Beats, Rhymes and Fights: The History of A Tribe Called Quest Trailer

Via t.r.o.y.

Hanni El Khatib- You Rascal You (Aesop Rock Remix)

It's only fitting that Hanni El Khatib's whiskey-glazed voice be featured on a fansite called Whiskey Teeth. The multi-instrumentalist serves as singer, songwriter & producer for his one-man band (live he is joined by a drummer) that is part blues, part garage rock, part soul, part folk & part doo whop. Earlier this year he released his debut 7" single Dead Wrong that was accompanied by You Rascal You; a fuzzy, blues laced ode to a fucked up friend that was recently remixed by Aesop Rock.

Free download below, as well as the video for Dead Wrong on the flip side.


Download: Hanni El Khatib- You Rascal You (Aesop Rock Remix)

Robust & Pore- High Roller

Better late than never...

The Something To Sit On EP marks the first in what is sure to be a slew of collaborations by Chicago hip hop veteran Robust and G4 newcomer Pore. It's reminiscent of a time before corporate America got it's greedy hands on our livelihood. When having dope raps was more important than who's got more money or notoriety. A time when being honest and true to yourself was still admired and respected by the average hip hop fan. 

The EP is meant as somewhat of a prelude and hold-over to 'sit on' while awaiting Robust's upcoming 2011 full length sequel to 2004's Chicago underground classic 'Potholes In Our Molecules', It's a mid-range EP, that still resonates as a complete project. Clocking in around 30 minutes, it's onomatopoeia for a ride from Kimball to the Loop on the CTA Brown Line. 

Production on "Something to Sit On" was crafted by Chicago native Pore. After stints on the east coast and in the dirty south, he recently returned to the Windy City with little more than his MPC and a few crates of records. With styles ranging from hard hitting head nodders to soulful original grooves, Pore provides Robust with a dusty sampled backdrop that even the most elitist of beat heads can appreciate. 

Never one to stay stuck in a niche, Robust finds himself more comfortable than ever in the pocket of Pore's alternating sound scape. His lyrics serve as a tour guide around Chi town from the average heads perspective, giving outsiders a true glimpse into the modern day struggles and hustles one witness' on a daily basis as a Chicago resident. From gang bangers, to poverty, to sarcastic social commentary, Robust proves once again that he continues to grow and improve as an artist with each release. 

Together, Robust & Pore tell tales of life in Chicago, from the diverse Albany Park neighborhood on the northwest side of town to a broke mans stroll down the Magnificent Mile. Sprinkled with introspective and comedic interludes, the tracks were placed carefully in transition to create a seamless mix throughout the 15 track EP, encouraging the listener to relax, roll one up, and find something to sit on. 

We've decided to leak 1 track from the record to give you a taste...

Download: Robust & Pore- High Roller

Hit the flip side for the stream of another cut from the record called "Magnificent Milestone".

Video: Stik Figa- From The Top (Mini Documentary)

Coming off the heels of "From The Top," both the first single from the Mello Music Group compilation, Helpless Dreamer, as well as Stik's own Oddisee produced EP, From The Top, fans are treated to an in depth look at the city that Stik Figa calls home. In this mini-documentary the emcee's lively personality shines bright through a series of personal interviews in which he touches on subjects ranging from the local music scene and culture to the history of Kansas including the landmark Brown v. Board Of Education Supreme Court decision. The emcee provides the soundtrack with his own songs as the camera takes a back seat while Stick Figa guides them to a number of local dives and cornerstones of his adolescence, including his high school and the venues where the aspiring rapper sharpened his skills.

Stik Figa & Oddisee's From The Top EP will be available this Thursday, December 2nd.

DTMD- The Struggle is Real + Loan for the Lonely

Earlier this year, the DMV duo DTMD (Dunc Toine Makin' Dollas) released their debut EP, The Basics EP, laced with "smooth samples and plump production that accompanies Toine's terminology perfectly." Now, after their first quarter introduction and a few videos, DTMD are preparing the release of their full length record, Makin' Dollas, and have dropped off the first two singles to get us riled up.

Below is the download link for The Struggle is Real & Loan for the Lonely (including an instrumental version of Loan for the Lonely and acapella for The Struggle is Real).


Download: DTMD- The Struggle is Real & Loan for the Lonely [Mediafire] // Bandcamp

Click Here for our past coverage on DTMD.

