Dirty Harry "Apocalypse Now" (Mixtape)

There's a few ways to look at this NEW mixtape from Dirty Harry. Yes, the content is more mainstream and normally I'd skip through a lot of the tracks ... BUT ... I'm happy Dirty Harry's still releasing mixes ... AND ... he does it so funky. He's always meshed genres and brought us ill blends that we didn't know would come off so dope. So, with that said, I support his mixes from the 90s and support this, as well. Outside of the Drakes and Meeks and so on, there's still joints from Jadakiss, Fabolous, 50 Cent, The Game, Nas, Kendrick Lamar, Remy Ma, Ali Vegas, Dave East and more to round it out. Consider this a bonus post for the day, enjoy something genre-bending below...

9th Wonder "Zion" (Instrumental Album)

Producer 9th Wonder needs no long-winded introduction. Instead, he releases a new project in the form of an instrumental tape, ZION. The hefty, 36-track release is the first of what 9th hopes to be many to come. “I hope to release every beat I’ve ever made over the next few years,” 9th Wonder told Mass Appeal. “Some unfinished, some ideas, some of my favorites, etc. They can’t just sit around, so this ZION series will be used for that. I’m letting them all go.” - via 2DBZ. Dig into it...

Grown Man Rap Show "Memorial Day Mix"

The Grown Man Rap Show is hosted by veterans DJ Toast and Paul Nice. It is broadcasted - live -every Sunday night from 10pm-12 midnight (ET) at 91.5 WRPI in Albany, NY. DJ Toast & Paul Nice bring you 2 hours of the best in vintage and contemporary true school Hip-Hop. This is their Memorial Day special (Episode 73); it aired on May 29, 2016 and features tracks from A Tribe Called Quest, Boogie Down Productions, D.I.T.C., Big L, The Beatnuts, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Big Pun, Heavy D & The Boyz, Marley Marl, The Notorious B.I.G., Pumpkinhead, 2Pac, Run DMC, Tim Dog, Sporty Thievz, Sean Price, Eazy-E, Proof, Lost Boyz, Showbiz & AG, Killa Sha, Gang Starr and more! Listen below...

Royce Da 5'9 "Tabernacle: Trust The Shooter" (Album Stream)

In advance of his release of "Layers," Royce Da 5'9 drops off a promo project entitled "Tabernacle: Trust The Shooter." The 12-track EP features Styles P, Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine, as well as production from DJ Premier, Mr. Porter, AraabMuzick, Nottz and more. If this was released to get me hype for the album, you have succeeded, Royce! His impact on music continues to grow with each release as his skills increase as well - which is saying a whole lot! Congrats to him on his sobriety, which has contributed a lot. Do yourself a favor and stream this updated release below...

Noveliss "Mic Swordz" (EP Stream)

"Fresh off of the success of "Toonami Tsunamis," Noveliss is back with his new EP "Mic Swordz." Always inspired heavily by Anime, Noveliss sharpens his blade in this 9 track ode to Microphone Swordsmanship. With a special appearance by Add-2, Mic Swordz has arrived." Peep the latest from Noveliss below, "Still at, Illmatic as Halftime / kick the fat rhymes at your favorite rapper until he flatlines / Lyrically in great shape, 1st place in a decathlon / Tell Zordon I need the Mastadon to crush your dad and mom..." I don't catch all the anime references, but he goes in for sure. Dig in...

Shyheim "The Lost Generation" (The Source, 6/96)

The "lost generation" is a term often used -- inaccurately or not -- to describe the present generation of Black youth, those who have been "lost" amidst the poverty, drugs and violence that plague the inner city. Shyheim is a member of this generation, but he has been lucky enough to find one of the few avenues out of this hell: hip-hop. When he first came out in '93, headz were just amped to see a shortie MC who could roll with the Wu. But Shy has grown up and his Lost Generation LP presents a wise young brother who can now stand on his own. Shyheim seems to come with his best material when the topic is ghetto strife. On "Life as a Shorty" he tells the story of a hustla who's been out there slangin' since age 12. On "Jiggy Comin'" Shy gives a big middle finger to 5-0 over a sinister, spooky-ass beat and KRS' famous "woop-woop" sirens. "Dear God" is Shy's prayer for better days and a way out of "this endless pit of sorrow." The majority of the production is handled by RNS, who does a very solid job in providing Shy with hard-edged, bass-driven tracks to flow over. DR Period also checks in for two cuts. His "What Makes The World Go Round" is some uncut dope that features Smooth Da Hustler & clique, with Shy more than holding his own with the big boys... - The Source, 6/96. Continue below for the full album review & more...

