Da Wh@t

UPDATE: NEW WEBSITE

2009-08-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

We have recently relocated the blog. To see all new posts go to www.da-what.com

Please update any bookmarks you may have of the site! Thanks for being patient with us during this change.

Love from DaWh@t Collaborators,
Ben, Raph & Anu

HOW FLY!

2009-08-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in earlier posts #5 to Watch For Curren$y and #3 to Watch For Wiz Khalifa were working on a mixtape and it finally dropped! It actually was out yesterday but I was at Rock The Bells! His the jump for tracklist and download link.

Downlo@d

Ryan Leslie Makes a Hit

2009-08-10T10:54:00.000-07:00

My homie Chris Barajas turned me to this guy named Ryan Leslie. He went to Harvard at the age of 15 and after graduating went to Julliard to pursue his music career. Above is a video of him making his song, Addiction starting with drums ending with vocals. Then after the jump is the official music video of that same song. He is extremely talented and I look forward to hearing more music from him.

Rashid Hadee - 808s and Hadee

2009-08-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately I do not know a ton about this guy other than he produces and raps on all his own stuff. I got a mixtape for yall where he redid the beats from Kanye's Latest album, 808s and Heartbreak, and then raps over his new stuff. I really like it and think you should check it out, much more to come today so stay tuned!.

Downlo@d

Rashid's Myspace

Emmanuel Jal

2009-08-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

Emmanuel Jal is a former child soldier and current musician from Sudan. Jal became a soldier for the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) after his father joined the SPLA and his mother was killed by government soldiers. He was liberated from his SPLA days by Emma McCune, who adopted him and took him to Kenya. While in Nairobi he found music and used it as a way to release all the suffering he had seen and experienced.

He listened to a lot of American Hip Hop, but ended up creating music that was completely his own. His sound is unquestionably African and his lyrics don't compete with the lyrically word play we see from the other (mostly American) artists we typically feature on DaWh@t. Yet, there's still something really powerful about Jal's music and his story.

Jal has a recently released documentary about him called War Child and is working to create a school for children in Sudan to be called Emma Academy, in honor of the late McCune. His latest album, also called War Child, was released last year and features this song titled 50 Cent. The track goes along with Jal's disappointment in American Hip Hop, which he feels glamorizes issues that hurt children, rather than help them rise above them. In particular, it is a criticism of 50 Cent's 2005 video game 50 Cent: Bulletproof which featured him and the G-Unit possee out to seek vengence against those who tried to murder him.

The chorus tells Curtis, "50 Cent, I aint hatin' on ya" though the whole song is clearly a major jab at his principles. Didn't stop Curtis though, who released a sequel to the game last February entitled 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand.

Like I said, his sound is so unique and so African that I doubt he will ever really catch on any American Hip Hop scene--be it mainstream or underground--but he is definitely talented, and an amazing story. While you may have never heard of him he has gotten a good amount of attention on the world music scene. He's also clearly an activist, and a speaker for the Make Poverty History campaign.

Rafael Casal - The Grinch's Lesson in Bay Area Slang

2009-08-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

Rafael Casal (a.k.a. Mr.Getback) is a Bay Area artist all over the arts world. He's mostly known for his slam poetry, being a two time BNV Poetry Slam Champion and a three time cast member of Def Poetry. He was recently featured in Bill Ayers' Handbook of Social Justice in Education and co-wrote a Hip Hop theatre piece. It's pretty clear that this is not your average emcee.

His first LP, As Good As Your Word, came out last year, and the newest one, Monster, drops on halloween. All three DaWh@t writers are Bay Area natives, so I just had to post this. It's quality though, so take a listen. Baydestrians, enjoy! Everyone else, think of this as an educational moment. Props to Chase for sending this on to me!

61xt6en & Townez

2009-08-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

These are two rappers from Newport News (aka Bad News) VA. Imma do a more in depth type post later on but in the mean time, here is some real good listening. Hosted by the famous Tapemasters Inc (worked with Kanye, Andre 3000 as well as others) and production from Best Kept Secret (works with Wale among other rappers). Download link and tracklist after the cut.

Sidenote: Really sick cover art!

Downlo@d

Eminem vs. Mariah Carey

2009-07-30T17:59:00.000-07:00

It has been known for quite a while that Eminem and Mariah Carey are not great friends. It has been goin for a while but the beef has escaltaed recently with 2 separate songs. Mariah's "Obsessed" is a response to what Em said on his Relapse album and now Em's new song "The Warning" is a more direct response to "Obsessed". It isnt fair to judge lyricism cause Eminem slaughters most everyone but Obsessed is getting all kinds of air play. Imma put videos after the jump so check em out and tell me who won?

Brother Ali - Us

2009-07-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

Here's another Rhymesayer who I haven't seen too much from in a while. This new single, Us, is off his upcoming album of the same title. This is one more uplifting and powerful song from Ali, and I really think the video helps add to that as well. The album drops September 22nd.

The Grouch & Eligh - !BOOM! ft. Slug

2009-07-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

New release from The Grouch & Eligh featuring Slug. Produced by AmpLive who is also featured in the video. I think all of their versus kill the chorus but it's not bad. You can dowloand the track at http://therealgrouch.com

New Releases

2009-07-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would give you guys an update on some stuff that dropped today.

To my knowledge, the only major release is Fabolous' Loso's Way which I have actually been hearing a lot of good stuff about, I got my copy but I have yet to listen to it. He has tons of features including Jeremih, The Dream, Keri Hilson, Jay-Z, Trey Songz and many more. I expect it to be worthwhile.

But also, my homie Kevin Nottingham's record label released its first album today. Nobody Famous' Order Up! Vol. 3 dropped digitally and while I haven't listened to it yet either, he is definitely someone to check out. He does all his own production as well as rapping on the album. I will post his last mixtape that was intended to hype people for this album, but I think everyone should definitely get it. Another very cool fact bout this album, it is 100% sample free! That is such a rarity in hip hop today (although I do enjoy songs that use samples) that it should be reason enough to buy the album.

Leave any comments, for something I missed that I/the readers should check out!

Famous Productions - downlo@d

Buy it on Amazon.com

Buy it on iTunes

Top 10 to Watch For - Mixtape!

2009-07-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

Having finished the Top 10 To Watch For series, I have put together a mixtape featuring 1 of my favorite songs of each artist (honorable mention and numbers 10-1). In case you started reading in the middle of the series, or missed a few downloads. Hopefully this will give everyone a taste of what each artist brings and make you want to get more of their stuff. Hit the jump for the tracklist, links to the articles as well as a short discography for those looking for more music - leave a comment if you want a download link to mixtapes. This is my first attempt at any kind of mixtape type thing so all feedback is appreciated!

DOWNLO@D MIXTAPE!

HM - J.Cole mixtapes: The Come Up and The Warm Up.
HM - Young Chris mixtapes: The Newprint and The Network.
HM - Fashawn's latest mixtape: The Phenom 2
HM - Charles Hamilton has tons of stuff, my personal favorite is: The Pink Lava Lamp. album supposed to drop 8/25.
HM - Drake mixtapes: Room For Improvement, Comeback Season, Heartbreak Drake and So Far Gone. album out early 2010.
10 - Kid Cudi mixtape: A Kid Named Cudi and Dat Kid From Cleveland (unofficial), album is dropping 9/15
9 - Tyga first album: No Introduction. mixtapes: Outraged & Underage and The Potential
8 - Big Sean's mixtapes: Finally Famous Vol. 1 and UKNOWBIGSEAN - Finally Famous Vol. 2
7 - B.o.B. mixtapes: The Future, Hi! My name is BoB, Cloud 9, Who the Fuck is BoB, BoB vs. Bobby Ray
6 - Mickey Factz: The Leak Vol. 1 and 2, Heaven's Fallout, In Search of N.E.R.D. and Flashback Vol. 1
5 - Curren$y albums: This Ain't No Mixtape. mixtapes: too many to count including 7 in 2008, personal favorite is Fast Times at Ridgemont Fly.
4 - Jay Electronica: Style Wars Ep, a sampler, "Exhibit A" single on iTunes.
3 - Wiz Khalifa first album: Show & Prove. mixtapes: Prince of the City 1 & 2, Grow Season, Star Power, Flight School and coming soon How Fly made with Curren$y!
2 - Blu albums: Below The Heavens w/ Exile, Johnson & Jonson w/ Mainframe, The Piece Talks w/ Ta'Raach. Lifted EP. mixtapes:(So)ul Amazing 1 & 2, Her Favorite Color
1 - Wale mixtape: Paint a Picture, Hate is New Love, Mixtape About Nothing, 100 Miles & Runnin, Back to The Feature. album is dropping 9/22.

Top 10 to Watch For - #1 Wale

2009-07-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

I would be surprised if you hadn’t already heard of Wale as he is becoming bigger and bigger every day (although not quite at Drake’s pace). Hailing from the DMV (Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia) he has taken it upon himself to gain respect for his hometown. With his single and video now on rotation on MTV and BET he is definitely on his way.

He has been featured on this site before and I even wrote a review of his latest mixtape, Back To The Feature. He has put out 5 tapes total to much acclaim including his concept tape, Mixtape About Nothing which carries a Seinfeld theme throughout. He is personally my favorite rapper of any of the Top To W@tch For. Wale just finished a countrywide tour, which is extremely impressive considering the fact that he hasn’t even released an album yet. I have posted links to the other articles about him so I won’t write much more, but if somehow you haven’t heard his stuff: GET IT NOW! His album, Attention Deficit, drops September 22, 2009.

>

His Five Mixtapes in chronological order:
Back to the Feature - downlo@d
100 Miles and Runnin - downlo@d
Mixtape About Nothing - downlo@d
Hate is New Love - downlo@d
Paint a Picture - downlo@d

Nas & Damian Marley Grammy Museum Interview

2009-07-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

Nas & Damian Marley recently sat down with the Grammy Museum for an interview about their upcoming album Distant Relatives, scheduled to come out at the end of the summer (we're looking at early August). You can see them perform live this summer at Rock the Bells. Hit the jump to see the trailer for Distant Relatives. Keep it posted to Da Wh@t for more to come...

VIEW LARGER
The Sounds of VTech / Nas and Damian Marley Grammy Museum Interview

Top 10 to Watch For - #2 Blu

2009-07-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

Blu is the most talented lyricist on my top 10 to watch for list. Every time I find a song with this guy, I am impressed by his verse no matter who he shares the track with.

Hailing from San Pedro, Ca, I believe he will be one of the front runners that brings the West Coast back to every day hip hop discussions and he should not be as underground as he is. He is closely tied with the producer Exile who actually produced Blu’s debut album, Below The Heavens. He has albums with Mainframe, as Johnson&Jonson, and with Ta’Raach, as C.R.A.C. Knuckles. I think whenever you see Blu featured or headlining a song or concert; do what you can to get it. He just recently signed with a major label (apologies, I forgot which one, update to come) so a major distributed album should be in the works.

