On "The Chambered Nautilus", Jericho Jackson brings a new world of imagination to the sampling of Bob James' "Nautilus" by carrying on the tradition of creating a banger while bringing new ideas of advanced composition, storytelling and emotion to Hip Hop production. Jericho's creation flows with interesting layers and transitions of sound with dreamy Rhodes, head-nodding drums and deep bass for an instrumental experience which transforms the threatening darkness of the original Nautilus into a new vibe which is soothing and enlightening. If you're like me and thought you've heard Nautlius flipped more than enough, I think you'll be interested to hear what Jericho has to offer.

This is one of those live Hip Hop moments where the music is very creative and organic through the fusion of live musicians and MCs, you just have to listen and experience the vibe for yourself. Hopefully you were one of the lucky ones to have attended this event, if not the energy and talent of each performance really comes across in this recording courtesy of It's All The Way Live.

I'm thankful to see more videos come up like this which reveal the process of Premo's production magic. In this studio footage, DJ Premier starts by teaching the importance of the Roger Linn Akai S-950 sampler and it's history in Hip Hop, I actually had no idea how far back that machine went! After that we get a snippet of Premier laying the scratches for a song with Ludacris who sits right in front of him nodding away. Premo's beat underneath the scratches sounds dope, from his interviews I always wondered what the beatmaking process is like as a producer who prefers to create tailor-made music live for his clients!

Can't wait for this, I love hearing the truth about Hip Hop direct from respected artist's mouths.

I was struck upon hearing the snippets of "Colours", a fusion of sound inspired by the late 60's-early 70's by Nick Radford and Adam Gibbons, it is rare to hear groups of today produce this style of music with such authenticity and Soul.

The debut Frootful LP will be out on the 21st March, with the single release scheduled for the 7th Feb. Produced by Adam Gibbons (Lack of Afro Productions), this is a recording project of Nick Radford's, writing as a guitarist over the past few years. The album entitled, "Colours" is decribed by Nick as "taking in a soundscape of moods & grooves inspired by 60s soul, jazz, R&B, latin, & ska". Guest features include Angeline Morrison (The Ambassadors of Sorrow); Lack of Afro band members Damon Minchella (Trio Valore, Paul Weller) & George Cooper; plus others. Here's a few soundclips from the project to give you a taster. For updates, stay tuned to cratesofjr and Nick's blog.

Listen to snippets of "Colours" the debut LP from Frootful below:

* Colours
* Hawt Sauce
* Young & Frootful
* Soul Clap
* Astronaughty
* Slowtime


http://frootful.co.uk

Here is the title track from The Baker Brothers' album, available in stores February 28, 2011 on Record Kicks label.

The UnFunkWitables 80's Mix #002 is a non-stop flow of dancefloor grooves to get you out of your seat, a fine selection of musical talent of the 80's era mixed by Mista Vee. I had a hard time sitting still when absorbing the feel-good vibes of this mix, from front to back it's quality jam after jam. These sounds are good for lifting the spirit anytime, but ideal for the atmosphere of an outdoor summer party. I hope you enjoy this and maybe learn about some artists you might not have been up on before.












01. the night people - night person
02. keith & darrell - work that body
03. ltd - kickin back
04. armenta & majik - you're my one
05. barbara jeyne - i like the way you move
06. cheryl lynn - if you'll be true to me
07. the horne section - ladyshine
08. celena duncan - shine on
09. collage - in the mix
10. marshall titus - take a chance
11. junko ohashi - dancing
12. katie kissoon - you're the one
13. blue feather - let's funk tonight (instrumental)
14. brothers ii - you
15. young and company - i like (what you're doing to me)
16. ritchie family - alright on the night
17. cameron - magic of you
18. jimmy ross - first true love affair
19. ndugu & the chocolate jam co. - send you my love
20. sinnamon - thanks to you
21. active force - cold blooded lover
22. maurice massiah - we can go to your house
23. dynasty - day and night
24. kashif - stone love
25. masayoshi takanaka - chill me out
26. james otis jr. - baby come on
27. klymaxx - don't hide your love
28. francois feldman & yellowhand - you want every night
29. enchantment - i know you're hot
30. empress - give in to love
31. zafra bros. - will you see me tonight
32. evan rogers - secret love
33. mighty fire - sixth street
34. phillys st. james - candelight afternoon
35. stephanie - funky school
36. wendell morrison - what it be like
37. street angels - dressing up
38. stephen washington - please don't go

