Blog Buzz [January 24th-31st]

BLOG BUZZ

Blog Buzz '10 continues. In case you have missed the earlier Blog Buzz installments, it's basically where I post my favorite independent hip hop tracks that were posted around the blogosphere over the week (that I didn't post myself). Think of it as the Brita of blogs. Below are some of the hottest tracks to be released this past week:

January 24th- January 31st

Download: Erik L & Illingsworth- Time Kills ft. Sene
Notes: Off of Erik L & Illingsworth's upcoming collaboration record, Northern Connection, featuring artists from both Sweden and America. Make sure to check out Erik L's back catalog if you haven't already, it's about time the bloggers caught up.

Download: Basic Vocab- What They Want
Notes: Another leak off the upcoming April release, A Better Way.

Download: P.SO- Incredible (Soundmen Remix) ft. Homeboy Sandman, 8thw1, and Fresh Daily
Notes: The artist formerly known as Picasso drops the first leak from his upcoming Moontones record, which will drop February 24th.

Download: Taiyamo Denku - Lightbulb (feat. Mainflow)
Notes: One of my favorite tracks off of Taiyamo Denku's 2010 release, Articles of Mind. The MC has a real interesting voice. A free release came with the album called, Lost Thoughts, if you want to find that to get a taste.

REL!G!ON - Lucid (Feat. Moka Only & E.D.G.E.) [Video]

Canadian producer, REL!G!ON, is currently working with NY Oil on his next solo LP, but in the mean time the Maple Leaf loop master has just released his debut compilation LP, Revelationz I, featuring artists such as: Planet Asia, Donny Goines, Chuck D, Ny Oil, J. Pinder, Jasiri X, E.d.ge., Shyheim, Lah Tere, Christian Tessier, Jenson Vaughan, Theory, Rhymists, Knolij, Emotionz, Moka Only and Heatwave. 

While you stream/buy the album on iTunes, peep the lead single/video above.

Dom Kennedy- Menace Beach [Video]

One of my favorite tracks off of Dom Kennedy's 2009 release, FutureStreet/DrugSounds, gets visuals! I think it's great to see an artist continue to push a release until it's completely done. A lot of artists give up on projects and move onto the next too soon, in my opinion.

Dom Kennedy is the only "blog sensation" I know that has organic swag too. Video was directed by Sendeu Flippin & JasonMadison.com.

The Shelltoes- I Was Told There Would Be Refreshments [Free EP Download]

The Shelltoes are an Australian Nu-Jazz duo composed of producer/DJ, Glen Coates, and sultry siren, Kyla Sexton. Wrapping frozen hip hop drums in an electric blanket of bubbling jazz, The Shelltoes' latest EP, I Was Told There Would Be Refreshments, is 2010's most pleasant surprise so far. Sexton's smooth croons will coax your eyes to close and feel the true electric emotion of Coates' jazz sodden samples and subtle hip hop homages.

Below is a short but sweet musical companion to the quite minutes before sleep invades your cortex, or the hours of late night pen on paper intercourse before class in the morning.

Download: The Shelltoes- I Was Told There Would Be Refreshments
Stream EP & visit The Shelltoes here

1. Porgy

2. I Miss You

3. Wishful Thinking

4. Nothing But Your Love

5. Requiem

Fashawn Interview [Video]

Fashawn sits down with the LA Leakers to talk about his upcoming mixtape re-working Nas' classic, Illmatic, influences, working with Alchemist, and more.

Dumbfoundead- Jam Session 2.0 [Video]

A few days old, but I figured this needed to be seen. An amazing virtual jam session with Swim Team MC Dumbfoundead and seven other musicians from around the world. It is incredible what you can do via the internet nowadays.