I truly believe that if he continues doing what he is doing, he will go down near the top of any G.O.A.T. list. He has been experimenting on the boards as well, his most recent mixtape Her Favorite Colo(u)r is produced entirely by Blu himself. An incredible talent for such a young guy, Blu is definitely one of the top artists to watch for.

the C.O.R.E. Mixtape - downlo@d

(So)ul Amazing - downlo@d

(So)ul Amazing 2 - downlo@d

Her Favorite Colo(u)r - downlo@d

1st Class - The Future of Classic

2009-07-14T17:17:00.000-07:00

1st Class is probably the newest group we've blogged about so far, this is their first production together ever. You definitely haven't heard of them. Yet.

Coming out of the Bay Area, Salt Lake City, and Boulder, CO, 1st Class is made up of emcees Mr. Smith and Sick Sense, and producer Skinwalker. I got a chance to listen to their freshman album The Future of Classic which just dropped. Most of the album makes me want to kick back next to the pool with a blunt and a red stripe, partly because a good portion of it is dedicated to herb, but also because of a handful of made-for-summer beats that seem to be reggae or rocksteady inspired.

As far as the emcees go they both have a lot going for them. I do think Mr. Smith outshines Sick Sense slightly lyrically, and a lot as far as flow. Even where his lyrics aren't at their strongest, Mr. Smith's flow definitely makes up for it. My main beef with Sick Sense's lyrics is that they get kind of generic when he spits about drugs, money and bitches. It's not that they're bad but they don't really distinguish him. I definitely have faith in his ability to go beyond that though, and even when he does stick to those themes he sometimes pulls in surprise lines that are on point: "me and shawty both are homogenous/whisper in her ear for tonight I'm monogamous" (Mr. DJ).

Both he and Mr. Smith step it up again on "Never Going Back," the most intense track which deals with some of the harsher parts of reality beyond the party lifestyle they rep. It's definitely the most unique track on the album, I can only guess what they're going to do next. I almost wish they would've ended with this track (it's the 11th of 12 tracks) because it stops you in your tracks in a way that "The Right Way" and any other track on the album can't. It definitely is a young sound, but it's also a fresh sound. They have a lot of potential and I'm juiced to see where they go next. You can download their singles for free from thesidetracked and can cop the whole album from xcommunicated . Be sure to check out their myspace as well.

Melanie Fiona - Live Jam Session with the Illadelphonics

2009-07-12T18:18:00.000-07:00

Melanie Fiona just dropped a mixtape this past Saturday of a live session she held with the Roots, ?uestlove. This tape is a must download, great music and great vocals! She is a Toronto signer who has had some hype surrounding her as we wait for her debut album.

Originally slated for May, The Bridge has been pushed back to August but this mixtape should keep you occupied until then. Here she is covering other artists' material as well as performing her own stuff. Backed by the Illadelphonics (?uestlove on drums, Adam Blackstone on bass, Randy Bowland on guitar and Eric Wortham on keys).

Downlo@d

Nyle - "Let The Beat Build"

2009-07-10T16:41:00.000-07:00

Nyle "Let The Beat Build" from Nyle on Vimeo.

Nyle is a sick emcee/producer originally from Philly who's been rockin the NYC underground scene for a couple years now. After getting into college he decided to release an album for every year of school. The first two, Frosh and S'more are availabe on his website. The third album JR, he wrote while spending a year abroad in Ghana. This isn't relesased yet but he calls it his "masterpiece", with influence coming from Ghana, the Bay Area (represent!), and NYC.

Nyle just graduated from the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music at NYU so of course the fourth and final album is about to drop. Capstone is about to drop, and you can sign up to get it free when it does on his website as well. In the meantime, check out this DOPE video which he co-produced and which was also "filmed in one take, with audio being recorded simultaneously with the film." This guy is starting to get some coverage from big names like MTV, and this video was apparently even featured on Kanye West's own blog.

Top 10 to Watch For - #3 Wiz Khalifa

2009-07-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

Wiz Khalifa, like Curren$y, is not quite as new as the other guys on this list because he has already released an album but the coverage and distribution was not quite on a national scale. Anyway, he is definitely someone to keep your eye on with plenty of new material this year and al album do sometime 4th quarter. He comes from Pittsburgh, Pistolvania and represents them well considering how few rappers from there have reached the popularity he has already.

A very creative guy, the 2008 hit and his most well known song “Say Yeah” features an old dance song “Better Off Alone” by Alice Deejay. He clearly enjoys rapping and seems to be having fun without getting careless or sloppy. He raps about what he knows, be it tattoos, marijuana, or even the leaked photos of naked celebrities. He keeps his stuff up to date and interesting and his mixtapes never get boring, only outdated by his new material. Even still I look back to his old stuff all the time and am pleasantly surprised when I remember how much I like them.

The reason he is someone to watch for because his best material has been released in the last two years in the form of two mixtapes: Star Power and Flight School. From 2008 and 2009 respectively, the production value has increased immensely from his early work (kind of as expected) but his rhyming is definitely getting better too. He brings a real chill sound that can be applied to different kinds of situations, similar to my #5 To Watch For, Curren$y. And in fact, they are collaborating on a mixtape as I write this; How Fly is slated to drop sometime this month (I am expecting it next week but we will see).

I am putting download links to Star Power, Flight School and the leaks from How Fly

Flight School - downlo@d

Star Power - downlo@d

How Fly (leaks) - downlo@d

Top 10 to Watch For - #4 Jay Electronica

2009-07-06T20:09:00.001-07:00

I have already done a post on Jay Electronica but in making a list of artists to watch for, it would be a crime to keep him off. He is a very interesting guy because he is incredibly talented yet seems to not collect on it much of the time. Despite being pressured to make a real album he hasn't put anything out. A single was just released on iTunes but I am not sure it is new, from what I have read it leaked a long time ago. One thing I think is worth noting is that he releases his songs through web forums but rarely are they musical web forums. He has been known to put a link to his new song in a tech discussion (for example) and just watch it spread around the internet.

He is the real deal tho, his lyrics are incredible and his production is always on point. He displays all types of his musical knowledge throughout the different pieces he puts out. I will put a link to the free downloads I have found online but you can buy a couple of his songs on iTunes also.

Stop Sleeping!

Last Post with more information

StyleWars Ep - downlo@d

Sampler - downlo@d

Scratches & Demo Tape Vol. 1 - downlo@d

Donny Goines - The Breakfast Club Album Review

2009-07-03T13:18:00.001-07:00

Coming off a very dark and heavy first album, Donny Goines goes the opposite direction in almost every way for his sophomore release, The Breakfast Club. Minutes After Midnight had to be bought, TBC is available as a free download; MAM was dark and straight off the street, TBC is diverse, MAM had minimal features, TBC includes many great emcees.

Lyrics: Goines lyricism is not his strongest attribute but I feel that there is a very solid performance on each and every song; the lyrics never hurt the song. Compared to his first cd, the growth is tremendous. He is not a poor lyricist but the rhymes that he uses are not always the most complex. Even still, as said before, they do the song justice and every now and then you get a gem such as “if the money talks and a picture is worth a thousand words/then my cd cover’s priceless including the nouns and verbs.” One of his biggest strengths as a lyricist is definitely his story telling. What made Minutes after Midnight so good can be found sprinkled throughout The Breakfast Club. He tells stories about what he has gone through to make it to his point and shorter stories like one of his bad days (Track 16 - Can’t Get it Right). As for the features, Donny completely holds it down on his own but it is nice to hear him work with other rappers from all over the country and build chemistry. This also takes some pressure off of him to write 3-4 verses per song and allows him to focus on the 1-2 and make them better. He is able to hang in there with Tanya Morgan, Planet Asia, Emilio Rojas, A Pinks and many more. Sometimes the feature outshines him but when you work with such great emcees it is bound to happen, and it is not a usual occurrence.
7/10

Beats: With a variety of producers on this album, the sound changes up nearly every track yet I thoroughly enjoy each one. As I listen to the cd, I do not skip over any song and the beats set the tone 100%. I am not sure if he picked these beats from a larger group or if they were designed specifically for him but Donny either: a) has a great ear for choosing beats or b) has great chemistry with a number of producers. “She Likes” and “Oh No” are examples of beats that are very different yet very fitting to his style. No two tracks sound alike. Some taking samples of 80’s pop, some from funk, some straight rock and roll and then as expected there are head banging rap songs on here too. The beats are at different tempos and general styles forcing Goines to step his game up which leads me to my next point.
7/10

Flow: Donny Goines greatest ability is by far his vocal flexibility. As mentioned above, the beats are so different from track to track, that it does not seem like he would have been able to just get in rhythm and spit out a few songs. Not only is the melody different but drum patterns speed up and slow down throughout a song. Donny Goines is capable of slowing up his words and truly enunciating if need be. But he is also equally gifted at stringing words together to spit faster and faster. Although he is not always saying the cleverest words, they always have meaning and more importantly they always ride the beat. He makes it seem like any rapper should be able to rap at different speeds and change their flow effortlessly but unfortunately this is a skill that is not held by all. 8/10

Album Title: I was talking with Anu, and we were talking about how important the album title can be towards an album’s success. She had some insight that I thought was worth putting on here. It is all speculation because we don’t know why he chose the title he did but in reference to the cult classic film of the same name, Goines is capable of bringing together different types of sounds and producers much as the people in the movie were not meant to go together and be friends but found a way. Breaking barriers and stereotypes is very apparent in the movie, but equally seen in one listen of Goines' album as well.

Overall: After a very “one-sounded” debut album it is relieving to hear such a diverse effort the second time around. Both albums are very good but I would have hated to see Donny Goines get pigeonholed into one type of sound and that will definitely not be the case. This album is like going to a music festival: there are all types of music on here and Goines just happens to be rapping on every track. I think that this cd proves that Goines’ potential is seemingly endless because I feel that he could really collaborate with ANY artist out there no matter their genre. The flexibility partnered with his hard work ethic and improvement will only lead to good things. Based on what I have seen: his improvement from one album to the next, the interviews I have watched and read, as well as social outlets such as his blog and twitter; Donny Goines seems to be one of the hardest working musicians out there. I look forward to hearing what he does in the future.
7/10

The Breakfast Club - downlo@d

The Chicharones

2009-07-01T13:27:00.000-07:00

The Chicharones are an underground Hip-Hop collaboration between rappers Sleep of Oldominion and Josh Martinez aka The People's Champ. Together they have released two full length albums and an EP: When Pigs Fly, Swine Country and Pork Rind Discotheque EP . Sleep and Josh Martinez have been working together since a chance meeting at the South By Southwest festival, which led to the eventual formation of the group. Swine Country came out this year and I highly encourage everyone to go out and get it, but in the meantime I'll post a link to their 05' release: When Pigs Fly. The Chicharones seem like two pretty smart guys with great senses of humor (see above picture) and it definetly comes through in their music too. The beats are always nice and the punchlines clever, check em out!

Download

Hasan Salaam - Children of God

2009-07-01T11:25:00.001-07:00

So I know this is a little old (cough cough - a year old) but it's just too good to not be posted. To our credit, Da Wh@t didn't quite exist when this dropped. Children of God is also the newest album Hasan Salaam has released, so this is what you're gonna get.

