I've seen many user-based applications online but this is one of the most interesting, especially since I find myself editing a library of audio often for this blog and my iPod. With Soundation created by PowerFX, you can edit, mix, arrange and track sound arrangements directly from your web browser. The user interface looks like a cross between GarageBand and Pro Tools, and seems sophisticated enough for you to do some useful things with audio, from time-stretching, looping, filtering to automation and sound library organization. I think this is worth a try, even if you already own professional audio editing software you may find it unique and useful to the way you work, also a good learning opportunity for the person just beginning to learn about Digital Audio Workstations.
http://www.soundation.com/
A good performance during the summer of '93 from three Queens NY hip hop icons, backed by the powerful production of Pete Rock. I remember feeling good about Run DMC's presence in the game at this time, they helped provide a sense of maturity and experience to usher in the new generation of younger artists. It was a great period of hip hop releases from prolific artists who got a fair amount of shine in the media, performing on MTV, BET and late night TV shows. I think Run DMC is one of the landmarks of hip hop performance, having influenced many other groups who you see give off a great show like Onyx, Busta, De La Soul, etc.
I hope the inclusion of hip hop acts continues in American late night TV like this, I think it helps bridge the gap between the ghetto and other social/economic areas, helping the perception of our people and culture, depending on how well the artist presents him/her self in that space of media.
The Music:
Hip Hop:
Elzhi - Colors produced by Black Milk 2008
Saigon feat. Marsha Ambrosius - It's Alright produced by Kanye & Just Blaze
Beanie Sigel Speaks With Charlemagne The God audio interview expressing his side of industry experiences and internal tension with Rocafella, Jay-Z and Dame Dash.
Jay-Z Responds To Beanie Sigel's remarks during a Blueprint 3 press conference (video) if you haven't seen this one on a million other sites already..
Sauce Money Freestyle on Stretch & Bobbito (audio is around 96 before the release of his 1st album)
Ghostface 101 Barz Interview in the Netherlands (promotional video for his Wizard of Poetry LP)
Pete Rock - Verbal Murder (original version unreleased from Soul Survivor) this is a version Pete released on his show Future Flavors. It's got the same beat, but without Common, Pun and Nore rhyming.
Tim Westwood with KRS One on The Capital Rap Radio Show 1988 (audio courtesy of DJ Mark Devlin http://djmarkdevlin.blogspot.com/)
9th Prince feat. RZA and Thea - I Will Rize
Jazz:
Sun Goddess 197?- an excellent cover version of this beautiful song originally written by Earth, Wind & Fire. From DJ Muro's Hawaiian Breaks mixtape. I think I like this one better than Ramsey Lewis's cover, there is more funk and interesting arrangements here.
Soul:
Ann Peebles - Somebody's On Your Case 1971 (sampled by The Beanuts on Musical Massacre)
I know it's about a year old since this was offically released, but I wanted to have it here at my blog anyway.
This audio from the Red Bull Music Academy is a discussion between Pete Rock, Ms. Yancey and Talib Kweli remembering the life of Jay Dee. It's an in depth, loving exchange of thoughts between 3 people who looked at him as a friend and family, spoken before a studio audience in between playing some of Jay's best production work. The songs you'll here in this retrospective aren't all the most common one's you expect (Runnin', Stakes Is High, Players) they went out of their way to provide gems he produced and rhymed on that you might have to dig for.
The fact that one person could bring out this level of positivity and influence in other people is great to witness, one reason why Jay Dee's presence will continue to be felt, May he rest in peace.
Thank You Jay Dee Act 4, Mixed by J.Rocc March 03, 2009: Download free from Stones Throw Records
The Trinity, the latest project to be released on Fat Beats Records which pairs these great classic talents of hip hop, announced by A.G. Oct. 26. I look forward to hearing from these guys more on the lyrical side, they've been pretty consistent in putting out good material and maintained a current sound, growing from one generation to the next. Hopefully it turns out to be something that promotes a higher standard of art in hip hop to come.
