Written by José James + Scott Jacoby
Remix by Oh No
@ohnothedisrupt
www.stonesthrow.com/ohno
@josejamesmusic
www.josejamesmusic.com
Check out more from J. Rawls' Liquid Crystal Project series here.
StryfeD embraces the power of street knowledge on "Shells", a song which not only depicts the act of gun spray but puts you right in the heat of the moment which occurs from the use of a firearm . ILLingsworth provides heat on the boards for a track which matches the intensity of StryfeD's visuals.
With great stage presence and chemistry Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth return for a 2004 U.K. performance, commanding an enthusiastic crowd with classic after classic. After years in the game, these guys still give a show which will entertain even the die-hard fan from the variety of surprises included. The beat changes and crowd participation keep the performance flowing with excitement through the entire set. This is a definition of classic in the form of a Hip Hop duo.
"Graduate Studies" is set for release on November 10th through the French label Ascetic Music and is a precursor to Blastah's debut producer album entitled 'Ph. D in Beatmaking' which will be released in Spring of 2011. Check out the sounds of this emerging producer who has caught the ear and cosign from a notable crop of established MCs.
The prolific and soulful Slakah The Beatchild returns with "Beat Tape vol.5ive", a project which he describes as "fun loving soulmatic joints for your listening pleasure". I would agree with that description, Slakah shows his musical ability in the form neck-snapping instrumental with beautifully layered samples and touches of live instrumentation.
If you would like to purchase a high quality version of a beat for your project, email him at beatchildmusic.beats@gmail.com.
In covering this very original style of Jazz, Black Cherry show one of their main influences and the qualities which make them original as an experimental band. These talented musicians from Brazil bring a high standard of Jazz, Funk and Rock fusion which rival the work of pioneers within the genre.
Here more of Black Cherry at soundcloud.com/blackcherryjazz
released 01 January 2011
Patrick Butler - Guitar
Damien Smith - 2nd Guitar, Tracks 1-4
Joshua Harris - Bass Clarinet
Tom Salyers - Keyboards
Austin Nicholsen - Contrabass
Andre Allen - Drums
Julio Muniz - Congas, Percussion
Written and produced by Patrick Butler.
Listen to more snippets at Amazon, iTunes or Undergroundhiphop.com
The second disc of "Raw Forever" features the original/studio versions of Cormega's best songs.
Not a bad way for a Queensbridge resident turned successful independent MC to encapsulate years of great music releases, this project should inspire others to create songs which are lasting works of art in 2011 and beyond.
Enjoy the audio stream above and learn more about the project/fundraiser directly from Jack here.
Pro Tools users can expect a lot more features included in version 10 besides the inclusion of SoundCloud. In 10, updates include real-time fades, ADC, Clip Gain, the support of multiple file formats within one session and higher resolution sound with more headroom. Gain access to over 75 plug-ins, including the new Channel Strip for your audio production. Find out more about the new features in Pro Tools 10 here. “As someone who has worked extensively with Pro Tools, it’s also a personal achievement to see SoundCloud integrated so well with the latest version of the leading audio production software.” says Alexander Ljung, founder and CEO of SoundCloud.
Good news if you are already a proud member of the Soundcloud community! SoundCloud and Avid have teamed up for a special giveaway and are giving away a copy of Pro Tools 10 to a member of SoundCloud who can give their own explaination of how sharing to SoundCloud from Pro Tools will help to improve your music production work flow. Share your recorded explanation with SoundCloud.com/pro-tools-contest.
http://soundcloud.com/apps/protools
If you are not a New York or Cali resident, these recordings may have been hard to come by, until now. Download and enjoy!
PLAYLIST
4,3,2,1 Intro - DJ DooWop & DJ Tony Touch
4,3,2,1 - Joell Ortiz
Dilated Peoples (WKCR 1999)
The Lox 2001 (Hot 97 Funk Flex)
NYU Freestyle (95)- Natural Elements
Apathy (Halftime 10 Year)
Lord Kid Wizard Rakim & Super B (Rakim & Biz Markie) - Wyandanch High School Jam 1985
Kool G Rap 1989 (In Control Rap Show)
Big L 95 (Hot97 TF5 MC Show)
Rasheed Chappell X Blacastan X Wais P X Soul Khan (HalfTime 13)
Canibus Freestyle (DJ Clue 98)
Boot Camp Clik (Funk Flex Vol. 2)
Mobb Deep Freestyle (DJ Clue 97)
Armageddon X Blacastan X Maffew Ragazino Sr. X Soul Khan (HalfTime 13)
A Butta Freestyle (WNYU 95)
Souls Of Mischief X Kurious (WKCR 93)
Madd Skillz X Q-Tip (WKCR 94)
Eminem X Royce 5'9 (WNYU 98)
www.cremedelacrack.com
Check out this hour-long performance by The Microphone Fiend who kills it with his timeless catalog of rhymes live from Ireland, courtesy of music promoter ChoiceCuts.