If you aren't familiar with Hasan Salaam (something he's struggling with--check 15 Minutes), he's a half-white, half-black, black Muslim from Jersey who's been rapping since he was 10, and getting recognition since '04. He sounds sort of like Dead Prez or Immortal Technique, which is paradoxical because what makes those guys who they are is that they don't sound like anybody else. The reason you listen to these guys is that on every track they're gonna have something to say which no one else is saying, even if they're doing a similar thing. Having said that though, I would say he's not quite as militant as Tech. He actually volunteers at local schools in his area and reminds people to "fuck a revolution, first learn how to spell" (History of Violence).

Children of God paints a grim but honest picture of the world we live in today--and not that bullshit world of hoes and cars. It's the world of politics, race, history, poverty, but also love. While super star, musically lacking, radio-played rappers are calling themselves gangstas Salaam points out that "it's overcrowded at the bottom swept under the rug/gentrification claiming more turf than crips and the bloods" (Someplace).

This is one of those cds where every track starts and you just think, "ay, what is that?" Listening to it you can't help but be pulled in--it's not an album to listen to in the background. The truth is, this album is just poetic in every way--lyrically, musically, and spiritually. 50 cent can rhyme a word with itself, while Salaam spits like this: "my mind's been stuck in a state of nostalgia/and memories keep fading like my pops body from fibromyalgia" (Best Time to Pray).

Top 10 to Watch For - #5 Curren$y

2009-06-30T12:28:00.000-07:00

Curren$y, also known as the Hot Spitta or just Spitta, has been one to watch for, for quite a long time. Hailing from New Orleans, the same city as “The Greatest Rapper Alive.” He signed to Master P’s No Limit records in 2005 and left that for Young Money in 2007. He was featured on The Carter II and had a ton of hype surrounding him as he gave genius versus on the Dedication mixtape series as well but as time went on and Young Money refused to release is album he lost the buzz.

Eventually he left the label because he was not a priority and wasn’t getting the attention he felt he deserved. Fast forward to 2008 having released a few mixtapes, Curren$y went on a binge releasing 7 mixtapes this past year a lone. He had to earn back trust from his old fans that had lost hope as well as gain enough support elsewhere to warrant his own album being released. He finally dropped his first studio album This Ain’t No Mixtape in 2009 independently through different electronic sources. And this album does not disappoint, even for the wait.

A very casual and laidback feel, this music can be played at pretty much any time. He always brings it hard and his lyricism is impressive and still improving as you listen to his mixtapes in sequential order. As the chorus of Elevator Musik goes “this is elevator music/ all we do is ride around and get high to it” and much of his music is designed for people to cruise around or smoke too. Being a huge fan of marijuana, that theme appears in much of his music but do not think that all of his stuff sounds the same or that it will get boring. I am just trying to convey the chill sound that comes from the speaker. Much of the time, I imagine Hot Spitta recording his music just lounging in a Lay-Z-Boy.

His biggest attribute is his flow. His voice may be annoying to some people (I have not heard anyone complain, but I imagine some people may feel that way) but I think it just adds to his sound. No matter what tempo the song is at, he effortlessly rides the rhythm stringing together multiple words. Although he has already released an album, I still consider Curren$y an artist to watch for because he is not going anywhere but up. While there are many talented emcees from NO, as well as many popular ones, I cannot say that Curren$y is the best from New Orleans, but he is underrated and is definitely at near the top of my list of rappers from there.

I don't feel like zipping and uploading every mixtape so I am just putting four. Here is the link to buy his album (because I am not giving away music that should be purchased) GO SUPPORT THE ARTIST, he is releasing this independently with his own money.

Fast Times at Ridgemont Fly - downlo@d

Fear and Loathing in New Orleans - downlo@d

Super Tecmo Bowl - downlo@d

Welcome to the Winner's Circle - downlo@d

New Artist: Life Don and Najea

2009-06-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

I was at Venice Beach the other day and there were quite a few rappers out there promoting cds and mixtapes. I ran into two guys, Life Don from Watts, Ca and Najea from Compton, Ca. They played me some of their music and I really enjoyed it. Having received just a sample at the beach, I immediately threw their cd in my car player and listened to it straight through. I was very impressed at the professional production and sound quality (that is sometimes missing from street artists) as well as the general style of the mixtape.

These guys have a real West Coast sound; one that could be found in the 90s but easily keeps up with the times even today as 2010 approaches. Having worked with artists such as Turf Talk and San Quinn from the Bay Area they keep the whole coast on lock, branching out from just the Southern California area. They’ve opened for artists from E-40 to Snoop Dogg to Nelly and claim to have sold over 100,000 copies of various tapes just through word of mouth and street hustling.

Their music definitely has a street feel and seems to be authentic as they are out there making a living every day. Where as artists like NaS, Jay-Z and even 50 Cent may have lost touch with that aspect of their life as they became rich, Najea and Life Don are still here and still represent. If you like that hardcore west coast sound (Ice Cube, NWA, Ice T) then these guys are definitely worth checking out!

If you like what you hear/read then go check their myspace and support the artist!
http://www.myspace.com/knulife

In Honor

2009-06-28T20:55:00.000-07:00

Ive been sitting on this album for a minute now..Just felt the time was appropriate to share with everyone. Thrillmatic is a very interesting effort by Danimal, which mixes two of arguably the greatest albums ever in Thriller by Michael Jackson and IllMatic by NaS, and definetley deserves a listen.

Downlo@d

What you probably didn't know about MJ...

2009-06-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry to do another post on him... But what you probably didn't know is that Michael was an inventor. You guys remember Smooth Criminal? Remember in the video how they all lean over at a 45 degree angle? Well, if you don't I've embedded the video. Anyways, turns out Michael had a patent on special shoes that he made to make that possible. Yes, that's right, it was done with shoes, not wires or anything. Check it out...

Method and means for creating anti-gravity illusion Michael J. Jackson et al

check 3:53 to see the stunt

Michael Jackson Tributes

2009-06-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson's contribution and effect on the musical world is undeniable. He has served as an inspiration for many artists including Djs and emcees involved in hip hop. I have compiled the tributes that I could find and will link them below with a description. If you see some artists you already know make sure to hear their tribute but I would strongly recommend checking it all out. Defiantely leave a comment saying which one(s) is your favorite(s). Hit the jump for links.

First up, Rhymefest created a tribute mixtape to Michael Jackson back in 2007. I feel that it should be put first because it was a tribute to his music while he was alive and not just in memory. Rhymefest had this to say, "People like to refer to MJ as the King of Pop. I disagree. I think many of us realize he was the King of Music, redefining the way many artists approach their craft; whether it be Hip-Hop, soul, R&B, blues, pop and rock. Please download MAN IN THE MIRROR and recapture his misunderstood beauty."
Man in the Mirror Mixtape - downlo@d

Next we have a song by The Game featuring Chris Brown, Diddy and Polow Da Don called "Better on the Other Side"
Downlo@d

Cymarshall Law also made a tribute track, he said that he wrote it yesterday and that he wasn't planning on releasing it but when he woke up this morning he felt that other people should get to hear it. We are lucky he felt that way, great track.
Downlo@d

FWMJ made a HIStory Remix with J DIlla's music.
Downlo@d

And as for some DJs:
J. Period put together a mix that he says is not a greatest hits or best of, "it is simply a stream-of-consciousness mix of my own personal favorite Michael Jackson records, plus some unreleased rarities and demo versions of MJ classic." He hopes that no matter what you think of the man, you enjoy the music.
Man or the Music - downlo@d

Another mix done by DJ Aryes in tribute of the King of Pop.
Downlo@d

DJ Jaycee gives us a "soulful" mix of 37 tracks mixed together.
The Soulful Years - downlo@d

Finally we have Cookin's Soul Tribute of mash ups featuring Kid Cudi, Eminem, 2pac, Notorious BIG and many more!
Tribute to the King of Soul - downlo@d

Update: One more from the Press Play Show
Michael Jackson Remixed - downlo@d

DJ Premiere TRIBUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Downlo@d

R.I.P. Michael Jackson

2009-06-26T09:47:00.001-07:00

By now you've heard. Yesterday the King of Pop passed at the age of 50 from cardiac arrest. There isn't much to be said that hasn't been said since the news hit, but we wanted to do a little tribute post for him. He may have been a lunatic, yes, but he was also a brother, son, artist, humanitarian, and most of all a legend.

The fact is this guy has been one of the most influential musicians of all time, and there isn't really a way to do proper tribute to him. Having said that, I just wanted to do a short post featuring some of my favorite MJ tracks. Jump to the full post to watch the videos. I've also included one Janet Jackson song that seems particularly appropriate right now. It'd be awesome if you guys could leave comments with thoughts on the icon, your top 5 favorite MJ tracks, or maybe a story.

It was kind of hard to find music videos that I could embed but here's what I did find...

for this next one skip to 1:30 to skip the intro...

and lastly, as promised, a message from Janet...

Wale - Back to the Feature Mixtape Review

2009-06-22T23:08:00.001-07:00

When talking about the new mixtape, Wale called it “a rapping tape.” He said that his early mixtapes were just a young him trying to get heard, Mixtape About Nothing was proving he could do a concept tape and 100 Miles and Runnin’ was him being a little crazy. Back to the Feature is by far the best of his tapes, and does not disappoint any notion of a rapping tape. Anyone who may have been worried that Wale was becoming too pop upon hearing the single for his album (although I was never worried) need not look further than BTTF for proof he can still bring it.

