Much respect to Tony Touch, this is Hip Hop 31 via Tape Kingz in 1993. Any mix that kicks off with De La Soul's "Breakadawn" is the one for me!! Aside from De La Soul, the mix tape also features tracks from Onyx, Frankie The Paemaker, Fat Joe, Leaders of the New School, Nice & Smooth, Cypress Hill, Big Daddy Kane, Funkmaster Flex, Nikki D, Tha Alkaholiks, Buju Banton, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Digital Underground, Erick Sermon, Illegal, Hoodratz, Maestro Fresh Wes, Redman, Intelligent Hoodlum, Scarface and more! Just look how Tony Touch covered the East Coast, West Coast, part of the South; some dancehall and also some party breaks in his mix. Even Canada! I made my shopping list of records from mix tapes like this! Check out the Hip Hop 31 mixtape - updated audio - below...
Takara Digital Records has released this compilation of unreleased tracks, demos, remixes, live cuts and originals by Children of the Corn MC, Big L. Allegedly digitally remastered recordings from 1993 and 1999, The Concealed Tape boasts 44 tracks and a running time of 3.5 hours. I don't know if this is official or if it'll be taken down, but in the meantime, enjoy some classic Big L. Rest In Peace, Lamont Coleman aka Big L (May 30, 1974 - February 15, 1999). Listen to The Concealed Tape below...
50 Cent achieved a milestone when Universal Records released his first-ever greatest hits compilation. For today’s generation, 50 may be known more for his vodka, hit television show POWER and troll-tastic Instagram account these days, but once upon a time Curtis Jackson was arguably the hardest rapper coming out of New York. I certainly remember, because growing up I was a huge 50 Cent fan and dedicated numerous hours to pumping his music through my speakers and headphones. I even have an original, physical copy of 50’s Power Of The Dollar EP. So, I decided to spend some time highlighting some of Curtis Jackson’s finest and gulliest moments. Before becoming one of today’s all-time most successful rappers, 50 was one of the genre’s most exciting newcomers, and he continued to crank out enjoyable street tunes in the ensuing years. So this mix is dedicated to the “old” 50 Cent, who would gleefully trash Ja Rule’s career while threaten to shoot up his enemies’ mother’s home with reckless aplomb. Sure, we may never get another “Heat,” but “Big Rich Town” suggests that 50 still has some gas left in the proverbial tank. - via 2DBZ.
Another sureshot from Tony Touch in 1993, this is Hip Hop 30. The mix tape features another intro from D-Stroy of the Arsonists and tracks from Del The Funkee Homosapien, Black Madness, Masta Ace, Trends of Culture, Fat Joe, Akinyele, Sham & The Professor, Cypress Hill, Da Youngsta's, Nubian Crackers, Buru Banton, Run DMC, Jungle Brothers, Biz Markie, Funkdoobiest, Grand Puba, Guru, Rumpletilskinz, Jamalski, Fu-Schnickens and more! It's not one my favorite mix tapes from Tony Touch, but it's definitely got joints and worth listening to again! Check it out - with updated audio - below...
Donnie Propa and Masta Ace have joined forces once again as a follow-up to last year's The Ace Tape. The latest mix, The Ace Tape 2, features an all-vinyl mix of more classics and hidden gems from Masta Ace's extensive catalog. As one of the most consistent MCs, there's plenty to pull from! The Ace Tape 2 is available on limited edition CDs and cassettes, via Village Live Records and Planet Rock Graphics. Props to the Juice Crew MC and Donnie Propa for another one, listen below...
Most Dephinite is a composition of raw content and thoughtful work, mostly in collaboration with Swiss producer Boom Beats. This is the 4th album from Dephlow and the second solo project since the critically acclaimed 2015 Album of the Year nominated Deph Threats. This album carries on the tradition of Dephlow incorporating his life experiences and skill set in a conversational tone that is like "Cornell West but less Christian." Check the technique. Respect the technician. Watch him work. Most Dephinite is reportedly the last album Dephlow intends to publish any time soon, so be sure to check it out! You don't want to miss one of underground hip hop's artists to watch, and best kept secrets. In his own words: 'I've embedded pieces of my history throughout my music. My first album Deph Threats was released the year my father died. The follow up to that album Most Dephinite is being released on his birthday July 10. The first single My Brother's Keeper was released June 26 for my brother's birthday. If I achieve nothing else, I just wanted to offer my best to the people who I love most, and who inspire me to keep pushing." I respect the vision and follow-through!
