Official video for the Beat Butcha produced "Let Me Tell You" off Sean's forthcoming album "Mic Tyson". This video features Rock, Torae and other Duck Down artists. I'm really feeing the cinematography of the video to match with the song, the whole thing gives me the vibe of my own neighborhood street corner, summer in the hoods of New York looks unlike any other city. The inclusion of other artists of Duck Down who are carrying the torch for New York hip hop makes me realize even more of how much the label has solidified their own hip hop movement.
" on Uni Records.
This is takin' it back to the dusty 4 track recorder and analog feel of hip hop. Surreal gives appreciation for the basics of the art form on "So Basic", produced by Marco Polo . I'm damn happy to hear an MC touch on this important topic about the "feel" of hip hop in the current digital age. Get ready for Marco Polo's debut producer album "The Stupendous Adventures Of Marco Polo" released on Duck Down records June 29, 2010.
"The Stupendous Adventures of Marco Polo" available now at Amazon.com
Listen to the funky sounds of Plunky, a member of the Afro-Funk group Oneness of Juju in an a recent interview and career retrospective as one of the pioneers of merging American jazz/soul with African music. As a saxophonist, he is one of the most renowned figures in this obscure musical genre which takes influences from Nigerian Juju music, the American soul of James Brown and 70's jazz fusion. Plunky is a great example of an artist who carved his own creative niche of musical expression based on the desire to express his own beliefs of society and take a strong reach to observe other world cultures, which you will learn about, hear in the music and hopefully be inspired by in this radio interview.
If you listen to hip hop and are unfamiliar with the music of Oneness Of Juju, some of the producers who have turned to Plunky's original Afro-Funk style are Jay Dee (African Rhythms) and Oh No (Oh No vs. Oneness of Juju). I can say with confidence that the music of Plunky and his sources of inspiration have brought a new touch of funk to hip hop sound, through producers who have chosen to take the reach toward this genre.
Andre 3000, Big Boi and cast look back on a classic, in the style you might have seen reading XXL magazine where all the contributors give their memories on the recording process.
Featuring: Andre 3000: MC/producer | Big Boi: MC/producer | Mr. DJ: Producer, one-third of Earthtone III with OutKast, and cousin to Rico Wade | Rico Wade: Organized Noize founder/producer with Ray Murray and Pat "Sleepy" Brown | Raekwon: MC/Wu-Tang Clan member | Cee-Lo: Vocalist/Goodie Mob member | Khujo: MC/vocalist and Goodie Mob member | Masada: New Jersey-based MC and former Organized Noize protégé | Joi: Vocalist/songwriter and long-time Dungeon Family collaborator | Kawan Prather: Former LaFace Records A&R for Aquemini and early Dungeon Family member | Preston Crump: Bass player | Marvin Chanz Parkman: Keyboard player and former Organized Noize staff producer/songwriter | Omar Phillips: Percussionist | Donny Mathis: Guitarist | Tomi Martin : Guitarist | Neal H. Pogue: Sound mixer/recording engineer
Audio:
"Hold On, Be Strong"
"Return Of The G"
"Rosa Parks"
"Skew It On The Bar-B" feat. Raekwon
"Aquemini"
This video of RZA's attendance at The 3rd Traditional Wushu World Games martial arts tournament makes me proud to have witnessed the various ways in which hip hop has influenced and transcended international cultures, especially the impact of Wu Tang Clan who have left a positive impact to be carried on for generations to come. I admire RZA's outreach to other creative disciplines of the world such as martial arts and chess to spread the influential messages heard in Wu Tang Clan music about honor, respect and working to achieve your goals in life.
One of the founding elements of hip hop always was to help socialize people in a positive way based on limited resources, competition and entertainment. I'm glad to see this element carried on through a new combination of hip hop and martial arts here at the tournament, I would like to witness something like this in person.
Don Hyun Kiolbassa of Kung Fu Heroes joins the RZA at this martial arts tournament not just to observe and display great skills in the physical sense of the sport, but to show the importance of reaching out to the youth whenever possible as a source of guidance and leadership. Life moves fast on a day to day basis, but when we can find a way to step out of the cycle to genuinely help another, it's a great feeling to have as a person.
I've heard the name Aloe Blacc before online on a few occasions, but this song really made me take notice of his music as a multi-talented soul singer/instrumentalist. Listen to this great cover by Aloe Blacc of the 1967 Velvet Underground classic "Femme Fatale", produced by Truth + Soul. He uses his ability to capture the essence of the classic 70's era while adding his own vocal touch, this is the type of sound some of your favorite hip hop records are made of.
