A lot of people have been hyping this MC up as one of the hottest female MCs out there and being that she’s from Detroit they want to call her the female Eminem. Please disregard the Eminem comment if you’d heard that before because she’s nothing like Eminem, she just happens to be white and from the same city, still she’s nice. As a female myself I think I’m a fine connosour of female MCs and she’s aight (my dude NBS from WGTJ think she’s incredible). Anyway decide for yourself. I’ma keep my Jean Grae, Amanda Diva, & Apani B on heavy rotation, but this is a nice addition to any collection (femcee title aside).

More info after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

Dope album. Go out and buy this now!

1/7th of Michigan Hip-Hop heroes The Athletic Mic League [AML] and 1/4th of production powerhouse The Lab Techs, is standing on the verge of something huge. He has been instrumental in boosting the careers of fellow crew members Buff1 and DJ Haircut (Stones Throw Records’ newest acquisition). Now that he’s produced pivotal tracks for nearly every notable Detroit Hip-Hop artist and beyond, released multiple albums with AML and toured extensively throughout the US and Europe, this Producer/Emcee/DJ is finally ready to expose the inner workings of his mind to the world. The Golden Hour serves as an introduction to the unorthodox genius of 14KT, and is the first of several solo full length albums already completed.

In Medical terms, the Golden Hour is defined as: the first sixty minutes, after the occurrence of major multisystem trauma. It is widely believed that the victim’s chances of survival are greatest if he or she receives definitive care in the operating room within the first hour. “When I read this, it hit me that I felt I was in the “Golden Hour” of my career; the time between life and death. Thinking of all my disappointments, accomplishments, mistakes, failed plans, sacrificed time, relationships, confusion, lost opportunities, sound identity crisis, times of laziness and hard work, I felt like I was going thru somewhat of a major “trauma” in my music career and the next projects I put out will be like my “medicine” or “definitive care” in the operating room [the studio].” 14 KT 

(Via Moovmnt.com)

Tracklist after the jump. I know ya’ll can afford 10 bucks; you better promise me that you’ll buy it!

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Athletic Mic League fans rejoice. First Buff1 released two solid LPs and Haircut teamed up with two other indie cats to form Now On and now we’ve got a solo joint from Ypsilanti, MI native and AML alum, 14kt. I’ve been hearing the buzz word “classic” lately, but I haven’t listened for myself yet, but if it is then you’d best cop it here.

1/7th of Michigan Hip-Hop heroes The Athletic Mic League [AML] and 1/4th of production powerhouse The Lab Techs, is standing on the verge of something huge. He has been instrumental in boosting the careers of fellow crew members Buff1 and DJ Haircut (Stones Throw Records’ newest acquisition). Now that he’s produced pivotal tracks for nearly every notable Detroit Hip-Hop artist and beyond, released multiple albums with AML and toured extensively throughout the US and Europe, this Producer/Emcee/DJ is finally ready to expose the inner workings of his mind to the world. The Golden Hour serves as an introduction to the unorthodox genius of 14KT, and is the first of several solo full length albums already completed.

In Medical terms, the Golden Hour is defined as: the first sixty minutes, after the occurrence of major multisystem trauma. It is widely believed that the victim’s chances of survival are greatest if he or she receives definitive care in the operating room within the first hour. “When I read this, it hit me that I felt I was in the “Golden Hour” of my career; the time between life and death. Thinking of all my disappointments, accomplishments, mistakes, failed plans, sacrificed time, relationships, confusion, lost opportunities, sound identity crisis, times of laziness and hard work, I felt like I was going thru somewhat of a major “trauma” in my music career and the next projects I put out will be like my “medicine” or “definitive care” in the operating room [the studio].”

More info on this release after the jump…

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Following Breez’s lead here, I dug up this mixtape released by Now On last fall. I love the bottom of the cover, real creative dudes. Smokingsection with a brief rundown:

Now On released this mixtape last fall as a Radiohead-esque “pay what you will” download. How more people haven’t heard it, I’ll never know. Emcees Jackson, IX Lives and DJ Haircut flew right under the radar with this Detroit-worthy gem.

This is not your ordinary hand-to-hand, backpacker mixtape; there are no unoriginal beats or verses.Don’t Call It A Mixtape was produced entirely by extended-fam production team the Lab Techs, with a couple guest beats by fellow Michigan native Black Milk.

Even if you’re not the biggest Detroit fan, I urge you to give this mixtape a listen. If for no other reason, then because DJ House Shoes hosts it and will have you rolling. If for no other reason, then because Jackson writes some catchy-ass hooks that you’ll have in your head all day. If for no other reason, then because IX Lives’ pops is Squirrel from Motown-era The Dramatics, and talent flows through that family. If for no other reason, then because Haircut is an intensely underrated producer who’s got mind-blowing beats for days.

But most importantly; if for no other reason, try this mixtape because it’s just an easy, entertaining listen from some real dudes who make the kind of music that instills the hope we can take this hip-hop thing back from the bullshit.

Free Download

Lovers of innovative hip-hop rejoice. This album has been getting a lot of buzz lately due to the supposed innovativeness that this new trio of hip-hop’s young veterans is bringing to the table. Consisting of emcees from different groups, collectives, and projects a new sound is born with IX Lives and Jackson Perry on the mic along with Haircut who also puts it down on the 1s and 2s. Although I haven’t personally had the opportunity to listen to the album in full, I’ve heard about 5 sample tracks sent to me compliments of different promoters and I will say the word which I’ve seen most associated with the act, “fresh”, is definitely not an understatement. As I have yet to finish listening to the entire joint I can’t say whether or not the album is a proper contender for best album of the year, but I will say anybody looking for something new and original will most likely enjoy this one. For fans of Buff1, LMNO, and Sene.

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So I’ve been talking about the release of this compilation for sometime now and it’s finally here along with two new members of the CTR team. As those who frequent the site know I did a search for somebody to help with the site since the original members (all of who are still affiliated with the site) have become rather busy with… well, life. Based on responses to several questions we sent out to everyone who showed interest in contributing, the two who’ve been chosen (as of right now) are LedD and Thedude… not familiar names now, but you’ll become accquainted with them in during the next few days, weeks, months and maybe years (If you were not chosen, but opted to participate in the new blog we’re planning on starting, you’ll recieve an email in the next few days… thanks to everyone else). Welcome them here and check the mixtape (pass it around if you like). Tracklist after the jump…

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Second solo by Buff1 of Athletic Mic League. Very dope album.

Label…………….: A-Side
Genre…………….: Hip-Hop
StoreDate…………: Aug-12-2008
Source……………: CDDA
Size……………..: 86,1 MB
Total Playing Time…: 62:42

Read the rest of this entry »

Second solo by Buff1 of Athletic Mic League. Very dope album.

Label…………….: A-Side
Genre…………….: Hip-Hop
StoreDate…………: Aug-12-2008
Source……………: CDDA
Size……………..: 86,1 MB
Total Playing Time…: 62:42

Read the rest of this entry »

Second solo by Buff1 of Athletic Mic League. Very dope album.

Label…………….: A-Side
Genre…………….: Hip-Hop
StoreDate…………: Aug-12-2008
Source……………: CDDA
Size……………..: 86,1 MB
Total Playing Time…: 62:42

Read the rest of this entry »

Second solo by Buff1 of Athletic Mic League. Very dope album.

Label…………….: A-Side
Genre…………….: Hip-Hop
StoreDate…………: Aug-12-2008
Source……………: CDDA
Size……………..: 86,1 MB
Total Playing Time…: 62:42

Read the rest of this entry »