Dope group I got into recently, debut album is a breath of fresh air.
The Problemaddicts are a 5-man squad of emcees assembled by and including Executive Producer Tone, Vorheez, Force, Black Buddha, and 1ne Man sound. Backed by 3-time Valley Advocate DJ of the Year, DJ Theory. I think most of the members of the group are from Massachusetts.
The whole album is produced by Tone and DJ Theory.
Katalyst is a Australian DJ and producer that produces in a "electronica, turntabilism, and hip hop" mix. Not really like Nujabes, which is Nu-Jazz and I guess, classical hip hop instrumentals. He produces in a different style... see for yourself. "What's Happening" is the only album I've heard from him and I was pretty impressed after hearing it a couple of times. There's only like three tracks with actual rapping, the rest is either soul samples or singers as guest spots.
Features include: J-Live, Diverse, and some Australian rappers I've never heard of (don't worry, they don't have accents...) I merely checked out the album because I thought his name sounded cool and that J-Live & Diverse were on the tracklist... Peep the divshared tracks before the album... you might like it, you might not...
To sum it up, Katalyst's album is a mix of Electronic, Funk / Soul, Hip Hop and Rock. And there's a dope ass James Brown track... check that out.
1 How Bout Us (3:43) Featuring - Steve Spacek Scratches - Katalyst 2 All You've Got (3:52) Featuring - Hau* , Ru C.L.* , Yungun Scratches - Katalyst 3 I Know A Place (4:57) Scratches - Leeroy Brown 4 Say What You Feel (3:27) Featuring - Stephanie McKay* Scratches - Katalyst 5 Over And Over (3:55) Featuring - Mat McHugh Keyboards - Stu Hunter 6 May Have Been James Brown (4:26) Scratches - Leeroy Brown 7 Loaded Gun (3:37) Featuring - Joe Volk 8 Dedicated (3:22) Featuring - Diverse Scratches - Katalyst 9 What Are We Talking About? (4:18) Scratches - Leeroy Brown 10 Step Up (3:34) Featuring - Ru C.L.* 11 War (1:00) 12 To Dust (3:17) Featuring - Katie Noonan 13 Killing Ya Self (3:58) Featuring - J-Live Scratches - Katalyst 14 He Is Society (3:56) 15 Bladewalker (3:41) Featuring - Adalita
I started listening to this album again after I heard that Edo G (Ed O.G.) is teaming up with Masta Ace, one of my favorite rappers of all time, to release an album. They have collaborated already on a track titled "Wishing" on this album, which is why I'm making a post on it. "Wishing" is one of my favorite tracks of all time, everything is nice about it- the three verses and the beat, all amazing. If you've never heard of Edo G, he's from Boston and he's been in the rap game since '91. You should definetly check out his earlier work, and he's, in my opinion, the best from Boston. Also check out his group's, Special Teamz, album that dropped a week ago. It's pretty good from what I've heard and I'll probably post about it some time. Most tracks are produced by Pete Rock and although it's short (10 tracks), the whole album has no skippable tracks and it's definetly a gem. Edo G displays his veteran mic skills and it flows well over the Chocolate Boy Wonder's beats. Features include Masta Ace, Diamond D, Jaysaun, and Krumb Snatcha. Pete Rock raps on one of the tracks as well.
Already being noted as a "future classic" and a "keystone release"...
MindState: Freedom is Big Lo's second album. Known for ill beats, political, conscious and FRESH lyrics, Big Lo proves all of this on this album. The album is very consistent and a "breath of fresh air". Mindstate: Freedom also features dope, known artists in the underground: Vast Aire of Cannibal Ox, Beretta 9 of Killarmy, Jade Foxx, 14th Century, Inferno & DainjaRuss.
I will try to do a "Who's Better?" poll every week. Vote on the right!
Both are talented slept-on artists from Brooklyn and they're similar. They both have lyrics, flow, metaphors and content. Please hear both artist's material before voting on the poll.
