Bloggerhouse Hip Hop

Now this is a pretty interested take on how to move a record, hmmm. Read below for more details:

From the Depths of Sir Dzl’s Funk lab come the latest Journal entries of Funk! An Ill blend of his traditional funk, battle raps and the Futuristics of Deltron zero! You Pick the Price! This is Del’s 2nd Pick your Price Album. Due to the continued success of Automatik Statik We decided to continue this method. Here are the levels:
Read more…

“No Need For Alarm”-DEL (1993, Elektra)

Purchase “No Need For Alarm” HERE

Nearly departing from the P-Funk influence that he showcased on his debut LP, “I Wish My Brother George Was Here”, Del resorted to a harder, boom-bap sound on his sophomore LP, “No Need For Alarm.  Much of the same could also be heard on brethren Souls of Mischief  debut LP.  Needing no production assistance from Ice Cube or Del (who handled many of the beats for Del’s debut), Del handled biz with help from other “in house” producers from Hiero to handle the production, possibly venturing away from the synth sounds that where now closely associated with Dr. Dre, Above The Law and Co.

“No Need For Alarm” will go down as one of the more defining moments of Del’s recording career.  Del’s sound has drastically changed (or to some, progressed) on nearly every album since his debut, seemingly without looking back.  Hell when listening to Del’s “The 11th Hour” one could tend to forget that this dude can truly spit with some of the best. The way Del effortlessly connects one rhyme with the next is done is extremely dope, if not innovative.  Del was much more edgy on “No Need For Alarm”, yet he still delivered the “down to earth” rhymes that were a direct correlation of his debut.  On “Unicorn” Del alters his voice and unveils his 16 year-old alter ego that is easily mistaken as just another random Hiero affiliate,  just one the little weird, quirky, clever sides of Del that makes him so darn unique.

The production on this LP is heavy, displaying a true “Hiero” sound which is in the mid-’90s was defined as dark beats and hard ass bass lines.  It’s arguable that the production found on this album are a step above S.O.M’s “93 til Infinity”, hell they both could have released together as a double album for all that I cared, the albums share much of the same overall feel.   Needless to say, this is one of my favorite Hiero moments and a definite must add to your Golden Era library.

“Sneeke Muthafuckaz”-Hoodratz (1993, Sony)

Purchase “Sneeke..” HERE

Hoodratz’ “Sneeke Muthafuckaz” just reeks of that signature “middle-tier” boom-bap, rugged, hardcore sound. With beats comparable to those that could be heard on albums from the likes Pete Rock, Erick Sermon and even D.I.T.C, if you’re pushing the envelope.  The emcees went by the monikers of Dingbat and Doh-Doh, and if the name of the group wasn’t wack enough, this didn’t really enhance album says by any stretch of the imagination.  Neither of the emcees had much to offer, other than gritty, forceful deliveries, and the usual “hardcore” content, think a lite, bootleg version of Onyx with less lyrical talent.  However, on the same token, I can’t front some of these beats.  The production on this album really bangs even if this isn’t the most original album ever released.  And to be quite honest, the lead single from the album, “Bootlegga” did have anthemic qualities.  Kinda’ funny that a track in 1993 based on bootlegging had semi-success, I wonder what Hoodratz would have to say about bootlegging in 2010?  A decent effort that I would only recommend to hardcore East Coast heads, the production aspect of the LP is well worth checking for, if you can overlook the sub-par deliveries and lyrical content.

“What Is A Rumpletilskin?”-Rumpletilskinz (1993, RCA)

Looking back on fellow L.O.N.S’ pals Rumptilskinz‘ debut “What Is A Rumpletilzkin?”, it’s hard to believe that this album was actually released before L.O.N.S’ sophomore effort “T.I.M.E”. The reason I make the mention is simply because if you listen to “What Is A Rumpletilskin” and follow it up with “T.I.M.E.” you’ll be able to hear the obvious similarities and one would even go as far as to say that L.O.N.S’ may have patterned the overall feel of “T. I.M.E” after the sound of “What Is….”. Maybe not so much lyrically, but you will absolutely be able to hear the production similarities. Now, I may be off my rocker here and I’m too lazy to surf the net’ but I’m almost sure that this is the case as far as the Tilskinz‘ prior release. Yeah, it had to be because I picked this album up the night before I left for a week at Pittsburgh University for Basketball camp between my Junior & Senior year in High School. Oh, getting off the subject here a bit and also tooting my own horn at the same time…let me say that the highlight of my visit for the week long camp was being able to have open runs with members of Pitt’s squad at he time and being a 6′4″ junior throwing down an “and-1″ alley-oop over then Pitt big man Darren Morninigstar (who went about 7 Feet). I think dude actually played a bit for the Celtics then got released (rightfully so). Oh well…enough of my 10 seconds of fame.