I think this approach to form a group of similar talent and ideas is good, especially in this current climate of fast-delivered hip hop consumption. It seems hard to keep track of many random releases, but when artists take time out to solidify a project and make us take notice to good music and content, then it seems more worthy of attention (see Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Raekwon, Ghostface, M.O.P.).
Here's an interview for more DITC related music to come out soon:
As we go through our busy day, there are times we could all use these type of songs that speak directly to our deeper thoughts and concerns of life, making us reflect on the inspirational and caring people around us. These current artists seem to have that foundation of good people around them who inspire growth, peace and prosperity, I'm glad they are able to share these qualities through their art:
Skyzoo - Dear Whoever produced by Illmind (from the album, The Salvation)
Emilio Rojas - Tic Toc produced by M-Phazes
DJ JS-1 & O.C. - Life (dedication to DJ Roc Raida)
These songs are examples of the greatness that can come out of hip hop songs when the talented artist reaches deep enough into their feelings, expression of the truth and emotions, taking time to reflect on their love towards another person. This is a part of writing in hip hop that must not be overlooked or forgotten, because the truthful expression of life is the foundation.
Be thankful for what you've got in life and don't forget to acknowledge your family and friends while you have them.
www.myspace.com/skyzoo
www.myspace.com/emiliorojasmusic
www.djjs1.com
www.myspace.com/ocandag
I've heard about Sha for a little while now, as a rising MC of the NY underground his skill, lyrical content and drive was enough to make me take notice of the music. In hearing of this strong collaboration between him and Roc affiliates Freeway, Young Chris and Just Blaze on the boards, gives me feeling that the strength of Northern, East coast hip hop is still around. I think this song is worthy of attention as an effort to push and reaffirm that NY sound, showing other regions about strong lyrical delivery, visions of street life over emotionally-driven, raw sample based production.
This song is from his album "My Soul To Keep" to be released 10/27/09 on Chamber Musik Records.
http://www.undergroundhiphop.com/store/detail.asp?UPC=CHR3011CD
Download the song here
An insightful interview from an important member of hip hop, DJ Scratch. hard to believe I don't see more posts out there about this interview from the amount of knowledge and history dropped. He sits down with DTP radio, speaking about his discovery of turntables as a child living in Brooklyn, getting discovered by Lyor Cohen, Russell Simmons, EPMD, Jay-Z and a rundown of some of his past/present production works in between commentary by him and the 2 hosts. You'll hear some inside moments from his career too, from golden era tour stories, to Timbaland calling his voice mail just to hear his beats.
To look back on the career of DJ Scratch shows one of a few examples of outstanding young talent and technical ability of hip hop during the late 80's-early 90's, when you consider his achievements as a teen alone. It has been good to see his growth from killing the 1200's on EPMD records, into notable production credits, dropping gems with Busta Rhymes, Flipmode Squad, LL Cool J, Onyx, DMX and others. Not only does Scratch continue to provide an understanding of showmanship in hip hop performance as a DJ, but he brings important ideas of sound in his production from years of contribution to other hip hop classics.
Download/Stream Here
1. Fresh ft PMD, Grand Puba, KRS One, Big Daddy Kane
2. Forever ft Main Flow
3. Dirty Game Interlude
5. Dirty Game
5. Take Mine
6. Rap Game ft Little Brother
7. Get It ft Lake
8. Radiant Jewels ft Raekwon, Sean Price
9. Three ft Prodigy
10. Thun and Kicko ft Prodigy
11. U Crazy ft The Beatnuts
12. Propane Piff ft Agallah
13. Back Against the Wall ft Royce Da 5’9
14. The Come Up ft Large Professor
15. Fallen Soldiers (Alternate Mix)
16. Journey Interlude
17. Journey
18. We Gon Buck ft Capone N Noreaga, Lake
19. Get It In Interlude
20. Get It In (Freestyle)
21. Money (Freestyle)
22. What Did I Do
23. Professional Style ft AZ, Nature
24. Use Mad Clips ft Styles P
25. Break Bread ft Tragedy Khadafi
26. No Holding Back ft AZ
27. What the Deal ft KL, Blaq Poet
28. What’s Your Poison ft Mobb Deep
29. Loyalty ft KL, Blaq Poet
30. Top 10 (Live from DJ Eclipse’s “Rap Is Out of Control”)
31. Millie (Freestyle)
32. Who Can I Trust ft Lil Wayne
33. It’s Like ft J Love, Mayhem
Bonus Tracks
34. Maybach Music (Freestyle)
35. Last of A Dying Breed (Freestyle)
It's funny to me sometimes when MCs from the gutter streets of New York meet up with famous people in Hollywood live on TV like this, the exchange usually makes for some good comedy being that the two people are from such different worlds, social expression and personality. This is inspirational though, since RZA comes across as intelligent and mature, unlike the ignorance and stupidity other rappers hold onto and disgrace themselves as puppets of media, even though they have made it into a much better space in life.
