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Collectors Item - Music, Art and Life: December 2023
In '94, Wu-Tang Clan Catch Wreck On The Mic At KZSU's The Drum Show

 


There's no shortage of early Wu-Tang mic moments due to their consistent grind as indie artists during their breakthrough. Hear the hunger of this legendary group as they bless the mic during a visit to The Drum Show radio. This tape comes courtesy of Kurlee Daddee who has plenty of classic Hip Hop radio moments in the stash. Curtis Illustration reimagines the Wu-Tang logo using a combination of design and color that conveys the darkness, aggression and Asian historic influence of the group.
 

Around The Web In Breakbeats Vol. 57: Pocket Change 2: Mad Currency


There's more than enough rhythm here to keep your behind moving as we enter another volume of Around The Web In Breakbeats. This 57th chapter features a whole album of drum breaks performed by Nate Smith, along with a collection of emerging bands and vets. From mellow Jazz Fusion and Library groove to Funk and Soul, the diversity of rhythm drives this collection of attractive tunes. If you're looking for an experience like none other of drummers in the pocket, this is it! So kick back and one out to a compilation that not only packs a punch, but takes your mind to various places.
  
"Pocket Change 2: Mad Currency," by Drummer Nate Smith

Explore the rhythmic genius of Nate Smith with "Pocket Change 2: Mad Currency," a cutting-edge album and drum loop pack tailored for music producers and songwriters. Uncover a world of unparalleled beats, meticulously designed to breathe life into your compositions. This pack not only offers an exclusive insight into Nate Smith's signature style but also provides an invaluable resource for producers who seek and use drum break sounds and loops in their productions.

The drum loops in "Mad Currency" are a testament to precision, presented in crystal-clear 24-bit 48 kHz resolution for an audio quality that sets new standards. Whether you're navigating Logic, Ableton, Pro Tools, or an Akai MPC, the versatility of these loops ensures effortless integration into any DAW or sampler. As an added bonus, the pack includes full-length album tracks, expanding your creative possibilities and offering a comprehensive library of Nate Smith's extraordinary drumming.


For music producers who rely on drum breaks to infuse character and punch into their tracks, "Pocket Change 2: Mad Currency" is a must-hear. The infectious grooves and rhythmic mastery showcased in this pack provide a rich palette for crafting compelling compositions. Elevate your music production experience, draw inspiration from Nate Smith's unparalleled talent, and propel your creativity to new heights with "Pocket Change 2: Mad Currency." Your next hit awaits, fueled by the extraordinary beats of Nate Smith. 

The God 720 Keenan Booker Rocks The Mic & Teaches Medieval European History to Professor Griff


In a serious moment of Hip Hop, conscious lyricist and Dark Age historian Keenan Booker uses beats and rhymes to deal with the American justice system. This is edutainment like none other of this time from a mind who carries the torch of Afrocentric and historically-driven MCs. "Jack Diamond" is rich with knowledge and social awareness as Keenan takes on a journey from an arrest to the courts. 

Below, Keenan introduces himself and his research work on the Medieval/Dark Age period of Europe as he kicks it with Public Enemy's Professor Griff. As these sharp minds interact, witness an in-depth look into a unique period of world history.
 

Muhammad Ali's 1980 Funk Collaboration With The Variations, Now Streaming


Get on up as one of the greatest to ever step in the boxing ring intices you to move and groove to the rhythm. "The People's Champ Featuring Muhammad Ali" by The Variations gives new meaning to a boxer's movement as Ali steps from the ring and onto the dancefloor. This infectious blend of Funk, Disco and Soul is made for you to get down and party. So hit play and enjoy an obscure project inspired by one of the most outstanding personalities in sports history.

