January 2010 | Underground Hip Hop Nation

Che Grand - Everything's Good Ugly

Today, NY's Che Grand decided to put his very good release from last year "Everything's Good Ugly" up on Band Camp for the low price of $5.00. As he's seen associates like trio Tanya Morgan rise through the ranks of independent shows and the internet to gain critical acclaim, Che Grand set his sights on doing the same. Without grappling at others' coattails, Che took it upon himself to collaborate with like-minded artists and producers to create his own sound. Beat crafters like Wale Oyejedi, Illmind and singer/songwriter Colin Munroe all incorporate their unique touches on the album. Through the release of promotional mixtapes, singles and videos online, Che Grand has amassed his own fanbase, while maintaining the collective approval of his rap associates. The son of Nigerian immigrants in Britain, Che always dreamed of reaching the American Hip Hop audience with global appeal, and reaching the world with his sound.

01. Bless'd feat. Jacob Soul
02. Gift Wrap
03. Swing
04. Walking Under Ladders feat. Elucid and Spec Boogie
05. Gold Chains Part Deux
06. Too Much Too Soon feat. Colin Munroe
07. City On Fire
08. R E S T A R T (Original)
09. Celebrate We
10. People Bowling feat. Tanya Morgan
11. Crash
12. Girls Talk feat. DbM (of Sankofa)
13. I Know You Still Want Me
14. Life's Grand feat. N.icky (of Heavy)
15. Large Hadron Collider
16. Chateau Gold
17. Soraya's Jam feat. Benny Sings
18. Across The Sky

Band Camp | MySpace

Sean Price - Figure Four (Music Video)

I remember seeing the still photos for this video a few months ago and now we finally get the full version. Full of witty wordplay and punchlines as usual from your favorite MC's favorite MC. Kimbo Price is in stores now and Mic Tyson is on the way. P!

"Sean Price the best rapper in Brownsville, don't know me?
By the time this song's done you clowns will."

Redlight Boogie feat. Sean Price - Heat Rock (Music Video)

Dutch MC Redlight Boogie adds one track to the hard copy of his debut album Dirty Money Clean Hands, which was released in the fourth quarter of last year. The song "Heat Rock" features multiple back to back eight bar verses between Redlight and hip-hop legend Sean Price. This collabo was created spontaneously when Sean Price was visiting Amsterdam. They went into the Killing Skills studio and within two hours they wrote and recorded a track fully equipped with a video shot by Teemong.

Homeboy Sandman - The Abduction (Prod. by 6th Sense)

I forgot to post this song when it dropped a few days back, but it's too good to just put aside. Whether it be 6th Sense's futuristic, neck-snapping production or Homeboy Sandman's crazy flow and lyricism, one thing is for sure, this track is not to be slept on and should be played at high volume.

Download: Homeboy Sandman - "The Abduction" (Prod. by 6th Sense)

DJ K.O. - Living Out A State Of Mind Vol. 3

DJ K.O. & the Elementality family return with the third installment in a year long series of EP's that will be released on a monthly basis. Living Out A State Of Mind Vol. 3 picks up right where Vol. 2 left off with even more dope new material from Elementality MC's Silent Knight, East, & MadKem, along side fantastic production from Analogic, Laudz, & DaveNotti.

01. Living Out A State of Mind Pt. 3 feat. Silent Knight
02. What We On feat. MadKem
03. Força feat. Silent Knight & M. Josephine
04. Never Know feat. MadKem
05. Mister Señor Love Daddy feat. East & MadKem

Download | Mediafire | Band Camp

D.Black feat. Fatal Lucciauno - Special (Prod. by B.Brown)

Following the release of his well-received MYX Music Label debut Ali'Yah, Seattle-based MC D.Black is showing no signs of slowing down in 2010. Teaming up with fellow Emerald City native and frequent collaborator B.Brown, D.Black is gearing up to release a brand new (and free!) EP entitled Black and Brown – D.Black will be handling all the vocals, while producer B.Brown provides the beats. In anticipation of the release, D.Black is leaking the first song from the forthcoming EP for public consumption. "Special" is about taking a stand against the destructive ways that most people live their lives. "We got a generation dying over wealth, but we constantly chasing our self," raps D.Black. It showcases the lyrical skills and sophistication you have come to expect from D.Black, smooth production by B.Brown, and features a guest spot from fellow Sportn' Life Records labelmate MC Fatal Lucciauno. The trio prove that, just in case you weren't sure, Sportn' Life Records and MYX Music Label are a force to be reckoned with.

Joining the songs are two exclusive videos featuring D.Black speaking on the creative process behind Ali'Yah. D.Black takes some time to tell us what the album means to him, and where he drew his inspirations for it. "I'm transcending and ascending into a more spiritual being - in a lighter realm." Black, a firm believer in the Messianic Hebrew roots of Christianity, talks about his journey from darkness and lack of direction to the light and newfound direction in his life. "I listen for and I write for those that are in the light," says D.Black. He hopes that listeners will listen with an open mind, and re-listen if need be, to follow the words that he is sharing. [via AudibleTreats]

Download: D.Black feat. Fatal Lucciauno - "Special" (Prod. by B.Brown) | Mediafire

The Seed feat. Blame One - Never Lost Control

The Seed consisting of Polynesian MC's Kahlee & Uptown Swuite along with super-producer Adikt 1 have teamed up with the always incredible Blame One and created the song "Never Lost Control", which features production (this time around) from Swedish beatmaker Demyo.

