Detroit Hip Hop w/ Black Milk & Guilty Simpson Video

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Current TV takes a tour of the Detroit hip-hop scene with Guilty Simpson, Black Milk, and more. Highlights include studio footage, thoughts on the significance of J Dilla, and vinyl shopping with Black Milk at The Record Collector, one of his favorite Detroit record stores.

The Rising Sun Quest- Fire in the Sky

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Connecticut MC, The Rising Sun Quest, has just released his latest album, The Hydrostatic Equilibrium EP, via digital download on iTunes, Amazon, and Bandcamp. Above are the visuals for what seems to be the lead single, Fire in the Sky, as well as a download of the single below.

Download: The Rising Sun Quest- Fire in the Sky 

Bored Stiff- Now More Than Ever Free EP Download

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Not many know about the 12 member Northern Californian collective known as Bored Stiff and I have no idea why. 

Formed in 1992 within the Fillmore, lower Haight Street section of San Francisco, Equipto, White Mic, Mint Rocky, P-Way, Julz, Liel, Priz, Ike, and Jo Jo continue to brew blunted blasts for the Bay Area and the rest of the West Coast.

Recently, the group decided to revive the record label that started it all for them in the early nineties, Solidarity Records, a label used as a platform to release Bored Stiff albums and any affiliated solo projects.

The first release on the newly rebirthed label is the brand new 8-track EP, Now More Than Ever, which is available for a FREE download via their bandcamp website. The EP captures Bored Stiff's classic laid back sound within the first four tracks and finishes strong in the second half with four perfect bay area underground archetypes.

Below, I've provided the re-direct to their free EP, as well as two of my favorite songs from the EP that might entice an instant commitment to the download.

Download Free EP: Bored Stiff- Now More Than Ever
Download: Bored Stiff- Hard Work
Download: Bored Stiff- Rain  

MC Paul Barman- Props + Back On a White Horse

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Paul Barman is unapologetically weird...and I like that.

His new record, Thought Balloon Mushroom Cloud, was released to the world while most of us were gnawing on turkey and testosterone via television this past Thanksgiving. Featuring collaborations with ?uestlove, Michel Gondry, DOOM, Prince Paul, Masta Ace, and Del the Funky Homosapien, Barman continues to belittle other rapper's vocabulary in his modest, playful way, all while maintaining his weird and bouncy flow that made him quite the internet novelty for backpackers around the web.

Below are two tracks that I felt needed some shine off his new record. I felt the production outshined Barman's oddball orations, which is highlighted in these two tracks, but you can be the judge. Thought Balloon Mushroom Cloud is now available on Paul's website via digital download.

Download: MC Paul Barman- Props
Download: MC Paul Barman- Back On a White Horse


Damu the Fudgemunk- Prosper Live Video

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Make sure to peep Damu’s Kilawatt V1 EP, which includes the vocal version of “Prosper” featuring Raw Poetic of Panacea.  Cop the vinyl or download a digital copy.

NoCanDo- Is A Virus Free EP Download

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It's cats like NoCanDo that make any Blowedian booster want to make 43rd and Leimert their home away from home.

Representing the contemporary sector of the legendary West Coast collective, NoCanDo has been earning his stripes over the past half decade by winning various battles (including Scribble Jam 2007), tearing down stages across California, and making sure his music is fed to the famished fans that circle like vultures around freebie hubs on the internet. 

Admittingly, I was not a fan when I first came across the SoCal MC, but as he continues to grow so does my ear for his wit, passion, and creativity; all which shine brightly on his latest free EP, ...Is A Virus.

Be on the look out for his full length solo LP early in 2010.

Download Free EP: NoCanDo- Is A Virus Free

1. It's On Me
2. Good Gravy In The Morning
3. All My Friends
4. Scarz
5. I Quit
6. Payback

LMNO- Too Strong ft. Kev Brown

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Equipped with a mathematical flow that you'll either love or hate, veteran Los Angeles MC, LMNO (Leave My Name Out) returns to wax with his recent collaboration album, Devilish Dandruff with Holy Shampoo, featuring production from French producer, Yann Kesz. The 12-track record, which was put on shelves November 17th, features Kev Brown, Lorett Fleur, and JFK (Grayskul).

While the former Visionaries mainstay stays consistent, it's the lackluster presence of the unknown sound provider that leaves the listener scratching their head as if they needed a squeeze of Head & Shoulders. Yann Kesz drags LMNO into the dirt and soils the vocals so much that no divine Shampoo left in the world could purify the grime.

