These cats were before my time, but they seem to have put out some solid ish back in the day. Worth checkin out…
U.T.F.O. never had many hits. During the mid-’80s, the rap group released a series of singles, but only one stood out, and for good reason, because that song, “Roxanne, Roxanne,” is one of the classic rap singles of all time. Though “Roxanne, Roxanne” only hit number ten on the R&B charts, it was far more popular than its chart position suggests, spawning a craze of answer records that ran for nearly two years. Unfortunately, U.T.F.O. never released anything else that quite matched the quality of “Roxanne, Roxanne,” though their follow-up, “The Real Roxanne,” was entertaining in its own right. Since the group had an uneven track record, The Best of U.T.F.O. is the best way to get acquainted with the group, even though it has a number of weak spots itself. Nevertheless, it has all the necessary items U.T.F.O. ever recorded, and “Roxanne, Roxanne” is a single that should be heard by all rap and hip-hop fans. ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide
Got home from work around 7am, slept a few hours, have to be back to work at 5. Fuck the world, here’s a classic.
Black on Both Sides is a manifestation of compelling, honest hip-hop. The genre’s underground torchbearer, the mighty Mos Def (half of Black Star), injects intellect, humor, and knowledge into all of his rhymes. Overall, the album has an understated quality, but pure enjoyment comes with discovering the clever lyrical gems Mos drops. The expansiveness of his mindstate is showcased best on “New World Water,” in which he fully limns our uses of, needs for, and exploitation of water. On “Ms. Fat Booty,” a love tale with unexpected twists is woven intricately around Aretha Franklin’s wailing vocals. Whether rapping, singing, or lecturing, Mos Def is firmly rooted in African American consciousness and examines social issues with great ease. Black on Both Sides will endure for many years; it’s an album worthy of numerous listens. –Celine Wong
Aight, aight so for most of us the holidays are almost officially over, but there’s still a bit of time left to celebrate with ‘09 on the horizon. I promised you all a gift or 2 (or 3). So, here’s 1 and 1/2 of the first 3 (now that I think about it the number might be 4) gifts we’re serving up for you here at CTR. First off, I’m sure a lot of you were wondering what exactly would we choose for the theme of the next installment of WIMBP since we had two themes tied at 73 votes, but instead of flipping a coin the decision was made to drop both. Vol 1.5 aka I Love The 90s is a relatively short work of a few overlooked 90s gems from some well and lesser known names. Juggaknots to Common (Sense), Natural Resource (Jean Grae’s old group) to Black Star, there’s something for every 90s head.
This next announcement (the .5 of your gift) is the most important IMO. I think a lot of cats who visit CTR may have found our links posted on hip-hop forums– hip-hop forums which generally have a single thread (rarely even a sub-forum) dedicated to UGHH (underground hip-hop) which is shame since with the many blogs floating around there’s obviously a demand for the music. Maybe I’m greatly mistaken, but there just doesn’t seem to be any forums out there specifically for sharing UGHH, which is why we’re bringing a new UGHH sharing community to you all seven days from now. In seven days we’ll make the link to the forums public, but until then we’re asking anybody interested in helping moderate any of our many sections or just posting material in general (we don’t care if it’s been previously upped or whatever) to contact us at checktherhimeblog@gmail.com. We’d also greatly appreciate help from other bloggers with promoting this site (we have ad space which we want to promote well put together ughh blogs on, at no cost of course). Anybody experienced in using Vbulletin is also welcome to drop us a line (we could use a bit of technical help). It’s about time we got our own, isn’t it? Stay tuned for more “gifts” in the next week or so.
Looks like a bunch of throwbacks circa 1994-1996. Sure you’ll recognize a bunch of these. Sorry for the cover, high def scanner apparently didn’t exist in ‘98. Cop this ish here.
It’s pretty simple…UD laid a marker in the sand with this EP…it says hip hop doesn’t need slick pop production values and mindless lyrics about guns, gangs and just how tough life is when you’re a multi-million selling rap star…. Hip hop should funky, fun and down right … .groove-some..the guys have fun and don’t attempt to pretend the music is about anything other than dope beats, phat b-lines and straight up party tunes…
If you like Jay Z/ Nelly/puffy don’t buy this… ..I’m sure Death Row will release something to keep you happy soon…
Manewhile Einstein, Diz and AndyCat will keep the more discerning amongst us partying and havin’ fun….everybody c’mon!! And buy this! Support underground hip-hop!
