I'm glad Self Scientific dropped a video for this, the song bangs with deep social commentary and an eerie production vibe. The striking visuals of social tension between police and inner city people are close to what I envisioned when hearing this song prior to the official video.

The idea of "Peaceful" as a music and video presentation touches close to home for me, I'm sure there are many of us who can relate to the unfortunate police state of the ghetto depicted by Self Scientific, Freddie Gibbs & Krondon.

J Rocc of the World Famous Beat Junkies takes over the second hour of Soul Assassins Radio 3-28-11, playing some tracks off his new album, “Some Cold Rocc Stuf”, in stores on Tuesday, April 5.

This track produced by JPalm definitely carries a threatening feel, an interesting new mood of production to carry the performances of three MCs Phat Kat, Elzhi & Guilty Simpson who bully the mic and sound lyrically intense as ever. If you're a fan of Slum Village, Phat & Guilty you might be surprised by this track at first but I'm sure you'll be satisfied with the total outcome.

This single, released March 21, 2011 is available for download at cdbaby.com and Amazon.com.

http://www.myspace.com/jpalmproductions

Another one of Pete Rock's creations which has stood the test of time, this was an exclusive remix which I still bump today from the famous Future Flavaz radio show. While some other Hip Hop-influenced R&B productions of the mid-90's kind of sound dated or smiliar to each other, Pete's remix of "Get Down"comes off as just a good, original R&B creation in general. Check for an appearance from Grap Luva who drops dope rhymes to end it off.

I had to pull this remix from the stash after being inspired by the Phila Flava blog's great idea for a post of Hip Hop-inspired R&B tunes from the 90's: http://philaflava.blogspot.com/2009/02/thirty-good-vol-1-90s-r.html if you're into this sound check their post for more gems.

Presented by ego trip & LiveNDirect, an all-action night of bangin’ hip-hop as the infamous Mobb Deep headline a live show on Thursday, May 12, 2011 at New York’s Best Buy Theater. Wu-Tang’s Ghostface Killah & Raekwon join the ruckus along with The Roots’ Black Thought & The Money Makin’ Jam Boys (STS, Dice Raw, Truck North and P.O.R.N). DJ set by Stretch Armstrong will keep heads boppin’ at this very special event you will not want to miss.

If you listen to enough original samples mixes you know how Japanese DJs get down with deep crate digging and mixes that put you in a zone. On "Original #24 Ken Sport mines the depths of the crates to bring you a variety of sounds you may be familiar with as a Hip Hop listener. I think this is an exciting listen from front to back because Ken doesn't spin only a selection of breaks you've heard a million times, in this mix he's gone out of his way to gather original samples from overlooked artists and songs. I'm sure this mix will have you looking back to your Hip Hop collection to reminisce on forgotten gems revived by Ken Sport's "Original #24".

This is a deep, heartfelt take on a song concept that has been expressed times before, showing that the Snowgoons collective have more to offer your mind and soul than the average group. On "Music" feat. Vibez the Snowgoons, Savage Brothers & Lord Lhus express their un-biased views about the current climate of Hip Hop over a haunting 3/4 time production. Pay attention to he slideshow on this video, they made a point to show the difference between classic Hip Hop and what they feel is fake, disposable Hip-Pop.

Snowgoons "The Iron Fist" album drops on april 5th!

Talib Kweli runs through a set of some of his best songs for the Miami audience of SXSW with 9th Wonder assisting on the wheels. I look forward to this duo recording songs together.

This is a straight up Marco Polo-style banger featuring a tag-team performance by two MCs with a heap of street persona: F.T. and Bekay. "Can't Stop Us" is one of those addictive songs with many of the right ingredients including memorable punchlines and a good scratch chorus. This is first single off the long awaited T.G.I.F.T (The Appetizer) album which drops late April 2011. F.T.’s full length album “Never Gave Up” is slated for release in June 2011.