Download: The Seed feat. Blame One - "Never Lost Control" (Prod. by Demyo)

Little Vic - Man On Fire (Mixed by DJ John John & Little Vic)

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Scheme - Same Rebel, New Cause (Prod. by Panik)

Here's a brand new banger from Scheme off his upcoming mixtape, Same Rebel, New Cause. The title song and intro from the project, "Same Rebel, New Cause," was produced by fellow Molemen member, Panik. The mixtape will be dropping sometime in February for free and in March he'll be releasing Selections from Same Rebel, New Cause, which consists of all the original material from the mixtape plus a couple new songs, and will be available through iTunes and other spots.

Download: Scheme - "Same Rebel, New Cause" (Prod. by Panik)

Oddisee - San Fran x Chicago x Khartoum (+ New Album Info)

As a musician, life is often lived on the road. Each city leaves its imprint on the artist as they develop their craft. For Oddisee, the producer and MC brainchild behind 2009's critically acclaimed Diamond District, the life and travels of the artist is no mystery. Touring, recording, and keeping up with friends and family took Oddisee beyond his hometown of Washington DC to Australia, Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Rather than keep these experiences to himself, Oddisee is instead releasing a new 24-track instrumental album, sharing his worldly experiences – through music, directly with his fans; a 24 city sonic tour of the world. With this new release, Oddisee is the Traveling Man.

Being released digitally just yesterday and as a limited edition vinyl pressing on February 23rd, Traveling Man is an instrumental album truly influenced by the producer's surroundings. Each track was produced while Oddisee stayed in the city it was titled after. With these first three, take a visit to the festive "San Fran" as you travel with the woman who so smoothly sings, "Do everything you wanted to do, you're on your own, that's how it goes". Or take a ride to "Chicago" where you can let your swagger loose on the windy streets as a soft voice is conjured up to serenade you over the beat's guitar plucks, horns, and dense instrumentation. Not confined to U.S. borders, Oddisee next takes you overseas, as the hypnotic "Khartoum" in Sudan beckons you to visit its streets. No need for a passport because Oddisee sees the world, so that you can hear it. Listen up. [via AudibleTreats]

Download: Oddisee - "San Fran"
Download: Oddisee - "Chicago"
Download: Oddisee - "Khartoum"

Dominique Larue & Rashid Hadee - Guess Who (Prod. by Rashid Hadee)

Here's a sort of released, old, but new to your ears track from Dominique Larue and Rashid Hadee who linked up last year to record this joint in Chicago. Be on the lookout for Dominique's forthcoming EP entitled HerStory which will be solely produced by Idasa Tariq and is currently set to be released on February 25, 2010.

Download: Dominique Larue & Rashid Hadee - "Guess Who" (Prod. by Rashid Hadee)

Cymarshall Law - Harder Than Thou (Cuts by DJ JS-1) (Music Video)

Here are the visuals for the lead single "Harder Than Thou" off Cymarshall Law's newest release, the Creator's Kid EP. The song "Harder Than Thou" features DJ JS-1 on the cuts and some heavy production courtesy of DSlaps.

Download: Cymarshall Law - "Harder Than Thou" (Prod. by DSlaps; Cuts by DJ JS-1)

Basic Vocab - What They Want

Later this year, April 13th to be exact, Basic Vocab (JL Sorrell x Mental Growth x Tony Galvin) return with their sophomore LP, A Better Way, which once again is primarily produced by the crew's Tony Galvin. After leaking "There You Are" feat. Donwill (of Tanya Morgan) before the holidays, and more recently, "Prescription," today we are blessed with "What They Want."

Download: Basic Vocab - "What They Want"

Little Brother - LeftBack (Release Date x Album Info)

Here's some exciting news for what's next to come from one of the best hip-hop groups of all time:

Favorites of fans and critics alike, Little Brother, the North Carolina duo of Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh, is proud to finally confirm the release of an album people have been waiting on for years. LeftBack, which will be the fourth album of Little Brother’s illustrious career, will be available April 20th via Hall Of Justus.

The duo worked through several versions of the album before locking in the final version of LeftBack. Close followers of Little Brother may already be familiar with the LeftBack title, however, any previously held notions of this album being an EP should be dismissed. Little Brother opted to scrap the EP concept and instead, crafted an album's worth of material for those who have been waiting patiently for new content. "I didn't want our last record to be a bunch of second-rate material," says Phonte. "I wanted to walk away from Little Brother knowing that I gave our fans all that I had to give, and said everything I wanted to say. With LeftBack, I've done that."

Continuing the tradition they set with the critically acclaimed GetBack, Big Pooh and Phonte have enlisted multiple producers for LeftBack, both from within and outside of the Justus League camp. Producers for this album include frequent collaborator Khrysis and GetBack producers Denaun Porter and Zo!, as well as efforts from Symbolyc One and first time Little Brother contributors, J. Bizness, and King Karnov.

In addition to production, Khyrsis will also be contributing guest vocals on the album. Joining the North Carolina producer/MC are Torae, Truck North, Jozeemo and fellow Justus League MC's Chaundon and Median. Resident crooner Darien Brockington and songstress Yahzarah also supply vocals on the album.

