fivemicshiphopshow

Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T17:02:00.000-08:00

1. Q-tip - The Renaissance

Fans have waited patiently nearly ten years since the release of Amplified for another solo album from seminal leader of the innovative A Tribe Called Quest squad. In this time, Q-Tip has recorded several albums' worth of material that never saw the light of day due to label politics. Such is the life of an emcee in an industry that favors quick hits with a short shelf life over slow-cooked grooves from veterans. Fortunately, the dolor of business drama is scarcely detectable over the smoothly unfolding euphony on The Renaissance.

2nd Best Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T17:00:00.000-08:00

2. N*E*R*D - Seeing Sounds

After Pharrell Williams's pedestrian solo debut and some lacklustre production work (Gwen Stefani's The Sweet Escape), it seemed as though Williams and his Neptunes/N.E.R.D partner Chad Hugo had lost their vice-like grip on inventive pop. Happily, their new album suggests a thrilling second act. Flanked by fellow bandmember Shay Haley, they are again pushing the boundaries of the popular song. From Everybody Nose, a horn-looped look at Hollywood's re-infatuation with cocaine, to the drum'n'bass-meets-baile-funk of Spaz, this album is a superb reminder of why we fell in love with them in the first place.

3rd Best Hip Hop LP 0f 2008

2008-12-29T16:54:00.000-08:00

3. Sir Smurf Lil - A New Bloodline

‘A New Bloodline’; Sir Smurf Lil’ teams up with the current cream of UK producers – Jehst, Apa-Tight, Beat Butcha, LG, Conspicuous and Asaviour – all men well known for their dusty Hip Hop beats. Don’t take that the wrong way though; on paper ‘A New Bloodline’ may seem like a quick tracing of the UK rap outline but in reality the uniquely stylised rendering of Smurf makes this more than just a carbon copy.

Sonically and topically this is a nicely diverse album presenting Sir Smurf’s creative streak. On ‘Blossom’ man/woman relationships are explored over a beautiful backing whereas on ‘Words are Weapons’, a menacingly lilting beat accompanies determined fighting talk. The title track opens up raucously whereas closer ‘The Lord’s Chorus’ laments the loss of a loved life. Single ‘Candlelight’ still sounds fresh as does it’s B-side ‘That Sound’ featuring T-Bear and Big Cakes.

Other microphone guests are partners-in-rhyme The Colony (Grimlok, Conspicuous and Willo Wispa), Dubbledge, Kashmere and Jehst all of whom make worthy contributions to the overall piece.

‘A New Bloodline’ is a mature second album from an MC who deserves to gain recognition and momentum in this thing we call rap.

4th Best Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T16:52:00.000-08:00

4. P Brothers - The Gas

Straight New York street talk is rarified air in hip hop these days. More specifically, the bleak second wave of “realness” after Wu, Nas and Black Moon emerged. Records like Mobb Deep’s The Infamous or Group Home’s Livin’ Proof sounded like kids trading blunts and rhymes in ciphers in the projects, nodding their heads as Rakim spit, “I guess I didn’t know the ledge.” The soundscapes were almost as dire, but always injected with a shot of soul. Nottingham’s P Brothers – DJ Ivory and Paul S – preserve this connoisseur’s strain with the care of curators.

The Gas is hip hop that hits from the waist up. Tinted-jeep music with heat stashed in the armrest, toting a handful of reality-check anthems on par with O.C.’s “Time’s Up.” Chase C.R.E.A.M on the low, hit pads like Kris Jenkins. On “Cold World,” Trey Bag extrapolates: “Ratata/ Think about consequences after / Black master / Gun blaster / Middle finger to the pastor.” To everybody involved, hip hop is religion.

5th Best Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T16:48:00.000-08:00

5. Elzhi - The Preface

Always one of the most talented emcees in the Michigan hip-hop scene, Elzhi's substance-over-style approach has consistently deviated from the mainstream rap environment. When he initially joined Slum Village in the early part of this decade — after super-producer J Dilla went solo — the group was primarily regarded for its soulful backdrops and carefree vibes. Although they eventually gained the recognition they deserved, Elzhi is in a similar position as a solo artist nearly a decade later: His emphasis on technique and thought-provoking lyrics differs from the formulaic McDonald-ization of today's commercial rap scene. And with his proper debut, The Preface, Elzhi is still eschewing trends and sticking to his guns with impressive results.

6th Best Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T16:46:00.000-08:00

6. ABN - It Is What It Is

7th Best Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T12:56:00.000-08:00

7. Jazz Liberatorz - Clin D'oeil

I don't know much about the Jazz Liberators, but I instantly became a fan after one listen to this album. From what I've been able to gather around the internet, it would appear that these guys are three producers from France -- DJ Damage, Dusty, and Madhi. They have some 12" singles scattered about but, from what I understand, no albums until now. From the intro, once I heard famous jazz samples being played over what sounded to me like live instruments, I was hooked. They enlist the services of rappers like Sadat X, Buckshot, Asheru, J. Sands, J-Live, Apani B. Fly, Tableek (from Maspyke), and former Pharcyde members Tre Hardson & Fat Lip...amongst others. Though all the tracks are immersed in jazz, they all vary in sound -- from the thump laid down for Buckshot to the floating keys offered up for Sadat X.

As far as drawbacks associated with this release, you'd be hard pressed to find any. There were some songs that stood out more than others, but they're all great. Be warned though, this album is heavily influenced by jazz, so don't look to get hype to this. It's all laid back stuff.

If you like your rap music with a heavy dose of jazz, then this album needs to be a part of your collection. Clin D'Oeil is the best rap album I've heard so far this year. Jazz Rap doesn't come much better than this. I highly recommend adding this LP to your music collection. It won't disappoint. Guaranteed.

8th Best Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T12:54:00.000-08:00

8. EMC - The Show

Ace is back. This time with the underground super group, eMC. eMC consists of Masta Ace, Lyrical Lounge legends Punchline and Wordsworth, and Milwaukee underground veteran, Stricklin. Their new record, The Show, is underground hip hop at its finest and a virtual deadlock for one of the top five hip hop records of the year. The Show is a stylistic successor to Ace’s previous two concept albums as it follows the loose story of the group preparing for the night’s out-of-town performance. We follow the group as they frantically call their manager to pick them up at the airport to their check in at the hotel, to their radio appearances promoting the show, to backstage fucking groupies and finally their curtain call. The record is held together by a series of humorous skits that link the thematic elements of the story with the songs that expound on these themes.

9th Best Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T12:50:00.000-08:00

9. Nappy Roots - Humdinger

Nappy Roots hearken back to a time in southern rap when lyricism was king, ruling over plodding beats and guttural, unintelligible yelling. After a brief stint on a major label and a hit album–2002's Watermelon, Chicken and Gritz–they're back on their own label, with their best album yet, The Humdinger.

And they don't waste any time addressing their current situation. Opener "Beads and Braids" is a head-first assault on an industry that spit them out, capped off by the sarcastic question, "Why y'all ****** don't rap about money?" It brings up a good point–it's not that Nappy Roots don't rap about the traditional southern rap archetypes that we've come to expect, they just do it more realistically. They rap about strip clubs ("Pole Position") but stop to wonder aloud if their mothers are going to hear it; they rap about cars ("Good Day"), but mostly because they aren't sure if their cars are going to start.

The Humdinger shows Nappy Roots to be funny, down-to-earth hip-hop stars who care more about their craft than they do about their shoe deals. It's something their southern rap peers could learn from.

10th Best Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T12:48:00.000-08:00

10. Fat Ray & Black Milk - The Set Up

Black Milk and Fat Ray’s “The Set Up” is a straight gutter, battle rap release - period. Every now and then I need a balance of my hip-hop music to include the street-inspired presentations like “The Set Up.” As of lately, I have been on some personal “rename random albums,” and this album I renamed “Punchlines & Amped Beats Vol. 1” - as there are plenty to go around. A true fan of battle raps will be in heaven with this presentation. Innovative in some regards yet the “same ole, same ole” in others, more than half of this release is captivating. But other areas, such as gun talk, violence and drug use, is nothing my ears haven’t received before.

11th Best Hip Hop LP 0f 2008

2008-12-29T12:46:00.000-08:00

11. Heltah Skeltah - D.I.R.T

The choice to appear on the cover of a hardcore rap album wearing a mask and a cape, like an extra from some R. Kelly video gone awry, isn’t one many artists would make, but then again, normal isn’t a standard that Heltah Skeltah can really be held to. That the Brooklyn duo would have a “much anticipated” release in 2008, a full decade since their last album is nothing short of amazing. This is due to the cape-clad Sean Price, who resurrected himself in the form of “the brokest rapper you know” on his out-of-nowhere solo debut, 2005’s Monkey Barz. With that album, and its followup, 2007’s Jesus Price Superstar, Price, a.k.a. Ruck, set the stage for this reunion.

Price is joined by his gravel-voiced partner in crime, Rock. Together, the two continue the general trend of Price’s solo albums: rhymes that are at once threatening and amusing, with gun talk and chest thumping mixed in with a piercing wit, sometimes directed at themselves. This is a delicate balancing act that few should attempt, but these two do it perfectly. The imagery they use is often hilarious and over the top: “When I fucked Rhianna, ain’t use no umbrella/If the the bitch have twins, we namin’ ‘em both Ella…Ella…” It is a fantastic collection of verses, but they are all interchangeable from track to track, and for the most part, no particular concepts emerge on the tracks. Production on the album is decent high-octane underground stuff, but can’t escape comparisons to the Justus League-heavy sound of Sean Price’s two albums. Khrysis and Ill-Mind are still around, but with two tracks each, they do not dominate the album, and the other beatmakers don’t quite pick up the slack. There are certainly some other good contributions, notably from Sic Beats (”Smack Muzik”) and Stu Bangas (”Ruck & Roll”), but Khrysis’ atypical swinging head nodder, “The Art of Disrespeckinization” is probably the strongest beat on the album.

Overall, this is a high-quality underground album from two original, if ill-mannered, voices in hip hop. It loses minor points for lack of variety in the tracks, and for production that doesn’t quite stand up to its Sean Price predecessors. Still, it is more than worth a listen, and hopefully means continued success for the re-invented Heltah Skeltah, capes or no.

12th Best Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T12:38:00.000-08:00

12. Prodigy, Big Twin & Un Pacino - Product Of The 80's

13th Best Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T12:36:00.000-08:00

13. Roots Manuva - Slime And Reason

Slime & Reason, is yet another gutsy work from a deeply honest artist. But you can't help wanting the guy to make a record that all sounds like 'Again & Again', 'Buff Nuff' and 'Do Nah Bodda Mi'. These are miserable times, we need some joy, and Smith's best shots prove that uplifting music needn't be shallow.

14th Best Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T12:34:00.000-08:00

14. Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons

The characters given life by Slug on Atmosphere's new album have unenviable situations, but they're not all "painting that shit gold" (whatever that means): Vagrants, single parents and dope-addled fiends, they all work, fuck and wallow in their misery, giving the emotional indie rap act a chance to traffic in someone else's self-righteousness and self-loathing for a change.

That said, the album feels just as personal as Atmosphere's previous works while showcasing a bit of artistic evolution. Producer Ant chops up bass, guitar and synth parts that were recorded under his direction, which results in Gold feeling less like the boilerplate, sample-driven indie rap albums Atmosphere has threatened to retire on and more like a groundbreaking work. Though pockmarked by clichés and listless tracks like "Guarantees" and "Like the Rest of Us," it nonetheless hints at good things to come for Slug and Ant, provided they continue in this style.

15th Best Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T12:29:00.000-08:00

15. Kashmere - Raiders Of The Lost Archives

16th Best Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T12:26:00.000-08:00

16. Lil Wayne - Tha Carter 3

OK, it's true: he really is the best rapper alive. Lil Wayne made that claim on his last official CD, in 2005, and since then, he's unleashed an astonishing torrent of mixtapes, leaks and guest appearances to back up the boast. So his long-anticipated "legit" album follow-up feels a bit gratuitous. Still, Tha Carter III is useful as an exclamation point. It establishes beyond a doubt that the zeitgeist in 2008 belongs to one artist: a dreadlocked dadaist poet from New Orleans with a bad weed habit and a voice like a bullfrog. As Wayne croaks in the woozy "3Peat," "Get on my level/You can't get on my level/You will need a space shuttle/Or a ladder that's forever."

Wayne has taken the task of album-making seriously: This isn't a mixtape, it's a suite of songs, paced and sequenced for maxaqimum impact. He's collected sleek, powerful beats from top producers (Kanye West, Swizz Beatz), enlisted A-list guest stars (Jay-Z, T-Pain) and served up a range of textures and moods, from the elegiac Hurricane Katrina protest "Tie My Hands" to the bubblegum bumper "Lollipop," in which Weezy has a laugh at selling out by creating the most outrageously pumped-up sellout single in history. Thematically, Carter III is a victory lap. In the hilarious "Dr Carter," he boasts about resuscitating hip-hop: "As I put the light down his throat/I can only see flow/His blood's starting to flow/His lungs starting to grow."