Beats: 9th Wonder! I don’t really need to say anything else about the beats because when 9th Wonder’s name is attached you know it is going to be dope. That being said, I will expand a little bit. I didn’t recognize it during my listens, but I have read that the beats that Wale used are not all brand new 9th Wonder stuff. But that doesn’t really make a difference to me personally because it is not like they are 9th Wonder flops that no one wanted. Even if they come from some of 9th’s beat tapes, they are incredibly sick and Wale alon g with his features know what to do with them. He makes all types of songs by using his guests and choruses to set the tone for the type of song. This tape took a long time to put out, mostly because Wale was touring and couldn’t put the finishes touches on it, but I think that the extra time gave him time to plan it out even better. Every beat is strategically chosen and placed, and while I do not know Wale’s actual reasons, each song makes sense to me too. Aside from the Chillin (Catch vs. 9th) remix, I think that every single beat on the tape is nice and on point. It is well produced and carries the lyrics throughout.
9/10

Lyrics: Wale’s lyrics are what make his music so enjoyable to me; his word play and metaphors are usually clever and impressive. If you listen to his music, you have probably realized that Wale is a huge sports fan; he references an incredible amount of sports and not just the most popular players. I have definitely caught references to NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, track and field, college sports and even ESPN commentators (*cough* Skip Bayless *cough*). I think Wale keeps up his lyricism and proves that he definitely has something to bring to the table in the hip-hop game. I will give an example of some of his lyrics that I personally loved, but there are great lines on each and every song. “The war’s in the form of poetry/ so its straight c4 from the thoughts I bring/ bang! epiphany/ these n****s is gimmicks to me/ I can eradicate a village if you give me a beat/ I’m that bomb when I hand write/ play me for a stepping stone, then, I land mine.” His ability to maintain the metaphor of poetry and words being weapons and war is incredible. He uses double meanings of words such as land mine (getting his own vs. an explosive landmine), all the while rhyming AA for 6 bars then BB for another 2. Not to mention they are not simple rhymes, ending the line with a multi-syllabic phrase many times throughout. And as if Wale’s ability wasn’t enough, this mixtape has more sick features than most people can get on an album. The co-signs from the likes of known greats such as: Freeway, Talib Kweli, Joe Budden, Black Thought, Jean Grae, Royce Da 5’9” and Bun B shows much respect for Wale. He also brings fellow young’uns: Skyzoo, Young Chris, Curren$y, K’naan and Big Sean. No matter what type of hip-hop you like, someone from that style is contributing to this mixtape somewhere.
10/10

Overall: On the song Tito Santana Wale subtitles the mixtape “N****s just be rappin’” and I can definitely attest to that. Wale just finished a tour throughout the US and he hasn’t even released an album yet! As I said earlier, for anyone who was afraid he was becoming too pop, this tape proves he can hang with anyone on the track. I did not go into as much detail on a song-by-song basis because I think that across the board, all of the tracks are great and they go very well with each other when it is played all the way through. This tape has many different types of songs and sounds, making Wale’s different influences very evident. There are pop-infused songs featuring artists like Mike Posner, Daniel Merriweather, Duffy and Yael Naim. But Wale travels with a band named UCB and the impact that growing up in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) and listening to Go-Go has had on him can be heard on Night Life & Sweatin Out Weaves. Even with “soft” type songs, I think a level of credibility and expectations are met throughout the tape and should be enjoyed until we finally do have Attention Deficit (Wale’s soon to be released studio album). While the album is in no way perfect:
10/10.

Back to the Feature - downlo@d

Magic Music

2009-06-18T16:49:00.000-07:00

I've been considering posting a full length french Hip-Hop album for quite some time now. The only thing that was holding me back was that I was unsure as to how many people would actually be interested, as the language barrier can wear tiresome over multiple songs. However I really feel that Hocus Pocus's most recent album Place 54 is an extreme pleasure for any Hip-Hop head. Infused with the influences of American Hip-Hop and Jazz by way of French Pop and a splash of World music, Hocus Pocus creates a beautiful composition of songs. All Expressing his ideals and opinions on many issues including: the demise of "Pure" Hip-Hop, his Love/Hate relationship with France, the universality of music, his take on a simple train ride and the influence of tourists in developing countries. He even has a couple english language Hip-Hop features to guarantee your not completely lost. I hope you enjoy this album and I would really love some feedback from non-french speakers.

Downlo@d

K'naan Live at Apple Store in downtown San Francisco

2009-06-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to get to see K'naan perform live on 6/16. It was an incredible experience because the Apple Store does not hold a lot of people; so it was very intimate and was not the normal concert feel. K'naan performed with a basist, guitarist, two keyboardists, a congo drummer and another fellow Somalian on back up vocals. While he could have just done a few songs and called it a night, he played for over an hour at a free event! It had a very acoustic, very musical feel that made his songs seem less like rap and more like poetry on top of beautiful music. He was essentially doing spoken word poetry over nice background music and you could really feel where he was coming from. He performed unreleased songs/versions of songs along with new and old songs alike. If you get the chance to see K'naan, I would recommend it 100%.
Hit the jump for some pictures and more videos of the performance.

This post is just to give a new perspective at introducing an artist through his live performance as opposed to their recorded stuff. Feel free to ask any questions about the performance.

Happy Birthday Tupac

2009-06-16T18:51:00.000-07:00

In memory of Tupac Amaru Shakur (June 16, 1971 - September 13, 1996)

Top 10 to Watch For - #6 Mickey Factz

2009-06-12T19:49:00.000-07:00

The next 6 artists were, for the most part, incredibly difficult for me to rank. Depending on my mood most of them could shift to any position but I think that the order I am posting is how I feel most of the time. #6 is Mickey Factz hailing from the Bronx, New York.

He started writing raps at a very young age and tries to stay innovative as well as keeping tradition of where Hip Hop came from. The only way I can think to describe his music is by saying that Mickey Factz is roughly what you get if you combined Child Rebel Soldier together into one person. For those that don’t know, CRS is a super group made of Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Pharell Williams who have only put out one track but have much promise. Listening to a Mickey Factz mixtape is like listening to a compilation of those 3 guys, he brings many musical aspects from Kanye, such as soul samples. His lyrics are always on point and he brings a consciousness that definitely evokes thoughts of Lupe Fiasco. Finally, there are tracks where he “spazzes out” as if he was performing over a guitar based fusion beat off of the latest N.E.R.D. album. My personal favorite song by Mickey Factz is a lesser known one called Water featuring Lauryn Hill. I like the lyrics so much that I have been searching for them in a written form. He is just poetic as he compares love and his girlfriend to water and is able to keep it going throughout the whole song building beautiful imagery but without reusing comparisons or making it boring. If ever people doubt hip hop's connection to poetry or art, Water will be one of the first tracks I play for them to defend the point.

Mickey Factz currently has 5 free mixtapes out, as we wait for his debut album (I believe he is signed with ROC Nation right now). I will post links to all of them but I just want to make a little not about two of them. In the beginning of 2008, Mickey began a series titled “The Leak” in which he would release a new song every week, it caught the attention of all the blogs (around at the time) and built a huge buzz around him. He has created two mixtapes from those songs so far: The Leak Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. He has already given us plenty of great music but I know there is much more to come.

Flasback Vol. 1 - downlo@d

Heaven's Fallout - downlo@d

In Search of N.E.R.D. - downlo@d

The Leak Vol. 1: The Understanding

The Leak Vol. 2: The Inspiration - downlo@d

Strange Journey Volume One

2009-06-12T17:38:00.000-07:00

The Cunninlynguists have been releasing amazing music since their debut album Will Rap For Food and their latest installment doesn't dissapoint. Iv'e been bangin this album front to back (including the instrumentals which compromise the last 7 tracks) on a regular basis since i got it about a week ago. The concept behind the Strange Journey albums are the misadventures of 3 young men( Natti, Kno and Deacon). Volume One chronicles their short yet eventful time with an old stolen van and features Killer Mike, Khujo of Goodie Mob, Skinny DeVille and Fish Scales of Nappy Roots, Slug of Atmosphere, Tonedeff, PackFM, Substantial, Mac Lethal, Looptroop Rockers, Hilltop Hoods, and former group member Mr. SOS.
Strange Journey Volume Two drops this September and features Sean Price, Blue Sky Black Death, Bronze Nazareth, Poison Pen, Guilty Simpson and J-Zone!

Download

Graffiti: Art of the People

2009-06-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

Here's a piece from Mark Jenkins done last April in Malmö, Sweden. Click on the images to see bigger versions.

Mos Def - The Ecstatic

2009-06-11T12:23:00.000-07:00

So, the long awaited (at least by me) album The Ecstatic from Mos Def just dropped yesterday. It's a lot shorter than a lot of previous stuff, but a knockout like always. Mos Def, who recently called out H.O.V.A. and Weezy for their "Greatest Rapper in the World" self-titles, comes with one of his most political works yet (listen to "Auditorium"). In fact, the intro to the album starts us off thinking about the historic presidential shift we've seen this year. We also see that influence from his recent South America trip on "Casa Bey" and "No Hay Nada Mas". The work is strong in that it does a lot of different things, but is still able to maintain a unified sound. There's definitely something on here for everyone, and the one thing he doesn't have are those musical rants we've heard in the past from him, which have always come with mixed reviews from fans. So, if you've been a fan of even only one past work of his, I'd reccommend The Ecstatic.

Top 10 to Watch For - #7 Bobby Ray (aka B.o.B.)

2009-06-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

#7 artist to watch for is holding down the Dirty South, hailing from Atlanta Georgia. B.o.B. or Bobby Ray as he is known now is signed to T.I.’s record label and has done quite a few performances alongside the established rapper already. He is currently working on his first album which is to be titled The Adventures of Bobby Ray and should be due out in the fall of 2009. He has released 4 mixtapes, although I really only listen to one, have come out in the last two years giving people a great amount of good listens while waiting for the album.

He really got into Hip Hop in the 3rd grade and that is when he began to mess around making music. Making music was not just writing rhymes though, he also learned the program Fruity Loops and he was constantly making beats as well. At the age of 14, he sold one to Cliti who was a part of Slip-N-Slide Records at the height of their popularity. Bobby Ray is still making beats as well as rhymes, cause he produces most the stuff on his tapes.

Bobby Ray has a very interesting style in which his many different influences are very evident. Who the Fuck is B.o.B.?!? may not sound like your average hip-hop album but that is what I like about it. It doesn’t get boring between a jazz infused track to a straight classic hip hop beat and then Bobby Ray going off on some funk type isht. Probably my favorite song hands down on the mixtape is Lonely People in which his creativity is very apparent as he samples a Beatles song. Bobby Ray is going to bring big things to music because, in a place where many radio hits can sound similar and artists use formulas to gain hits, he brings innovation and originality. He is a part of what hip hop needs, and definitely a breath of fresh air.

I am putting links to two of Bobby Ray's mixtapes: Cloud 9 and Who the Fuck is B.o.B.!?. There are two other compilations that have some overlaps as well as new material so I combined the new songs from both mixtapes into one file and will post that link as well.

Who the Fuck is B.o.B.?!? - downlo@d

Cloud 9 - downlo@d

Other songs - downlo@d

check this shit out

2009-06-06T19:24:00.001-07:00

Pretty sick light photography by Nicki Carpenter. Click on the image to see a larger version.

Top 10 to Watch For - #8 Big Sean

2009-06-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

Big Sean is #8 on the Top 10 to W@tch for series, but I have already written an album review of his last mixtape where I go into detail about his flow, lyrics as well as beat choice. That coupled with the fact that it is Friday means this will be a very short blog post haha.

Big Sean was born in Cali but lived most of his young life in Detroit. Both places have a great hip hop scene so it is no surprise that he has found music and is damn good at making it. He has released two mixtapes so far and his debut album will be dropping this spring. He is signed to Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. music label so he has access to features from Kanye, Pharell and many other great artists.

I will post a link to both of his mixtapes as well the link above to my review of UKNOWBIGSEAN. Something special that leaked today is one of the tracks off his album so imma give you guys that link too. Big Sean is a very impressive talent and I can’t wait to see what he does for years to come.

Family Famous the Mixtape - downlo@d

UKNOWBIGSEAN Finally Famous Vol. 2 - downlo@d

Glenwood feat. Kanye West - downlo@d

Top 10 to Watch For - #9 Tyga

2009-06-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

Coming in at number 9 is Tyga from Compton, California. His eligibility as a rapper to watch for is questionable since he already has an album out but I believe that his new style should count as restarting his career. Also before I start, I must admit that I have not listened to his first album, No Introduction, but I remember the single and it was not the most impressive.

