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Raashan Ahmad – Soul Power [2009]

DMXXX — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:05:09 +0000

New Raashan Ahmad (of Crown City Rockers) release. Should be good.

Some Info From his myspace:

Not an album, not a mixtape , not an E.P.

Thirteen original songs mostly recorded in early 2009.

After touring the United States to promote my first solo album The Push, I discovered that I wanted to add more bangin’ songs to my live set as well as speak on some more topics that I have been dealing with.

Soul Power is the result. When I I say “soul power”, I’m talking about about what gives my soul, my spirit power–which is music!

This project was especially born out of all that I learned being on the road as well as teaming up with new friends I’ve met along the way which led to some dope collaborations!

I definitely have to give thanks to the folks who have made me feel at home while away from home; who have blessed me with food, shelter, ciphers, laughter, conversation, money, memories, general nonsense, and love.

Also mad thanks to the artists who blessed this project with their talent. I’m REALLY proud of this release and for the first time I’m releasing my work independently!

This whole process is my blood sweat and tears (literally) Please support! Lastly check out all the projects coming from my Crown City Rockers crew! Our new album coming in the Fall 2009. Hit me up and let me know what you think.

Peace.

Raashan

Tracklist:

1. Mobstar Life-Produced by Woodstock

2. Move-feat. Aceyalone produced by Kas One

3. Stay-Produced by Raashan Ahmad

4. Soul Train-feat. Wafeek/Ragen Fykes Produced by Ebo

5. Breath-feat. Aima Produced by Kas One

6. Lambada-Produced by Headnodic/Kat O1O/Raashan Ahmad

7. Day after Day-Produced by Stefonix

8. Celebrate-Produced by Headnodic

9. Fairy Tale-feat. Ragen Fykes Produced by Headnodic

10. Money-feat. Alex Newman Produced by Kas One

11. Cornbread-Produced by D.J. Enki

12. Patience-Produced by Stefonix cuts by D.J. Vajra

13. Oakland-Produced by Kat O1O

Aceyalone – All Balls Don’t Bounce [1995]

DMXXX — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:31:45 +0000

Many people regard this album as a classic. The funny thing is that I have never really listened fully through it, so I figured I might as well bump it today and I also figured I might as well post it here too. To those who don’t know Aceyalone is a member of the hip-hop group Freestyle Fellowship, whose early nineties albums To Whom It May Concern and especially Innercity Griots are widely considered as classics. This is Aceyalone’s debut solo album released in 1995. Well, I’ve said enough, now go ahead and listen to it, if you already haven’t. Also this is the original release not the revisited one, despite the cover.

Tracklist:

1	“All Balls”
2	“Anywhere You Go”
3	“Deep and Wide”
4	“Mr. Outsider”
5	“Annalillia?“
6	“Knownots”
7	“Arhythamaticulas”
8	“The Greatest Show on Earth”
9	“Mic Check”
10	“Call it Cali”
11	“Headaches and Woes”
12	“I Think”
13	“Makeba”
14	“B-Boy Kingdom”
15	“Keep it True”

Winners Of CTR’s CD Giveaway!!!

Breezilla — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:30:04 +0000

Sorry for being a day late with the results, meant to get to it yesterday, but sometimes is life is unpredicatable (nahmean?). I’m actually surprised by both how many people entered and how many people got the answers wrong (I’d estimate 40% of you anyway), but here are the correct answers:

Question 1: Ian Bavitz’s moniker. Aesop Rock

Question 2: The title of Sean Daly & Anthony Davis’ 3rd LP. God Loves Ugly

Question 3: Wale track from 100 Miles & Runnin’ produced by Best Kept Secret. Ice Cream Girl

Question 4: Track seven from Non Phixion’s debut album. Rock Stars

Question 5: The middle name of DJ Subroc’s older brother (original moniker). Zev Love X

Question 6: Track three on the fifth LP from the in-house band on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. !!!!!!!

Answer to the big question and winners names after the jump.

Big Question: What is Breezilla?

Answer: A Girl!