I think Large and Neek are an underrated duo of Hip Hop when groups who rip the microphone in the tradition of raw, uncut New York Hip Hop are mentioned. Ever since 1992's "Fakin' The Funk", 1998 "Exotic's Raw" and their debut project as a duo called "Backs N Necks", these two brothers from Queens have represented with strong determination and expertise of Hip Hop gained from years of dedication and experience. With "Still On The Hustle" the two return to form, but with an even more impressive lineup of guests to assist on the mic and production.

In this video, Large Professor & Neek The Exotic Present "Still On The Hustle" LP from their New York listening party, an album which will feature their unique match of talent as well as other guests in the legendary and up & coming category of artists. This album definitely sounds like a return to form of the raw sound from Queens laid down in the 90's, but new and improved.

Now this is what I'm talkin' about, MC's who've mastered the art of being brief but very powerful with the rhymes as a collective of talent who stand out from the rest. State Bar AZ Cypher is packed with fierce, rapid-fire wordplay in the tradition of classic posse cuts, featuring back-to-back delivery and threatening, break-beat heavy production which compliments each performance. I continue to be amazed by Savant's ability to gather talent who can deliver so much creativity within a short amount of track time. 2011 MC's beware!

Take a trip into the unknown as SABeats from Rotterdam, Netherlands brings you spaced-out vibes and beautiful chord progressions in his instrumental "LivingOnMars".

Too many good things for me to say about the impact of EPMD on my experience of Hip Hop in one post, I will let you listen to this Fireside Chat and recall your own memories of their groundbreaking style of Hip Hop music, or learn if you are being introduce to this great duo. One thing I do remember is they made albums which I highly anticipated and remember the actual day I bought them vividly. As a long time fan, I was excited to hear this interview where Erick and Parrish speak not just about the methodology of their music-making process as pioneers of The Funk, but their upbringing from making demos as teens to becoming legendary icons of Hip Hop.

Enjoy an in-depth look into the untouchable legacy of the "Brothers From Brentwood Long Island".

Set list in between the interview:

EPMD - You're A Customer - Fresh
Eric B. & Rakim - Eric B Is President - Fourth & Broadway
EPMD - Strictly Business - Fresh
EPMD - You Gots To Chill - Fresh
EPMD - Jane - Fresh
EPMD - Please Listen To My Demo - Fresh
EPMD - So Wat Cha Sayin' - Fresh
EPMD feat. Redman - Hardcore - Def Jam
EPMD feat. K-Solo & Redman - Head Banger - Def Jam
EPMD - Crossover - Def Jam
Erick Sermon - Stay Real - Def Jam
PMD - Respect Mine - PMD Records
EPMD - Da Joint - Def Jam
EPMD - Never Seen Before - Def Jam
Def Squad - No Guest List - Def Jam
EPMD feat. Redman, Method Man & Lady Luck - Symphony 2000 - Def Jam
Erick Sermon - Music - J Records
Erick Sermon - React - J Records
EPMD - Listen Up - EP Records

I've had good feelings about Pharoahe's "We Are Renegades" ever since hearing the first single "Shine". I anticipate this will be one of the albums I have on heavy rotation throughout the summer of 2011 and beyond. Sit back and enjoy this performance by Pharoahe live from Best Buy at New York's Union Square.

A sense of calm leads quickly into a powerful intensity for the introduction into the life and struggle of an up & coming MC known as AWAR on"My Story". This song is a combination of focused aggression and aspiration by AWAR who lays down his path of life over a banger produced by Red Bull Big Tune alumni Frank Dukes. The energy and hunger from the union of emerging MC and producer can be felt throughout this song, both sound inspired with a strong point to prove.