Music runs in the family, Tyga is the cousin of Travis McCoy from Gym Class Heroes. Tyga actually got into the music business opening for Gym Class Heroes on a tour in 2007. His latest mixtape, Outraged & Underage is a very impressive exhibit of lyricism. He has developed his flow and word play that displays his maturation over the past years. Where he started out as a pop like singer/rapper with lines like “what a mess, but we cleanin’ the club/ice so bright make a fight scene in the club/ don’t test, cause there’s beams in the club…” and the song goes on. Now, while he is nowhere near the top, he has began to use off-rhymes and some inward rhyming as well as heard on the song Cali Love “I’m the one next to best does it/remove your ear plug-ins I never stutter/until now brother my city will now love me.” I am impressed with the strides he has taken and can’t wait to hear his future projects. He has a mixtape that is due any day now, called The Potential and an album dropping next quarter some time.

Whatever you hear his name on, I think it will be worth a listen because Tyga is bringing it on each and every track.

Outraged & Underage - downlo@d

New WALE Video "Chillin"

2009-06-04T15:49:00.000-07:00

i don't usually even like Lady GaGa but she sounds and looks hot on this track with him.

Hip Hop Activism

2009-06-02T18:20:00.000-07:00

Hip hop has always been a movement of activism in some way or another. Of it's many forms, graffiti is one of the media which lends itself to this. Today, graffiti--like all forms of hip hop--doesn't exist just in the inner-cities of the U.S. This new video from Time Magazine shows how graffiti artists in Ramallah are using the Palestine-Israeli separation barrier almost as a meta-commentary on the walls presence. A group of artists at www.sendamessage.nl are posting any message for a price of $40 that doesn't promote hate or racism. They've also started a project using 400 cans of spray paint to tag an essay by a South African antiapartheid activist. The video is a little dry coming from Time, but it's still pretty interesting and you can see some of the works they've done on the wall. Check it out here.

Top 10 to Watch For - #10 KiD CuDi

2009-06-02T17:01:00.000-07:00

KiD CuDi is a young emcee hailing from Cleveland, Ohio. In the case that you haven’t heard of him or heard his stuff, don’t judge him based on where he is from cause he brings a lot of interesting stuff to the table. He has yet to release an album but his musical contributions are still abundant.

His original and only mixtapes titled A Kid Named Cudi is a very good listen. Being his only release it is very impressive that he is signed to a major record label, and that major label is G.O.O.D. Music led by Kanye West. Since has been signed he appeared on Kanye’s latest album as well as 88-keys’. His hit song Day N Nite was played on Entourage and gained the biggest success so far reaching Top 10 lists on iTunes as well as constant radio play. With some fame behind him, Datnewcudi.com and DJ E-V put together a compilation of his newer unreleased music and titled their mixtape Dat Kid From Cleveland. I like it more than his first and show his growth musically even in a relatively short amount of time.

In my opinion, KiD CuDi is the least impressive lyricist of the artists to watch for series but I put him up there because he does know how to make music sound good. An artist can have incredible lyrics without flow or if they don’t have a good ear for choosing beats then it can be wasted so lyricism is not the only important factor. Similar to Kanye West, who is not an amazing emcee but consistently puts out worthwhile music, I think that KiD CuDi has great crossover appeal and will get play on Hip Hop/R&B/Pop radio stations alike. He likes to change his voice and pace up all the time ranging from singing to standard rapping and the diversity on his mixtapes keep him from getting boring.

A Kid Named Cudi - downlo@d

Dat Kid From Cleveland - downlo@d

it's crazy to me...

2009-06-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

Dj Vinroc feat. Zumbi (Zioni) & Jenisis-"LuvLuv from Vinroc on Vimeo.

... that people are listening to "birthday sex" but not to this shit

Dayless Nights

2009-06-01T12:59:00.000-07:00

This is K'Naan rapping over the beat "Day N Nite" by KiD CuDi. He is a Somalian rapper for any of you who dont know who he is and this song is bout the pirates and everything that is going on over there. Sick track and for anyone who doesn't have it, make sure to cop his latest album, Troubadour.

Dayless Nites - downlo@d

Vibe Best Rapper Ever Bracket

2009-05-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

I have mixed feelings about posting this link cause if I do then Vibe was successful cause it sparked a discussion and got people to promote it. Vibe is currently polling its "readers" (if they still have some) about who the best rapper ever is. I saw the bracket and it is pretty disgusting, unfortunately posting the link will lead to more hits for them but I think that any hip hop fan should see what not to do...

http://www.vibe.com/bestrapperever/bracket1_rd1.html

Unreleased...?

2009-05-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

I came across these 2 videos on Youtube and instantly fell in love with these songs. They're not featured on either of their first 2 albums 93 til Infinity and No Man's Land, and are infact unreleased tracks. Im really really feeling the super smooth laid back feel to both these jams. Im also a huge fan of their song Medication, which although im not sure, I think is also an unreleased track. Ill provide download links to all 3 for any Mischievous heads out there.

Downlo@d
Cab Fare
Step To My Girl
Medication

Drizzy

2009-05-19T19:41:00.000-07:00

This is by far one of my favorite tracks from Toronto based artist Drake, it was released as a bonus track on the latter releases of So Far Gone. Sample used in the song is Viva La Vida by Coldplay.

Downlo@d Congratulations

Da Be@t Detective

2009-05-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

In an attempt to give you a better understanding of Hip-Hop, here is my idea for a new segment here at Da Wh@t: Be@t Detective. In each segment we will explore the use of samples in Hip-Hop and the phenomenon of the jacked beat.

So to begin we will look at the sampling of "The World Is A Ghetto" by George Benson used by Big Pun in his song "Glamour Life" (Produced by L.E.S.) and subsequently Zion-I in the "Bonus Track" on their debut album Mind Over Matter. I think its interesting to see how each producer flipped the sample and created two distinctly different yet great tracks. (And as a bonus nugget of info Daft Punk also used the sample for their song "Spinal Scratch")

Original Sample:

Big Pun Version:

Zion-I Version:

Big Sean - UKNOWBIGSEAN Mixtape Review

2009-05-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

For my next review I will be talking about Big Sean’s new mixtape UKNOWBIGSEAN Finally Famous Vol. 2. At the request of my man BP, I will be trying something different; I am going to review the album as a whole instead of track by track. I will rate the lyrics, flow, beats, and overall flow of the mixtape by themselves but I will still finish with a final album review.

Lyrics: Big Sean is a talented emcee and I would say that his lyrically ability and cleverness is easily his biggest asset. He does a very good job of using inner rhyming throughout his verses and many times finishes the line with multi-syllabic words, which is very difficult. They prove that he is a capable rapper and he isn’t, as I call it, “elementary” in his rhyming ability. My favorite part about Big Sean is his punch lines, he is a very funny guy and many times he brings lines that remind me of a young Ludacris. Just to give a few examples “Money is like fucking/ if you grind hard enough then the bitch’ll keep coming” or “And I can't feel my cardio. Motha fuckas walkin in with shrooms. Now I'm fin to feel like Mario.” These particular examples are not the most impressive lyrically but I think that word play is essential to any emcee. Seeing how this is a mixtape that includes Big Sean rapping over other people’s beats, the lyrics are what is really being showcased and overall I think it is very impressive.
9/10

Flow: Big Sean is able to get the job done and develop well written and well practiced lyrics My only complaint is that there are spots on the album where I feel he is rapping too slowly. I know that a rapper can’t always (and many can never) be spittin’ Busta Rhymes or Twista fast but there are certain songs like Say You Will where he didn’t seem to speed up his flow enough to match the beat. As I said earlier, many of these beats were made for other rappers so I am not going to hate, but if there was a problem with the rapping aspect of the tape it would be delivery and not preparation or creativity
6/10

Beats: This is tough to review for a mixtape, I can pretty much guarantee the beats will be dope on the album based on what I have heard. Kanye West, Pharell and The-Dream will be producing stuff for his first album. For the most part, the beats were chosen well for his rhymes and they help the songs. But, there aren’t really any head-knockers on this tape. There are plenty of beats that compliment his voice and flow – UKNOWBIGSEAN and Intro but nothing spectacular. My favorite beat is probably from Supa Dupa because it is simple and allows his lyrics to be heard during the verses but the riff during the chorus slaps. The beats certainly do not take away from the mixtape but they do not add as much as I think they could.
7/10

Overall: First lemme just say that this mixtape is 30 tracks; Big Sean is just giving away 30 free tracks, which already makes it more than worth it. There are 6 skits on the mixtape spread out pretty evenly and all of them include Big Sean explaining a certain aspect of the production or his road to where he is. I think that the tape has a great combination of full 4-minute songs with multiple verses and choruses along with 1-2 minute pieces of just a verse over a cool beat. I think UKNOWBIGSEAN Finally Famous Vol. 2 flows well from start to finish and is a great piece along the way until the album finally drops. Big Sean brings a mix of feel good hip hop and straight stuff and I really enjoy the tape.
8/10

Favorite tracks: Who Knows (ft. Mike Posner), UKNOWBIGSEAN, Intro

UKNOWBIGSEAN - downlo@d

Fear & Fancy

2009-05-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

Some of you readers may not know this, but I am about to finish up my freshman year at Stanford. Through the course of the year I've realized that our class has a lot of musical talent. There's one trio in particular, Fear & Fancy that's formed in this year and shared their music with the whole campus. Originally from Boston, two of the three reunited on campus and met their third member to create a completely new sound. Their first album Twenty Twelve is about to drop, and you guys can listen to it for a limited time on their myspace . If you guys do give it a listen they would greatly appreciate it if you filled out this survery telling them what you thought. They'll also send you a free bonus track for doing so.

These guys' sound is reminscent of The Roots, but it makes sure to go somewhere different and keep it original. I'd definitely say that the production on the CD outshines the lyrics, but they have really good musicality so I'd recommend giving it a listen. Even if you don't listen to the album I'd recommend at least checkin out "Off The Grid" and "Window's Peak". Both are upbeat and cool, and "Window's Peak" creatively borrows from "When Doves Cry". "Embrace" is another good song, and their most successful slow-tempo song. It's a short but endearing love song. In general, they need to think a little bit more about consolidating instrumentals and lyrics, but this is a really good effort for a freshman album.

Mistah Fab Freestyle from KarmaloopTV

2009-05-16T18:10:00.001-07:00

BassNectar

2009-05-15T00:07:00.000-07:00

Just found out about BassNectar tonight but I found this sick If I Ruled The World by NaS & Lauryn Hill/Paper Planes by M.I.A. mix he did @ La Zona Rosa Club.

Three-1-Zero

2009-05-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know anything about this guy but I came across this LP (for free) while checking out Tanya Morgan stuff (post to come later)
Pretty tight concept album about the Lakers and a hotlist of producers:
Black Milk, J Dilla, Mad Lib, RJD2 and many more
so i'll post it up

p.s. Dope Cover Art too

'99 Lakers Lp - downlo@d

Because Chipmunks make everything that much funnier...