Sh*t Iz Real ... imagine that pile of promo hittin' your mailbox...

DJ Unexpected "Executioners From Shaolin" (Mixtape, 2009)

Executioners From Shaolin is part 4 in our Motion Picture Mixtape series, and it’s bound to be another classic for the collection. Dissecting the styles and personas of the infamous Wu-Tang Clan, their story is told as only we can. Featuring rare demos, classics, remixes, and the famous kung-fu dialog and music we’ve all come to know and love, rest assure no stone is left unturned. You know when Diggers Union does a cd, it’s done right! This mixtape is presented by Hevehitta and directed by DJ Unexpected. Enjoy and Be Educated! Rest In Peace, Ol' Dirty Bastard! - The Diggers Union 

DJ Sourmilk "The Native Tongues Mix"

DJ Sourmilk and So Much Soul clothing collaborated on this mix and a classic t-shirt after the Tribe Documentary was released years back. The mix pays tribute to the Native Tongues and features tracks from Jungle Brothers, Monie Love, Black Sheep, De La Soul, Brand Nubian, Leaders Of The New School, The Beatnuts, A Tribe Called Quest, Da Bush Babees, Queen Latifah, and Chi-Ali. After Phife Dawg's passing (R.I.P.), Sourmilk re-released The Native Tongues Mix in 2 parts, so I'm able to share it with you now. Never a bad time to enjoy some classic Native Tongues music, right? 

Kanye West Beat Tape (September, 1997)

"I miss the old Kanye, straight from the ‘Go Kanye… Well, some of his diehard fans got their wish today (May 23rd), as an enterprising type has liberated what appears to be one of Kanye West‘s very first beat tapes. Dated 1997, they sound exactly as one would expect beats in 1997 to sound: slightly jiggy and piano-heavy like the production of Puff Daddy’s The Hitmen team. Some of the beats were actually used too, for artists such as the Infamous Syndicate and Grav." - via 2DBZ.

Killer Ben & Twiz The Beatpro "Invincible Ben" (EP Stream)

Few rappers can compete with the durability and grit of the mic mechanic known as Killer Ben. Meshed over Twiz the Beatpro's astounding production, the duo deliver an extended play that is nothing short of invincible. The artwork caught my attention but I stuck around because of Killer Ben's flow on Invincible Ben. I don't have much information to share, you've gotta click play & dig in...

A Tribe Called Quest "Beats, Rhymes & Life" (Documentary, 2011)

Having forged a 20-year run as one of the most innovative and influential hip hop bands of all time, the Queens NY collective - Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi - known as 'A Tribe Called Quest' have kept a generation hungry for more of their groundbreaking music since their much publicized breakup in 1998. Michael Rapaport documents the inner workings and behind the scenes drama that follows the band to this day. He explores what's next for, what many claim, are the pioneers of alternative rap. This documentary was everything! I remember when Michael Rapaport was up at Fat Beats working on it behind the scenes, and then recording the in-store for Q-Tip's album The Renaissance. The documentary features De La Soul, Common, Busta Rhymes, Chris Lighty (R.I.P.), Pharrell, Beastie Boys, Questlove, Angie Martinez, Ludacris, Consequence, Red Alert, Mos Def, The Beatnuts, Prince Paul, Monie Love, Black Thought, Large Professor, Ghostface, Jungle Brothers, Hiero, Pete Rock, Dante Ross, Kanye West and lots more! This post is simply a reminder that you should 100% own this film! The trailer doesn't scratch the surface, but watch it below...

DJ Rei Double R & G-Bo The Pro "Old School Hip-Hop/R&B"

This DJ Rei Double R & G-Bo The Pro's Old School Hip-Hop and R&B from 199?. As the title suggests, they run through the classics of both Hip-Hop and R&B... tracks from artists like Sweet Tee, Queen Latifah, Biz Markie, Eric B. & Rakim, Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane, Audio Two, Special Ed, Soul II Soul, New Edition, Slick Rick, Run DMC, Nice & Smooth, Janet Jackson, Groove Theory, Marvin Gaye, Frankie Beverly, Barry White and more. With original tracks and exclusive remixes, this is a dope throwback mix. Props to DJ Rei Double R & G-Bo The Pro. Dig into the mix tape below...