Notorious BIG vs. Dam Funk- Cali Hood (Keg Kuger Remix)

Under the Table Crew DJ Keg Kuger has brewed up a new bi-coastal banger by mashing up Dam-Funk's "Hood Pass Intact" with Notorious BIG's "Going Back to Cali". Flip the switches.


Download: Notorious BIG vs. Dam Funk- Cali Hood (Keg Kuger Remix)

Modern Shark Sampler Tape #2

Here is the new Modern Shark sampler tape featuring Cool Calm Pete, Snafu, Scott Thorough, Baje One, and more. The full download/stream is yours after the read more click below.

Video: Raashan Ahmad- Beautiful Ugly

Here's the video for "Beautiful Ugly" from Raashan Ahmad's latest record, For What You've Lost, filmed in Paris, France. Produced by Headnodic.

For What You've Lost has been released over seas, but won't see a US release until 2011. Stay tuned for more info/music, as well as an interview with Raashan. The new album is fire!

Video: Muneshine- Two Way Street (Prod. Oddisee)

Video directed by Matt Beecraft.
Song produced buy Oddisee.
Cuts by Dj Sonik.

Open Mike Eagle- Mistakes (Anti-MC Remix) ft. Alpha MC

Open Mike Eagle is back with another Unapologetic Art Rap remix with Anti-MC's take on Mistakes featuring Swim Team's own Alpha MC.

In case you didn't know already, OME's follow up companion to his 2010 debut LP Unapologetic Art Rap is now available to preview on the Mush Records site. The Art Rap After Party EP is set to release December 21st, just in time to stuff into someone's stocking.


Download: Open Mike Eagle- Mistakes (Anti-MC Remix) ft. Alpha MC

Damu the Fudgemunk- DC Joint + Video Interview

I totally forgot to post this joint when Damu dropped it on his Wonka Beats site a week ago. Supply for Demand in stores now!

Supply For Demand, Damu's latest release will be available worldwide on Tuesday November 23rd. "DC Joint" is not your typical Damu production. The beat isn't jazzy and is actually sort of chaotic ... and the lyrics aren't what you may have come to expect to hear from Damu. He's rhyming in great detail about something very personal to him; his hometown of Washington DC.

Download: Damu the Fudgemunk- DC Joint

Hit the flip side for studio footage of Damu recording cuts from the album.

Video: Mike Marshall- Y I Get High ft. Opio

Video: Dillon & Paten Locke- Rosie Perez ft. Cool Calm Pete

Another low budget video from the album, Dillon & Paten Locke - "Studies in Hunger".

Video by: Dillon
Beat by: Paten Locke
Vocals by: Dillon, & Cool Calm Pete
Hook: Paten Locke & Akrobatik

Kosher Kris- Swisher Sweets

From Blu to Fashawn, Swim Team to Intuition, and Chuwee to Dom Kennedy, the state of California has provided me many gigabytes of greatness over the past few years. Every morning, as my laptop screen rises with the sun, I make a wish on a splash of half and half and place it in my coffee well. Recently, all I've been asking for are west coast born songs, videos, mix tapes, or brand new artists to be my inbox when I sit down. For some odd reason, those continue to be answered. Thank you based god?

Snapping me out of my left-temple-in-fist-cursing-another-dead-Thanksgiving Eve mood was a fresh new mix tape from a Los Angeles MC by the name of Kosher Kris. Expecting Kosha Dillz/Soul Khan-esque vocals over chopped up Matisyahu samples (Not that there is anything wrong with that. It's all shalom), I was pleasantly surprised when I heard the vintage, blunt-to-the-dome bravado of another LA youngin' with endless potential.

Kosher Kris' latest mix tape, Swisher Sweets, features Kris painting pastel pictures of a typical LA skate kid's life that includes smoking weed, sex, chasing girls, chasing dreams, and overall "not giving a fuck". Here's to the creatively motivated slacker generation and the good old palm tree rap that never fails to make my day. Samples and the free full mix tape download below.

Download: Kosher Kris- Love Jones

Download: Kosher Kris- Cooler Than Most

Download: Kosher Kris- My Breakdown Lady ft. LaVish (from Live! From Your Mom's House)

Download Mix Tape: Kosher Kris- Swisher Sweets // Bandcamp

Matt & Kim- Cameras (Remix) ft. Aleon Craft

This is the first Aleon Craft single in the series, “Craft Singles.”

