HERE.  Even though 1/3 of the crew sounds EXACTLY like Charlie 2Na, these cats, Dillon included on the title cut, have truly kept it real.  A true throwback to the days when we had groups, Collective efforts have proven that we your crew is comprised of cats whom all have the same musical goal in my, the end result can be eye-opening.

6. “Get Dough”-Vandalyzm

Taken From: Vandalyzm’s “Megatron Majorz: Redux”

Yup, the pride of St. Louis, Vandalzym, unveiled the debut single from his forthcoming LP, “Megatron Majorz: Redux”, the Khrysis-blessed “Self Evaluation (Go In)” earlier in the week.  Yeah, that was iiight, fortunately I’ve had the chance to peep the album over the last few days and there’s one track that makes be wanna’ bang my head up against a brick wall every-time I hear it, “Get Dough”.  Now, PLEASE, someone help me out here, I’ve heard the backdrop for ‘Lyzm’s “Get Dough” on a “Low End Theory” podcast earlier this winter, does anyone have any idea who laced the instrumental?  I’ve been searching up and down for it for nearly half of 2010.  Oh, and “Megatron: Redux” is pure heat, but you’ll just have to take my word for it…

7. “Time”-NametaG

Taken From: TaG’s “The Name Is Tag”

Maaan, ya’ll are truly sleepin’ on TaG’s recent full-length, “The Name Is TaG”.  Here’s just how much I like this release, I bought it…yeah, can you believe that ‘ish?  To me, ‘TaG sounds just like his cousin, Black Milk, and not only does ‘cuz Milk appear on the album, he actually produces five cuts.  Yet, on this outing, the feel-good, retrospective, “Time”, NametaG’s actual brother Black Beethoven steps up to the plate and delivers a round-tripper with thumping bass-knocks and a mid-’90s-ish’ horn loop that displays the Pete Rock influence.  Oh, and lemme’ just throw this in there, even though they may sound alike, right here (TaG) stands the better emcee of the two.

8. “Sin Wit Me”-Hulk Hodn

Taken From: “Puzzles”- Various Artists

So just who is Hulk Hodn, I was kinda’ wondering that myself after being smacked in the side of the grill with Hodn’s show-stopping “Sin Wit’ Me” from the solid “Puzzles” compilation.  Well, glad you asked, Hodn is one half of Testiculo Y Uno and hails from Cologne, Germany of all places.  Of course, everyone by now should be very familiar with Brenk (who has since hooked up MC Eiht of all people, with some heat) and Fid Medla’s “Hi-Hat Club Vol. 4″, yet is was Hodn along with Twit One, who released “Vol. I” of the Hi-Hat Club series.  It’d be wise to keep an ear open for this cat, “Sin Wit Me” knocks for days, and you will find this track blended quit nicely with Pete & CL’s overl00ked “It’s A Love Thing” on our second installment of “Old To The New”.

9. “Testify”-Dave Notti

Taken From: Notti’s free Beat Tape, “Hello My Name Is..”

Now, here’s an oldie but goodie!  Nearly every weekend (for what seems like forever) I peruse my hard drive for the latest and greatest beats to feature on our #SCRUNCHFACE shows.  Yet, for one of the fiercest instrumentals that we’ve featured during our time slot is a track that I featured nearly two years ago on WhenTheyReminisce.  Of course, he’s released plenty more material since this, but it’s still nice to hear Notti’s progression as a producer over the years.  Oh yeah, don’t blame me for the headache your bound to get after popping “Testify” in your headphones.  Damn Notti!  Where’d you get those drums!?

10. “Sparkles”-Shabazz Palaces

Taken From: “Of Light” EP

So, what’s the verdict on Shabazz Palaces’ “Of Light” and “Self-Titled” EPs?  Well, you should know that Shabazz Palaces is Butterfly of the world-renown Digable Planets side project(s).  Is Shabazz Palaces necessarily considered Hip-Hop?  Ehh, that’s up for argument, but no matter the case, I absolutely love Butterly.  There’s no denying that dude absolutely stole the show on the Jake One posse cut, “Home”.  The beats on both of the Shabazz Palaces outings could be considered Dub-Step, but “Sparkles” is the closest thing to hip-hop production that you’ll find on either EP.  Yet, both of these projects are a must cop if you’re searching to find some quality product outside of hip hop’s confines.

