This is one of my favorite songs off Diamond District's latest album, "In The Ruff". Diamond District is Oddisee, X.O., & YU, a promising group hailing from Washington D.C., USA.
DJ Premier/Gangstarr fans and general hip hop heads, y'all better hear this! With their latest music release, Premier and Big Shug bringing a touch of creativity and originality you only hear come from The Gangstarr Foundation in the form of memorable, raw hip hop. Spit Six has a slow flowing beat like I never heard from Premier + dope scratch chorus to match the new and improved rhyme flow from Shug.
This is a short documentary into the making Mic Geronimo's 1995 debut "The Natural" and a look into the beginning of his career, with appearances by his then manager/producer Irv Gotti, producers Da Beatminerz and other associates. Mic never reached a level of superstardom as the artists Irv would eventually work with through Murda Inc., but his independent work at the time of this documentary in singles such as "It's Real" and "Masta I.C." play significant part of mid 90's hip hop to many people. Mic Geronimo is one of Queens NY's great MC and represented himself well on his debut "The Natural".
For those who never heard "The Natural", it's worth checking out, the sound and execution still holds up well against today's standards with raw beats and a variety of sound that caters to both underground and a couple of mainstream tracks. Beats provided by Buckwild of DITC, Irv Gotti and Da Beatminerz, with guest features by Jay-Z, Ja Rule, DMX, Royal Flush and O.C., all at the early stages of their careers.
My favorite songs on the album are Masta I.C., Lifecheck, Time To Build feat. Jay-Z, Ja Rule & DMX and Three Stories High feat. Royal Flush.
This song to me is the most defining of Jeru's character as an MC and musical style of any song on "The Sun Rises In The East". It's straight raw hip hop, but a step above the average from the cinematic feel it introduced through the pairing of an MC and producer who took a further reach toward bringing darker emotions in a hip hop song. I hope to see Jeru perform this in person one day.
Big shout out to Always Hustle for taping the SF performance.
Dropping on Duck Down Music in the Fall, the full length LP, Live from the Tape Deck, will see the Brooklyn-based duo of Skyzoo and !llmind doing what they do best -- dropping hard-hitting beats over 'rewind factor' rhymes. "It's not rocket science," says Skyzoo. "There won't be any deep undertones or personal records like The Salvation; just dope beats and rhymes that's better than everything else out." And with a history of dope collabo joints in the bag and a chemistry that can't be replicated, these two creative forces plan to present raw hip hop with a unique, cohesive sound only they can produce.
"Back in the day, it was always like that," stresses Skyzoo. "When you look at Eric B and Rakim, EPMD, NWA, A Tribe Called Quest and groups like that -- you had one producer with one sound and one theme. That's what we plan to bring with this project." But don't get it twisted; Live from the Tape Deck isn't a throw back to that 90's sound. Skyzoo explains, "The reason it's called Live from the Tape Deck is because when labels made cassette tapes, it just so happens that was when records were dope. Once the option of buying a cassette in a store was gone, that's when things changed and music got whack."
!llmind elaborates, "You know it's not going to be some typical shit -- it's going to be honest. Not throwback. Not boom bap. It's going to be some 2010 shit with one of the best MC's in the game."
I just got word that Big L's birthday will be a couple days from this post, it inspired me to go in my archives an pull out one my most memorable moments of D.I.T.C. music release history.
In this short clip, Big L and Fat Joe speak on upcoming D.I.T.C. projects, including Big L's debut single "Put It On". This was a moment where I felt their whole crew was making a strong rise in hip hop as a movement, with more notable guest spots and outside production credits.
The combination of Big L, Kid Capri and producer Buckwild for "Put It On" got me out my seat the first time I hear it on college radio in the mid 90's, and is still great to hear 'til this day. Check for a brief appearance by The Funkyman Lord Finesse in the background eating some popcorn.