Despite Little Brother's dominating presence in the hip-hop world since the 2003 release of The Listening, LeftBack will mark the duo's first album with a true multi-media experience. Accompanying LeftBack will be four official music videos, all shot and directed by Matt Koza, known for his previous work with Foreign Exchange, Rapper Big Pooh, Kam Moye, RJD2, and more. While not customary for a Little Brother release – the group has had only one previous official video, for The Minstrel Show's "Lovin' It" – with LeftBack, Little Brother is excited to offer loyal supporters a long-desired visual take on the group's music. Says Big Pooh, "Three albums, three mixtapes, one video. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense in this day and age. We have always lacked in the visual department, and I think it will be refreshing to finally offer the people those visuals."

Building on the album's multi-media offerings, the initial pressing of LeftBack will also feature a limited edition DVD full of exclusive bonus material. Compiled in a documentary format, the bonus DVD will include recent tour footage, as well as exclusive Little Brother footage shot and archived throughout their career. For fans that miss the initial run, a subsequent DVD-only release will also include all official music videos from LeftBack.

LMNO - Push That Work (Promo Video)

It’s been widely known that LMNO, of the LA hip-hop staple Visionaries, is a studio addict, rumored to have recorded hundreds of songs over the past few years working with some of the most well-respected and accomplished producers in hip-hop. 2010 proves to be the year where those rumors come to rest as LMNO plans to release 10 albums in 2010. Boasting one of the most distinct flows and voices in hip-hop today, LMNO brings forth Push That Work, the first album on his epic, groundbreaking, 2010 run.

Push That Work reunites LMNO with long time collaborator, LD of Technicali. Since LD’s debut on LMNO’s 2004 album P’s & Q’s, the DJ/Producer/Engineer wunderkind has gone on to work with some of hip-hop’s finest including GZA and U-God of Wu-Tang, RBX of the Dogg Pound, Murs, Kev Brown, DJ Babu & Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples, and many, many more. [via UpAboveRecords]

Jern Eye - Get Down (Prod. by Keelay & Zaire) (Music Video)

Jern Eye's new video for "Get Down" is anything but a "vision all helter skelter." Jam-packed with special effects and an energetic front man, the video for "Get Down" is something that provides the perfect visuals for the upbeat party-vibe.

"Since the song is very high energy, we decided to make it visually dynamic in the post editing," says Jern Eye. "A lot of cool affects were used on the set as well, like having projection transposed during some of the performance shots."

As the infectious drumbeat takes hold, explosive special effects and colors pop at all the right moments, the result being a visually stunning viewing experience. Director Jon Santos took a very simple shoot, added the many facets of Jern Eye's personality, and created a unique and exciting experience perfect as the backdrop of a funky dance club. Although not apparent on first watch, Jern Eye's album cover for Vision is inserted into the video numerous times as well as a visual reminder of the song's name, "Get Down." The video also highlights the instruments that make the song so powerful with shots of the synthesizer playing its catchy lick and drummer pushing the beat.

Download: Jern Eye - "Get Down" (Prod. by Keelay & Zaire)

Fes Roc - Audio/Visual EP

MySpace

Here is the new EP from Detroit's Fes Roc entitled Audio/Visual. Back in early December Fes leaked the first single "Hustle Game" and just a couple days ago I received an e-mail from KicSounds regarding the full release, but it looks like it has been out for a couple weeks now. Anyways, if you sleep on this or anything from Detroit for that matter, you need to check yourself.

01. Audio Visual (Intro) (Prod. by Petey Pistols)
02. Hustle Game (Prod. by Jay Hask)
03. BR Skit (Prod. by Koen)
04. Hi Def Producer (Prod. by Vitamin D)
05. Anything More feat. Toi (Prod. by Hilly Hill)
06. Winners Circle feat. Fat Ray & Ro Spit (Prod. by Vitamin D)
07. Rise And Fall (Skit) (Prod. by Zhao-Ski)
08. Rules Of The Game (Prod. by Vitamin D)
09. The Shout Outs

Download/Purchase

Erik L & Illingsworth feat. Sene - Time Kills

Here's a preview of what's to come on Erik L & Illingsworth's forthcoming album Northern Connection, dropping on Monday, January 25th. The song "Time Kills" features Brooklyn emcee Sene, who recently released A Day Late & a Dollar Short produced entirely by Blu. The album Northern Connection showcases the marvelous beat-stylings of both producers, as well as lyricists from the US and Sweden. This long awaited project features guest appearances from the likes of Stray, Sene, DJ Devastate and one of Swedens most authentic hip hop groups, Supersci.

Download: Erik L & Illingsworth feat. Sene - "Time Kills"

DJ Booth Presents: Rhymes & Rhythm for Relief

Below is a link to download DJBooth.net’s just-released Rhymes and Rhythm for Relief charity project. The response from the artists we work closely with has been incredible (we received over 100 submissions) and as a result we have over 25 original and unreleased records that have been donated to the album. The project is available for sale (with a suggested donation of 5 dollars) with 100% of all proceeds going to several charities that are supporting the relief effort in Haiti. [-DJBooth.net]

Download

Mr. J. Medeiros - The Art of Broken Glass

MySpace | Website

Last Tuesday, Mr. J. Medeiros decided to re-release his EP, The Art of Broken Glass, for free download. The EP was previously released last year and was for sale, but now he's giving it out as a free offering to the fans for a limited time. The entire EP was produced by Boonie Mayfield, who I expect to be making big moves this year as he has made quite a name for himself in a relatively short time.