1. TymeFlysFunny Pt. #2“-Slimkat 78

Taken From: Slimkat’s FREE instrumental LP, “Soundfreakers Vol. I”

At only 1:36,  I just couldn’t seem to get enough of Slimkat78′s “TimeFlysFunny Pt.#2 or his instrumental excursion, “Soundfreakers Vol. I”.  Responsible for producing nearly half of one of my all-time favorite albums, yU’s “Before Taxes” as well as handling some beats on Diamond District’s near-classic “In The Rufff”,  cats should already be up on Slim’s discography.  Also, for a true “outside the box” project(s), be sure to peep Slimkat’s work as 1/3 of OP Swamp81.  Yet another talent that has emerged from Chocolate City, Slimkat  originally leaked “Soundfreakers Vol. I” back in September, thank goodness we’ve finally got a “tracked” version, this LP is the perfect summertime soundtrack!
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1. “Brainwash” (Apollo Brown Remix)-yU f. Finale & Grap Luva

Original Taken From: yU’s “Before Taxes”

Remix Taken From: Apollo Brown’s forthcoming LP, “The Reset”

I mean, damn, yU’s “Brainwash”, the track that served as the perfect finale (pun intended) to yU’s classic “Before Taxes” was one of the best tracks from 2009.  I didn’t think it would be possible, or even fathomable to top Slimkat’s (this cat is dope too! Stop sleepin!) production that fueled a cut that featured equally impressive guest appearances from the likes of Finale, Grap Luva and yU, himself.  Yet, one of Hip Hop’s “star’s in the making”, Apollo Brown took “Brainwash”, made it his own, and unveiled a production style that we’ve yet to hear from the man who usually relies on hard, head-pounding drums with samples that tug on your soul.  As Apollo stated in a text from earlier this week:  “The vibe changed on me as far as what I wanted to do (with the album).  It (“The Reset”) started out had, then it took on a more “Life” sound”.  On no track is that more evident that with “Brainwash”.  Stay tuned for a “proper” review of this album later this week, and a Bloggerhouse presents: “20 Questions w/Apollo Brown” in preparation for the release of Apollo’s INSANE “The Reset”, dropping May 25th.  And I thought The Left’s “Gas Mask” was a classic?  Whew……

2. “Porkpie Crust”-P.U.D.G.E.

Taken From: P.U.D.G.E.’s EP “Don’t Touch My Drumset”

Now, this is something different.  After already releasing a sound release with Dibiase on the All City label back in January and dropping what is one of the best productions of 2010 with the wall-bashing “Smoke It Over”, P.U.D.G.E. has delivered something what is somewhat unexpected with “Porkpie Crust”.  Featuring an ill string riff and a earth-shaking bassline, “Porkpie Crust” is the exact opposite of a track like the aforementioned “Smoke It Over”.  Whereas “Smoke It Over’ will have you clenching your teeth and nodding your domepiece, enough to where a chiropractic visit may very well be in order, the mellow strings found on “Porkpie..” set you at ease, as much as a track that features a slick Ol’ Dirty Bastard sample can.  Also after you download “Don’t Touch My Drumset” for the mere price of 5 bones, I highly recommend checking out “DistantLuvHer”, which made it somewhat of a toss-up as to which track to post for this week’s “Most Played”.

3. “Viberian Twilight, Pt. 2″-Dr. Who Dat? aka Jneiro Jarel

Taken From: Jarel’s “Beyond 2morrow” digital LP

For over a decade,  (yet another PA cat) Jneiro Jarel (aka Dr. Who Dat?) has provided listeners with an unbelievably eclectic mix of sounds ranging from hip hop, to electronica, to Brazilian funk, to bass music. With more monikers than Kool Keith, his collaborations and producer credits are almost too many to mention. Highlights include works with Khujo Goodie (as Willie Isz), MF Doom, TV on the Radio, and many more.

As a precursor to the recently released “Android Love Mayhem”, Jarel dropped the digital album “Beyond 2morrow” under his Dr. Who Dat? moniker in 2009.  I actually purchased this album nearly a year ago while perusing Itunes and it sat on my PC at work for nearly as long, until finally taking in the album earlier this week.  My recent addiction or “phase” for the electronically fueled Hip Hop production stylings has led me to fall in love with the pulsing sounds of “Viberian Twilight, Pt. 2″.  There’s nothing stagnant about Jarel’s production on “Viberian..”, as the track reaches a thrilling apex near the :40 mark.  Also, be sure to peep a track that Dart and I rave about, “Android Love Romance 1 & 2″ from Jarel’s new album “Android Love Mayhem”.