Tracklist after the jump. Cop the CD from Amazon here. That’s where I copped that blurb from.
Only when I’m high off my ass do I personally really enjoy Aesop Rock’s music. I mean he does have his exceptional track here and there that appeals to me under non-compromised circumstances, but whether or not I’m a huge fan there’s no denying Aesop’s solidified status as a indie hip-hop legend. This was a special post for my best friend who got me listening to half of the music I listen to today, and although he never completely turned me over to the side of the Aesop junkies, I can still appreciat his creativity and uniqueness in style as well as his knack for taking on obscure and lesser touched on topics in hip-hop. Def Jukies fans salute.
Aesop Rock LPs
Aesop_Rock-Music_For_Earthworms_(Remastered)-1998-C*S
Aesop_Rock-Float-2000-C*S
Aesop_Rock-Labor_Days-2001-F*D_INT
Aesop_Rock-Bazooka_Tooth-2003-C*S
Aesop_Rock-Bazooka_Tooth_(Bonus_Disc)-2003-W*R
Aesop_Rock-None_Shall_Pass-2007-C*
Aesop Rock EPs
Aesop_Rock-Appleseed-Remastered-1999-C*S_INT
Aesop_Rock-Daylight-Retail_EP-2002-Rec*cled_INT
Aesop_Rock-Fast_Cars_Danger_Fire_And_Knives-EP-2005-C*S
A Huntington, Long Island, New York-born MC, Aesop initially recorded and released two self-financed efforts, Music for Earthworms (1997), a full length featuring underground legend Percee P on two tracks, and the Appleseed EP (1999), while also working as a waiter. These two independent releases are widely sought after in the underground scene.
After moving to the Mush label, Aesop released his first major album, Float (2000), with guest appearances from Vast Aire, Slug, and Dose One. Production was split between Blockhead and Aesop himself, with one track by Omega One.
Shortly after releasing Float, Aesop Rock signed to Manhattan-based label Definitive Jux (commonly shortened to Def Jux), where he released Labor Days, an album dedicated to the discussion of labor in American society and the concept of “wage slaves”. This album was most well known for its single “Daylight.” Because of its popularity, Daylight was re-released in 2002 as a 7-track EP, including an “alternative” new version of the song, “Night Light,” whose paraphrased lyrics simultaneously refer back to, and stand in stark opposition to, the original’s.
Labor Days was followed by Bazooka Tooth in 2003. For the first time, production was mostly handled by Aesop himself, with three tracks from longtime collaborator Blockhead and one from close friend and Definitive Jux label CEO El-P. Guest appearances include Party Fun Action Committee, El-P, and Mr. Lif (all Definitive Jux labelmates) and Camp Lo. With this release Aesop hit a higher level of recognition, releasing “No Jumper Cables” as a single and music video, then another single, “Freeze”, shortly after.
In the summer of 2004, Aesop Rock appeared on the Evil Nine Single “Crooked” from the Album You Can Be Special Too, on Marine Parade records.
In February 2005, Aesop Rock released a new EP, Fast Cars, Danger, Fire and Knives. The first pressing of the EP included an 88 page booklet with lyrics from every release from Float until this EP (the lyric booklet is titled The Living Human Curiosity Sideshow); later pressings of the album come without the booklet, but with an additional bonus track, “Facemelter”. In addition, a limited number of albums were available direct from Def Jux with Aesop Rock’s graffiti tag on them. In response to demands from his fans, Aesop did less production on the EP: three songs are produced by Blockhead, three produced by Aesop, and one by Rob Sonic.
Aesop Rock was commissioned to create a 45-minute instrumental track for the Nike+iPod running system, entitled All Day. It was released in February 2007. Distributed via the iTunes Music Store and featuring Allyson Baker on guitar and scratches from DJ Big Wiz, Aesop has described the release as “something that evolved enough that the sound was constantly fresh and attractive, as though the runner were moving through a set of differing cities or landscapes.” [1]
All Day was followed in August of the same year by Bavitz’s fifth full-length album, None Shall Pass (2007). The album also contained original artwork by Jeremy Fish.