Despite the lethargic production, there are a claw full of tracks worth your ear. Peep the provisions below, as well as the video for "Never Stop." You can purchase the album via iTunes now.


Download: LMNO & Yann Kesz- Too Strong ft. Kev Brown
Download: LMNO & Yann Kesz- The Brunt




Symmetry & Ryan Lewis- Down

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Other than Shawn Jackson and the upcoming PHIMB project, I had no clue what the state of Rhode Island had to offer the world of hip hop; however, my knowledge of North Eastern rap grew even more after I came across a collaborative record from "Ocean State" MC, Symmetry, and a renowned Emerald City producer, Ryan Lewis.

The self titled album, which was recently released on iTunes, features an electric cauldron bubbling to the brim with bangin' production and infectious tributes to various musical eras spanning from the roaring 30s and 60s/70s rock to the alternative revolution of the early 90s. For most hip hop elitists, the pop-drizzled hooks and sing song bits won't find their way into the backpack, but for those craving something more progressive and fun-- this is for you.

Below, I added not necessarily the best song on the album, but the most accessible to all hip hop preferences, and one that gives the best glimpse of what the record is all about in "Down." I also wanted to show off some older material from Symmetry that I found and enjoyed-- his "Intoxication" video and a track from his 2007 release on Poorly Drawn People Records, Dusty Pickup, called "Idiosyncratic." I think I dig his singing more than his rapping, but you decide...




Mellow Orange- Cool Style ft. Raashan Ahmad

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I haven't quite figured out what or who is behind Mellow Orange (there is absolutely no safe information to report from their myspace/facebook pages, etc.), but I do know that they teamed up with Freddie Joachim's Organology imprint to release the Getaway EP earlier this year. This past week, this unknown collection of music afficianados, who appreciate 'the real' value of music according to their website, are back with a brand new EP full of mellow grooves and dusty jazz featuring Raashan Ahmad, Othello, Braille, Freddie Joachim, and more.

I decided to toss up my favorite single that I felt represented the real that some of us can still appreciate. If you are one of those people, make sure to cop the EP, which is now available on iTunes & CDBaby.


Strange Fruit Project- Sepia Tone (Prod. S1)

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I was real amped to see one of my favorite groups from my home state of Texas return to the limelight. S1, Myth, and Myone are the Strange Fruit Project; a Waco, Texas hip hop trio dedicated to organic hip hop laced with live instrumentation and feel good lyricism. While they are mostly known for their breakout 2006 record, The Healing, which featured Little Brother, Erykah Badu, Bavu Blakes and production from Illmind, Jake One, 9th Wonder, and Vitamin D, SFP obviously has some fuel left in their tank judging by the heat that came from their new free EP, M.A.S.K. (Making Art Sound Cool); a gracious freebie serving as a pre-party to their upcoming LP due out in 2010.

While other websites have already posted this on Tuesday, I wanted to give shine to my favorite track off the EP, Sepia Tone. No need to ask me why I love S1 after hearing this track. Enjoy!


 

Blog Buzz [Nov. 15th- Nov. 22nd]

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BLOG BUZZ
Every week I will toss up a BLOG BUZZ post that contains the dopest independent tracks released on various blogs. Consider this your one-stop blogosphere filtration system where only the good shit survives. You can check back with the post by going to the WRITTENS tab above and selecting BLOG BUZZ.
November 15th- November 22nd


Download: Damu the Fudgemunk- Wonka Beat 1
Notes: Coming at you this December, producer Damu the Fudgemunk will be releasing an EP entitled, Kilawatt V1, a 6 track EP that is comprised of mostly instrumentals, but also features Raw Poetic of Panacea on a few jams.

Download: Open Mike Eagle- Everybody's Birthday
Notes: One of my favorite tracks off The Philaflava Project. 

Download: Buff1, Diz Gibran, & Shawn Jackson- The Best Are Full of Love
Notes: The song was originally recorded by Shawn Jackson for The New Classics Mixtape, but wasn't used. In a recent session, we decided to revive the track with new verses from Buff1 x Diz and release it. The song will be featured on the new Buff1 project, 'It's a 1derful Life' as well as Shawn Jackson's mixtape coming soon.  