4. “Slow Down” (Sabzi Remix)-Bambu f. Blue Scholars

The O.G. can be found on: Bambu’s “Paper Cuts” EP

OK, here’s a good piece of advice:  the Sabzi remix of Bambu’s “Slow Down” is one track you have to let “ride out”, I can almost guarantee you that the opening tones won’t necessarily cater to your eardrums as the track can easily be mistaken for a “pop” production.  I know Sabzi’s beat selection has been a lil’…umm..left field as of late  (peep their “OOF” EP, I get the concept, but ehh..), this after delivering one of the best albums of the last decade with “Bayani”, but with each passing second “Slow Down” seems to get even better and more likeable.  What shines brightest on this cut is obviously Sabzi’s production (not to say that Bambu is a slouch on the mic either), namely the ridiculously bouncy hook.  Be sure to DL the track HERE.

5. “The Look”-House Shoes & Jordan Rockswell

If you don’t know about All City’s “10X10″ series already, you’re truly missing out on something special!  As the fourth installment of All City’s dope series, this release pairs J-Dilla collaborator House Shoes with the debut recordings of Jordan Rockswell aka Snowman Jack. Both of House Shoes’ beats have a classic, Dilla-esque electro-funk/bounce to them, with bangin’ drums and warm soul samples he gives a class in timeless beat breaking. On the other hand, young Rockswell incorporates ear-piercing synthlines to give his beats a contemporary swerve ready for the Beat Dimensions types. As I mentioned in Shoes’ post for his newly leaked, “Newports” (which can also be found on this release), “I didn’t know dude had it poppin’ off like that on the production tip”!  “The Look” follows in line with “The Makings” and “Newports” as some of the best ‘ish to bless these ears in 2K10.

6. “Inspiration”-Epilson Project (link courtesy of Moovmnt)

Taken From: Epilson Project’s forthcoming “Audacity” LP, dropping May 25th

Wooooo!  Kev Brown laced these Oxnard, Ca. residents with pure HEAT!  This, which leads up to his collaborative LP (Round Two) with the hardest working man in Hip Hop this year, LMNO, for “Selective Hearing 2″, another album that is loaded with Kev’s reworkings of James Brown’s classics to cure your eager ears.  If you can recall, the Epilson Project are the same cats who dropped a pretty dope EP in 2009 with “FREEloaders”.  The group dynamic of the seven man collective is pretty ill, while not quite up to Wu-Tang circa 1993 standards yet, the potential that is displayed on “Inspiration” and “FREEloaders” should put these cats on your radar.

7. “Jeeps”-Onra

Taken From: Onra’s “Long Distance” LP not EP

There’s an obvious formula that Onra uses for most of the tracks on Long Distance,  the album is crafted upon the irresistible pop sensibilities of groups like Midnight Star, Change, SOS Band, and more.  The title of Parisian beat-layer Onra’s latest LP, Long Distance, may be misleading. The album stays at a constant intensity using a satisfying structure of juicy 80’s pop/boogie melodies squashed beneath fat kick and slab snare drum patterns. There is no long journey to be traversed between the first track ‘My Comet’ (a gem) and the last track ‘Cherry’, and there is nothing wrong with that either. Not every record needs to be about long cosmic journeys.  And the simplest, yet funkiest of all is the ode to the Broncos and Grand Cherokee’s of the early-’90s, “Jeeps”.  While not nearly as long as you’d like it to be, the track clocks in under two minutes, “Jeeps” will have you wishing you’d invested a lil’ more into those amps in your trunk.

8. “Last Lullabye”/”Higher Vibrations” (Album)-Leonard Dstroy

Ok, it’s been nearly a week since HHB and Moovment put me on to the unbelievably well-produced, free instrumental LP, “Higher Vibrations”, and after a little detective work, here’s what I’ve gathered about this cast so far:

1. Apparently, dude hails from K.C., judging from his  MySpace page (cats still use MySpace?)

2. You can follow Dstroy on twitter HERE

3. You can also peep more from Dstroy and his InNate Sounds label-mates via their webpage (which, also looks pretty dope)

I can’t even front, “Higher Vibrations”, in my humble opinion, is the most intriguing, maybe not the best, but intriguing “instrumental” album that I’ve enjoyed since 14KT’s “The Golden Hour”.  What’s most enjoyable about “Higher Vibrations” is the collage of sounds that range from bits of electronica that mingle with thick basslines and clever vocal samples, ganked from the likes of Reggie Noble and M.O.P. (who gotta’ have the absolute best soundbites in Hip-Hop).  Plus, this album, much like “The Golden Hour” was engineered to perfection, this album plays cripsy clean in the ride with not a single noticeable flaw.  Can’t wait to hear more from Dstroy as I feel like this album is just breaking the surface for him.

