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May 08
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Check the newest solo release from Sadat X, of Brand Nubian fame. Dope album with some great features. Don’t sleep.
New look, same ol' CTR. Trying something new for financial reasons, so bear with us for the love of hip-hop.
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Dec 10
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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.
More info after the jump. Continue reading »
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Dec 04
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I don’t know much about the history of this album or the producer [Belief] but I stumbled across it and it’s dope. Not too sure why this isn’t around moreso, being that it stars some of underground hip-hop’s most heralded artists (C-Rayz Walz, Vordul Mega, Murs, Wordsworth and AG respectfully). But nevertheless, here it is; enjoy. Solidly dope album here.
What’s in a name? When you have a firm conviction of your own abilities, nothing seems impossible. Like Popeye needs his spinach, musicians need that conviction when they are doing their bid in that tough marriage of art and finance. But if you call yourself Belief, your own label Worker B Records, and your debut “Dedication,” stakes is high.
Belief’s credentials are a treasure every underground producer would cherish. Like most, he started out polishing his craft in his bedroom when he was still in high school. He was fortunate enough to find himself walking the same hallways as ‘beat Gandalf’ Eligh, and the more well-known mischievous mockingbird Murs. Belief moved to New York to further improve his musical skills at NYU, but never lost sight of his West Coast roots. He ended up doing multiple songs for Murs’ Definitive Jux debut “The End Of The Beginning,” but also produced for East Coast underground jewel Jean Grae. With an abstract style with firm roots in funky breaks, Belief wants to make the world believe people should take notice, and dedicate their ears to his Worker B beats.
“Dedication” should be the next step in that direction. The front cover of the promo pressing depicts the bearded Belief, flanked by his own ‘Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’ Wordsworth, Vordul Mega, Murs, and C Rayz Walz. With an additional guest spot by Andre The Giant (AG), you have the cream of the crop, perhaps even an underground match made in heaven.
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Nov 20
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Been waiting for this one to drop ever since reading numerous reviews around the net. Haven’t had a chance to listen to it myself, you can do so by coping it yourself here. Below is what HHDX had to say. I absolutely love album covers like this one!
Something great about the current state of Hip Hop is that there are many brands of rap. The variety in form adds versatility to the culture and a facet of intrigue to the blending fusions that take place within genres, cultures and artists. For many, this has been exercised and portrayed by the concoction of LoDeck and Omega One, an emcee/deejay duo that consists of a New York based vocalist and a psychedelic-inspired mixmaster.
Their chemistry is apparent. Omega One’s production, a backdrop of gloom, mellow, melodic tones meshes well with LoDeck’s hardened vocals as grit meets the atmospheric sounds. They bring a varied tenor, which leads to unpredictable switches within songs and a decidedly funky, impressive beat backdrop. The samples are on point and add a different element to the puzzle as well, considering songs like “Understand U” and “A Day in the Triangle.” Front to back, it’s difficult to discredit the beat maker for an album well done in terms of production. It’s free enough to be different from most of what’s out but it’s not too wild to sound contrived or tired.
LoDeck brings his usual grit, flow, humor and grimey voice to accompany the soothing sounds Omega One has created. As is expected, Deck’s rhymes become complex and can be a bit too much, depending on who is asked. The aesthetic is closer towards that of Aesop Rock [click to read] or MF DOOM. Deck’s rhymes are a cross between said artists and some of the lyrics can be confusing or can go over heads. His flow can also become monotonous after some time and that doesn’t lend well to such a surprising and well balanced beat selection. Still, for those who want to dive into obscure and unclear vague lyrics to dissect the poetry behind it, this album’s complex rhyme style may befit you.
That leads us to the negative aspect of having so many brands of rap. Sometimes, there is a clear line between these brands. That, in turn, leads to separation amongst rap styles that’s hard to cross. Postcards from the Third Rock does not beg for many new listeners. Still, it is a conceptual piece and should be applauded or even obtained by those who love the duo, but there are drawbacks, as well. Instead of hearing what LoDeck is saying, some may get lost in a monotonous flow and/or the vague diction. While there are times LoDeck shines with one liners and/or clever song writing, there are also times where LoDeck loses connection with his rhyme style and the inspired beats Omega One chose to back him with. There are also times when the references to the moons and stars ring true to underground “nerd rap” clichés. So, while some have pegged this album as one of the best indie releases of the year, the overall outcome leaves much to be desired as it is an acquired taste that some may never acquire. This is definitely a different brand of rap from what many are used to today and that unique approach is commendable but Postcards from the Third Rock doesn’t quite live up to the hype.
(Via HipHopDX)
Tracklist after the jump.
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Nov 06
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Defcon hailing from Boston, Massachusetts. I don’t know much about this and I haven’t had a chance to listen to it since I’m at work, so here’s some info from their myspace:
Nearly three years ago I began a project with DJ Jipeto. It was a going to be an EP called, ‘The Circus’. After the fifth song was completed and the sound was coming together nicely, we decided to upgrade the EP to an LP. Each song just seemed to be another classic and we began really challenging ourselves. Than we got our first featured artist, C-Rayz Walz. Walz drops by on the song ‘Dreams Revolution’, which focuses on the rise of the underground within the confinement of a dream. Walz’s verse is very powerful and any C-Rayz fan will love it!
The album’s single is ‘The Storm’ and was also a breakthrough song for DEFCON. Also featured on the album is Koki-Man who appears on the dance hall banger, ‘Soundboy Killin’. Koki’s grizzly devilery and unique rhymes makes for one of the best songs on the disc. One controlversial song is F the W, which is maybe my personal favorite. I was at a low when I wrote it and thats all I’m gonna say.
An album we told ourselves would drop over a year ago is almost here. If replication goes smoothly we will have the final product within weeks!
This album is more than any other rap album. It contains substance, raw emotion and structure. When I say structure, I literally mean we built DEFCON from the ground up.
Get ready for the debut, self-titled album, DEFCON. It is simply a classic.
Tracklist after the jump. Support these hungry artists n buy their cd!
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Jul 17
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Debut by the new supegroup consisting of Killah Priest, Bronze Nazareth, C-Rayz Walz, M-80, Son One &
5-Star. Dope album! Don’t sleep on this.
Label…………….: Babygrande
Genre…………….: Hip-Hop
StoreDate…………: July-22-2008
Source……………: CDDA
Size……………..: 70,5 MB
Total Playing Time…: 63:41
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