2009-05-11T23:24:00.000-07:00

The Minstrel Show

2009-05-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

Download
Probably one of my favorite albums, there is a serious albeit very saddening reality/message to this album.

Casa Bey

2009-05-09T19:51:00.000-07:00

Recently returning from South America, our boy Mos Def has brought us his newest. Sampled from Brazil's Banda Black Rio's track Casa Forte, Mos continues to be hip-hop's strong home of ingenuity with Casa Bey. The track starts off sounding like any other killer Mos Def track, but gets more and more and interesting as it goes on. I was a fan of True Magic, but this track blows my mind. It's success is due in large to DJ Preservation and Dante's own ridiculous production on this song. I'm especially a fan of the beautiful piano outro. This track leaves me extra excited for his new LP, The Ecstatic (June 9, 2009). Cop it here.

Top 10 to Watch For - Honorable Mention

2009-05-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

I have been speaking with Raph and Anu about what type of blog we want Da Wh@t to be and we have been talking about giving information as well as music. That is why I have started to review albums and with that in mind, I am going to do a series of posts on what I will call my Top 10 To W@tch For. I will give 10 artists that have either just recently put out an album or are going to put one out soon as well as a couple honorable mention artists. Whether you agree or disagree with the order, I don’t think anyone will doubt that the following artists will bring good things to the Hip Hop world.

First up is J.Cole:
J.Cole is from Fayetteville, North Carolina and has been writing since he was 12. At 15 he received his first beat making machine and from there started creating his own stuff. He went to St. John;s University on an academic scholarship and actually ended up graduating Magna Cum Laude. He is yet to release an album but his first mixtape, The Come Up is pretty dope.
The Come Up - downlo@d

Young Chris is next on my list:
Young Chris started his rap career as half of the duo Young Gunz from North Philadelphia. While the duo has released two albums and even been nominated for Grammy's Chris is just starting his solo career releasing mixtapes and preparing for an album. I leave you with The Newprint
The Newprint - downlo@d

Fashawn:
Fashawn is a local rapper (at least local to my hometown) from Fresno County, California. He works with Evidence, the emcee from West Coast group Dilated peoples and has already released 4 mixtapes. He has one coming out at the end of summer produced by mixtape legends Mick Boogie and Terry Urban.
The Phenom 2 - downlo@d

Charles Hamilton:
Had I made this post 3-4 months ago, CH would be way higher on my list but his series of beefs (from Soulja Boy to Rhymefest) as well as song mixtapes that I have not loved have moved him down on the list. No question he is a talented emcee and I will definitely cop his album when it does come out, but I am kinda over the CH hype for now.
Pink Lava Lamp - downlo@d

Drake:
Drake or Drizzy as nicknamed by Lil' Wayne (Weezy) fans is an impressive emcee from Toronto Canada. He started his entertainment career on the show Degrassi but dont be fooled cause he can definately spit. His studio album isnt set to come out until 2010 but his latest mixtape is fire.
So Far Gone - downlo@d

Shade45 Dead Prez Freestyle

2009-05-07T15:30:00.001-07:00

I've always been a fan of Dead Prez's music, but I used to be really bothered with this kind of thinking. I think it's important for people to vote, because someone like Obama never would've been elected if people hadn't mobilized. But then again, a lot of what Dead Prez spits is true, or at least has been true, in the past--although it's always only been for a certain subjugated part of the population. What Dead Prez says is true and maybe the system does need a change, but for now I think we should all try and vote as best as we can and hope that the Obama administration and those to come will be the change the system needs.

BlindFaith

2009-05-05T21:15:00.001-07:00

So i had been searching for quite some time for music from Braille. I had only heard two of his songs till earlier this week but i was sure his other material was classic. To give you some background information, Braille aka Bryan Winchester was born in Portland, OR and started making music at the age of 13. The concept behind the name Braille relates to "Helping people understand the things they can't see." My assumptions were affirmed when i finally found Braille's sophomore album Shades of Grey. There really is no other way to describe the album except for: CLASSIC. Between Braille's rhymes and the super nice instrumentals this album is a must have. To my extreme surprise 9th Wonder co-produced this album (I'm assuming that's why I was so drawn to the album) along with Rob Swift. This album is categorized as Christian Hip-Hop proving good music crosses all genres and beliefs. I ,an atheist, love this album.

Downlo@d

New Logo-Artist Spotlight

2009-05-05T20:39:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give some dap and a huge thank you to Hannah W. for creating our new (and very cool) logo. Make sure to check out her website http://statusquota.net , plenty more graphics and photoshop productions.
Here's an example of some of her other work:

Upcoming Reviews

2009-04-27T12:49:00.000-07:00

I have a ton of new music that I am interested in reviewing/putting on our site. This probably won't work, but I figured I would take some suggestions, Imma post things that I want to do and hopefully I get some feedback on the order in which I should get it done, if not I will put stuff next week fo sho.

Asher Roth - Asleep in the Bread Aisle
Curren$y - This Ain't No Mixtape
Wiz Khalifa - Flight School
Skyzoo - The Power of Words
Bobby Creekwater - The BC Era 2 (comes out this friday)
Big Sean - UKNOWBIGSEAN

Just post a comment or if you know me/my #, then just tell me what yall want

DaWh@t Fam Download

2009-04-25T23:10:00.000-07:00

New Music from featured artist JasIl

Right Now

Takeover TV

2009-04-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

not to be on Zion I's jock...
but this shit is pretty sick.

click the on/off button to turn the TV on and channel to flip through the different videos and all that good shit

Straight F!RE

2009-04-18T01:35:00.000-07:00

My boy Elliot introduced me to Theory Hazit who hails from Louisville, Kentucky, also home of Nappy Roots. I had never heard him before but hes a really good up and coming artist, hopefully one day he can break into the mainstream. I really like his first album Extra Credit and I came across his most recent album Lord Fire and thought I'd share with everyone. Awesome cover art too!

Download

The Lost Tapes

2009-04-18T01:32:00.001-07:00

Some of NaS' best material in my opinion, apparently it wasn't good enough to make the final cut of StillMatic. But The Lost Tapes flow better in my opinion than many of his albums, and the gritty nature of the rhymes and beats reminisce to his Ill era. If you like NaS, you'll love this.

Download

Wiz Khalifa - Flight School Mixtape

2009-04-17T14:59:00.001-07:00

This is the newest mixtape form Wiz Khalifa out of Pittsburgh, Pistolvenia. This is one of the few updates on our site that is a real time release and update. SO this is fresh out from a few hours ago.

Flight School - downlo@d

It's finally here...

2009-04-13T18:21:00.001-07:00

Rock The Bells 2009 Line Up has just been released. Nothing too surprising, but like always a killer line-up that scrapes on any other music festival out there. I, personally, am especially excited about Slaughterhouse being on the line up, but check it out for yourself.

Nas & Damian "Jr Gong" Marley
The Roots
Common
Big Boi
KRS-One
House of Pain featuring La Coka Nostra
Reflection Eternal
Tech N9ne
K'Naan
RZA
Raekwon
Sage Francis
MOP
Slaughterhouse
Eyedea & Abilities
Necro
Slum Village
Evidence & Alchemist
Chali 2na
Psycho Realm
Mystic Journeyman
Buckshot
Mickey Factz
B. Dolan
Tabi Bonne

and, as usual, some dope ass MC work from KRS-One, MURS, Pete Rock and the legend, the man, Super Natural. More announcements and special performances will be announced by Guerilla Union, as well as dates and venues. The cities their claiming for this year are LA, SF, NYC, DC, Chicago, Boston, Miami, Denver, Toronto and Vancouver.

On that note, we'll see you this summer.

Uhh Shook by Shad (Prod. by Braze)

2009-04-13T17:59:00.000-07:00

Probably Shad's best song and that's saying a lot..Produced by fellow Canadian and Toronto native Braze

Download

GEEK TO THE BEAT

2009-04-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

Zion I "Geek To The Beat" from Okayplayer on Vimeo.

Check the M.A.Y.O. directed, Alice in Wonderland inspired new music video from Zion I. Geek to the Beat is their newest single off The Takeover, and generally considered the best track on the album. Kanye West is feelin this video, and so am I. Much love to Zumbi and AmpLive.

Jadakiss - The Last Kiss Review

2009-04-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

Once again, please comment on how helpful/good this review is because it is my 2nd one ever and I am trying to find my own.

By the time I bought The Last Kiss, I had already downloaded and listened to Jadakiss’ latest mixtape, Kiss My Ass Pt. 2. I enjoyed the tape and was looking forward to what he would bring on a full album but at the same time I have heard that Jadakiss’ albums do not follow suit to the mixtapes. Personally, and I hope many agree, Jadakiss is at his best when he is just bringing it from the streets. I know, I know, how can someone who has millions of dollars and been removed form the streets for a while keeps in touch? Well I think that the best rappers are still able to do it when want to, and I think Jadakiss is high enough up there to trust his ability.

The first track Pain and Torture is very good I thought and got me very excited to hear the rest of the album. It is also one of only three tracks on the cd without a guest spot and I think that says something when one of the solo songs is one of the best if not the best songs on the album. The strings in the beat give it tempo without overpowering the darkness of the bass. Can’t Stop Me is a solid track, Jada has good flow over the beat but already the album is turning away from the hardcore sound of the opening song. Who’s Real is not a track I will listen to much more after this review is finished. Swizz Beats brings such a mediocre/sub par chorus as well as the over synthed out beat. Jadakiss tries to keep you interested but the song is almost annoying to me. Grind Hard has a solid beat, which I can get into, and Mary J’s chorus gets you from verse to verse. This song is half pop/radio hit and the other half Jadakiss kills it. Jadakiss & Young Jeezy rapping about being hard over a bass heavy makes Something Else a good song that I can imagine listening to for months and years to come.
The history and chemistry between Jadakiss & Styles P is very evident on the next song, One More Step. The trading of lines is very clever and makes the song one of my personal favorites on the album. Stress Ya featuring Pharell is overall a very forgettable track in my opinion with a generic Pharell beat and Pharell chorus and cool lyrics from Jada. I see no reason to listen to this song over any other because there are definitely much better songs than this. For any Jadakiss fan, whether you got all his stuff or not, What If should sound very familiar to his single from a different album titled Why. Yes, both songs have very clever and thought provoking questions but for me, it is too much to make 2 of these songs in one person’s career. The concept is no longer new nor original so I am not especially feeling it. I wish I could listen to Things I’ve Been Through while driving cause the chill beat and melody along with Jada’s soft voice sound like an ideal cruising track. It is worth noting that this is another one of those 3 songs without a featured guest; very strong song overall. Just past halfway through these middle songs are a nice resurgence to the album. Things I’ve Been Through, I Tried, and Rockin’ With the Best keep my attention and make sure that I do not turn the album off. Although this album is not completely cohesive, the wealth is distributed and the album is neither front nor back heavy.
Despite the R&B chorus on Smokin’ Gun it still has a hard street-esque feel, which I really enjoy. Jadakiss can make defending his girl both hard/tough and romantic at the same time through his wordplay; clever and entertaining. When you have Ghostface Killah & Raekwon on the same song, it is hard to set yourself apart even on your own album. On Cartel Gathering, Jadakiss holds his own and makes sure you know he is there even if his guests outshine him a little bit. The next track is straight hard, outside of the hook, the dark beat and angry tone of everyone involved on Come and Get Me sends a strong message. S.I & Sheek Louch contribute but are not completely necessary for the tracks overall rating. By My Side is not my favorite track but I think it takes a certain type of rapper in order to rap along side an R&B singer, especially a male one. I don’t think it requires a certain amount of talent, just a style that Jadakiss does not possess. It isn’t a terrible song but not a great track in my mind.
I first heard Letter to B.I.G. in the movie Notorious about Biggie Smalls and I was originally impressed. It is a solid tribute track to someone who paved the way for Jadakiss and other New York rappers. It doesn’t showcase anything special but the content alone makes it worth listening to especially on any Biggie tribute playlist anyone might have. It is even more special because Faith Evans is the one signing on the track, and as I am assuming some people know, Biggie was married to her for a while. The Something Else Remix follows the same suit as my review of the original version. It is a great song and I like the new verses contributed to it, but I understand if someone prefers the original cut. Finally, Death Wish, is a worse version of Something Else in my opinion. Granted, I am not the biggest Weezy fan, but there are certain types of song in which a Wayne feature works in my opinion and this doesn’t have that type of sound.
Overall I enjoyed listening to the cd and there will be times in the future when I want to listen all the way through but for the most part I will be listening to a selection of songs because as most Jadakiss albums go, it is not one cohesive thing that needs each part. I would recommend listening to Jadakiss’ mixtapes because overall I prefer those to the studio albums.Album is worth hearing and I give it a 6/10.