Spotted at the iStandard Producers Blog:

"AWAR “My Story” (Prod. Frank Dukes) is the first leak off of the AWAR “Things Of That Nature” EP. The song is a high intensity next level banger from a top caliber lyricist who returns to savagely attack this epic-sounding Frank Dukes (50 Cent, Ghostface Killah, Joell Ortiz) soundscape. AWAR pauses only to let his peer Mic King (fka iCON the Mic King) explain why his team is getting a ROI. I hear there is also some visuals in the works for this one. AWAR – “Things Of That Nature” EP is coming soon, with production from Vanderslice, Frank Dukes, M-Phazes and Deejay Tone. This is the first of 3 projects AWAR will be releasing this year."

22 years later, I still can't get over the creative and cultural impact of Hip Hop produced by artists introduced during the year of 1988. I know many other people can relate, to this day our minds and souls are attracted to Hip Hop that manages to carry the influence and traditions of The Golden Era by a newer generation of artists who are on a mission to create at least one timeless classic in their own right.

For the directions Hip Hop has taken in mass media over time, I think the late 80's struck the best balance I have seen yet between representing the best aspects of the culture in the face of an increase in  commercial popularity. I like that fact that you could find a rebel force like Public Enemy or KRS played commercially next to people who were there to make you have fun like Rob Base or The Audio Two, all artists who didn't seem pre-manufactured as a gimmick but were making music from the heart.

Sit back and reminisce with this clip from Yo! MTV Raps which introduces the new breed of 1988.

Melbourne, Australia's M-Phazes has just released the instrumental/a cappella version of his 2010 producer compilation album, "Good Gracious" a project which features some of the finest hip-hop acts out of Australia over his progressive boom-bap sound. This project displays Phazes' hard-hitting production combined with an array of upcoming lyrical talent for an example of a producer who shows an outstanding ability in the art of sample-based Hip Hop production.

Whether you're a fan of Hip Hop looking for some brand new sounds to enjoy or a producer looking to study well-crafted instrumentals, "Good Gracious" Instrumentals & Acappellas is a worthy listen.

DJ Premier presents an exciting round of updates representing himself and Nick Javas as the promising imprint known as Year Round Records. As usual, Premier drops valuable jewels of experience in Hip Hop by recalling important parts of it's history, fun memories and his hopeful direction of the culture towards the future. This interview includes some performance footage of Premier playing a set in Frankfurt that makes the average DJ set seem tame in comparison.

As you can tell, the man sure loves this culture and has a strong drive to make a difference, I think Premier and KRS-One should be part of a governing team or general source of advice for Hip Hop. Phat Phillie of Blackout Hip Hop represents from Croatia as the interviewer, make sure to visit him at www.blackouthiphop.com.

Forthcoming projects from DJ Premier's Year Round Records to look out for:

Nick Javas - "Destination Unknown"
NYG'z - "Hustler's Union"
MC Eiht album mixdown and collaboration

This instrumental project by French producer Hazel is available as separate tracks and in a single file mix as heard above. Either way The Lost Tapes is an enjoyable listen and a treat for the ear, Hazel brings out feel-good vibes from beginning to end with a progressive take on Hip Hop production.

www.hazeldizzy.com

The Hypemen have been on a roll with their podcast of feature interviews. Coming off the heels of an in-depth sit down with Just Blaze they now present an interview with Sean C of the production duo Sean C & LV, an emerging force of sound who have laid tracks on albums such as Reasonable Doubt, Wizard Of Poetry, American Gangster and more.

From The Hypemen:

"EPISODE 31: Producer Sean C joins the Hype Men to discuss The X-Ecutioners + creating Can't Knock The Hustle + Loud Records debating whether to sign Jae Hood or 50 Cent + what Diddy does as a producer + growing up with Fat Man Scoop + signing to Teddy Riley + seeing Ice Cube at the Apollo + the value of the co-sign + Fat Joe's career + much, much more."

This laid-back remix fuses the soul of Audible Doctor with King Marvey's reggae chants and the flows of Planet Asia for a straight-forward, raw sound reminiscent of the early 90's. “On The Regular" is from Planet Asia’s new project “The Bar Mitzvah”.

