Gang Starr "Hard To Earn" (30th Anniv. Mix by DJ Filthy Rich)

Back once again, Toronto's DJ Filthy Rich drops his latest offering; a tribute to my favorite group of all-time, Gang Starr and their classic effort, Hard To Earn. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the mix features a revamped version of his 25th anniversary mix from 2019 (which got taken down) with original blends, samples, b-sides and unreleased tracks. Rest in Peace to Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal and, of course, we continue to represent for the greatest producer of all-time, DJ Premier. Dig into another phenomenal mix by DJ Filthy Rich below and hit the archives for more...

Donnie Propa "For Promotional Use Only" (Mixtape)

Some fresh nostalgia for you from the UK homie, Donnie Propa. He shares, "Anyone who knows anything about the history of hip hop mixtapes knows just how big Tape Kingz were in the 90s, releasing an unbelievable amount of classic mixtapes by some of New York’s finest DJs as well as loads of incredible records. Being based in Brooklyn in the early 90s they sold mixtapes worldwide with distribution in Japan and Germany. It’s been many many years since they have put out a tape and I am beyond proud and grateful to be the first one to drop since back then! The A side is classic 90s underground material with the B side being newer artists and recent releases. Both sides feature records dropped through Tape Kingz. 45 mins each side, 100% vinyl..." Listen below...

Black Moon "Enta Da Stage" (30th Anniversary Mix by Filthy Rich)

30 years of Black Moon's Enta Da Stage! I [still] remember being in the basement of my boy Chris' spot in Queens, and his older brother pulling out this cassette tape! While it was many of the remixes that from vinyl and maxi-singles that added life to this project, the full LP version is still incredibly dope on its own merit. Wreck and Nervous had shit on lock and can't front on Weeded Records neither. Props to Toronto's DJ Filthy Rich for unveiling this 30th anniversary mix and sharing the following message, "The LP was one of the bricks in the foundation for the Golden Era of east coast hip-hop. Da Beatminerz raw, dusty beats created a unique sound that became the signature of the Boot Camp Clik. This album was very influential to me, so I've decided to put together this mixtape tribute to the NYC legends. Remixes, blends, party breaks, OG samples & B-Sides." Torre Pentel on the comic art above. Dig into another really dope tribute mix from DJ Filthy Rich below...

Additional images because why the hell not...

Marco Polo & Torae "Midnight Run" (Album Stream)

The wait is finally over, Torae & Marco Polo return with their sophomore release Midnight Run, the follow up to their classic debut album Double Barrel. Midnight Run packs 11 tracks that will instantly satisfy fans of the elite lyricism and hard hitting production the duo is known for. The intro “Reloaded” sets the tone from the very beginning and stand outs such as “The Return”, “Makin’ Up” and “Oh No” maintain the momentum throughout. With no guest verses, no bars off and no filler Midnight Run gets directly to what you’ve been waiting for from the “Gray Sheep” Torae and Marco Polo. Go back and dig into Double Barrel too! Good to see them back in the studio together.

Speaker Bullies "Art of Disrespect" (Album Stream)

First working together on Supastition’s ‘Gold Standard’ album, Supa and Praise debut their new group, Speaker Bullies. The sound is described as "in the same vein as MF Doom or Run the Jewels where anything goes musically.” Supastition’s esteemed career includes acclaimed projects, world tours, and collaborations with KRS One, Little Brother, Royce da 5’9”, Jedi Mind Tricks, RJD2 + more. Known for hard-hitting drums and infectious bass lines, Praise has many production credits including Pharoahe Monch, BJ the Chicago Kid, Joyner Lucas, Torae + more. The group's album ‘Art of Disrespect' album is available below via Soulspazm Records, dig into it! Props to my brother Supa!

Blu "Soul Amazing" (Part 11, Mix)

Mixed by DJ Bless 1ne, this is Part 11 in Blu's feature mix-series, Soul Amazing. The latest installment showcases records Blu has been featured on alongside artists like Ras Kass, Exile, J57, Cashus King, Creestal, MED, Damu The Fudgemunk, Choosey, Jabee, Young RJ, Awon & Phoniks, D-Styles, Emanon, J Dilla, Johaz, J. Sands and a whole lot more! Man, I had that "Charlie's Christmas" beat from J57 for YEARS waiting for a moment when I could hear it with a talented MC like Blu over it. Glad that finally happened. Props to them for making that happen and this whole mix-series.

DJ Invasion "Plugs At The Apollo" (Blend Tape)

Plugs At The Apollo, the latest project by DJ Invasion, takes a verbal stroll through Buffalo, with Detroit as the musical back drop. Benny The Butcher's street infested gritty rhymes intertwined with Apollo Brown's vinyl crackling soulful beats, is a classic "What If?" combination, brought to life. Through years of manifesting this clash of styles, "Plugs At The Apollo" will take you on a musical journey through the everyday struggles, harsh realities, and making the almighty dollar, to come out on top.  This came out pretty fresh... Props to DJ Invasion, check out Plugs At The Apollo below...

Apollo Brown & Philmore Greene "Cost of Living" (Album Stream)

Here's the collaborative album between producer Apollo Brown and Chicago MC, Philmore Greene, Cost of Living. Philmore Greene is an ideal match for Brown's sumptuous canvasses, an MC who the Chicago Reader has hailed for making "confident, luxuriant boom-bap." But it's his ability to convey complex emotions, empathetic street narratives, and heartbreaking pathos that make him singular. The Cost Of Living may be high, but Greene and Brown allow you to understand that it is not insurmountable. There are too many losses and not enough gains, but as long as there remains a belief in something deeper and the possibility of something better, hope remains alive. This is soul music in the deepest sense, not as an aesthetic but as a physical place, where heart, philosophy, and the spirit reside. This is something for the ages, a work of tragic timelessness. After all, these issues have been here before us, and they'll be here long after us. Listen to Cost of Living below...