Thursday Site Updates
Updates for Thursday April 17th, 2008.
* 8 New Videos Uploaded! Visions from: 6th Sense, The Roots, Planet Asia, Atmosphere, Wu-Tang, and more!
* ArtofRhyme interview w/ Slug.
* 1 Free New Download! D-Sisive presents The Idiot: Hijacked. Can the Canadian producer make something that both hip hop/punk rock fans will dig?
Black Milk Set to Release New Album This Year
According to a recent bulleting, Detroit producer MC Black Milk will release another album in 2008.
The album is believed to be called "Tronic"
and is rumored to have a futuristic/electronic vibe throughout.
In the bulletin Black Milk comments on the album saying, "that left field, outer space, futuristic shit is coming....hope your minds are open enough for it..."
Immortal Technique's Album Almost Ready to Go
In his most recent Myspace blog, Immortal Technique states:
The 3rd World project is on the verge of completion. Mixes are being done and the project moves forward as myself and Green Lantern prepare for different things. I have also participated in being on an upcoming mixtape for one of the greatest video games in the world. lol Anyway, I am going down to familiar territory over in Baltimore to rock at Towson University where I will be Accompanying The Roots."
Rza Opens Wu-Tang Chess Community
RZA, a long-time chess aficionado and advocate, will partner up with ChessPark.com to launch WuChess.com, an online community geared towards chess playing and hip-hop culture.
The website will allow players to face each other in live play and interact in text messaging and live chat. Members will be able to challenge others around the world, including RZA himself. There is no official launch date for the site but the first 500 members to sign up will be given the status of founder as well as regular updates on the sites progress.
Tuesday Site Updates
Updates for Tuesday April 15th, 2008.
* 17 New Songs Uploaded! Listen to tracks from: Crooked I, The Cool Kids, Termanology, The Regiment, Bishop Lamont (produced by Dr. Dre), Nappy Roots, and more!
* 1 New Free Download: Decay "Unlikely Villain"-- see what this Molemen affiliate has to offer before he drops his debut release this month!
Termanology Debut Draped in Top Notch Production
Massachusetts-bred, New York-based rapper Termanology is putting the finishing touches on his official debut album Politics As Usual. One of this year's most anticipated albums, it drops Fall 2008 through a joint venture between Terms own ST. Records and indy powerhouse Nature Sounds.
The record also features a who's who of production royalty, with DJ Premier, Hi-Tek, Pete Rock, The Alchemist, Havoc, Buckwild, Nottz and Large Professor providing tracks.
"Termanology puts the MC back in MC'ing, he's a breath of fresh air in this dirty game."
- Bun B
Growing up in the streets of the post-industrial, predominantly Latino city of Lawrence, MA, the half-white, half-Puerto Rican MC transitioned from silly freestyles at age nine to full-fledged records by 15. Constantly traveling between Boston and New York to pursue his music business dream, he released his first 12-inch in 2002. Through his alliance with influential mixtape DJ (and fellow Massachusetts native) Statik Selektah, Term began earning the respect of Boston's hip-hop scene with several highly acclaimed 12" singles.
At the onset of 2006, Term caught his big break when legendary producer DJ Premier, whom he met three years earlier, finally blessed him with one of his signature, scratch-laden beats. "Watch How It Go Down" instantly became an underground classic and Termanology appeared on hip-hop's international radar. The conscious hood anthem garnered the earnest MC tons of praise, landing him in The Source's "Unsigned Hype" and XXL's "Show and Prove" columns.
Since then, Termanology has quickly climbed the industry ranks with his Hood Politics mixtape series and continued collaborations with DJ Premier and other big name producers. Term's hard work resulted in a joint venture deal with EMI-distributed label Nature Sounds, which he signed in late 2007. "I decided to go the indy route to have total control of everything related to my project," Term explains.
"Term has a unique desire for the culture because he touches the issues that i can relate to as a TRUE HIP-HOP HEAD..his flows are nice, and he stays creative with his subject matter...he even speaks for me and not every new MC comin' up can do that."
- DJ Premier
Nature Sounds is quickly becoming the indy home for classic hip hop. During the last couple of years the label has released projects by several artists that include hip hop cult icon MF DOOM, Wu-Tang's Masta Killa (Made In Brooklyn), the debut album from Havoc of Mobb Deep (The Kush), most recently, Pete Rock's latest (NY's Finest).
Monday Site Updates
Updates for Monday April 14th, 2008.
* New Album Review: LMNO and Kev Brown's "Selective Hearing" -- Check out what RM London has to say about this new producer/MC collabo.
* 2 New Interviews! RM London sits down with Lex Starwind and SP chats with Montreal's own Malicious!
