Lupe Fiasco’s When I Was 17 installment is one of the better ones from the show. Check it out.
... Read more
Fresh
Apollo Brown’s Time Passed Autumn is an instrumental that takes you on a journey.
I can hear J. Cole murdering this one. Who can you hear blacking out on this track? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNywrh1AotU... Read more
Cinematic Music Group has been dropping some quality music videos. Smoke DZA’s The World is the latest.
And, the beat is oh so soulful. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X96SR8sdf1U&feature=player_embedded# If you missed it, they also did Big K.R.I.T.'s Dreamin' video. Click here to watch.... Read more
Ab-Soul continues to showcase different flows. On Gone Insane he goes in over a Southern bounce track.
The visuals are pretty ill too. It's great to see cats re-injecting diversity into the game. Check out the video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGOhHA2gR0M&feature=player_embedded Click here for more Ab-Soul.... Read more
Pharrell hasn’t spit like this since…well…maybe ever. Check out his verses over a Daft Punk track from Tron: Legacy.
He's always been much stronger behind the boards but this one is respectable. There are minimal drums and bass lines but it works for Pharrell's flow. It's called The Game Has Changed and is courtesy of Funkmaster Flex. Click here to download.... Read more
We’ve been talking a lot about influences this week: OutKast on A.Dd+, PE and Ice Cube on Freddie Gibbs and Self Scientific…
Now check out what the Trill O.G. Bun B has to say about his influence on Big K.R.I.T. The video is kinda hard to hear but it's worth focusing your attention on the jewels Bun B drops. Also, check out the down and dirty video put together by Big K.R.I.T.... Read more
OutKast regularly get their props for being one of the greatest artists (of any genre) of all time, and rightfully so.
It's seldom, however, that you hear about Organized Noize, the production team that played a key role in architecting the sonic foundation of OutKast's early music, and that of other influential artists coming out of Atlanta in the 90's. The latest playlist in our producer series is dedicated to Organized... Read more
There is no one group or rapper who took the torch from the likes of Public Enemy and Ice Cube. But, there have been many who have embodied the spirits of those artists in a verse, a song or even a few albums. Self Scientific, Krondon and Freddie Gibbs are the latest to carry the baton in the video for Peaceful. Check it out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tquQ2Plrdk4&feature=player_embedded And if you forgot how Public Enemy and Ice Cube used to bring the ruckus, here are a couple of reminders. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZM5_6js19eM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeFHMVWaYsc... Read more
It’s a good day for rappers who hold it down on the independent tip. Salute to Jean Grae who’s been doing it on her own for YEARS.
Check out the video for R.I.P. ft Talib Kweli and Styles P. Click here to download.... Read more
eLZHI from Slum Village is back on the scene with a new release called Verbal Intercourse Pt. 2.
Check it out. Click here to download.... Read more
Here’s a video for 1 of the better songs on Statik Selektah and Termanology’s 1982 project. Check out 82/92 ft Mac Miller + Biggie scratches on the hook.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gfq-qcwo_78&feature=player_embedded Click here to download Race Against Time, the newest release from 1982.... Read more
The Jets keep spitting over soulful tracks. This time it’s Curren$y and Trademark Da Skydiver on GT500.
Check it out. Click here to download. Also, if you missed The Jets new mixtape Jet Life to the Next Life, click here.... Read more
Shad kinda sounds like a cross between Murs and Asher Roth on Give You All I Can.
This one is for the backpackers. Check it out. Click here to download. Check the Asher Roth x Murs comparison: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApHeVGUpNaY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj4gWHzdPF4... Read more
Here’s another Statik Selektah-produced heat rock. This one is by Action Bronson and is called Cliff Notes.
Both the production and Action Bronson's flow would make you swear this came from the late 90's. You can hear elements of Primo in the production and M.O.P. in the verses. Dopeness. Click here to download. Speaking of M.O.P., check out this gem from back in the day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hReK_7ARH0... Read more
Blu laced ScienZe with a cool jazzy track on Main Attraction ft Sene. This is a head-nodder.
Check it out. Click here to download.... Read more
Check out this mixtape from DJ Quik. While it’s not new material, there’s some vintage stuff that’s harder to find and may not have hit your eardrums. Even better, it’s narrated by Quik himself giving personal accounts of the stories behind many of his hits.
Quik's new album The Book of David drops on 4/20. Click here if you missed the first single, Luv of My Life. Click here to download The Audiobiography of David Mixtape. Props to LA Leakers for this one. The tracklist is below:... Read more
Statik Selektah and Termanology had a good run last year as 1982. They’re back with a new song ft Bun B.
Check out Race Against Time. If you missed these cats last year, click here for more. Click here to download.... Read more
It’s a great release day for hip-hop legends. In addition to Snoop Dogg, Pete Rock and Camp Lo just dropped a mixtape for 80 Blocks from Tiffany’s.