After appearing on Leaders’ “Sound Of The Zeekers” the Rumpletilskinz displayed much promise, but one could easily group them amongst the likes of The “aforementioned” Hoodratz and Onyx whom all shared similar lyrical styles (insert De La Soul vocal “those HARDCORE acts!!!”). Needless, to say this was the group’s “one shining moment” as they would fall off the face of Hip Hop shortly after this release. I honestly don’t remember any cut making any significant noise, and the album was slightly above average with no real stand out track. The highlight of the album would have to be it’s bass-heavy production handled almost primarily by member R.P.M. Still, don’t pass this one up as it is a pretty nice piece of nostalgia if you where any where near the L.O.N.S. fan that I was…

“Straight Up Sewaside”-Das Efx (1993, Elektra)

Purchase “Straight Up..” HERE

Alright ya’ll, I can’t even front and I’d be willing to bet that you shared the same sentiments as me when you first heard Das Efx‘ “Straight Up Sewaside” the follow-up to their monumental debut “Dead Serious”. This is how bad it was at the time, I picked this album up along with Queen Latifah’s “Black Reign” (which still remains my favorite album from a female emcee…at least until Jean Grae drops something new) on what was probably one of my 30 or so “skip” days during my Senior year. It took months for this album to truly get any play, partly due to the fact that I loved “Black Reign” so much pushing “Straight Up….” to the wasteside. I was disappointed to say the least, “Straight Up Sewaside” may have had 10 plays the first year of it’s release and I really didn’t get into this album until the early 2000’s. Now, I’ve come to the realization that this was another quality Solid Scheme production filled with entertaining, lyrics from VA’s own Drayz & Scoob. The problem has been stated many times over the course of the years that on “Straight Up Sewaside” Das Efx were truly “victims of their own style”.

Say what you want, but even your favorite emcee has stolen a page our two from the originators of the “stiggedy, stiggedy style” (Common, Treach & Ice Cube being a few that instantly come to mind). If you had to pick one word that would convey the overall feeling of this album it would be “tentative”. Why “tentative”?? Quite simply, you can hear both Drayz & Scoob holding back on this album a bit, not wanting to continue on with what made them such a huge success and so recognizable. Not to say that the album still didn’t rank amongst the top 15-20 releases of 1993, but like I said….we just expected more. Still, “Straight Up Sewaside” is loaded with bangers, the uptempo “ruckus bringer” “Check It Out” always being my favorite. Also, “Gimme Dat Microphone” has the sound and tempo of “Dead Serious”….so much that one would assume that it may have been left on the cutting room floor while assembling the final track list for their debut. If Das‘ 3rd disc “Hold It Down” would have been trimmed down to say…11 or 12 tracks it would have definitely found itself in my “Top 100″ and would definitely have surpassed their sophomore effort. In all fairness, it would have been tough to match their debut in terms of cohesiveness and originality. Nonetheless, a great effort from two originators in the rap game whose debut will never be forgotten.

“Look Ma’ Duke, No Hands”-Mad Kap (1993, RCA)

Purchase “Look Ma’..” HERE

What I most ironic about Cali in 1993, is that 100 percent of the underground most resembled New York.   You know just another one of those albums that’s influenced by Tribe’s “Low End Theory” and “Mecca & The Soul Brother”.  Boasting  the usual jazz-rap beats, face slapping drum kicks and the much needed horns and bass, the only difference with Mad Kap is that one of these guys actually played the trumpet live.  With Mad Kap’s debut there was nothing so awe-inspiring and unfortunately the rappers on this album fell into the same old problem that most ’93 albums have done.  The emceeing leaves much to be desired, it isn’t listenable but there’s nothing that truly captivates the listener.

On the bright-side, DJ Broadway delivered as slew of dope beats and it is his input that is the primary reason why you should be checking out this album, but I can’t really recommend it with high priority there are just too many albums that sound JUST like this one.