As usual, Wayne's tumbling freestyle rhymes are full of imagination and surprise, but his voice itself is half the fun. He shouts, gasps, tries a Caribbean patois, sings snatches of "Umbrella" and "Irreplaceable," and impersonates E.T. He loves that brother-from-another-planet stuff —"I am a Martian," he raps —but it's clear he's also thinking about his worldly legacy. The album cover links Carter III to Biggie's Ready to Die and Nas' Illmatic, and he makes no bones about coveting a spot in hip-hop's pantheon. "Next time you mention Pac, Biggie or Jay-Z/Don't forget Weezy Baby," he advises on "Mr Carter." It's sound advice.

17th Best Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T12:22:00.000-08:00

17. The Roots - Rising Down

If Rising Down is remembered for anything besides its call to arms message, it will be as the Roots album with an artist list the size of Step Up 2. Blackthought spends an almost shocking amount of time with the mic to himself, most notably going solo on 75 Bars, an unforgiving lyrical barrage that shows once again that Blackthought is the MC for MCs who love the art of MCing (follow that?). But for better or worse nearly every other track is stuffed with alternate rhymers. On the worse side, Common’s contribution to the strangely forgettable The Show is disappointingly flat, and do we really need three songs featuring a man named Porn? But on the better side Dice Raw contributes three verses that will have long time Roots fans reminiscing on the days he was part of the crew, Talib Kweli is lyrically defiant on I Will Not Apologize, and Peedi Crack crushes expectations by dropping one of album’s best verses on Get Busy. So why so many guests? I don’t know, and I wish I didn’t have to ask.

Critics often make the mistake of judging albums on a one size fits all scale, but they should ultimately be measured by how well they accomplish their particular musical mission. I’m not going to criticize Omarion and Bow Wow for ignoring the war in Iraq, and I refuse to subtract points from Rising Down simply because it doesn’t have enough hot joints. This is not music meant to spark a party, this is music meant to spark a fire somewhere inside you, and on that level it deserves some serious rotation on your headphones - lord knows it’s not going to get rotation anywhere else. Which means that the fate of Rising Down is entirely in your hands, where it belongs.

18th Best Hip Hop LP 2008

2008-12-29T12:20:00.000-08:00

18. Baby J - Baby Food

19th Best Hip Hop LP 2008

2008-12-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

19. Terminology - Politics As Usual

20th Best Hip Hop LP of 2008

2008-12-29T08:27:00.000-08:00

20. Reks - Grey Hairs

Boston’s underground rap scene isn’t typically mentioned in hip-hop circles. Yet, rappers from Beantown have been consistently killing it since Edo G first came up. From Akrobatik to Edan to Reks, hip-hop heads certainly have plenty to choose from, but for whatever reason, they keep sleeping. While Ak and his rhyming partner Mr. Lif share some time in the limelight here and there, the only emcee people usually name from Boston is GURU. And we all know how he doesn’t exactly flaunt that. Yet, the aforementioned rappers don’t let their city’s lesser-known scene hold them back. Ak dropped the fantastic Absolute Value earlier this year and now we are treated to Reks’ Grey Hairs, a consistent, moody, and ultimately solid album.

Across the 20 tracks on Grey Hairs, there is nary a subject Reks doesn’t hit with full force. He jumps seamlessly from slavery and materialism, “Black Cream (The Negro Epidemic)”, to teenage pregnancy, “Cry Baby”, to throwing verbal darts, “Pray For Me”. And none of it sounds contrived. Reks spits with passion and fervor no matter the topic and it only helps that the production on here is also stellar. For the flawless “Black Cream (The Negro Epidemic)”, Statik Selektah laces the beat with a somber vocal sample and drums that knock. As a counterpoint, Statik provides a street anthem background on “The One” that gives Reks the chance to flaunt his skills on the mic while tackling societal issues. Oh, right, DJ Premier and Large Professor also crafted beats for Reks. That alone should at least make you eager to listen to this album at least once. But after one spin I can guarantee that you will be going back for more.

21st Best Hip Hop LP 2008

2008-12-26T13:25:00.000-08:00

21. Jake One - White Van Music

Known as the “perfect beat writer”, Seattle super-producer Jake One offers up White Van Music, an expansive compilation of hip-hop music, showcasing a smorgasbord of beats and rhymes. Jake One assembles a number of hip-hop notables, including Posdnuos from legendary hip-hop group De La Soul, prolific artist Busta Rhymes, Prodigy from the dynamic duo of Mobb Deep, and lively MC M.O.P. to name a few.

The varied assortment of MCs lends to the depth of sound on this CD, evident on “Gangsta Boy” with M.O.P., known for his high-energy delivery on memorable songs like “Ante Up”. M.O.P. delivers a similar forcefulness on this track, against a gritty beat that thumps in the listener’s ear, before tapering off into a slower lull with a gentler trickle of a beat, similar to music typically laid over a montage of 1970s cinema. The song is an appropriate lead-in to “The Truth” with Roc-a-Fella artist Freeway and Brother Ali. “The Truth” bumps heavily, conjuring up images of a 1970s era blaxploitation flick. On “God Like”, with D. Black, the beats enter the modern era with a smooth riff to make your head nod. “Bless the Child” featuring North Carolina rappers Little Brother, evokes a similar musical response as the lyricists trade descriptive monologues about their respective personas.

“Kissing the Curb” is textbook Busta Rhymes, allowing the ever-excitable MC to bring his signature delivery over a hard knocking, slightly haunting beat. On “Big Homie Style” with J. Pinder, GMK, and Spaceman, the listener is introduced to one of the grittier tracks on the CD, complete with witty declarations of grandeur from Spaceman who states “I done gone from a pawn to a Don.” Bay Area rapper Keak Da Sneak is right at home on “Soil Raps”, the West Coast flavored beat is the perfect counterpoint to Keak’s grimy rhyme-style.

Detroit brethren Elzhi and Royce Da 5’9” team up on the appropriately titled “Glow”, a glossy aspirational track that practically demands the listener to polish up their own swagger, so they can be worthy of vibing to this track and its numerous acronyms for radiant coolness. The artists remind us of the plentiful ways in which they glow, rapping that they “shine, flicker, streak, sparkle, gleam, glitter, shimmer, flare, flash, floss, glisten, glare.” The undercurrent of 1970s soul music returns on the last two tracks, first with the reflective “R.I.P.”, and then on “Home” with Vitamin D, C Note, and Maine & Ish.

Although less than two minutes in length, “R.I.P.” is classic hip-hop scratching in a vocal refrain of “rest in peace” throughout the song’s introduction. The song name checks a number of deceased hip-hop heavyweights including Proof, Pimp C, Jam Master Jay, Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., Big L, and Big Pun, as well as paying homage to legends like James Brown and Rick James, who have undoubtedly influenced hip-hop music. In keeping with the automobile motif represented by the album’s title, “White Van Music” will have a place in vehicles of all types, as it provides a collection of songs to engage and excite true hip-hop fans.

22nd Best LP of 2008

2008-12-26T13:22:00.000-08:00

22. Statik Selectah - Stick To Da Script

Statik Selektah likes to get right to the point. That was clear from the Massachusetts DJ/producer’s star-studded ’07 debut, Spell My Name Right: The Album. Judging by his aptly titled second LP, Stick 2 the Script, he doesn’t plan on changing anytime soon. On “To the Top (Stick 2 the Script),” Statik matches Cassidy, Saigon and Termanology with tickled strings and knocking drums. The artist pairings remain fluid throughout, as Talib Kweli, Joell Ortiz and Skyzoo spit game on the soulful “Talkin Bout You (Ladies),” and State Property alums Freeway, Young Chris and Peedi Crakk reunite over the bassy “All 2gether Now.”

Guests aside, the album’s strength is its boardwork. Statik digs deep in the crates on the murderous “For the City,” bridging M.O.P. and Jadakiss’s tough-talking verses with a doo-wop hook. He later gets experimental on “Sounds of the Street,” manipulating isolated inner-city noises to construct a melodic backdrop.

The LP dips on the overcrowded “Streets of M.A.,” where eight mostly unrecognizable MCs from Statik’s home state square off atop grave keys, while the West Coast toaster “Cali Nights” sounds slightly out of place among the album’s East Side vibe. Still, minor knocks don’t detract, as Statik not only sticks to his script but also manages to flip it as well

23rd Best LP of 2008

2008-12-24T13:28:00.001-08:00

23. K Delight - Audio Revolution

24th Best LP of 2008

2008-12-24T12:45:00.000-08:00

24. Dela - Changes In Atmosphere

On Dela's second album Changes of Atmosphere, there is a trace of unadorned irony and coincidence that does a lot to explain the nuance of Dela's sound. On the song "The Plan," guest rappers Dynas and Lycian rap about America's cavalier foreign policy as a way to contrast the domestic failure surrounding Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans. It's certainly not an original poetic construct but to hear the following lines, "Eight days in the Superdome / Most was losin' their homes / For your deeds, New Orleans / Is knee deep in corpses / Five days behind you wouldn't leave your fortress," rapped over faux-jazz and faux-hip hop has its own strange logic to diplomacy versus domesticity. Dela, a white French producer writes jazz-infused hip hop, which means taking two musical traditions borne from African-American culture and creating his own armchair interpretation. Dynas and Lucian, two black American rappers, criticize white America's mishandling of non-white peoples both abroad and in New Orleans, a predominantly black area of the country that was originally a French colony. Furthermore, the existence of blacks in the United States in the first place is a product of slavery, which itself is a product of European colonization. Despite all of these twisting strands of causality and musical reappropriation that point to Dela's music being blaxsploitation, there is a tremendous harmony because Dela's jazzy hip hop and his guest rappers' protest lyrics. Simply put, it works. It's as if Dela's music is its own special form of diplomacy that dispels the lamentable history of white expansion and black subjugation by embracing the silver lining: black culture's positive contributions to American, and at this point, global culture, namely musical the musical developments, hip hop and jazz. Dela's music is an homage, a peace pipe, and a humble offering. Changes of Atmosphere is his hopeful contribution.

25th Best LP of 2008

2008-12-24T12:42:00.000-08:00

25. Million Dan - Spektrum

26th Best LP of 2008

2008-12-24T11:26:00.000-08:00

26. Large Professor - Main Source

For me this is a welcome return of the legendary Large Professor with his first LP for nearly 6 years. Usually I have no interest in comback artists who reapear every 5 years or so and somehow think that they can remain relevant in an musical artform that is still constantly evloving, and where most casual listeners change their taste as quickly as they can press the download button. Basically most comeback albums are average at best, and very few artists can recindle the essence of what made then origionators in the first place. However Large Pro has remained relevant over the years, mainly due to some notable productions for other artists, so I had some interest in this release, and the end result is a dope cd filled with classic boom-bap beats and rhymes, and is the perfect album to reminise on a long forgotten era of rap. A lot of people critsise comeback rappers for not moving with the times, but the fact that Large Pro has kept to his origional formula is exactly what makes this album work. I actually found it refreshing to here an album that reminded me of that classic era, and the fact that you don't get much rap released likes this anymore strangely made it sound pretty fresh. This album is also fairly consistent from beginning to end (except for a couple of fillers), and is a vast improvement on his last very patchy LP from 2002. Lyrically Large Pro sounds hungrier than he has for years, and the production is good throughout, but really picks up in the second half. Even though the sound is certainly remenisent of a certain time, the album works well today and is worth picking up.

27th Best LP of 2008

2008-12-24T11:18:00.000-08:00

27. 88 Keys - The Death Of Adam

This perverse morality tale centers on the elaborate efforts of poor, blue-balled "Adam" (a.k.a. producer/rapper/singer 88-Keys, who has made beats for conscious artists like Mos Def, Talib Kweli, and J-Live) to get laid. Ribald detours and high-profile guests abound as he discovers passionate sex ("Stay Up! [Viagra]," featuring executive producer Kanye West), knocks up a casual girlfriend ("M.I.L.F." featuring Bilal), catches venereal disease ("The Burning Bush" with Redman), and tragically "dies." The Death of Adam is ultimately an amusingly diverting, 45-minute dirty joke.

28th Best LP of 2008

2008-12-24T10:35:00.000-08:00

28. Sway - Signature

Sway is like Marmite, you ever love him or hate him. We definitely fall into the love category. His previous LP and mix tapes, have shown him to be a witty and charming MC. Yet this sophomore album, shows an emotional side that is a rare thing in Hip Hop. Tracks like 'Letters To Heaven' and 'Pray For Kaya' offer genuinely moving tributes to lost friends and family members, before "End of the Road" finds a brush with mortality persuading Sway to take stock of his life and contemplate retiring from rapping. Thankfully he didn't and 2009 could be the year, a British MC conquers the states.

