This gathering of artists was great to witness during a 1992 summer where I remember classic hip hop releases came in abundance. If there was ever a year that I remember the ecstatic feeling of walking through a record store for cassette, CD or vinyl, 1992 was one of those years. A.G., Showbiz, Fat Joe and Lord Finesse sit down backstage at a show for an interview with Ralph McDaniels of Video Music Box. They are also joined by a few other New York hip hop legends who add some fun to the conversation, I'll leave those as a surprise for you to discover yourself in the video. This was conducted months after Showbiz & AG dropped their classic full length "Runaway Slave", Fat Joe had yet to release his solo debut which you'll hear him talk about near the end.

I appreciate the great sense of unity D.I.T.C. brought between collaborating with a bunch of talented New York artists. The classic music laid down by the D.I.T.C. collective and the artists joined by them in this video would be responsible for molding the direction of hip hop songwriting and production for years to come. I still hear their raw sound and emphasis on digging for vinyl in current upcoming artists online who strive to make the same impact by using the traditional elements of hip hop to form their own movement.


Every artist featured in this clip is an example of how important it is to love and treat hip hop like a culture by knowing your history, applying that knowledge to practice it and come away with classic results.

This is a high-energy performance from Cypress Hill during the rise of their 1993 lead hit single "Insane In The Brain", one of the songs you see them rip the stage with in this video. Some of the highlights of the show is the live percussion by Bobo and some stage diving. When I saw this years ago I said to myself this is a new definition of live hip-hop performance!















1993 felt like an interesting time to live hip-hop, I remember the summer well as I took trip after trip to the local record store with my cousin to go back home and sit in front of a CD/dual cassette stereo system on top of his dresser to absorb some incredible hip-hop music. There were cultural, economical and musical changes happening at a rapid pace with the release of classic albums, changes in the social climate introduced by artists and a growing media structure fueled by the success of emerging multi-platinum albums. Cypress Hill was one of the groups I think had a great cultural impact, it was shocking to hear them getting near pop level recognition with "Insane In The Brain", at the same time I was happy to hear a group on MTV who represented the raw elements and feel that I know as hip-hop, they were dark and grimy as ever.

In these days & times of fast music consumption, sometimes all we need to hear is a talented DJ who has perfected their craft and pays deep attention to selecting good, overlooked music. Q-Tip stopped by the Frozen Files show on East Village Radio for a memorable DJ set of new hip hop mixed with classics, a definite learning experience and display of skills on the 1 & 2's. As a DJ, Q Tip sounds like he's from the school of high showmanship and emphasis on performance, dropping songs in a way that will have your head nodding each time through refined blending and scratching technique.

The selection of songs Q-Tip brings in this set shows his appreciation to educate people on a number of great new hip hop acts such as Skyzoo, and show respect for some underground classics like Mobb Deep's "Shook One's Pt. 1" and Nas' "Memory Lane" original demo version. It is especially interesting to listen to a set from one of hip hop's most important producers because they are educators of music through their production already.

If there is a reason to save this set by Q-Tip besides the songs, it is the skills shown that are admirable and great to listen to. Usually if a DJ comes correct on their set, then the listening factor still remains fresh over time, making the audio a great collector's item to enjoy time & time again.

If you want to skip to the DJ set part of the show, Q-Tip starts at about the 45:00 mark by introducing himself, then playing an instrumental from one of Jay Dee's beat tapes. The whole show is 2 hours long.

Smoothe Da Hustler is one of Brooklyn New York's outstanding lyrical talents. With his introduction "Once Upon A Time In America", he followed in the tradition of dropping a solid debut album which set the bar higher for mic skills and a stronger presence of street representation across the board. The aggressive, jaw dropping delivery and gutter sounds of "Broken Language" was almost too strong of a force to contain in the mid 90's, it was a joy to hear the song dominate both underground and mainstream airwaves and resonate back into the culture with the true essence of hip hop.

In this video, Smoothe performs "Broken Language" with Trigger and DV Alias Khrist in the midst of the song's huge buzz. This is truly one of those songs you need to hear live at least once, the powerful delivery and creative punchlines are designed for the street corner cipher where you hear an MC use his rhymes and voice like a weapon.



After the performance blended into the official video of Broken Language, Smoothe sits backstage with Ralph McDanields of Video Music Box for an interview to promote hisi debut album. I haven't seen many interviews of the kid on TV or online ever, so be sure to check it out near the end, the beautiful Monie Love is sitting there with him too.

Broken Language is classic work of art in back-to-back rhyming, a landmark of hip hop lyricism to be admired and referenced for years to come.

This is some daily inspiration from 3 of the best female MCs to bless the mic, and the #1 Soul Brother Pete Rock holding it down on the boards with a sound to put your mind at ease. The positive vibes of "Keep On Pushin" by MC Lyte, Yo-Yo and Bahamadia exemplify a sign of the times in the 90's, when social empowerment and upliftment was a more common theme of hip hop songs. As a male hip hop listener I can relate to the messages give in this song, it makes me feel good to hear the voice of strong-minded females whether in hip hop music or throughout life.