Download: Sene- Departure Time 
Notes:In follow up to his recently released LP A Day Late & A Dollar Short with Blu, Brooklyn based Sene partners up with South Florida producer Numonics for “Departure Time”. The duo prepare you for take off with this new track which features a rich orchestral feel and the smooth nature flow that Sene is known for. “Departure Time” is featured on Numonics’ upcoming release Being Cool Doesn’t Pay The Bills which will be mixed by none other than DJ RTC of Ruby Hornet.

In addition to Sene, the album boasts features by Donny Goines, QuESt, Co$$, Butta Verses, Monsters Ink and more. Being Cool Doesn’t Pay The Bills is presented by IM KING and will be released for free in January 2010.

The Grouch- Whatever I Say

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I don't know if you all know yet, but DJ Fresh is dope as fuck. I'm so hyped that The Grouch got him on board for a full record. Here is the first leak from the aforementioned, Three Eyes Off the Time, as well as a trailer for the record above.

The Grouch- Three Eyes Off the Time New Album News

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Those that know the man behind the Buffalo mask already understand who my favorite MC is-- The Grouch. Even though he has grown apart from his darker/introspective material that made me a huge fan, The Grouch continues to burst through the billowy boundaries set by the new generation of artists and to expand the creative lines of hip hop. Here is what he had to say about his new record, Three Eyes Off the Time, which is set to release on December 9th.

On December 8, 2009 I will be releasing my new project entitled, "Three Eyes Off The Time" . This project is me acknowledging what is going on in the world around me, and even though I utilize all the web tools available to me, I refuse to participate at the levels of  foolishness that have become the norm. I think that it's time that people relaize just how powerful we really are.

In today's maniacally fast paced, and highly interconnected world filled with 140 character updates, constant availabilty, and staggering voyeurism it is so easy to become overwhelmed with it all. This winter, I'm urging you to join me as I unplug and reconnect with the physical and spiritual world. I brought along my DJ, DJ Fresh , who is handling the production on the project, be on the look-out for a leaked single soon. Track listing is below.
PRE-ORDER: HERE


1. Intro
2. Daddy's Home ft. Rankin Scroo
3. Whatever I Say
4. I Love This Game
5. The Dangers of Online Dating
6. Make 'Em Think ft. Marty James
7. Allieverwantedwas
8. Weight of The World
9. Dreamin' 
 

Sareem Poems- Rude Awakening Remix ft. Ken Starr & Oddisee

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After a critically acclaimed original release, Long Beach native Sareem Poems is releasing an unusually comprehensive Deluxe Edition of his album Black & Read All Over. The Deluxe Edition will include all fourteen of the original songs along with instrumentals for each track. The album's most unique feature, however, might be its remixes. Sareem chose to remix the album's centerpiece track, "Lower the Boom" not once or twice, but half a dozen times. Each remixed version of "Lower the Boom" was given a different name, and each features a different producer and new guest verses.

"Rude Awakening" is the first of the "Boom" remixes, and features typically fantastic contributions from DMV super-producer and Diamond District emcee Oddisee, as well as lyrical contributions from up-and-coming rapper DMV rapper Kenn Starr.



Intuition- Al Bundy

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Los Angeles MC (by the way of North Pole, Alaska), Intuition, lets loose a track from his upcoming "best of..." mixtape, Girls Are Gonna Like Me, which will be released towards the end of December. You can also find this smash hit off his upcoming solo record, Girls Like Me, due out the 1st quarter of 2010.

Download: Intuition- Al Bundy

ZKPRZ- ZKPRZ Free Album Download

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The Others’, Madwreck (long time producer for Supastition/Kam Moye), Mattic (MC for Wax Tailor) along with Catt Magle (producer for Sonny Cheeba & Phonte) have released a free album called ZKPRZ. There are some really great samples on this record (Phantasmagoria & I'm Not Playin' especially). And in case you haven't already, be sure to peep one of my favorite "unknown" indie albums-- The Others- Past Futuristic. Dope Carolina hip hop.





Whitefield Bros- The Gift ft. Edan & Mr. Lif

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The Whitefield Bros. (formerly known as The Poets Of Rhythm) are a funk/soul/afro-beat group out of Germany that is re-connecting with Stones Throw Records to release their new album, Earthology, their long-awaited follow up to 2001’s In The Raw.


The track features two of my favorite Boston MCs, Edan and Mr. Lif, ripping up the bouncing tuba with their infectious and original flows.
 