Stimuli Crazy lyricist, dope punchlines and nice flow = Stimuli. I will post a lot of tracks and videos, just watch/listen to all of it and if you want more, PM me for his mixtapes and album (He has a bunch of mixtapes and 1 album/dvd, Switch Sides - 2005)
You all probably are familiar with Skyzoo... He released an album with 9th Wonder titled "Cloud 9: The 3 Day High" (which was recorded in 3 days) which created him a buzz, and eventually he released a mixtape with known DJ's Mick Boogie and DJ Kay Slay (God, I wish Kay Slay wasn't on the mixtape.. he screams before every track) Anyways, check out the links if you're not familiar with 'zoo.
Stimuli - Mixtape Chronicles Vol. 1-2003 01 Cipha Sounds Intro 02 Picture Perfect (DJ Sickamore Freestyle) 03 Emotions 04 Can't Be Stopped 05 Bang 06 I Don't Care (DJ Boom Freestyle) 07 DXL 08 Glory 09 You Got Me 10 Sad & Lonely (Feat. Marvin Gaye) 11 Somehow, Someway 12 Let Me Show You The Way 13 Run This sh*t 14 Is This What U Want 15 R.O.C. Freestyle 16 Got Damn 17 Whatever You Want Download
Stimuli - Follow My Lead Vol 2-2004 Stimuli-01- Duction Stimuli- Follow My Lead Stimuli-03- D'angles Stimuli-04- Walk On Water Stimuli-05- Stop What You Doin (feat Punjabi Mc) Stimuli-06- Everythings A Go (Feat Dutches) Stimuli-07- The Rhythm Stimuli-08- All My Life Stimuli-09- Come On In Stimuli-10- Who Am I Stimuli-11- Lets Ryde Stimuli-12- Break It Down Stimuli-13- Life Is Short Stimuli-14- Free Shyne Freestyle Stimuli-15- Going Out Stimuli-16- Sun don't shine Stimuli-17- Bonus Track Download
I recently came across the album "Oxygen: Refreshed" by the MC/DJ duo Jazz Addixx that dropped a few weeks ago (it's their debut as well)... I was VERY impressed, as it was one of the best jazz-influenced hip hop albums I've heard recently. The production impressed me the most, DJ Ragz was very nice on the turntables and beats. I've been a fan of production with neo-jazz turntablism and abstract beats and this album clearly has it all.. And for the lyrics, MC Mudd has witty lines and he flows smoothly with the beat. In all, DJ Ragz is a skilled DJ and beat maker and MC Mudd is a consistent lyricist that comes through with consciousness and intelligence. This album reminded me of Foreign Exchange's (Phonte + Nicolay) Connected album and if you like Pete Rock & CL Smooth, De La Soul, Gangstarr, you should check this out.
This is the same MURS that made the "Murray's Revenge" and "Murs 3:16: The 9th Edition" albums with 9th Wonder... the one on Def Jux that always provided us with humorous storytelling and fine lyrics. I was hyped up for his "Murs For President" album but after hearing this single... I really don't know if it'll be any good..
MURS= Making Underground Raw Shit
The track sounds like some hyphy shit, and I guess you can put it in that genre because its produced by Rick Rock (NorCal producer, produces a lot of hyphy beats but also for a ton of West Coast and known artists ranging from Xzibit to Jay-Z). I have no idea what MURS is doing on this type of track... maybe he's just playing around... who knows.
Am I the only feelin like this?
As for MURS being a sellout, I'll have to hear another track...
And if you're wondering why the track's called "Dreadlocks",
OR maybe this track is to appeal to more audience, to expand his fanbase... like a hook to attract people so he can appeal to the 'hood. I've had some discussion on this, and someone said that Murs supposedly said that performing for a bunch of white college students was like preaching Christianity to a bunch of Muslims. Maybe this single will actually draw more attention.
I just found out about this album... it was CRAZY. When I listened, there were NO skippable tracks and it was like listening to a black Immortal Technique. This is the same dude that made the "Yall Should All Get Lynched" track/video that sparked a shitload of controversy and was banned from youtube. I know most of you guys already saw the video, but I'm here to post more tracks from the album (basically like an "album before THE album".. "The Thing Before The Thing" NYOIL explains it on the album) and show you all that this dude can spit fire...