Connie Price & The Keystones' Psych Funk & Soul Gem "Wildflowers" Receives An Expanded Reissue


"Superjock Records is proud to present the 20th Anniversary Expanded Edition of Connie Price & The Keystones’ cinematic Psychedelic masterpiece “Wildflowers” for the first time on vinyl! Originally released in 2004 on Now-Again Records, the Expanded Edition features B-sides, EP cuts and rarities from the vault. Masterminded by producer/composer/multi-instrumentalist Dan Ubick, the album also features members of Breakestra, Orgone, Poets of Rhythm, L.A. Carnival, Funk Inc., Dap Kings and The Heliocentrics! "

Stream The Instrumental Version of "Jewelz" by O.C.


O.C. keeps the generosity going over at his Bandcamp page with the release of a long-awaited gem. This is one of those albums that remind me of my best days of visiting Fat Beats record store in NYC. Also, the FM radio airwaves were on fire in the city with the Hip Hop of D.I.T.C and Premier in '97. The fine balance between aggressive and soulful sounds that O.C. demonstrates on "Jewelz" in a way reflects some of the Hip Hop music spectrum of this time. It was a time when even the roughest gun-packing rapper could feel free to make people feel good. Sit back and enjoy the head-nod of a well-rounded album that still shines like a precious gem.

DJ Format Presents The Fab 4 From A Hip Hop Perspective on "The Beatles Songbook"


"Weaponize Records' Mixtape Series kicks off with 65 minutes of sheer brilliance from the legendary DJ Format. Never deviating far from his trademark funky, B-boy style, Format takes the listener on a boundary-crossing magical mystery tour celebrating the Fab Four through obscure covers built up after years of obsessive digging, and all over pyscadelic breaks, beats and samples. This exclusive and very limited CD is available in United Kingdom* only through Big Cartel site and will never be found on DSPs." 

Come And Stick Your Head In To The Funky Jazz of Spontaneous Combustion


For carefree instrumental grooving with an edge in the vein of John Klemmer or Stark Reality, Spontaneous Combustion cook up something funky that's bound to have you stickin your head in. You're invited to a fusion affair like none other as this band blow up with a blend of Jazz, Funk and Psych. Exciting moments of improvisation, boundless experimentation and soulful melodies dominate this obscure '69 release from Flying Dutchman Records. Bear witness to a band who not only drop a memorable album, they also give Beatnuts affiliate and Missin Linx member Black Attack the sound for "My Crown."

 

Positive K Reflects On Being Involved In Numerous Hip Hop Classics & Performs At A Haunted House In '93


The gentleman, the rapper otherwise known as Positive K proves he has the skills to pay the bills in an interview with the National Hip Hop Museum. In this 2023 sit-down, Pos K tells stories of being connected to numerous Hip Hop classic albums and moments. From living with Hip Hop legends and working on Mobb Deep's debut for 4th & Broadway to hearing Puba's first demo, The Positive has one hell of a story to tell! Press play and you're bound to crack a smile as this elite lyricist and exec gives his insight on classic albums you have loved since the 90's.

Above, Dracula aka Bill Bellamy introduces Positive K on a '93 episode of Club MTV. Positive joins his DJ and some lovely ladies for an excellent live remix performance of "Carhoppers". 
 

De La Soul Perform Live in '89, Drop A 2023 Box Set Reissue of "3 Feet High And Rising"

 


Let the daisy age begin as the soulful Hip Hop trio of Plug One, Plug Two and Mase drop a certified collectors item for Record Store Day. This special boxset release of De La Soul’s 3 Feet High and Rising includes twelve 7” custom singles pressed on splatter vinyl and housed in custom sleeves, housed in a box that includes a 7” pinup and a double-sided 7” slipmat, and is available first at record stores as part of RSD Black Friday. " This reissue of De La's debut also is expanded with a few bonus songs.

Below, De La Soul demonstrate the element of fun in Hip Hop as they rock the stage in Finland for the year of '89. This set includes live remixes for some of the songs on their classic debut.

The 2023 boxset release of De La Soul’s 3 Feet High and Rising now available here at eBay.

Mobb Deep Interview & Freestyle During Their Promo Run of "Infamy"


Revisit The Mobb at their most infamous as they visit Hot 97 and WNYU radio during the promo run for their 5th album. Havoc and Prodigy bring "Infamy" to the New York City airwaves in these two recordings made straight from my tape deck. One is a chat with Angie Martinez and the other Capital P takes a moment to rhyme over one of M.O.P.'s most infamous beats.