* 13 New Videos for you to peep! Visions from: El-P, Lyrics Born, Living Legends/The Grouch, Lupe Fiasco, Big Quarters, Moka Only, and more!!!
Look out for an Audio Update + Free Downloads tomorrow!
Upcoming Fresh Rhymes + Videotape Tour w/ Dilated Peoples, Aceyalone, and The Alchemist!
Upcoming 19-date tour featuring Dilated Peoples, Aceyalone, The Alchemist and Decon Medias newest artist, 88-Keys. more info
Mon-Jun-02, Seattle @ Neumos, $20
Tue-Jun-03, Portland @ Berbatis, $20
Thur-Jun-05, Anaheim @ HOB, $22.50
Fri-Jun-06, Tempe @ Marquee, $20
Sun-Jun-08, Dallas @ HOB Cambridge, $22.50
Mon-Jun-09, Austin @ Emos, $13
Wed-Jun-11, Atlanta @ Centerstage Loft, $21
Fri-Jun-13, NYC @ Fillmore at Irving Plaza, $20
Sat-Jun-14, DC @ Club 5, $20
Sun-Jun-15, Philadephia @ Fillmore at TLA, $20
Tue-Jun-17, Burlington @ Higher Ground, $20
Wed-Jun-18, Baltimore @ Rams Head Live, $16
Fri-Jun-20, Chicago @ Double Door, $22
Sat-Jun-21, Detroit @ St. Andrews Hall, $18.50
Mon-Jun-23, Boulder @ Fox Theatre, $20
Tue-Jun-24, Aspen @ Belly Up, $28
Thur-Jun-26, San Francisco @ Mezzanine, $20
Fri-Jun-27, Los Angeles @ HOB, $22.50
Sun-Jun-29, San Diego @ Belly Up, $23
When Life Gives You Moldy Lemons?
Seems that Slug + Ant have some new ideas on how to grab the press' attention. Check this article from PASTE Magazine that gives all the details.
http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/ctrl-v/view/when_life_sends_you_moldy_lemons/
RZA Digi Snax Tour Dates
RZA will be taking the Boddy Digital show on the road in celebration of his new release Digi Snax (7/1/08 on Koch). I can't believe it's been ten years since the first BD album came out. Dates below.
6/10/08 Houston TX Warehouse Live
6/11/08 Austin TX Emos
6/12/08 Dallas TX Palladium Ballroom
6/14/08 Denver CO Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
6/15/08 Salt Lake City UT Urban Lounge
6/17/08 Tucson AZ Rialto Theater
6/18/08 Phoenix AZ The Brickhouse Theater
6/20/08 Los Angeles CA Henry Fonda Theater
6/21/08 San Francisco CA 1015
6/23/08 Portland OR Hawthorne Theater
6/24/08 Seattle WA Showbox at the Market
6/25/08 Vancouver BC Richards On Richards
6/27/08 Calgary AB Sled Island Music Festival
6/30/08 Minneapolis MN First Avenue
7/1/08 Chicago IL House Of Blues
7/2/08 Pontiac MI Crofoot Ballroom
7/4/08 Ottawa ON New Capital Music Hall
7/5/08 New York NY Webster Hall
7/7/08 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero
7/8/08 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
Wednesday Site Updates
Updates for Monday April 9th, 2008.
* New Album Review: AZ's "Undeniable" -- Matt Kelly dives into AZ's new record and tells us if AZ has put himself on the map yet.
* 15 New Audio Tracks!! New Music From: Ras Kass, Termanology, iCON the Mic King, The Grouch, Living Legends, J-Live, Hezekiah, and a nice slice of Rawkus 50 hotness from Scanz, Red Clay, and Custom Made. You don't want to sleep on this audio update!!
* 3 New Videos from: Atmosphere, Blueprint, and Reks!
New Qwel Album Coming This June (Promo MP3 Inside!)
Qwel and Kip Killagain have a new album slated for release June 10th on Galapagos4. This promo includes some tracks that are just beats but, for the release, you can expect 14 tracks full of the robust lyrics Qwel is known for. No instrumentals and no skits.
http://www.galapagos4.com/sounds/NEWWINE/newwinepromomix.mp3
Props to Grandgood.com!!! Please visit them!
J-Live Set to Release New Album in May
J-Live is set to release his fourth full length Then What Happened May 27th on BBE. The album features production/appearances from DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Numark, Chali 2Na, Posdanous of De La Soul, Oddisee, Evil Dee of Da Beatminerz, Marco Polo, Cap D and more.