29th Best LP of 2008

2008-12-24T10:06:00.000-08:00

29. Triple Darkness - Anathema

30th Best LP 2008

2008-12-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

30. Blu & Mainframe - Johnson & Jonson

Judging by his work ethic, it might be safe to assume the Blu suffers from insomnia. The California emcee indisputably stole the show in 2007 by pairing with DJ Exile for his instant-classic album, Below The Heavens. Next, in April of 2008, he teamed up with Detroit emcee/producer Ta’Raach, to put out a raw, unpolished collaboration titled The Piece Talks under the group name CRAC Knuckles. Now, he has released yet another album, this time with Mainframe, a lesser known, yet considerably skillful producer. The duo, known together as Johnson & Jonson, put their significant chemistry on display for their self-titled debut album.

The album launches with “J & J,” an intro track focused over a dirty, rock-infused beat that starkly contrasts with what Blu’s followers are familiar to. Following tracks, such as “Up All Night,” and “Half A Knot,” capture Blu’s ability to incorporate the stream of consciousness style of rapping that has become popular of late. However, instead of endlessly stringing off irrelevant punchlines and metaphors, Blu’s raps tend to come full circle, making listening to his verses much more gratifying.

Still, Mainframe’s contributions to Johnson & Jonson cannot be overlooked. Whereas DJ Exile focused mainly on soulful sampling on Below The Heavens and Ta’Raach’s simplistic boom-bap dominated The Piece Talks, Mainframe sustains an impressive versatility throughout all of Johnson & Jonson that allows for an entertaining listen. Whether it be the jazzy horns on “Mama Told Me,” the vocal sampling on “The Only Way,” or the sultry bass and acoustic guitar on “Hold On John,” Mainframe’s production always has room to breathe and shine to a level equal that of Blu’s lyrics.

Johnson & Jonson was reportedly supposed to premiere with Below The Heavens as a promotional mixtape. This is apparent, as many tracks clock in at around two minutes, featuring no hooks or breaks – just Blu abusing the instrumental until the song ends. This lack of format does fit Blu’s lyrical style appropriately at times. Take the spectacular track “The Only Way,” on which Blu raps coherently along with the vocal samples about the struggles of trying to deal with what life can throw at you.

With Blu taking part in so many projects in the past year, it is hard not to let his projects fall victim to comparison. This album is too loose to land on the same pedestal as Below The Heavens. This is due in part to the short song lengths and Blu’s flows being more nonspecific, as opposed to his brilliant storytelling on Below The Heavens. But in comparison to The Piece Talks, on which Blu outshined Ta’Raach, Johnson & Jonson serves as a more agreeable listen because of Mainframe’s elevated, flexible production.

One will inevitably wonder what Blu is going to be up to next. Likely, he’ll be up in to the late hours of the night, grinding away on his next project or concept. But until then, it is comforting to know he left us with a sublime release to keep everyone satisfied. Johnson & Jonson succeeds as a rather comprehensive hip-hop album, complete with both solid beats and rhymes.

31st Best LP of 2008

2008-12-20T22:48:00.000-08:00

31. Kail - True Hollywood Squares

Alpha Pup has themselves some massive crossover hit potential with the debut album from South Central LA’s Kail. The beats bestowed upon him are obscure enough to satisfy all of those fickle hipsters – with Sober sampling the likes of Lalo Schifrin’s theme to Steven McQueen’s Bullitt and someone named N/A reconstituting an instrumental out of the Gemini Man stage of Megaman 3 – while pumping all the boom-bap and big bass to keep the party heads rocking. Lyrically, he spins tales of Tinseltown dregs into a rough concept album based around Hollywood Squares, of which a racially charged game is played throughout with Kail doing his best Dave Chappelle. He provides purposefully bad British, Italian, and Caucasian American accents in character that hit as much as they miss (Dave’s not here, man). All the talk of bitches and blunts will satisfy the NWA fans, while his obvious sense of humor often works well enough in a De La Soul or Biz Markie vein. On top of that, frequent AWOL One collaborator Daddy Kev mixed and mastered the affair, while also filling out the production. All that should see Kail join the likes of MF Doom and Dangermouse on the outskirts of the mainstream, if all goes to destiny.

32nd Best LP Of 2008

2008-12-20T17:45:00.000-08:00

32. Nutrageous - Raw Nuts

33rd Best LP of 2008

2008-12-20T16:23:00.000-08:00

33. Flying Lotus - Los Angeles

Quite simply stunning! Dark, mysterious, twisted, deeply bass thumping, completely and utterly mystically original. What is it about Flying Lotus's sound that really puts the hook in me? His music is the equivalent of a nightmarish psychedelic trip through the London Underground. You are rocked, jolted, rattled and blinded by the complete miasma of sound, noise and off-kilter subterranean bass rhythms. `Los Angeles', Flying Lotus's second long player, is an intricately produced, detailed composition. It is the experimental and maturing sound of black America embracing electronic music, a peculiar brew of thundering Hip Hop beats, Jazz and the blues. In this age of lap top musicians and MP3 DJ's, Flying Lotus literally soars above the competition.

34th Best LP of 2008

2008-12-20T15:57:00.000-08:00

34. Dagha - Divorce

35th Best LP of 2008

2008-12-20T15:17:00.000-08:00

35. The Cool Kids - Bake Sale

It's both absurd and entirely believable in 2008 to see a ten-track release called an "EP," especially if it's a hip-hop record. Consider that the average hip-hop album contains between 15 and 20 tracks (I'm totally making up that statistic, but I'd put money on it regardless), and 10 seems like an awfully slim lineup, in spite of the Illmatic precedent. The Cool Kids' Bake Sale is one such oddity. It feels like a full-length album, sort of, but it's also pretty brief, running about a half-hour in length. Even LL Cool J's Radio, an album that The Cool Kids have no doubt studied, seems epic by comparison.

Interestingly enough, brevity is one such quality that makes The Cool Kids such a desirable commodity. Kicking out playful rhymes about haircuts and food over old-school 808 beats and synth throbs, the Chicago duo makes the bold claim that they're "bringing 88 back," the statement itself a Nas reference. Yet while the group's source material is, undoubtedly, top notch, a tribute act this ain't. Rather, The Cool Kids have a youthful freshness and sense of laid-back fun that's curiously absent from the majority of rap being pressed in the '00s. Because of this, a few cynics have dismissed it as `hipster rap,' a dismissal as petty as a dig at community organizers.

Hipster or not, The Bake Sale is pure, beat-banging joy. In spite of my admiration for El-P, GZA and Dälek, I'll go on record as saying The Cool Kids just sound like they'd more fun to kick it with. Single "88" sets the duo's agenda with a "99 Problems" beat and one-liners like "sicker than the flu" and "all you wack rappers need to keep your day jobs/ when my work here is done I'm-a take the day off." "What Up Man" has a beat built on vocalized chants of "tick tick clap/ tick tickticktick clap," while "One Two" finds the Kids hyping themselves (jokingly?) as the "new black version of the Beastie Boys" over a fat synth bassline. The 808 is cast aside in favor of an uptempo drum loop and jazzy bassline in "What It Is. " "A Little Bit Cooler" opts for some downtempo hardcore g-funk, contrasting amusingly with lines like "I'm a rebel/ eating a bowl of them Fruity Pebbles." And "Bassment Party" even harkens back to the halcyon days of early '90s Miami bass.

36th Best LP Of The Year

2008-12-20T15:13:00.000-08:00

36. Qwel & Kip Killagain - The New Wine

Chicago artist Qwel is back with another installment in his seasonal/horsemen series. Previous installments were The Harvest with Maker and Freezer Burner with Meaty Ogre. For this third outing Qwel hooked up with jungle producer Kip Killagain.

So how does a non-hiphop producer do on a hiphop release? With the usage of both live instrumentation and a bit of sampling Kip Killagain succeeds in making some interesting backdroppings. Not everything works as well, but most does. One the examples that feels weird is the beat for 'Bonita Bitrell' where it's very obvious that Kip Killagain comes from an electronic genre. Mind you, the beat isn't bad at all, but it feels a little weird and out of place the first couple of times you'll hear it. 'Innuendo' is another example of a beat that feels out of place. It feels like it was put on the wrong kind of album. Luckily there are also enough beats that do everything just right. Whether it's the guitars on 'Big Eyes' or the piano keys with the violins on 'Agape Rain', there are a lot of songs where Kip Killagain uses some elements to make the music interesting.

Qwel himself does his own thing quit good, but I didn't feel him as much as on most of his previous releases. Lyrically he still kicks it, with some dope rhymes, which might take some time to fully comprehend. Most of the time he speaks on topics about the fast food culture that is our society and his disgust with the entertainment industy. Especially on 'Reality TV' he makes a lot of good points. However there are some points the album feels more like 'The New Whine', especially on the parts where Qwel speaks on the music industry specifically, how the wrong guys get the all the attention and poor Qwel doesn't. It just doesn't sit well with me at all. The guy has got a pretty dedicated fanbase and should be proud of it, I understand everbody wants to get big and rich doing what they love the most, but it isn't for everbody. He could have at least taken a different approach to it. Just look at someone like Busdriver, at least he sees the humour in it, instead of being so sensitive. I'm also not happy with all of his mic performances from a skill level. I wish he would have dropped some of his hooks. The best songs are the ones without a hook most of the time. Also on the acapella 'Internet Killed The Video Star' he exposes himself with a very weak delivery. Don't get me wrong, most of the time Qwel does a great job, switching his flow and what not, but there are a few instances where he really drops the ball.

37th Best LP of 2008

2008-12-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

37. J Live - Then What Happened

J-Live doesn't stray too far from his trademark formula - melancholy, boom bap production combined with conceptual, introspective lyrics - on Then What Happened. Surprisingly though, the album is filled with more passion and anger - yes, anger - than expected. On "One to 31," the Brooklyn native proclaims, "I'm just trying to show you my pain." For an artist who is often characterized as a soft-spoken, backpacking dweeb, such vehemence is a welcomed change from the fun-loving yet intellectually stimulating music fans have come to expect. But can you really blame J-Live for being a little pissed off, especially when he's been shunned by the hip-hop industry for over a decade? On the DJ Evil Dee produced, "Be No Slave," J-Live chronicles his struggles in the music biz, condemning corrupt record labels with rhymes such as, "Trading my rap for a slice of the pie before dinner/Promised in the afterlife I'm a be a winner/But if a record don't sell, I musta been a sinner/'Cause now all you dish out is greens and pig innards/The worst part about it, the whole pie was mine/The contract I signed showed I sold myself/Stay in the trap I was looking to avoid steady playing myself/So from now on, fuck it, I'll be paying myself."

But if this anti-corporate discourse is too much to take in, don't fret; Then What Happened still has its share of boom bap, braggadocios tracks. "The Upgrade" is arguably the album's best track, due in part to a wondrous vocal sample and horn arrangement by producer Oddisee. Similarly, DJ Spinna laces J-Live with a hypnotizing vocal sample and aggressive drums on "We Are."

Even though Then What Happened may not be the most high profile release this year, underground hip-hop fans will be hard pressed to find a more complete album. Any doubts on whether J-Live is past his prime are erased, as em>Then What Happened is his best LP since 2002's All of the Above.

38th Best LP Of 2008

2008-12-20T14:35:00.000-08:00

38. Pete Rock - NY's Finest
Pete Rock has been a dependable, though not always spectacular or surprising, force in hip-hop since his first records with C.L. Smooth came out in the early '90s. His solo records -- on which he usually acts as producer and MC -- have not always been consistent affairs, but he's been able to release a lot of solid material and establish a particular sound and feel to his kind of beat-making. On NY's Finest, his fourth official full-length and first on the Brooklyn label Nature Sounds, he continues this trend, presenting more of the consistent, professional production and lyrics that he's made his name on. Which means that though there are a lot of good tracks on the album, their similarity to each other and Rock's other work seems to blend them into one another. A few do stand out, however: "914," which features strong verses from both Styles P and Sheek Louch, is aggressive and confident while still remaining inviting and fun; "The PJ's," featuring Wu-Tang's Raekwon and Masta Killa (it was actually already included on the March 2006 Nature Sounds new music compilation Natural Selection) mixes mellow production with the rappers' hard-edged storytelling; "Comprehend" balances Papoose's rough voice with particularly smooth and shimmery beats; and the two-and-a-half-minute "Questions" samples from Miles Davis' famous flügelhorn line in "Concierto de Aranjuez" as MC Royal Flush spits out threats and boasts of all sorts. But the rest of the songs on NY's Finest (which, interestingly enough, do not exclusively feature New York talent) aren't quite able to define themselves, to distinguish themselves from what's around them. This doesn't mean that's there's anything weak here; with the exception of the out-of-place and trite dubby "Ready Fe War," every track on the album is a well-executed, well-thought-out piece. But because Rock's never concentrated on hooks, the tracks seem to blend into one another, which, unfortunately, tends to make the record drag on from time to time. NY's Finest is a good, solid listen from a deservedly respected member of the hip-hop community

39th Best LP of 2008

2008-12-20T14:31:00.000-08:00

39. Nas - Untitled

Anybody who was expecting Nigger to be a statement of intent - and I think that's most of us - was half-right. The thematic content of this album, and the inspiration Nas draws from it as a lyricist, certainly surpasses Hip-Hop is Dead, a decent album that failed to explore its titular statement with any real aplomb. In fact, this is as inspired as Nas has sounded in many a year; if The Lost Tapes were to be taken out of his discography proper, then it's quite possibly his best personal performance across an album since 1996's It Was Written. It's a thoughtful, almost hopeful performance, too - where a lot of socio-political albums in recent years have taken a deeply angry tone, this is frequently more a meditation than a rant. It's a discussion on how we improve, what we can change and how, rather than simply a list of things that are wrong. Adding to that vibe are sampled voiceovers ("Louis Farrakhan"), and the appearance of The Last Poets on Project Roach. This album's most lasting strength resides on that vibe. Better production, would have seriously shot this LP up to the higher echelons of the chart.