I've checked out many magazine articles, but I have yet to read a whole book from anyone involved in hip hop, this new book from RZA sounds like something I would like to read, also KRS One's Gospel of Hip Hop.
Wu fans, enjoy this video interview and The Tao of Wu book as another chapter of the extensive Wu Tang saga, and to people just learning about the Wu, consider this food for thought from someone who has helped shape hip hop music and culture for the better.
See also:
The RZA Speaks With TIME Magazine about The Tao of Wu (article & audio)
Just when it seems like every hip-hop show that claims to be on point continues to DISappoint, twenty one year New York City veteran DJ Emskee steps up with the remedy, “Controlled Substance”. In recent years, many seem to have forgotten that hip-hop is a cultural movement, and is much broader than just bravado, excessive force, and bling-bling. Emskee’s domestic and international independent hip-hop, soul-funk, classics, and more will be presented every week with his infectious mixing skills, in addition to intelligent viewpoints and interviews with cats on the scene. Learn to Control Substance.
Hip Hop Culture Radio Show since 1998: http://www.hiphopculture.de/blog/?p=1320
here is a show featuring Jadakiss as a studio guest: Wat Anders: Deams, Jadakiss, Roc Raida
Playlist
Uur 1
Skyzoo - Return of the Real (prod. Just Blaze)
Sean Price - Top Rank
Jay-Z - Thank You (prod. Kanye West & No ID)
Ghostface Killah - Forever
Raekwon - Broken Safety ft. Styles P & Jadakiss (prod. Scram Jones)
Belletje Jadakiss
Triple C's - Thug Battlefield ft Jadakiss & Rick Ross
OC & AG - Think About It
Belletje SP over Roc Raida
X-Ecutioners - XL ft. Large Professor
KRS One & Buckshot - Runnin Away ft. Immortal Technique (prod. Black Milk)
Royce da 5 9 - New Money (prod. Streetrunner)
Saigon - Eyeball (prod. Just Blaze)
Dekbedovertrack: Snoop Dogg - Asleep on Death Row (prod. Dr. Dre)
Uur 2
Crooks & Hef - Stacks Worden Bigger
Dret & Krulle - Verder (prod. Raven Bros)
M.O. & Brakko - Hart Zegt (prod. Raven Bros) (Lijn5 Exclusive)
Deams - Boombap Experience ft. De La Soul
Postman - Disguise (Lijn5 Exclusive)
Deams - I See ft. Chuck D
Perquisite - Niet Jaloers ft. Duvel, Typhoon, Sticks (Lijn5 Exclusive)
Deams - State Your Game ft. Big Daddy Kane (FS Green Remix)
U-Niq - Baas Boven Baas
Break van de week: Roberta Flack - Gone Away
http://redbullmusicacademyradio.com/shows/1437/
NA – Is It Because I’m Black? - Unknown
Kool & the Gang – Ike’s Mood - De-Lite
NA – N.T. - Unknown
NA - Rockin' Chair - Unknown
Dyke & The Blazers – It’s Your Thing - Original Sound
NA – Fencewalk - Unknown
Mighty Mo & Winchester Seven – Next Message - Kay-Dee
Soulful Strut break
Mighty Tom Cats – Dance Girl - Winley
Guerra '78 – Soul Makossa - Discolando
Andy Harlow – Grazin' In The Grass - Fania
NA – The Bottle - Unknown
Melba Moore – Ain’t No Love Lost - Buddah
Angela Bofill – People Make The World Go.. - Arista
Lorraine Johnson – The More I Get.. - Prelude
Sandy Barber – Don’t You Worry Baby.. - Olde World
NA – Groove Line - Unknown
NA – Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now - Unknown
Alfonzo – Lowdown - Jo-Webb
Ricardo Marrero & Time – Feel Like Making Love - Vaya
Ray Munnings – Funky Nassau - Tammi
Common Sense – Voices Inside My Head - BC
Sweet Music – I Get Lifted - Wand