Craft Singles is a series of remixes that will periodically be released by Aleon Craft and feature AC putting his Solar-Hop twist to other talented and creative artist’s singles from various genres.

You can visit Matt & Kim's site here. And if you like this song, cop their Album, Sidwalks.


Download: Matt & Kim- Cameras (Remix) ft. Aleon Craft // Bandcamp

Video: D-Sisive- First Winter

D-Sisive "First Winter" (Prod.by C4) off the C4 Experiment hosted by Christopher Walken. Beautifully directed by Marc Andre Debruyne.

Video: Fashawn- Pass the Cohiba

Third video from Fashawn's 2010 Grizzly City 3 mix tape.

Roc C & Soul Professa- SOULROC

Roc C hooks up with producer Soul Professa (Lloyd Banks, Diamond D, Cappadonna, M.O.P, Chino XL, Big Shug, JR Writer, Fashawn, Cali Agents, and more) on the latest 14-track freebie to give the internet whiplash, SOULROC.

Hit the flip side for the bandcamp stream/download and track listing.

Blog Buzz [Nov. 21st- Nov. 28th] ft. Fashawn, Gangrene, MED, Dela, Senor Kaos and More!

At one of my old sites I used to do a weekly post called Blog Buzz, 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, filtering out the toxic mess. Below are some of the hottest tracks to be released this past week:


Download: Wu-Block- The Eulogy ft. Diego Cash and Bully
Notes: Rumors of a Sheek Louch & Ghostface Killah full length LP are swirling; however, this track is from one of Carmelo Anthony's artists, Diego Cash, off his latest mix tape Become Legendary.


Download: Fashawn- Dark Fantasy Freestyle
Notes: Off of Fash's upcoming Higher Learning 2 mix tape.


Download: Oh No & The Alchemist (Gangrene)- Gutter Water ft. Raekwon
Notes: Self titled single off of their new album, Gutter Water, which is in stores now.


Download: MED- Ain't Braggin' ft. Guilty Simpson


Download: Dela- Music is My Sanctuary Remix
Notes: French producer Dela remixes the Gary Bartz classic.


Download: Senor Kaos- Kick N A Snare
Notes: Single from the DUB MD x 2 Hungry Bros. Open Buffet mix tape.

Stik Figa- From the Top (Prod. Oddisee)

As we near the end of 2010 most will be recounting the highs and lows of the past 12 months. Mello Music Group, however, is focused on what the New Year has in store, releasing a musical appetizer, the compilation album Helpless Dreamer, showcasing the label's supreme and far reaching talent, while giving a preview of offerings for 2011. Features from Diamond District, Kenn Starr, Roc Marciano, Fresh Daily, Invincible, Buff1, XO, Magestik Legend, Tranqill, Stik Figa, Toine, and Finale are included on the 13-track compilation album, with production from Oddisee, Apollo Brown, Has Lo, Black Milk, SlimKat 78, and Just Wright.

The first single to drop, "From The Top," sees Topeka, Kansas, native Stik Figa detail his hometown and state capital city, affectionately referred to in the song title as 'Top'. For Oddisee, who co-produced the track with Dunc from DTMD, working with Stik allowed him to continue his own efforts of geographic diversification while affording him the opportunity to work with an ultra-talented emcee. “In the tradition of Diamond District, Trek Life, and Tranqill, Stik Figa is the next project in my attempt to push regional Hip Hop," says the DC native. "‘From The Top’ really gives you a glimpse into a part of the country most of us are blind too. The song, itself, shows me Topeka, Kansas through the eyes of Stik Figa.”

The Mello Music Group compilation, Helpless Dreamer, is available now while Oddisee & Stik Figa's From The Top EP will be available November 30, 2010.

Download: Stik Figa- From the Top (Prod. Oddisee)

Video: The Burnerz- We Were Kings

Zumbi & The Are (The Burnerz) drop visuals for "We Were Kings" off their self titled album.

Chuuwee- Sunday Afternoon EP

Ever since Chuuwee flipped every up and coming youngin' on their ass and sent them 6 Feet Deep, I have been hooked on his golden era ethos and work ethic. Judging by his output over the last month, Chuuwee isn't here to pound his chest and rest easy over a few blog posts and props. He remains ravenous, aggressive, passionate, and in tune to the talent he possesses, which can be heard in every freestyle and leak he has dropped thus far. This rare mix of desire and effortless aptitude reminds me of another recent Northern California MC success story, but before I make that bold comparison I will let you listen to Chuuwee's latest free EP and form your own opinion.