Of those who got the answers right the winners names were drawn as follows:

J. Harrison (who requested to receive Brother Ali’s The Truth Is Here EP)
A. Gurrola (who requested to receive Tanya Morgan’s Brooklynati)
S. Chen (who will be receiving the Sandpeople’s Long Story Short EP by default)

Winners will be receiving confirmation e-mails shortly, thanks again to everyone who participated and everyone who checks the rhime on a regular basis. We definitely plan on doing this again a hope to make a regular practice out of it, so stay tuned.

*Winners have 7 days from the reception of their confirmation e-mail to accept their prize.

Hilltop Hoods – State Of The Art [2009]

DMXXX — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:44:47 +0000

Wadup! I have been away for a while so to all the new readers I’m DMXXX. Anyway to this post. As a person who doesn’t live in the US non-US Hip Hop has always had a kinda special appeal to me. Only when it’s good though. If you are from Australia I suppose you know who Hilltop Hoods are. Matter of fact they’re Australias best selling and one of the most acclaimed hip-hop groups. They’re last album The Hard Road went platinum in a week in Australia. And even though sales don’t really show shit, that definitely is an impressive feat. The fact that they released Hard Road completely rerecorded with ASO(The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra) shows really how much respect this group has in the land down under. It’s a damn shame that despite all that, I bet, that many that are reading this didn’t really know shit about them. Well, I’m here to fix that with their newest album State Of The Art. This album is typical Hilltop Hoods, meaning there’s really not much typical about it. Collabos with ASO, crazy samples and even a guest verse from the almighty Pharoahe Monch are just some of the components that this album consists of. Anyway judge for yourself and peep the album! Video for their lead single for this album after the jump.

Hilltop Hoods – chase that feeling

Tracklist:

01. The Return                                 03:57
02. Super Official                             04:10
03. Chase That Feeling                         03:29
04. She’s So Ugly                              03:38
05. Still Standing                             03:31
06. Classic Example Feat. Pharoahe Monch       03:11
07. Chris Farley                               03:38
08. The Light You Burned Feat. Trials          04:19
09. Parade Of The Dead                         03:35
10. Last Confession                            03:50
11. Hillatoppa                                 03:26
12. Fifty In Five                              05:33
13. State Of The Art                           03:06
(Instrumental Bonus Track)

Reflection Eternal – Back Again (2009)[Music Video]

Breezilla — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:10:40 +0000

Shouts to Omega from 5Mics for bringing this to my attention. It’s been a long time coming and Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek) are finally back again. Can’t wait for the album.

Myspace

The Roots – Illadelph Halflife (1996)

Breezilla — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:23:56 +0000

The Roots… what can I say about them that you don’t already know? They’re arguably the best live act in hip-hop, who’s currently taking late night TV by storm as Jimmy Fallon’s in house band (answer to one of the giveaway questions if you haven’t gotten it already), and as it rarely happens to those who are deserving, The Roots have been awarded one grammy (nominated five other times). What most of you probably don’t know (or rather you do, but you tend not to delve into it) is that The Roots existed prior to 1999 at which time they rose to fame for largely thanks to their Grammy Winning track with Erykah Badu & Eve, “You Had Me”. Before there was Phrenology, Things Fall Apart, The Tipping Point, Game Theory and Rising Down (their better known albums) there was Organix, Do You Want More??!!??! and the focus of this post, Illadelph Halflife. I can’t front and say I was always a fan of their early works, because the first album I bought from the Roots was The Tipping Point (there was a Jean Grae feature ), but right after I bought that album I was passed Illadelph Halflife from my Dear (sometimes anyway) ol’ Dad from his personal collection. Before this point I was under the impression that there could be no greater Roots album than the single one I had in my collection, but Illadelph Halflife royally blew my mind. Panic!!!, Episodes with Dice Raw (one of my favorite tracks of all time point blank), Push Up Ya Lighter with an appearance from fellow Philly native, Bahamadia, The Raphael Saadiq accompanied, What They Do, Clones, Concerto of the Desparado, Universe At War with Com, No Alibi, The Hypnotic (with D’Angelo), The Universal Side with a feature from Q-Tip and the gritty story of Alice In Wonderland by a young Ursula Rucker (that was a bunch of tracks right? I should’ve just listed the entire damn album) this album is exceptional in every way possible. If you listen to no other album by The Roots, I suggest you listen to this. If you buy no other album by The Roots, I suggest you buy this one. It’s said the entire group was depressed when recording this album because they feared they wouldn’t be able to surpass their previous two releases, and maybe it was the fear that propelled them into making such a brilliant record, but regardless of the creative process, they managed to surpass all previous and future releases with this one album.