Randy Brown – Are You Lonely - Streetwave
NA – Just Me & You - Unknown
NA – What Does It Take (To Win Your Love..) - Unknown
NA – Georgy Porgy - Unknown
Randy Crawford – Give Me the Night - Atlantic
Zulema – I Wanna Be Where You Are - RCA
Black Harmony – Don't Let It Go to Your Head - Lazer
NA – Love Won't Let Me Wait - Unknown
D'Angelo – Heaven Must Be Like This - EMI
enjoy these for now, I'll have more shows to come soon..
This is a recording I was fortunate to find of their performance at The Velvet Room in Atlanta, I wish I was there! I've had the opportunity to see Com perform with The Roots as backup only once so far, during a hot summer in Central Park NY when Like Water For Chocolate was out. To add on the talent and performance ability of Amerie to their concert is a great thing. From One Thing, to Talkin To Me remix, to Why Are U, I appreciate the original way she uses elements of hip hop sound in her songs from the classic drum sample choices, paying tribute to the culture and helping to spread good music to the masses.
This audio is courtesy of qualitytimeonline.nl, a great source of contemporary and classic Soul, R&B music from the Netherlands.
http://www.qualitytimeonline.nl/2009/10/11/amerie-common-the-roots-live/
*contains live versions of One Thing, Why Are U, Come Close, You Got Me and Love Is.
That 3rd album by Kool G Rap was one of my most heavily played discs in the summer of 93, and that was a summer of hip hop unlike anything I've experienced in a long time, there were almost too many good releases to choose from. Live & Let Die still has so much I could ever hope for in listening to a hip hop album: strong storytelling, humor, fitting collaborations and a very cohesive package of street, mafia cinema from a talented writer who challenged the art of hip hop by standing true to himself and tradition.
It seems like this period was less restrictive creatively to artists than it has been in more recent years, that's why G Rap's level of talent was able to flourish in the mainstream like this, since the industry was just beginning to take stronger hold of the culture for capital gain due to an emergence of multiplatinum releases.
some recent music finds to leave you with for the week:
DJ Honda feat. Kool G Rap - KGR & Honda
Royce Da 5'9 New Money Remix
Royce Da 5'9 & Busta - Dinner Time
Pookah - Lady Ostrich 1969 (some nice progressive rock sampled by Jay Dee for one of his beat tapes)
Harvey Mandel - Cristo Redentor 1968 (also heard in Pharoah Monch's The Truth)
I'm happy to see these veterans of the game show good media presence to carry on the tradition to the newer generation, with high performance skill and writing imagination in entertainment. I look forward to more great artists getting their chance to shine, express their true 'selves and show their dedication to the culture, through creative use of digital media. Check out this recent media:
A&E (Masta Ace & Ed OG) Behind The Scenes For The Video for Little Young, one of my favorite hip hop songs of recent.
Kane, Common & The Roots Cover "Ain't No Half Steppin'" live from the Hennessy Artistry Tour in Houston.
Hip Hop Official interviews De La Soul at the Common & Friends event, view 20 more pics which document the event here
Rakim Live @ #A3C
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