9. “Freestylin”-Midaz

This ‘ish right here?  This ‘ish right here?  Man, I needed this!  As I continue to venture into the new beat generation, Midaz brought me back to surface with production by fellow Floridian (see also: Heart & Brain aka TzariZM and Vis Major) Arsun Fist on the straight, no chaser vibe of “Freestylin”.  Lyrics? Somebody want lyrics?  Yessir, you can find plenty of ‘em here.  Midaz who blessed blogosphere with his highly touted “El Midaz Affair” (Get It HERE) earlier this year, simply rips this track to shreds. “Freestylin” is another song in a string of releases to warm up listeners everywhere for MidaZ’s upcoming project “The Nightlight EP”, a collaboration with partner/producer IMAKEMADBEATS, who has been just as dope on the production tip.  What’s up with all these Florida cats bringin’ the East Coast back to Hip Hop’s forefront?

10. “Cars”-Nottz

Taken From: Nottz’ “Shine So Brite” EP

Yeah, no doubt, “Cars” has been making it’s rounds on the interwebs (the video at least), but now Nottz has made the MP3 available via Itunes with his “Shine So Brite” EP.  We all knew that Nottz could produce the hell outta’ nearly anything he puts his stamp on and the array of artists that he’s worked with is pretty damn impressive, yet lyrically he flows effortlessly over the ridiculous production of “Cars”.  This track is catered for the summer as Nottz goes in B.I.G. “Warning” style.

“Last Lullabye”

“Bubblin’ Hot”

More 14KT than Flying Lotus, Leonard Dstroy has offered up what has turned out to be the best “freebie” of the past week. Comprised of 15 cuts of instrumental bliss, a card-carrying member of the INnate Sounds crew,  Dstroy laced “Higher Vibrations” so eloquently, yet it packs enough “umph” for the hardcore beat fanatics.  To be very blunt, if you asked me which I’d prefer, “Higher Vibrations” or Flying Lotus’ recently released “Cosmogramma”, I wouldn’t think twice about giving the nod to Dstroy.  To take it even one step beyond, “Higher Vibrations” or 14KT’s “The Golden Hour”?  Now that’s pushin’ it….

And while you’re at it, also available via Dstroy’s BandCamp is his collaborative project with emcee Kutty Slitz, “The Lenny Slitz Project”, which I haven’t had the opportunity to digest just yet, being that I can’ seem to get “Higher Vibrations” and namely the track “Last Lullabye” outta’ my headphones.  Damn, it’s always a great feeling when albums like this, that you just stuble upon Thursday evening, always seem to provide the soundtrack for the weekend ahead.

Get ‘em both HERE.

1. “Overcome”-Pac Div

While not quite on the same level as Pac Div’s 2009 mixtape, “Church League Champions” (which, was better than most cats’ albums), “Don’t Mention It” is packed with catchy lyricism and trunk-rattling bass from one of my favorite trios in the game.  Hipsters? Ehh, who cares? These cats have soo much of what soo many lack, charisma and most importantly, talent.

Upon first listen to this week’s most played cut, “Overcome” it’s quite obvious that this track stands out amongst the remainder of “Don’t Mention It”, but in a good way.  When I first popped “Overcome” in the Beats By Dre mid-week, I thought:  “Damn, this track lacks that “Pac Div signature bottom”, then I took the mixtape out to the car…I was wrong.  I’m assuming you already have “Don’t Mention It” uploaded to your Ipod already, if not, get it yesterday.

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1. “I Need A Break”-Suff Daddy

Taken From: “The Gin Diaries” (read Dart’s take on the album HERE)

Damn yo, the lyrical “excerpt” from Suff Daddy’s neckbreaker, “I Need A Break”: “Step To ‘Em/ Gettin’ off, Gettin’, Gettin”, Gettin’ off…”, has probably been my most said “phrase” of the week.  You know how every once in a while you stumble upon a cut that has those certain “unforgettable” qualities?  Well, “I Need A Break” is just that; a sure-fire, neck-snapping instrumental cut from a “sophisticated” instrumental LP, “I Need A Break” is laced with an extra crisp bassline, one helluva’ catchy sample and brilliant sequencing. While “I Need A Break” stands tall amongst the other noteworthy cuts that can be found on “The Gin Diaries”, tracks such as “4 My Holiks” and “Hospital” aren’t lagging too far behind in terms of quality and playability.  Be sure to peep “The Gin Diaries” as you can count on “I Need A Break” holding down a definite spot on the next Bloggerhouse mixtape.