If you're one of those dudes who are always blaming the INDUSTRY for the "death" of hip hop, YOU MUST PEEP THIS ALBUM!
1. The Thing before The Thing 2. This is the new name 3. Hip Hop ya don't stop 4. Nastagic Interlude 5. Don't Get It Twisted 6. Purrrfect Beat 7. Shout it in the Streets 8. Accountability Interlude 9. HoodTREASON 10. A quick 16 11. Self Destrukkktion 12. When I speak Interlude 13. Y'all Should All Get Lynched 14. Weezy 4 Sheezy 15. The hate that love made 16. Jazzy Lady 17. You're a QUEEN 18. Misery Loves Company 19. I tried 20. What up my Wigger Wigger Bolded Tracks = divshared
Unreal
Download- Unreal Nice concept.. one of the realest songs ive heard in 07. DOPE!
Yall Should All Get Lynched
Download- Yall Should All Get Lynched Now before you all start complaining and talking a whole lot of sh*t about this video, NYOIL doesnt diss certain rappers on the track, as the video was made by someone else. I also disagree with some of the rappers shown in the video... if it makes you feel better, just listen to the track and not the video.
Download - What Up My Wigga Wigger Do not listen to this track if you are sensitive! He talks about all races using the term "What up my nigga" and also includes some racial slurrs for all races... in the manner that everyones saying "nigga" and such.. this is another track that caused controversy.
This is probably the BEST album review for Finding Forever that I've seen so far. Props to HHDX, they summed this up real well with nice track-by-track descriptions.
Common solidified his immortality in 1994 when he made one of hip hop’s most enduring and defining songs in I Used To Love H.E.R. The metaphoric love song didn’t satisfy Lonnie Lynn to rest on his laurels, it served as the spring board to launch the career of one of hip hop’s most talented and accomplished artists. After 2002’s experimental and polarizing LP Electric Circus many had wondered if Common has lost more than just the sense in his moniker. Com answered all questions in 2005 when he hit the studio with newly minted superstar Kanye West to craft his best album since his seminal Resurrection. Naturally, Finding Forever picks up where Be left off.
Once again ‘Ye is producing the bulk of the album, with Dilla, will.i.am and Devo Springsteen chipping in. Mr. West makes his presence felt from the jump with Start The Show as Common talks a gang of sh*t. He quickly switches it up as he usually does and goes into man of the people mode for, you guessed it, The People. The song is an easy winner minus his inane claim that Kanye is new Primo. The real DJ Premier does come though as well, and it is for The Game, easily the illest song on the album. Primo lends some of the finer cuts of his career over Kanye’s dead spot on impression of him. And yeah, Common rips it too. Com keeps the edge on when Kanye joins him on the mic for their nice little hometown tribute Southside. Initially my least favorite song on the album, the will.i.am featured and produced I Want You is now one of my favorites. The vibe of it is just great and will’s return of the boom bap at the end of the track is enough to get a thumbs up from me.
As he likes to do, Common gets his three person story on the dope Lily Allen featured Drivin’ Me Wild. The moral of the stories is something a lot of fools need to hear these days. He is just as impressive talking race on the smoothed out Black Maybe, backed by some great, understated production from Kanye. Keeping on the mellower tip of the latter half of the album, So Far To Go featuring D’angelo is a prototypical Dilla joint that has Com writing to the ladies. Definitely dope for what it is, unfortunately it is basically just recycled from Dilla’s The Shining from last summer. Women stay on Common’s mind on Break My Heart, which is kinda corny and is really only saved by Kanye’s sampling on the hook.
If it wasn’t The Game, Misunderstood would be the album’s gem. Devo Springsteen steals some of Kanye’s shine as he crafts a nice dark beat around an incredible Nina Simone vocal from Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood. Common is in storytelling mode once again, and once again does it like few else can. The title track closes the album out and sonically it does an excellent job of tying the first and second parts of the album together.