When you add the release of E-40's Revenue Releasin': Graveyard Shift, it's a real Super Tuesday. Click below to listen to and download the Pete Rock/Camp Lo mixtape and click here for a playlist with some of Pete Rock's best joints. Download Mixtape... Read more
Uncle Snoop Dogg’s album The Doggumentary dropped today. It’s hard to believe he’s been doing it for nearly 20 years.
Here's his latest video, My Own Way ft. Mr. Porter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=22L5QGzj0CE Click here to buy the album.... Read more
A.Dd+ studied Outkast. You can hear it in their flow, their musical choices and their adventurousness.
But, they didn't jack Outkast. Instead, they drew from those elements and injected their own style and sensibilities into the music. It paid off. They have produced When Pigs Fly, an incredibly solid album that takes chances and rises above the mediocrity. Listen to the whole album and download below.... Read more
Sir Michael Rocks and GLC combine to make some country cool on You Know the Rules. Check out the video.
This is from an upcoming mixtape called The Goodoctors Present: The Duff. If you haven't gotten that Sir Michael Rocks mixtape, The Rocks Report, click here to download it. It's a winner. Here's the video for You Know the Rules: http://vimeo.com/21606199... Read more
Big K.R.I.T. dropped a classic mixtape last year with K.R.I.T. Wuz Here. Here’s his follow up, Returnof4eva along with a behind the scenes video from the listening party.
Click here to listen to previews and download the album. It's free and you can donate to the big homie if you want to support good music. If you missed it, click here for the video to the single, Dreamin'. Here's the video: http://vimeo.com/21657177... Read more
Ab-Soul and Kendrick Lamar deliver some of that new Cali goodness with Rapper Sh*t.
Check it out. Click here to download.... Read more
It’s time for another New World (Au)der where we take hot albums and re-order the tracks for your listening pleasure. This week’s is Raekwon’s new classic Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang.
NEW WORLD (AU)DER: RAEKWON THE CHEF "SHAOLIN VS WU-TANG Remember all the drama that select members of the WU had with the crew's 5th studio release, "8 DIAGRAMS"? Remember the rumor, that an album called "SHAOLIN VS WU-TANG" would eventually be released, (in spite of...), as a collective Wu-Tang Clan... Read more
Need more basketball in your life? Check out Soul in the Hole a 90’s documentary on New York street ball. The soundtrack that accompanied it was a classic filled with some of the greatest names in hip-hop: Wu-Tang Clan, Brand Nubian, Mobb Deep, O.C., Common, M.O.P., Big Pun, Organized Konfusion…Check out the full movie and a playlist from the soundtrack below.
Click here to watch the trailer. Here's the movie: And, here's the playlist from the soundtrack:... Read more
Quietly, a lot of good hip-hop has dropped (or leaked) over the last few months. Here are a couple of playlists with some of the better joints. On this one, you’ll find Pusha T, J. Cole, Kidz in the Hall, Rapper Big Pooh, Phonte, Kendrick Lamar, Big K.R.I.T., Chuuwee, Pharoahe Monch and others.
It has more meditative, darker beats--think 9th Wonder-type music. Click here for the second playlist.... Read more
Here’s some new GhostWrida ft Freeway. Check out Window Cracked.
Here's a video teaser and you can listen to and download the full song below: http://vimeo.com/21500751 ... Read more
OK…so I was a little late on Nardwaur but better late…
For anyone else who missed these or who wants to be entertained (again) check out the best of Nardwaur vs. Hip-Hop. It's cool to see him consistently engage some very respectable minds in hip-hop with deeply researched questions. Warning: These interviews are like Lays...No one can have just one. Nardwaur... Read more
Here’s an incredibly entertaining interview with Big K.R.I.T.
Nardwuar, the interviewer, is a character, but dude is amazingly well-researched. You can see the respect for each question on K.R.I.T.'s face. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93zbaLjsLh0&feature=player_embedded... Read more
There have been a lot of hot leaks from Trademark Da Skydiver, Young Roddy and Curren$y lately. Check out the mixtape.
Listen to all of Jet Life to the Next Life and download it below. Props to 2DopeBoyz for putting this together. Download Mixtape... Read more
Can’t wait for Pete Rock’s new album with Camp Lo next week? Check out this week’s playlist dedicated to some of his best joints.
Pete Rock is a DJ AND a Producer AND and an MC. As a triple threat, he's one of the nicest to do it. Here are some of his best productions (and co-productions) and turns on the mic. 80 Blocks From Tiffany's, his new album, drops Tuesday. Until... Read more
Here’s some more soulful ish from Trademark Da Skydiver and Young Roddy. This track speaks for itself.
Check out Nothin' Lesser. Click here for more from these cats. Click here to download.... Read more
Wow. Zion I & The Grouch chopped up a classic Earth, Wind & Fire track really nicely on Victorious People.