40th Best LP of 2008

2008-12-20T14:03:00.000-08:00

40. Young Jeezy - The Recession

The world is seriously fucked, when a thug rapper switches his narrative to tales of the economy and politics. The Recession begins beautifully with “The Recession (the Intro).” Over a magnificent DJ Toomp beat, you hear testimonials from the average person trying to make it followed by Jeezy reinforcing the point with clever witty word play. Later on the album, Mr. 17.5 speaks again on the downside of society on the Kanye West assisted “Put On” that serves not only as a public service announcement, but also as an anthem for the down and out. But interestingly, Jeezy manages to touch on some topics that he normally wouldn’t as he talks to his critics of his lyrical ability on “Word Play”. He is also found getting quasi political on the Nas featured “My President,” proving that Jeezy is much more than a drug dealing thug, but someone with keen observations with a sound opinion.

Best 30 singles of 2008

2008-12-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

01. Big Boi - Royal Flush
02. BOB - Fuck U
03. P Brothers - Digital B-Boy
04. Jay-z - Jockin Jay-z
05. Static Selectah - To The Top
06. Warren G - Mr President
07. Styles P - Ghost
08. Sincere - Once Upon A Rhyme
09. Elzhi - Motown 25
10. Reks - Say Goodnight
11. Nas - Hero
12. TI - Swagger
13. Lil Fame - Security
14. Heliocentrics - Distant Star
15. Rakim - I'm Back
16. Nappy Roots - No Static
17. N*E*R*D - Spazz
18. Large Professor - Rockin Hip Hop
19. Paper Route Recordz - Bama Gettin Money
20. Terminology - How We Rock
21. ABN - Whose The Boss
22. Harmonics 313 - For The D
23. Roots - 75 Bars
24. Lil Wayne - A Millie
25. Kid Cudi - Day N Night
26. Ludacris - MVP
27. Nutrageous - Playin The Field
28. Pete Rock - How We Roll
29. Knuxx - Cappuccino
30. Common - Universal Mind Control

Can We please Have A Moment Of Silence

2008-11-10T14:33:00.000-08:00

Its our sad news to report that Jax from Binkis has passed away. Jax died live on stage and will be sadly missed. Binkis were signed to Bobbito's spin off label Fruitmeat. To check out a dope MC and to cop the Binkis LP check out their Myspace, http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=14356819

Source December 1991

2008-11-08T05:43:00.001-08:00

The January 1992 issue of The Source was the 1991 year in review issue. I always enjoyed these year in review issues, especially in later years, for the brief trip down memory lane. Ice Cube, the family movie guy today, was in the Nation of Islam back then and no one could turn his frown upside down. Can anyone imagine O’Shea X in the Nation of Islam today? Death Certificate was released in November ‘91 and was still heavily debated in December ‘91 when this issue hit the stores. I really miss the angry version of Ice Cube. He was at his peak on this album and it seemed at times as if he would come through the mega sized speakers I owned back then. His music career spiraled slowly downward from here.

By the way, what was the best album released in ‘91, in your opinion?

Some highlights from this issue:

-Miles Davis, who passed away in ‘91, is remembered for his genius

-The best album, single, and artist for the year - I don’t agree with their top album of the year but I can see why they chose it. Just look at the list of 15 albums. They should have included 20, in my opinion.

-An article discussing the marketing of products (soda, fast food, alcohol,) by hip-hop artists - Back then, it wasn’t considered “good” to market certain products. But today it’s almost essential for an artists’ survival to endorse just about any products such as candy bars, chewing tobacco, and motor oil. The ads that upset me the most were Rakim’s St. Ides ad on the radio and the Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial with Hammer and his entourage dancing for chicken! I hid under the covers after watching that garbage on Youtube.

Record Report highlights (the mics are finally here!):

-Ice Cube - Death Certificate (4.5 mics)

-Organized Konfusion - Self Titled (4 mics)

-Big Daddy Kane - Prince of Darkness (3 mics) -

-Run-DMC - Together Forever (4 mics) -

-2Pac - 2Pacalypse Now (3 mics)

Dizzee views on Obama

2008-11-08T05:22:00.000-08:00

Devin USB Cassette

2008-11-08T05:15:00.000-08:00

Houston rapper and marijuana advocate, Devin the Dude, has teamed up with MIXA for an exclusive cassette tape version of his new album.

Cassette tapes? Well, not exactly. MIXA’s motto: Undigital your digital.

They sell USB ‘tapes’ full of music, in the shape of cassette tapes with a customizable jacket. Devin’s MIXA will come with all the songs from his album, a PDF file of the booklet, and the “High Ya’ll Doin” video blogs from his website; all for £23.99 or about $42. Too pricey? Go to Devin’s MySpace page for details on how to win a free copy.

Classic Mags The Source November 91

2008-10-30T14:50:00.000-07:00

The cover of this issue features both Queen Latifah and A Tribe Called Quest. Tribe, my all time favorite group, had just released The Low End Theory at the end of September 1991, which I consider to be their best album and is also my #3 all time greatest hip-hop album ever (sitting just below [1] PE’s It Takes A Nation of Millions… and [2] Eric B and Rakim’s Paid in Full).

Some other highlights from this issue:

-MC Essence is sued by Essence Magazine

-Phife Dawg with the hip-hop quotable for “Buggin’ Out”

-Brand Nubian breaking up???

-The dangers of AIDS

-An interview with Chubb Rock, who mentions his top 3 MC’s

-The marketing of malt liquor only to African Americans and Chuck D suing St. Ides

-Cypress Hill getting blunted

Record Report highlights:

-A Tribe Called Quest - The Low End Theory (rated 5) - And still a 5 out of 5 today in my opinion!

-Nice and Smooth - Ain’t a Da*n Thing Changed (rated 4)

-Black Sheep - A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing (rated 4)

-Brand Nubian - All For One/Concerto in X Minor (rated 5) - One of the only singles ever rated 5. I bought it on vinyl and played the “Concerto in X Minor” remix to death.

Its A Demo

2008-10-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

Before Keith dropped The Most Beautifulest Thing he was known as Keefy Keef. Here's his demo.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/506768141907799d/

Classic Mags The Source August 91

2008-10-22T14:29:00.000-07:00

I’ve always wondered why Heavy D never got the respect he deserved. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one of his albums available for download while trolling around the blogosphere. I think a lot of people have forgotten that he and Fresh Prince had that safe, commercial hip-hop genre locked down in the late eighties/early nineties. And they did it without the complete buffoonery of say Hammer or Candyman. Some of my friends mother’s even listened to Heavy D. And let’s not forget that Heavy D could actually rhyme and went gold/platinum with his first five albums. How many artists can say that? With that said, the August 1991 issue of The Source featured a somber and more serious Heavy D on the cover. As many of us older hip-hoppers know, his dancer Trouble T Roy died in an accident at a rehearsal for one of their shows. That led Heavy D to dedicate his third album, Peaceful Journey, to his fallen friend. The album wasn’t half bad. It still had that Teddy Riley slick New Jack production but I think “Peaceful Journey”, “Sister, Sister” and “Don’t Curse” were the best songs on the album.

Some other highlights from this issue:

-Bushwick Bill of The Geto Boys shoots himself in the eye and lives

-MC Serch with the hip-hop quotable for “Mic Techniques”

-The Dew Doo Man Prince Paul is interviewed

- 3rd Bass and KMD interviews (both groups released good albums that year)

-A summary of Winnie Mandela’s trial in South Africa

-And the 15 “Summer Jeep Slammers” to buy in 1991

Record Report:

- The only non-single reviewed was Pete Rock & CL Smooth’s All Souled Out EP (rated 3) - It should have been rated 4

Nice and Smooth - Ain’t a Da*n Thing Changed

Missin In Action # 4

2008-10-22T14:14:00.001-07:00

ILL BISKITS 'God Bless Your Life'

The year was 1994 and i copped this record from Assassin Records Cambridge. It was in their sale and i thought i would take a risk and buy something I hadn't heard before. 14 years later i'm glad i did because this is heat. For years i have looked for other releases from them, but nothing. Does anyone have any info on this ill group?

http://www.zshare.net/audio/5019783205be6281/

Stig Of The Dump Interview

2008-10-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

Five Mics proudly present an interview with Newcastle's finest.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/5019692156d254a6/

More interviews coming soon from Blade, Westwood, Chester P, Greenpeace, Children Of the Damned, Nut-rageous to name a few.

Classic Mags # 4 The Source July 91

2008-10-14T12:53:00.001-07:00

The July 1991 issue of The Source featured Slick Rick on the cover. Locked up for shooting his cousin, The Ruler was bailed out by Russell Simmons ($800,000!!!) to record a couple of albums, record two or three videos and give Russell a Swedish massage, manicure and pedicure. D*#n, if someone pays $800,000 to bail you out of prison, then you’re definitely expected to pay them back with something. And after going platinum with The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, Russell Simmons was looking for more platinum on the Def Jam walls. I remember Slick Rick receiving a lot of support from the hip-hop community and even Q-Tip chanting “Free Slick Rick” at the end of the Heavy D song “Don’t Curse”. The whole prison situation seemingly ruined his career. I always thought he could have done much better on the The Ruler’s Back but I enjoyed it for what it was.

Some other highlights from this issue:

-Rap Business 101 (Things have changed drastically for the music industry since ‘91)

-Poetical Prophets (later known as those Mobb Deep guys) as the unsigned hype featured artists

-An informative DJ Premier interview (I wonder if he still uses some of that older equipment when producing today.)

-Sexism in hip-hop and the word “B!tc$”

Record Report highlights:

Terminator X - Valley of the Jeep Beats (rated 4)

Ice T - O.G. Original Gangster (rated 3.5)

KMD - Mr. Hood (rated 4)

Black Sheep - Flavor of the Month/Butt…In the Meantime (rated 4.5)

Main Source - Just Hangin Out (remix)/Live at the BBQ (rated 4)

Classic Radio # 2

2008-10-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

The Number Man, has been consistently making dope radio on Choice FM for aeons now. This show is taken from December 99 and its a UK Hip Hop round table special. There are some ace freestyles from 57th Dynasty.

Classic Mags # 3 The Source June 91

2008-10-01T09:23:00.000-07:00

Next up is the June 1991 issue of The Source featuring De La Soul on the cover. De La Soul made the choice to abandon (kill) the soft, daisy age image that plagued them with the success of their debut Three Feet High and Rising. I had no complaints at all about the sudden change in De La Soul is Dead after picking up the LP. The sound was much grittier and less happy so to speak. The only issue I ever had with this album was that I bought the LP and had to skip the annoying skits, which wore on me after the first listen.

Some other highlights from this issue:

-The Genius (pre GZA days) speaking on commercial rap (his first single was “Come Do Me”, right?)

-KRS-One with the hip-hop quotable for “I’m Still #1 Freestyle”

-Eazy E having lunch with Republicans in Washington, D.C.

-Lifers Group (I wonder if some of these guys are still alive and if the Scared Straight program has continued.)

Record Report highlights:

De La Soul - De La Soul is Dead (rated 5) - Would you rate this a 5 today?

Kid Capri - The Tape (rated 3.5)

YZ - YZ EP (rated 3)

Dream Warriors - And Now the Legacy Begins (rated 3)

Brand Nubian - Slow Down/To the Right (rated 4)

Gangstarr - Lovesick/What You Want this Time (rated 4)

Classic Radio #1

2008-10-01T07:55:00.000-07:00

Under my bed, next to all my old school magazines, i also have show boxes full of classic radio shows. Due to living in the North East of England, I would buy these from a chap in Cumbria? Whatever happen to him? Then later when his business went bust I would buy them from DJ MK.