Sunday Afternoon is a Mini-Tape Chuuwee compiled in one evening. The Tape follows the timeline of how long it took to record and finish each track and features what the 19 year old Sanchez Rivierra does best-- murdering beats while brewing scalding cauldrons of early 90's nostalgia.

This gives away my "bold comparison" from earlier, but-- imagine the possibilities if Chuuwee could find his Exile? (Lee Bannon?). Celebrate another section of hip hop's new youth movement with the free download below.


Download: Chuuwee- Get Out the Fuckin' Car
Download Album: Chuuwee- Sunday Afternoon

Hexsagon Presents- The Charlie Parker Beat Tape

915-- stand up!

El Paso, Texas born producer, Hexsagon, has channeled the infamous 'Yardbird' Charlie Parker to construct one of better tribute beat tapes to come out in 2010. The Charlie Parker Beat Tape features various loops and samples of Parker's most influential work as one of the greatest jazz saxophonists to ever live. The 14-track beat tape flows seamlessly with beautiful song sequencing, blends, and interview clips with Dizzy Gillespie, Jay McShann, and Chan Parker, making Hexsagon's beat tape a well constructed, cohesive piece of work, rather than a haphazard compilation. 

The free download is available to you below via Bandcamp.

Brooklyn beatsmith Bagir-Ba is also featured on the tape. You can peep his free EP Yello-21 that we posted earlier this year here.

Download: Hexsagon Presents- The Charlie Parker Beat Tape

Video: Moe Pope- Foolish ft. Reks

Official video for Moe Pope's "Foolish" off of his slept on 2010 album Life After God (available now on Brick Records). Directed by John Graziano.

Video: Homeboy Sandman- Strange Planet

More visuals off of Homeboy's 2010 release, The Good Sun.

Video: People Under the Stairs- Beer

Los Angeles hip-hop duo People Under The Stairs (Thes One & Double K) present "BEER" the official Music Video off the album Carried Away. Piecelock 70 in conjunction with Vital Films, directed by Matt Hobbs (www.vital-films.com) and written by PUTS. Video graciously filmed on location in the Odell Brewing Company of Fort Collins Colorado,with live party filmed around the corner from the Fox Theater in Boulder Colorado.

Real Reid- Elevators Up + Thug Motivation Get Comfortable

Swim Team MC Sahtyre introduced Real Reid to me earlier this year via his Comin' Up video series. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Reid made his journey to Los Angeles in 2010 where he immediately began to flourish in the battle scene and make noise in various independent circles. Recently, Reid has been working on his internet presence and has dropped a few loosies for the internet to feast on.

"Elevator Up" is a fun and infectious hip hop spaceship flight to a penthouse in the sky featuring guest vocals from Bianca G; "Thug Motivation Get Comfortable" showcases Real Reid's oddball style over Mainframe's (Johnson & Jonson) alien transmissions; and "Bounce Hydraulics" shows Los Angeles' influence on the Detroit MC, as he bounces over a vintage West Coast beat that will make you want to bump DMX while on your BMX.

Real Reid= The West Coast Homeboy Sandman?


Download: Real Reid- Thug Motivation Get Comfortable

Download: Real Reid- Elevator Up ft. Bianca G

Download: Real Reid- Bounce Hydraulics

Hit the flip side to see Comin' Up with Sahtyre & Real Reid. Fast Forward to 1:33 for the heat.

Stalley- Hercules

"Hercules" is the first single introducing the sound of Stalley's forthcoming LP Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Trunk Music).

Produced by Rashad Thomas of Columbus, Ohio's the 3rd, ITM finds Stalley returning to his Ohio roots - American muscle cars and hard 808 kicks. Stalley, who was born and raised in the working class city of Massillon, says of the project, "This is Midwest music, with a New York mentality."


Download: Stalley- Hercules

RoQ'y TyRaiD- Year Round School

I first came across Phoenix, Arizona MC RoQ'y TyRaiD about a month ago and was immediately hooked on his cynical sense of humor and snake-like flow. After dropping The New Millennium Man earlier this year, RoQ'y is hard at work on his next release and has already begun to release free singles for us to feast on.