Directed & Produced by: Kevin Lee and Brian Lee
http://www.twitter.com/cainmosni

Emcee: Dumbfoundead
http://www.youtube.com/dumbfoundead
http://www.twitter.com/dumbfoundead

Singer: Esna Yoon
http://www.youtube.com/esnathesinger

Emcee: Herbal T (Portugese/Spanish/English)
http://www.youtube.com/waxandherbalt
http://www.twitter.com/herbaltisgreat

MPC (Drum Machine): CAV3
http://www.myspace.com/CAV3MUSIC
http://www.twitter.com/CAV3
"GHOST PHUNK" at http://CAV3.bandcamp.com

Guitar: Tio
http://www.myspace.com/tioproductions
http://twitter.com/tiomusic

Scratches: DJ Zo
http://twitter.com/zomanno
http://www.myspace.com/zomanno

Piano: Lukas (YoungPianoTV)
http://www.youtube.com/YoungPianoTV
twitter.com/ThisIzLukas

Bass: Chris Hong
http://www.myspace.com/hangukhellking

Inside Statik Selektah's Studio with RADIx [Video]

MCs Quite Nyce and Seek (RADIx) are in the studio as I type, working on their follow up album to their underrated 2006 release, The Staple. In one of their studio sessions with rising beat builder, Statik Selektah, the cameras started rolling to give us an inside peek on Statik burning a beat from scratch on his track from the RADIx record, The Return.

More info on RADIx and Quite Nyce coming soon. Stay tuned.

Nocando- Two Track Mind ft. Busdriver [Free Mp3 Download]

Alpha Pup fires up one of my favorite sites for file hosting/sharing music with the latest single from Nocando's upcoming solo record, Jimmy the Lock, featuring oddball orator, Busdriver. Jimmy the Lock will be available on iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, Bleep, Boomkat, Rhapsody & more starting tomorrow (Tuesday, January 26th).


Nocando: Two Track Mind (feat. Busdriver) by ALPHA PUP

Click the DOWN ARROW for the free download.

Rob Viktum- Exhibit C Remix ft. Jay Electronica [Free Mp3 Download]

One of my favorite new producers from Dallas, Texas, Rob Viktum, has decided there has been enough VOCAL freestyles and remixes, so he snatched Jay Elec's eclectic flux and put his own instrumental twist on 2009's most hyped record. I dig it! Viktum's latest album, Progress 2, is now available to purchase at the MegaRoyalRecords store.

Download: Rob Viktum- Exhibit C Remix ft. Jay Electronica

Hugh Augustine & O*S*Y*M- Maybe Tomorrow [Free Mp3 Download]

I never meant this to be a Los Angeles cheerleading blog, but what can you do when the area is killin' the blogosphere lately?

Here is a bangin' bullet from Los Angeles artists, Hugh Augustine and O*S*Y*M off their latest free album, OSYMAusgustine EP, which is available to download if you click right here. Their single "Maybe Tomorrow" touches on one of my favorite sounds related to the hip hop genre: blunted boom bap. Bob your neck below.

Download: Hugh Augustine & O*S*Y*M- Maybe Tomorrow

DTMD- The Basics EP [Free EP Download]

I think anyone with two ears and a drop of common sense know that hip hop isn't dead; and as we swerve into a new decade of music, I truly believe we are heading into one of the most legendary years of millennium hip hop thus far.

My love for the new generation of MCs and producers began to bloom when I stopped trying to listen to every new schmuck with a microphone and a laptop, and instead, focused on what was coming out in certain geographical areas. Detroit, Los Angeles, and the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) are those fledgling spots on the map that I never take my ear off of. After a unbeatable 2009 showing from each community, why you aren't focused on them too?

To end another solid week of 2010 hip hop I give to you yet another vintage and virulent showing from the DMV with The Basics EP from beatsmith, Dunc, and PG County MC, Toine, also known as DTMD (Dunc Toine Makin' Dollas).

You might know Dunc from his contributions to the 2009 Album of the Year candidate from fellow DMVers Diamond District and their album In The Ruff. Much like the neck noddin' track, "Shining," Dunc laces the EP with smooth samples and plump production that accompanies Toine's terminology perfectly.

Below is the free EP download, as well as a sample track so you can peep what you are getting into before you commit to a download. Trust me. Stick with Detroit, LA, and the DMV. They hardly ever disappoint.

Download: DTMD- Champion ft. Tier Zero
Download: DTMD- The Basics EP

BLEE- Bridge ft. Lightheaded + U Think U Slick ft. Substantial [Mp3 Download]

Brian Lee (BLEE) is a South Korea born, Ontario, Canada bred hip hop producer/keyboardist ready to make an impact. In 2009 he did just that, releasing his debut producer compilation LP, Solution, featuring some of independent hip hop's most celebrated acts in: Substantial, Lightheaded (Othello & Braille [No Ohmega Watts]), Main Flow, Supastition, and more. With a raw, jazz induced sound that's reminiscent of the movement that flourishes throughout Europe and Japan, BLEE paints a vintage, yet vibrant picture that all true school fans will enjoy.