Track Listing:
1. One to 31
2. Be No Slave
3. The Upgrade (featuring Oddisee and Posdanous)
4. It Dont Stop
5. The Understanding
6. The Last Third
7. Ole (featuring Oddy Gato)
8. What You Holdin?
9. Ooweee
10. The Zone (featuring Chali 2na)
11. We Are!
12. Simmer Down
13. You Out There
Method Man's New Graphic Novel
Method Man has written a self-titled graphic novel with David Atchison and artist Sanford Greene.
According to Entertainment Weekly's Popwatch blog, the Method Man character is "mystical detective" Mosley Paine, who discovers a sea monster living in the sewers of "One Bad Ghetto, USA."
Method Man will be available on July 23rd from Grand Central Publishing.
Monday Site Updates
Updates for Monday April 7th, 2008.
* New Album Review: Little Vic's "Each Dawn I Die"
* New Article: According to an Anthropology Professor-- New York is not Hip Hop's Birthplace?! Read to find out more!
Marco Polo Nominated for Juno Award
After producing on albums from Pumpkinhead, Masta Ace and Sadat X, Canadian Hip Hop producer Marco Polo released Port Authority last year to strong critical praise. The album was released through Rawkus Records/Soulspazm, with the video-single being "Nostalgia."
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that the album was nominated in the "Best Rap Recording of 2008" category for a Juno Award. Other nominees include Belly and Brassmunk. Of the nomination, Marco Polo told HipHopDX late Friday, "Getting nominated for a Juno Award is an incredible honor for myself and my crew behind the making of Port Authority...being recognized amongst your home countries best is extremely humbling and encouraging, it would be a great thing for the Canadian Hip Hop scene for me to take home this award, regardless Im grateful just to be included."
Source: HipHopDx
New Killah Priest Album Coming This May
Killah Priest will be releasing a new album, "Behind The Stained Glass" May 20th on Good Hands/Proverb Records.
1. I Believe
2. 4 Tomorrow
3. A Crying Heart
4. Hood Nursery
5. Redemption ft. Jeni Fujita
6. Profits of Man ft. 60 Second Assassin
7. The World
8. Vintage (Things We Shared)
9. Looking Glass ft. Allah Sun
10. I Am
11. The Beloved (The Messenger)
12. Jeshurun ft. Victorious
13. Gods Time
14. Born 2 Die ft. Victorious
15. O Emmanuel (Zoom)
16. The End Is Coming (Bonus Track)
Friday Site Updates
Updates for Friday April 4th, 2008.
* New Album Review! Matt Kelly lets you know his thoughts on Guilty Simpson's new Ode to the Ghetto album.
* 24 new Audio tracks. New music from: Grip Grand, 2mex, Prince Po, Kidz in the Hall, Talib Kweli, I Self Divine, Cannibal Ox, Atmosphere, Novel, and More!
* 6 New Videos. Visuals from: The Roots, eMC, Mickey Factz, Krs-One, Quest Love, and Yak Ballz!
Don't forget our free download section. We have 2 free downloadable albums/mixtapes twice a week!
Pioneer Breakdancer, Frosty Freeze, passes away
Wayne Frost, a hip-hop pioneer known as Frosty Freeze whose acrobatic performance with the legendary Rock Steady Crew in the 1983 hit movie Flashdance set off a worldwide breakdancing craze, died Thursday. He was 44.
Frost died at Mount Sinai Medical Center after a long illness, said Jorge Fabel Pabon, senior vice president of the musical group where Frost made his name as a B-boy or breakdancer.
Frost was known for his original style, including acrobatic and fearless dance moves. He toured the world with the Rock Steady Crew and other hip-hop artists, including Fab 5 Freddy, Futura 2000 and Kool Lady Blue.
MySpace, Sony BMG, Warner, and Universal Join in New MySpace Music Venture
"MYSPACE MUSIC" EMPOWERS ARTISTS AND CONSUMERS GLOBALLY WITH UNPRECEDENTED DIGITAL MUSIC SERVICE AND E-COMMERCE PLATFORM
New Company to Leverage 30 Million Unique MySpace Music Traffic to Activate Monetization Around Music Content
MySpace Music to Offer Digital Downloads, Ad-supported Audio and Video Streaming, Mobile Storefront and Sponsorship Solutions
LOS ANGELESApril 3, 2008MySpace, the world's biggest and most popular social network, and three of the world's largest music companies, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, Universal Music Group, and Warner Music Group (NYSE: WMG), today announced the formation of a landmark joint venture, MySpace Music. The new company marries the most popular music community in the world with the most comprehensive catalogue of music content available online, unveiling a host of new music services and monetization models. The financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed.
The product vision for MySpace Music is to build on the existing traffic, credibility, and popularity of the MySpace Music platform (http://www.music.myspace.com) by creating a fully integrated 360 degree global music solution. MySpace Music will feature the network's first integrated e-commerce solution and evolve the user's ability to discover, share, and socialize by adding commerce and music management tools. The new offering will seamlessly transform the MySpace Music experience into a groundbreaking mix of community, commerce, and discovery. The product will roll iteratively in the coming months.