Here is his latest single, Year Round School, where RoQ'Y floats through the clouds in a moment of clarity over a Dn3 beat.


Download: RoQ'y TyRaiD- Year Round School // Bandcamp

J. Cole- Bun B for President (Chuuwee Remix)

Chuuwee takes advantage of the open space on J. Cole's Bun B for President and adds some of his own Third Coast flavor.

I still have never listened to a J. Cole project-- maybe it's time?


Download: J. Cole- Bun B for President (Chuuwee Remix)

Muneshine- Grown Man Rap

Muneshine slides you jazzy hip hop heads yet another free single as he readies the release of his upcoming EP, Larger Than Life, with Holland's Vinyl Frontiers. 

Grown Man Rap is a self produced track and the download below has the MP3, art, and instrumental version. You can also listen and purchase the track on Muneshine's bandcamp page.


Download: Muneshine- Grown Man Rap

Blog Buzz [Nov. 14th- 21st] ft. AZ, Talib Kweli, Royce da 5'9", Eminem and more!

Check back during the week for more...

At one of my old sites I used to do a weekly post called Blog Buzz, 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, filtering out the toxic mess. Below are some of the hottest tracks to be released this past week:


Download: Evidence- Outta My Mind ft. Murs
Notes: Unreleased Ev and Murs loosie over a Laws instrumental.

Download: Eminem & Royce da 5'9"- Living Proof

Notes: Bad meets evil and we like that.

Download: Talib Kweli- Cold Rain

Notes: First leak from Talib's forthcoming album, Gutter Rainbows, set to release January 25th. The album will be available in digital format only in the US but available in all formats abroad. "Cold Rain" features production from 2010's producer of the year candidate, Ski Beatz.

Download: AZ- Gimme Yours ft. Josh Xantus (produced by Statik Selektah)
Notes: Whyyyyyyyyyy?! But I still got love for AZ.

Distrakt- Daddy No + More

I mentioned about a month ago being put onto a Colorado MC by the name of Distrakt and immediately falling in love with his creative visuals and oddball flow. I've been meaning to keep better track of his newer material, but totally forgot about the freebies being dropped via his SoundCloud account-- until tonight.

Here are 3 new(ish) tracks from Distrakt. I highly recommend checking out his video collection that I have in this post. How is this dude not a viral sensation yet?

Hit the flip side for the streams/free downloads.



DADDY NO by DISTRAKT

BILLIONS OF MILES by DISTRAKT

Do You Know by DISTRAKT

Video: Fashawn- Ride & Smokin'

Another video off of Fashawn's Grizzly City 3 mix tape.

Mally & The Sundance Kid- The Renaissance

When we hear discussion about rhyming talent from the North Star State, we immediately think of Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Doomtree, and various other artists that fall under the Rhymesayers umbrella. But what about Big Quarters, Heiruspecs, Unknown Prophets, Kanser, Mally & The Sundance Kid--

Mally & The Sundance Kid?

I had this reaction because in such a small mid-western scene it's not easy to slip through the cracks in the blogosphere and before today I had never heard of Mally & The Sundance Kid-- an impressive MC/Producer duo that have been releasing their collaborative singles for free to prepare hip hop fans for Mally's 2011 EP.

Since September, Mally has been giving out tracks on the 15th of every month, which he calls the Free on the 15th Series. Three bangers have been released so far, each highlighting Mally's immaculate flow and the undeniable chemistry that he shares with his producer. My immediate reaction after listening to the trio of leaks below was: where the hell have I been? And I believe new listeners will have the same reaction and begin to celebrate the emergence of a duo, outside of the Rhymesayers/Doomtree camp, that truly have what it takes to continue to carry the torch for Minnesota and mid-western hip hop.

Starting with the latest leak, here are the freebies from the Free on the 15th Series:


Download: Mally & The Sundance Kid- The Renaissance

Download: Mally & The Sundance Kid- Heir Time

Download: Mally & The Sundance Kid- Lights Off

Jéan P- Rise & Shine

With a flawless ear for production and a deep admiration for storytelling, Ohio MC Jéan P is a blue-collar artist on the rise. Instead of spitting lyrics behind a gauze of gimmicks and glam, Jéan straps on his work boots and lets his blood, sweat, and tears splash on stage.