This song is available for purchase at Stones Throw records on 7-inch vinyl. From Aloe Blacc's forthcoming album, "Good Things".
http://www.stonesthrow.com/store/7-inch/aloeblacc/femme-fatale-7
and here is the original song by Velvet Underground if you are unfamiliar: listen here
This one is pretty heavy for a jazz song, but when you hear the rest of the song the sound has a funk influence. I like this type of sound for a jazz song heavy on horns and drumming, brought by a collection of artists such as Phil Ranelin, Stark Reality, Idris Muhammad and artists of the Flying Dutchman label . From his 1974 album, "Shapes To Come".
Steve Grossman
Tenor and soprano saxophones
Jan Hammer
Electric piano and moog synthesizer
Gene Perla
Electric and acoustic basses
Don Alias
Drums, congas, bongos and bell
The forward-thinking contributions of the Netherlands have been great to witness especially in recent years, by artists who are passionate about their talent and craft showing appreciation for Hip Hop, Soul, R&B traditions. Neenah is a recent discovery into an artist who I believe will continue to provide fresh and unique musical contributions to Hip Hop, and rise as a multi-talented, soulful vocalist.
As a producer and sound engineer, Neenah shows an understanding of the classic aspects of hip hop production while bringing her own talent and influences of Soul, R&B vocal performance to create a sound which is layered with depth and emotion. Neenah shows a refreshing new lane of expression and passion in song writing that is memorable, whether you are a fan of traditional hip hop sound, contemporary Soul or would like to get a nice fusion of both.
DJ K.O. presents Silent Knight, Skyzoo & Emilio Rojas - Get 'Em (Official remix prod. by Neenah) (right-click & save)
Neenah's mixtape, "The Quality Selection" is pleasing to listen to from the unique balance it provides between traditional Hip Hop sound and Soul. Production by Neenah, Statik Music , J-nfluenz, Toba, Veterano, Northern Profit and Breklyn. Guest spots by MCs Ras Kass, Nino Bless, Supastition, also Silent Knight, Skyzoo and Emilio Rojas for her remix of "Get 'Em".
Sauce Money and Jay Z. The track was recorded in the mid 80s. Produced by Fresh Gordon.
What a find this was! I love hearing the potential in the demos of artists who would soon become well known names in hip hop, plus the sound of drum breaks and looped samples recorded to an analog tape stored over time. These are the beginnings of artists who would pass the torch from the Golden Era into the future of hip hop, a great piece of history brought back into existence by DJ Mellow B.
The uploader has disallowed embedding, so visit the links below to hear the following demos:
Jay-Z, Jaz-O, Big Daddy Kane & Fresh Gordon Live Freestyle
This is excellent back-to-back rhyming, Big Daddy Kane stand out of the pack as he kicks his verse from the first Symphony. This demo shows how Kane's lyrical skills may have rubbed off on other MCs of the time. Each artist shows alot of personality and individuality, all qualities that seemed almost mandatory in the late 80's/early 90's. Here are more details from the author:
"This is a demo i produced back in the Day myself and Fresh Gordon originally produced it for JAY Z and SAUCE MONEY'S Demo but later a friend of ours name SHELTON D from Divine sounds liked it better for BIGGIE the rest is history. This is what i do, Listen to old Rock & Roll, BLUES and JAZZ Radio Stations volume low all night while i'm doin somthing else but still listening. " Listen here
Jay-Z, Jaz-O, Big Daddy Kane & Fresh Gordon Live Freestyle
This is excellent back-to-back rhyming, Big Daddy Kane stand out of the pack as he kicks his verse from the first Symphony. This demo shows how Kane's lyrical skills may have rubbed off on other MCs of the time. Each artist shows alot of personality and individuality, all qualities that seemed almost mandatory in the late 80's/early 90's. Here are more details from the author:
"This is a demo we put down in my man Fresh Gordon's home Studio Back in the Day and is how Jay Z got discovered. This is what we did all day every day back then. To my man Fresh Gordon locked down hold it down baby ! To my man JAZZ still tryin to make it happen hold it down baby ! To my man JAY Z continuing what we started hold it down baby !" Listen here
Notorious B.I.G. Unreleased Studio Demo
BIG brought a new meaning to rhyming about encounters with the females to hip hop. If Ready To Die wasn't enough for you to appreciate his contributions in that department, then this song should help. There's no official title for the demo, but I assume it's called "This Is For The Macks & Dons" from his chorus. More from the author:
Notorious B.I.G. Unreleased Studio Demo
BIG brought a new meaning to rhyming about encounters with the females to hip hop. If Ready To Die wasn't enough for you to appreciate his contributions in that department, then this song should help. There's no official title for the demo, but I assume it's called "This Is For The Macks & Dons" from his chorus. More from the author:
"This is a demo i produced back in the Day myself and Fresh Gordon originally produced it for JAY Z and SAUCE MONEY'S Demo but later a friend of ours name SHELTON D from Divine sounds liked it better for BIGGIE the rest is history. This is what i do, Listen to old Rock & Roll, BLUES and JAZZ Radio Stations volume low all night while i'm doin somthing else but still listening. " Listen here
The lead single "Greatest Weapon Of All Time" sounds real good, I felt the need to share it with you on my first listen.