01. Broken Windows
02. Love Is All feat. Tara Ellis
03. The Measure
04. Tower of Cards
05. Umpire State

Preview:

Download

Funky DL - Back To Frank

Hailing from the UK, Funky DL is one of the most innovative artists who combines Hip-Hop with other genres such as Jazz and Soul. With more than 10 albums and many more projects in the works, he now brings you another Jazzy album Back To Frank. This album was created by combining samples of Amy Winehouse with Hip-Hop breaks. If you are a fan of Jazzy Hip-Hop then I recommend you listen to Funky DL. Many thanks to DL for the free download! [via Below Concrete]

01. Intro
02. What Do You Expect
03. Kicked To The Curb
04. Handed To You Free
05. Realize Responsibility
06. Stronger
07. The Sweetest Thing
08. But That's Not Me
09. Made For You
10. I Can't Help You
11. Outro

Preview:

Download

Oddisee Music Presents: Odd Winter

Odd Winter is the third installment in Oddisee's season themed series. Just as Odd Summer & Odd Autumn did, Odd Winter will be the theme music to it's season. Not slowing down after his string of releases in 2009, he's also preparing to release his new instrumental album Traveling Man on Mello Music. Traveling Man will be available for purchase as a digital release January 26th and vinyl & limited edition slimlines (only at UGHH) February 23rd.

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

Download | Band Camp

Mick Boogie + nVMe + Duck Down Records Presents: Survival Kit

Some of hip-hop's youngest and brightest teamed up with producer nVMe, prolific mixtape guru Mick Boogie, and Duck Down to craft this dedication to legends KRS-One and Buckshot. The 11-track Survival Kit, which is an ode to the duo's 2009 album Survival Skills, features revamped takes on classic cuts like "Sound of Da Police," "South Bronx," and "I Got Cha Opin." The MC's lending their microphone skills for the project include Tanya Morgan, Chaundon, The Kid Daytona, Diz Gibran, Sha Stimuli, J.A.M.E.S. Watts, Fashawn, Torae, Skyzoo and more. [via PrefixMag]

01. Survival Kit Intro by DJ Sherazta
02. Gotcha Opin Original (Re-Mix) – Tanya Morgan (Prod. by nVMe)
03. South Bronx (Re-Mix) – Cause, The Kid Daytona & Chaundon (Prod. by nVMe)
04. Buck Em Down (Re-Mix) – Christian Rich (Prod. by nVMe)
05. Sound Of Da Police (Re-Mix) – Diz Gibran & Shawn Chrystopher (Prod. by Ill Tal)
06. Shit Iz Real (Re-Mix) – Ruste Juxx (Prod. by nVMe)
07. Step Into Our World (Re-Mix) – Team Facelift & Jade (Prod. by Abaddon)
08. Talk Shit (Re-Mix) – Torae & Skyzoo (Prod. by nVMe)
09. MC’s Act Like They Don’t Know – Sha Stimuli, Promise, J.A.M.E.S. Watts, Fashawn (Prod. by nVMe)
10. I Got Cha Opin '09 – Kardinal Offishall & Buckshot (Prod. by Havoc)
11. Past Present Future – KRS-One, Buckshot, Melanie Fiona & Naledge (Prod. by 9th Wonder)

Preview:

Download

DJ K.O. - What We On b/w Spit or Die (Digital 12")

"What We On" is the lead single off DJ K.O.’s upcoming EP, Living Out A State of Mind Vol. 3, which is set to drop on January 28th. The track showcases MadKem, Elementality’s newest MC, on the mic over some heavy Analogic drums. Sticking to traditional formatting of the vinyl days, we’ve got a "B-Side" to liberate for this new Digital 12". "Spit or Die" features G.O.D. (of Pitch Black) on the mic with a vintage Analogic piano sample driven beat, with DJ Vega Benetton on the cuts.

Download: DJ K.O. - "What We On" b/w "Spit or Die" (Digital 12″) | Mediafire | Band Camp

Strong Arm Steady feat. Phonte - Best Of Times (Prod. by Madlib)

As the anticipation continues for the upcoming Strong Arm Steady & Madlib album In Search of Stoney Jackson, the folks at Stones Throw decided to let out yet another leak. On the album's intro "Best Of Times", the SAS crew flows over a smooth, laid back head-nodder from Madlib and features Little Brother's Phonte singing on the hook. In Search of Stoney Jackson drops next Tuesday, January 26th, and is produced entirely by Madlib, who is a longtime friend of Phil Da Agony and extended Strong Arm Steady family. The album’s conception owes a great deal to World Famous Beat Junkie, J.Rocc, who provided the trio with close to 200 of the Madlib the Beat Konducta’s tracks to choose from.

Download: Strong Arm Steady feat. Phonte - "Best Of Times" (Prod. by Madlib)

REL!G!ON feat. Moka Only & E.D.G.E - Lucid (Music Video)

REL!G!ON is a Canadian based producer and is currently working closely with Staten Island MC Ny Oil (aka Kool Kim of the UMC's) on his next album God Of War and made several beats for Ny Oil's Hood Treason album on Babygrande Records. He also works with Moka Only, Pittsburgh MC Jasiri X and Vancouver MC E.D.G.E. His forthcoming album Revelationz I, dropping on January 26th, is his first compilation and features Planet Asia, Moka Only, Donny Goines, Chuck D, Jasiri X, Ny Oil, E.D.G.E., J. Pinder, Shyheim, and more.