Buy
Myspace
Sample Track

More info after the jump.

Diz Gibran – Soon You’ll Understand (2009)

Chesbomb — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 04:44:30 +0000

I know nothing about Diz Gibran. With that said, I love this album/mixtape/whatever this is that Crooks & Castles helped put together. Props goes to intransitt for telling me to give this a listen. I’ve had it playing for the last few days and I’m really in to it. Here’s a little info I found and a couple tracks I think you should check out before you grab this. And yeah, I know that this dropped in April. I guess I missed this one.

Diz Gibran – Just Me ft. Moonshine
Diz Gibran – City Lights

Los Angeles native Diz Gibran is not the type of MC that listeners have come to expect from the west coast. Stylish, witty, introspective and heartfelt, Diz makes the type of Hip-Hop that is hard to put in a box. He developed a love for the craft of rapping at a young age and has been doing it ever since. He never pursued it as a career until recently, he simply made music for the sheer love, respect and fun of it all. It became his outlet, a form of therapy to express lifeâ€™s ups and downs, pitfalls and triumphs.

Diz Gibran creates the type of music that people feel and relate to, the kind of hip hop that fits whatever mood youâ€™re in. Diz speaks on his life experiences, both good and bad. Along with his friend and producer Moonshine, the two make classic material without even trying, and as a result are rapidly building a buzz amongst hip-hop fans and industry executives alike.

In a short time and without much support, Diz Gibran has performed alongside such notables as Mos Def, Busta Rhymes, The Game,and Clipse to name a few. An aspect that sets Diz apart from his contemporaries is his work within the fashion industry. Diz has been popping up in magazines and on fashion blogs in the U.S. and overseas for years, and as awareness of his music increases so does the demand. Diz Gibran is in a perfect position to set the world on it’s ear. Along with his crew The Great Wall (Pacific Division, Basik and Kartwright) and his partner Moonshine, Diz is set to give the world a differing view of what the west coast has to offer musically. Mixing style, substance, joy and pain; Diz Gibran is an MC that will quickly be respected and regarded as one of the greats.

1. (Intro) Soon You’ll Understand
2. Welcome
3. Once Again
4. The Hardest Word
5. Exactly
6. Just Me Ft. Moonshine
7. On It f. Rae Rosero
8. The Greatness f. Pacific Division & Kartwright (The Great Wall)
9. Stereo
10. Impossible
11. Capital D
12. Run Around f. Moonshine
13. City Lights
14. Morning Light
15. Calypso Flow
16. Truly Yours f. BJ The Chicago Kid
17. (Outro) Soon You’ll Understand
18. New Religion
19. The Reunion f. Bleu Collar (The Great Wall)

I threw up a Rapidshare link but there’s also a ShareBee link from Diz Gibran’s MySpace page.

http://sharebee.com/8b05328f
http://rapidshare.com/files/246880269/Diz_Gibran_-_Soon_You_ll_Understand-CTR.rar

Eyedea & Abilities – By The Throat (2009)

Chesbomb — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:11:09 +0000

Eyedea & Abilities’ By The Throat is due July 21st on Rhymesayers. Pre-order this here or here. After seeing these two live I’m definitely buying this. Check this track out.

Eyedea & Abilities – Burn Fetish

After a five year break exploring new sounds and building their personal repertoires, the dynamic duo of Eyedea & Abilities return with the follow up to their 2004 critically acclaimed sophomore album E&A. With biting guitars, fuzzy keyboards, melodic choruses, and some of their most intricate turntable work to date, By The Throat cuts right to the vein and advances far beyond Eyedea & Abilities battle tested history (winners of HBO Blaze Battle, Rocksteady, Scribble Jam and the DMC’s).

Throughout the nineties the duo played an important role in the development of the emerging underground Hip Hop scene alongside friends Atmosphere, Aesop Rock, EL-P, the Living Legends, Sage Francis, Blueprint and more. Always pushing the boundaries, Eyedea & Abilities have not only grown but have elevated their talents and once again successfully brought them together with By The Throat.