1  1

1. “Thing For Your Girlfriend”-Royce Da 5′ 9″ f. K Young

With each passing listen, “Street Hop” starts to sound better to me.  When the album first dropped…well, needless to say, I wasn’t all that impressed.  However, I’ve been making quite a few 3-hour treks to the opposite side of the state on a weekly basis for the last month or so and I must say this is one of those rare cases where an album sounds better in the ride than in the headphones.  Honestly, there’s no way in hell that I should even remotely like “Thing For Your Girlfriend”.  Even worse, I think that I bypassed the whole track the first time that I listened to “Street Hop”, being that the first minute or so is a “promo” of sorts for “Hoe Jack” (listen, you’ll see).  Also, I can see where you can start to wonder if this is a K Young track as you tend to stay on the edge of your seat anticipating a few venomous bars from the Nickel Nine only to hear the continuous crooning.  Oddly enough, I enjoy it, call me crazy but this is my 2009 “Fu*king You Tonight” , of course, you should already know what I’m referring to when I speak of the original.

If you’re searching for the lyrical Royce we all know and love, keep searching.  Of course there are plenty of notable one-liners and metaphors sprinkled throughout “Thing For Your Girlfriend”, but it’s the Denaun Porter production that will really have your neck-snappin’ and your feet tappin’. I may lose a few readers for this selection, but fu*k it..why front?

2. “Lost One”-Danny!

Yes sa’, Dart and I have been raving about Danny! for quite sometime now (nearly two years). While other nameless “bloggers” continue to write this cat off as another Kanye offspring, “Where’s Danny?” will do nothing but make those same dudes look like complete imbeciles.  Sampling, you guessed it, Lauryn Hill’s classic “Lost Ones”, Danny delivers an honest offering that features his own one-of-a-kind, irresistible yet quirky production.  Since Dart beat me to the punch with my favorite track from the album, the Von Pea-assisted “Hoedown Showdown”, I had to settle for the second best thing.  I don’t wanna’ break down “Where’s Danny?” in it’s entirety for you just yet, as this album has stayed on repeat.  I’m sure you’ll be hearing and reading plenty more from this album in just a few days.  Also, peep Dart’s write-up as Danny! also made his list as one of the most anticipated artists to drop material in the forthcoming year.

3. “Someday”-Crown Nation

Yes, the random tweet that you see above is from some  jackass, namely me, who upon previewing Crown Nation’s (Denmark Vessey & Quelle) forthcoming LP, “Slutbag Edition” wasn’t too awestruck.  You see, the problem (not really) that occurred last night, was that I bumped “Slutbag…” after three consecutive listens to Danny’s “Where Is Danny!”, and damnit that album is REALLY good.  However, not quite up to snuff with the new Danny?, Crown Nation still has got some sh*t for datazz (c) GangStarr.  No need to keep rambling, peep Crown Nation listed as Dart’s number one act to look out for in 2010 HERE.  Sh*t, I even “Dart Adam’sd” (see the new XXL “Top 100″ list to get the gist of that one..) Crown Nation’s moniker in the tweet, but don’t sleep on this duo, Dart really hipped us to some sh*t with these cats!  The “D”(etroit) strikes once again, when is that talent pool gonna’ dry up?

4. “Before This”-Del & Tame One

Whomever linked up the Artifacts’ Tame One and S.O.M. (Souls Of Mischief, dummy) alum Del needs to get a pat on the back.  You would think, with both artists emerging from opposite ends of the country that their collaborative LP, “Parallel-Uni Verses” (ahh, you liked that build-up, huh?) just might not work….wrong!!  This LP is surprisingly, well…not really, GOOD!  Could you even imagine the amount of acid tabs that where digested throughout the recording sessions for this album?  I gotta’ give it to be Del and Tame, both of these cats have remained relevant for nearly a decade and a half, with neither experiencing much of a decline lyrically.

Produced by Parallel Thought (as is the whole album), “Before This” features a  breezy yet somewhat elegant backdrop that finds Del and Tame giving all you new jacks a quick rundown of their respective histories.  If you haven’t peeped the album just yet, don’t make the assumption that Tame and Del haven’t “adjusted” to Hip Hop’s ever-changing landscape.  Like Primo said “underground hip hop acts are like roaches, always livin’, never dyin”.