Finding Forever is in some ways a follow up to Be, but in some ways it’s also what Be should have been. In hindsight especially, Be lacked a real edge in the latter half of the album and drifted into boredom. Finding Forever doesn’t suffer from that affliction, and the slower joints are among the best of the LP. Some folks will complain that at 11 songs and an intro the album is too short but I’m with it, fu*k 20 songs and 4 skits. After drifting into a territory that no one seemed to welcome with Electric Circus, Kanye has helped bring Com full circle. Album number 7 puts Common’s catalogue on a level that few can fu*k with. If forever is immortality in this game, Common has found it.
Tracklist: 1) Atmosphere- Sunshine 2) Atmosphere- The Number One 3) Atmosphere- RFTC 4) Atmosphere- Mattress 5) Atmosphere- Don't Forget
from Rhymesayers: Just in time for some Summer fun Slug and Ant drop an Atmosphere appetizer while they put the finishing touches on their 6th studio album, When Life Gives You Lemons... due early next year. Until then enjoy 5 new sun filled summer inspired songs from Atmosphere, so get 'em while it's hot and this gem is still available...
If you haven't heard the "True Indeed" album or you've never heard of the Sound Providers, here's some info I typed..
The production duo, Sound Providers, (Jay Skills and Soulo, from San Diego) released their critically acclaimed album "True Indeed" last November. Except this time they released it with Florida MC Surreal. The Sound Providers have been dropping dope records with artists such as Asheru and Little Brother. Their production is "jazzy-hiphop" such as De La Soul & A Tribe Called Quest. (So if you like those 2 groups, definetly check this out) "Their "backto- basics" format of flavorful beats, scratched choruses, and hype rhymes, garner the Sound Providers a/k/a SP’s an enthusiastic following which continue to grow with each release."
And the MC Surreal... This is my first time hearing him rap and I was very impressed. His smooth flow and crisp rhymes are perfect for the Sound Providers beats. For some reason, this album reminds me of a Gangstarr album... sort of jazzylike inspired production with nice lyrics that can switch from "braggadocios battle emcee to soulful and introspective artist with an innate flow"
When I was a kid I used to hear people say that music doesn’t really have any effect on you, and that it is possible to listen to hip hop “just for the beat”. After all, the actual messages in music only influence you if you let them. Right?
This argument usually comes from people wishing to justify listening to music with lewd, negative or offensive lyrical content.
People like me.
I grew up the son of a church deacon & and a Sunday school teacher, and I was conflicted because I loved listening to music that clearly contradicted my Christian value system. So I did what any red blooded American would: I rationalized.
I told myself that I could listen to rappers preach drugs and violence and that it would not alter my mentality. I convinced myself that all the songs about how women are bitches were not going to make me really think that all women are bitches. And let’s not forget the classic: listening to other people use the n-word is way different that using it yourself.
You probably have your own personal versions of the above ideas and if you’re like me there are a million verses that you could sing in your sleep that you’d never admit to embracing. Songs like "XXplosive" off of Dr. Dre’s Chronic 2001 come to mind:
Bitch niggaz paid for hoes, just to lay wit hoes Relax one night, and paid to stay wit hoes Captain Save'Em all day (bitch) well save this dick Bitch nigga, you more of a bitch than a bitch You ain't into hittin pu*sy, or hittin the switch You into hittin bitches off of the grip, you punk bitch.
And a personal favorite of mine (shout-out to Biko) from a Youngbloodz track:
I smoke (Yea!), I drank (Yea!) I'm supposed to stop but I can't (Uh-huh) I'm a dog (Yea!), I love hoes (Yea!) And I'm addicted to money, cars and clothes. Do it big then.
Good stuff, right?
Now before you go accusing me of bashing hip hop or hating on artist’s freedom of speech, let me just say one thing: shut up.
I’m fully aware that most hip hop music is nothing like the aforementioned verses and that some of the most beautiful art in the world comes from hip hop artists. Clever, inspirational, provocative, intelligent rhymes and ideas are in my opinion what make hip hop grand. And I’m not into social commentary on what rappers should be saying or what they shouldn’t be saying. I leave that to the Al Sharpton’s and Bill O’Reilly’s of the world.