2. “Hearts” f. Ta-Ku-Leo Miles

Taken From: “One Night Stand” (Get It HERE)

Leo dropped his free LP, “One Night Stand” in our C-Box late last week, and being from PA myself, it was virtually a no-brainier to allot this local Philly product his well-deserved shine.  I might add, not only was “One Night Stand” a very enjoyable listen (although, the sound quality of some of the tracks on the LP could use a little “tightening up”), but it was the addictive force of tracks like the Ta-Ku-assisted “Hearts” that kept me coming back for more. Propelled by a slick beatbox sample, “Hearts” finds Leo reminiscing of a love lost over an undeniable track with a hint of East Coast bounce injected into the mix.

3. “New Heights”-Guilty Simpson

Taken From: “OJ Simpson”

“Chillin’ like Lance in the Tour De France..”, has gotta’ be one of the more catchy hooks in recent memory.  Atop a pulsing Madlib sound scape, Guilty Simpson appropriately takes this bangin’ instrumental to “New Heights”. Guilty’s “tongue in cheek” lyrical delivery meshes perfectly with Madlib’s quirky, yet always innovative production to account for what I consider to be the most “rewind-worthy” cut from “OJ Simpson”.  Also, while we’re on the topic of “OJ Simpson”, any one else get the feeling if Stones Throw’s intent for this album was to feature the lyricism of one Guilty Simpson or to shed even more light on Madlib’s production?  I don’t know, but this sure as hell feels like a Madlib album as opposed to a Guilty Simpson album, waay too many instrumental “breaks” thrown into the mix on “OJ Simpson” for me, which deducts from the overall fluidity of the album.

4. “The Carpenter”-Homeboy Sandman

Taken From: “The Good Sun”

I gotta’ say, man, Homeboy Sandman’s promo for his forthcoming LP, “The Good Sun” was my very first exposure to this lyrically-inclined emcee, but it definitely won’t be the last.  I popped “The Good Sun” in the Ipod to accompany me for a morning run yesterday and after just one full listen to the LP, I can say that one thing’s for certain: Homeboy Sandman CAN RAP HIS ASS OFF!  And, on no other track is that more prevalent than “The Carpenter”.  Over a frantic, 2 Hungry Bros. production Sandboy unleashes a furious lyrical barrage that will have you exhaling a deep breath upon the track’s end.  It doesn’t even appear that Sandman took a breather between rhymes on this uptempo heatrock.

“The Good Sun” should be arriving in stores near the 1st of June. The album, his first on NYC indie powerhouse High Water Music, boasts not only the otherworldly lyrical and thematic dexterity that have quickly made Boy Sand a champion of the national talent-based hip hop community, but also his most personal material to date. “The Good Sun is setting a lot of things straight. If somebody sets someone else straight, it might be referred to as ‘sonning’ them. I’m ‘sonning’ people with this album—a lot of people. It’s the good son though. It’s all done with love” says the Queens, NY emcee.

5. “Chill”-Tone Liv

Taken From: “Path To Jersey” EP (Get It HERE)

My first exposure to Tone Liv was via his inclusion on the Uncut Raw CLASSIC “First Toke” a few years back and I’ve been tracking his solo career ever since.  Late last month Tone released his freeEP “Path To Jersey” via Domination, and upon my first listen to the EPMD-flavored “Chill”, the track has since remained on my “Top 25 Most Played” on the Ipod ever since.  Produced by Tha S ence, “Chill” takes it back to the days of truck jewels, beepers and over-sized cellphones, and Tone’s gruff, sandpaper delivery on “Chill” captures the true essence and spirit of the underground as Tha S ence’s moving production evokes images of the gritty, sh*tty inna’ city (c) Group Home.

6. “Smoke Chronic”-Chanes

Taken From: DJ House Shoes Presents: Chanes “An Experiment In Instrumentation” (Get It HERE)

Shi*ty cover art aside, this BandCamp special, the DJ House Shoes presented, instrumental LP from Chanes boasted some of the hardest production that I’ve heard thus far, nearly half-way through 2010.  If  you skipped the download of “An Experiment..” all you “4-20″ heads missed out on a true smoker’s anthem, the Notorious B.I.G. (“Smoke a lil’ chronic”) sampled “Smoke Chronic”.  With a heavy dose of electronica mingled into the mix, “Smoke Chronic” will give your speakers a workout and will have your amps screaming for new life when all is said and done.  I could have picked more than one track from this LP to include on this week’s “Most Played”, this album is just THAT GOOD.  And no, Chanes and House Shoes are not the same person as many have inquired.