I think this song is one of those overlooked gems of hip hop movie soundtracks, I was happy to just discover it today. It is a new addition the soundtrack of my path to success through life.

Download the "Dangerous Ground" soundtrack featuring this song here

Download the show and interview (34:07)

Here is a taping of A.G. from D.I.T.C. in a 1999 appearance on Pete Rock & Marley Marl's Future Flavors radio show, promoting his first solo album, The Dirty Version. In this interview these 3 greats of hip hop exchange compliments toward each other's legacies and give opinions on the proper direction of hip hop music, it's a great thing to hear and learn from. A.G. kicks some rhymes from the album along with the late Party Arty. I taped the whole show as well as the interview, so you'll hear some hip hop gems of the late 90's spun by Pete in the audio like Ed O.G., Rah Digga, Killah Priest and more.

The combination of legendary producers Diggin' In The Crates and Pete Rock filled a void left in the late 90's as the true perception of hip hop art and culture became somewhat overshadowed by an emerging mass media industrial force. As hip hop became more commercial and imbalanced with lure of money and fame in media, a brother like A.G. stuck to the roots from which the culture was born and provided music which felt more genuine on The Dirty Version and many other independent D.I.T.C. releases.

Here is a career and life retrospective for one of hip hop's greatest producers, Andre "Dr. Dre" Young", broadcast on MTV about a year after Chronic 2001's release. In this documentary you will learn about Dre's tremendous impact from the early years of N.W.A., up to 2001 as told by his collaborators such as Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Jimmy Iovine, also a few his close friends and associates. From witnessing media coverage and criticism which attempted to close the door on Dr. Dre's innovations of hardcore hip hop music, The Journey Of Dr. Dre is an intimate and honorable look at his career accomplishments as a producer, songwriter and cultural icon.


When looking back on Dr. Dre's last album Chronic 2001, it is amazing when I realize the impact it's left on today's hip hop production. I can hear the most basic of ideas and sound founded by that album in the work of many current producers who are dubbed as the next best thing. The perfected hip hop drum sounds of 2001 encouraged a deeper attention to detail in programming and engineering, showing that as one of many instruments it can be used to tell it's own story. Dre's use of live instrumentation and orchestration reached another level of providing emotional depth in song, encouraging producers to construct more seamless compositions through the use of synths, live players and obscure samples. The melodic chorus singing style and overall West Coast rhythm has slowly become a signature style for artists to define their own musical identity coming from this region. We all must thank Dr. Dre, Scott Storch and Mel-Man for the great effort they took to redefine such a large part of hip hop.

The classic soul music of James Joseph Brown has left an undeniable imprint on hip hop music and culture, shaping it from it's roots and adding a unique flavor to a degree unparalleled by any other Black musician. Along with his band The JB's, James' organic, break-beat driven sound seems to be part of what defines the essence of hip hop, it is an energetic form of raw, dance floor funk spun by DJs in the early days of hip hop to influence one of hip hop's 5 great elements, breakdancing. James Brown is part of what defines the "beat" in hip hop music, he is an integral part of it's musical direction.


From "Funky Drummer", "Soul Power" to "Get On The Good Foot", the songs of James Brown have been a staple of hip hop's beginnings from park jams in the 70's, his voice and rhythms bringing life to the party while speaking directly to the core of urban population with messages of inspiration and hope. It is no wonder his music has touched so heavily upon the consciousness of hip hop culture, he was a living example of ghetto survival. This great voice of musical expression and talent is one which would lay much of the blueprint for the art form which we now know as Hip Hop.


James Brown Samples Mixes by Scratch Reaction
I am inspired to touch on the important contribution of James Brown in hip hop after discovering a great compilation of hip hop artists who have used his work to create classics of sample-based production. "James Brown Samples", a 20 volume series by Scratch Reaction is a collection of classic, Golden Era hip hop songs, an example of some of the most creative moments in songwriting influenced by The Godfather Of Soul. Their are common and obscure songs contained in each set, so you are bound for a treat when listening, especially if you are one of those fans who can't get enough of the standard of creativity and sound of the late 80's/early 90's hip hop.

Get your hard drives ready, sit back and enjoy this rare listening experience put together by a source of hip hop knowledge who appreciates the culture!


Download all 20 volumes here at scratchreaction.blogspot.com


here's a download and one of the tracklists of the 20 volumes:

Installment #7 for the Funky Drummer. All tracks were recorded in 1989.