5. “2013″-Mr. SOS

Anyone remotely familiar with Cunninlynguists’ “Southernunderground”, should be well acquainted with Mr. SOS’s lyrical prowess.  After parting ways with the crew, and after dropping two solo mixtapes and an EP, Mr. SOS offered up a full length album the lengthy-titled, “How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” which was released in June, yet I never heard anything about the release prior to last week.

By opening the album with talk of the end of the world, Mr. SOS provides a somewhat nerve-racking look into what the future holds. Wasting no time after doomsday, the second track, “2013″, featuring production from Ricky Raw, opens with SOS repeatedly chanting “start it over again” over a soothing keyboard loop prior to talk of the earth’s demise.  With suggestions that SOS sees the world’s finale arriving sooner than later.

1  1

A FREE Del album?! Yeah, it’s free alright. Crazy talk you would think, but no, it’s legit and everything. I’ll admit, I was somewhat disappointed with Del’s 11th Hour release from last year, but for free (and conscious free) I’ll welcome the man who brought me “I Wish My Brother George Was Here”, and “No Need For Alarm” with open arms. So no, I haven’t heard this yet, but here it is in all its glits and glamor…..

http://delthefunkyhomosapien.bandcamp.com/

Press Release…..

Less than a year after the release of his last album, Hieroglyphics member and co-founder Del the Funky Homosapien joins the ranks of Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails with the free release of his new album, Funk Man: The Stimulus Package via Funnyman Entertainment. Del is currently on a nationwide promotional tour for the album and will be playing in over 30 cities.

As an early adapter of technology and having the status and perspective only a veteran can possess, Del takes advantage of his unique position to adopt a still experimental distribution strategy with Funk Man’s release. Even with longevity, very few artists can hope to successfully launch a free full-length album. However with Del the Funky Homosapien’s solid fan base and sponsorship deals with Arnette, Skull Candy, Osiris Shoes, and Bandcamp.com, Funk Man’s release not only ensures support for the creative process, but also gives fans easy access to music they crave.

With a six year hiatus between Del’s prior two solo releases, fans and critics may be surprised by the release of Funk Man: The Stimulus Package, which is out only a year following Eleventh Hour (Def Jux/Hieroglyphics). Del attributes this timing as a reflection of his life. Having shed the negativity that plagued him in past years, he feels a sense of renewal, which has resulted in newfound creativity. Additionally, after working consistently with record labels in his previous projects, Del is reenergized by his ability to produce music independently.

Being without a record label shouldn’t be cause for alarm because Del, known for his intricate, honest, and humorous word-play, funky beats and artistic versatility, continues to deliver his signature style on Funk Man: The Stimulus Package. The high-energy album is comprised of raw lyrics, driving rhythms, and Del’s undeniable funkiness. Throughout Funk Man, Del challenges the listener to be genuine, especially when he says, “it’s okay to be who you are. You can be free. So what if people are taking about you, they’re going to be talking about you anyway and they probably want to be you. They wish they could by funky, let their hair grow out, be like you.” Del shows his commitment to this message and the funk in each track, from “Get It Right Now’s” sense of urgency, to “And They Thought That Was Hell’s” pop culture warning, and “Straight From the Big Bad West Coast’s” historical breakdown.

Funk Man: The Stimulus Package marks Del the Funky Homosapien’s 14th project as he has been in this hip-hop game for almost two decades. Starting at the tender age of 17 as protégé to his cousin, Ice Cube, Del quickly rose to the top of the underground hip hop scene with his albums, I Wish My Brother George Was Here (1991) and No Need for Alarm (1993), both released through Elektra Records. Soon after parting ways with the label, Del joined the Hieroglyphics family, comprised of notable emcees Pep Love, the Souls of Mischief, Casual, and Domino. In 1998 the critically acclaimed album 3rd Eye Vision was the first to be released under the Hieroglyphics Imperium label and since then Del has had consistent success with his solo and joint efforts, including Deltron 3030 (2000), Gorillaz (2001), Full Circle (2003), and Eleventh Hour (2008) to name a few.

As a witness to the destructive technology, i.e. video games, that replaced the comic book industry thirty years ago and seeing the same trends within the music industry today, Del has taken a proactive approach with Funk Man, in his reluctance to rely on standard distribution models. Funk Man: The Stimulus Package is Del’s journey back to basics and the timely message coupled with the LP’s free release display’s his acute awareness of his fan’s needs and the music industry at large.