This song gives me the vibe of soul and jazz fusion I listen to regularly from the 70's, great vocal performance and instrumentation throughout. The lyrical concept is a very inspiring and powerful part of the song, encouraging to look within yourself and find your true potential. After learning this is part of the musical influence "Sunstorm" will be based on, I'm definitely excited for the album's release! Here are the details from the Musical Architecture blog:
"SunStorm' is the latest album from Detroit-area born, DC-area based producer/multi-instrumentalist Zo!"
"Best known for his 2008 collaboration with Phonte on the cult classic 'Zo and Tigallo Love the 80's' as well as his work on The Foreign Exchange's Grammy-nominated LP, 'Leave It All Behind,' 'SunStorm' is an extensive 12-track set that shows the ever-expanding range and depth of Zo! and the entire Foreign Exchange Music family.
Indie soul siren and American Idol vocalist Sy Smith serves up a slice of 70's soul on the breezy 'Greatest Weapon Of All Time,' and Lady Alma, a Philly veteran and stalwart of the UK house scene, takes it to the dance floor on the frenetic 'Free Your Mind.' The album's lead single, 'This Could Be The Night,' features Darien Brockington, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Eric Roberson, and Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother over a thumping two-step groove specifically intended for the 'steppers' of Zo's native Detroit. Another highlight is the Phonte-assisted 'Flight Of The Blackbyrd,' Zo's heartfelt homage to the 70's jazz/funk fusion of The Mizell Bros. and George Duke."
Tracklisting
01. Greater Than The Sun feat. Phonte
02. Greatest Weapon Of All Time feat. Sy Smith
03. Say How You Feel feat. Carlitta Durand & Phonte
04. For Leslie
05. Be Your Man feat. Darien Brockington
06. Free Your Mind feat. Lady Alma
07. SunStorm feat. YahZarah
08. If I Could Tell You No feat. Jesse Boykins III
09. This Could Be The Night feat. Eric Roberson, Darien Brockington & Rapper Big Pooh
10. Flight Of The Blackbyrd feat. Phonte
11. All Is Well With Love feat. Chantae Cann
12. Make Luv 2 Me feat. Monica Blaire
Photography courtesy of sneakshot.
Along with The Roots, this year’s event featured performances by Nneka, The Foreign Exchange, Wu Massacre (Method Man, Ghostface & Raekwon), John Legend, Skillz, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Jay Electronica and others. This looks like an event that will inspire great music and performances for years to come as The Roots have already done through their great site Okayplayer.com, I hope to attend and support the cause myself next year.
This is a great look into the making of "Illmatic", but more importantly a look at the unique aspects of life and reality beyond hip hop music which can't ever be duplicated or reproduced. "The Making Of Illmatic" takes you directly into the studio workspace with feature interviews from DJ Premier, Q-Tip, Pete Rock, Large Professor, who give their thoughts about providing the best music to match Nas' unique vision. The tour continues into the projects of Queensbridge, N.Y where the neighborhood people give their support for Nas as one of the most promising local talents. This documentary is by Ralph McDaniels of Video Music Box, the director of Nas' first video "It Ain't Hard To Tell".
I have had this for awhile sitting at home on VHS cassette, I decided to finally upload it by request for a member of Phila Flava/T.R.O.Y.'s forums. I've got to thank him for reminding me to revisit this great documentary.
In Part 1, Premier reflects on the origins of hip hop sound, dating back to the days when the pioneering DJs acted as producers by looping records using 2 turntables as a form of sampling, the core foundation which influenced his own groundbreaking production and DJ style. Jeru shares his own memories of what hip hop sounded like in it's early days and the importance of keeping the traditional elements around. If there's anyone who shows how to use little resources and carry on tradition properly to make classic hip hop, it's the Gangstarr Foundation.