http://www.facebook.com/unfunkwitables

You may have heard this song elsewhere by many sites who have embraced the dope sounds of "Theme Music", now get a look at Fashawn, Buff 1, Scheme and DJ Babu directly in their studio work element. I have faith in all 4 artists as providers of quality, original Hip Hop for the future.


"Theme Music" is the first official single off RubyHornet's upcoming Closed Sessions: ATX project, dropping March 15th.


Theme Music (prod. DJ Babu) by DeconRecords

DJ Eclipse of The Halftime Show stays on the cutting edge of quality Hip Hop radio broadcasting where Stretch & Bobbito left off. The interviews start around the hour mark, beginning with Reks who speaks about his self titled album "R.E.K.S." and the success of his DJ Premier-produced single. At the end of the show Saigon and Just Blaze give details into their current moves as artists who hope to influence Hip Hop for the better. Plenty of dope Hip Hop songs played in between too, so enjoy!

Fierce posse cut from a bunch of New York's finest, PR Dean's "Underground Railroad Pt.2" makes me proud to be from the city which originated this high standard of sharp lyricism. Take a listen for yourself to experience the rawness.

The Epsilon Project show the power of Hip Hop through their combination of mic skills, touching upon a relatable topic of life and crafting a song to make you just feel really good all at once. Featuring the vocals of Jonas on the chorus and produced by Kev Brown.

Cypher Pas De Trois (prod. by EebSoFresh) by Savant aka Stanstro

Savant aka Stanstro is brining back the art of back-to-back rhyming on "Cypher Pas De Trois", as he joins with Chi-Town MCs R.J. and Technique for a short-but-sweet display of impressive wordplay. These 3 MCs show the fundamentals of skill attained from the discipline of street-corner cypher Hip Hop, showing that "less is more" and is not so much how much you say but the impact of your words and imagination as a lyricist. The combination of beatbox and a mellow Rhodes melody sets a tone of early Hip Hop nostalgia for this song as the form of intellect and entertainment Hip Hop was always intended to be.

Of the many Stevie Wonder covers out there, I thought this one by Bulgarian pianist Milcho Leviev was a beautiful Jazz interpretation from the first listen. You might have seen his credits on albums of other Jazz greats such as Billy Cobham, Art Pepper, Al Jarreau and his own group "The Jamie Faust Trio". Milcho's cover of "Living In The City" has more of a cool-out type of vibe with emphasis on the piano, compared to the upbeat funk vibe of Stevie's original or even Ramsey Lewis' version.

The "Piano Lesson" album is a gem I stumbled across on eBay by chance, audio courtesy of paperstax. Check out the 2010 remastered version of the album now available at Amazon and iTunes.

I really admire a well-written song that helps you to appreciate the simple things in life by an MC who invites challenges of the everyday struggle with his head held high. The humble, everyday-person perspective of life is one of the best parts of Hip Hop, with the rest of the world moving at a rapid pace just turn on a song like this and hear he feeling of someone who relates to the daily grind.





Download

In this interview on WHCR Harlem Community Radio, Prince Paul tells the story of his rise from bedroom producer/DJ to becoming a sought-after and widely influential producer.




There are a number of interviews with Paul out there already, but this one stands out to me from the laid-back, conversational exchange he and the host (DJ Mecca) have. It's not a sterile or formal interview, you will hear Paul and the host having lots of fun while reminiscing on the ups and downs of his career from beginning to his concept album "Psychoanalysis, What Is It?"