Daydreamng is the debut album from Kid Abstrakt (Revolutionary Rhythm) & The Deli (producer). After working on a few songs together they decided to make an album inspired by the 90s classic hip hop sound. The Deli samples Brazilian records to create a smooth backdrop for Kid Abstrakt's daydreams. Take a trip from LA to TX and down to Brazil, and find beauty in the simple things of life. If you've listened back to Revolutionary Rhythm's SoulVibes, then you're already a fan! Dig in...
Adding another treat to your Doom collection with “Illest Villains”, a 1-hour Madvillain mixtape by Berlin-based DJ, digger and all-around good dude BeatPete. The mix includes tracks from the Madvillainy LP and Madvillainy 2 – The Madlib Remix, as well as sample origins by the likes of Bill Evans, Howard Lucraft, Foster Sylvers, Maria Bethânia, Osmar Milito, Matthew Larkin Cassell and Gentle Giant. - via TheFindMag, thanks for putting me up on this one! Dig into this Doom mix below...
NIMBUS is the debut EP from Toronto MC, Asun Eastwood. The 9-track effort includes all original production, combined with standout features from three of the underground's heaviest spitters: Conway the Machine, Skyzoo and Daniel Son. It also features Koolaid Tha Rebel, Papa P and Black Nazi. The EP is executive produced by Uncle D.O.E., but not sure if he produced the EP as well? Clue me in. Either way, this sound fits well with what's moving in the underground today and it's no surprise Asun Eastwood is from up North; the scene in Toronto has been alive for a long time, especially in the underground (no shade to Drake). Asun is one to watch ... Meanwhile, listen below...
Long Beach native Huey Briss has dropped his latest EP, Sidekick Files, which is entirely produced by NikoBeats. With just 6 short tracks (15 minutes), Huey Briss still brings a level of depth and substance to the project. NikoBeats' true school production fits well with Huey Briss' flow and delivery... a combination I'm enjoying thus far. I don't know much else, unfortunately, but I'm gonna keep an eye out for more music - you should too! Meanwhile, dig into their new EP below...
Over the past few years, Houston emcee Anti-Lilly has experienced a lot of hardships. Stretches of serious depression combined with the monotony of a 9-to-5 lifestyle, temptations from the streets and betrayal from a close friend forced him into isolation. Using Phoniks jazzy soundscapes as a coping mechanism, Anti paints a vivid picture of the struggles he’s endured since we last heard from the duo on 2014’s “Stories From The Brass Section”. The album's 17 tracks are stitched together with voicemail’s the young Houston rhyme-spitter received from friends and family trying to reach him while he was shut out from the world. Through it all, Anti emerges from his experiences with a renewed optimism, letting the world know “It’s Nice Outside” despite all the pain and suffering he’s withstood. “Thank y'all. This is the only way I know how to get through it. I lost my way for a while, honestly I'm still tryna figure everything out. I’m learning that we all are, though. I done lost as much as I gained, but it was all necessary. This album is dedicated to everyone who feels like me. Thanks for being so patient with me. God Bless” - Anti-Lilly. Show love, this is everything I want my hip-hop to be in 2019. Much respect and thanks to Anti-Lilly, Phoniks, and Don't Sleep Records.
When I posted Tony Touch's Hip Hop 44, I was very clear; that was my favorite Tony Touch mixtape, for sentimental reasons. The Power Cypha mixes were obviously the most popular, and dope, too. But... he was in a zone and the music was at its best in the mainstream and in the underground around '94-95. This tape was released in 1995 and featured tracks from Smif-N-Wessun, GZA/Genius, Busta Rhymes, Rakim, Lin Que, Artifacts, Call O' Da Wild, Mobb Deep, Heltah Skeltah, Cella Dwellas, Bushwackass, Grand Puba, Masta Ace, Naughty By Nature, Urban Thermo Dynamics, Q-Unique of Arsonists, Special Ed, King Just, Sunz of Man, Mic Geronimo, Das EFX, Lords of the Underground, Concrete Click, Shabazz the Disciple, Mad Skillz, Biggie, Tha Alkaholiks, Raekwon and more! I played 44 so heavy, I don't remember if I ran back to the spot for 45, but it's still dope to revisit this mix tape today, and hear the music that was poppin' at the time. Updated audio below...