I hope I'm able to make the trip out for this one, it looks like a once-in-a-lifetime event. Hopefully you're able to make it as well, check out the details of this announcement:
via Guerilla Union:
"For the first time in the history of hip-hop entertainment, ROCK THE BELLS is slated to have headliners perform their most influential albums in their entirety. East-coast legends Wu-Tang Clan will perform Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers from beginning to end. Released in 1993, the group’s debut album revived the New York rap scene and is widely-regarded as one of the greatest albums in hip-hop history. Considered one of the greatest MC’s of all time, Rakim is set to perform 1987’s, Paid In Full, his first full-length album with Eric B. Fellow Golden age, east coast rapper, Slick Rick will conquer The Great Adventures of Slick Rick. Released in 1989, this debut album became a certified-platinum classic topping the Billboard’s Top R&B/ Hip Hop Albums charts. Highly regarded as the “THE TEACHER”, KRS-One is a hip hop culture advocate, music producer, MC and published author
This is a great package of original breaks from Pat Van Dyke, producer, drummer, composer and bandleader who is proficient in soul and jazz instrumentation. He also works with one of my favorite independent MC's, John Robinson. Make sure you give this project and Pat's beautiful music some attention, PVD Breaks Vol. 1 is a great example of a musician who lends his talent and perspective to one of the fundamental sounds of hip hop, the break.
From pvdmusic.com:
"The first release in a new series of breakbeat / sample records I'll be releasing entitled PVD Breaks is available NOW! You can preview and purchase the record anywhere you buy digital music: iTunes, Amazon
, EMusic, Lala, NapsterFeatures 27 ALL ORIGINAL BREAKBEATS plus 2 bonus Breaks featuring 8th W1 + Bobby Garcia."
All breaks performed and recorded by Pat Van Dyke. PVDMusic.com
I appreciate this unique genre of music which merges elements of Funk, Soul, Jazz, Latin and Psychedelia into one interesting and eclectic listen. The diversity of songwriting is great from song to song, going from high-paced funk compositions to slower, cinematic soundtrack styles, all with a unique touch that is unmistakably European Pop.
Something about the musical experimentation during the 60's-70's period of Euro Pop is very intriguing, it reminds me in some ways of how David Axelrod merges his influences into a unique sound that some people are unable to categorize him for.
Some of the feeling this music gives me is unexplainable, you just have to listen for yourself. Once you begin to find out more about the range of artists and cultural movement of this genre, it is even more interesting look into World culture in general.
Andre Brasseur - The Duck
Chakachas - Jungle Fever (Polydor Records)
Zoo - Tupamaros
Anagram Jam - Gary Cole And His GT Hobo's - Baa Laughter
Keith Papworth - Hard Hitter
Dancing Drums by Ananda Shankar
Chewing Gum Delirium - The Free Pop Electronic Concept
The Delta Rhythm Section - Nassau Strut Re-Edit
Snow Instrumental
It's A Crime Instrumental
Panic Instrumental
Hide My Tears Instrumental
Produced by and featuring Pete Rock, "Ya Gamblin' is a rare gem of Slick Rick's catalog recorded after "The Ruler's Back" album. This is another one of Rick's great morality lessons we can all benefit from in life, presented to you with an edge of upbeat, head-nodding funk. The dope baseline and echoing chorus sample is addictive, this is also one of my favorite uses of the Five Stairsteps' "Don't Change Your Love" drum break. Get your neck brace ready.
I always like to hear stories behind classic beats and choices of production prior to albums coming out. Here Alchemist and Just Blaze tell their stories.
Another one from my archives. This is from a short-lived late night show called Uptown Comedy Club that used to have good live hip hop performances, I'm not sure if this broadcast was even available outside New York's tri-state area. Grand Puba's Reel to Reel album always gives me good memories of the early 90's hip hop lifestyle, as does the hit single you'll see him, Alamo and Stud Doogie perform in this video. This is a real good example of hip hop crowd participation in a small setting as it should be.
All tracks produced by Daru for Rusic Records and compiled from '97-'99 cassette beat tapes recorded off the AKAI S900 sampler.