Intuition feat. Slug - Buzzkill (Prod. by Equalibrum)

The homie Intuition decided to let loose the final leak/single off his upcoming album Girls Like Me, and this time around he enlists one of the biggest names in independent hip-hop, Slug (of Atmosphere). If a feature of this caliber still hasn't woken you up from sleeping on Intuition, then I hope this is your alarm. I've said this before, but every new track he releases is another notch better than the last and that's saying a lot since there's yet to be a track I didn't enjoy. Girls Like Me drops next week, January 26th, and will be available soon for preview via his Band Camp page so be on the lookout.

Download: Intuition feat. Slug - "Buzzkill" (Prod. by Equalibrum)

Wu-Tang Clan - Steppin' 2 Me x Clap 2010

As devoted fans clamor and salivate for anything Wu-related, Gold Dust & Nature Sounds are proud to announce the release of Return of the Wu & Friends, produced and compiled by producer/DJ Mathematics and including some exclusive tracks, lost gems and old time favorites featuring all nine emcees of the Wu-Tang Clan.

The 16 tracks featured on Return of the Wu & Friends were compiled from songs recorded during the group's critically acclaimed 2000 album The W through 2008, including exclusive tracks like "Steppin 2 Me" featuring GZA, Inspectah Deck and Masta Killa. The producer also offers a slew of new remixes, including "Respect Mine" and "Clap". On the former, featuring Raekwon, Method Man and Cappadonna, the sprightly piano loop found on the original (from Mathematics' 2003 solo album Love, Hell or Right) gets flipped into a slower, more ominous track anchored by a funky slap bass line.

Download: GZA, Masta Killa & Inspectah Deck - "Steppin' 2 Me"
Download: Raekwon, Ghostface, Method Man & U-God - "Clap 2010"

Georgia Anne Muldrow & Declaime - Get Up (Prod. by Oddisee)

To celebrate the vinyl-only release of their album precursor EP, Heaven Or Hell, the always-eclectic duo Georgia Anne Muldrow & Declaime are proud to release a new single from the forthcoming SomeOthaShip. "Get Up" is the track and it features contributions from Prince Po, yU, and German DMC Supremacy champion DJ Clear. Over the track's brooding, resonating piano, horn stabs, and wobbling bass line, Declaime, with his unorthodox, winding rhyme patterns, is the track's clear standout.

The "Get Up (GoGo Remix)," produced by Oddisee, who also produced the original, was made to give the original song a sound more cohesive with the rest of SomeOthaShip. Replacing the dark pianos and horns of the original with blaxploitation guitar strums, distorted synthesizer bass, loose drums and percussion, and funk horns, the remix instantly takes on a new vibe – a cosmic blending of Oddisee's Washington D.C. GoGo with Georgia & Declaime's west coast funk. And while the original prepares the listener for war, the remix serves a different purpose, as Declaime raps, "Taking y'all humans back to school / Feeding y'all this fOnk until you're full." Eat up.

Georgia & Declaime's SomeOthaShip will be available via Mello Music Group at all digital retailers on February 16th and all physical retailers on February 23rd.

Download: Georgia Anne Muldrow & Declaime - "Get Up" (Prod. by Oddisee)
Download: Georgia Anne Muldrow & Declaime - "Get Up (GoGo Remix)" (Prod. by Oddisee)

Othello feat. Now On & Mayer Hawthorne - Active Balanced (Music Video Preview)

This is a quick look at a rough edit of Othello & DJ Vajra's new single, "Active Balanced" featuring Now On & Mayer Hawthorne. The track is off of their forthcoming album, The Required Taste, set for release Spring 2010.

Sourface - The Anxiety LP

MySpace

Check out this dope LP from England based "bedroom" producer Sourface, who is also part of a UK crew called Late Night Fruit. With influences ranging between 9th Wonder, DJ Premier, and Black Milk you can expect to hear that golden era sound with a twist of new school flavor on this album.

01. Intro (The Sourface)
02. If Only
03. Nas – Made You Look (Remix)
04. Thru’ It All
05. She Disappeared
06. So Far
07. CL Smooth & Skyzoo – Perfect Timing (Remix)
08. Slidin’
09. The Call
10. Walk On
11. Ghostface Killah – Save Me Dear (Remix)
12. Mind Over Matter
13. One Day
14. Leavin’
15. Nas – Shootouts (Remix)
16. Remember Me
17. Strange Feeling
18. Little Brother, Skillz & Carlitta Durand – Life Of The Party (Remix)
19. Wasting Time
20. Picture This
21. Jay-Z – Song Cry (Remix)
22. An Ending (Outro)

Preview:

Download

Scheme - Respect The Art (Music Video)

For the "Respect the Art" video Scheme brought it back home to Chicago. His first video "Chicano" represented his home away from home, this one here represents where he was born and raised. Mostly shot in the neighborhood Scheme grew up in, the video is filled with nostalgic images, familiar faces, and iconic Chicago sites. Scheme's purpose for both song and video was to express that "no matter how you choose to portray your craft, all I ask is that you respect the art."