But it is an interesting question: how do words in music influence us? The issue certainly continues to be debated by record companies, artists, censorship advocates, parent groups, school boards and state and federal government. A quick look at some of the research on the topic may shed some light.
While it has been suggested that the lyrics in rap and other controversial music promote everything from aggression, bigotry, and violence to drug use, sexual promiscuity, and even suicide, actual findings from research are mixed. For example, in 1995 a study was conducted to determine if music or lyrical content could affect suicidal thoughts and anxiety. Volunteers listened to six different songs that were either heavy metal or rap crossed with three different lyrical themes. The three themes were nonviolent, homicidal, and suicidal lyrics. To make sure that that the participants would actually listen carefully to the lyrics without giving away the true nature of the study, the experimenters told the participants they were being tested to see how much they could remember. They were then given a survey to measure their depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. The results indicated that neither music nor lyrical content had an immediate effect on state anxiety. Ironically, the non-violent rap songs elicited higher scores on the survey than the violent rap songs did. Two years later, another researcher conducted another study that had participants read either sad or happy lyrics while listening to instrumental music to measure if the lyrics had any effect on one’s mood. Turns out that they didn’t.
Of course, there are tons of other studies that say that music can and does affect us psychologically. This is certainly not hard to understand. Everyone at some point has put in a song to “set the mood”, or get ready for the game, etc. But lyrics’ effects on our brains don’t stop there.
The Priming Effect
The priming effect is a well-documented phenomenon that works like this: When your brain is exposed to any stimulus (e.g. a picture of a snake) it conditions you to react in a predictable way to subsequent stimuli. For example, if you see a picture of a baby, you are likely to associate whatever you see after that with stuff relevant to babies. Don’t believe it? Try this: read the following paragraph. Then, fill in the missing letters in the word list below.
Julia and Rob hit it off right away. They had been giving each other the eye ever since Rob showed up at the bar. One introduction, 2 hours, and 3 drinks later they were both ready to “go somewhere a little less noisy”. They ended up at Rob’s apartment, where they discovered that they couldn’t keep their hands off each other any longer. Julia unbuttoned her blouse and walked into the bedroom. “ I think I’d better hit the sack” she says, looking over her shoulder.
Chances are you chose 1.Sex, 2.Bang, 3.Suck, 4.Kiss, 5.Breast, and 6.Touch. If so you’ve demonstrated the priming effect. The sexually oriented story pre-disposed you to responding with words associated with sex. (I chose 1.Sox, 2.Band, 3.Tuck, 4.Miss, 5.Breeze, and 6.Teach)
But what does priming have to do with lyrics? Well, a lot. If you buy the legitimacy of the priming principle, then it follows that we can be primed by virtually anything- including lyrics heard not read. That literally means that the words and images conjured up by your favorite rapper don’t just go in one ear and out the other. They make you more likely to associate future stimuli with the subject and topics discussed in the lyrics themselves.
The Mere Exposure Effect
In psychology there's a phenomenon known as the Mere Exposure Effect. Basically, it states that the more an individual is exposed to something the more that person will come to like it. This effect has been produced over and over again in research, and applies everything: objects, people, symbols, tastes, smells…everything.
This helps explain how it is that you can hear a song on the radio for the first time and hate it, only to end-up singing along a week or so later. Merely being exposed to something is enough to make you like it.
Apply this principle to the lyrical content in rap music and it’s easy to see how topics and subjects that are initially unpleasant can gradually become more tolerable and eventually even preferred. As an example my wife has noted (repeatedly) that I develop a bit of a “potty mouth” after reviewing hip hop albums… quite probably a result of the exposure to the characteristic explicit language permeating contemporary hip hop.
So, the debate will continue. For my money it is clear that lyrics can influence mood & emotion, not to mention cognitive areas like imagination and creativity. Both the priming and mere exposure effects have taken their toll on me as well. I’d be lying if I said that snap-music hasn’t grown on me since moving to North Carolina or that I don’t succumb to using hip hop clichés from time to time.