"In 1994, underground champ O.C. licked off a shot at the industry with his now classic single "Time's Up," taking heads to task for seeking mass appeal. He followed it up months later with the stirring debut album Word...Life, which was met with tremendous critical acclaim but few record sales. After a three-year hiatus (broken only by his appearance on the second Crooklyn Dodgers record, "Crooklyn Dodgers 2") due to the collapse of his former record label, Wild Pitch, O.C. has returned to drop some gems on 'em - or, to be more precise, Jewelz. No longer rocking the how-many-words-can-I-fit-in-one-measure? flow, O.C. now rides the beat at a more natural pace, sinking into the groove comfortably. Where Word...Life was underground angst, Jewelz is melodic contentment. Having enlisted the talents of DJ Premier, the Beatminerz, Lord Finesse, Buckwild, O.Gee, and Showbiz, O.C. can lay claim to having one of the tightest production teams ever assembled."
"One bangin' little ditty off Jewelz is "M.U.G.," featuring a sedated Freddie Foxxx and a beautiful flute/piano loop courtesy of Primo. Another highlight is "Dangerous," in which O.C. and fellow Diggin' In The Crates crew member Big L melt all snail MCs with their salt-ass rhymes: "I made this cheese / It didn't grow on trees / Can you hold somethin'? / Sure, you can hold on these." The tightest joint on Jewelz, though, is the Finesse-produced title track in which O.C. analyzes where he's been, where he's at, and where he's going. Song for song, O.C. falters only once, on "Far From Yours" with Yvette Michelle... but I guess the Biz was right: "This is something for the radio." Thankfully, O.C. is still concerned with the decline of rap music, only now he's stopped criticizing and has started to lead by example, unveiling one of the most finely polished Jewelz this year has seen. I just hope other rappers have enough sense to follow him." - Vibe, Magazine (September, 1997).
Tape #14, Uptown Flavor, from DJ Rei Double R & G-Bo The Pro, in 1992. Another solid mix, including tracks from Funkdoobiest, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Kool G Rap, Grand Puba, Diamond D, Redman, Double X Posse, Black Moon, Original Flavor, Mary J. Blige, Apache, Showbiz & AG, Lords of the Underground, Das EFX, Onyx, Ice Cube and more. There's a dull spot here and there, but overall, this is another really quality mix and I can remember (with amazing clarity) holding my finger to the record button on my tapedeck for many of these tracks! '92 was my last year in grade school... good memories!
Here's a solid mix from AbcntMnded, paying tribute to the memory of our fallen MC, Prodigy of Mobb Deep. As Pipomixes says, "Absolutely stellar mix of less heralded Prodigy cuts. As all dope DJs do, AbcntMnded digs deep into Prodigy's catalog and exquisitely blends many songs that most DJs aren't playing in their Prodigy tributes. Highly recommended." I agree, this mix doesn't rely on nostalgia alone, it digs deep and shows the stellar career of a street artist who achieved legendary status as a solo artist and member of the Infamous Mobb Deep. Rest In Peace, Prodigy. Dig in...
This is a phenomenal coffee-table book that I'd slept on when it was first released, likely due to the price tag, but I finally circled back this month and grabbed it. It's now recommended reading: Eilon Paz’s 436-page book illuminates over 130 vinyl collectors and their collections in the most intimate of environments -- their record rooms. With a foreword by the RZA, compelling photographic essays are paired with in-depth interviews to illustrate what motivates record collectors to keep digging for more records. Readers get an up close and personal look at a variety of well-known vinyl champions as well as a glimpse into the collections of known and unknown DJs, producers, record dealers, and everyday enthusiasts. The book is divided into two main parts: the first features 250 full-page photos framed by captions and select quotes, while the second consists of 12 full-length interviews that delve deeper into collectors’ personal histories and vinyl troves. That's straight from the Dust & Grooves website, but I nodded along in agreement. Some sample photos are above and below, consider ordering a copy HERE.
"The new Queens-based crew called the Hoodratz used to be called the Knuckleheads, but they had to change their name when it became clear that the Hit Squad-produced group with the same name held the copyright. This debut album is far from wack, but like many records these days, it lacks the punch and originality to stand out in the crowd. With an approach of pure hardcore tracks and lyrics, the Hoodratz style is a combination of the Onyx grimee flow and the funky noise of Lords of the Underground (both groups get shout-outs on the album). Group member Doh Doh, who does the majority of the production, has a skilled high-end, almost nasal flow, while his partner Dingbat has a lower, more gritty rhyme style. The combined result is nothing you haven't heard before, but it doesn't deserve to be shrugged off either." Peep the visuals to "Bootlegga," cont'd below...