The full length video of "Make Your Move" drops October 24th.
Lonnie Liston Smith and George Duke are known for a Jazz sound which is heavenly and inspires the feeling of summertime relaxation. RichBrand evokes these emotions through his instrumental tribute "Summer Dusk", a modern twist on the fusion sound pioneered in the 70's by his two influences on the labels Flying Dutchman and MPS Records.
One of New Jersey most important Hip Hop producers Nick Wiz returns with another batch of unreleased gems from the 90's on "Cellar Sounds", a 2CD trilogy which features some of the underground's finest rhyming over Nick's signature sounds. Nick's studio 'The Cellar' is responsible for a sound which helped define independent tri-state area Hip Hop through a unique combination of filtered samples, echoing horns, thick SP- 1200 drums and outstanding bass-lines.
The 2CD, 43 track project includes the bulk of Nick's archives from the 'Underground Airplay' tapes, unreleased remixes, and demo versions of songs from a host of talented lyricists from the tri-state area. Cellar Sounds Volume 3 is an overview of early Nick Wiz production from 1992 when he first began up until 1998 when he was a more sought-after and experienced producer.
Read more details about this project here at
Enjoy a VHS rip of this classic performance for your iPod or iPhone: Phife, Q-Tip, Jarobi rocking an amped crowd in 1991 with "Can I Kick It". I think Tribe re-defined the way we nod our heads to the beat of Hip Hop on this one with a simple guitar and drum loop.
On the full length album "Promonition", Cookoobabee offer a diverse package of music as they take inspiration and experiment with a number of styles which revolve around the soulful, from the Donny Hathaway, Marvin Gaye to the electro funk of Parliament.
This Rhodes is known as the tool of choice for a much-loved fusion sound of the 70's and has transcended over the years to maintain a lasting impression within modern music. Wax Poetics takes a look at a variety of these type of Jazz recordings by offering a mix of songs for your listening enjoyment from great albums which utilize the classic Fender Rhodes electric piano.
Download the playlist snippets here (m3u file)
1. Together in Paris
Marco Di Marco Chris Woods Sextet
2. Rhode Trip
Slide Five
3. The Genie - Themes and Variations from the TV series "Taxi"
Bob James
4. At the Living Room
Marco Di Marco Trio
5. Funkia
Michael Longo
6. 900 Shares of the Blues
Mike Longo
7. Jazz Video
The Swingers
8. Shirts and Skins
The Mackrosoft
9. Upgrade
The Mackrosoft
10. Antonio's Giraffe
The Mackrosoft
11. Peoples Market
Misled Children
12. One
Bob James
13. Two
Bob James
14. Three
Bob James
15. BJ4
Bob James
16. Thrust
McNeal & Niles
17. Yaina
Pucho & His Latin Soul Brothers
18. Angles Without Edges
Yesterday's New Quintet
19. Simba
O'Donel Levy
20. Sweet Sister Funk
Ramon Morris
21. Ao Vivo No Rio
Eumir Deodato Trio
22. White Heat
Barry Miles
23. Lialeh: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
Bernard Purdie
Beatnick & K-Salaam are bringing a new standard to the Hip Hop remix in 2011 and beyond with their musical talent on "S.T.O.R.Y." (Stories Told Over Remix Years), an impressive collection of remixes for some of Common's most well known songs. The New York based production duo bring a combination of thumping rhythms and wonderful musical vibes to the table, providing soulful melodies which compliment Common's writing as original compositions that tell a whole new story apart from the original songs. My personal favorites are the remixes of "Resurrection" and "The Light". Common has embraced a notably wide variety of production sound to go with his lyrics, "S.T.O.R.Y." takes his vocals and gives even more range to his approach on the microphone.
soundcloud.com/beatnickandksalaam
"Street Lights" from the "Black Cocaine" mixtape shows the Mobb are unparalleled in their ability for expressing dark emotion in songwriting based on a view of the ghetto. This it's you're typical song about the streets, this moody piano-laced tale is designed to leave you feeling the darkness and depression of the streets from the cinematic writing of Havoc and Prodigy.