Finding Forever droppin' soon. Be sure to cop it! Common has been a consistent, successful artist and all albums are dope. IF you haven't heard all of his albums, you can download them here.
Eminem's first album, released independently and with only 400 copies of the actual cd. Recently came across it and started listening to it again, Eminem's flow and content is different than Slim Shady LP to now. Although it's not as dope as Slim Shady LP, Marshall Mathers LP & Eminem Show, it's still nice to hear as it's Eminem's first shot at the rap game. He shows a great use of multies as well on this album.
Nujabes is definetly one of my favorite producers, his music has a jazzy-vibe to it, often classified as "Nu-Jazz" or "Jazzy Hip Hop". He's born in Japan, but often collaborates with the rap group Cyne & Five Deez.
He has released 2 solo albums, Modal Soul and Metaphorical Music, and has produced the soundtrack for Samurai Champloo which contains "Impression" and "Departure"
I don't really have much to say about him, just check out his music. I'll post my favorite tracks from each album, and the download links to each album as well. The tracks posted are on divshare, you can give it a listen before downloading. My favorite track of them all is probably the Latitude remix or Lady Brown.
I've recently just heard his Cloud 9: 3 Day High album, produced by 9th Wonder. Damn, that shit was HOT! Definetly added to my list of favorite albums.
"The moment when the chemistry of making music perfectly works, the musicians feel a high. The rhythmic connections of mind, body, and emotion transcend the moment and transfers to the listeners. In the similar dynamic of Eric B. & Rakim and Guru & Premier, a DJ and emcee prove the euphoric effects of musical chemistry. 9th Wonder and Skyzoo created an entire album of 12 songs in only 3 days. “Cloud 9: The 3 Day High” by Skyzoo & 9th Wonder proves multiple facts. "
This song isn't on the album, but it's a tribute to a legend, J. Dilla. Jay Dee- R.I.P.- Rest In Beats Sky's Last Donut (Off "Last Donut Of The Day" on Dilla's album Donuts) http://www.zshare.net/audio/2348050e3f7a5c/
You MUST have heard of Masta Ace if you are a true hip hop fan. Masta Ace is probably my favorite underrated rapper. He's definetly not appreciated enough for his work and is a veteran in the rap game. Ace is from Brooklyn and he started off with the Juice Crew, as Marley Marl produced his first album "Take a Look Around". His most notable albums (and my favorites) are "A Long Hot Summer" (It's summertime! You should probably jam this album now) and "Disposable Arts". Most people say that Eminem copied his flow and you can sort of tell if you listen to both of them. (Masta Ace dissed him on the song "Acknowledge" on Disposable Arts) His songs are both meaningful and inspirational. Both "A Long Hot Summer" and "Disposable Arts" are concept albums, so they're connected with skits and the album is basically a story itself. Masta Ace is that type of rapper where you quote his verses, not lines.
Here are some zshare'd tracks that you should check out-
One of his most notable appearances (I started listening to Masta Ace after hearing this song). It's probably my favorite song that defines hip hop. All four verses are great.
01 02:49 Everything Man 02 04:36 NY Weather Report 03 05:54 Hostile Gospel 04 03:41 Say Something (Feat. Jean Grae) (Prod. by will.i.am) 05 04:31 Country Cousins (Feat. UGK) 06 02:12 Holy Moly 07 03:08 Eat To Live 08 03:43 In The Mood (Prod. by Kanye West) 09 04:01 Soon The New Day (Feat. Norah Jones) (Prod. by Madlib) 10 04:42 Electrify 11 04:17 Hell 12 04:40 More Or Less (Prod. by Hi-Tek) 13 03:50 The Perfect Beat (Feat. KRS-One) 14 03:49 Hot Thing (Prod. by will.i.am) 15 04:19 Oh My Stars (Feat. Musiq Soulchild) 16 03:28 Listen (Prod. by Kwame)
This link is the ADVANCE of the album, but it includes all the songs from the official tracklisting. Sources say that the label purposely labeled it ADVANCE, but its actually the retail album.