"The first single, the anti-counterfeit anthem "Bootlegga," laid the grounds for the Hoodratz's pro-rap, take-no-shit agenda. With a catchy hook chanted over a bumping track, the Hoodratz takes a commendable stand in the rap industry's war against fake tapes - "if ya bootleg ya get ya leg broke n!gga!" Album highlights include the solid "Rollin Wit' Da Rat Pak," "Grimee" and the street-conscious "Murdered Ova Nuttin." On "Havin A Bad Day," they use an Onyx piece on the hook, but sound like Onyx on the rest of the track. And some cuts, like the sparse, boring "Ms. Crabtree," offer little excitement. With the right choice of singles and maybe a hyped remix, Hoodratz can make some noise. One bad move, though, and they'll likely be overlooked by the hip-hop masses." - The Source.
Conceived in North Carolina, fragments of sun-kissed soul and dusty psyche-rock sounds are stitched together and intertwined with live instrumentation recorded in a home studio setup to convey a woozy and soulful experience. It's a blend that’s been refined on Dirty Art Club’s latest album, Basement Seance, which is themed around sampling rare “old songs and records that barely anybody's heard" and reanimating them into a new life... The genesis of Dirty Art Club’s nuanced approach to production was inspired by RZA's mystical beat work for Raekwon's "Verbal Intercourse,” from the rapper’s classic 1995 album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…. The way the melody sample "was cartoonish and weird but also soulful" and the impression "the loop has someone saying something but you can't really tell what they're saying” helped form the Dirty Art Club template. This idea of utilizing "strangely placed vocal clips" carries through to Dirty Art Club’s compositions, where truncated phrases from rare songs are skillfully layered into tracks to enhance wistful, nostalgic and carefree vibes... The fruits of vinyl digging trips are combined with layers of live instrumentation and embellished with field recordings and atmospheric effects. These component parts are skillfully mixed so that they “sound like one sample.” It’s a trick that creates a unity of sound where songs segue together while moving the emotional narrative along. Listen to it below...
Salute to my OG, DJ Eclipse, who put me on to this track by Crimeapple called 'Turner & Hooch,' produced by Billy Loman from Boston. I don't have any background info on Crimeapple, but I think he may be in New Jersey; definitely going to keep him on my radar. Let me also take this opportunity to update you that DJ Eclipse's radio show 'Rap Is Outta Control' will be moving to Monday nights (8pm-10pm EST) and relaunches on Monday, August 21st with Eclipse and DJ Riz.
Marlon Craft's "The Tunnel's End" is a unique lyrical journey, a conceptual album that may go unnoticed by the mainstream media, until it's impossible to ignore Marlon Craft any longer. His visual storytelling and dense lyrics may make this a challenging listen for casual fans, but surely it must've been a greater challenge to create - with a niche audience in mind. With the help of Marco Polo, and longtime collaborators Arbus Beats, BeatsInMyBackPac, Donato and more, Marlon Craft's 14-track project is as thought-provoking as it is character driven. His viral video series "Craftstyles", his social commentary, and the his borough video series in promotion of the album have finally culminated in the album's release, which sat at Number 2 on iTunes, just behind Jay-Z's 4:44. That's quite an accomplishment and proof that hard work and lyrics matter. Listen to the album below...
The Sean Price legacy continues with the highly anticipated posthumous release of his 4th studio album, “Imperius Rex”. The CD is housed inside an 84-page hard cover book packaged with rare photos spanning Sean Price’s life; exclusive fan art; and an iconic 11x17 poster featuring the album cover art. The project features all new music with features from DOOM, Prodigy, Styles P, Smif N Wessun, Rock, Method Man, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, Junior Reid, Buckshot, Ruste Juxx, Bernadette Price & more. Production from Alchemist, Harry Fraud, Nottz, amongst others.
Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Pete Rock & CL Smooth's classic 1992 LP 'Mecca & The Soul Brother', the talented homie Chris Read created yet another fine mix of album tracks, alternative versions, remixes, and original sample material to pay homage to a true classic! One of the greatest albums of all-time from top to bottom, dig into this mix below. Props to Chris Read & Wax Poetics.