The MySpace Music product will integrate new content and music capabilities across three primary areas: the MySpace Music home page, the site's more than 5 million artist profile pages, and individual user home pages, providing bands and fans multiple touch points to discover, share, and purchase music and merchandise in one place for the portable device of their choosing. MySpace Music empowers bands and fans with unprecedented digital music service and e-commerce platform within MySpace that will include DRM-free digital downloads, ad-supported audio and video streaming, a mobile storefront (powered by News Corporation's Jamba mobile company), as well as various sponsorship solutions.
For users, MySpace Music will have the richest music experience on the Web by enabling the site's global community to discover music and then download, stream and personalize music content. The personalized music management product will allow users to control their entire MySpace Music experience directly from their user page by creating playlists and having access to enhanced purchase opportunities and search functionality.
For the labels' artists, the formation of MySpace Music will offer them the opportunity to provide their fans with digital downloads as well as mobile ringtones, SMS, and artist wallpapers, all directly from their artist profiles. Additionally, artists will be able to evolve their MySpace experience beyond the promotional by now monetizing their full repository of content with a 360 degree solution including not only the sale of digital content, but also physical goods such as t-shirts and concert tickets.
Already one of the cultural cornerstones of MySpace, the new company is uniquely positioned to quickly launch its new music product with nearly 30 million unique monthly visitors for the Music channel and its more than 5 million artists. As the most popular music community in the world today, MySpace Music has the greatest collection of artist profiles, tour dates, artist blogs, music videos, and artist photos in the world. Additionally, MySpace Music has the participation of millions of major, indie, and unsigned artists via their music profiles and interaction with the MySpace community.
Immediately, the new MySpace Music will be able to tap into the world's largest library of content to offer unique audio and video content for the MySpace community. MySpace's rich history with the music community has already included album exclusives from the biggest major and independent acts in the world. The new library will enhance existing MySpace Music franchises including Secret Shows, MySpaceLIVE!, Transmissions, and The List.
The new company will be based in Los Angeles and will have a dedicated executive management team to oversee the business. In the coming months, MySpace Music will begin to roll new content and product functionality within the existing music channel. The process will be iterative to take full advantage of the popularity and existing traffic to the Music channel already booming within MySpace.
MySpace Music executive quote sheet, screen shots, logos, and fact sheets are available to media upon request.
iTunes Top Music Retailer in US
Apple(R) today announced that the iTunes(R) Store (http://www.itunes.com/) surpassed Wal-Mart to become the number one music retailer in the US, based on the latest data from the NPD Group*. With over 50 million customers, iTunes has sold over four billion songs and features the world's largest music catalog of over six million songs.
"We launched iTunes less than five years ago, and it has now become the number one music retailer in the world," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "We are thrilled, and would like to thank all of our customers for helping us reach this incredible milestone."
*Based on data from market research firm the NPD Group's MusicWatch survey that captures consumer reported past week unit purchases and counts one CD representing 12 tracks, excluding wireless transactions. The iTunes Store became the largest music retailer in the US based on the amount of music sold during January and February 2008.
Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players and iTunes online store, and has entered the mobile phone market with its revolutionary iPhone.
Cannibal Ox Returns w/ Pete Rock!
Cannibal Ox is back and rocking over Pete's Treats!
Here is the street single, "Mecca And The Ox" from Vast Aire's forthcoming sophomore LP, Dueces Wild, which will be released on 6-24-08. Production is handled by Pete Rock.
Here is a link which will take you directly to Vast Aire's "Mecca And The Ox":
http://onerecords.net/vastairesinglestream/
Wednesday Site Updates
Updates for Wednesday April 2nd, 2008.
* New Album Review! Matt Kelly lets you know his thoughts on Guilty Simpson's new Ode to the Ghetto album.
* New Feature on Mantronix and Fresh Records! Dive into a bit of hip hop's history.
* 6 New Videos from: 6th Sense and Wildabeast, Atmosphere, Kanye West, Rhymefest, and Presto! You won't want to miss any of these!
* 2 free New Album Downloads from: The Returners (ft. Royce 59, Supastition, Krs-One, Doujah Raze, and much more!) and Pugs Atomz featuring himself and the hottest Chi-town acts.
Who haven't you told about Rhymehouse? TELL EM!!
Jay Electronica, Cody Chesnutt, Bigg Jus and Tekitha to Form Supergroup
Jay Electronica, Cody Chesnutt, Bigg Jus and Tekitha have banded together to form a supergroup. They dont appear to have an official name yet but in this article they mention there already exists a few recordings that might leak under the tentative title of Revival. They are already booking tour dates and hope to record on the go as they visit various towns and studios.