I've had the chorus of this song running through my head this morning and decided to post it for those who may not have heard it by now. The whole vibe of the song feels good + the vocals of Queen Latifah add the perfect touch to Com's story. This is a refined version of the previous leak online which was advertised as an unreleased cut from Finding Forever. A real good song for this time of year and a great example in the art of storytelling.
There is something about a talented independent MC that really draws my ear and inspires me, based on dedication to the traditions of hip hop and true to life messages. SyLen from Hawaii brings deep content and a strong, inspiring sense of self based on deep visions of life, hope and belief brought forth through her rhymes. I appreciate the balance in SyLen's music between providing hope towards the obstacles of daily life, with a competitive display of lyrical skill, creativity and intellect.
Off Da Hook: The Compilation consists of smooth, jazz influenced production to compliment the flows of SyLen who teaches and inspires the mind of the listener. The style of production is rooted in the feel of traditional boom-bap, but also relies heavily on rhodes keys, horns and memorable bass melodies, bringing a laid back feel a similiar feel to The Roots' "Do You Want More?" with touches of live instrumentation against samples.
The music of SyLen is a refreshing current listen that shows the creative mind of a lyricist, and a great inspirational offering towards higher, positive directions in life through self-awareness. Listen and be inspired to open your mind to your own true potential in life by discovering yourself.
This man is responsible for my first memories in the enjoyment of music. As a child during the early 80's, I feel fortunate to have absorbed Stevie Wonder's unforgettable tunes in my household, neighborhood and parties, also witness the cultural impact of his talent and inspirational presence. I am thankful to have such a great musician still here and always look forward to the next day I can enjoy his music.
Sit back, relax and enjoy my playlist of some of my all time favorite songs in appreciation of Stevie Wonder for his 60th birthday. You're unlikely to gain a soulful listening experience like this anywhere on earth, this is a great source for appreciation of life, relaxation, and happiness through music.
Stevie Wonder talks about Soul music:
In a interview with Richard Williams from a 1972 edition of The Old Grey Whistle Test, Stevie Wonder talks about not wanting be typecast as a soul singer - "Having soul is having the abilty to express what you feel inwardly". Listen Here (plays in Real Player)
1972 interview by Motown 50, listen here
This is an example of the great talent and creative ability of Stic Man & M-1 to deliver inspirational messages while bringing an up to date, entertaining hip hop sound which transcends boundaries of current songwriting style. From the latest Dead Prez project "Revolutionary But Gangsta Grillz", "Beauty Within" is a song which touches on the many positive inner qualities of women that help to provide stability and backbone to our society.
Check out this Dutch source who has mp3 demos from the beginning of these artist's careers:
Black Moon
Common
Big Daddy Kane
Kool G Rap
Nas
Jay-Z
B.D.P.
The Artifacts
Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth
NaS
Slick Rick
Wu Tang Clan
Notorious B.I.G.
Rakim
O.C.
Organized Konfusion
Dead Prez
http://onetwann.blogspot.com/2010/05/its-demo.html
One of my favorite producers of R&B music sat down with the Red Bull Music Academy for a discussion of his successful career and how he came to create a genre-defining sound called New Jack Swing. In addition to being a great fan of songs he produced for Bobby Brown, Keith Sweat, Guy, Blackstreet and others, I really appreciate the impact of his production style that carried the influence of New Jack Swing, in which elements of hip-hop, R&B and other musical styles were merged by artists to create a signature sound. I am always reminded of my hometown of New York whenever I hear this style of music.
Johnny Kemp- Just Got Paid - CBS
Teddy Riley - My Fantasy (Soundtrack Version) - MCA
Guy - Groove Me - MCA Records
Soul II Soul - Keep On Movin (Teddy Riley's Rubba Dub) - Ten Records
Wreckx-N-Effect - Rump Shaker - MCA
Michael Jackson - Jam - Epic
SWV - Right Here (Human Nature Radio Mix) - RCA
Teddy Riley Ft. Tammy Lucas - Is It Good To You - MCA
Black Street - No Diggity - Interscope
Janet Jackson - Go Deep (T.R. Funk Mix) - Virgin
Joe - Stutter - Jive
Snoop Dogg - SD Is Out - Geffen