The 20th Anniversary 2xLP colored vinyl reissue of "Infamy" now available here at eBay.
 

Jazz-Funk Takes A Mysterious Twist on Sean Wolcott's "Violent Hand of the Sleeping City"


"Violent Hand of the Sleeping City," the latest library album from composer, producer, and engineer Sean Wolcott, delivers an intensely captivating and fresh take on the iconic 1970s crime film score. With mutated jazz, hard-driving beats, frenetic funk, and unhinged, atmospheric undertones, occultic sinisterness lurks at the edges of its sixteen diverse compositions. With unyielding force, its sonic journey ventures Wolcott into exciting uncharted territories, delivering a raw and unapologetic experience that pushes the musical boundaries of the crime film forward, climaxing with one of the most epic ballads to hit the imaginary screen in some time."

Nichol Thomson & Shawn Lee Let The Horns Blow on "Just The Three Of Us"


Sharp horns and a laid-back groove demonstrate the mutual love Nichol Thomson & Shawn Lee have for music on "Just The Three Of Us". This sophisticated sound of Soul is bound to make you reminisce on greats such as George Duke, CTI Records, The Brecker Brothers, Seawind, Quincy Jones and The Crusaders. Press play and embark on a trip to paradise with a hypnotic arrangement that's bound to make you imagine the good life. This is one of those songs that's so smooth you can close your eyes and imagine yourself taking flight.

 

MC Jack Frost Offers The Prescription To Make Your Head Nod on "The House That Jack Built"


This obscure 12" is early 90's criminal-minded rapping at its finest as Jack Frost slangs dope like there's no tomorrow. Experience the drama of street life portrayed over a funky beat as "The House That Jack Built" gets your head nodding like a street pharmacist. During a time where the streets were as serious as cancer, Jack brings a light-hearted view of it all on this fun song.

In '89, Hip Hop Trio The W.I.S.E. Guyz Get "FUNKE"

 

Hip Hop gives new meaning to being a wise guy with the intellectual and funke raps of Atlantic Records trio The W.I.S.E. Guyz. Press play and let the sound boom bash you as these intelligent brothas catch wreck on their debut. With their foundation rooted in African identity, high-paced rhythms and outstanding rhyme flows, these guyz provide something to remember in The Golden Era.

Now available on LP, CD and cassette here at Amazon.

 
 

For The Dancefloor, Sebb Junior, Muhsinah, Trian Kayhatu & Kaidi Tatham Offer Something Special


I mentioned on Twitter that Darien Brockington should do a whole album with UK producer Kaidi Tatham. The outstanding vibe of "Special" is more proof to me that Kaidi should produce a full project for someone out of the +FE camp. 

Muhsinah's knack to convey love in song combined with the upbeat groove of Kaidi is something that's sure to resonate within your heart. So press play and enjoy a moment in music that is nothing less than Special. Below, Kaidi Kat lends his electrifying rhythm to Trian Kayhatu's "Act III".


RZA Introduces Wu-Tang Clan & The "C.R.E.A.M." Acronym In '91


In a radio interview with DJ Mecca, Prince Rakeem becomes The RZA and gets prepared to release a major force of Hip Hop upon the world. Check out the wisdom of the Wu-Tang Clan leader as he shares his philosophy behind slang, The Wu-Tang Clan and more. 

Show Some Love To Your Speaker With Beats by Mitchell Lee Fuller, aka luv jonez

In the vein of new wave Hip Hop producers who go out of their way to sound design and arrange in an interesting way, luv jonez delivers the right combination of sonics to make your head nod. On a random search of songs by Life's A Bitch rapper AZ, I stumbled across these SoundCloud-recommended gems. I can definitely imagine A rhyming on these, as well as other elite Hip Hop lyricists. Check out a few tracks and head over to his SoundCloud for many more.