When asked about his recent performance at NYCs Nokia Theatre Jay Electronica had this to say, Man, love is love. I give it, I take it back. Whether the crowd feels me or not, I gets what I want from this shit. I do this for me! According to the interviewer, as he was saying this you could hear Cody softly rapping to himself 1,2,3,4,5 [indecipherable]come along for the joyride.
Tekitha and Bigg Jus were sitting far away at the other side of the bar and did not contribute to the story but the writer seems to have been amused that they were both wearing t-shirts that read False Confidence on the front and I rock better than you, you just dont know it on the back. This is a historic day for authentic Hip-Hop and true Rhythm & Blues.
Monday Site Updates
Updates for Monday March 31st, 2008.
* 24 New Audio Tracks! New music from: Atmosphere, Hell Razah (Featuring MF Doom, Talib Kweli, and Ras Kass), Little Brother, Royce 59, PackFM, Foreign Legion, Muneshine, Spank Rock, The Roots, and much more!!
* 3 New Videos from: Blu and Exile, Beat Apetit, and Ill Insanity.
* New Album Review: See what AT had to say about Silent Knight's "Restoration" album.
Have a dope Monday!!
Ice Cube Brings "Raw Footage" this Summer
West Coast rap legend Ice Cube has announced plans to release his ninth solo LP, "Raw Footage," later this year.
The album is set to feature guest appearances from Scarface, Westside Connection member WC, Nas, Musiq Soul Child and production from DJ Crazy Toones, Fred Wreck, Maestro, Emile and others.
"Raw Footage" is the follow-up to 2006's "Laugh Now, Cry Later," which entered the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Chart at No. 2 and the Billboard Top 200 Chart at No. 4 upon its release. The album has sold 547,000 copies in the United States to date according to Nielsen SoundScan.
In related news, Ice Cube is set to perform the album's first single, "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It," at the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival in Austin, Texas on March 15.
The SXSW performance will be streamed lived at uvntv.com thanks to a new venture between Microsoft, Cube and DJ Pooh utilising the software giant's new Silverlight technology.
"We are excited to partner with UVNTV.com and SXSW to bring this live concert into the homes of people globally, using our Silverlight technology which delivers the high-def experiences that Ice Cube's fans will love," said Rob Pulciani, Microsofts senior marketing manager.
"Raw Footage" will be released on June 17 through Ice Cube's Lench Mob Records label.
Gnarls Barkley #1 on iTunes
Gnarls Barkley, the visionary partnership of artist/producer Danger Mouse and singer Cee-Lo, reached #1 on the iTunes download chart with their new LP The Odd Couple in its first week of digital release. This is a remarkable triumph, considering that it was a short sales week, and that The Odd Couples release date was pushed forward on short notice.
The Odd Couple appears in US retail outlets on Tuesday, March 25. The UK release date is March 31, Other international dates will be announced shortly.
Gnarls has always found success through digital channels. Their 2006 hit Crazy became the first song to reach #1 on the UK pop charts through downloads alone.
Last week, 4 Gnarls songs were on the iTunes top 100 songs : Run, Whos Gonna Save My Soul, Crazy and Going On.
Universal Indie Shows Commitment To New Business Models
Following the successful debut of the digital-only LP, Prepared For Glory, released in June of 2007, underground hip hop producer Cartel, is set to release a follow-up album on Hoodgrown Records/Universal Indie Records.
Scheduled for a May 5, 2008 release date, Tha Throwback is produced entirely by Cartel and features some of the most promising, upcoming MC's in the game right now. "I've named it Tha Throwback... because its a throwback to when hip hop artists actually cared about lyrical content." states Cartel. "Those who enjoyed the first album can expect to hear a tremendous growth in the production of this album. Im still not interested in following todays production trends, but I have stepped up my beat game since the release of the first album."
As with the first LP, Tha Throwback will be offered as a free download but with a twist. The 11 track album will be available as a free download and a version of the album containing 5 extra tracks, acapellas, instrumentals and possibly a video or two will be available for $5. "I've been watching the music industry and the various models that the artists and labels are experimenting with, states CEO Christopher English, but no one is doing anything different model-wise in hip hop. No one is willing to take any chances. I dont mind being a trendsetter."
New tracks off the album will be posted at http://www.universalindie.com. The original album, "Prepare For Glory" can still be download as well.
Thursday Site Updates
Updates for Thursday March 27th, 2008.
* 1 New Interview w/ Rawkus' The Regiment! Read and see what this Detroit duo is all about. You will not want to miss this interview or their music!