Scheme - The Manifesto EP (Remixes by Rashid Hadee)

With the acapellas being released to the public, many producers all over the world took a shot at remixing Scheme's entire new project, The Manifesto EP. Here we have the remixed version by Rashid Hadee, who is also from Chicago, and in my opinion is one of the most slept on/underrated producers ever.

Taken from Amazon.com, in regards to Rashid Hadee:

"The talented producer has laced tracks for MC's such as Little Brother, Psalm One, Longshot, Thaione Davis and Manov War. He has also shared production duties with fellow Chi-town native Kanye West and produced songs for Abstract Mindstate that featured Common and Special Ed."

01. The Manifesto (Intro)
02. Respect the Art
03. Spotlight feat. Wes Restless
04. Let Me Do My Thing
05. Modern Day Warfare
06. Chicano
07. All I Know
08. Extravagant Lifestyle feat. Tone Pro
09. Fin (Outro)

Preview:

Download

MYX Music Label Unveils Plans For Prolific 2010

Some really exciting news from MYX Music Label regarding upcoming releases. I am especially looking forward to the new One Be Lo album, but they're all intriguing and I look forward to showing plenty of support.

2009 was a triumphant year for MYX Music Label, and with the new year upon us the Bay Area label is again readying itself to be at the forefront of independent hip-hop. The year promises to be both inspired and energetic as the label preps for high profile releases from Crown Royale, One Be Lo, Keelay, Fortilive, and others.

MYX Music Label found success in 2009 with celebrated projects from Keelay & Zaire, Jern Eye, Kam Moye AKA Supastition, and the sophomore effort from D.Black, which found itself on Amazon.com's Outstanding Albums of 2009 list. The young label is prepared to continue its musical offensive in 2010 and, according to MYX founder Karim Panni, ready to "establish [itself] as one of the premier independent labels and one of the biggest producers of quality hip-hop."

Leading MYX's quest for hip-hop supremacy is Crown Royale, the duo comprised of veteran emcee Buff1 and beat junkie DJ Rhettmatic, who will be dropping an album come springtime. Audiophiles will be happy to hear that MYX is also planning on working in conjunction with Fat Beats to give the Crown Royale album the full vinyl treatment. The melodious movement continues with One Be Lo, who will be hosting a veritable 'Who's Who of Hip-Hop' party on his album due out in April, featuring lyrical stylings from the likes of Phonte of Little Brother, Jean Grae, Freeway, Zion I, Devin the Dude, Royce da 5'9", Black Milk, Guilty Simpson, Kam Moye, and more.

Also keeping busy in the new year is Keelay, who, in addition to dropping a project with Bambu (formerly of Native Guns), will also be collaborating with hip-hop instrumentalists The Park and chanteuse Ragen Fykes for an album of genre-bending proportions. MYX will round out its year of sonic selections by serving up a Fortilive album produced by beat maestro !LLMind. New videos from D.Black, Kam Moye, and Jern Eye, as well as South By Southwest performances by Crown Royale, Kam Moye, One Be Lo and Jern Eye are also in the MYX this year. With this extensive slate of offerings, the MYX Music Label looks to not only realize its hopes of uniting the Bay Area in musical solidarity, but also establish itself as a hip-hop force to be reckoned with in 2010.

Blitz the Ambassador - Emmett (S)Till

Here's the latest single from one of last year's best breakthrough artists, Blitz the Ambassador. On this song he reflects on the life of Emmitt Till and one of our nation's most horrific murders.

Mr. Brady - Left Overs Volume 2

Leftovers is a free album by San Diego-based producer/emcee Mr. Brady. It’s a collection of bangers featuring Deep Rooted, Trek Life, Main Flow and more. Look out for many releases from Mr. Brady in 2010, including full albums with Moka Only and LMNO.

01. Left Overs 2 Intro (Prod. by Mr. Brady)
02. These Days feat. Sene (Prod. by Mr. Brady)
03. Saturday Night Special feat. Blame one (Prod. by Mr. Brady)
04. Clap feat. Mr Mr (Moka Only & Mr. Brady) (Prod. by Mr. Brady)
05. Conciousness feat. Sha Dula & Asia (Prod. by Mr. Brady)
06. Focused feat. Hardware (Prod. by Mr. Brady)
07. Labor Of Love feat. Abstract Rude (Prod. by Mr. Brady)
08. No Longer feat. Mr Mr (Moka Only & Mr. Brady) (Prod. by Moka Only)
09. Gimmie Room feat. Sene (Prod. by Mr. Brady)
10. Magic feat. Asia & Sha Dula (Prod. by Mr. Brady)
11. Like That feat. Mr Mr (Moka Only & Mr. Brady(Prod. by Moka Only)
12. Newness feat. Arsun Fist (Prod. by Mr. Brady)
13. Slumps feat. Mr Mr (Mr. Brady & Moka Only) (Prod. by Mr. Brady)
14. All Mixed Up feat. Just Brea (Prod. by Mr. Brady)

Download | zShare

DJ Dub & Furious Styles Present: Jay Electronica - Victory

Starting out as they mean to go on in 2010, long time brethren DJ Furious Styles and DJ Dub have concocted a mixtape from one of today's most anticipated MCs, Jay Electronica. Victory is not only a showcase of the New Orleans natives' ability to control the mic but it is a wake up call to people who consider themselves lyricists. Jay Electronica is the epitome of an MC and this collection of tracks mixed by Justo winner DJ Furious Styles and the acclaimed DJ Dub (Child, Rebel, Soldier and Everyone Hates Chris) simply proves that Jay Electronica is carrying the torch for Hip-Hop right now.