7. “Ready, Set, Go”-TRUTHLiVE f. Mo Green

Taken From: “Patience”

Soooo….TRUTHLiVE’s “Patience” dropped on the 20th of April, you know the ENTIRE LP was produced by Seattle’s very own Jake One, right?  Yeah, that’s what I thought..me neither.  Yet, after listening to “Patience” in it’s entirety mid-week, I had to skim through the LP just one more time to be like: ahhhh OK. However, “The Stimulus Package” this ain’t, rightfully so as Jake One’s collaborative LP with Philadelphia’s finest Freeway is probably the best piece of work to emerge from 2010.  Not to say that Jake laced TRUTHLive with nothing but throwaway beats, but on the same token, TRUTHLiVE is no Freeway either.

Yet, it is tracks such as the Mo Green featured “Ready Set Go” as well as “Poetry In Motion” and “It’s Easy” (which features the same backdrop that the Special Teamz ripped apart on their debut LP) that make “Patience” more than deserving of your ear’s attention.  Coming from the same producer who laced one of my favorite productions of the last decade (Jake One’s “Home”, from “White Van Music”, “Ready Set Go” is what we’ve grown to expect from one of the West’s most underrated, under-appreciated producers.

8. “Sync-In City”-Panacea f. Alona Of The Ebony Bed

Taken From: Panacea’ s forthcoming LP “12 Step Program”

For those readers whom remained loyal to When They Reminisce over the last 3 years, you already know just how “big” I am on Panacea.  Truly one of a kind, the production styling of K-Murdock and lyrical musings of one Raw Poetic don’t really “grab you” per se upon first listen to the duo.  Yet, they are both so damn unique and original that it’s almost impossible not to revert back to albums like “The Scenic Route” and “A Mind On A Ship Through Time” for a refresher on just how talented this oft-overlooked duo truly are.

With the proper-U.S. (the album is already available for purchase overseas, I believe) release  just right around the bend, May 5th to be exact, from what I’ve gathered with just a few complete listens to “12 Step Program”, Panacea has compiled their finest piece of work to date.  While K-Murdock’s production on the LP features his signature melodic style, it’s tracks such as this, the nearly 120-BPM “Sync In City” that venture off the usual path of what you can expect from Panacea.  And while Raw Poetic has remained as consistent and potent on the mic as ever, Panacea’s forward-thinking on this LP elevates this album to an instant classic in the minds of Panacea’s die-hard following.

9. “Good Morning”-Waterloo & Rhettoric

Taken From: “Cherry Blossoms And Gunpowder”

Louis (Waterloo) Hampton and Joshua (Rhettoric) Rhett are both Charlottesville natives, while attending VCU in Richmond, Rhettoric started honing his skills as a beat maker/producer, competing in local producer/MC showcases and crushing the competition.  Meanwhile, back in Charlottesville, Waterloo is creating with Beetnix. Building fame locally and on the East Coast by opening up for Ghostface, GZA and Muggs, State Radio, and Murs and 9th Wonder. Through a mutual friend Rhettoric, and Waterloo were introduced. Both hit it off and had respect for each others style. After a few visits from Charlottesville to Richmond, a collaborative album was agreed upon. In the spirit of Murs and 9th Wonder’s. 316 the 9th edition, Waterloo and Rhettoric were formed. Creating “Cherryblossoms and Gunpowder.”

St. Mic sent this to me last week, and allow me to be the first one to say: “this LP is SERIOUS”.  Waterloo has lyrics for days, and while he may remind some of Skyzoo (not a bad comparison, by any stretch), this cat reels you in with his vivid lyricism and wordplay as Rhettoric laces him with some sick production.  For a nice little primer of what I’m referring to peep the aforementioned “Good Morning”, a playful cut that will have you reaching for the “repeat/rewind” button in an instant.  Warning: neck-brace not included!

10. “Go Ahead, It’s Yours”-5th Element

Taken From: “Elements Of Life” (Get It HERE)

When you listen to a particular album and in the end you don’t quite know as to how you would “classify” or “categorize” and album that in itself can be the gift and the curse. Is 5th Element’s instrumental Hip Hop? Electronica? Just what is it? Doesn’t matter, “Elements Of Life” is HANDS-DOWN (although, I’m quite sure I’m missing one or two?) the most cohesive, enjoyable beat tape that I’ve enjoyed this year.  Be sure to hit up THE FIND MAG, for the link and the complete rund0wn on each track as 5th Element takes you from start to finish on this instrumental expedition.  I just can’t believe I never heard of this cat before, extremely talented dude!