* 6 New Videos for you to view: Mujah Messiah remakes MIA's hit "Paper Planes," an interview with Pete Rock, new video from Dallas' own PPT, a Pack FM freestyle, Atmosphere episode and much more!
Wednesday Site Updates
Updates for Wednesday March 26th, 2008.
* 2 New Album Reviews: eMC "The Show" and Astonish "From Now Until Forever"
* Make sure to check out the new ScholarMan interview, the 24 new Audio tracks, and new Video!!!
Tuesday, March 25th Album Releases
Guilty Simpson - Ode To the Ghetto
Grip Grand - Brokelore
Beans - Thorns
EMC - The Show
Esham - The Butcher Shop
Ghostface Killah - The Wallabee Champ
Grip Grand - Brokelore
Guilty Simpson - Ode To the Ghetto
L.E.G.A.C.Y. - The Trinity
MC Hammer - Platinum
Plies - Real Definitions
Slow Pain - The OG
Young C-Major - Ice Cold Frio
Al Green to Make Album w/ Questlove
The title of Al Greens Lay It Down truly tells it like it is. Conceived as a collaboration between the soul legend and a handful of gifted young admirers from the worlds of contemporary R&B and hip hop, the album is drawn from a series of inspired sessions that yielded the most high-spirited, funky and often lushly romantic songs of Greens latter-day career. The album is a refreshingly old school jam, with everyone laying down the music together, face to face, heart to heart, soul to soul.
Al admits, Thats the only way I know how to work, thats what Ive done all my life. You just write it from here. He taps his heart. Thats what we do every Sunday. We never write a sermon now. If you cant preach out of heretapping his chest againyou have nothing to say anyway. Its all from the heart, this whole album, from start to finish.
The project features the sophisticated R&B voices of singer-songwriters John Legend, Anthony Hamilton and Corinne Bailey Rae, and it was co-produced with Green by two of hip-hops most innovative players, drummer Ahmir ?uestlove Thompson from the Roots and keyboardist James Poyser, the go-to guy for high-profile artists ranging from Erykah Badu to Common. Add in Brooklyns celebrated Dap-King Horns (Sharon Jones, Amy Winehouse), guitarist Chalmers Spanky Alford (Mighty Clouds of Joy, Joss Stone) and bassist Adam Blackstone (Jill Scott, DJ Jazzy Jeff), among others, and youve got a modern soul-music dream team, fronted by the most expressive voice in the business.
Link to footage from the making of Lay It Down:
Quicktime: http://bluenote.edgeboss.net/qtime/bluenote/algreen/layitdown/60secfinal31808_stream.mov
Windows: http://bluenote.edgeboss.net/wmedia/bluenote/algreen/layitdown/algreen_60secstream.asx
YO! MTV Raps to Return in April!
Thats right, you read correctly. Yo! MTV Raps is coming back on the air and online for the entire month of April. Why? To celebrate Yo!s 20th anniversary, of course. Youll be able to check out rare pics of your favorite hip-hop artists, vintage play lists of classic videos, exclusive interviews with Fab 5 Freddy, Ed Lover and Doctor Dre, and more classic clips than Slick Ricks got gold chains.
Get ready for Yo! MTV Raps month, starting in April.
Monday Site Updates
Updates for Monday March 24th, 2008.
* 24 New Audio Tracks from: Big Boi, AZ, eMC, Astonish, Sage Francis, Slug, and more!
* 3 New Videos from: Atmosphere, Bored Stiff, and 6th Sense!
* 1 New Free Download: Decon's latest label signee 88-Keys has put together a mix of the best of new music from Decon, featuring new tracks from 88-Keys, The Alchemist, Evidence, Kenny Segal, Z-Trip, & Jurassic 5.
Showbiz and AG Return w/ New Album
Esteemed Diggin' In The Crates (D.I.T.C.) members and Bronx legends Show & A.G (Andre the Giant) first gained notoriety in the early-to-mid '90s with two critically-acclaimed albums, Runaway Slave and Goodfellas. Fast forward to 2008, Show & A.G. have been busy individually, but are back together after a 10 year hiatus on Live Hard.
The album is directed at both the new generation of Rap fans too young to have done the "Soul Clap" and also to those who are already familiar with the boom bap legacy of Show & A.G. The duo continues their reign as supreme rap gods with minimal guest appearances. Fellow D.I.T.C. Rap General O.C makes an appearance on "Land Of The Free" and every track is produced by Show except for "Magic" which is produced by protege E-Blaze.
DJ Premier lends his patented cuts and scratches on "Business As Usual." When it comes to representing D.I.T.C. to the fullest, Show & A.G. have always been worthy representatives and unwavering in their quest to bring back truth and realness to the rap game. Their latest offering is an admirable addition to the team's catalogue, with thoughtful lyrics and laid-back joints for fans to enjoy.