On his second LP "Wrath Of The Math", Jeru The Damaja returned more determined than ever to use his voice as a weapon to cut through the illusions of society and enlighten people to the truth with sharp rhymes. Backed by the hard-hitting production of DJ Premier who blessed the boards with his unique creativity, "Wrath" burned throughout the underground airwaves in the Gangstarr Foundation tradition of presenting an intellectual Hip Hop rebel. Jeru represented Hip Hop in it's dirty form, through a dark, threatening style of sound and persona which also carried messages of positivity. "Wrath" served as a rebellious alternative to a growing commercial industry of Hip Hop which by large began to focus more and more on escapism from the reality of life through media. As reality became clouded by escapism in the tradition of mass media and Hip Hop, Jeru returned with DJ Premier to help bring back a balance.
"Wrath" has it's own moments of escapism, but reaches it through the tradition of showcasing skills through beats and rhymes. "Black Cowboys", "Whatever" and "Physical Stamina" are a few example of classic Jeru and Premier as a display of skills which compliment each other for a style of Hip Hop which is undeniable. Songs like "One Day", "The Frustrated Nigga" and "Scientifical Madness" not only bang with sounds which are undeniably dope and groundbreaking, but display the voice of an MC who is uninfluenced by industry illusions, one who speaks messages of truth, self-awareness and the need for change. The wrath of Jeru was definitely felt by the time the LP was finished as he tore through the weak-minded, fake and materialistic leeches of society in between representing skills as an MC should.
To celebrate the 15th anniversary of "Wrath Of The Math", here is a recording of Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito's b-side radio show. On this episode, Jeru and Premier stop by the studio for an interview and premier songs from the LP. This is a great moment in time as one legendary duo meets another for a casual discussion of Hip Hop.
Stretch Armstrong & Bobbito 1996 B Side #2 (Jeru & Premier)
The great thing about music is that so much of it exist that Hip Hop will have an infinite arsenal of beats and breaks to surprise your ears with, when spun by dedicated DJs and crate diggers. The Funkyman Lord Finesse digs deep to present a mix of obscure breaks unlike that which you may have heard before, if you've been fortunate to even hear one of Finesse's great breakbeat mixes. These breaks include familiar samples used in today's Hip Hop as well as those which have yet to be touched.
Listen to more snippets of this forthcoming project at soundcloud.com/slice-of-spice
The lead single off his album "Land Of Synth" features the socially conscious and determined approach of Aquil as he introduces himself and gives his view on the world around him. It seems he has a lot on his mind about life and manages to project many images within a short track time for a overall message and groove which is memorable. Astronote provides raw sounds on the board in his simple approach of using a dirty drum break, horns and some touches of synths to give the track a traditional Hip Hop feel. Be on the look out for more from this Philadelphia MC who has already worked with the likes of 9th Wonder and Kuddie Fresh.
This very nice tribute to the late pioneer of Soul Isaac Hayes is an original composition by Cape Town, South African musician Tim Hoare. "Song For Mr Hayes" features mellow grooves of modern Jazz sound by Tim and his players who provide beautiful Hayes-inspired solo performances on the organ and guitar. Tim Hoare's take on the Soul of Isaac Hayes is a very smooth interpretation of the raw sound pioneered by the late Stax musician.
Enjoy Greg Nice and Smooth B puttin' it down for a live studio audience at the Uptown Comedy Club, Greg is known for getting a crowd hyped 'til this day as you'll see he does in this video. One thing I remember about their 1992 album "Ain't A Damn Thing Changed" was their unique ability to bring together common moments of life into song with simplicity and an overall feeling of depth which left a lasting impression. "Sometimes I Rhyme Slow" gets the crowd moving with a soulful groove, memorable lyrics, social commentary and inspirational messages all in one entertaining package.
The daily responsibilities of work and survival that lie before us as adults is one of the most thought-provoking moments of life which evoke many feelings of goal chasing, anxiety and anticipation. On "Workin'" Oddisee collaborates with DJ Center to express thoughts from the everyday, working class individual. If you didn't realize the unique style and mic presence of Oddisee before and thought of him as more of a producer, this track should enlighten you as he brings thoughts most can relate to.
As part of a series of Red Bull-sponsored shows, Black Moon & Big Daddy Kane performed their albums at Southpaw in Brooklyn New York 9/29/11. Check out the footage of these Brooklyn Hip Hop legends.