Marley Marl & Pete Rock "Pirate Radio" (WNWK, 4/30/94)

Marley Marl and Pete Rock at it again with dope joints and exclusives from their stash. Although some of the exclusives they played eventually saw the light of day, they were premiering the music here first. Pete's Champ MC remix (42:17) or some Baby Pa (33:45), while Marley busts out Kamakaze (37:39) and Sah-B (46:26). Check out Pirate Radio with Pete Rock & Marley Marl on April 30, 1994 at 105.9 WNWK. Much thanks to the OG, DJ Eclipse, for the audio link and information. Listen below...

Hi-Tek "Hi-Teknology" (Vibe Magazine, 2001)

Since he's known for working the boards for Mos Def and Talib Kweli, you might expect Hi-Tek's first solo effort to feature the kind of eclectic sounds and thoughtful lyrics that make hip-hop a better place. And so it does -- mostly. The Cincinnati native maintains his celebrated underground reputation on Hi-Teknology, mixing funk, jazz, soul, and reggae instrumentation with hard breaks that flow with vocals by the usual suspects: Kweli, Mos, and Slum Village. But like any true artist, Hi-Tek, aka Tony Cottrell, switches up for a little variety. He gets a little harder and less conscious with songs like the thugged-out yawner "Where I'm From," featuring Jinx Da Juvy, and "Suddenly," on which Hi-Tek's group Mood brags about pulling "pretty hos with shitty toes." Still, the album has what you want: Common's smooth meditation on city living, "The Sun God"; Mos and Vinia Mojica's mellow ode to disco love, "Git Ta Steppin'"; and Cormega's gifted poetics on "All I Need Is You." Hi-Tek himself even busts a cool little solo. "Man picture this / Put it in a frame / Who woulda thought / Young Tone doin' thangs," he muses on the title track. Despite a few missteps, Hi-Teknology hits the high mark. - Vibe Magazine, July '01. You should dig into Hi-Tek's Hi-Teknology album below...

Full album review in Vibe, July 2001, below...

Westside Gunn & Conway "Don't Get Scared Now" (EP Stream)

Don’t Get Scared Now is the new EP from Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine, who have been tearing shit up since they burst on the scene. Featuring production from their long time collaborators Daringer and Alchemist, as well as some hefty verses from Mach Hommy, this is the same standard of rugged rap we’ve come to expect from the Hall & Nash duo. The Soundcloud audio disappeared, so I've updated it to Bandcamp... and now, you can order copies on Vinyl by clicking through below. If you see these cats on a record, dig into it immediately and stay tuned for more.

J-Love "Nas' Finest" (Volume 1, 1996)

Here is the cassette version (1996) of the first volume of J-Love's Nas' Finest mixtape. It has a slightly different tracklist than the CD versions that were released and would end up being an 8-part series of mix tapes. It's hard to ignore the annoying J-Love drops throughout the tape, but that aside, there are plenty of great tracks on here to make up for it. The tape includes tracks with Ghostface, Raekwon, Cormega, Screwball, Kool G Rap, Mobb Deep, Big Noyd, Pete Rock, Large Professor, Akinyele, AZ, Tragedy, Noreaga, Q-Tip and Biz Markie. The audio quality is hit or miss throughout the mix, because some tracks were unreleased/exclusives, but if you had this in your walkman, you remember the days and it's a piece of nostalgia that should transport you back to that time. Props to T.R.O.Y. for the cassette scans and DJ E-Feezy for the link. Check it out below...

Biz Markie "Toilet Stool Rap" (Promo Toilet, 1991)

T.S.R. certainly isn't my favorite cut from Biz Markie, but who could resist making a post about Biz's Cold Chillin' promotional toilet bowl? Not me. In the song Biz shares a lil' secret, "To all the little kids I'm makin a good impression / Cause a lot of my hits are written on the john / I hope my legendary style of rap lives on / This's a hidden secret where classics come from / Everybody has done it, even my man Run...." T.S.R. was released on Biz Markie's I Need A Haircut in 1991 and features the Bobby Bland sample of "Sad Feeling." It was released on 12" and there's a video with Biz's (un)usual off-the-wall style and charisma, but Canada's MuchMusic voted the video "Worst Video of the Year," so it's possible you've never seen this bathroom serenade in all its glory. Biz was sued over a separate sample on the album, which changed the hip hop music industry, requiring that any future music sampling be pre-approved by the original copyright owners to avoid a lawsuit. Biz would poke fun at his misfortunes, titling his next album All Samples Cleared! Watch the video below...