Download: Whitefield Bros- The Gift ft. Edan & Mr. Lif


Blog Buzz [Nov. 8th- Nov. 15th]

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BLOG BUZZ
Every week I will toss up a BLOG BUZZ post that contains the dopest independent tracks released on various blogs. Consider this your one-stop blogosphere filtration system where only the good shit survives. You can check back with the post by going to the WRITTENS tab above and selecting BLOG BUZZ.
November 8th- November 15th



Download: Black Thought- The Professional 
Notes: An unreleased Black Thought track that was floating around the interwebz. Probably my favorite MC of all time.

Download: Strange Fruit Project- Crash ft. Thesis 
Notes: SFP returns! The Lonestar rappers are preparing the release of their free EP, M.A.S.K. (Making Art Sound Kool), which drops November 17th.

Download: Slum Village- Dope Man 
Notes: SV's first single off The Villa Manifesto dropping December 8th.

Download: Souls of Mischief- Proper Aim (Prod. Prince Paul) 
Notes: Another leak off of Montezuma’s Revenge, their first album in almost a decade. The album, to be released on December 1st, will be produced by the world renowned, Prince Paul.

Download: Portable Playback- I Should
Notes: One of the good tracks from Soup (Jurassic 5) and Marc7's self titled album under the moniker, Portable Playback. Album is out now.

Download: The Clipse- Door Man
Notes: Banging track from all my hometown hip hop heroes from Virginia, The Clipse and The Neptunes, off The Clipse's upcoming album, Til The Casket Drops, hitting stores December 8th.

Download: Madlib & Guiltly Simpson- The Paper
Notes: Madlib is launching the Madlib Medicine Show, a once-a-month, twelve-CD, six-LP series. The Madlib Medicine Show will be a combination of Madlib's new hip-hop productions, remixes, beat tapes, and jazz, as well as mixtapes of funk, soul, Brazilian, psych, jazz and other undefined forms of music from the Beat Konducta's 4-ton* stack of vinyl.

Madlib Medicine Show No. 1 is Before The Verdict featuring Guilty Simpson, a 17-track album mixing remixes and new material, something of a prelude to Madlib & Guilty Simpson's forthcoming OJ Simpson album.




Kayo- Inner City Bootleg Vol. 1 Free Album Download

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I'm sure all of you purists, backpackers, and boom bap fanatics already know that Europe and Japan are now the hip hop hot spots for Golden Era revival music and production. With a deep admiration for jazz and snap-bap drums, beatsmiths from overseas still embody the nostalgic sound that everyone remembers and cherishes.

Kayo, a relatively unknow French producer, has just released a free remix album that features the type of production I was talking about above. Putting his own spin on tracks from J-Live, Talib Kweli, Kev Brown, Jurassic 5, amongst others; Kayo adds a fresh, yet classic, twist on various hip hop tracks we have loved and bumped before.



1. Kayo - inner city blues part 1
2. Funkdoobiest - hip hop music
3. Wade Waters feat Az - speak on it
4. Blendcrafters feat Mf Doom - melody
5. J-live - brand nu
6. Blake9 and Count Bass D - gamble
7. Talib Kweli feat Dion - more and less
8. Krumb Snatcha - closer to god
9. Kayo - inner city blues part 2
10. The Game feat kanye west - wouldnt get far
11. Boom Bap Project feat Blackalicious - wyle out
12. Kev Brown - work in progress
13. Jurassic 5 - turn it out
14. Talib Kweli - listen
15. Kev Brown - say sumthin
16. Kayo - inner city blues part 3
17. Akrobatik - livinin the city

The Niyat- Us Video

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Khalif aka (Synato Watts), D-ology aka (Dr.Mindbender),and Snap aka (ClayRed) are the The Niyat-- one of the Lonestar state's special secrets that needs to be heard. These visuals are from a song of their mixtape from this year, Raxus Prime, which is still available for a free download here.

Exile Video Interview

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Ignantwitted interview with Exile to talk about his preference for working with unknown MC’s, his goal of bringing the West Coast back, his process of creation, and performing live with the MPC.

MC Paul Barman- The Moon ft. Masta Ace, Del the Funky Homosapien, & C-Rayz Walz

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New track from one of independent hip hop's most fun MCs that we barely ever hear from, MC Paul Barman, featuring an exciting vocal triple scoop from the likes of Masta Ace, Del the Funky Homosapien, and C-Rayz Walz. This track is off of Barman's upcoming solo record, Thought Balloon Mushroom Cloud, which will be released on November 24th. UGSmag with the assist.