Friday Site Updates
Updates for Friday March 21st, 2008.
* New Graffiti Feature 'Glow of the Krylon Scepter' written by RM London up and ready to read!
* 12 New Audio Tracks from: Guilty Simpson, 9th Wonder, Rakim, Apani B Fly, and More!
* 6 New Videos from: Pacific Division, Redman, Dizzee Rascal, John Brown, and more!
Method Man + Redman Still Set to Release Blackout 2
Method Man and Redman are back in the studio together after nearly 10 years, recording a new collabo project Blackout 2, the follow up to the duo's platinum selling disc Blackout!
The two rappers' chemistry has already scored them co-starring roles in the flick "How High," an endorsement deal for Right Guard deodorant and their own short-lived Fox sitcom, "Method & Red."
Now they're back at it in the studio.
"A lot of good music comin out this year," Redman said in a sitdownstandup.com interview. "You're especially gonna hear from us, finally."
The album features production by Gilla House, E-Sermon andRocwilder and there may even be a DJ Premier track or two before recording wraps.
"Preemo, we need some heat baby!" Red shouted. "We need some heat right now baby!" "Treach need to be on this sh*t, too."
In addition to Meth and Red's collabo, the two are sharing a mic with almost 70 other emcees for a 2008 regeneration of KRS-One's new Stop the Violence Movement.
Along with Meth and Red, David Banner, Chamillionaire, Nelly, Busta, and Ne-Yo are among the artists putting a new spin on the 1989 inspirational rap song "Self Destruction" called "Self Construction."
"Anything positive is always good for the Hip-Hop community," Redman said. "I remember when the first 'Self Destruction' came out, that sh*t was hot. I wasn't in the game to get on it but now I'm in the game, so why not be a part of history?"
The first version was recorded by the Stop the Violence All-Stars, an East Coast collective including KRS, Whodini, Miss Melody, MC Lyte, D-Nyce, Doug E Fresh, Heavy D, Public Enemy and others.
Blackout 2 is expected to hit shelves this summer.
Thursday Site Updates
Updates for Thursday March 20th, 2008.
* 2 New Album Reviews! Matt Kelly reveals his thoughts on Bisc1's When Electric Night Falls and Ari Thomas drops his views on ScholarMan's Soul Purpose. What did they think?
Full Audio/Video Update tomorrow!
Del Announces New Projects w/ El P, Prince Paul, + new Deltron!
In a recent interview with Paste Magazine Del the Funkee Homosapien announced various projects he was working on, including: A new Deltron3030 album, music with El-P, and a project with De La Soul, Lady Bug Mecca and Prince Paul! See below.
Paste: Do you have any new projects coming up in the near future?
Del: I've been working with Lady Bug Mecca from Digable Planets, Dave from De La Soul and Prince Paul on a project called Modest Millionaire. It's basically Dave's idea, but the idea is living modestly with whatever you make. You dont have to be spending all your money on ridiculous stuff that isn't even going to be worth anything later on, you can just be cool. It's just an attitude basically. You'd probably have to ask him to explain it more thoroughly than that since it's really his concept, but that's one thing Im working on. I'm working on an LP with A+ from Souls of Mischief called Hypnotize. I'm working on a new Hiero album. El-P and I are supposed to work on something too.
Paste: I've heard rumors that there's a new Deltron project in the works. Can you tell me anything about that?
Del: Yeah. Basically, it's pretty much finished music-wise. I just have to sit down and write it. I wrote a couple songs, but I have to be in the right state of mind to write it.
You can read the entire interview here!
Foul Mouth Jerk Returns w/ New Record
Once again back is the incredible rhyme animal known as the Foul Mouth Jerk. Foul Mouth Jerk is an independent Hip-Hop artist raised in northern New Jersey. Growing up in the late 80s & early 90s, he participated in what is often referred to as Hip-Hops Golden Age. FMJ began rapping in 1988 and he spent his high school years battling fellow emcees in parks, school cafeterias and street corner cyphers. Later he would cut his teeth on stage at open mics in Newark & Manhattan and perform at various parties around NJ & NYC.
Not long after graduating FMJ decided to see as much of the world as possible and began traveling the country, earning gas and food money as a street performer, freestyling over the hand drums of his traveling partner. This vagabond journey took FMJ to numerous cities around the US, from Burlington VT, to Miami, from Boulder, Colorado to New Orleans famous French Quarter.
It was along these travels that Foul Mouth met the people with whom he would later form the hip hop/funk collective GFE. In 1997 the group based itself out of the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina & began recording as an eight piece live band. The band began touring nationally shortly thereafter playing in nearly every state in the union, at clubs, colleges & festivals. They opened for such legends as Run DMC and P-Funk, as well as current stars such as Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and Atmosphere. The group has also recorded with such heavyweights as George Clinton, Eric Krasno of Soulive and Tame One.
