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
Late night insomnia drove me to do a random discography so here’s to Cincinnati finest producer, Hi-Tek (sorry Ill Poetic :D). I think most cats are familiar with Tek’s name due to his collaboration with Talib Kweli under the name Reflection Eternal (hands down a classic hip-hop album), but Tek has dropped his own respective gems out of Talib’s shadow. Most of Tek’s “solo” albums are heavy with the guest appearances, but Tek also gets on the mic from time to time and handles it very well. If you’re familiar with Tek due to his big billed production credits (G-Unit affiliates mainly) don’t let that fool you and note he’s done prodcution for everyone from Little Brother, Cormega, Common, and Dead Prez to Ghostface, Gym Class Heroes, and Phife Dawg. All 4 of the efforts in this drop are solid to say the least, but if you’re going to only grab one for a test run I recommend Train of Thought or Hi-Teknology 2: The Chip for starters. Talib_Kweli_and_Hi-Tek-Reflection_Eternal-2001-M*
Hi-Tek-Hi-Teknology-LP-2001-C*S
Hi-Tek-Hi-Teknology_2-The_Chip-Retail-2006-F*D
Hi-Tek-Hi-Teknology_3-2007-F*D
More info after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »
I haven’t really had a chance to peep this joint for myself, and being that he’s a foreign artist I most often times wouldn’t drop this until I’ve had the chance to sample it myself, but this one seems to be popping up everywhere and I’ve only heard people saying positive things about this release. From the few things I’ve heard for myself, although there’s obviously a language difference the production is incredibly beautiful. I wouldn’t call it bluesy, it’s definitely more jazz oriented (blended with hip-hop of course). It’s the type of ish I enjoy smoking to or riding to on lazy weekend mornings. Peep the video, if you like it peep the album and as always buy if you like (and if you can afford those expensive as Japanese imports).
I really don’t think this cat needs any introduction so I’ll get down to the music. Blu’s debut album with SoCal producer Exile dropped in 2007 and was instantly hailed a classic by man heads (and yours truly). The album includes is critically acclaimed for Exile’s usage of obscure late 60s to early 70s samples as well as his twisting of more well known 90s & early 2ks hip-hop tracks into completely different, yet incredibly beautiful new tracks. It is on this first full length LP that we are introduced to a extremely introspective kind of griot in Blu who fully delivers over Exile’s production with his own brand of average nigga type storytelling which paints panoramic visions in the unworldliest of minds.
Onto C.R.A.C. Knuckles. The Piece Talk is Blu’s second full length album released under the moniker C.R.A.C. Knuckles with Detroit native Ta’Raach. A lot of cats were feeling 50/50 on this one, but I personally think it was quite good. If you listen to a lot of hip-hop acts like Arrested Development, The Pharcyde, Gnarls Barkley and PM Dawn or acts of other genres (particular Afrobeat like Fela Kuti or Brazilian Samba/Funk like Azymuth) then you’ll love it. On this album you’ll catch a more expiramental spontaneous Blu. The production isn’t completely hip-hop and the music isn’t either, but you’ll find a nice mesh of several different genres in here (no electric circus).
As far as full length releases go, the Johnson&Jonson joint is Blu’s last full length joint (thus far). Again Blu revisits his Bridgetown stomping grounds to find a producer for this work in the little known Mainframe. A lot of people don’t realize it, but this Johnson&Jonson joint was actually put together before Below the Heavens and thus considering he was probably on a different wavelength at the time and the album has a different producer we get another completely original sound from Blu which is by no means a bad thing. When I initially heard this album (I got it in late ‘07 ’cause I got it like dat =D) I wasn’t a fan and I let it sit in my unsorted downloads folder for ages. Finally, about three months later I listened to it again ’cause I lost most of my music and it was one of the only things I still had left and I was more than a little impressed. Word, it’s not like Below the Heavens, but it’s almost just as good. The way Blu proved to be an amazing storyteller on BTH is the way he proves to be an amazing wordsmith on J&J. This album is packed with crazy punchlines, wordplay and metaphors and unlike his major label counterparts, his shit also makes sense… no random punchlines here and there (ahm, weezy). BTH or J&J… which album is better? Too close to call…
This drop also includes The Lifted EP, an EP released before BTH, The BeSene EP released earlier this year by Blu & Sene under the moniker Patch Adams (predecessor to an upcoming full length to be titled A Day Late & A Dollar Short), The Narrow Path & Buy Me Lunch VLSs (the only two current VLS avaiable to my knowledge). Purchase information available on Blu’s myspace page (all are worth buying… support the trueschool) and keep looking out for Blu’s upcoming debut Solo album.