"In the current state of music, an artist like Jay (Electronica) deserves the attention of anyone who even THINKS they like Hip-Hop. We're not saying that he's the savior but he's been working on the humble for years and Exhibit C opened him up to the world. World, meet Jay Electronica...support his victory for Hip-Hop." - DJ Dub

"I truly believe that everyman has a story and Jay Electronica's story is definitely the current soundtrack to Hip-Hop. He makes the impossible seem possible. Dub and I wanted to share his soundtrack with those that were unfamiliar. Let's welcome back the lyricists to Hip-Hop." - DJ Furious Styles

01. Intro
02. Exhibit B feat. Mos Def
03. Suckas
04. Walking feat. Nneka (J. Period Remix)
05. Dealing
06. So What Cha Sayin
07. Scenario '04
08. Something To Hold Onto
09. Poetry Interlude
10. Departure
11. Cool Relax feat. Naledge
12. Trolley Stop
13. Hagler
14. My World
15. Hard to Get feat. Mr Porter
16. Extra Extra
17. Victory In My Clutches
18. Swagger Jackson's Revenge
19. Just Begun feat. J. Cole, Talib Kweli & Mos Def
20. Uzi Weighs A Ton
21. Love Czars feat. Sa-Ra & Ta'raach
22. Posers feat. The New Royales
23. Billy Stewart
24. Exhibit C
25. Googly Eyes (Live)
26. Holiday feat. Mos Def

Download

Talib Kweli & DJ Heathen - For The Love Of Music

Team Heathen & Yearoftheblacksmith.com Presents For The Love of Music, mixed by DJ Heathen and hosted by Talib Kweli. Features dope new tracks from Talib Kweli, Strong Arm Steady, Jean Grae, Idle Warship & more.

01. Real Emcees
02. Intro
03. Strong Arm Steady - Trunk Music
04. Jean Grae - Mean Jean (Birthday Edition)
05. Chester French - Fall Back
06. Strong Arm Steady - Butt Naked
07. DJ Drama Checks In
08. Talib Kweli - My Favorite Song
09. Strong Arm Steady - Give It Up
10. Strong Arm Steady - Money Right
11. Idle Warship - Try It On
12. Talib Kweli - Internet Connection
13. Talib Kweli - Back Again
14. Idle Warship - Girls On The Dance Floor (Remix)
15. Idle Warship - Steady
16. Outro
17. Talib Kweli - Just Begun (Bonus)

Download

Cymarshall Law feat. Skit Slam - Discrimination (Prod. by Mr. Joeker)

And as requested by the fans, Cymarshall Law let's loose of the second fully completed non-DJ version of the track "Discrimination" featuring his brother Skit Slam on the rhymes and another ridiculous beat from Mr. Joeker.

Download: Cymarshall Law feat. Skit Slam - "Discrimination" (Prod. by Mr. Joeker)

Chaundon & Little Vic - Story To Tell

DJ Concept & DJ Mickey Knox are set to release The BYOB EP for free download real soon but wanted to let a quick leak out for the fans. The EP is entirely produced by Sickness, an up & coming cat from Long Island featuring brand new tracks from L.E.G.A.C.Y., Kaleber, Typ Ill, Illa Ghee, Chaundon & Little Vic. This track is entitled "Story To Tell" featuring Chaundon & Little Vic. Enjoy & be on the lookout for the entire EP.

Download: Chaundon & Little Vic - "Story To Tell" | Clean Version

Basic Vocab - Prescription

After releasing their debut, The General Dynamic, in 2006, Basic Vocab would go on to be featured in Vibe, Urb, XLR8R Magazines (among many) and most of the esteemed Urban Net destinations as well. Their debut was given an extra boost by the LP's breakout single "Come Get With It" which was featured on HBO's wildly popular show Entourage (Season 5, Episode 8) and Miami Ink. Their appearance on Entourage resulted in over 250K Net plays of "Come Get With It."

In April of 2010, Basic Vocab (JL Sorrell, Mental Growth and Tony Galvin) will return with their sophomore LP, A Better Way, which once is primarily produced by Tony Galvin (who has produced tracks for T.I., Young Jeezy, Trick Daddy, Trina and Nelly).

After leaking "There You Are" feat. Donwill (of Tanya Morgan) before the holidays, here is the second leak, "Prescription," from Basic Vocab's sophomore effort A Better Way.

Download: Basic Vocab - "Prescription"
Bonus: Basic Vocab feat. Donwill (of Tanya Morgan) - "There You Are"

Cymarshall Law - No Sleep (Prod. by Mr. Joeker)

Since the recent release of Cymarshall Law's Creator's Craft Mix CD there has been a high demand for a non-DJ version. I think it's a fantastic idea and Cymar has apparently obliged and should be leaking out the others soon. But for now we have the first non-DJ version of the song "No Sleep", which features some dark/neck-breaking production courtesy of Mr. Joeker. Be on the lookout for the Creator's Kid LP on January 26th.