De La Soul & Common "The Bizness" (Live At Tramps, NY 1996)

Live at Tramps, NYC, 1996 is a live album recorded by De La Soul on May 16, 1996, at New York's famous Tramps nightclub, and released by De La Soul in 2004. In the clip below, De La Soul is joined on-stage by Common, to perform their gem of a track, "The Bizness," from the Stakes Is High album. Also on stage is Mos Def, hyping and doing background vocals. If you haven't checked their live album, it's definitely dope and captures a moment in hip-hop history. Audio is "ok," and videos like this will suffice if you missed it. It's been exactly 20 years since this was recorded, check it out...

Canibal Ox "The Cold Vein" (CMJ, August 2001)

"The members of Harlem's Cannibal Ox not only relish the ol' school, but a time before ol' school. During "Ridiculoid," from the duo's debut Cold Vein, Vordul Mega offers a stream of consciousness recollection: "I still remember the age of Coleco, a daily struggle, but I hold onto the vision - hip-hop at its best when it lacked television." If you take away rap's broadcasted glamour and everything it bore - the gold chains and the stretch 4x4s - you return to the era of politically empowered street griots such as Harlem's Last Poets. The urgent cries and idealistic ponderings of Mega and his partner Vast Aire often recall their conscious rap forefathers, mixing references to Jackie Gleason, Sigmund Freud and the Kennedy Curse into anecdotes about welfare mothers and that "anorexic space between love and hate." (Updated) ... Check out video of the Cold Vein record release party: the performance features Cannibal Ox, El-P, and Mr. Lif in front of a sold out crowd. This amazing show took place on June 24, 2001 at The Middle East in Cambridge, MA. Cont'd below...

"Producer El-P (formerly of Company Flow) spill-paints the tracks with rocket engine swooshes, moody bass notes and fax-machine feedback. It's not always the most head-bopping combination, but it allows room for the rappers' philosophical squiggles, which simultaneously decry the era of soundbites while utilizing its most effective weapon. You may be able to find funkier hip-hop tracks, yet you'll be hard-pressed to find a more brilliant report on the mindstate of Harlem youth - one that remains reverent to that neighborhood's poetic past." - CMJ, August 2001. (Updated).

2Pac "Tupac Finds The Afterlife In Last Video" (Vibe, 1997)

For those that weren't of age or if time has faded the memories, you might not remember how soon after 2Pac's tragic death we were given the somber visuals to his song "I Ain't Mad at 'Cha." This post in Vibe will take you back... "By now you've probably seen the video for Tupac's "I Ain't Mad at 'Cha": the one in which 'Pac is shot to death, goes to heaven, and becomes a guardian angel; the one that MTV premiered (and played hourly) three days after Tupac's real-life demise; the one that invited sensational headlines like: Eerie final video predicts death. Eerie? Sure, especially when you listen to Tupac rapping over the images, "Picture us inside a ghetto heaven / In my chest I feel pain." But hardly a surprise. From "Bury Me A G" to "If I Die Tonight," Tupac has always grappled with mortality (his own and others') in his music." Peep the visuals to "I Ain't Mad at 'Cha," cont'd...

"Even this final video is actually a variation on another video that Tupac himself directed for Oakland rapper Mac Mall's '94 debut, "Ghetto Theme." In that clip Tupac kills Mac Mall, whose spirit then haunts 'Pac and makes him repent his murderous sins. The difference in this version is that Tupac no longer plays the loser but the lost; leaving behind his homie, played by real-life friend Bokeem Woodbine, as well as us to mourn. "I Ain't Mad at 'Cha" is just the last chapter in the life of a man who never seemed fully comfortable with his place on earth. He often cited a troubled childhood, the lack of a father, an inability to fit in. Like many in our generation who've felt the same, he feared anonymity more than death, wondering if people would appreciate him more after he was gone. Seeing images of Tupac walking in the clouds while his friends grieve below, you can't help but hear another of his self-conscious lines, "How long will they mourn me?" How long, indeed." - Vibe 