Legendary and Grammy nominated performers Marcus Miller, Ndugu Chancler, Clarence McDonald, Lee Ritenour and Kenny G. & Everette Harp gather to perform the classic Jazz tune "Watermelon Man" to benefit the earthquake victims of Japan, live from Capitol Studios in Hollywood, California. Head over to the Jazz for Japan soundcloud page to stream more performances from their benefit event, and purchase the full-length album here at iTunes which features even more top-notch musicians who give it their best.
There's some wild stuff going on in the video but one things for sure, these dudes can rhyme and definitely put a nice posse cut together that'll have you wanting more & MORE.
YC the Cynic's album "Fall FWD" is now available for listening at his bandcamp page, featuring Homeboy Sandman, Wordspit, C-Rayz Walz and others.
Freddie Joachim has a way of providing mellow, jazzy vibes in his music which hit the soul and get the head to nod. On his "Misc. Remixes" project, Freddie shows his range in matching his unique sound to classic Hip Hop and R&B vocals as an up and coming producer to watch for. This is a project which shows the relation between the two musical genres, since the vibe of each instrumental carries a similar mood and style although each are unique in telling it's own story.
Finders Keepers Records is a one-of-a-kind label located in the U.K. known for upholding a lost genre of music through their re-releases of obscure European sounds of the 70's. Listen to this podcast to get an overview of their catalog as they take you on a journey through unorthodox sounds of Euro cinema, Library music, Funk and Jazz fusion. Unfortunately no tracklisting was posted for this mix, but with or without one each song is pretty memorable if your a fan of this style of music.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to the talented writing mind and musical presentation of Rasheed Chappell. On "Stay Sharp" Rasheed displays his edge as someone who stays intellectually and lyrically sharp as well as showing fellas how to remain sharp in physical appearance as he takes you through a regular day in the hood.
Listen to and pick up "Future Before Nostalgia" here if you haven't already, this video is just a taste of the good Hip Hop music he has to offer.
Photography courtesy of Harlem Stage
The blog "Funk It" has scored the soundboard recording for an unprecedented union of 3 great artists for one hour long performance: Roy Ayers, Pete Rock & The Robert Glasper Experiment – Live @ North Sea Jazz Festival 2011. I'd personally like to hear these artists do a full-length album together for the amount of quality music they offer individually and as a group. Enjoy the audio from this one-of-a-kind musical event.
01. unknown instrumental
Roy Ayers enters:
02. Everybody Loves The Sunshine
Pete Rock enters:
03. Don’t Stop The Feeling
04. We Live in Brooklyn, Baby
05. Pete Rock spins records
06. Don’t Stop The Feeling
Roy Ayers – vocals, vibraphone
Pete Rock – DJ
John Pressley – vocals & percussion
Raeford Gaskins – saxophone
Robert Glasper – piano
Derrick Hodge – bass
Chris Dave – drums
Casey Benjamin – saxophone & vocoder keytar
68 minutes long, mp3 format, sourced from the North Sea Jazz Festival web video stream.
Common's come a long way since the jazz-influenced Hip Hop sounds of "Can I Borrow A Dollar" & "Resurrection". In this interview with HardKnockTV Common breaks down his current paths of life which seem to offer him a lot more creative freedom and happiness. I'd say this interview and looking back upon Common's whole career says that hard work, belief in what you can potentially accomplish and taking chances can eventually lead to good things.
"Dreamer, The Believer" by Common arrives November 22, produced by NO I.D.
Celph Titled & Buckwild are back with a generous offering of Hip Hop for the supporters of their acclaimed project "Ninety Ninety Now". On "Ninety Ninety More" the duo present bonus songs that serves to satisfy the appetite of 90's heads everywhere again, including 4 unreleased songs from the original Ninety Now recording sessions which include guest appearances from Cella Dwellas, Outerspace (AOTP), Laws (J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League), Kwest (formerly Kwest Tha Madd Lad) and Lord Digga (Bluez Brothers/Masta Ace Inc). Also included are the 3 previously vinyl-only cuts "The Celph Titled Show", "Nothin' To Say (feat. Rise)" and "There Will Be Blood [Remix] (feat. DITC and Brand Nubian)".
Click to listen to all snippets at UGHH.com
Click to purchase "Ninety Ninety More" at
Brandon's got skills and a youthful determination on the mic, showing abilities which are rare for his age. "DRAMAppeal" is from Brandon's free project "Preview: Domino Jones" available now at his bandcamp page.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