Below are two of my favorite tracks from the 2009 release, which you can purchase from BLEE himself by using this following link.

Download: BLEE- Bridge ft. Lightheaded
Download: BLEE- U Think U Slick ft. Substantial

Blog Buzz [January 17th-24th]

BLOG BUZZ

Blog Buzz '10 continues. In case you have missed the earlier Blog Buzz installments, it's basically where I post my favorite independent hip hop tracks that were posted around the blogosphere over the week (that I didn't post myself). Think of it as the Brita of blogs. Below are some of the hottest tracks to be released this past week:

January 17th- January 24th

Download: JoJo Pellegrino- Dead Serious ft. Raekwon
Notes: Lyrical smyrical white battle-esque rap with a Wu-Tang feature your guilty pleasure too?

Download: Kurupt & Terrace Martin- Murder Fitness 
Notes: Really looking forward to their record, especially considering this track is a "leftover" and not an actual album cut. Yowzaz. Doesn't Kurupt sound like a Royce 59 doppleganger on this, though?

Download: Bun B- Best in the World (OG Mix) (Prod. Statik Selektah)
Notes: A Bun B Mixtape & Statik Selektah album coming soon.

Download: Makeshift- Exhibit M
Notes: San Diego MC wears out the overdone instrumental.

Download: AZ- Exhibit AZ
Notes: AZ goes the original route and goes over the Just Blaze/Jay Elec beat.

Check Back Next Week for Another Edition of
Blog Buzz...

Oddisee- Odd Winter [Free Album Download]

Oddisee continues his season themed series with the WINTER edition, which will fit the feeling, smell, and whimsy of the frigid season. This is the first glimpse into another big year from the DMV super producer, as he readies his collaboration record with Detroit rapper, Finale, as well as his instrumental album, Travellin' Man.

Download: Oddisee- Odd Winter

01 Ci’iy Life Feat. Tranqill
02 Frostbit
03 Winds From The North
04 Black Broadway Feat. X.O
05 Brain Wash Remix Instr.
06 Riiight Feat. Stik Figa
07 Carry On instr.
08 The Warm Up Feat. Homeboy Sandman
09 Queue With No Coat
10 60901 Instr.
11 All Because She’s Gone Instr.
12 It’s Over Feat. Tranqill
13 Blizzard Of 09

The Lessondary- Faded [Mp3 Download]

On Thursday the Lessondary crew were in the studio Ustreaming and recorded a few tracks and this certified banger was one of them. The track features production from AEON and vocals from Spec Boogie, Donwill, Von Pea, Elucid, and Che Grand.

Download: The Lessondary- Faded

Stalley- MadStalley: The Autobiography Mixtape [Free Mixtape Download]

 One of my favorite things about social networking and the internet is that I find at least one dope artist, song, record, or video from one of my friends or "tweeples" every day, and as a slave to music there is nothing better. Yesterday, one of my favorite sites dropped a 2009 mixtape from an Ohio bred MC I've never heard of before, Stalley. The Mixtape, MadStalley: The Autobiography, is the new smooth sultan of mid-west hip hop swing going bananas over re-worked Madlib instrumentals. If I had caught wind of this last year, there is no question that Stalley's showcase would have appeared on all of my end of the year lists and mixes.

2010 looks to be an even bigger year for the rising talent, as he readies a collaboration project with the wild wizards of whimsical weirdness in Sa-Ra Creative Partners and has locked numerous features on an upcoming Ski Beatz mixtape.

Below, you can download the MadStalley mixtape and one of the videos from the tape, The Autobiography. Get mellow.