Alright, so I know the first thing that automatically pops into your heard when you think about Skee-Lo is his one and only hit single by the same title of his debut album, I Wish, but please… do yourself a favor and don’t let the fact that he had one major corny (but still funny) hit ruin your perception of the man. My older sister put me onto this album years ago when it first came out (she used to bump it all the time) and I thought I’d share it with you all. At times Skee remains comical, but he’s still able to pull off complex left coast rhyme schemes while never stating anything but the truth and for those weary of his I Wish like comedic style, the album also includes much deeper material such as the tracks “Never Crossed My Mind”, ‘Holdin’ On’, and “You Ain’t Down”. The single “I Wish” left Skee between a hit and a hard place which kind of made it him hard to gain notereity for his follow-ups, but he def deserves his just dos for this first album. Don’t believe me? Check the video for a sample.
Been meaning to get to this feature for the longest time. Kickin It Ol’ Skool will feature some of the best classics prior to what I consider to be the golden era of hip-hop, 1995. Stay tuned for more ol’ skool favourites comin your way from your friends at CTR.
I can’t think of a better album than U.M.C.’s Fruit Of Nature to start to get this feature poppin. The U.M.C.’s (not to be confused with The Ultramagnetic MC’s) are rap duo Haas G and Kool Kim comin at ya from Staten Island. I can’t believe this dropped all the way back in ‘91, that kinda funk was so ahead of its time. I just love the positive vibe of this album, they definitely don’t make em like this anymore. Shout out to Esperanza for showing me this earier this year, all these years I coulda been listening to this dopeness..
This album is a true lost classic, seemingly over-looked by damn near everyone. This post-DAISY AGE gem has a similar vibe to De La’s “3 Feet…” debut, but a sound all to it’s own. It’s a staple of Hip-Hop that really gets no respect. When I bring up the UMC’s almost everyone either; a) hasn’t heard of them, or b) thinks that I’m talking about The Ultramagnetic MC’s. Man, how ignorance runs rampant through Hip-Hop…
UMC’s Haas G & Kool Kim have one of my favorite flows in Hip-Hop. Their lyrical dexterity is truly a beautiful thing, whether the beat is fast (”One to Grow On,” “Blue Cheese”) or slow (”Morals,” “It’s Gonna Last”) they ride the beat flawlessly & perfectly. Their lyrics are well thought-out, meaningful and original - everything that makes a great MC. The beats are amazing, I love everyone of them. The production was handled by Haas & RNS (later to go on and produce for Wu-Tang), the beats are all very unique, bouncy and just plain dope. They give the album a happy vibe that always puts me in a good mood. I can’t say enough good things about this album, over the many years it’s evolved from an album I really appreciate into one of my treasured favorites. From front to back this album is a masterpiece, no skipping needed (an important requirement for a classic).
Above is the video for their hit single Blue Cheese. I’m not even a huge fan of that song in particular, their album has a bunch of other hot tracks so check it and find out for yourself. Hit the jump for the tracklist. Buy this classic gem here.
I’ve been thinking about dropping in a regular feature like this for a while, just been so busy with rl and of course WeveGotTheJazz.com so I just haven’t had the time.
Let’s take it back to 1992 bitches. It Was a Good Day is one of those tracks that I can always listen to. No matter what kinda mood I’m in, I always feel good after listening to some vintage Ice Cube. Be on the lookout for more classic singles coming your way from us hoodrats at CheckTheRhime.com!