Rhymesayers

1. Hay Fever
2. Spin Cycle
3. Time Flies When You Have A Gun
4. Burn Fetish
5. Sky Diver
6. Junk
7. Forgive Me For My Synapses
8. This Story
9. Factory
10. Smile
11. By The Throat

L.E.G.A.C.Y. – Suicide Music (2009)

Breezilla — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 23:34:22 +0000

The cover of this one really got me. I mean, you can’t judge a book by it’s emo cover, but I was afraid I’d be disappointed and get something Cage-like (like his new garbage anyway). There’s some promising features from Chaundon, Sean Price, and Phonte, but I still haven’t had a chance to peep it, but the Justus League’s L.E.G.A.C.Y. (Leggy Hendrix) usual comes with the heat (even in his darker moments) so I’m hoping for the best, bracing for the worst.

Myspace
More info after the jump.

Asheru & Blue Black – Soon Come (2001)

Breezilla — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 23:18:22 +0000

Underground classic from Asheru & Blue Black (of the Unspoken Heard), don’t just take my word for it though, peep the amazon buyer reviews for this joint.

Asheru & Blue Black’s debut “Soon Come” takes hiphop back to the roots & is undoubtedly one of the most satisfying albums to come out of 2001. Incase you don’t know, Asheru & Blue Black are straight “in it for the love of hiphop” Mc’s who don’t ever talk bout materialistic ish, or drop battle rap type lyrics constantly biggin themselves up. They’re refreshing artists who kick material which is essentially food for thought. With production from Asheru himself, J-rawls, Richy Pitch, 88 Keys, Dj Khalil, Geology & other respectable producers you can bet that Soon Come provides the same level of consistency from a musical point of view. This is feel good music, to chill to..with its prominent – jazzy & funky vibe. Fans of most genres will find this album appealing to their taste, as it consists of different musical instruments & vibes throughout…. for all occasions. If you want some hiphop that makes you feel refreshed and strangely satisfied when the music comes to an end, then this is for you.Simple, enough said. Do not Sleep. PEACE

Recommended for fans of J-Live, 3582, & The Good People.

Myspace

More info after the jump.

Sene – The Trade (2009)[Single]

Breezilla — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:13:56 +0000

Myspace

Some of you may remember I did an interview last year with this up and comer who represents both Brooklyn and Bridgetown. The friend of Blu (they’re released an EP last year and are said to have a full LP in the works to be titled A Day Late and a Dollar Short) is one the nicest cats I’ve personally come across in years (gotta love his mellow/melancholy flow over his mainly jazz influenced production) so I’m thrilled for this new joint (which is produced by EmAy). To all of you who haven’t peeped cat before you all def need to peep his album Pavement Special and check up on some of his mixtapes as well. Dude is nice (don’t the let the pretty boy looks fool you).

Download

B-Real ft. Damian Marley – Fire (2009)[Music Video]

Breezilla — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:05:18 +0000

New heat from B-Real (formerly of Cypress Hill) and Damien “Gong Jr.” Marley. I haven’t peeped B’s latest release in full yet, but after hearing this track (and another I peeped the other day, I think I might be missing out. He’s still got it (or so it seems).

Myspace

Ed & Enz – Ne Cherche Pas Ailleurs (2009)

Slim_Fast — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:21:37 +0000

Somehow my post about this album got lost so i’m reposting it, because i want you to try something new! and it’s worth it (at least imo )!
Some friends from france recommended this one and i’m really happy about it! Nice jazzy hiphop and i think the french language fits the music perfect! If you like Hocus Pocus or Jazz Liberatorz i think you gonna like this one too (even if you don’t understand what they are saying)! try it

Ed&Enz Voyez vous meme (clip)

Myspace Ed & Enz

Myspace Enz

Tracklist:

1. Intro 0:21
2. Tu Sais Feat Asphalt 3:49
3. prÛts Ó Tout Fea Sista Clarisse 4:00
4. Dans Mon Úpoque Feat Mil 4:24
5. Ed & Enz 3:14
6. Le rÛve De ZoÚ 3:23
7. Rien De Nouveau Feat Kanyor 4:45
8. Voyez Vous mÛme Feat Doods 4:16
9. Un Oeil Sur Le Monde 3:41
10. Qui A La Vibe 4:00
11. Jamais honnÛte 3:44
12. Le Frigo 3:38
13. Ne Cherche Pas Ailleurs Feat Kanyor 4:04
14. Outro 1:22

SoulStice & SBe – Beyond Borders (2009)

Slim_Fast — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:59:49 +0000

ok here’s a album you should definitely check out! i really like the concept of the album and i think the features are chosen wisely! and what i’ve heard so far sounds really nice!