Tour Dates:
Wed-Apr-08 San Luis Obispo, CA SLO Brew
Thu-Apr-09 Pomona, CA Glass House
Fri-Apr-10 San Diego, CA Canes
Sat-Apr-11 Phoenix, AZ Marquee
Sun-Apr-12 Tucson, AZ Club Congress (Early Show)
Mon-Apr-13 Flagstaff, AZ Green Room
Tue-Apr-14 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theater
Thu-Apr-16 San Antonio, TX Warehouse Live
Fri-Apr-17 Dallas, TX Granada
Sat-Apr-18 Austin, TX Emo’s Outside
Mon-Apr-20 Baton Rouge, LA Spanish Moon
Wed-Apr-22 Athens, GA Georgia Theater Fri-Apr-24 Raleigh, NC
Lincoln Theater Sat-Apr-25 Poultney, VT Green Mountain College
Sun-Apr-26 Burlington, VT Higher Ground
Tue-Apr-28 Boston, MA Middle East
Wed-Apr-29 New York, NY BB Kings
Thu-Apr-30 Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock
Sun-May-03 Philadelphia, PA First Utilitarian Church
Tue-May-05 Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig
Wed-May-06 Columbus, OH Skullys (Late Show)
Thu-May-07 Lexington, KY Dame
Fri-May-08 Chicago, IL Reggies
Sat-May-09 Madison, WI High Noon
Mon-May-11 Columbia, MO Blue Note
Tue-May-12 Omaha, NE Slowdown
Thu-May-14 Boulder, CO Fox Theatre
Fri-May-15 Denver, CO Bluebird
Sat-May-16 Colorado Springs, CO Black Sheep
Mon-May-18 Salt Lake City, UT Urban Lounge

1  1

My man Jason Gloss runs the best hip hop related forums on this here world wide internet. Hands down. I’m far from a big message board junkie, but if I do feel like wasting some time, having a laugh, or hearing something new, Philaflava.com is always the first place I go and one of maybe only three or four message boards I check out on a somewhat regular basis.

Gloss and company have also started up what is now one of the best golden age hip hop blogs going on the net in the T.R.O.Y. blog. Several times I’ve secretly cursed them under my breath for beating me to the punch on an idea or the such. But I have to admit, I’ve gotten a shit load of music from them and the T.R.O.Y. forum that can be found on the Philaflava site, so it’s all love in my books.

They also have a new blog, Steady Bloggin’ which is going to focus on the newer aspects of the hip hop nation. Here is their business manifesto

This week marks the official launch of Philaflava.com‘s Steady Bloggin’. Last October we brought you our T.R.O.Y. blog and in less than 7 months we’ve become one of the most respected blogs covering the Golden Era of hip-hop. Steady Bloggin’ will focus on current music that will range from hip-hop, jazz, funk, soul as well as film and books.

The man Gloss was nicest enough to hook up with his own list of slept on collabos, so wake the fuck up and check it out…….

5. Erick Sermon – The Ill Shit feat. Kam & Ice Cube

This completely unexpected collabo not only sported the dope Cube sample hook (Da Lynch Mob – Guerillas In Da Mist) but the man himself along with cousin Kam. P.E. might have burned Hollywood with Cube first, but this is a gem that most are either are clueless about or simply forgot. Either way get hip and listen to this shit now!

4. Real Live – The Turnaround feat. Tragedy & Capone

This only dropped on vinyl to my knowledge due to sample clearances but its remains one of my favorite remixes from the mid-90′s. Tragedy was at his peak during this time.

3. Del The Funkee Homosapien - The Undisputed Champs feat. Q-Tip
& Pep Love
Not so obscure but what makes this collabo so great is that Pep Love merked both Tip and Del on this. Who ever thought that then an unknown cat named Pep Love would be the show stealer?

2. Diamond D – You Can’t Front (Shit Is Real) feat. Lord Finesse & Sadat X
This is one of the best collabos of all time. Another vinyl only release that can now be found snap, crackle and pop-free on Buckwild double disc “Diggin In The Crates.”

1.Kool G. Rap & DJ Polo – 2 To The Head feat. Ice Cube, Scarface & Bushwick Bill
I wanna say something witty like if you don’t know about this you’re gay because that’s how I truly feel, well I guess I just did say it. Hands down the most obscure collabo to ever feature 3 top 10 emcees of all-time.