On his latest release, Rise & Shine, P showcases his grind heavy ethos over a collection of jazzy laced production from NO I.D., Ski Beatz, Jaye Jeffers, Raw Stiles, Thelonious Martin, DJ iShine, Nefarious!, and Chase Williams.

The full album download is below, as well as my favorite track from the record.


Download: Jéan P- U Know How We Do ft. GAT & Briana Brandy
Album Download: Jéan P- Rise & Shine

Quincy Vidal- I See You (Still Weavens Remix)

My favorite track off of Quincy Vidal's debut album, Cookin' in Brooklyn, has received a Still Weavens remix treatment, making me fall in love with the record all over again. After you peep the remix, check out Le'Asha Julius and Caleb Eberhardt's brainchild in its entirety. It remains one of the more refreshing and interesting free releases to drop this year!


Download: Quincy Vidal- I See You (Still Weavens Remix)
Download Album: Quincy Vidal- Cookin' in Brooklyn (Bandcamp)

Bei Ru- Sonia

Sampling is archeology. Digging through crates for obscure old records and drafting the sounds of times past into contemporary music is as much about preserving the past as digging for bones is. Few producers take that pursuit as literally as LA native and Armenian beathead Bei Ru, who has traveled across Armenia, Lebanon and Syria on a mission to hunt and rescue rare, out-of-print Armenian 12"s and 45"s from oblivion. He breathes new life into the sounds on those records on Little Armenia (L.A.), an intoxicating voyage through rhythm and melody that serves not only as a dedication to the under-appreciated Armenian musicians of yesteryear and a homage to the Little Armenia section neighborhood of Los Angeles, but also as a musical map of the Armenian diaspora and a wake-up call to his people to take pride in their rich musical history.

Electric instruments and modern sounds began creeping into traditional Armenian music between the 1950s and the 1980s, the era Little Armenia focuses on. These are the songs Bei Ru grew up on, songs he says most Armenians have forgotten. "What inspired me to make this project was all the incredible music I'd find on these old records that most people - even most Armenians - are unaware of," he says. Bei Ru's inspiration to take Armenia's musical past into its future manifests itself in everything from the album's sound to its name. "You walk down a street in the Little Armenia section of Los Angeles, and it's as if the people brought their home country with them. These people, who keep themselves so surrounded by their culture, have forgotten how important the role of music is. Contemporary Armenian music is virtually devoid of any of the aspects of what made those old records so awesome. I felt that Armenians and non-Armenians alike should be exposed to this lost era of music that no one seems to remember."

Little Armenia drops November 19th on Musa-Ler Music.


Download: Bei Ru- Sonia

Californication Season 4

Hank Moody >>>

Anyone else a fan?

Crew54 Reality Show: FunFunFunFest Re-cap

I unfortunately missed a lot of the FunFunFunFest, but Austin's very own Crew54 has an incredible 3-day re-cap of the event for their latest edition of the Crew54 Reality Show.

You can also peep Crew54 interviews with Dam-Funk, Devin the Dude, and Invincible here.

Concert Pics: FunFunFunFest (TX Nov. 5-7th)

Via Potholes in My Blog.

On the weekend of November 5th-7th, I had the chance to go to the one of the best music festivals I've ever been to-- Austin's FunFunFunFest. The pictures in the link below are from the 3-day festival that featured numerous independent acts, such as: Weird Al Yankovic, MGMT, Suicidal Tendencies, Gwar, Pharoahe Monch, P.O.S., Bad Religion, Slick Rick, Devin the Dude, Best Coast, The Dirty Projectors, Crew54, Jean Grae, and many more.

In the slideshow you will see shots of Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, Best Coast, Kaki King, Pharoahe Monch, P.O.S. (who stole the show the last night), Austin's own Butcher Bear and Charlie, Strike Anywhere, OS Mutantes, and Toro Y Moi (who surprised me the most).

All shots courtesy of Mia Fazio.

Click Here for the Pictures

D-Sisive- No More Words + If... (Prod. Muneshine)

Canadian MC D-Sisive has stopped feeding his cat wet food. The cat in the Paula Abdul video and members of the NAAC (National Association for the Advancement of Cats) have began to protest in Toronto.

Canadian MC D-Sisive is a prolific. white. rapper. Kind of.