Ice Cube originally recorded a demo of the track in his home studio and went on to record the album version in Los Angeles at Echo Sound Studios during 1992, and it was one of the first ideas for the album sessions.[1] Ice Cube commented on the concept behind the song stating,
The inspiration was my life at the time … I was at the top of the rap game. It was the summer of ’92 and I was in a hotel room, really in a state of euphoria. I had all the money I had dreamed of. I was in a good frame of mind. And I remember thinking, ‘Okay, there’s been the riots, people know I will deal with that. That’s a given. But I rap all this gangsta stuff — what about all the good days I had?[1]
RiPPER.: MoDiggy
DATE RiPPED..: 04-27-2002
LAbEL..: Priority Records
DATE RELEaSEd: 00-00-0000
ENCOdER: LAME
RELEaSE SiZE.: 17,10 MB
BiTrAtE: 192 kbps
TRACkS.......: 03
MOdE...: Joint-Stereo
SoURCe.......: CDDA
written by ice cube, produced by D.J. Pooh, samples" come
on sexy mama as recorded by the moments,under license from
sugar hill records, footsteps in the dark" as recorded by
the isley brothers,under license from the isley brothers,
ICE CUBE FOR GANGSTA BOOGIE MUSIC!! D.J. POOH FOR
BRITTLESSE
01 │ It Was A Good Day (Radio Version) │ 04:23 │
02 │ It Was A Good Day (Album Version) │ 04:22 │
03 │ It Was A Good Day (Instrumental Version) │ 04:18 │
Peep the jump to download this hip-hop classic. I’ve also included the video from YouTube.
Originally released as an EP in 1997, Jurassic 5 is without a doubt a classic. Celebrating their 11th year of this musical landmark, Jurassic 5 decided to re-issue a deluxe edition of this album with a bonus CD jam packed with exclusive material. Check this for an instant flash back to the good ol’ days of hip-hop.
Somewhere between The Pharcyde [click to read] and Blu [click to read], Jurassic 5 [click to read] had west coast independent Hip Hop on their back for several years. Respect due to Cali Agents, Stones Throw and Dilated Peoples, but it was J5 who took a kinetic stage show, a masterful understanding of Hip Hop’s origins and a unique, organic style and attracted the attention of Interscope Records for three major albums [click to read]. The EP that made it happen though remains their most coveted work, and as it turns 10 years old with the six brothers from California find themselves in factions and solo careers, the DVD and bonus CD reel package reminds those who were there that tomorrow got nothing on yesterday.
Ten years later “Concrete Schoolyard,” “Jayou” and “Improvise” remain just as potent as they did set against the shiny-suit-era canvas. An album that scraped the definition of the perfect in its time hasn’t lost its charm in age. The additional bonus tracks simply give those who championed the work then something else to consider. Many of the new records, rarities, radio work and archival material, is deejay-based. “Rubber Tires” for instance feels like an update of Malcolm McLaren’s “Buffalo Gals,” with Nu-Mark in apparent deep concentration. “Next Victim” is partner Cut Chemist’s turn, masterfully switching between the signature hard-hitting drums of J5 and one of the sweeter sample finds in the collector’s crate. “Verbal Gunfight” is yet another gem, adding a peppier bassline to the group that reintroduced kicks and snares to a synthesized, Pop-sounding era of Hip Hop. Although some of the audio quality of the new material lacks polish, it’s supposed to. Like a cassette dub, a pause tape or the way a live record sounds in your memory, these are gifts from a group offering up material dating back as early as 1994.
As a major inclusion of the package, the DVD is essential to mention. “The Jurassic Period” is a collection of tour movies from the guys towards the latter years of the group. Babu, Supernatural and Evidence [click to read] make cameos as members clown each other, get topless groupie admiration and embark on a tour that looked so red-eyed and jovial, it’s again hard to understand the root of the breakup. Although the sound editing surpasses the film editing, this – a live concert and the timeless record/ice cream truck “Concrete Schoolyard” video make this package all the more collectible to fans.
Like the Mass Appeal: Best of collection of Gang Starr released last year, or A Tribe Called Quest’s Anthology, it’s often not until today that we can properly appreciate yesterday. Ten years later and few producers have the knowledge of records demonstrated by Cut Chemist, the mix and programming techniques employed by Nu-Mark, the deft alto flow of Chali 2na or the collective harmonic chemistry that J5 brought. To 2na, Akil, Mark 7even and Zaakir together, incorporating Cold Crush Brothers aesthetic, electro and uncut ‘90s underground bravado was tangible to outsiders, and it birthed Hip Hop fans – but not nearly as many as the Hip Hop made in its wake is turning away.
Jazz-Hop extradanaire Mark Farina hailing from San Francisco is back with Volume 6 of his Mushroom Jazz series. Some info from his Myspace:
The Legendary Series Is Back With The Sixth Installment.
The series is back and the wait is finally over! Get those neck braces out! Om is proud to present Mark Farina’s highly anticipated “Mushroom Jazz 6.”