Download: Cymarshall Law - "No Sleep" (Prod. by Mr. Joeker)

Blockhead - The Music Scene (MegaMix)

New York hip hop producer Tony Simon aka Blockhead returns with his third and best instrumental album for Ninja Tune, The Music Scene. CD & LP versions are released on 12th January (US) and 18th January (UK), while the digital version is available now from the Ninjashop or iTunes. As a preview, he sent out this 31-minute megamix of the full-length, which showcases the producer's new-found beat diversity thanks to his recent discovery of Ableton.

Download

Blu & Mainframe - Disco D.Y.N.A.M.I.T.E. (Music Video)

Most of y'all probably heard this track sometime back in '08, but now you've got some incredible visuals to go with it.

"Artists better sharpen they pencils and take martial arts before they kick flows".

Rapper Big Pooh & Black Milk - The Purple Tape

Here's the newest project from Rapper Big Pooh over Black Milk's Purple Tape instrumentals. Peep the video below for more info.

01. When I’m Done
02. Blueprint
03. Impatient feat. Ms. Cris
04. Put It In The Air feat. Joe Scudda
05. Holding Back feat. Erica Thompson
06. Girlfriend
07. Camera Tricks feat. Chaundon
08. Law & Order feat. Jozeemo
09. Bounce
10. Say Something feat. DJ Flash
11. Shoutemout

Download

Scanz - Peace (DJ Khalil's Chinatown Wars #6)

I'm a big fan of Scanz and an even bigger fan of DJ Khalil, so when I came across this song I was ecstatic and had to post it up for those who haven't heard yet. This is the first new material I've heard from Scanz since he dropped The Basement Chronicles last year, so I'm hoping this is a sign of a new album soon..? Anyways here goes the latest joint from one of Philly's best, rhyming over track #6 on Khalil's GTA Chinatown War's beat tape.

Download: Scanz - "Peace" (Beat by DJ Khalil)

Jon Phonics - Jonathan's Beats & Pieces

MySpace

Here's a nice beat tape from a UK producer I've been following on the Louis Den Beat Battles. It was released a couple weeks ago, but I just heard it for the first time a few days ago. Enjoy!

London, England based producer Jon Phonics (aka Ill Clinton) recently released a free 28-track instrumental album showcasing beats he constructed over the last two months called, Jonathan’s Beats & Pieces. The album turned out to be a dope inside look on what this talented beatsmith has to offer, especially considering it takes a year or two for other producers to whip up a beat tape like this.

You can expect spaced out foundations, dirty electronic stabs, trippy samples, blunted bass lines, and yet another solid beat showcase from an overseas up and comer. Don’t sleep.

Preview:

Kit Knows & fLako - The First Space: Kit On The Moon

MySpace

For the start of 2010, Kit Knows presents The First Space: Kit On The Moon. Formerly known as Kaynose from the well known hip-hop group, Two Left, this release is the first solo project from Toronto artist Kit Knows. Unlike many other mixtapes where various tracks can be randomly thrown together, this project brings a level of cohesion, with all tracks coming from the up and coming producer fLako, as a remix to his beat tape, First Space Shit on the Moon.

Preview:

Download | MultiUpload

aDaD - Sky (Prod. by Exile)

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.

Download: aDaD - "Sky" (Prod. by Exile)

Exile - In Love

Spotted over at http://yourstru.ly:

Exile is behind the boards of my favorite hip-hop album of the last 5 years and I’m not that old, so it’s a big deal. His latest solo project, Radio, was made entirely from samples pulled from LA’s crowded airwaves and is an exercise in patience and scrapbooking. In these 2 pieces; shot at SF’s Different Fur Studios, Ex speaks on getting his start finger drumming, coming up with the concept of his new record, how it was almost titled Car Stereo, and what making beats while plugged into the cigarette lighter on long road trips was like. He then follows that with a couple of rub-your-eyes-is-this reality re-creation of "In Love."

Revalation - The Revalation Will Be Televised: Commercial Interruption

Presented by Refined Hype, DotGotIt.com and RockTheDub.com, this is the first in "The Revalation Will Be Televised" series from Revalation. I wanted this tape to embody the idea that network media and social media are currently taking over our whole way of life. With that being said I decided to make a tape containing all "industry" beats or beats that had a "commercial" appeal. This was my way of showing versatility and but without sacrificing my creativity. If you listen to the songs, they all have that appeal but lyrically, I haven't changed a thing, I'm just as raw, creative and humorous as usual just with a more "mainstream" sound on this one. Each tape in this series will have a different theme.

Artist Info:
Born in South Bronx, Christopher "Revalation" Figueroa is a talented, 26 year old Puerto Rican MC now residing in New Bedford, MA. Revalation, aka Rev, has opened for such national acts as Joe Budden, N.O.R.E., Raekwon, Freeway, Styles P, M.O.P, Pharoahe Monch, Das EFX, Cormega, KrumbSnatcha, Akrobatik, Made Men, etc. He has also recently recorded with respected underground artists like Sha Stimuli, Termanology, Reks and XL. His music has also been played on Boston’s JAM’N 94.5 and WERS 88.9 and has been featured on such websites as HipHopDX.com, KevinNottingham.com, NewEnglandHipHop.com, RefinedHype.com, DotGotIt.com, RockTheDub.com & many more. He is currently working on his next mixtape "Emergency Broadcast" set to drop early 2010.

Preview:

Download

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