1. “Bone Gristle”-Clan Destined

Taken From: “A Story Never Told: “F#$% A Mixtape” (get it HERE)

Yes sa’, it’s about damn time something moves me in Hip Hop in 2010.  The first quarter of each year is usually slow, but with the release of the recently leaked Clan Destined mixtape things are about to heat up. Hailing from East Point, the duo has hooked up with fellow ATLien Floyd The Locsmif (stop sleepin’, ak’ like you know!) for a bouncy, neck-breaker in the form of “Bone Gristle”, a track that evokes memories of the Blahzay Blahzay classic “Danger” (of course, without all the anthemic qualities).  DO NOT SLEEP on this mixtape, had it not been for a random Illastrate (Aarophat & Illastrate) “tweet” I would have been left out in the cold on this one as well.  ATL continues to churn out more good, quality Hip Hop with the likes of the aforementioned Clan Destined, Aaro & Illa, Senor Kaos & Boog Brown.  Thinks are looking good for 2010!!

2. “Panic”-Roc Marciano

Taken From: Roc’s solo debut “Marcberg”

Here’s just one more reason (aside from The Left’s “Gas Mask”, sorry…according to Apollo Brown,  ya’ll are gonna’ have to wait til’ the winter of 2010 for that one..) that I’m quite certain that all is gonna’ be well for underground Hip Hop in 2010, Roc Marciano’s long-awaited solo debut “Marcberg”.  Already garnering rave reviews, with some going as far as stating this album is a “game changer”, “Marcberg” takes a page outta’ Raekwon’s “Only Built 4 Cuban Linx” (or even Ghost’s debut, for sake of comparisons), with vivid lyricism and raw (with a particular emphasis on RAW), stripped-down, gritty production (handled by Marc, himself), it’s hard to find anything wrong with “Marcberg” as a whole.

Now, for “Panic”, I have yet to hear anything that quite resembles this track production-wise this year.  Not necessarily something you can categorize (although, oddly enough I do hear some “electronic/Flying Lotus” qualities floating around in there), “Panic” possesses that extra “IT” factor that’s bound to put that extra jerk in your neck.  Couple those addictive factors with Roc’s gravely, “raw-to-the core/raw like reservoir dogs” delivery and this album feels like it was preserved in a time capsule from 1993.  However, for the listener, April 20th can’t arrive soon enough!

3. “You & I Both Know”-Alex B

Taken From: Alex B’s forthcoming LP “Moments” (click for details)

I know, right? How in God’s Earth do I go from Roc Marciano to this? Crazy, that’s just how unpredictable my listening habits have been as of late. I will say this: I’m starting to become more than concerned, am I falling outta’ love with Hip Hop?  Simply because it’s tracks like Alex B’s “You & I Both Know” , Flying Lotus’ leak “Cosmogramma” (see below) and the new Jneiro Jarel EP “Android Love Mayhem” that have been dominating my Ipod and headphones. I mean, admittedly, I’m a production-junkie to the core, but sites like Moovmnt and 92BPM have taken the reigns in terms of surfing habits over that of the HipHopBootleggers and 2Dopeboyz of the blogosphere.  However, it’s hard to deny that tracks such as “You & I Both Know” aren’t the future in production for Hip Hop as it continues to evolve into the more “electronic” and “sonically-infused” focus of beat-crafting.

4. “My Life 2.0″ f. Kes Kaos-U-N-I & Ro. Blvd.

Taken From: U-N-I’s revamped “Love Supreme 2.0″

Syrupy hook and all, I’d be a bold-faced liar if I told you that the original version of “My Life” (featured on U-N-I & Ro. Blvd’s free LP, “Love Supreme”, from 2009) wasn’t one of my most played tracks of last year.  However, this time around the production is just as elegant and breezy as it was on the first trip (with more of an emphasis on live instrumentation on this version, as opposed to the o.g.) , and I’d be hard pressed to say that version 2.0 just may have very well trumped the original. Although, I’m not sure that I can say that the same case can be made for “Love Supreme 2.0″ as a whole, as this album, which also includes 5 new “bonus” tracks, feels more watered-down and “commercial” (rightfully so, this time the goods aren’t “free).  As for a purchase? I’ll leave that up to your imagination and Dart’s “tried and tested” “cop it or not” formula. Yet, one thing is for certain, “My Life” lives on in 2010 with it’s crafty, aimed for the Spring/Summertime remix.