There have been many moments in recorded Hip Hop where an MC has explored the world of cinema, but only a few artists have attempted to adopt the persona and lifestyle of 007 agent James Bond. On "License To Kill" Stevie Crooks becomes more than the average MC by stepping into the depths of espionage as a talented wordsmith who brings you into a world of high technology, exotic lifestyle, weaponry and living on the edge of death. Stevie has managed to take the most vivid and authentic images of a screen icon to craft a new, threatening persona of an MC on this song in the tradition of other talented writers such as Rakim (Rest Assured) and Kool G Rap (Road To The Riches).

 "License To Kill" is my favorite track from Stevie's 007-themed concept album "The World Is Not Enough, which is available for free download at his bandcamp page. The entire album flows like a movie, carrying a variety of moods which take musical and cinematic influences from the James Bond franchise, combined with the mind, persona and agression of a Brooklyn MC.

From Stevie Crooks

"The World Is Not Enough" is a bold conceptual endeavor that follows Stevie Crooks rise from Crooklyn into The world of 007 . Showcasing his multiple styles over Exceptional James Bond Themed production ...The W.I.N.E is Epic , Classy , Adventurous , Innovative & Creative.

Stevie Crooks

Presented by Decon Records, an hour-long live recording from The Alchemist + Oh No’s (Gangrene) Odditorium European Tour performance in Amsterdam.

There's nothin' like hearing a D.I.T.C. producer spin and perform their classics in between songs of their set, here is one by The Funkyman Lord Finesse for your audio archive. This mix is provided by an excellent Hip Hop site on The Gold Coast of Australia www.coldcrush.com.au





 


Description by Cold Crushin' Mixes:

"Ohhhh shit — Cold Crushin’ Mixes is back with more fire for ’011. This time we got the original funky man Lord Finesse; of legendary New York hip hop crew D.I.T.C, live on two technics and the M.I.C. And baby — they don’t call the man Lord Finesse for nothin’. Fin shows us what D.I.T.C is all about, ramming in 100 tracks in his two hour set covering hip hop and beats to soul, funk, boogie, disco and new jack swing as only a true crate digger can, as well as rocking the MIC Lord Finesse style, spitting a freestyle and some classic Finesse bars.

Effortlessly smooth mixes and cuts, beat juggling that had hands in the air and minds blowing and most importantly, a dope track selection that had the whole house at Tone rocking out all night long. There was a bit of controversy around Sydney at the time of this show over Finesse doing a DJ set instead of a straight live show. A whole lot of cats were complaining — but damn son, as far as we’re concerned, anybody who walked away unhappy after this just doesn’t know what’s up with real hip hop anyway. Finesse is the motherfucking man baby!"