Canadian MC D-Sisive will not be known as D-Sisive anymore...soon. What a rap diva.

Toronto, Canada based rapper D-Sisive is preparing the release of his new album, Jonestown 2:Jimmy Go Bye Bye, which will feature production from WhiskeyTeeth favorite, Muneshine, and will be available as a free download on November 28th. The first two leaks are available as a free download below. "No More Words" features Derek rockin' over an infectious hip hop marching song that samples the chorus of Weezer's "The Greatest Man That Ever Lived" and "If..." spotlights some of D's creative career highlights as he predicts what would happen if more popular rappers had the same moxie.

D-Sisive does it again.


Download: D-Sisive- No More Words

Download: D-Sisive- If...

Video Interview with ?uestlove

Interview with ?uestlove of The Roots at the Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, AL.

KVBeats- 5'9 + Won ft. Royce da 5'9" and Pace Won + We Do It ft. Slum Village

Snaking its way through the old merchant harbor mist of Copenhagen, Denmark is the trunk rattling audio résumé of emerging hip hop producer, KVBeats. The young thirty four year old producer has recently dropped his debut compilation album featuring a slew of talented US rappers that have trekked through Europe (and sometimes KV's couch) while on tour. The Résumé, which features conceptual verses from Slum Village, Royce 59, Chaundon, Pace Won, Mic Geronimo, Lil Vic, Prince Po, Oddisee and more is now available on vinyl and various online retailers as of November 11th. 

Below are two of my favorite cuts from the record-- "5'9 + Won" ft. Royce 59 and Pace Won and "We Do It" ft. Slum Village-- two cuts that will show you the both the soulful and grimy side of KV's pads.

If you would like to pick up a limited vinyl copy, contact KV at konvee@gmail.com or just make your way to iTunes and get yourself a digital copy.


Download: KVBeats- 5'9 + Won ft. Royce da 5'9" & Pace Won

Download: KVBeats- We Do It ft. Slum Village

Beat Tape: Akili- A Beat Tape

I couldn't find much information on the producer known as Akili, but after listening to his new 22-track beat tape I'm dying to find out more (so holler at me if you know any info). A Beat Tape features tons of loops, skits, and interludes that highlight Akili's deep crates, sampling abilities, and sense of humor. The download is yours below for $free.99 via Bandcamp. You can also hit the flip side to stream/sample the album.

Download: Akili- A Beat Tape

Greg Enemy- Muggsy Bogues (Slam Dunk)

Here is the first single off of Kansas City MC Greg Enemy's forthcoming Xtra Small mix tape. From what I understand the release date has been pushed back, but I'll try to get more info on that and update you with more Greg Enemy in the near future.


Download: Greg Enemy- Muggsy Bogues (Slam Dunk)

Grimace Federation- Bosico (Butchered by Aesop Rock)

Aesop Rock has taken the first single from Philadelphia based instrumental/psych rock band Grimace Federation's debut album and "butchered it". Bosico features Aesop's classic abstract poetics over a flickering electro laced beat with random streams of powerful horns from GF.

Also, the fine folks at 900bats jumped in Jeremy Fish’s van for an afternoon and shot a video for Aesop’s remix (up top) – directed by Alexander Tarrant and Justin Metros.


Download: Grimace Federation- Bosico (Butchered by Aesop Rock)

Review: Kno- Death is Silent

From the blue grasses of Kentucky to the peach trees in Georgia, CunninLynguists founder Kno and company have been blazing a trail of classic southern underground since the turn of the new millennium that has allowed them to tour the globe, garner endless amounts of critical acclaim, and become household names within the hip hop community. In many circles, their first three albums– Will Rap For Food, SouthernUnderground, and A Piece of Strange– are unforgettable bodies of work. From the loose-tongued and loop-heavy debut to the cinematic hip hopera, each album shows a gradual maturation of sound and content, while Kno slowly morphs himself into a master producer. But, since hitting their peak in 2006 with the conceptual masterpiece A Piece of Strange, Kno and the CunninLynguists continue to roll with the serious and ominous tone from their most celebrated release and run it into the ground. For his debut solo album, Death is Silent, Kno collects bones and ash from the past two group projects and continues the trek through the catacombs of human emotions, this time setting up camp around the inevitability of death and its impact.