Download: Stalley- MadStalley: The Autobiography Mixtape

1. Welcome To The Show
2. Masterpiece
3. Slim's Return
4. Babblin'
5. Stay feat. Jesse Boykins III
6. Distant Land feat. Melo-X
7. TinLizyFordToARollsRoyceBoy
8. Sunrays feat. Jade
9. The Autobiography
10. All For You
11. Worldwide feat. Mickey Factz
12. Spice Island feat. Brian Auger 

Intuition- Buzzkill ft. Slug [MP3 Download]

 The final leak before Intuition drops his highly anticipated sophomore solo LP, Girls Like Me. On the last track of the record, Equalibrum carries Intuition and Slug as they deeply deplore their thoughts on being a downer over buzzing bass and an infectious Brother Iz-esque ukulele loop. Look for a Girls Like Me buy button next week on January 26th.

Download: Intuition- Buzzkill ft. Slug

Kida- The Endemic [Free Mixtape Download]

Inglewood, California bred MC, Kida, has walked an interesting path in his hip hop career. From his humble beginnings as a Roc-A-Fella Records street promoter to declining a recording contract from Death Row Records CEO, Suge Knight, Kida's climb to the top never came without putting in work first.

Now, following his rise to blog fame in 2009, Kida blasts of the new year with an extremely dope DJ Skee hosted compilation mixtape, The Endemic, featuring guest spots from Crooked I, Kurupt, Talib Kweli, and Busta Rhymes. I came to know Kida after KevinNottingham dropped the 9th Wonder laced, Fight this Feelin', and haven't stopped listening since. This mixtape is a perfect introduction to the MC's style,  production taste, and will also show listeners why I call him the long lost fourth member of Little Brother.

Download: Kida- The Endemic

RJD2- Let There Be Horns [Video]

After the debacle that was The Third Hand, I have no qualms in admitting how FRIGHTENED I am of listening to Ramble John's (RJD2) latest record, The Colossus, which landed on store shelves earlier today. But, after hearing the vintage RJ vibrations in this new video, I can't wait to pop in the disc.

DJ Lord Ron- Concrete Bars ft. C Rayz Walz [Video]

3-time EOW champion and Bronx bred MC C Rayz Walz connects with Los Angeles’ DJ Lord Ron on this gritty street track, which gets a visually pleasing subterranean kaleidoscope treatment from Director, BadFame. C Rayz has been dropping definitive gems for over a decade and the decorated vet is showing no signs of slowing down. Ever since his experimental 2007 release with Sharkey, Monster Maker, Rayz has continued to bloom as an artist, while making some of the best records of his career (including one of last year’s most slept on singles, In Your Soul, featuring Slug).

Dam-Funk Video Interview

LA Weekly's Jeff Weiss sits down with LA's "Ambassador of Boogie Funk," Dam-Funk. The Stones Throw signed selector recently released his 5 LP (2 CD) debut, Toeachhizown, jam packed with two hours of the hardest hitting space boogie funk this side of the universe.

In this interview Dam-Funk talks about what inspires him as an artist, his favorite records, and why he wanted to add a different flavor to his live performances. The video was shot, edited, and produced by Jessica Rew and features clips from an electrifying performance by Dam-Funk at the Cinespace in Hollywood.

Co$$- Time Is Now (Prod. Numonics) [Free MP3 Download]

Like I said a few months ago, why the hell did I sleep on Co$$? After a few people allowed me to have my blogger late pass, I caught up as much as I could with the Los Angeles MC and loved everything I heard. Now that I'm keeping tabs, here is Co$$'s latest single, Time is Now, which will be featured on his Numonic's upcoming album,  “Being Cool Doesn’t Pay The Bills,” presented by IMKING.com. The album will feature new music from Donny Goines, Shawn Chrystopher, D.Julien, JtheS, and more.


Download: Co$$- Time Is Now (Prod. Numonics)

Intuition- Al Bundy (Falside Remix) [Free MP3 Download]

Falside adds his own perspective to one of Intuition's dopest singles from his upcoming solo LP, Girls Like Me. A totally different vibe to the blurry, hungover sun drenched record that was first laced by Equalibrium, but it actually works. Intuition's solo LP is almost here, stay tuned for one more leak and than the highly anticipated release on January 26th.

Download: Intuition- Al Bundy (Falside Remix)

Blog Buzz [January 10th-17th]

BLOG BUZZ

Blog Buzz '10 continues. In case you have missed the earlier Blog Buzz installments, it's basically where I post my favorite independent hip hop tracks that were posted around the blogosphere over the week (that I didn't post myself). Think of it as the Brita of blogs. Below are some of the hottest tracks to be released this past week:

January 10th- January 17th

Download: Dom Kennedy- Hard Work (Remix) ft. Rich Boy, Slim Thug, and Don Cannon
Notes: Trunk rattling remix featuring vocals from some of the South's best. 