Myspace SoulStice

BUY

Chicago emcee SoulStice pairs up with Belgian beatmaker, SBe to deliver this groundbreaking “international concept album.” The songs feature SoulStice alongside talented artists from around the world including the US, UK, Germany, France, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Mozambique, The Congo, and Canada. While the album seeks primarily to entertain, it also captures the thoughts and experiences of these artists and explores themes ranging from the war in Afghanistan and the refugee situation in Sudan to social issues like interracial marriage. “Beyond Borders” is a reminder that hip hop continues to be a mouthpiece for people who exist outside of the mainstream to make their voices heard throughout society and around the world.

1. Speed of Sound
2. Chi Worldwide (Feat. GLC)
3. Strange Kinda Love (Feat. Monique Harcum)
4. Unfold (Feat. Oddisee & Stef)
5. To the Limit (Feat. Brainpower)
6. Beyond Borders (Feat. Supastition & Angelina)
7. Bird’s Eye View (Feat. Kev Brown)
8. Chicago to Germany (Feat. Nico Suave)
9. No Place Like It (Feat. Eternia, Richie Filth & Stef)
10. 2 Days in Paris (Feat. Kohndo)
11. I Found It (Feat. Haysoos & Kwrecial)
12. Better Way (Feat. Wordsmith)
13. World Star (Feat. Zap Mama)
14. Closer (Feat. Isabel Novela)

Foreign Exchange Interview (2009)[Video]

Breezilla — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 21:07:18 +0000

Fresh interview with Foreign Exchange (Nicolay & Phonte of Little Brother).

Real Frequency x Kevin Nottingham – In-Depth w/ Foreign Exchange Pt. 1 from Real Frequency on Vimeo.

Naledge – Chicago Picasso (2009)

Breezilla — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:13:14 +0000

We posted the super nice fan made video for “Star Struck” about a week or so ago, so I’m super excited for this release. Naledge (who is now signed to Duck Down, home of legendary acts such as Buckshot, Heltah Skeltah and B-Real) is one half of acclaimed duo (with producer Double-O) Kidz in the Hall. They’ve only released two studio LPs thus far (The In Crowd dropped last year with the single “Drivin’ Down The Block” which recieved moderate airplay), but Naledge has built a solid name for himself in the underground game (if not elsewhere, he’s worked with the likes of Bun B, Clipse, and Travic McCoy of Gym Class Heroes) with a slew of mixtapes. The only problem is most of his mixtapes/street LPs are hard to come by so it’s a pleasure to have one accessible to the masses. Can’t wait to peep it, especially if Star Struck is a sign of what to expect from the rest of this joint.

Myspace
Buy

Buff1 – Real Appeal (2009)[Music Video]

Breezilla — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:35:36 +0000

New heat from Buff1, produced by an ol’ partner in rhyme (they were both part of the Athletic Mic League), 14kt. This track is off of 2008’s There’s Only One, a great follow up to my favorite Buff1 album, 2007’s Pure. Detroit stopped making cars a long time ago, but they have no lack of stars.

Little disappointed with all of the bitches in the video, but the song is still aight.

Slum Village – Cloud 9 (Single)(2009)

Whtetrashwarrior — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 23:13:29 +0000

Slum Village – Cloud 9

New Slum Village, make sure you check this fresh new track out!

Cant wait… For sure

Bambu (of Native Guns) – Crooks & Rooks (2009)[Music Video]

Breezilla — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:42:40 +0000

Peeped the Native Guns a collective a few times, never paid attention to any of the members solo works, but this video/song is super chill. Might have to peep the album that this single is on (…Exact Change, which dropped in 2008).
Myspace

The Grouch & Eligh (feat. Slug) – Boom! (2009)[Single]

Breezilla — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:33:33 +0000

Single off of the recently released Say G&E!
Myspace

Download