To the un-initiated, Mark Farina is the master of the blend! The new album features new and unreleased material from the finest in Mushroom Jazz music (funky instrumental hip hop, downtempo, soul and blunted beats mixed together to perfection by Mark Farina himself), and on this sixth edition of this legendary series he includes a bumpin’ brand new Farina original track entitled “Life”.
A true phenomenon, “Mushroom Jazz Vol. 6” will have new and old school fans alike rushing to retail and digital locations. Get ready!!!
Mushroom Jazz Vol. 6 In Stores October 21st.
“Every once in a while, an entire genre of music can be defined by the tastes and technique of the selector who somehow understands it better than anyone else. Such is the sort of success that San Francisco – based DJ/producer Mark Farina has achieved for himself since starting off as a record collector and dedicated beatfreak in the house mecca of Chicago.” – DJ TIMES
“For many downtempo fans, Mushroom Jazz is where it all began.” –BPM
Support this dude and go buy these smooth mixes. Tracklists after the jump.
Simply put, wow! I have no doubt that this album heavily shaped the way Hip-Hop sounds this day. Can’t believe it took me 11 years to find out about this…
Buckshot Lefonque is a project headed and produced by Branford Marsalis. They made, to my knowledge, one album, named Music Evolution. One album and still their name is known across the world. Of course because of the huge hit Another day. But the album has far more to offer than just their two singles, the title track Music evolution being the other.
Made by some extremely talented young musicians and performers, the album consists of a blend of very different styles of music: hip hop, jazz, pop, rock and some ballads. In true hip hop-style they even have some interludes.
My personal story is as follows. The first time I heard Another day I was completely surprised. Such musical talent, such great vocals. I immediately fell in love with the song. I bought the single and played it every day for six months. Then my interest faded a little and I put the single away. Until about a year ago. I was talking to a friend of mine who plays the saxophone and we were discussing music. She said that ever since she heard Another day she wanted to play the soprano saxophone. And that she forgot the name of the band that made the song. I said I had the single at home and gave it to her (who can say no to a beautiful woman?) I began my search for the album that contained the song. More than 10 months later I found it. And without listening to it, I bought it. First time I played it, I was a bit disappointed. Not every song was as good as Another day. But now, after hearing it some more, I’m beginning to appreciate it very much.
Tracklist and preview tracks after the jump. Buy the album here.
Like I stated before our downtime CTR could def use a lot more old school records so let’s jump it off with a seventeen-year-old-still-fresh joint from Black Sheep. Things are obviously still crazy as far as time constraints go so I’ll let DJ Fatboy of RapReviews.com handle this one. Review and tracklist after the jump.
Like I stated before our downtime CTR could def use a lot more old school records so let’s jump it off with a seventeen-year-old-still-fresh joint from Black Sheep. Things are obviously still crazy as far as time constraints go so I’ll let DJ Fatboy of RapReviews.com handle this one. Review and tracklist after the jump.
Continuing on with or addition of more old school albums to CTR’s archives here’s the highly acclaimed sophomore LP from Da Bush Babees. I personally only discovered these cats about one or two years ago, but they seem to fit right in with the rest of my listening patterns. Gravity, which is probably the first LP to master the art of blending hip-hop and reggae in a way that leaves no emptiness or further craving for either respective genre, features tracks blessed by Native Tongues gods Q-Tip and Posdonus and as credited with being the first major exposure for Blackstar’s Mos Def as an emcee. Like Group Home, Black Sheep, Black Star or Brand Nubian? Cliche yes, but you’ll love Da Bush Babees.
Cunnin is without a doubt my favourite group that’s currently doing their thang. I got into them when A Piece of Strange was released and I couldn’t believe how good they are (and why I’ve been sleeping on them for soooo long). I’ve always had a negative steretype towards the South, but acts such as Cunninlynguists and Little Brother are definitely out of this world. Kno is unreal when it comes to lacing pure fire beats, anything he touches turns to gold…CHECK ALL THESE NOW!