Tracklist:

1. The Great
2. Dig It
3. On The Regular Feat. King Marvey X
4. The Bar Mitzvah Feat. John Robinson
5. Great Adventures Feat. Lewis Parker, East Coast & Ty Born
6. Best Of Both Coast Feat. Killa Sha, Tragedy Khadafi & King David
7. On The Regular (Audible DoctorRemix) Feat. King Marvey X & Audible Doctor
8. The Bar Mistvah (Now And Laterz Remix) Feat. John Robinson
9. Champion Feat. Sav Killz

This is just the type of compilation I've been looking for as a collector's item which showcases quality material from recent emerging underground talent. In celebration of Coalmine Records 5th year anniversary, the Brooklyn-based indie is pleased to present you with their latest offering, Can You Dig It?, a digital-only full length compilation containing 15 tracks of the label’s singles catalog from the last decade. Featured artists include El Da Sensei, Bekay, Brown Bag AllStars, Heltah Skeltah, Custom Made, Skyzoo, Big Noyd, Supernatural & more!

If you have had you're ear in tune to the underground enough this past decade you may have heard some of these tracks. If not, then prepare to get hit in the head with a strong dose of underground Hip Hop!







01. Dutchmaster – “The Raw” feat. Saigon, Inspectah Deck & Bekay (prod. by Street Orchestra)
02. Supernatural – “Altitude” (prod. by Marco Polo)
03. Big Noyd – “All Out” feat. Phil The Agony, Krondon & Mista Sinista (prod. by Shuko)
04. CL Smooth – “Perfect Timing” feat. Skyzoo (prod. by M-Phazes)
05. Armyfatique – “The Game Don’t Change” feat. Trife Da God (prod. by Armyfatique)
06. BURNTmd – “Microphone Doctor” (prod. by Reef Ali)
07. XL – “Violate” feat. Juganot & Dutchmaster (prod. by Shuko)
08. Heltah Skeltah – “Midnight Madness” feat. DJ Revolution (prod. by Shuko)
09. Skyzoo – “Strung Out” feat. Dutchmaster (Small Professor Remix)
10. Bekay – “I Am” feat. DJ Revolution (prod. by The Alchemist)
11. Brown Bag AllStars – “League of Intoxicated Gentlemen” (S.2 Remix)
12. Cimer Amor – “Another Classic” feat. Burke, Torae, Side Effect & DJ Waxwork (prod. by Cimer Amor)
13. El Da Sensei & The Returners – Knowledge Be The Key (feat. Rakaa Iriscience)
14. Custom Made – “Watch That” feat Mac Lucci (prod. by THX)
15. One Dae – “Play By Play” feat. Evidence & Dutchmaaster (prod. by JBL the Titan)

When I think of my earliest memories of the sound and images of Wu-Tang Clan and Biggie, it seemed like some of the rawest representation of Hip Hop I've ever seen since. These were talented cats straight from the block who brought us magic in the form of classic songs and unforgettable lyrics using the smallest of resources. I can't get enough inspiration from seeing these two find their calling in life from what seemed like only, their heart, brain, talent and a microphone.

In this video Method Man kicks a rhyme you might be familiar with from his debut album Tical, one of which happens to be my favorite for the witty wordplay and imagination he uses. If you look closely to his right in the background behind people on stage you'll see B.I.G. in a haze of smoke clouds enjoying the performance.

This one from the archives of Chace Infinite and DJ Khalil is definitely a "banger" in the form of a short but powerful dose of Hip Hop, balancing aggressive wordplay over an intense guitar-laced track which builds with energy from beginning to end. Crank this one loud and enjoy!

The Jay Dee Pause Remix Suite by BamaLoveSoul

This compilation of remixes of Jay-Dee's Pause comes just at the right time for the anniversary of Welcome To Detroit. There are many Dilla dedications out there, but trust me this is a presentation of quality, original music that do Dilla's original version justice!