Radio - Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito Radio Show - June 10th, 1993 (89.9 nyc)

For those who don’t know, Dj Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito ran a hip hop radio show in the early, mid 90’s. The show aired on 89.9 fm in New York. This was definitely one of my favorite radio shows growing up. Stretch and Bobbito always tried to keep the show full of fresh talent and tried to stay away from the commercial hip-hop/pop that was getting major radio play. Stretch Armstrong recently posted a show from June 11th 1993 featuring Black Moon as well as many other classic tracks. Click on the “Continue Reading” link to download it.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/982343c97337/

The Recession

2008-09-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

Jeezy's Recession LP, is definitely a contender for album of year. It bangs. But we've gotta say, we don't like the title. People listen to music as an escape from reality and the title just reminds us of how shit the worlds economic climate is. Jeezy should have continued down line of calling his LP Thug Motivation, much better than The Recession.

Crystal Ballin # 4

2008-09-25T15:08:00.001-07:00

Granted this prediction is a certainty. In fact the bookies won't even take bets on it because its a sureshot. But Sway is going to be the next UK rapper to blow. We say this because he has just been signed to Akon's, Kon label. We would like to congratulate Sway and Dan Greenpeace on this achievement. It also proves that hardwork does pay off.

Classics You Might Have Missed #10

2008-09-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde 'Champagne Of Rap' (1985)

These chaps were different, from the adidas shell toe wearing brigade in raps infancy. They dressed to impress, in their immaculate designer suits and its fair to comment, that it was not only their dress sense which oozed finesse. The raps and production on the LP were also shit hot.
The sublime Davy DMX produced the killer 'Transformation' and 'Yellow Panties' tracks which are COR highlights. At only nine tracks deep it has no unnecessary baggage unlike the majority of so called classic nowadays.

My 120 Source Magazines

2008-09-22T00:51:00.000-07:00

Classic Magzines # 2 May 1990 The Source

2008-09-22T00:41:00.000-07:00

This is our oldest Source Magazine (perhaps we should have started with this one?) We'll hitting Ebay searching for those elusive earlier issues. Anyway here are the highlights:-

Inside this issue you will find following things mentioned:

Kool Keith Solo Album from 1990, Ultramagnetics and Kool keith performing live their new material for “Pathmark/free cheese” Records. WTF ALLERT !!!!

The unsigned hype crew is called “Ground Zero”. What is not written is that Jean Grea was ones a member of Ground Zero.

Blair Underwood, who performed as Russel Simmons in the movie “Krush Groove” and is famous for his role in LA Law and Malcolm Jamal Warner who is famous for playing Theodore Huxtable in the Cosbys where the directors for some Black Rock & Ron videos.

By the way, Malcolm Jamal Warner is singing christian soul and gospel today and looks like the Predator.

DJ David from Hamburg is mentioned as DMC Champion, fuck him !!! Today he plays very sucessfull poker.

MC Rid of Boo Yaa Tribe is rapping on this Swing Single. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V93EWkas_Mo&feature=related

DJ Too Tuff has teamed up with John Gilmore from Heavy Metal Group Executive Slacks.

Ced Gee is working in philly on a solo carrer, Kool Keith maybe becomes a member of NWA and Tim Dog promises to become large. One year later he disses the hell out of NWA. Maybe this is a revenge for Kool Keith not becoming a part of NWA ???

VERY STRANGE !!!!!!!!!!!

Generation grunge gets a honorable mention before anyone knew what grunge is. Soundgarden and Queensryche are name dropped as “Seattle Sound”. Who the fuck is Nirvana !!!!!

Nastymix Records artists Side F/X are compared to De La Soul. I have to say “This is a Journey” ist a very good album, but comparing it with 3 ft. high and rising is like …. ???

In the Source Radio Network a boy from Berlin called Adrian Nabi from A.A.M. Productions is dropping his Playlist. He mentiones Snap with “The Power” LOL !!!
But he is also the only who drops the “Free South Africa Song” from Bambaataa.

In a readers mail with the fantastic title “Computer Scratching ?” a guy called DJ Evil-I is asking why the industrie is stoping pressing vinyl. He is asking if Terminator X and 45 King should start to cut up CD’s at their concerts ?? Back than he meant it as a joke LOL !!! If only he would have known !!!!

Yo RZA !!!! Who invented it ??????

Classic Magazines #1 Jan 1991 The Source

2008-09-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

I have a shed load of magazines under my bed. All HHC's, majority of The Sources (up until 2000, when it turned shit) Fatboss, Undercover et al. If it was rap related i would get my newsagent to stock me a copy. Way before the internet and before rap was big, these magazines were the aides i would use to buy my music (unless it was written by Burham Wazir lol). Hence I thought I would share some of my mags with the world. Due to the name of my blog and radio show, I thought I would start off with The Source.

The Source Jan 91

This is the 1990 year in review issue and it’s clear that hip-hop was a different animal back then.

Here are some of the interesting tidbits from this issue:

-Large Professor had the hip-hop quotable of the month for “Looking At The Front Door”

- DMX “The Great” was the unsigned hype featured artist

-Hammer and Vanilla Ice’s impact on the future of hip-hop music was a heavy topic

- The reader’s survery detailing their favorite everything for the year (artist, album, producer, video, etc.)

-Tribe’s “Peoples Instinctive Travels” and Eric B and Rakim’s “Let the Rhythm hit Em” both received 5 “records” (later on they would change it to mics) but were considered slept on.

Record Report (at this time they were still reviewing and rating singles as well):

Run-DMC - Back from Hell (rated 3.5)

Father MC - Father’s Day (rated 2.5)

Groove B Chill - Staring from Zero (rated 3)

Lakim Shabazz - The Lost Tribe of Shabazz (rated 2.5)

A Tribe Called Quest - Can I Kick It/If the Papes Come (rated 4)

Gangstarr - Just to Get a Rep/Who’s Gonna Take the Weight (rated 4)

One more comment on these earlier issues. The Source staff covered a lot more of the culture, politics and social impact of the music than they would in later years. It’s a shame because that’s what made the magazine great (and balanced) in my eyes. Oh well.

Sway On Jools Holland

2008-09-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

We really hope Sway is next UK rapper to blow up. His new album 'Signature' is out now and its nice. Here is his performance on Jools Holland

Crystal Ballin #4

2008-09-13T07:48:00.000-07:00

Kanye West new LP is gonna be wack. We really hope we are wrong, but on the evidence of Yeezy new 12 we think this may be the case. Normally 'Ye has been a trend setter, but on this evidence he is following trends and it really does not work. Usually when rappers music nose dives, there is no way back when the wackness grabs them. Here is the new 12 what do you guys think?

Breaking Atoms

2008-09-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

Potentially, this could be our last ever post. No we ain't quitting writing, but the end of world could be nigh. Due to Swiss scientists trying to recreate what happened after the big bang, by breaking atoms, the world could be sucked into a Black Hole. So as this could be our last post and the last thing you ever read, we've decided to post tracks from the classic Main Source LP 'Breaking Atoms'.

Hipster Rap

2008-09-06T11:34:00.000-07:00

Jay-Z may have recently triumphed over the forces of idiocy at Glastonbury, but to many people, including those who love hip-hop, he's still one of the vast army of rappers who've made MCing about hustling and selling drugs a burgeoning but boring genre. Coke rap has been king for a few years, with the likes of Young Jeezy and 50 Cent making their names through some not particularly creative tales of street life. Which might explain why there's been an explosion of what some are calling "hipster rap" (we're working on something better along the lines of "hipster-hop" or "hip-hopster" - we'll get back to you once we've perfected it).

They might not all appreciate being lumped in together, but the likes of Chicago's Kid Sister, DJ crew Flosstradamus, self-styled "Black Beastie Boys" the Cool Kids, Philadelphia's Plastic Little and even Florida's Yo! Majesty - who make what can only be described as Christian lesbian topless Miami bass - are injecting some colour, humour and freshness into an increasingly monochrome scene.

Hip-hop music has always reinvented itself, from the early days as disco rap to mid-80s electro, James Brown-sampling from 1987 and onwards to Afrocentrism, G-Funk, the "jiggy years" ruled by P Diddy, crunk and dirty south and the recent rise of drug rap. The new breed, however, is twisting elements from everything that came before, melding old-school beats with new technology plus a twist of nu-rave's Day-Glo dressing up. In one dramatic move, the new school has taken hip-hop back into the clubs emphasising the beats, with a freer attitude to what you can play; a classic slice of 1980s rap will be mashed up with a new rave banger or a new-school anthem.

In many way, this harks back to old-school hip-hop, where rappers would spit virtual nonsense over breaks from records such as Chic's Good Times. Of course, old-school rap never went away, endlessly referenced as it is by artists, but those acts who attempted a revival of its sound tended to attract crowds of white rap nerds with record bags full of vintage vinyl (and more power to them, they will inherit the earth) rather than the multiracial, polysexual crowd getting down to hipster rap. It might not sound like Grandmaster Flash And The Furious Five, but it is capturing something of rap's lost sense of fun and freedom - when it was okay to say "dope", "def" and even "cold getting dumb" without sounding like Nathan Barley.

Take the effervescent Kid Sister, who received an early boost to her career when Kanye West actually asked to appear on her breakthrough Pro Nails single ("Got her toes done up, with her fingernails matching"). While Kanye and her sound aren't old school, the brio of the tune is, while her connections - her brother is part of Flosstradamus, her boyfriend A-Trak is Kanye West's tour DJ - put her firmly in the hipster world. After working in a delicatessen ("With no air conditioning. Imagine that in summer!" she laughs) and a baby clothes shop, Kid Sister, AKA Melisa Young found her feet in music almost by accident after her brother encouraged her to get onstage and rhyme at their monthly parties. Following the indie success of Pro Nails, she's also been heard on the the Count And Sinden's UK club hit Beeper and her track Control, produced by one half of Spank Rock.

"My favourite music is mid- to late-90s R&B," she says, a comment that'll probably enrage those people who are in what US alt news mag the Utne Reader calls "The Latest Hater Battleground", a place where old-school fans and rap purists rail against the tight jeans, outsized gold chains and nightclub sunglasses of the new rap hipsters. But isn't music supposed to be dumb fun at times? Cold getting' dumb fun, even?

Chicago's Cool Kids have made dressing like late-80s rappers with a modern edge and riding around on a BMX in your 20s (one of their finer songs is Black Mags) somehow not utterly hateful, well, not to everyone. But are they hip-hop, or are they just the kind of people you might expect to bump into looking for vintage trainers with Mark Ronson. When we caught up with them the duo of Evan "Chuck Inglish" Ingersoll and Antoine "Mikey Rocks" Reed were happy to wax lyrical for 10 minutes about their favourite Chicago footwear spots and to doodle all over their quiz sheets. Yes, quiz sheets. We thought there was only one way to find out how hip-hop they really are - give them the Guide's very own accredited B-boy test.

Of course, you don't have to be mired in arcane hip-hop facts or know what slang like "on the strength" and "cold medina" means to be a hip-hop artist, as one listen to their excellent Bake Sale LP will prove, but the fact they did so well is one in the eye for those who saw the image and the support role on an MIA tour and dismissed them as hipster clotheshorses. After all, this is a duo who shout out 1980s dance crazes like The Smurf. "Why do people want to hate or label people who get the party jumping?" they say, "It's just music."

It's more than just music for Jwl B and Shunda K - Tampa Florida's Yo! Majesty - they reckon their blast against staid hip-hop is giving the music back to the people with a message of sexuality, spirituality and partying hard. "For me, people who are labelled hipster rappers, are just outcasts. And I'm on the side of outcasts, the people who don't fit in," states Shunda K.

She's way too serious to consider herself a hipster anyway, talking for 35 minutes about her campaigning for Obama and the role of God in her life and music. "My purpose in life is to win souls for Jesus Christ," she says. "I'm lettin' people know he's the reason I have all of this, no one's gonna tell me he don't love me because I'm gay? Barack Obama is a man who respects the 'hood but he's also a man for all people. This is Martin Luther King's dream right here. I told my management y'all need to contact Obama's campaign. I need him to know that Shunda K is here, and that I've got his back through this music."

Working with UK dance producers for songs like Booty Klap and Kryptonite Pussy will get Yo! Maj pigeonholed with scenesters, no matter how hard they fight it. But - hey! - can't we all just get along? In a sweatbox club, with the music pounding, it doesn't matter if you're hip-hop, a hippy or a hipster, as long as you're doing the Smurf and the Pee Wee Herman...