It features Freeway & The R.O.D. Project. Check it out. Click here to download. Here's the Earth, Wind & Fire original: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTQJ2QiK4QU... Read more
Skewby drops some knowledge on his new song Don’t Understand. Dude comes with substantive lyrics but keeps it entertaining…
...the beat is cool too. Support good music. Thematically, the first verse kinda reminds me of this gem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0WMSovOboY... Read more
Kendrick Lamar is another one of the XXL Freshmen on the Honor Roll. Check out his 2 new joints.
First up is Don't Understand: Click here to download. Next is Outrageous: Click here to download.... Read more
Big K.R.I.T. is without a doubt one of the strongest of the 2011 XXL Freshmen. He’s done a stylish and introspective video for Dreamin’.
Check out the video and 2 new joints (Man On Fire and Now Or Neva rmx ft. Slim Thug) from K.R.I.T. below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqYgfX6dfxc&feature=player_embedded#at=217 Here's Man On Fire (from the XXL Freshman Mixtape): Click here to download. And here's the Now Or Neva Remix: Click here to download.... Read more
The 2011 XXL Freshmen put on a show at NYC’s BB King’s last night and dropped a mixtape today.
Watch a recap of the show and listen to and download the whole mixtape below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuLlIsCAWqI&feature=player_embedded#at=22 Here's the mixtape: Download Mixtape... Read more
The 80 Blocks to Tiffany’s Reference from the last post inspired some video crate digging. Check out this 20/20 clip on hip-hop from 1981.
It is reported to be the first nationally-televised news story on hip-hop...ever. Though in some respects the verbiage almost sounds like an SNL skit because it's so rudimentary, it is also incredibly deep on some levels: 1. it's fascinating to see footage on the beginnings of the culture, 2. it's... Read more
If you are down with hip-hop from the 90’s, get ready. Pete Rock and Camp Lo are about to release a project together.
It's called 80 Blocks From Tiffany's and below are the intro and a song called Mic Check to whet your appetite for that good cookin'. In addition to the reference to the South Bronx, an interesting tidbit about the title of the album is it's a reference to the title... Read more
The Jets appreciate soulful tracks. It’s evident from the beats selected by Curren$y, Trademark Da Skydiver and Young Roddy.
Pilots, the newest record from Trademark Da Skydiver and Young Roddy, is no exception. Props to 2DopeBoyz for putting this project together. Check it out. Click here to download. Not convinced about the soulful selections? Check these out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x8MGapyqhc&feature=player_embedded#at=24 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dS1m_Pa_0vA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9EuIRsXoL8&feature=player_embedded#at=33... Read more
We posted a dope track by Focus ft Kida last week. Now Rapper Big Pooh and Chaundon lay down some verses on it.
Dope rappers + Dope track (still) = dope record. Check out Idols & Role Models (Perspective #2). Click here to download. If you missed it, here's Perspective #1 ft Kida.... Read more
2 days, 2 dope freestyles. First up is Young Chris and then Pusha T.
Young Chris laced Toca Tuesdays and Pusha T dropped bombs with Funk Flex. Check 'em out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxFoKuC5Phw&feature=player_embedded Click here to download.... Read more
Speaking of legends, here’s an unreleased track from Common.
It's got a reggae flavor to it. Check out Follow Me. Click here to download.... Read more
Keeping it on the West Coast tip, here’s some new E-40 ft Bun B and Slim Thug.
3 legends holding it down on a funky beat. This is some OG ish. Check out That Candy Paint. Click here to download and click here to buy the album. It's cool to hear Bun B on a verse and on the hook as a sample. Here's where E-40 got... Read more
Here’s a cool interview where Pharoahe Monch reflects on working with Nate Dogg to create the classic Oh No.
This was one of the few East Coast joints that Nate Dogg blessed. Sucker Free Here's Oh No: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYrmop7g2cU... Read more
Wiz Khalifa teams with Curren$y his favorite partner in rhyme on Rooftops.
Click here to download. Rolling Papers drops on 3/29.... Read more
How dope is stic.man from Dead Prez?? Dude did a song and video about putting in work…in the gym and with his diet game!
Who does that?? Him. That's who. This is my ANTHEM after 5 days in Austin. Check out Back On My Regimen. http://vimeo.com/21287201 Yeah. It's still bigger than hip-hop for him and Dead Prez. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edzyY5NtAJA... Read more
Jewels just continue to drop from SXSW. Check out this video of Black Milk performing with a full band.
Both the sound and video are professionally done, and gives you a great sense of what it was all about last week. http://vimeo.com/21305178... Read more
Here’s a new Ab-Soul video for Nothin’. Once again, he flips up his style to kick something very different from past releases.
Still dope, though. Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJxuweus8S0&feature=player_embedded#at=148 Click here to check out some of his other flows.... Read more