I checked out this project on the strength of enjoying the work of it's presenters: the great music site BamaLoveSoul, who are known for presenting an emerging crop of outstanding musical talent on their podcast. On this compilation BamaLoveSoul delivers again with a group of producers who present their own unique twist and on Jay Dee's classic, replacing the hard-hitting darkness of the original with a variety of jazzy and soul influenced sounds. I like how each remix has it's own influence of Jay Dee's sound too.

From BamaLovesSoul:

"Jay Dee’s Welcome 2 Detroit was released almost ten years ago to this day! BBE says the album was an inspired work that reflected Dilla’s varied influences which ranged from The Carpenters to Sergio Mendes. Now, a decade later, BamaLoveSoul releases The Pause Remix Suite: a compilation of remixes that honor Jay Dee’s influence on Hip Hop and the musical world at large. We like to think of The Remix Suite in the words of Frank (of Frank N Dank) as, “Brand New Sh!t With a Blend!” Just like Dilla’s influences when crafting Welcome 2 Detroit, this compilation presents many different perspectives to the originally gritty Pause for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!"

Tracklisting:
1. Salah Ananse Remix
2. J-Finesse 12 Mile Remix
3. J Haze Remix
4. Aeon’s Yacht in Belize Remix
5. Anthony Valadez Remix
6. I,Ced Remix
7. Nodzilla Remix 4
8. Ishfaq Remix
9. SHEN07 (Shenism Mix)
10. Sawandi Rework)
11. Ahmed Sirour (Funky Last Minute Remix)
12. Nodzilla Remix 5
13. Lateef Dameer Remix

Atlanta-based producer Kuddie Fresh takes his music above the average level of imagination with a variety of layers and transitions in samples and synth composition. "Music Hate N Love" is fine instrumental storytelling, a project that takes reaches in composition and sound design while holding true to the boom bap essence of Hip Hop.

I think this song has only gotten better with time, definitely one of my favorite songs of his 1993 LP "Looks Like A Job For..". Kane and DJ Mister Cee call out the fakes and frauds of the music industry in "Stop Shammin'", in this live 1993 performance on BET's Video LP show.

Virtuoso brings a hard edged sound of Hip Hop I've missed in recent years, I haven't heard such a strong combination of lyrical skill, threatening voice and visual wordplay coming from a dark mind frame since the late, great Big Pun! Sit back and listen to microphone beast Virtuoso who is offering his latest work "The Final Conflict" using the streaming audio capabilities of soundcloud. He is assisted by the cinematic sounds of Blue Sky Black Death, Musicologo, Sicknature (of Snowgoons), Khrome, and Sandhill Productions on the beats.

From Big Bang Records:

"Lyrical legend Virtuoso is back bringing the fierce energy that has attracted fans since his formative teenage years as an international underground rap sensation. His latest effort "The Final Conflict" represents the highly anticipated completion of the "Word War" trilogy (along with "The Voice of Reason" and "Evolution of the Torturer"). Production is provided by Multi-Platinum Latin Grammy award winner Musicologo, underground favorites Blue Sky Black Death, Sicknature (of snowgoons), Khrome, and Sandhill Productions. Features from Del Tha Funkee Homosapien, Akrobatik, Casual, and Torch combine with Virtuoso's trademark tounge terrorism perfectly, ensuring that "The Final Conflict" will be a hip-hop classic and a fitting finish to his highly acclaimed musical trilogy."

Released by: Big Bang Records
Release/catalogue number: BBR-003
Release date: Jan 10, 2011

Head over to ?uestlove's Swift.Fm page and listen to his unreleased archive of banging instrumentals such as an unreleased Pete Rock-inspired beat from "The Tipping Point" sessions, The Roots - "Dumb Upstander", and dedications to Jay Dee called "Rock On" and "OOH". The music of The Roots have been ahead of it's time in the context of Hip Hop, keeping the good old boom-bap to make us move while introducing new ideas of expression to the artform.