Mr. SOS (formely of Cunninlynguists):
Mr_SOS-SOS_For_President-2004-FTD
Mr.SOS-SOS_For_President_2-Inauguration-2005-FTD_INT
Mr._SOS-The_Pre-Op_EP-2006-UKP
I’ve been meaning to post this one for a minute. A few days back I realized we really don’t have nearly as many old school joints as we should (as I mentioned in the Hiero rarities drop) so I thought I’d start off with this one, which comes courtesy of the group often credited with starting the entire native tongues movement and thus one of the major influences we have in this sites creation. Although I’ve always been more of a fan of other native tongues posse members and their works, this album is undoubtedly one of the most original, creative, and forward thinking from it’s era. It was with this album that groups like De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest and solo acts like Queen Latifah and Monie Love found their niche in hip-hop. This album set the standard for the afrocentricity, leftism, religiousism and hippism within the hip-hop community. Do your favor and play the download of the album that we provide once and then cop the bitch (even if on ebay for $3.75) and rotate it as heavily as necessary.
When I was a kid my parents played a lot of of old school acts such as A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Brand Nubian, Black Sheep, Lost Boyz, Arrested Development, PM Dawn and so forth. I suppose you could credit their music listening habits for a large part of my current musical preference, but I personally think group which had the largest influence on my musical taste (outside of Tribe) has to be Digable Planets… especially the album Blowout Comb. I’m sure my parents played some DPs as well, but I can’t recall anything by DPs, outside of Cool Like Dat, until I was like 14. Anywho, I saw the video for the track “9th Wonder” on VH1Soul one lazy summer day and that was it. I bought the album (which I let my stepmom’s brother borrow and of course he’s never given it back) and didn’t listen to anything else for 6 months. Check the sample track and peep the album. Good God, 1994 was a very good year…
Got a request for this one a little while ago. Any fan of Atmosphere or the Rhymesayers fam should have heard of this one (although I had some trouble finding it). If you’re familiar with any of the Headshots series (or even just the widely popular Headshots: Se7en) you’ll know most of the cats on this project… Of course there’s Slug of Atmosphere and Beyond (who later became Musab) as well as old school Rhymesayers junkies, Self One (aka I Self Divine) & Swift (who I have no idea what happened to). Apparently this was the first and last actual LP that was done by the group so, Iif you like the Headshots series & Deep Puddle Dynamics you’ll love this one… if you just like Atmosphere you’ll at least enjoy it.Like it? Buy it here.
Anybody who knows early to mid 90s east coast rap knows Edo G (member of Special Teamz and Boston’s crowned king) for his work with Da Bulldogs (if not his solo work). A few people may know him solely for his 2008 release, Acting (which was actually a ‘96 album that’d been shelved for 12 years). Either way for those who are or aren’t familiar here’s you chance to get better acquainted. These two joints were requested by Unbelievable94, but I thought every one could use a little bit of Edo in their life.
“Appleseed is an EP by American hip hop artist Aesop Rock, the second of two self-released efforsts preceding his Mush debut Float (2000). As Aesop’s first EP, it is available only on CD-R.”
This album was majorly slept on when it originally dropped in 1994 and is still being slept on ’til this day. Of course 1994 was the year for classic hip-hop albums, so if you’re feeling that entire time period (especially for NY cats) this album is going to blow you away. I’ve posted 2 of my favorite tracks from the album, but you should def peep the grouprip I’ve posted as well. For fans of Black Moon, Masta Ace, D.I.T.C., and Kool G Rap. Word…life.
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TheDude: The new Blu mixtape (Soul Amazing 2) as well as the Inverse EP are fire! Make sure to give em
a spin CTR!
TheDude: It's still there Solaar u don't see it?
Lonley Stoner: *Skratch Bastid link added*
Kirby [The Almighty]: 5ve Mixs if pretty dope. Everyone should join.
MBWOB: Wuts good, this tape is 4 real, new official bossman and ross,
miami by way of baltimore mixtape
NickyNick: 5ve Mics is awesome. Keep this shit goin.
Solaar: Hi, i was exited to get the 90's compilation but it seems to have been removed.. do you know if you may do another or a re-up of the last. Thanks and 5ve Mics looks very impressive btw. Peace
TheDude: So good to be back folks The few days spent with the 5MC community surpassed my highest expectations!
Heaps: Some quick promotion for 5ve Mics on the blog (MS)! Keep it up and I'll register/post soon.
The few days spent with the 5MC community surpassed my highest expectations!