· Kid Sister's Pro Nails is out now; the Cool Kids' Bake Sale is out Mon, Yo! Majesty's Kryptonite Pussy is out now, the album Futuristically Speaking... is out Sep 29

Demo Blaster #2 Kanye West

2008-09-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

Way before Kanye broke his jaw and way before he was signed to Roc-A-Fella, Yeezy still made decent music. This is the song that made Dame Dash sign him to the Roc. Yes Jay-Z did not sign him, it was Dame. Fact! Check out the front cover. Where are the designer clothes Mr West???

http://www.zshare.net/audio/18307933960524ee/

Hip Hop Idiots #3

2008-09-06T08:50:00.001-07:00

In the day of file sharing and music generally being robbed, rappers should genuinely not alienate their fan base by not turning up for shows. But yet again after investing in tickets to see 9th Wonder, Dipset and earlier in the year Rakim, more no shows. Its really annoying when you take time off work and travel to see a show and the artists don't show up. I can't even see a refund being given. Gigs give artists the opportunity to make money, both by performing and selling merchandise hence when they don't turn up all we can say is dickheads. When you alienate your fans like this why the fuck should we buy your music? Artists need to change their attitudes and forget about selling records to make money and copy the rock artists' stance of touring to make cash.

Go HHC its your birthday

2008-09-06T08:31:00.000-07:00

Its Fivemics, great pleasure to say Happy Birthday to HHC. Granted HHC, has had some embarrassing mishaps over the last 20 years (Mariah front cover) but those were dark days, when their owners were trying to make cash. But on the whole its the oldest and best rap mag on the planet. Here's to the next 20 years.

Can We Please Have A Moment Of Silence

2008-08-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

Really sad news and judging by this photo he was following in his father’s footsteps. At time of writing there has been no official statement nor the cause of death been established.

Missing In Action #3

2008-08-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

Walkmen 'F-L-A Team' (2001) & 'Fortress" (1998)
The Walkmen were dope. They were superstars of the underground scene they sampled 'The Death March & The A-Team to fine effect. Unfortunately, after these two heaters they disappeared. What to you chaps think of these tracks?
http://www.zshare.net/audio/1830427167ba867a/

http://www.zshare.net/audio/18305606d1856797/

Hip Hop Idiots #2

2008-08-26T11:28:00.000-07:00

With the release of the long-awaited Ghostface Killah collaboration, Swift and Changeable, on the shelf, and no sign of Madvillainy 2 yet, masked rapper MF Doom has upped the mystery quotient about his whereabouts in recent years.

To make matters worse, there have been multiple sightings of fake MF Dooms at live shows. Close to one year ago, the Village Voice was rife with speculation when a New York area show had an appearance from what seemed to be a fake Doom. A fan told the paper, "I went up to the sound guy about two songs deep and said, 'No one can hear Doom's mic.' He looked at me and said straight-up, 'I know. His mic's not on, and that's not MF Doom."

Now, at the recent San Bernardino stop of the Rock The Bells tour, the rumour mill keeps turning. Supposedly, MF Doom (a masked rapper) took the stage and appeared to lip-sync some tracks before angry fans screamed “Bullshit!” and threw things, prompting the performer to leave the stage.

The mystery of the real MF Doom’s whereabouts continues. And if he keeps pissing fans off his career could go down the toilet.

Demo Blaster #1

2008-08-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

Estelle demo

As promised, the first post of many coming from the dusty demo tapes and the like that I have sat here. And as she's been riding high in the charts recently we thought why not kick off with the UK's first lady and premier export, after Monie Love that is...
Here's an early track lifted off a demo tape that I copped off Estelle called 'Ahead Of My Flow', pretty decent it is too. Not sure who's on production here, but it's kinda fresh, check how young she sounds. Not sure when this was but i'm guessing around '99??

Classics You Might Have Missed #9

2008-08-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

Above The Law 'Livin Like Hustlers' (1990)
To truly appreciate this album, several historical and technical facts must be stated. First, this album was not, I repeat NOT, produced exclusively by Dr Dre despite what liner notes may indicate. The majority of the production and sample selection on this album was in fact done by ATL themselves and the result is a smoother, more "pimpish" quality to their beats. While the production definately had the clear influence of Dre, the overall sound does not reflect Dre's production at the time. Because of 187's silky high-pitched delivery and KMG's gravelly monotone, samples from both jazz and smooth r&b sources worked particularly well and set ATL in a class entirely their own.

Second, ATL are NOT from Compton like their other Ruthless labelmates. They're from Pomona and their attitude was far less of a "gang" mentality than NWA in their lyrics, despite the association. These guys clearly had their own identity and vision for what they wanted to do. And while songs like "Murder Rap" and "Another Execution" certainly represent the more violent side to street life, they are more in the vein of "someone tested me so I had to show him who's boss" rather than killing everybody in sight. In fact, the opening ramblings of KMG on Murder Rap are spoken to 187 stating "Yo 187 they tryin' to get you for a Murder Rap and you ain't even like that". Another difference in content is the clear attempt to try to win the ladies over by sweettalking them rather than calling them out their names. In truth, compared to other Ruthless releases, there is very little profanity from the emcees.

Finally, this album was released early in 1990. At the time, the personnel problems in the NWA camp were unknown to the general public. Livin Like Hustlers was released prior to the announcement of Ice Cube leaving. When fans noticed Cube did not appear on the supremely impressive posse cut "The Last Song", the official word became that Cube was working on his solo album. No one really knew that "Cube solo" meant that he was no longer with NWA. In fact, it may not have been clear to even NWA or ATL at the time. This uncertainty meant that this was the last true project released from Ruthless prior to the NWA breakup.

So what does all this information mean in regards to me calling this album an "unhearalded classic?" It sets up the listener with the mindset that they need to have when first embarking on the journey into the minds of Above the Law on their first listen. Whether it's the hardcore rantings of "Another Execution" and "Just Kickin Lyrics" or the political commentary of "Murder Rap" and "Freedom of Speech" or the pimped out mackery of "Ballin'" and "Flow On", the listener is treated to a variety of different subjects and styles that keep on entertaining. And with first time uses of beats like Quincy Jones & Bill Cosby's "Hicky Burr" or the theme from "Ironsides", (which Kill Bill fans will instantly recognize), ATL shows that it wasn't only the East Coast that could dig in the crates. In fact, many of the beats foreshadow future hits such as Lil Kim's "No Time". The album is truly ahead of its time but unfortunatley became overshadowed by the impending supernova breakup of NWA and the eventual arrival of the Lench Mob and Death Row camps.

Crystal Ballin #3

2008-08-26T06:23:00.000-07:00

It's been a mad long time since we did our Nostradamus impersonation and gave you a glimpse of the future. This time we think Asher Roth will blow the fuck up. Personally we think he is similar to a certain Mr Mathers (white, okay flow and corny songs) which in our book means he'll be big.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/18303126a1b4461f/

Can We Please Have A Moment Of silence

2008-08-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

RIP to a legend. A big RIP to Isaac Hayes, who passed away today at age 65. 'Nuff respect due, as they say.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/168369776e9cba39/

Just to give you an idea of the influence he had on Hip Hop, below is an unfinished list of people who sampled him.

Hayes, IsaacPresenting Isaac Hayes: (Enterprise 1967)
* “I Want to Make Love to You So Bad/Rock Me Baby”
Bumpy Knuckles ft MOP - “The Mastas”
Foxxy Brown - “Intro. . . Chicken Coop”
Foxxy Brown - “Outro”

Hot Buttered Soul: (Enterprise 1968)
* “Walk on By”
112 - “Call My Name”
Almighty RSO - “He’s Gonna Catch It”
Black Rock & Ron - “Rap Life”
Bushwick Bill - “Only God Knows”
Compton’s Most Wanted - “Hood Took Me Under”
Cypress Hill - “Whatta You Know”
Faith Evans - “No Other Love”
Foxxy Brown - “Chyna Whyte”
Hooverphonic - “2 Wicky”
Kanabis - “Walk Under a Full Moon’s Light”
Kingpin Skinny Pimp - “Long Story”
MF Doom - “Dead Bent”
Notorious BIG - “Warning”
Pete Rock - “Walk on By”
Sounds of Blackness - “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”
Tupac - “Me Against the World”
Volume 10 - “Mom & Deb”
Westside Connection - “Do You Like Criminals?”
Wu-Tang Clan ft Isaac Hayes - “I Can’t Go to Sleep”
* “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic” (Piano)
Above the Law - “Just Kickin’ Lyrics”
DJ Quik - “Born and Raised in Compton”
E-cera ft Richie Rich - “Stay with Me”
Ed OG - “Speak on It”
Fabe - “Nuage Sans Fin”
Ice Cube - “I Gotta Say ‘Whats Up?’”
King T - “Skanless”
Nemesis - “Temple of Boom”
NWA - “Prelude”
Public Enemy - “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos”
Shyheim - “Here Come the Hits”
Soul Assassins ft Dr. Dre - “Puppet Master”
* “One Woman”
Group Home - “Supa Star”

The Isaac Hayes Movement: (Stax 1970)
* “I Stand Accused”
Witchdoctor - “Holiday/12 Scanner”
* “Something”
Brand Nubian - “Back up off the Wall”

. . .To Be Continued: (Enterprise 1971)
* “Monologue: Ike’s Rap 1″
Micranots - “Farward”
Pete Rock ft Un - “Cake”
* “Our Day Will Come”
Imani Coppola - “It’s All about Me, Me and Me”
Massive Attack - “Exchange”
MF Doom - “Operation Greenbacks”
* “The Look of Love”
3rd Bass - “The Gladiator”
Allure - “You’re Gonna Love Me”
Ashanti - “Rain on Me”
Compton’s Most Wanted - “Niggaz Strugglin’”
II Unorthodox - “Just a Little Flava”
Jay-Z - “Can I Live”
Kim Summerson - “Choices”
LL Cool J - “Hollis to Hollywood”
Lost Boys - “Is this Da Part?”
Mary J. Blige - “I Love You”
Monie Love - “Better Way”
Pressure Drop - “Senorita”
Smif-N-Wessun - “Stand Strong”
Snoop Dogg - “G’z Up, Hoes Down”
Special Ed - “Neva Go Back”
* “Ike’s Mood I/You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’”
Alkaholiks - “Mary Jane”
Beanie Sigel - “Still Got Love for You”
Biz Markie - “Cool V’s Tribute to Scratching”
Biz Markie - “Make the Music”
C-Murder ft Snoop Dogg & Magic - “Down for My Niggas”
Das EFX - “East Coast”
Foxxy Brown - “(Holy Matrimony) Letter to the Firm”
Intelligent Hoodlum - “Grand Groove”
Jeru - “Jungle Music”
JVC Force - “Stylin’ Lyrics”
Kenny Dope - “The Magnificent”
Kurupt ft Daz - “Tha Streetz Iz a Mutha”
LL Cool J - “Six Minutes of Pleasure”
Marley Marl ft Juice Crew - “He Cuts So Fresh”
Mary J. Blige - “I Love You”
Massive Attack - “One Love”
Naughty by Nature - “Knock ‘Em out Da Box”
Peanut Butter Wolf - “I Will Always Love H.E.R.”
Rahzel - “Make the Music 2000″
Ron C - “On and On”
The LOX - “Bitches from Eastwick”
Warren G - “Still Can’t Fade It”

Shaft: (Stax/Enterprise 1971)
* “Theme from Shaft”
Bomb the Bass - “Beat Dat”
DJ Magic Mike - “Dance All Night”
DJ Magic Mike - “We’re on a Mission”
JAMS - “Whitney Joins the JAMS”
Jay-Z - “Resevoir Dogs”
LL Cool J - “Get Down”
Mormon Ghetto Projectz ft X-Caliber - “Kick Backz for a Hung Jury”
Poison Clan - “Dance All Night”
Public Enemy - “Caught, Can We Get a Witness?”
Young MC - “Know How”
* “Bumpy’s Lament”
Blaque - “Leny”
Mobb Deep - “Back at You”
* “Walk from Regio’s”
Beastie Boys - “Sounds of Science”
Camp Lo - “Nicky Barnes”
Dutchmin - “Get Your Swerve On”
Grooverider - “On the Double”
Guru ft Isaac Hayes - “Night Vision”
* “Ellie’s Love Theme”
Dark Skinned Assassin - “Lock Shit Down”
* “No Name Bar”
Cormega ft Lil’ Wayne - “Who Can I Trust”
DJ Magic Mike - “Feel the Bass 2″
DOC - “Let the Bass Go”
E-40 - “Rat Heads”
Musab - “Fool’s Paradise”
Tupac - “Souljah’s Story”
* “A Friends Place”
Red Hot Lover Tone - “Give it Up”
* “Do Your Thing”
Big Daddy Kane - “Smooth Operator”
Bushwick Bill - “Already Dead”
Compton’s Most Wanted - “N 2 Deep”
Compton’s Most Wanted - “They Still Gafflin’”
Lifer’s Group - “Out of Sight, Out of Mind”
Poison Clan - “Juvenile’s”
Snoop Dogg - “Santa Claus Comes to the Ghetto”
Xscape - “Do Your Thang”