Blockhead- Attack the Doctor + Which One of Your Jerks Drank My Arnold Palmer

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Known for his slow build ups, crisp transitions, and cinematic beats, Blockhead is truly one of independent hip hop's most overlooked producers. From his scattered work with Aesop Rock (Appleseed (1999)-  None Shall Pass (2007)) to his two highly touted solo instrumental records, Music by Cavelight and Downtown Science, Blockhead has consistently dropped original hip hop compositions since his unveiling alongside Definitive Jux's outlandish orator.

Last week, like his three instrumental solo albums before, Blockhead released his new production record via Ninja Tune Records entitled, The Music Scene. Unlike Uncle Tony's Coloring Book, his solo album released in 2007, The Music Scene goes back to the Blockhead we all know and love-- methodical, brooding beats anchored with surprising transitions that will bring smiles to avid music fans faces.

Below are two tracks from the new album, which is available via digital download now and will be released in physical CD & vinyl form early in 2010.

Blame One- Danger + Mr. Science

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Is it just me, or does Blame One get better with age?

Blame is back and good news! He isn't barkin' from his chair at the retirement home. Instead, Blame One has let loose two new tracks from his upcoming mixtape, Leaks and Gemz, which will be available to the public in a couple of months. Also, as reported by PHIMB, Blame is teaming up with DJ Babu of the Beat Junkies to drop a collaborative LP some time in 2010. 

Download: Blame One- Mr. Science

Blog Buzz [Nov. 1st- Nov. 8th]

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BLOG BUZZ
Every week I will toss up a BLOG BUZZ post that contains the dopest independent tracks released on various blogs. Consider this your one-stop blogosphere filtration system where only the good shit survives. You can check back with the post by going to the WRITTENS tab above and selecting BLOG BUZZ.
November 1st- November 8th



Download: Reks- Hennesy 
Notes: Playful track from the Boston MC off of his upcoming collaboration mixtape with Green Lantern & Statik Selektah entitled, Between the Lines.

Download: Buff1- When the Winter Comes (Prod. Damu the Fudgemunk)
Notes: Buff1 teams up with one of my favorite producers from the DMV, Damu the Fudgemunk, on a track off his upcoming mixtape, ‘It’s a 1derful Life’ (dropping Dec. 2).

Download: DJ KO- 80's Babies ft. East & Silent Knight
Notes: Latest single off DJ KO's upcoming Living Out A State of Mind v.1 EP, dropping next week (11/10)

Download: Cunninglynguists- Imperial ft. Freddie Gibbs 
Notes: Another internet leak off of Strange Journey Vol. 2 featuring Gary, Indiana's own, Freddie Gibbs.

 

Midnight Specialists- The All Nighter Free Album Download

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Shout outs and apologies to taeOne. I totally forgot to post this! But, if you are a fan of brooding, borderline creepy production, tae absolutely killed this record with The Master. I'll let his words set the mood for you below:

"The Midnight Specialists consist of MC extraordinaire, the Master, and beat-smith taeOne. Their debut album, The All Nighter, is a brooding and cautionary tale of modern urban life in New York City. The Master provides personal insights and lyrical dexterity rarely seen in todays hip hop. taeOne’s soundscapes range from classic east coast boom bap to drum and bass.  The combination results in a display of a plethora of styles that manifests itself in the form of a struggle between cynical disdain and undying faith, dripping with chest-vibrating bass and wielding an edge of paranoia. Their style is rooted in the classic New York rap sound, with Boot Camp Click and Organized Konfusion being central influences. 

They begin the album with a scary and off putting rant from comedic legend George Carlin recorded shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. This sense of dread is a central element of the album and provides the Midnight Specialists with the fury needed to make a classic New York City hip hop album."



Intro
The First Hit (dusk)
Get Busy
Who It Is
The All Nighter
Mushmouth
I’m Doin It (produced by The Master)
What Do We Have Here
Dutches and Phillies Remix (feat. Reef The Lost Cauze, Lex, Amen)
The Ills
Look! It’s Shadow (produced by Suede Jury)
Anabolic
Six Feet Deep part II
The Ride Home (dawn)




Ohmega Watts Video Interview

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If you all aren't up on producer/MC Ohmega Watts yet, do yourself a favor and check out his 2005 record, The Find.
Grounded TV interviews Ohmega Watts as he discusses his production workflow and his unique blend of live and electronic instruments. Ohmega also goes further into his philosophy about artistic personal responsibility and the influence of new technology, information sharing, and the current saturation of music.
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