I will post a sampler that includes some of my favorite tracks but I will also post a link to download Jadakiss' last mixtape. Check them both out and if you like it, go buy the album!

Last Kiss Album Sample - downlo@d
Kiss My Ass Pt. 2 Mixtape - downlo@d

Rhymefest - The Manual Review

2009-04-11T11:50:00.001-07:00

I am going to try and do more real album reviews on this site. I am not going to put as many downloads, more trying to spread music knowledge and unless the music is free everywhere - I am not going to be supplying it. SO here is my first review, please comment on my review - whether you agree but also just how readable it is and how helpful.

My initial reactions to the Mixtape were very positive; I really enjoyed my first listen and I still like what I hear. The beginning is kind of slow in my opinion: through the first 7 tracks I really like 2 of them. Personally, Coolness is one of my two favorite tracks on the album but the Native Tongue Medley is definitely a slouch in the track line up.

Deals a Deal brings it back hard as a second start to the album CL Smooth is an incredible addition to the song as both he and Rhymefest as well as Haffa flow easy over the beat. The battle with Big Daddy Kane is a fun and interesting idea, which I don’t dislike but don’t love. At this point the album reaches a point of excellence where it does not leave. The next three tracks are great, Rhymefest has had beef with Charles Hamilton and just has not liked the way the new rappers are conducting themselves in general. He feels that they are disrespectful to the Hip Hop of the past and many of them front to be hard. Tender Thug, Supersonic, and Wup Your Ass is just Rhymefest using his sense of humor and experience to put those guys back in place. Pulls Me Back is a very good track with solid beat and nice lyrics from Rhymefest. Party For Free is a fun party type song and it is nice but with songs like that lyrics are sometimes lost or do not receive the attention they are due. Rhymefest’s best asset is his lyrical ability so in songs where the words take a bake seat, a big strength of his is lost. Overpaid Lover & Exodus 5 1 are both very solid songs all around. Goin In is dope and Queen Latifah brings it hard. I actually think she flows better than Fest on this track but overall it is a good track and one of my favorites. Memory Lane is similar to the Native Tongue Medley songs because it is a very forgettable beat with some good lines. When I am done listening to this Mixtape as a whole, Memory Lane will not make my repeat rotation. Rhyme Slow Rhyme Quick is my other favorite song on this Mixtape; the combination of the slow pretty basic beat with the drums and Rhymefest’s flow is just great to me. Prove Myself & RNQ are a very strong finish to a solid Mixtape. I enjoy the interwoven sound bites and they are a great conclusion. Overall I give this album 8/10.

Rhymefest - The Manual Mixtape - downlo@d

Iron Mic

2009-04-01T01:08:00.000-07:00

Possibly the oddest and funniest collection of rap battles. EVER. what makes this whole thing hilarious are the user comments and response videos...

Some Mixtapes

2009-03-31T13:28:00.001-07:00

I recently lost my music due to my external hard drive and ipod breaking within a week of each other...
so while I am getting it back, I have spent a lot of time on datpiff.com downloading mixtapes cause they are easy n free.
I am going to post some tapes of artists who have yet to release an album but who I am stoked when they finally do. Some of these tapes are better than others, but many of these guys were XXL top freshmen of 2009.

again, sorry havent been posting too often :(

Asher Roth - The Green House Effect - downloa@d

Mickey Factz - Heaven's Fallout - downlo@d

Wiz Khalifa - Prince of the City 2 - downlo@d

KiD CuDi - A Kid Named Cudi - downlo@d

B.o.B. (now named Bobby Ray) - Who the Fuck is B.o.B.? - downlo@d

I am personally expecting very big things from these guys in the future and 09 in particular. Always nice to be listening to their stuff and preparin' for their albums to come out.

the Ket-chup post

2009-03-29T16:14:00.000-07:00

so i havent posted in a minute
$o that means today is payday
Figuratively of course, i have a wealth of new hip-hop to share with u guys.

Hailing from the LA, Pacific Division is part of the West's revival movement. The Sealed For Freshness: Blend Tape by Pac Div mixes some of their own original material with classic beats. Shitt goes hard.

Download

Big Sean hails from Detroit and is signed to Kanye's G.O.O.D. Music label along with Kid Cudi. He has yet to release an album but his mixtape Finally Famous has me greatly anticipating it. Big Sean has a clean flow to go along with some super clever punchlines, really good listen.

Download

So i came across the Creme De La Creme mixtape searchin for Pac Div material. Its a really good compilation featuring some of the newest up n comers in Hip-Hop, alotta guys id never heard of.. Def worth a listen.

Download

The Artifacts are an old school hip hop duo from NY, their album Between a Rock and Hard Place is a Classic from the 90's.

Download

Hip Hop

2009-03-28T23:49:00.000-07:00

So I know I haven't posted in a while, and I'm sorry. Unfortunately, this first post after a little hiatus isn't going to give you a CD to download or an artist to check out. This time I'm going to give you a little philosophical question. Feel free to just think about it or leave comments if you have thoughts.

So, what I want to ask you is what is Hip Hop? Nowadays, many of us Hip Hop heads will tell you that Hip Hop is not a type of music, Hip Hop is not a style, Hip Hop is not a history of a certain race, rather we'll tell you hip hop is a lifestyle. In fact, if you want to know what Hip Hop is, why not ask one if it's legends, KRS-One...

Hip means to know
It's a form of intelligence
To be hip is to be up-date and relevant
Hop is a form of movement
You can't just observe a hop
You got to hop up and do it
Hip and Hop is more than music
Hip is the knowledge
Hop is the movement
Hip and Hop is intelligent movement
All relevant movement
We selling the music
So write this down on your black books and journals
Hip Hop culture is eternal
Run and tell all your friends
An ancient civilization has bee born again
It's a fact

So, if this is what Hip Hop is, what is Hip Hop when you find yourself in a place not touched by the movement, or not touched by it to the extent that you are. How do you hop up and do it when you can't even see the hop in the spot that you're at? I'd like to think that Hip Hop is big and powerful and meaningful enough to still exist in those places, because as KRS says it's eternal, but does that hop mean something different in those places? Can a movement, in a particular situation exist in only one person? Does it have to?

Ask yourself if you've ever been in a space where you are the only person there who personally feels a part of the movement. Sometimes those situations allow it to come out strong, but where it doesn't, what is it? What is a movement when no one else is moving?

It Was All a Dream

2009-03-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

RIP Christopher Wallace
although I was only 7 when you died, I am very thankful for what you have left us and only wish that you could have experienced a longer life.

For anyone who doesn't read any other type of Hip Hop blog, I will post a mixtape mixed by Cookin' Soul and hosted by DJ Drama. Cookin' Soul mixed different Biggie songs and then had artist's of today spit their own verses as a tribute.
Hope everyone is bumpin BIG all day.

BIG Tribute - downlo@d

Super Catch Up Post

2009-03-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

First off, very sorry I haven't been posting for such a long time I've just been really busy. It is not because I havent found new stuff, so I will put some up right now. Just a disclaimer, most of these cds are still early in my rotation so I have only listened to most of them like once or twice so I cant really give in depth reviews or anything. Make sure to comment how you like them on the blog and I can do more in depth research and everything finding new stuff.

Sorry there is so much text, but if you don't feel like reading it all, the music I just posted is worth a listen so you can skip to the links if you dont need/want background info.

First off, Imma post an album from a few years back by an artist named Kero One. He is an Asian American from San Francisco and isnt too big for what I know but he has toured internationally and he does have a fanbase. This album is Called Windmills of The Soul and he is currently working on his second album Early Believers. As a producer he uses a lot of jazz type beats and most of his stuff is really mellow, I have really enjoyed the cd so far.
Windmills of the Soul - downlo@d

Next I have an emcee named Bossman from Baltimore. He is pretty much unheard of outside of B'more but I have read that he sold 13,000 copies of his first album Law & Order in the first week only in the local Baltimore area. He didn't have a national release but he has reached over 80,000 sold. I found out about him by following Wale (a different DC/Maryland/Virginia area rapper) on twitter and Bossman is a very impressive emcee. I am going to post one of his mixtapes, and he is currently working on his second studio album as well.
No Law, No Order - downlo@d

3rd is a dope mixtape from Rhymefest out of Chicago. He co-wrote grammy award winning song "Jesus Walks" with Kanye West and has an impressive album out already. He is getting pretty big so I won't give too much bio stuff but he is working on his second album, El Che, and is releasing a couple mixtapes in the process. This is a dedication he made to Michael Jackson, and there is some tight songs on here using Jackson songs and everything.
Man in the Mirror Mixtape - downlo@d

4th, continuation of a post that Raph did a while back on the emcee, Blu. If you don't know Blu, you better catch up cause this is one of the most talented lyricists ever. I am going to post 4 different mixtapes by him but all in the same file. So(ul) Amazing 1 & 2 are amazing. The C.O.R.E. mixtape is some old stuff and HerFavoriteColo(u)r is hte newest one and produced entirely by Blu himself. I have read on the Internet that he has just been signed to a major record label which is a division of WB so congrats to him and I know it won't change him.
Blu Mixtapes - downlo@d

Finally I have a cd compiled and produced by DJ KO. Very impressive guest spots from the likes of Royce da 5'9", Elzhi, Supastition, Wordsworth, Torae, Skyzoo and many more. Hope you guys enjoy it.
Picture this... - downlo@d

I won't take such long breaks anymore, don't worry!