Lord Finesse – Diggin’ The Crates Live In Sydney 2011 tracklist

1. Intro feat. Randy Glazer
2. J. Dilla – Body Movin’
3. Visioneers – The World Is Yours
4. Jeru Tha Damaja – Da Bitches
5. Jeru Tha Damaja – Come Clean
6. Public Enemy – Shut ‘Em Down (Pete Rock Mix)
7. ???
8. Jeru Tha Damaja – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
9. Onyx – Thow Ya Gunz
10. Lords Of The Underground – Funky Child
11. Run DMC – Down With The King
12. O.C & Jeru Tha Damaja – Crooklyn
13. A Tribe Called Quest – Oh My God
14. A Tribe Called Quest – Award Tour
15. The Pharcyde – Runnin’
16. ???
17. ???
18. Gang Starr – Mass Appeal
19. Gang Starr – Full Clip
20. O.C. feat. Big L – Dangerous
21. Pharoah Monch – Simon Says
22. Ol’ Dirty Bastard – Shimmy Shimmy Ya
23. Raekwon – Ice Cream
24. KRS-One – Sound Of Da Police
25. KRS-One – Step Into A World (Raptures Delight)
26. M.O.P – Ante Up
27. NAS – Made You Look
28. Interlude – How many of ya’ll love real hip hop?
29. Luniz – I Got 5 On It
30. The Pharcyde – Passing Me By (MVPs)
31. Geto Boys – Mind Playing Tricks On Me
32. 2Pac – I Get Around
33. Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg – Nuthin’ But A G Thang
34. Dr. Dre – Bitches Aint Shit
35. Snoop Dogg – Gin & Juice
36. Snoop Dogg – Aint No Fun
37. Interlude – Where the Sexy Single Females At?
38. Dr. Dre – Explosive
39. Interlude – What Do D.I.T.C mean?
40. Earth Wind & Fire – Devotion (Gratitude)
41. ???
42. ???
43. Visioneers – Ike’s Mood
44. The Trammps – Rubber Band
45. DJ Riz – Live From Brooklyn
46. Nice N Smooth – Hip Hop Junkies
47. ???
48. ???
49. Michael Jackson – I Wanna Be Where You Are
50. Dionne Warwick – Walk On By
51. ???
52. Rick James – Mary Jane
53. Tom Tom Club – Genius Of Love
54. ???
55. Interlude – You Got a Curfew or Somethin??
56. The Jacksons – Enjoy Yourself
57. Stevie Wonder – Sir Duke
58. Kool & The Gang – Jungle Boogie
59. First Choice – Love Thang
60. The Police – Voices Inside My Head
61. Herbie Mann – Hi-Jack
62. ???
63. L.T.D – Love To The World
64. Booker T & The MGs – Melting Pot
65. Michael Jackson – Billie Jean
66. WAR – Galaxy
67. ???
68. Prince – I Wanna Be Your Lover
69. Carl Carlton – She’s A Bad Mama Jama
70. The Emotions – Best Of My Love
71. Level 42 – Starchild
72. Interlude – Understand… this wasn’t part of the regularly scheduled program
73. Lord Finesse Freestyle over Jay-Z feat. Nas – Success (instrumental)
74. Interlude – One Man Band Shit
75 Lord Finesse freestyle
76. Lord Finesse – Funky Technician (live)
77. Lord Finesse – Bad Mutha (live)
78. D.I.T.C – Day One (live)
79. Interlude – One thing I promised
80. Handsome Boy Modelling School – Rock n’ Roll Could Never Rock Like This (live)
81. Lord Finesse – Hip 2 Da Game (live)
82. Interlude – Grab A Drink, Grab A Shorty
83. Earth Wind & Fire – Fantasy
84. Stephanie Mills – Something In The Way (You Make Me Feel)
85. ???
86. Suzanne Vega – Tom’s Diner
87. Nu Shooz – I Can’t Wait
88. Troop – Spread My Wings
89. Brand New Heavies – Never Stop
90. ???
91. Teddy Riley feat. Tammy Lucas – Is It Good To You
92. Bell Biv DeVoe – Poison
93. LL Cool J – Mr Good Bar
94. Jane Child – I Don’t Wanna Fall In Love
95. Wrecks-N-Effect – New Jack Swing
96. Chaka Khan – I Know You, I Live You
97. Michael Jackson – Rock With You
98. Junior – Mama Used To Say
99. Alicia Myers – I Wanna Thank You
100. Outtro – I Love Ya’ll Sydney

On Quadrivium, Eric Lau ventures between spacey, other-worldly and mellow influences of Jazz fusion through a progressive sound of Hip Hop production. By channeling the drumming influence and storytelling nuances of Dilla, Eric carries the torch for Jazz-based production to layer and compose imaginative compositions of sound which are pleasing to the ear.

Turn this on to vibe out and relax your nerves, between each track Eric Lau has set out to create a movie and revive Hip Hop's use of Jazz in an original way on Quadrivium.

released 25 February 2011
Produced by Eric Lau
Recorded at Lau HQ
Mastered by Tim Debney
Artwork by TWRA