Download: Basic Vocab- Prescription
Notes: Remember their dope album The General Dynamic? Their sophomore record, A Better Way, will be coming at you in April.

Download: Nipsey Hu$$le- Return of the Mack ft. Iyaz 
Notes: JR Rotem flips one hit wonder Mark Morrison's classic track.

Download: Rhymefest- How High ft. Little Brother 
Notes: A track from Fest's upcoming solo, El Che.

Download: Joe Kickass- More or Less
Notes: One of the worst MC names in hip hip history. Here is a track from his free Project Mooncircle EP, Let Me Introduce.

Edison- All the Information At Hand [Free Album Download + Videos]

Something I posted @ Potholes.

A humble, slender man carrying an old and tattered lunch pail to work used to be a strong image of blue collar America, but, Edison, an up and coming hip hop instrumentalist from San Francisco, California is forever changing that classic picture of patriotism. Equipped with a concrete scarred yellow lunch box that was morphed into a 64 button monome, Edison carries his calling with talented fingers that crawl over its body like a crystal meth cooked arachnid.

When we think of “Edison”, we think inventor, innovator, incandescence– and music’s version of Edison embodies just that. With his canary colored  instrument  that glows incandescently, Edison innovates foggy foundations draped in dark drums. These traits can easily be heard in his latest record, All the Information at Hand, which was released two weeks ago on Kid Without a Radio. This record was graciously let loose as a free download and can be yours here.

Download: Edison – All the Information at Hand

Dumbfoundead Interviews Exile

Dumbfoundead talks to Exile about his upcoming projects with Pharoahe Monch, 2mex, Aloe Blacc (Emanon), aDaD, and much more. Make sure to subscribe to Dumb's channel, as he drops interesting interviews and videos on a weekly basis.

Intuition- Future Ex Wife ft. Travis Brown

One of the final leaks before Intuition drops his highly anticipated sophomore record, Girls Like Me, which drops January 26th.

Download: Intuition- Future Ex Wife ft. Travis Brown

aDaD- Sky (Prod. Exile) [Free MP3 Download]

 
Original post at Potholesinmyblog.com.

Heralded by two of hip hop’s most celebrated producers in Madlib and Exile, wind burned Chicagoan MC aDaD is an artist to watch in 2010. Currently working on an exciting project with the aforementioned  MPC masher, Exile, aDaD is a smooth spittin’ sensation with an infectious tumbling flow and singing voice. A perfect introduction to this future blog buzzed barnstormer is the track below, “Sky“, featuring Radio-like transmissions from the hottest producer in hop hop. Peace to RubyHornet and All Natural, Inc.

As a bonus, I also added his latest mixtape download below, Unbenounced Mixtape (St. Alfred Edition).  

Download: aDaD- Sky (Prod. Exile)
Download: aDaD- Unbenounced Mixtape (St. Alfred Edition)

Blog Buzz (The Return!) [Jan. 3rd- 10th]

BLOG BUZZ

That's right, Blog Buzz returns! And what a week to return on considering the amount of DOPE independent hip hop singles that dropped. I'm incredibly excited about 2010 and this first week and a half of hip hop is making me feel might comfortable in being so. Below are some of the hottest tracks to be released this past week:

January 3rd- January 10th

Download: Freddie Gibbs- Crushin' Feelings 

Notes: I liked the guy before, but now I got nothing but love after he released this record. My favorite leaked single from him so far. An artist that should be a neon balloon on everyone's rap radar.

Download: JoJo Pellegrino- Triple Homicide ft. Sean Price & Inspectah Deck
Notes: Anyone remember JoJo's old track "Badabing"? I had low expectations when I saw he was popping back up on the internet, but there is no denying this banger, despite the fact it's obvious who carries it.

Download: DJ KO- Run & Fun ft. East, Chaundon, and Finale
Notes: A b-side attached to DJ KO's third leaked single "Wut I Do" off his Living Out A State of Mind Pt. 2 EP.