Drake- So Far Gone

2009-02-20T15:55:00.000-08:00

Download

U-N-I

2009-02-17T22:39:00.000-08:00

Downlo@d

The Takeover

2009-02-17T17:03:00.001-08:00

New Zion I album The Takeover dropped today. Cop that shit right now.
Commentary to follow...

NaS on Colbert

2009-02-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Nas

Colbert Report Full Episodes
Funny Political News

Christian Bale Parody
Joke of the Day

Same Family, Similar Name, Still Sick

2009-01-28T17:20:00.000-08:00

Jonny Yancey is the brother of James Yancey. For those who do not know James by his real name he goes by J DIlla or Jay Dee in the Hip Hop world and is one of the greatest producers of all time. Jonny who now goes by Illa J is a rapper who recently dropped his first cd. Yancey Boys is a bunch of unreleased Dilla beats (so you know it's sick) with Illa J rapping over them. He is a very talented rapper but honestly, me mumbling over Jay Dee beats would be at least mediocre so with good lyrics the cd is a must have!

Yancey Boys - downlo@d

Masters of the Mic

2009-01-26T22:17:00.001-08:00

Binary Star- Masters of the universe

Download

Definition:Slept On - noun, J-Live

2009-01-24T17:56:00.000-08:00

In today's world with blogs everywhere and youtube and all the other internet stuff, it is hard to think that someone who is really that good could go unnoticed. I figured that there shouldn't really be slept on artists anymore cause communication is so easy but I was completely wrong. J-Live, MC and produced from New York, is one of the more impressive emcees I have ever heard. On the intro to his newest album he says that his first 5 albums sold a total of 100,000 copies combined which is ridiculous especially since the Carter 3 and Massacre were both platinum!

I'm just going to put up the link for now and I will add more info later.

Then What Happened - downlo@d

BUCKSHOT! Now and Then

2009-01-21T16:24:00.000-08:00

I am going to do a post about a very talented emcee named Buckshot. He grew up in New York and has worked with artists ranging from 9th Wonder to 2pac to Pete Rock and many more. He is a very talented lyricist and very clever too. As seen in teh youtube video below, pretty funny guy too. He has been the main emcee for the groups Black Moon and Boot Camp Clik. I am going to put up a classic 90s hip hop album titled Enter Da Stage as well as one of the albums he released recently with 9th Wonder titled The Formula

My President is Black (Remix) by Jay-Z

2009-01-20T23:52:00.000-08:00

brought to my attention by ben, amazing song! Long live Hip-Hop(e)

New Day, New Era, New Clothing

2009-01-20T16:46:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a Barack Obama inspired set of posts, I will give a few updates of my personal favorite clothing, art and music inspired by our new president.

First of all, many different brands have been making Obama type shirts and many people are personalizing their own as well. My favorites have to be the ones made by UNDR CRWN. UNDR CRWN is an urban wear clothing company, they fuse hip hop and basketball into most of their items. They made a shirt inspired by the Vince Carter dunk in the 2000 Olympics when he jumped over a 7'2 guy and dunked on him.

Dunking Shirt

Here is a link to some of their other shirts.

And finally they made in Inaugural shirt with the image of Obama posed as the Lincoln Statue at his memorial. Basketball fans will note that it is similar to the George Gervin Ice Man Poster where he sits atop an ice thrown with basketballs under each hand. Lincoln's Gettysburg address is also written across the back.
again.

Inauguration Shirt

No-No-No-No-Notorious!

2009-01-12T22:08:00.000-08:00

So stoked for Notorious which comes out this Friday, the 16th!
I am not going to give a bio or information on Biggie cause 1. everyone should know it and 2. the movie will do just that so I am just going to give an update of things related to Notorious BIG and then link the two albums that were recorded during his lifetime Ready to Die and Life After Death(L A D was actually released after he died but he had already finished recording it.

1st off, Bobby Fresh just released some new shirts that are themed by Biggie Smalls just in time for the movie.

Ready to Die - downlo@d

Life After Death - downlo@d

Imma also leave you with the trailer and a music video of a classic Biggie song.
I will definitely be bumping these albums all week in preparation and I hope yall enjoy the music and the movie.

I just got Born Again which is an album released 2-3 years after Biggie died and it is made of old verses of his (most of which were unreleased and unheard at the time) and then modern artists wrote their own verses and recorded the album. It is pretty good stuff, much better than the Duets Album that came out in 2006 under a similar style.

Between Life After Death, Ready to Die, and Born Again you should cover his greatest hits cd as well as the soundtrack to the movie (minus the Jay-Z and Jadakiss songs...) so buying them would be unnecessary.

Born Again - downlo@d

I'll put up Duets-The Final Chapter here too, it is made of old verses (many of which are already heard) and mixed with today's artists who wrote their stuff around it. Its all right, but here is a link just in case.

Duets - downlo@d

Elec-Tronic Master

2009-01-10T00:46:00.000-08:00

J Dilla's tragic death left a gapping hole in Hip-Hop, but despite leaving us much too early he has left a legacy. His protege is beginning to bloom and create incredibly dope material of his own. Black Milk is also a Detroit born MC/producer like Dilla, and the stamp Dilla left on his style is unmistakble, its beautiful to hear Dilla like material without it being a copycat. Black Milk has created an incredible buzz, much in part because he just keeps getting better and better. The strides made from his album Popular Demand to Tronic are tremendous, he's begun to translate his great talent and the knowledge he acquired from Dilla into amazing music. His skills on the mic are probably his greatest improvement, but he still needs to continue fine tuning them. Tronic was hailed by many as the best Hip-Hop album of 2008, which is quite impressive considering the music that came out, while Elec is the mixtape that preceded and hyped the album. The sky's the limit for Black Milk.

Downlo@d Elec Tronic

Classic til infinity

2009-01-10T00:08:00.000-08:00

For those who havent seen the light yet....
I assume most people have this album but if not, get it. Definitely one of the best albums ever, Souls of Mischief create a masterpiece both on the mic and the boards.

Downlo@d 93 til Infinity

The Mystery of Iniquity

2009-01-08T18:19:00.001-08:00

I'm sorry, but this song just really deserves its own post. Too bad Ms. Hill got too busy with coke, cause girl was the best female to ever grace hip hop.

Shad

2009-01-05T16:59:00.001-08:00

This album was recommended to me by my good friend Kenny P and I'm glad he tipped me off because its really an exceptional album. The Old Prince by the Canadian born MC Shad is rife with dope beats and really ingenious lyrics, listening to the album there were numerous times I had to stop the track and rewind it, just to admire his wordplay. His flow is remarkable, because its so polished, it progressively pulls the listener deeper and deeper in kind of a rambling (not in the pejorative sense) manner sometimes or he can completely switch it up and slow it down. Either way its pretty impressive. This album is definitely worth a listen, I've already added it to my regular rotation.

Download

Viva La Hova

2009-01-05T15:00:00.000-08:00

Over the past few years Hip-Hop has begun to explore new sounds and limits. One of the popular new expansions of Hip-Hop is the Rock/Jay-Z mix, most of them are wonderful and the original classic in the line, The Grey Album by Jay-Z & The Beatles mixed by DJ Danger Mouse, is a must have. Quite a few Jay-Z mixes came out this year but one in particular stood out to me, Viva La Hova the Jay-Z and Coldplay remix by Terry Urban was really exceptional. We've heard Jay-Z over Coldplay before on Kingdom Come with the song "Beachchair", which wasn't amazing but pretty good. If u like Coldplay and Jay-Z you should like this album.

Downlo@d

The Knux

2008-12-29T17:56:00.001-08:00

So you may have heard "Cappuccino" or "Bang! Bang!" but if you liked them and you haven't heard the rest of the album I highly suggest it. This duo from New Orleans got a little help opening for Common, and this debut album has gotten some attention, but not as much as I think it deserves. Now, you could probably argue that they're still young and their music still needs to develop, but honestly this is probably the most unique sound I've heard in a while, and hearing something unique has become harder and harder these days. Not every track is a knockout, but most are unlike anything else you've heard so they're worth giving a listen. "Hush" is probably the nastiest track, so obviously it's my favorite. I know my boy Raph is also on "Cappuccino". These two say they were inspired by Outkast and Pharcyde but I'd guess there's a lot of other stuff in there. Some people compare the sound to N.E.R.D. cause it does a have a little rock influence to it, but I'd still say it's pretty different. At the end of the day, if you're trying to hear something truly new download Remind Me in 3 Days.

-->Downlo@d<--

The In Crowd

2008-12-28T13:38:00.000-08:00

Duo made up of Jabari Evans (Naledge) and Michael Aguilar (Double-O) who went to the University of Pennsylvania. They have been signed to Duck Down Records and released two albums in the past two years. Their debut, School Was My Hustle was produced by Just Blaze and the sophomore album The In Crowd is the one that I am posting up here. I hadn't really heard Kidz before but I was in Streetlight records and saw the album. It features Masta Ace, Black Milk and Skyzoo so I figured I would give it a listen and it is pretty impressive.
They got a style about them that is unique and they bring good rhymes throughout the album.

They also made a track for Barack Obama called "Work To Do" that I will put a link of too.

Downlo@d - The In Crowd

Downlo@d - Work To Do

Great Interview

2008-12-27T13:16:00.000-08:00

This is a great interview I came across on YouTube featuring DJ Premier, Pete Rock and 9th Wonder, basically 3 of the best producers ever!

Heavenly Material

2008-12-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

I'm not even gonna front, I slept on Blu's 2007 debut release Below The Heavens (Produced by Exile) for a good year before I heard it. Not having heard this album is a SIN, seriously the rhymes and feel that Blu brings for a debut album are remarkble and reminiscent of NaS on Illmatic. The lyrical content is maybe not original, the struggle of a young man has been chronicled by almost every rapper, but the way Blu presents his life over beats is beautiful, its why i love Hip-Hop. The simplicity and honesty behind his rhymes is something that is SEVERLY lacking from the current rap "game", its refreshing to hear universally relatable music instead of "rapper's" talking about BS. The great thing about this album is that not only is Blu amazing on the mic, but that Exile matches him on the boards sampling great Jazz, Soul, Funk, R&B and acoustic guitar songs. The beats on this album are really nice and laid back, and mix flawlessly with Blu's rhymes and flow. Blu and Exile have chemistry that if they keep working on may some day rival that of Pete Rock and CL Smooth... Exile manages to maintain and establish a distinctive sound too without being monotonous, something rarely acheived nowadays. Below The Heavens is arguably the best release of the past 5 years. Blu is also part of a group called Johnson & Jonson, so check them out too.

Downlo@d: Below The Heavens

Notorious

2008-12-26T21:33:00.000-08:00

I don't know about y'all, but I'm pretty excited...