Cypress Hill "Insane In The Brain" (The Source, 6/93)

"The much-anticipated return of the boys from the Hill finds B-Real, Sen Dog and DJ Muggs kicking flavor similar to the material on their debut smash LP - and that's a good thing. The A-Side begins with an insane Latino voice saying, "Don't you know I'm loco?" and leads into a hardcore track that sounds like Pete Rock's "The Creator" coupled with deep bass and trademark screechy noise. B-Real shows and proves that his nasal flow never gets played, and after two billion other records have talked about smoking weed, it's almost reassuring to hear the standard Cypress tales of shooting down suckers and puffing mad herb. The hook utilizes Sen's baritone response voice - when B-Real says "Insane in the membrane," Sen calls back with "insane in the brain!" Check out the video...

"The b-side kinda reminds you of the Wild West, with its bouncy bass, long organ sound, and B-Real saying, "I'm comin' out blastin like Yosemite Sam!" Guaranteed: the nearly one million fans of the first Cypress LP will be grooving to these tracks, proving the old saying correct: if it ain't broke, don't fix it." - Sure Shot Single in The Source, June 1993. A full copy of the review is available below.

Tony Touch "Hip Hop 42" (Mixtape, 1994)

Word up, another fine mix tape from the legendary Tony Touch... this is Hip Hop 42 in 1994. I love running back through these classic mix tapes... such a dope reflection of what was movin' in the streets from tape to tape. This mix includes tracks from O.C. & D-Stroy (Arsonists), Nas, Funkdoobiest, The Pharcyde, Craig Mack, Channel Live & KRS-One, Method Man, King Sun, Ice Cube, Beastie Boys, The Roots, Smif-N-Wessun, Black Sheep, Nine, LL Cool J, Lords of the Underground, Redman, Tha Alkaholiks & Q-Tip, Milk Dee, Shazam X, Ruggedness Madddrama, Ready Ta Roll, Justice System, Brooklyn Slumlordz, Slick Rick and more! Dig into Tony Touch's Hip Hop #42 below... (Updated).

Large Professor "The Mad Scientist" (The Source, 5/96)

"Except for his work on Tribe's Midnight Marauders LP, the Large Professor has been very much on the DL for the last few years. After his split from Main Source, heads were set for him to embark upon a solo career and blow up like many of his homies have. But the mastermind behind the 1991 classic Breaking Atoms decided to take his time. Not one to cash in or jump on the next trend, the Extra P made sure his shit was correct. And at long last, in the 9-6, he has returned. On "Mad Scientist," Large restates his lengthy resume and plots his return to prominence in the rap game" I'm called the mad scientist Extra P / About to set up shop and drop this next degree / On the masses / Yeah it's the live guy with glasses / From Flushing / Known for programming percussion." It's obvious that Large came up in an era when tight skills were a must. His crisp delivery makes it easy to understand every rhyme and his classic flow is an automatic head-nodder. The track itself works off a simple bass-and-snare kick and features a healthy amount of scratching." - The Source

You can see the full 12" review from The Source below...

Felt (Murs & Slug) "Woman Tonight" (2005)

"Woman Tonight" is my favorite track off the Felt album, Felt 2: A Tribute to Lisa Bonet in 2005. The sample flip of Carlton Williams' "Prison Song" works beautifully, and the whole vibe of the song is just a perfect match for Slug and Murs. These are two of the most successful touring artists to represent from the underground and their stories are great on the track. Having done a fair share of tours and traveling for shows, I can relate and they capture the vibe effortlessly. Their collaborative efforts are some of the best in their discographies, I recommend checking it out at your convenience. "But you're talking to these pieces of a man whose trying to make it / Through the puzzles, travels, struggles, battles / The body pillow pimp trying to snuggle with my shadow / We could stay proper keep the clothes on, no pressure / Just hold me and pretend like you've known me forever / Won't ya.." Listen to "Woman Tonight" below and thank "shuffle" for this post...