Rogue Venom- Thunder Woman ft. Dr. Oop [Free MP3 Download]

I've been waiting a long time for the lone female member of Los Angeles' hip hop collective, The Swim Team, to start dropping music. Ever since her verse on "Piranhas" from the 2007 Thirsty Fish record, "Testing the Waters," I knew she might be the only female MC that could grab the attention of all the jaded men within the underground hip hop community since Jean Grae popped off.

Here is the latest song from Rogue Venom, which I believe is off her upcoming mixtape, Bars & Stripes, featuring Dr. Oop.

Download: Rogue Venom- Thunder Woman ft. Dr. Oop

Lite (Coolroy)- Out to Lunch [Free Mixtape Download]

Yet another Los Angeles release coming at you. No complaints, right?

Saw this mixtape floating around the internet a week or so ago and finally got a change to listen to it after I saw a few of the bigger blogs picked it up. My first impression is Lite (or Coolroy, whatever you prefer I guess?) is yet another talented up and comer representing the west coast, an artist unafraid of making a pop song and an underground staple track on the same record. A perfect artist for musical schizophrenics with open minds.

Here is his latest mixtape where he offers up unreleased gems, cuts over known instrumentals, and introduces his versatile styles to a new audience.

That hour break you need to get away from the “ills” of everyday stress has finally come. Out to Lunch is a mixtape of seventeen laid back tracks and is easily something to vibe to! This tape features production from Roosevelt, RC, Alpha MC, Iman Omari, Flying Lostus and more! Other features include DefSound, Emon, Tiron, Ayomari, Colin Munroe and Pink Floyd.

Download:  Lite (Coolroy)- Out to Lunch [Free Mixtape Download]

MAGr- Laminated Looseleafs ft. Blu (Small Professor Remix) [MP3 Download]

New Jersey MCs, Almighty and DistantStarr (MAGr), might not have popped on your radar last year, but I still truly believe they had one of the best free album releases of 2009 with their RocktheDub hosted freebie, No News is Good News, featuring Blu, Cymarshall Law, and Fel Sweetenberg.

Today, the underrated Philadelphia propagated producer, Small Professor,  laced the web with his rendition of the lead single from the record, Laminated Looseleafs, featuring everyone’s favorite new godlee rapper, Blu.

Download: MAGr- Laminated Looseleafs ft. Blu (Small Professor Remix)

Intuition- Hold Your Breath ft. Raquel Rodriquez [Free MP3 Download]

Has this turned into a straight up Los Angeles hip hop blog in the last few days or what? Maybe I need to move back.

Here is another leak from Intuition's upcoming sophomore LP, Girls Like Me, which is set to release on January 26th. The lovely guest vocals are from a diamond in the rough jazz singer from LA that will soon see her day in the sun, Raquel Rodriguez, which you might know from a Dom Kennedy song or two.

Download: Intuition- Hold Your Breath ft. Raquel Rodriquez

Nocando- Hurry Up and Wait [MP3 Download]

Despite being on the opposite end of the coast, I still hear shit trickle down my LA grapevine, which led me to this infectious new cut from Nocando from his upcoming solo record, Jimmy the Lock, featuring an oddball beat from DJ Nobody and cuts from the notorious Gaslamp Killer.

Download: Nocando- Hurry Up and Wait

Haz'trumentals- Euphoria, Sunshine Roses, and Rainbow Loops [Free Instrumental Album]

Semi-new free instrumental record from Auckland, New Zealand producer, Haz. The title of the album explains the atmospheres. Makes my gig a lot easier.

Download: Haz'trumentals- Euphoria, Sunshine Roses, and Rainbow Loops

1. Ghetto Morning
2. Joy
3. Counting Candles (For Kath)
4. Hot Wind
5. Castles In The Sand
6. Rainbow Hush
7. You Tell Interlude
8. Extasy Moves
9. Euphoria Sunset
10. The Outro – Just Us

Dumbfoundead- Hollyhoodrats ft. Wax [Free MP3 Download]

Dumbfoundead seems to be GRIN-DING hard this new year. Here is yet another free download from rising Swim Team MC featuring vocals from another Los Angeles lyricist, Wax. If you've ever been to LA, you'll know exactly what these two are talking about.