*BeSene EP isn’t a scenerip.
*The DJ Heat & Blu So(ul) Amazing mixtape wasn’t include as it’s not official, but can be copped here via our affiliates at SpeakerBoxxx.
*The C.O.R.E. mixtape can be downloaded here.
RANDOM FACTS:
# Random is not rich.
# Random is not a gangsta.
# Random is a schoolteacher by day, emcee by night.
# Random is here to make a difference.
Half-teacher, half emcee, all hustle. A 12-year rhyme veteran, Philadelphia native and Phoenix transplant, Random’s bars are filled with all of the heartache, pain, triumph, tragedy and fun that come with everyday living. A graduate of Penn State University, Random speaks to the everyman, transcending race or class barriers.
It all started with “The Call,” which hit stores in 2006 to rave reviews, and helped to establish Ran as one of underground hip-hop’s up and comers.
“The Call” has been utilized in university curriculum and has propelled Random all over country, selling thousands of copies and encouraging young, old, rich and poor alike.
Random’s follow-up move can only be described as something Random. In 2007 he released the critically acclaimed “Mega Ran,” album, which combines hip-hop, rock and many more musical genres with the memorable music of the classic Mega Man video games. This album got him into the good graces of the game’s creators, Capcom, who offered Random full support of the project, which opened him up to a completely new fan base, in addition to his growing underground following. Now you are just as likely to catch Random spitting his clever, poignant rhymes at an anime convention as at an underground Hip-Hop spot. Okayplayer called “Mega Ran” ‘one of the most creative releases this year,’ and Random’s music has gone on to be profiled by media outlets such as Wired Magazine, IGN, Complex Magazine, Blender Magazine and more.
Random then released the “Patches and Glue” EP, which mixes the poignant spirituality of “The Call” with the fun and creativity of “Mega Ran.”
In 2008 Random released the conceptual “The 8th Day,” on August 8, 2008 featuring guest appearances by Naledge of Kidz in the Hall, LMNO of the Visionaries, MC Frontalot and many more, in addition to competing in the world-famous SCRIBBLE JAM MC Battle and landing a feature story in Blender Magazine.
RANDOM OPINIONS:
# “Original and Refreshing…nice heavy cadence.” -Black Thought (The Roots)
# “Random picks can win…The Call is the Powerball of hip-hop” -the Catalyst magazine
# “Random is a dope emcee…He’s a natural on the mic and is not afraid to address whatever’s on his mind.” -RapReviews.com
# “well-rounded and impressive…nothing short of remarkable” -Urban Reviews
# “Random is an emcee with a nice voice and nicer flow.” -Okayplayer.com
# “I honestly believe that Random’s The Call represents another brilliant innovation in the world of hip-hop.” -HiphopLinguistics.com
# “Random is more cohesive than his name suggests, seek and find one of the best rappers of the early 21st century.” -John Book, The Run-Off Groove
Before anybody says something, the DVD version was released in 1998, the movie came out in 1989 though.
Okay, so here we have Spike Lee’s masterpiece of a film Do The Right Thing. Being that the large majority of my favorite movies are directed by Spike Lee (Do The Right Thing, Crooklyn, Malcolm X, School Daze etc.) I might be a bit biased, but this isn’t on the American Film Institute’s 100 Greatest Movies of All Time list for nothing (although I greatly beg to differ as far as numerical order goes). With a backdrop set in late 80’s Bedford-Stuyesvant (Do or Die Bed-Stuy), Lee tells us the story of how a neighborhood survives (most of it) a racially tensed long hot summer day. Even if you’ve seen this film before it’s worth having (probably watch a few times a year myself). Who forgets characters like Mookie or Buggin Out? Sweet Dick Willie or Radio Raheem? I’m not trying to really give a complete overview of this joint ’cause it:
1. Is directed By Spike Lee
2. One of Martin Lawrence’s first big breaks
3. Has Buggin’ Out & Radio Raheem
4. Is the Inspiration for King of the Hill
5. Has Samuel L. Jackson in it
If those aren’t good enough reason for you along with the trailer, well fuck you plain and simple… no lie… I’ll fucking IP ban you if you don’t watch it. =D… fucking classic.
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.
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.
We back! Here’s the discography for one of the best in the game right now!