It has been awhile since Kno has appeared in front of a microphone and as the brooding bells pound beneath the drums of the opening track I was reminded why. Kno’s syrupy croak smothers the beat instead of engaging it, causing an immediate disconnect; rather than the vocals accenting the surrounding beat like Natti seamlessly does in the first verse of “If You Cry”, Kno’s vocals choke multiple layers of his productions, stripping them dry. This was an issue on numerous songs throughout the album but were saved by strong accompanying guest spots from Nemo Achida, Deacon the Villain, Tunji, and Tonedeff, as well as songs like “Loneliness” that packed enough body to cradle Kno’s odd tone. The lyrical performance on the album can be best summed up in one track, “Graveyard”, where decent wordplay and one liners went to die and reincarnate themselves into numerous cringe-inducing lines over one of Kno’s more refreshing production performances.

Despite the vocal miscues, one of hip hop’s finest producers pounding pads today has done it again. Known for his compulsive song construction and cinematic pieces, Kno provides a crisp yet foggy world full of atmospheric keys, emotional electric and acoustic guitars, haunting vocal samples, strings, woodwinds, and electronic pads that feel cold, calm, and perfectly complete like the end of a midnight storm. Unlike many other 2010 producer/rapper albums, Kno avoids haphazard song sequencing and concepts, which allow the album to unfold comfortably and spin like a complete piece of work– a true sign of a great producer and an album that is sure to grow and unveil unheard layers with repeat listens. The beauty and phantasmagoria embedded in the beats are enough to make the instrumental version of this LP one of your top albums of the year.

This marks the third straight release where the CunninLynguists have given us a healthy dose of shoe-gazing rap and the second straight release where they have attempted to transcend emotional hip hop, but have fallen short. Kno’s flirtation with becoming a true sonic savant was slightly de-railed with another waltz in the shadows; however, the tiny glimmers of fresh sounds and styles that peeked through the layers of coffin soil give all Kno fans hope for what’s on the horizon as he walks away from his own funeral and into the future.

***/5

Chuuwee- All I Want Is You (Remix)

Here is a new joint from Sacramento rookie rapper Chuuwee as he puts his own spin on the J. Cole & Miguel track for his upcoming Snack Bar mix tape.


Download: Chuuwee- All I Want Is You (Remix)

Open Mike Eagle- I Rock (For the Unemployed)

For a limited time, the Mush Records website is offering a free download of the original Open Mike Eagle I Rock single, plus a B-Side remake produced by Bristol UK’s Awkward.

All you need is an email address and a little hard drive space. Go to the Complimentary Download Section here and get your free download. The remix is fresh!


Download: Open Mike Eagle- I Rock (For the Unemployed) [Top Right Hand Corner]

Video: Maffew Ragazino- Rare Gems

Maffew Ragazino is another MC that impressed me on the Vinyl Frontiers- Unreleased EP. Here is his latest video for the Ski Beatz laced "Rare Gems".

Vinyl Frontiers- Unreleased EP

The european production crew known as Vinyl Frontiers have just launched a new label (iMake Records). To celebrate the launch they have released a free EP full of unreleased collaborations and remixes with various North American artists that have yet to see the light of day. The Unreleased EP will also give a small glimpse into future projects with Canadian producer/MC Muneshine and California MC Trek Life. VF explains more below:

“We've met a lot of artists during European tours and through the internet. Producers usually have to settle for just production credits in a booklet, but we have been blessed in a way that all these artists are willing to let us release this music ourselves. So expect a lot of EP's/albums from Vinyl Frontiers within the next year. The first EP will be made with Canada's Muneshine, followed by Cali's own Treklife."

Despite great cuts from popular underground acts like Sean Price, Muneshine, Reef and Oddisee, I was more impressed with the single from legendary Dutch MC Redlight Boogie. I added his track "Betrayal" below, as well as his video with Sean Price from earlier this year, "Heat Rock".


Download: Redlight Boogie- Betrayal
Download EP: Vinyl Frontiers- Unreleased EP

Tracklist:

01 Dj Friss intro

02 Redlight Boogie – Betrayal

03 Maffew Ragazino – Pale Moon Light

04 Muneshine – What Now (feat. Sean Price & Termanology) (Vinyl Frontiers rmx)

05 Treklife – Always Together

06 Reef – You Gotta

07 Oddisee – Such Is Life (Vinyl Frontiers rmx)

08 Kaimbr – Raw Music