Download: Dumbfoundead- Hollyhoodrats ft. Wax

Blame One- Leaks & Gemz [Free Mixtape Download]

PHIMB took care of the exclusive earlier, so here is a re-up of what they said about Blame's Mixtape earlier today:

A few months ago the homie Blame One announced his retirement from hip-hop. But today we get word that Blame is back, and stronger than ever. Today I am honored to exclusively present to you, Leaks & Gemz, a mixtape featuring some new joints and unreleased goodness. On this tape you are going to come across appearances from cats like Blu, Fashawn, Exile, Supa Koopa 805, Trek Life, Sene, DJ Babu, Mr. Brady and many more. Along with the release of this mixtape, I would also like to bring to your attention that Blame is in the studio with DJ Babu, crafting a classic collaboration LP. As we wait for that, check out the countless bangers on this mixtape, and stay tuned for more news on this hip-hop veteran.

Download Mixtape: Blame One- Leaks & Gemz Mixtape

1. Pressure (remix) prod by GERMZ
2. Danger prod by Supa Koopa 805
3. The Cypher feat. Sojourn + Jimmy Powers prod by Apple Beats
4. Glass House prod By Exile
5. Past Your Thoughts feat Johaz- Prod by Apple Beats
6. Dream Sequence Revenge feat. Fashawn and Exile prod by Godlee Barnes aka blu
7. 4 Levels of Hell Prod by kan Kick
8 Mr. Science prod by 8 attack
9. Problem With Authority prod by Short Term the Crate Worm
10. Move Forward feat. Trek Life and Sene prod by Mr. Ridley
11. Keep Tellin You Prod by DJ Babu
12. Dr. Jeck prod by Dert Merchant
13. Saturday Night Special (original) prod by Mr. Brady
14. Revenge- prod by Adikt 1

Dumbfoundead- Different Galaxies ft. Sam Ock

The wave of Swim Team goodness continues with a new collaboration track from Thirsty Fish MC, Dumbfoundead, and unknown Maryland crooner, Sam Ock. The two Asian sensations blaze their respective parts over a breezy beat from Ock himself and pay tribute to a true tale that Dumb experienced.

Stay tuned for more music from Swim Team members throughout 2010. I'm making a point to stay 100% on top of it this year.

Download: Dumbfoundead- Different Galaxies ft. Sam Ock

Big Buffalo Large Presents- Clandest[0]nine Mix

Clandestine is when something is "carried out in a secretive manner..." and even though these tracks weren't meant to be released under a cloak, they found their way within the shadows of your iPods. Here are some of my favorite "secret" gems from 2009, blended together for your enjoyment. The streaming mix has 3 more bonus tracks that couldn't fit on the zipped version. Happy New Year and here's to a year of hip hop that I know will be even better than 2009.

Clandestnine by bigbuffalolarge

Download:  Big Buffalo Large Presents- Clandest[0]nine

1. Blitz the Ambassador- Breathe

2. Kida- Fight this Feeling

3. Sojourn- Solutionists ft. Sivion & Surreal

4. Metazon- The Man ft. Kev Brown (The Incubator Remix)

5. Keelay & Zaire- Addicts For Real ft. Tunji

6. Blame One- Disturbed ft. Sean Price

7. Kida- Sayin' Somethin'

8. The Niyat- Aintcha ft. K-Rino

9. 7even:Thirty- Rockin' Wit the Best

10. Makeshift- Good Morning

11. Boycott Blues- Chkablaoww

12. The Day Laborers- Things Oughtta Change

13. Toki Wright- Rise ft. Scarub

14. Inverse- Rise and Shine

15. Scarub and Very- Do Thangs

16. Preach Jacobs- Oh Yes

17. Intuition & VerBS- See Us

18. 1773- Don't Take My Kindness for Weakness ft. Poems

19. John Robinson & Lewis Parker- A Place Called Home

20. Jazz Liberatorz- What's Real ft. Aloe Blacc

21. Inverse- So True ft. Deacon

22. Big Tone- The Look ft. Ta'Raach and Phoenix

23. Othello & DJ Vajra- Active Balance (Terry Cole Remix) ft. Now On & Mayer Hawthorne

Streaming Bonus Tracks: Charlie Ross- Deep Down (Appears in middle of stream), Intuition- Don't Try, Mirage & Concept- Runnin', Versis- Yea Yea Yea.