This post includes the following Royce releases:
[Demo Tape 2000]
[Royce Da 5'9 - The Revival-2008]
[Royce_Da_59-Build_And_Destroy_Euro_Retail_2CD-2003-F*D]
[Royce_Da_59-Death_Is_Certain-2004-T*M_INT]
[Royce_Da_59-Hit_Em_Bw_Ding-RERIP-Vinyl-2007-U*P]
[Royce_Da_59-Independents_Day-(Real_Retail)-2005-C*]
[Royce_Da_59-Lost_And_Found-WEB-2008-B*H]
[Royce_Da_59-M.I.C_(Retail)-2004-O*N]
[Royce_Da_59-Rock_City_V2.5_(Special_Edition)-2002-H*R]
[Royce_Da_59-Rock_City_Version_3.0_(The_Definitive_Edition)-WEB-2008-B*H]
[Royce_Da_59-Rock_City-2002-EAC]
[Royce_Da_59-The_Bar_Exam_2-_READ_NFO_-_Bootleg_-2008-ROY****59]
[Royce_Da_59-The_Bar_Exam-2007-EAC]
We back! Here’s the discography for one of the best in the game right now!
This post includes the following Royce releases:
[Demo Tape 2000]
[Royce Da 5'9 - The Revival-2008]
[Royce_Da_59-Build_And_Destroy_Euro_Retail_2CD-2003-F*D]
[Royce_Da_59-Death_Is_Certain-2004-T*M_INT]
[Royce_Da_59-Hit_Em_Bw_Ding-RERIP-Vinyl-2007-U*P]
[Royce_Da_59-Independents_Day-(Real_Retail)-2005-C*]
[Royce_Da_59-Lost_And_Found-WEB-2008-B*H]
[Royce_Da_59-M.I.C_(Retail)-2004-O*N]
[Royce_Da_59-Rock_City_V2.5_(Special_Edition)-2002-H*R]
[Royce_Da_59-Rock_City_Version_3.0_(The_Definitive_Edition)-WEB-2008-B*H]
[Royce_Da_59-Rock_City-2002-EAC]
[Royce_Da_59-The_Bar_Exam_2-_READ_NFO_-_Bootleg_-2008-ROY****59]
[Royce_Da_59-The_Bar_Exam-2007-EAC]
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.
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.
So the story goes. Once upon a time in the land of hip hop legendary producer of the Beat Junkies, DJ J Rocc, passed a CD of beats to Madvillain maestro, Madlib. Were these beats J Roccs we may have ended up with a Roclib album, but as the story goes, these beats were (for some reason or another) produced by none other than Jay Dee (aka J. Dilla). Madlib recorded over these beats and called the recordings Jaylib, but the recordings sat on a shelf getting dusty for a few years until Stones Throw put one of the tracks on a mixtape. Dilla, being signed to Stones Throw himself, heard the track, hooked up with Madlib and soon after began trading beats and rhymes (each did his own recording in his own respective hood) which lead to the 2003 release of Champion Sound. The album was hailed an instant classic and prototype for many hip-hop mashups to come after it (Madvillainy, Gnarls Barkley, Patch Adams, Dangerdoom etc.), but when Dilla passed away in early 2006 the album was re-vamped with a second CD of new remixes and instrumentals from the original album featured as well as a tribute to Dilla (”One For Dilla”). So here you are, the finished product of two of hip-hop’s greatest minds. Download the album and if you like it, cop it legit here.
Classic, classic, classic, classic, classic, classic, classic, classic, beautiful, lovely, hip-hop music. I don’t know how else to describe this joint but I do feel cheated that it took me so long to find this. Just brilliant. Lyrics are thought provoking and genuine. Production is awe inspiring and hypnotizing. Experience it for yourself and buy it here.
The dudes over at sphere of hiphop damn near gave this album a classic rating and looking at Theo’s past efforts I can certainly believe the hype. I haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet for myself but from what I know Theo (who’s a member of Scribbling Idiots… Braille, Omegha Watts, MotionPlus, Kaboose etc.) is capable of and from what works I’ve heard from producer Vintage, we might be calling this one of 08’s top 10 (for fans of Pharoahe Monch, Masta Ace, & Cunninlynguists). Check the review, d/l the album and if you 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.
As any of you who know me can tell, Brother Ali is one of my favorite two MCs of all time (just look at my last.fm page). Unlike most artists I listen to, I didn’t get into Ali from listening to his first album because when I started listening to him the album was near impossible to find. Thanks to somebody who order one of the first 300 copies of Ali’s 2004 Champion EP, Ali’s Rites of Passage finally started to pop up all around the internet late last year. If I had never heard of Ali before I would’ve thought this album was made in the early-mid 90s… which is a good thing, a really good thing. This album takes you back to the time of Brand Nubian, Black Sheep, Black Moon, Tribe and De La Soul from Ali’s lyrics, to his production (he produced this album), even to the interludes. Rites of Passage is a masterpiece of an album, so please don’t sleep on it for your own sake.
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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!