01. Kanye West - Friday Morning, May 25th, 2007 (Intro) 02:17 02. Kanye West - Stronger (Snippet) 01:23 03. CRS (Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West & Pharrell) - Us Placers 03:54 04. GLC - I Ain't Even On Yet 02:36 05. Kanye West - Can't Tell Me Nothing 04:08 06. Common feat. Kanye West - Southside (Snippet) 02:22 07. Common - The Game 02:30 08. Kanye West - Porno (Interlude) 01:15 09. 88 Keys feat. Kanye West & Malik Yusef - Stay Up (Snippet) 01:50 10. Talib Kweli feat. Kanye West - In The Mood 02:32 11. Bentley feat. Pimp C & Lil' Wayne - C.O.L.O.U.R.S. 04:35 12. Kid Sister feat. Kanye West - Pro Nails 02:37 13. Kanye West - Young Folks 01:47 14. Kanye West - Interviews (Interlude) 03:31 15. Common - The People 03:25 16. Big Sean - Get'cha Some 02:57 17. Consequence - Don't Forget Em 02:55 18. Sa-Ra - White! (On The Floor) 03:00 19. Ne-Yo feat. Kanye West - Because Of You (Remix) 01:35 20. T-Pain feat. Kanye West - Buy You A Drank (Remix) 02:01 21. Kanye West - Throw Some D's (Interlude) 00:36 22. Kanye West - Throw Some D's (Remix) 02:36 23. Tony Williams - Dreaming Of Your Love 02:52 24. Really Doe feat. Jennifer Hudson - Magnetic Power 01:47 25. PM - Hater Family 03:36
KRS-One (MC) & Marley Marl (producer) album "Hip Hop Lives" drops May 22. A legendary MC & producer collaborate. If you haven't heard any KRS-One material, go listen now- intellectual lyrics, hard delivery & nice flow.
01. It's Alive (Intro) 02. HipHopLives 03. Nothing New 04. I Was There 05. Musika (feat. Magic Juan) 06. Rising To The Top 07. Over 30 08. M.A.R.L.E.Y. (Skit) 09. Kill A Rapper 10. The Teacha's Back 11. The Victory (feat. Blaq Poet) 12. This Is What It Is 13. All Skool 14. House Of hits (feat. Chief Rocker Busy Bee)
KRS-ONE released a written statement, speaking on the significance of his upcoming collaborative project with Marley Marl, Hip-Hop Lives.
"On May 22nd 2007 (during HipHop Appreciation Week--May 14th-22nd 2007) DJ Marley Marl and I will be releasing our first album together entitled "HIP HOP LIVES". I am truly honored and humbled to have worked with Marley Marl on such an important project for HipHop. All true "Hiphoppas" know of the history between KRS ONE, MC Shan and Marley Marl and I truly hope that our union sends a message of unity out to the entire HipHop community worldwide. This album is about KRS ONE saying thanks to Marley Marl, MC Shan, Mister Magic, Roxanne Shante, Fly Tye, DJ Red Alert, DJ Chuck Chill Out, the Awesome Two and everyone who had something to do with the legendary "battle" between Boogie Down Productions and the Juice Crew. This album is about refocusing HipHop and preserving "that original sound" that got everything started in the 1980s.
This album is about unity and reconciliation. This is why Marley Marl and I reject any notion that our work "HIP HOP LIVES" is somehow an "answer" or a "disagreement" with Nas' work (HipHop Is Dead). Of course we knew that our album title would cause some speculation however, if our work must be compared to Nas' work Marley Marl and I would prefer that you see "HIP HOP LIVES" as more of a "follow up" or a continuation, a part two of what Nas has declared. Isn't it obvious what we are ALL trying to do? Nas, Rakim, DJ Premiere, Kanye West, Buc Shot, Talib Kweli, MC Lyte, Russell Simmons, Afrika Bambaataa, Will I AM, Dr. Cornell West, De La Soul, the TATs Cru, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Ludicris, JS One, Rock Steady Crew, Immortal Technique and many others are ALL trying to refocus HipHop and preserve its original intent of artistic excellence, peace, love, unity and safely having fun. Isn't this obvious?