San Francisco's top rare groove mom & pop record shop Groove Merchant turned 20 in late 2010, so let's celebrate with this mix of soul and funk gems by DJ Matthew Africa! Groove Merchant have been putting in work since 1989 and are known world wide as purveyors of good Funk, Soul, Rare Grooves, Latin, Library and Psych.

 In addition to this DJ set of Groove Merchant tunes, a 7″ box set complied by Cool Chris from Groove Merchant is available, for those of you who would like to celebrate by purchasing a special anniversary collector's edition of vinyl from the prestigious label. Pick that up here at their online store.






01. Darondo – Didn’t I
02. Arthur Verocai – Caboclo
03. Penny Goodwin – Too Soon You’re Old
04. Weldon Irvine – Turkish Bath
05. PI-R Square – Fantasy
06. Leon Spencer – Where I’m Coming From
07. Sons and Daughters of Lite – Darkuman Junction
08. Mike James Kirkland – Hang On In There
09. J.R. Bailey – Just Me ‘n You
10. Twilight – You Know It’s Me
11. The Mighty Ryeders – Lovely
12. Eugene Blacknell – We Know We Got to Live Together
13. Courtial – Losing You
14. HP Riot – I Have Changed
15. The Pharaohs – Freedom Road
16. Project Soul – Ebony
17. George Freeman – The Bump
18. The Vibrettes – Humpty Dump
19. Dee Edwards – Why Can’t There Be Love
20. The Organization – Smokey Feeling
21. Onyx – Break It Loose
22. Cal Tjader – Mambero
23. Har You Percussion Group – Welcome to the Party
24. Joe McPhee – Shakey Jake
25. Warm Excursion – Hung Up
26. Carl “Sherlock” Holmes – Black Bag
27. The Propositions – Bad Seed
28. Marva Josie – He Does It Better
29. Harry Whitaker – Black Renaissance
30. Sugar Pie DeSanto – Git Back
31. Linda Lyndell – What a Man
32. The Turner Bros. – Sweetest Thing in the World
33. Gary Bartz Ntu Troop – Celestial Blues
34. 24-Carat Black Food Stamps
35. Rufus Harley – Malik
36. Leroy & the Drivers – Sad Chicken
37. Robert Jay – Alcohol
38. Johnny Talbot & De Thangs – Pickin’ Cotton
39. Roy Porter : Party Time
40.Ricardo Marrero : Bablonia (Take Two)
41.Wisdom : Nefertiti
42. James Mason – Sweet Power Your Embrace
43. Burning Desire – Why She Had to Go
44. Rokk – Patience

AMG's Savant links with Chicago's Peerless Recordings to bring you the latest addition to his *Crash Course Leak Series, the heartwarming "Rely On Me". Sonically laced by Philadelphia's iIL MeeL
and the vocals of Dominique Larue & Dee Jackson, this song brings the value of family to light which exudes a warmth that is certain to stir the soul of the listener. I'm sure those of you who are parents will relate to the emotion of this song.

Purchase Here!

The latest single from Illvibe Collective's forthcoming full length album, "All Together Now" features an authentic Afro-beat style of production with touches of live instrumentation for a new, unique interpretation of Hip Hop music.

Of the few rare times I've heard Afro-beat used in Hip Hop, this sounds like one of the most inventive in it's ability to display the trademark rhythms and grooves of Africa, yet still provide the foundation for each MC to spit their lyrics in the sense of traditional Hip Hop.

This instrumental project digs into Jake's archives showing his progression as a producer ranging from simple to complex arrangements and ideas of music which vary in mood. Whether it's soul-based tracks like "High Notes", the mysterious sounds of "Down In New York City" or the hypnotic rhythm of "African Drums", Jake One tells a story with each creation while keeping your head moving.

The infamous team of Wu Tang and Mobb Deep reunite for what sounds like a return to that classic dark, cinematic street sound they defined so well during the mid 90's.  I'll be keeping this one on heavy rotation.



 Raekwon – Your World & My World f. Havoc 
bonus track included on the LP "Shaolin vs. Wu Tang"
iTunes | Amazon.com