5. “Me Again”“-Dom Kennedy

Taken From: Dom’s mixtape “From The Westside, With Love” (get it HERE, link courtesy of 2DopeBoyz

Some of you may be familiar with L.A.’s Dom Kennedy via his appearances alongside fellow “hipsters as long as you’re a listener” Pac Div. With this 3rd release from Dom he’s sure to blaze a few trails with the impressive free release, “From The Westside, With Love”.  Yet, Dom saves his best for last on this 16-track banger with the “bonus” cut “Me Again”.  Atop a thumping bassline and an airy sample, Dom takes the listener on a trip from “Old To New” with a catchy delivery that reels you in and eagerly keeps you awaiting the next 16 from this overlooked emcee. Other tracks from the mixtape that are just as “bump-worthy” are “Locals Only”, “Home Alone” (one listen to this and all you old-headz like myself, ahem…Trav, will be uttering, “ya’ can’t find, ya’ can’t find me, ya’ can’t..Hit me in the comments section if you catch my drift) and “A Leimart Park Song”.  Be certain to check this out if you haven’t already…

(To DL Tracks Right Click “Save As”)
“Sky Is Falling” f. CL Smooth-Nujabes

“Nuja’ play the flute while your boy get loot now..”-CL Smooth

Rest In Beats Nujabes..nuff said….NOW, “Sky Is Falling” will take on the same significance as Pete & CL’s “T.R.O.Y”, let’s do our best to bring this one back ya’ll!!!!

Excerpt taken from my “Top Tracks of 2007″ List:

“What’s that you say? You wanna’ hear the best non-Pete Rock produced beat that lyrical legend C.L. Smooth ever spit on? Well, thanks to Japanese producer Nujabes you now have it….and what’s up with all these overseas cats putting out better beats than Americans these days? I was introduced to this track by the heads over at the OkayPlayer forums (which I may visit twice a year), which directed me to the link on Nujabes MySpace where I previewed the track. Let me just say this….I damn near fell outta’ my chair when my ears were first blessed with “The Sky Is Falling”! This shit is so beautiful I don’t even know where to begin. While C.L. Smooth needs no introduction whatsoever, Nujabes truly brings the horns on “Sky Is Falling” so much in fact, that Pete Rock has gotta’ be smiling somewhere. It almost makes you wonder what an entire full length collabo from Nujabes and Corey Penn would sound like. The only negative about this track is that at times it does feel as if the music tends to overpower C.L.’s lyrics. Not that it’s that noticeable, I just feel the track could have been engineered a bit tighter. Still, one of my favorite cuts from 07′ that will be in rotation deep into 2008. This one was a treat folks…Enjoy!”

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1. “Moment In Time”-Surreal & DJ Balance

Taken From: Surreal & DJ Balance’s “Future Classic”

Damn yo, talk about SLEEPIN’!!! I can recall seeing Surreal & DJ Balance’s “Future Classic” pop up on it’s fair share of “Year End Lists” back near the finish of 2006.  Yet, it boggles my mind how I overlooked this masterfully constructed LP.

14 tracks of boom-bap brilliance! The title “Future Classic” suggests a lofty goal which Surreal and DJ Balance attained with ease. Some might feel the mark was reached, others may disagree, but we know that by reaching for such a goal – Surreal and DJ Balance put forth their best effort with this release, and the results speak for themselves. What more can you ask for? From the party rocking joints like “Can’t Stop The Bumrush” and “Yeah Boy”, to the introspective jams like the featured cut “Moment in Time” and “Let the Horns Blow”, this record is filled with potential “classics”. It’s a privilege for me to “take in” an album such as “Future Classic”, a positive album void of cusses, gun-brandishing and women bashing, just pure dope, raw Hip Hop. The album features production and appearances from the likes of The Soundproviders, Ohmega Watts, Kero One, Braille, Sivion, MoO (who produced “Moment In Time”), Theory Hazit, Tony Stone and more.
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1 (tie). “The Best” & “The Essence”-Boog Brown

Finally!! Damn, I’ve been waiting on an official MP3 for “The Essence” for nearly 3 months!! If you don’t know, or better yet, haven’t downloaded Boog’s “Grind Season Vol. I” (her mixtape with Illastrate) you need to slap yourself silly.  Not only is “Grind Season” one of (if not, THE) best mixtapes to drop just two short months into 2010, it’s also one of the better albums.  This sh*t only heightens the anticipation for Boog’s forthcoming LP with Apollo Brown as “U.P.S.”

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