I don't disagree with Nas-lower case "hip hop" IS dead! But like the savior that upper case "Hip Hop" is, true HipHop can be resurrected and this is what we mean when we say "HIP LIVES".This album is about the rebirth of "Golden Age"HOPHipHop. Our artistic aim on this project is to invite a large percentage of Hip Hop's more mature listeners back to the table of classic beats and rhymes. HipHop is older now and its music and subject matters should reflect its maturity. This is why Marley Marl and I chose to lead our project with the song "Kill A Rapper" which raises questions as to why so many "rap" homicides go unresolved. On May 22nd 2007 pick up a copy of "HIP HOP LIVES" written by KRS ONE and produced by Marley Marl. And remember, we are not just doing HipHop; WE ARE HIPHOP! The movement continues..."
Blue Scholars are a hip hop duo from Seattle, with members Geologic (MC) and Sabzi (producer). They are signed to Rawkus Records and have gone on tour with artists such as De La Soul, Heiroku, Slick Rick, Kanye West, Immortal Technique, The Coup, Masta Ace, Mos Def and Little Brother. Their music consists of positive messages with complex lyrics and all the elements of pure hip hop put together. They have released a self-titled album in 2004, The Long March EP in 2005 and have completed their recent album, Bayani, which releases soon.
"Bayani, the third release from arguably Seattle’s biggest hip-hop duo is easily one of the most poignant, important, and best albums ever to come from the Northwest. I realize that I’m placing an immense weight on the Blue Scholars by making this statement, but after listening to this album, I gladly invite you to disagree with me.
This record is what hip-hop was made for, powerful messages that cover the problems and feelings of the world from Seattle to Baghdad and everywhere and everything in-between. The tracks are delivered in Geologic’s clever, lighting bolt style amplified by Sabzi’s stripped-down, old-school beats and melodies – creating something that’s hard to categorize, which is okay, because this music doesn’t need it. Every song unfolds like a novel; complex narratives are peppered with political and social commentary. Like previous Scholar album’s, Bayani is full of Seattle references, from the U-District to the Mariners, but this album is different in that it branches out, spanning the entire globe.
The album is diverse, eclectic, and unique. Fist-pumping political anthems like “Fire for the People” and the WTO protest homage “50 Thousand Deep” ride seamlessly alongside slower and subtle tracks such as “Xenophobia” and “The Distance,” which discuss racism and the plight of immigrants in America.
This album is an example of the perfect album falling into the public’s hands at the perfect time. It would be a gross understatement to say that we live in troubling times and Bayani serves as the autobiography, the voice, and the seer stone of today’s world. here are very few hip-hop albums where the beats marry so well to the rhymes, creating deep, vibrant, and rich moods and feelings.
The album isn’t all apocalyptic though. The album’s strongest track “Morning for America” is warm and inspiring, creating an air of optimism through its narrative of growing up in modern America. The disc’s closer “Joe Metro” is equally uplifting full of the potential of the world.
Bayani is a summer road trip around the globe. All you have to do is sit back, let Sabzi drive, and let Geologic point out things along the way. The album is very persuasive and makes me think that the world, country, and city would be a better place if the Scholars were in power. f*ck Greg Nickels, I’ll be voting for the Blue Scholars."
DJ Jazzy Jeff, the fresh DJ with Will Smith- back in the DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince days, released a new album today, The Return of the Magnificent. I haven't heard much of his solo work but this album is pretty nice. He's still nice with the turntables & beats, an album you can reminise to. There's a real nice line-up on the album: Big Daddy Kane, Jean Grae, Rhymefest, J-Live, Pos (from De La Soul), Method Man, Kardinal Offishal, CL Smooth & Peedi Peedi & more.
Some nice tracks for you guys (zSHARE- listen & download)... my favorite being "The Garden" with Big Daddy Kane, "Practice" with J-Live (Allen Iverson's famous practice speech sampled) & "She Was So Flyy" with Kardinal Offishal.