DJ Soul "Common: Time Travelin" (Mixtape, 2011)

In 2011, in advance of Common's release of "The Dreamer, The Believer," DJ Soul and OkayPlayer joined forces to release this quality mix. It features a variety of rarities, remixes and lots of classic cuts from Common's back catalog. At some point, fans are going to have to give this Chicago MC his flowers, because he's had an incredible career: in and out of music. Yes, he's had a miss or two, but he comes back stronger every time. He's an album-based artist with deep roots in all the elements in the culture of Hip-Hop. I've seen him at the biggest award shows and right home at Fat Beats, you gotta support that. Enjoy this throwback mix of Common joints, mixed by DJ Soul, below...

Da Youngsta's "I'll Make U Famous" (The Source, 1996)

"Growing up is hard to do, just ask Da Youngsta's. Five years and three records ago, the threesome from Philly entered the hip-hop universe with a pugnacious, precocious sound that made up for whatever it lacked in maturity with a vibrant, infectious enthusiasm that embraced the group's youth. But on I'll Make You Famous - released by the venerable, independent Philadelphia rap label, Pop Art Records - Qur'an, Tarik and Taji are out to let you know they ain't no kids no more, despite the fact that all three are still under 20. Da Youngsta's are now to be known as the Illy Funkstas, and their first album as such seems intent on proving the importance of the distinction. This time around, 17-year Qur'an and company focus on the big boy concerns of swinging to survive, whether it's on the street, the mic or in the bedroom. The title single is a made-for-radio cruisin' jam that speaks on the pleasures the Funkstas have to offer the ladies. "Bloodshed and War," featuring Mobb Deep, teams the trio with one of their bigger influences in yet another hip-hop ode to the business of the street corner. "Verbal Glock" highlights the maturing confidence the group has in their ability to take on all MC comers..." The rest of the review is mixed and speaks to the pitfalls in the album, saying "it lacks the elusive flava that makes good beats great records." That's a fair take, few people would call this a classic. Watch the video for their title track since the album isn't available.

You can check out the full review down below...

Hip-Hop Is Read Presents "A Tribe Called Dilla" (Mix, 2012)

Hip-Hop Is Read presented this project in 2012, however it'd been in the works since 2008. The project represents a collection of Jay Dee produced tracks from A Tribe Called Quest's group and solo efforts. According to HHIR, "My intentions with A Tribe Called Dilla were to focus strictly on the signature sound style of the Ummah era, which spanned throughout the second half of the nineties. One might argue that Tribe's new production work, which was a clear break from their earlier aesthetic, may have led to the group's disbandment. In my review of Michael Rapaport's 2011 documentary Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest, I noted an important point of criticism which was introduced in Werner von Wallenrod's review: the film's failure to include the narratives of J Dilla (then Jay Dee) and Consequence - and the two artists' inclusion with Tribe. That being said, one can only speculate - as many already have - as to whether or not Jay Dee's affiliation with the crew somehow led to A Tribe Called Quest's falling out. When you compare Tribe's first three albums with their latter two Jay Dee-assisted joints, I suppose it's easy to jump to conclusions. But I call bullsh*t on that. The music speaks for itself and the production on A Tribe Called Dilla, as I see/hear it, is amazing. Those drums! Those drums... as always... Turn it up!!" Dig in...

Group Home "Suspended In Time" (The Source, May '96)

"With a solid debut album and 2 hit singles under their wing, the Group Home strike again with track #5 off the Livin' Proof album: "Suspended In Time." The simplistic lyrical style they've been notorious for is pretty much erased on this hypnotic head mover. With its positive message surrounded by pure street essence, "Suspended In Time" is bound to make your system and your mental bump. The beautifully produced track is another tight masterpiece by none other than DJ Premier. The melodic sounds of mystical flutes embrace the beat while, in the same tradition as "Livin' Proof," he brings his infamous scratch technique to the Rebel I.N.S. line, "Don't talk the talk if you can't walk the walk" ... Score another hit for the Group Home who, with all the bullshit feedback, still manage to deliver the realness." - The Source (5/96). Image by Danny Hastings.

Marco Polo "Newport Authority 2" (Album Stream)

Released in May of 2013, the Newport Authority 2 was inspired by politics and industry bullsh*t that prevented this material from being included on PA2: The Director's Cut. Shylow and I went in and created a separate album to hold people over until PA2 drops in July. Attached with Intro, interludes and fully mixed and mastered by Joe Nardone. With confidence I can say this is not a mix tape. It will also be available on vinyl LP via Fat Beats for the heads that appreciate physical product, because I still do. I've included songs I recorded with legends such as Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Lil Fame and The Artifacts. But, I've also got joints on here with some talented up and comers such as First Division, MidaZ and Big Gutta. Plus the sh*t is free - so enjoy! - Marco Polo. Dig in...