Foul Mouth has maintained a steady work ethic throughout his ten-plus years as a professional musician, touring & recording with GFE and as a soloist. He currently has four full length albums with the band and after three-years is about to drop his forth solo outing, Streetlight Music, which will be released on 4-22-08.
Streetlight Music is an homage to the earliest days of Hip-Hop, when jams were thrown in the park and electricity was boosted to power the turntables, amps and equipment. The content of the LP is both a throwback to the days when originality was king and a push towards new styles and developments; which is reflected by the inclusion of rap legends Masta Ace, Murs of Living Legends, El Da Sensai of The Artifacts and one of Hip-Hops original godfathers Grandmaster Caz of the Cold Crush Brothers; its blue collar Hip-Hop for blue collar fans laced with intelligence and FMJs sharp cynical wit.
Tracklisting and credits for Streetlight Music:
1.) Streetlight Music
2.) The Jerks Theme
3.) NJ Transit f/El Da Sensai
4.) Small Town USA f/Masta Ace
5.) Tryin To Eat
6.) One Room Shack
7.) Neighborhood Drug Dealer
8.) Day one f/Grandmaster Caz and TopR
9.) The Decider
10.) Culture Of Life
11.) Played Out
12.) Lost In The Sauce f/Breez Evahflowin
13.) Mr. Green f/Hardy Cooper
14.) Take The Money And Run
15.) The Hard Part (Remix) f/Murs and G.Cutty
16.) Monopoly (Remix)
Truth Universal Set to Release Debut Album
Born in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Truth immigrated to the U.S. in 1977 with his parents at the age of 4. Growing up in New Orleans, LA, Truth learned early lessons of respect, discipline and perseverance from his working-class Caribbean upbringing.
TU was exposed to large amounts of Calypso, Soca, Reggae, Jazz and R&B at a very early age and as the years passed, he and all of his friends became heavily involved in hip-hop. At age 9, his family moved to the New Orleans East 9th Ward, and Truth began to immerse himself in the multiple roles of B-Boy, DJ, Producer and Emcee. Over time, he would become an energetic showman, with a veteran stage presence and crowd control.
In early 2006 Truth approached Paris with his work-in-progress debut album project and impressed Paris so much he quickly became a member Paris Guerrilla Funk family (Truths sophomore LP, Decolonization, is slated to be released in October 2008 on Paris Guerilla Funk label). Fully embodying Truth Universal's social and political awareness, Self Determination, is a tour de force which showcases his DIY attitude and his West Indian and New Orleans backgrounds. Self Determination encourages dialogue on topics that trouble communities of color across the planet. Truth touches on self-hatred, the struggle New Orleans residents to attain the right to return to their homes post Katrina, culture theft, policies of the George Bush regime, the Prison systems inequities and big business mentality.
Even with such serious topic matters being addressed, Truth always keeps his eyes on the prize with Self Determination and delivers his insightful and informative verses in an entertaining (edutainment) fashion and that is verified by collaborations with Wise Intelligent (formerly of Poor Righteous Teachers), Digable Planets Doodlebug and Dead Prezs Stic.Man. Further, Truth enlists a top-notch assortment of producers as well; including Panik from The Molemen, S1 of Strange Fruit (S1 has previously worked with Little Brother and Erykah Badu), Nick Tha 1da (who works with Raheem Devaughn) and Bass Heavy who has worked with BG, Soulja Slim and is an in-house producer @ Mannie Fresh Fatboy Records.
Truth Universals debut, Self Determination, will be released on 4-8-08 by Dragons Breath Records.
Tracklisting and credits for Truth Universals Self-Determination:
1.) S-E-L-F Determination Intro (produced by Andino)
2.) Resistance Recital (produced by S1)
3.) Black Culture f/Wise Intelligent and Doodlebug (produced by Panik)
4.) Gotta Luv It (produced by Nick Tha 1da)
5.) Angola 3 (produced by Panik)
6.) Something Awful (Produced by Nick Tha 1da)
7.) Work (produced by Natural Born)
8.) Heat!!! (produced by Natural Born)
9.) Feminine Melanin f/Tondrae Kemp (produced by Gensu Dean)
10.) Beautiful Child Interlude (produced by Dan Freeman)
11.) The Best part (produced by S1)
12.) What Its Bout f/Stic Man of Dead Prez (produced by Bass Heavy)
13.) Freedom(e) Or Death f/Sula of Zion Trinity (produced by Dan Freeman)
14.) Serve & Protect (produced by Bricks) ****Bonus Track
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