Black Moses: (Stax 1973)
* “Ike’s Rap III”
Big Noyd - “Usual Suspects”
Cormega - “Love in Love Out”
Omniscence ft Sadat X - “Touch Y’all”
Stereo MCs - “This Ain’t a Love Song”
* “Help me Love”
Tricky - “Hell is Round the Corner”
* “Going in Circles”
Ghostface Killah - “Malcolm”
Portishead - “Wandering Star”
* “Part-Time Love”
Penthouse Players Clique - “I’m a Playa (Bitch)”
* “Never Gonna Give You Up”
OC - “Born 2 Live”
* “Man’s Temptation”
Gza - “Animal Planet”

Joy: (Stax 1973)
* “Joy”
Big Daddy Kane - “Float”
Biz Markie - “Young Girl Bluez”
Boogie Down Productions - “Poisonous Products”
Compton’s Most Wanted - “I’m Wit Dat”
CPO - “Ballad of a Menace”
DJ Magic Mike - “Do You Like Bass?”
Eric B and Rakim - “Keep the Beat”
Inspectah Deck - “Trouble Man”
Jungle Brothers - “Behind the Bush”
Kool G Rap - “She Loves Me, She Loves Me Not”
Ma$e - “Puff’s Intro”
Massive Attack - “Lately”
MC Lyte - “Cram to Understand U”
Spice 1 - “Money or Murder”
Ultramagnetic MCs - “Porno Star”
Yo-Yo - “Home Girl Don’t Play Dat”
* “I Love You and That’s All”
Pete Rock - “The Boss”

Live at the Sahara Tahoe: (Enterprise 1973)
* “Windows of the World”
Group Home - “Up Against the Wall”
* “Do Your Thing” (Live)
Dr. Dre - “Stranded on Death Row”
* “It’s Too Late”
Foreign Legion - “Reference Check”

Tough Guys: (Enterprise 1974)
* “Randolph & Dearborn”
Luke Vibert - “Get Your Head Down”
* “The Red Rooster”
Almighty RSO - “He’s Gonna Catch It”
Below Zero - “Collaboration Overseas”
Blahzay Blahzay - “Danger Pt 2″
* “Joe Bell”
OutKast - “Crumblin’ Erb”
Stereo MCs - “Move”
* “Hung up on My Baby”
Destiny’s Child ft Wyclef & Pras - “Illusion”
Geto Boys - “Mind Playin’ Tricks on Me”
Geto Girlz - “My Man’s Playin Tricks on Me”
Ice Cube - “You Know How We Do It”
Lifer’s Group - “Jack U. Back (So You Wanna Be a Gangsta)”
Scarface - “Mind Playin’ Tricks on Me ‘94″
Second II None - “If You Want It”
TLC - “Creep”
* “Buns O Plenty”
Compton’s Most Wanted - “Straight Checkin’ ‘Em”
KRS-One - “Wannabemceez”
Luke Vibert - “Get Your Head Down”

Truck Turner: (Enterprise 1974)
* “Truck Turner”
Arabian Prince - “?”
* “House of Beauty”
Ice Cube - “Turn Off the Radio”
* “Blue’s Crib”
Compton’s Most Wanted - “Another Victim”
Spice 1 - “Runnin’ out the Crackhouse”
* “Breakthrough”
DJ Magic Mike - “I’m Gonna Make it Real Funky for You”
GangStarr - “Tons o’ Guns”
Insane Poetry - “How Ya Gonna Reason with a Psycho?”
King Sun - “Coming Soon”
LL Cool J - “The Breakthrough”
Stetsasonic - “Miami Bass”
* “House Full of Girls”
Ant Banks - “Drunken Fool”

Disco Connection: (ABC 1975)
* “Vykkii”
Growin’ Pains - “Stockholm Staal”
MF Doom ft Kurious - “?”

Chocolate Chip: (ABC 1975)
* “Come Live with Me”
GangStarr ft MOP - “B.I. VS Friendship”
* “I Want to Make Love to You So Bad”
MC Lyte - “Lola from the Copa”

Juicy Fruit: (ABC 1976)
* “Lady of the Night”
Cash Crew - “Ruffie (Ruff Neck Crazy)”

Don’t Let Go: (Polydor 1979)
* “A Few More Kisses to Go”
Blackstreet - “Tonites the Night”
Redman - “Da Bump”
Redman - “Tonight’s da Night”

?: (? ?)
* “Man’s Temptation”
Boogiemonsters - “God Sound”

We Love Vinyl #2

2008-08-08T04:13:00.000-07:00

J-Dilla "The Shining" (BBE)

Jay Dee was a legend. He was a rarity in Hip Hop and when he died everyone loved him. There was no bitching, everybody truly morned the death of a dope producer. This limited picture disc dropped shortly after his death and highlights what a loss Dilla is to Hip Hop. Its fitting that this his last work before his death is possibly up there with his classic releases. The artists featured on it , Common, Monch, Madlib and D'Angelo all seem to complement Dilla's soulful production. This is definitely a record that i will always treasure.

Classics You Might Have Missed #8

2008-08-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

Scarface 'The Diary' (1994)

Gangster rap reigned supreme in 1993, destroying all other genres of Hip Hop. But as always Southern Rap seems to inject knew life into the music, when rap is in danger of becoming stale. Scarface created a set that is so ugly it makes G-funk sound radio friendly. 'The Diary' is his third solo outing, and like his previous and indeed his band's (Geto Boys) other sets it drop explosive bombs. The Geto Boys 1991 smash, "Mind Playing Tricks On Me" is updated with the phenomenal, "Hand Of The Dead Body" and "White Sheets" are all terrifyingly dark storytelling titbit's into the world 'face comes from.

Accepted LP Titles

2008-08-06T12:41:00.001-07:00

In our previous post we wrote about rejected LP titles. But how on earth were these LP's allowed to be released with these titles.

1) Akinyele 'Vagina Diner' (1993)

This is a fantastically titled LP. But lets be blunt, Americans are uber conservative and the word vagina has only just been accepted. Hence 15 years ago, this would have been very rude. Apt, but very rude.

2) Onyx 'Bacdafucup' (1993)

When I bought this LP as a young teen, the parental advisory sticker was placed over the title. We still don't understand how this passed censorship laws. Still the retailer was not bothered because they sold it to a minour.

3) Ol Dirty Bastard 'Nigga Please' (2000)

Nas was not first rapper to want to use the 'N' word as an album title. Only difference the crazy ODB actually had the balls to release it. Pity it was a weak album.

4) KMD 'Black Bastards' (2000)

Ok, we know the artwork and title, got the magnificent KMD dropped from their label but in the new millennium Hip Hop best acronym got there classic album released and the Doom steam wagon kept rolling.

Rejected LP Titles

2008-07-27T04:47:00.000-07:00

Nas is not the first rapper, to cave in to label pressure when it comes to LP titles, here are some more

1) NWA 'Efil4zaggin' (1991)

NWA had lost their main rapper Ice Cube, so they must have thought, hey we need to be controversial to sell records. So they wanted to call this LP 'Niggaz4life'. Unfortunately, Priority Music had other ideas and ruled the title on LP sleeves had to read 'Efil4zaggin'.

2) Beastie Boys "License To Ill (1986)

This was originally going to be called 'Don't Be A Faggot'. Is don't understand what the fuss with the word Faggot is, Sainsbury's sell Mr Brain's Faggots on aisle 27. You can only get them frozen though.

3) Gravediggaz "Six Feet Deep" (1994)

In the days where you could get imported vinyl months earlier from the USA (for infatuated prices 16 quid for vinyl), Gravediggaz released 'Six Feet Deep' in America, while us Europeans could the better titled 'Niggamortis' 3 months later. Sadly for vinyl nerds like me, our version is 'Six Feet Deep'.

4) Da Lench Mob 'Guerilla's In The Mist" (1992)

Cube proteges released a very angry LP, that had a dig at virtually the whole world. The original title 'Pin The Tale On The Honky' was more apt, due to police brutality of the LA Riots and the Rodney King saga.

5) Tragedy Khadefi "Tragedy: Saga Of A Hoodlum" (1993)

'Black Rage' was the original title. A very apt title, when you consider all that was happening in America in the early 90's. Unfortunately for The Intelligent Hoodlum, his label would not release it firstly until he dropped the anti-police song Bullet and Secondly until he changed the title. Trag, complied to both issues the LP was released and A&M sharply dropped him from their roster. Bastards

6) Cypress Hill "Cypress Hill" (1991)

Calling a LP self titled is just boring. But CH, had to because Ruffhouse, would not release their LP under the guise of 'America's Most Blunted'. Yet censorship has mellowed massively in the USA because 12 years later MF Doom and Madlib released a LP of the same name.

7) Coolio "It Takes A Thief" (1994)

One of rap's biggest selling artists of all time, wanted to call his debut LP 'The Last Original Nigga". Sadly, Tommy Boy had other ideas and he bowed to the pressure.

8) Stetasonic "Blood Sweat And No Tears" (1991)

After releasing the classic LP, "In Full Gear", Stet wanted to call their sophomore album "And The Band Played On". We're not sure why that title was rejected.

9) Illegal "The Untold Truth" (1993)

We can see why these two 14 years olds, had this LP title rejected - "Black Little Bastards".

10) Lady Of Rage "Necessary Roughness" (1997)

Bearing in mind, that Death Row records, released many controversial LP's, we can't fathom why "Eargasms" was rejected. We think its quite good name for an album.

11) Diamond D "Hatred Passions And Infidelity" (1997)

Originally titled "Flavortism" (surely a better title for Public Enemy's Flavor Flav?) again we can't see anything wrong with the title.

12) Puff Daddy "No Way Out" (1997)

Not only does Diddy changes his names constantly he apparently changes his LP titles too. Again we like the rejected title of "Hell Up In Harlem".

13) Scarface "The World Is Yours" (1993)

"I'm Coming Of Agg." We have one question what the fuck is an agg? Someone school us.

14) Nice & Smooth "Jewel Of The Nile" (1994)

Again we don't know why the title was changed from "Just When You Thought It Was Over" to "Jewel Of The Nile" its pretty harmless.

15) The Pharcyde "Labcabincalifonia" (1995)

But of a strange one this, a normal LP title "Revelations" gets rejected a nonsensical words gets accepted. Who'd have funked it.

16) Eric B & Rakim "Don't Sweat The Technique" (1992)

We are glad they chose 'DSTT' over "Save The Children" because this is a hardcore Hip Hop title.

17) LL Cool J "Mr Smith" (1995)

Whether it was called "Smithsonian" or "Mr Smith" either way the LP was still shit.

18) Run DMC "Down With The King" (1993)

Again we are not sure why "Still Standing" was rejected.

19) Onyx "All We Got Iz Us" (1995)

Their debut album "Bacdafucup" is a memorable title but too rude to be sold to a conservative USA audience? Surely, this was close to being rejected. Anyhow, "Three The Hard Way" was rejected and we can only think, the reasons was it was and grammatically correct.

20) De La Soul "Is Dead" (1991)

"Is Dead" is one of the greatest Hip Hop titles ever. It makes the end of the fun loving daisy age De La embraced on debut LP "Three Feet High & Rising". "We Fell Into A Bottle Of Plastic Shwingalokate, So We opened A Radio Station" is just plain stupid.

Classics You Probably Missed # 7

2008-07-27T03:43:00.001-07:00

X-ecutioners 'X-pressions' (Asphodel) 1998

The X-men are undoubtedly innovating on the wheels of steel and it's fair to say that they are a turntable orchestra. This album was the catalyst for the turntable being accepted as a musical instrument. Usually, non Hip Hop heads describe scratch albums" as just a collection of noise" but here The X-men, have produced more than just a scratch LP. They have managed to create an innovating, musical journey
that makes the art of turntablism accessible to a wider audience.

Seperated At Birth #4

2008-07-27T03:28:00.000-07:00

Gremlin Flavor Flav

Best DJ In UK

2008-07-24T09:30:00.000-07:00

Is DJ Skully. He has just won the UK DMC's final. Good luck in the final dude.

Here's an old clip of him at his peak:

Vibe's Greatest Of All Time

2008-07-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

Vibe magazine are currently letting their readers, vote for the greatest rapper alive, in the next phase of the competition, the last 4 rappers come up against 4 dead rappers. As all ways, here at Fivemics we are gonna bitch about it:

Vibe's list has so many great emcees missing. How could they not include?
1) Chuck D

The Public Enemy front man, was the driving force behind the greatest Hip Hop album ever created, 'It takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back'. Chuck's rhymes are both hardcore and thought provoking, a deadly combination to the ears.

2) Rakim

In many critics eyes Ra' is the greatest of all time and his early work with Eric B cements this arguement. Rakim is so lyrically on point critics have hailed him the God MC. Nuff said.

3) Masta Ace

The former Juice Crew member has released a slew of material that always rocks but unfortunately seems to slip under many peoples radars. Ace's rhyme's although simplistic are intelligent and thats part of his genius.

4) Big Daddy Kane

Not just a fantastic rhymer, Kane also penned Biz Markie's most famous lyrics. But back to the guy with a flow like silk. He is full of New York street attitude, a likeable blend of toughness and smoothness, his lyrics are juicy, provacative and amusing and delivered with absolute confidence and arrogance.