It's nice to see what the inside of D&D studios (now Headcquarterz) looks like in these videos, as a native New Yorker I hope to make a visit one day.
In part 3, the final part of this interview you get a chance to hear The Guru speak, he explains the ideas behind how the Gangstarr Foundation is formed and maintains longevity based on brotherhood and realizing how each member plays their own part. The whole crew looks like one happy family, and I am still inspired to this day by that type of respect among artists in hip hop.
I guess most my readers know I'm never shy at pulling out and reflecting upon past material by artists of any musical genre, especially one who has taken such an inspirational journey through life by their art. Where were you during The Blueprint, a sampling renaissance and true-to-life messages that gained new light in hip hop by the work of Kanye West? "Behind The Beats" an instrumental mixtape released in 2003 and narrated by Kanye himself, chronicles the work it took for him to gain recognition as an MC/producer with Rocafella, the label that would eventually turn him into a star.
This is one instance of an artist's early belief in themselves to work hard at using their original vision to create something bigger, and eventually produce a hip hop classic. I still remember a discussion between Marley Marl and Pete Rock on their show Future Flavors during The Blueprint era, as it was a welcome sign of hip hop producers going back to the use of loops while bringing a new, fresh twist to it. The new sounds, techniques and experimentation in sample based production are displayed throughout "Behind The Beats, try comparing it to other hip hop releases at the time that you still bump.
For those select few people who strive to be leaders instead of followers by laying their own early foundation in the beginning, it most cases it produces future classic work to be admired and inspired by in life. In looking back on "Behind The Beats", I'm proud to say I am someone who isn't ever afraid to reflect on the past work of an artist, it is a good learning experience and provides balance in judging the current direction of hip hop by artists who are making the same moves towards success and recognition.
Pete Rock on the radio is always a good listen, you can usually expect some audio treats from the underground hip hop realm and a fine display of DJing skills in the tradition of the Golden Era. On this episode of SA Radio, Pete fills in for DJ Muggs and rocks some exclusive songs/remixes.
File Name: SAWW_05_31_10_PT1.mp3
File Size: 137 MB
Download Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/v4zxo5
File Name: SAWW_05_31_10_PT2.mp3
File Size: 137 MB
Download Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/aizfr1
These mixes always put me in a good mood when I need to take a break from current hip hop and set my mind into relaxation through a blend of soulful music. If you're not familiar with Quality Time Online, visit http://www.qualitytimeonline.nl/ right away for many great selections of contemporary and classic soul, R&B and hip hop. I'm inspired by the quality music selection and regular discovery of new talent as well as showing appreciation for unforgettable tunes.
http://www.qualitytimeonline.nl/2010/06/01/la-smoove-vol-36-meet-me-halfway-soulmix/
http://soundcloud.com/sopi/
01. La Smoove Vol.36 – Intro
02. Snoop Dogg ft Mayer Hawthorne – Gangsta Luv (G-Mix)
03. Dwele – Let Your Hair Down
04. Musiq Soulchild ft Aaries – Forthenight
05. Anthony David – Something About You
06. The 45 King – Kick The Ballistics
07. Mayer Hawthorne – Make Her Mine
08. GangStarr – The Questionz Instrumental
09. Common – Maintaining Instrumental
10. Musiq Soulchild – Youloveme
11. Anthony Hamilton – Love Is So Complicated
12. A Tribe Called Quest – Rap Promoter Instrumental
13. Musiq Soulchild – My Girl
14. Dwele – What’s Not To Love
15. Zhane – Vibe (Groove Theory Mix)
16. A Tribe Called Quest – Everything Is Fair
17. GangStarr – The Militia / Full Clip Blend Instrumental
18. Adriana Evans – Check The Vibe
19. Pete Rock & CL Smooth – In The House
20. The 45 King – Mr. Smith & Mr. Wesson
21. Dwele – Truth
22. Common – Watermelon Instrumental
23. Raphael Saadiq – Doing What I Can
24. J-Live – Get The Third
25. Amel Larrieux – Weary
26. DJ Jazzy Jeff ft Eshon Burgundy & Black Ice – Run That Back
27. Scratch ft Musiq Soulchild – Tonite
Encore:
28. Lee Fields & The Expressions – Money I$ King
29. Joss Stone – You Got The Love
30. A Tribe Called Quest – Youthful Expression Instrumental
31. The JB’s – Everybody Wanna Get Funky
32. Breakestra – Cramp your style
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