James Brown - Samples Volume 18
1. James Brown - Funky Drummer Reprise (1970)
2. Low Profile - Make Room For The Dub B.U.
3. Freddie Foxxx - Freddie Foxxx Is Here
4. Chill Rob G - Let The Words Flow
5. Mark The 45 King - High Top Fade (Instrumental)
6. Lakim Shabazz - When A Wise Man Speaks
7. Lakim Shabazz - Black Is Back
8. Lakim Shabazz - Style Is Free
9. Antoinette - Who's The Boss (Instrumental)
10. Chubb Rock - The Empire Strikes Back Remix
11. Chubb Rock - Bump The Floor
12. Chubb Rock - Talkin' Loud, Ain't Sayin' Jack
13. Kwame - The Rhythm (Instrumental)
14. T La Rock - Runaway (LP Version)
15. Maestro Fresh Wes - Let Your Backbone Slide (Power Mix)
16. Jaz - Fun
17. Various Artists - Self Destruction (Instrumental)
http://www.mediafire.com/?jyjylyoljry

Producer Info:

Low Profile - Make Room For The Dub B.U. (Produced by DJ Aladdin)
Freddie Foxxx - Freddie Foxxx Is Here (Produced by Freddie Foxxx)
Chill Rob G - Let The Words Flow (Produced by The 45 King)
Mark The 45 King - High Top Fade (Produced by The 45 King)
Lakim Shabazz - When A Wise Man Speaks (Produced by The 45 King)
Lakim Shabazz - Black Is Back (Produced by The 45 King)
Lakim Shabazz - Style Is Free (Produced by The 45 King)
Antoinette - Who's The Boss (Produced by DJ Pooh)
Chubb Rock - Empire Strikes Back (Produced by Howie Tee)
Chubb Rock - Bump The Floor (Produced by Howie Tee)
Chubb Rock - Talkin' Loud, Ain't Sayin' Jack (Produced by Howie Tee)
Kwame - The Rhythm (Produced by Hurby Luv Bug)
T La Rock - Runaway Remix (Produced by Todd Terry)
Maestro Fresh Wes - Let Your... (Produced by Maximum 60)
Jaz - Fun (Produced by Bryan New & Peter Harris)
Various - Self Destruction (Produced by D-Nice)

This is a nice soulful hip hop treat Stones Throw records release from a collection of Oh No-remixed Guilty Simpson "Ode To The Ghetto" songs. I just learned about the song from the label after it's been out 1/2 a year on vinyl, but decided post about it anyway as one of those gems that might float under many people's radar in this fast, online hip hop market. This sounds like one of those songs I'll still be listening to years from now.

"What To Do" is one of those hypothetical situation songs where the MC puts you in his position of jumping through relationship obstacles, in the tradition of songs like Kwest The Mad Lads "101 Things To Do With Your Girl". For the fellas, this is a tale of difficult encounters with females, from cheating to emotional wars you may be familiar with in a relationship that put you on edge. Ladies, listen to Guilty paint pictures of his experience to get an idea of what we may think about you when you're not around.

The remix by Oh No adds a twist of soul to the song with the singing, a perfect fit for Guilty's stories, I think this version could be a good fit as the original if Oh No produced it instead of Madlib.


Here's a writeup of the project from Stones Throw Records:

February 02, 2010

"This past year, around the same time Madlib was creating his remix of Guilty Simpson's Ode to the Ghetto for his Madlib Medicine Show #1 release, we had Oh No remix the tracks as well, using samples from the Now-Again catalog.

Oh No's collection Ghettodes is not an album, but a few tracks have come out:

American Nightmare: released on the Whitefield Bros 45 American Nightmare.
Dreads: b-side of the Whitefield Bros 45.
What to Do: released on the Stones Throw x Serato set.
Piglets: we put this up on Stones Throw's twitter a while back (MP3).
Futuristic: also sent out via Twitter. "

New heat from Freeway & Jake One, from Hip Hop DX's Help Haiti mixtape. This is a reflective song about life bound to make you think about your own time and how to make the most of it while your here. Jake flips the dark Grant Green jazz sample used by Tribe & Cypress to craft the right mood for this song, which speaks on the truth we sometimes try to avoid.

Between managing this blog, work, family, music and my other hobbies, time is always a nagging issue. I'm glad to hear a song like this from someone who goes through the same daily struggle to put things into perspective.

In this video, hip hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash displays the fundamentals of a hip hop DJ's craft, from blending, crossfades, scratch technique and calibrating your turntables. I am so grateful for whoever caught this educational moment of hip hop and saved it from 1983, my first stories of who Flash is and what he means to the culture came from KRS One. It hard to believe this man single-handedly created a whole other entity of the audio electronics market by pioneering the DJ mixer.

The super lyrical, talented MC of Slum Village sits down with GermanRhymes.de for an interview while on tour. He introduces himself to the newer listeners and speaks on upcoming work, I never knew he was rhyming since the age of 8! I'm happy to see artists like Elzhi and his collaborators Black Milk, T3, Guilty Simpson can thrive independently because of the people across the world who recognize true talent and support meaningful hip hop content.

El speaks of a new project he's got coming called Elmatic where he's rhyming over beats from Illmatic, I can't wait for that one! His drive to keep alot of projects on his plate and continue to work harder to expose his talent is inspiring, hopefully you get inspired too by watching the interview.