5) MF Doom

Another artist that just can't stop making bangers. Whether as part of KMD, solo or collaborating with other artists, Doom always produces the goods.

6) KRS 1

Blast master KRS, has released classic LP's on the solo tip and with legendary BDP. Anyone that can define the difference between Rap and Hip Hop, 'Rap is something you do, Hip Hop is something you live'. Pure genious.

7) Klashnekoff

A true UK legend that released the classic 'Lionheart: Tussle Of The Beast' last year. Klash is a lyrical genious, spitting precious thought provoking lyrics.

8) Inspectah Deck

Deck is definitely not the most visable bee in the Wu hive. But give him a decent beat and is one par with not only the Wu's heavy hitters but Hip Hop's. Deck is the first MC you hear on 36 Chambers with the killer line 'Swinging your town like your neighbourhood Spiderman. Killer.

9) Rodney P
Rodders, has to get props for making the greatest UK album of all time 'Gangster Chronicles'. A fusion of Jamaican and Cockney twang was unique in 87 as many UK rappers were using fake Yanky flows.

10) Slick Rick

The greatest story teller in Hip Hop. Period. He is so original that you can recognize his style instantly from the rest and why he is "The Ruler." His English accent is extremely original and his flows coincides his accent perfectly.

11) Kool G Rap

Another fantastic artists that cut his teeth in the legendary Juice Crew. G Rap, has a rapid fire delivery and harsh street lyricism.

12) Billy Danze

Billy has an aggressive and hard core delivery. He and his partner Lil Fame, are real Hip Hop that make it the way it should be done.

13) Melle MEL

The first true MC. Mel spat lyrics that were both fun and conscientious which gave Hip Hop's its solid foundations.

14) Trugoy

Check these lyrics "I'm sick of bitches shakin' asses/ I'm sick of talkin' about blunts,/ Sick of Versace glasses,/ Sick of slang,/ Sick of half ass awards shows,/ Sick of name brand clothes,/ sick of R&B bitches over bullshit tracks." Nuff said

15) Boots Riley (The Coup)

Riley is a rapper that gets no love. But seek out any Coup LP and you will see
Boots delivers more of a social document and he nevertheless manages to convey his ideological underpinnings. A rapper that makes you think, a real treat.

How could they include (the majority on the list are average, but these ones are just wack)

1) P Diddy

2) Lil Kim

3) Lil Mama

4) Trina

5) Soulija Boy

6) Bow Wow

Who decided the seedings, so that decent rappers face each other, and wack rappers face each other.

1) Lupe v Q-Tip

2) Common v Black Thought

3) Ice Cube v E-40

4) Method Man v Redman

5) Bun B v Devin

6) Mos Def v Talib Kweli

And finally how can Big L not even get a mention?

Classics You Might Have Missed

2008-07-18T15:07:00.000-07:00

Various Artists 'Return Of The DJ Volume 1' Bomb Records 1995

Confession time we missed the 1995 release of this classic but we did cop the re-issue in 1997 (pictured above) and its a ace. When you read the track list, you will see all the heavy weight world class DJ's that have contributed to this slept on classic. Even non hip hop head, will be able to appreciate the technical skills that each one of these Turntablists have created. The only thing that annoys us about this album is, all the tracks are out of this world and we'll never be able to produce anything as beautiful as these stellar scratches.

Very Informative Poster

2008-07-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

Hip Hop Idiots #1

2008-07-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

Flavor Flav
When I was six, I thought my penis' only function was pissing. Flavor Flav knew from an early age what its other function was, no wonder Hip Hop has a bad rep. The statement below just makes him sound like a imbecile:

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/article1438768.ece

RAP king FLAVOR FLAV yesterday revealed he lost his virginity at the age of six standing on a crate.

The 49-year-old PUBLIC ENEMY star recalled how he had larked about in undergrowth.

The dad of seven said: “A girl and me were having sex on a box in some big tall bushes.

“This was when I was real, real, real, real, young.”

He added in a magazine interview: “I’m going to tell you the truth — I was six years old.”

The rapper — famous for adorning himself with clocks — said his favourite was one he had made in Switzerland.

He crowed: “When it strikes three o’clock you got a little Flav that comes out and says ‘YeahhhhhBoy! YeahhhhhBoy!’”

Defence Of The Top Ten Indie List

2008-07-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Due to the fact we have been getting abuse over our top ten list last week, we try and explain why those rappers mentioned did not make the list.

1) Sway
Here at Five Mics, we have nothing but love for Derek and we hope he is the next UK act to break into the States. We just find for all his potential , the killer one liners, confidence and the puns he has never been able to produce the sort of form from his past glories of One and his two mix cd's.

2) Aesop Rock
Everyone tastes and opinions are different and we just can't get into Aesop. We have given him a far crack of the whip and bought all his releases (and then quickly sold them on the Bay); we think he is overrated.

3) El-p
Mr El Producto, is definitely a big Indie artist. Scratch that he is a pioneer. The reason he didn't make the list, is simply because we thought he was too big of an artist. Too established if you will.

4) Atmosphere
Please see above.

5) Jean Grae
Again we've given Jean love in this blog, calling her one of the greatest female emcees of all time. But a rapper that announces their retirement from the game with their latest album being leaked 4 years before dropping, just doesn't deserve to be on the list.

6) Blade
Blade is one of our favourites period. When we get time we'll upload an interview we did with him about 5 years ago. But like Jean Grae, he has announced his retirement and has not released anything in a minute.

7)Cage
Ten years ago Cage would definitely have been on the list. Unfortunately his later releases we have found to be a bit hit and miss.

8)Sage Francis
Sage is decent. But again i think the chaps on my list edge him out.

9) MF Doom
Its been kind of quiet on the Zev Love X front for a while. Other wise he would have been pushing for a place.

10) Black Milk
Yeah Milk should have been on. We bad.

Although both the XXL list and our own lists were far from perfect (here's the link for XXL's list of snubs http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=22932) we will be celebrating Independence Day next year by doing another one. Bet you can't wait.

Code Of The Sesame Streets

2008-07-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

The Future Of Turntablism

2008-07-12T21:52:00.000-07:00

We would love some of these. For more check out http://www.metrofarm.net/djdescs/?image=0

Top 10 Indie Artists

2008-07-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

We've just checked out XXL Magazine top ten indie rappers and we felt a need to highlight that the list is shit. What made the list dubious was all ten rappers have had mainstream exposure, and there is an array of indie talent that never gets any love that was ignored. So we thought we draw up our own.

In no particular order

1) Terminology

This dude never sleeps. Every month he churns out a new banger, that eclipses his previous release.

2) Blu

When not making amazing music with Exile, Blu can be found making innovating symphonies as part of C.R.A.C (Knuckles). Blu's flow is so seamless, insightful; precise that it reminds us of a young Nasir Jones and that is meant to be a complement.

3) Qwel

Can Qwel do any wrong? For aeons, he has made excellent music that always seems to slip under the mainstream radar. Not since Hip Hop's 'Golden Era' have MC's spat with such innovation and skill as this dude does. Every time Qwelly smashes it.

4) Nutrageous

We only copped this guys music this year. But as soon as we finished listening to 'Raw Nuts' we went straight onto his myspace and copped the rest of his back catalogue; it didn't disappoint.

5) Masta Ace

Ace is undoubtedly one the games best rappers ever. Every release gets great critical acclaim. Yet Ace always seems to only get love from the purists. Unlike many old school rhymers Ace always seems to have his finger on the pulse and he gives the purists what they yearn.

6) Jae P

Where the dickens did this come from. Jae has real talent and his 'Unsigned & Hungry' LP is a contender for our LP of the year. Don't sleep.

7) P Brothers

The P Brothers are Hip Hop FACT. We can't wait until there "Gas" LP drops later this year. What we've heard from it, it won't disappoint. Blam Blam for Nottingham.

8) Million Dan

Formerly known as Mike J, MD has paid his dues in the UK Hip Hop game as part of the Demon Boys. Nowadays his fusion of Rap/ Reggae music with heavy production and killer hooks makes MD have a big presence in the UK Rap game.

9) Nicolay

This Dutch master beats, have been compared to 9th Wonder's and thats no bad thing. We predict that this time next year Nicolay will be producing music for Hip Hop big guns.

10) Dagha

Dagha makes songs for us adults. His subject matter is made for the mature audience but because he spits with honesty, maturity and integrity, which very few rappers do these days, everybody can appreciate his talents. His charisma shines through on every line he spits, and when someone bares their heart in this way, it makes a compelling listen.

Seperated At Birth 3

2008-07-08T14:11:00.001-07:00

Lil Wayne

Smeagle

Wonderwall

2008-07-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

If you missed Jigga's Wonderwall performance at Glastonbury, you can cop it here:

But we still think Lewis Parker version was better in 1997

http://www.zshare.net/audio/13526314ca083d46/

Sepedrated At Birth Part 2

2008-07-07T11:58:00.000-07:00

Is Whoopi Goldberg, Lil Wayne's Mam??? Obviously not but they look similiar.

And We Have A Winner

2008-07-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Dumpling who was randomly picked and will receive a the Freddy Fresh book.

Summer Summer Time

2008-06-17T15:44:00.000-07:00

We are on holiday until 3rd July, that 's when Freddy Fresh Book winner will be announced.

Seperated At Birth

2008-06-17T08:05:00.000-07:00

While looking through the CD cover of Lil Wayne's 'Tha Carter 3', wifey recently pointed out that Bradley from S Club 7 looks every bloggers favourite MC Lil Wayne. What do you lot think?

We love 1986 Part 3

2008-06-17T07:25:00.000-07:00

As the old saying goes "things come in three's" so we had to further express our love of 1986 further. But like all trilogy's our third part of the argument isn't as good as the other two.

In case you can't be bothered to read parts 1 and 2 here is a quick synopsis. Part 1 expressed how Hip Hops old school sound, developed a new niche and lost its electro edge. Part 2 celebrated UK Hip Hop developing and the birth of the wonderful Music Of Life.

Here in Part 3 we are going to discuss the MC. 1986 was the year MC's got more scientifical when they picked up the mic. After Rakim destroyed all competition with the classic 'Eric B is President', other MC's had to step up their game.

Run DMC released their third LP 'Raising Hell', which was a cultural milestone as the masses excepted Hip Hop was not just a fad.

Def Jam started to take control of the Hip Hop scene. LL Cool J 'Radio' went Platinum.

And finally the legendary Public Enemy were signed by Rick Rubin to Def Jam.

So to some up, 1986 was the year that advanced Hip Hop and if these events did not happen would we have the scene we have today???

Cool Ish

2008-06-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Every morning before I have my Cheerio's, I wake up to the sound of the legendary Public Enemy front man Flavor Flav hollering "Yeeeah Boy" at me. I love this limited edition clock which I picked up from Rapandsoulmailorder about 3 years ago. But wifey hates it. She would hate it even more if she knew how much we paid for it.

Ghost in the studio

2008-06-07T06:57:00.000-07:00

Classic Mix Tapes

2008-06-04T15:05:00.000-07:00

Right we are off on holiday in 2 weeks time and we needed some tunes to take with us. Rather than fill our i-pod and mini-disk up with the latest 'Ye Weezy or Jeezy, we opted for classic mix tapes. So we hunted under our beds and found ten shoe boxes full of dopeness.
Anyhow, did anyone ever win the Ivory competition of naming all the tracks off the playlist because we think we cracked it:-

1.intro
2.360 degrees - years to build
3.lazy laz - mystery
4.get wit it productions - are you ready
5.busy boy - classical
6.makeba & scratch - ain't it funky
7.lightnin lee & poppy p - big time chillin
8.kev e kev & akb - listen to the man
9.bizzie boys - hold the lafta
10.cobra mcees - the m go
11.supreme nyborn - what if i was serious
12.eric b & rakim - let the rhythm hit em
13.iii most wanted - calm down
14.bolaji - run 4 cover
15.sir ibu - im the peacemaker
16.phase n rhythm - brainfood
17.raheem - i'm the king
18.lord finesse - keep it flowin
19.jvc force - 6 feet back on the map
20.aaron dee - soul power
21.krown rulers - kick the ball
22.steady b - get physical
23.2 deep 2 sleep - g thang
24.bdp - ya slippin
25.mc mitchski - brooklyn blew up the bridge
26.45 king & latee - brainstorm
27.dollar & bill & cut master kg - people don't know ya
28.live n effect posse - im gettin physical
29.tds mob - crushin em

Show the blog some love and we'll up all 3 volumes of these classics.

We Love Vinyl

2008-06-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

Our 3 regular readers know this already, WE LOVE VINYL. Hence, we have started a new section where we will upload our favourite picture disks. As usual if enough people show an interest we share the music. Our first featured vinyl is the classic Public Enemy 'Night Train'. Our memory is hazy but we think this is the first picture disk we ever bought.