Fourfifths "Earth Wind & Fire" (12", 1997)

Fourfifths released this 12” in 1997 on Conception Records, which was a really dope label in Seattle, Washington. The label was co-founded by the Sharpshooters; Mr. Supreme & DJ Sureshot, in ’93. They released early records by Jake One, Diamond Mercenaries, Kutfather, Eclipse, Da Grassroots and even my brother, MoSS. The ‘Walkman Rotation’ compilation put together by J.Rocc may be one of their most known releases, because it showcased a little from each member on the roster. As for Fourfifths, it was Cuniform, Sub-Zero, and Nickle Slick, with a really dope remix by Jake One on this 12”. There are 2 variations, a blue sleeve and a green sleeve of this 12”, not sure if there’s any difference between them. The scratches on the 12” are handled by DJ Ace. Listen to the full 12"...

Phoniks & Raashan Ahmad "Above The Clouds" (EP Stream)

The "Above The Clouds" EP is the newest collaborative release from bay area emcee Raashan Ahmad and Portland, ME hip hop producer Phoniks. It's infectious combination of electric piano loops, filtered basslines and lively drum breaks lay the backbone as Raashan exhibits his natural groove as an emcee masterfully over the project's 7 cuts. Positive lyricism and jazzy soundscapes invoke memories of artists like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul while featured emcees such as Virginia's Awon, Chicago's MC ADaD and Slimkid3 of legendary hip-hop group The Pharcyde each bring their own unique rhyme style to balance the sonic palette. All these factors lead to a jazzed out, feel good project that is both relatable and refreshing, perfect to digest on a sunny afternoon cruise this summer. - Phoniks. You can stream/download the "Above the Clouds" EP below...

Doo Wop "The Best Of Freestyles Vol.1" (Mixtape, 1995)

"Doo Wop doesn't use the title "DJ" in front of his name, because the title "dee jay" does not fully describe Doo Wop's talent and ability. Known to many as "Da Bouncemasta," Doo Wop has made a significant impact in the hip-hop and mixtape world, and he is considered by most to be an urban street legend! Born in Los Angeles, California, but brought to the Bronx New York at the age of 2, DOO WOP has paid more than enough his share of dues." This compilation of classic and unreleased freestyles features Raekwon, AZ, Lost Boyz, Treach, M.O.P. and more. (Updated, new audio link).

NWA "The Strength Of Street Knowledge" (The Source, 5/89)

"If there's one phrase that describe NWA's approach to music, it's "don't hold back." Anywhere you drop the needle on their new album "Straight Outta Compton" (Ruthless/Priority), clear, hard, and funky sounds blow you away. The MC's of the group confront issues head on, painting a very real picture of the violent urban setting of Compton, a part of Los Angeles known for gang activity. The members of NWA are the rebels of rap, overlooking the political rebellion of PE or the poetic rebellion of BDP for straight-up, gun-in-your-face rebellion.... The MC's of the group - Eazy E, MC Ren, and Ice Cube - are each talented lyricists with distinct styles. Eric "Eazy E" Wright mixes comedy with hardness, going to all lengths to brag of his sexual prowess. He is also the executive producer of all Ruthless releases, and a solo artist with a recent gold album of his own, "Eazy Does It" (Ruthless/Priority).  Ren is the most skillful rhymer, using quick reversals and complex rhymes to create a great style, especially on "If It Ain't Ruff". Ice Cube is the power source of the group, giving off incredible energy and street-wise knowledge, at its best in "Gangsta Gangsta" (the first single) and "I Ain't The One." Dre even gets into the MC side of things on a few of the cuts, and he's no joke! Ren, Ice Cube, and Eazy team up and kick it on the most striking cut, the searing, revolutionary "F#ck Tha Police." The hard-edged music, the rhymes, and the voices sound great, but it's difficult to digest the subject matter.... In fact, NWA is widely criticized for the excessive profanity and violence found on their records. All in an effort, the group claims, to "reflect reality." - The Source, 5/89. Continue reading for a lot more on one of the best groups in Hip-Hop history!