Gravediggaz's debut album '6 Feet Deep' was released on this day in 1994. An early example of what they considered 'Horrorcore' at the time. The real gems are found in Prince Paul and RZA's production on the album. The lead single 'Diary of a Madman' will remain a classic, as are both versions of 1-800-SUICIDE, Constant Elevation, Nowhere to Run, and more. With the group's core members being Frukwan (The Gatekeeper), Poetic (The Grym Reaper), RZA, and Prince Paul, there were also features from Shabazz The Disciple, Killah Priest, and a brief appearance from Masta Ace (uncredited). I remember first seeing the music video for 'Diary of a Madman' at my man Petey Cologne's crib in the early 90s back home in Queens; that eery soundscape immediately caught our attention. "Because we'd all been buried as far as the music industry is concerned," says Paul, "we chose the name Gravediggaz." RZA adds "Music can change the way people think. The Gravediggaz are here to dig up the graves of the mentally dead, not bury people in them. People are just walking around out there mentally dead." Hence the line, "Now I fight a holy war in the mental." Unfortunately, Poetic passed away some years back from cancer, although his music continues to be celebrated via a Chopped Herring Records release called "Ghetto Repaired Young Minds" as Brothers G.R.Y.M., with his two younger brothers Brainstorm and E Sharp. More below...
"A song recorded by the rap group N.W.A. on their album entitled "Straight Outta Compton" encourages violence against and disrespect for the law enforcement officer and has been brought to my attention. I understand your company recorded and distributed this album, and I am writing to share my thoughts and concerns with you. Advocating violence and assault is wrong, and we in the law enforcement community take exception to such action. Violent crime, a major problem in our country, reached an unprecedented high in 1988. Seventy-eight law enforcement officers were feloniously slain in the line of duty during 1988, four more than in 1987. Law enforcement officers dedicate their lives to the protection of our citizens, and recordings such as the one from N.W.A. are both discouraging and degrading to these brave, dedicated officers. Music plays a significant role in society, and I wanted you to be aware of the FBI's position relative to this song and its message. I believe my views reflect the opinion of the entire law enforcement community." The letter was signed by Milt Ahlerich (Office of Public Affairs) to Gui Manganiello (Priority Records). N.W.A.'s album "Straight Outta Compton" was released in late 1988 or more likely early 1989, and the letter above was dated August 1, 1989. The World's Most Dangerous Crew ... this was the only release with Ice Cube, who departed the group in 1989. The production was handled by Dr. Dre and DJ Yella. The album has since gone Triple platinum, without receiving any radio play! Straight Outta Compton is a historic album and a very important piece of Hip-Hop history. It's being discussed today, but an official release date is unclear, so my apologies for any misinformation. Updated.
Follow-up on October 5, 1989 in the L.A. Times, FBI vs. Rap...
Revisit N.W.A.'s Straight Outta Compton album below...
"Phonte is one of the first highly opinionated emcees to definitively capture the ear of the Hip Hop community (and beyond), since the days of KRS-One and Chuck D. We fell in love with his humor and wittiness on The Listening, anticipated his colorful social commentary on Gordon Gartrell Radio w/ DJ Brainchild and even checked for his critique of the latest films with Movies in a Minute. Yet, the North Carolinian never ceased to deliver punchlines and knockout verses with numerous collaborators over the years while simultaneously establishing himself as a singer as The Foreign Exchange reinvented their sound. Although more entertainment than edutainment, the loquacious emcee has our ears successfully on lock and we hope he's never at a loss for words. Disclaimer: This is not a "Phonte's most fire guest verses mix", but a mix of DJ Rahdu's favorite Phonte collaborations." This mix was originally released in 2012. New album coming... soon? Listen below....
This is Volume 41 in DJ Juice's mix tape series in 1998 on Tape Kingz. The mix features exclusive Juice remixes and classic cuts from Noreaga, Faith Evans, Busta Rhymes, DMX, Tragedy Khadafi, Redman & Method Man, Jay-Z, Pete Rock, Harlem World, Miss Jones, Canibus & Keith Murray, Charli Baltimore & Ghostface Killah, Usher, Foxy Brown, Half-A-Mil, Uneek, Mase, DJ Clue and lots more! Much thanks to DJ Step One for the upload. Check it out below, and click the tags for more DJ Juice mixes...
Back again with another mix tape from pioneering UK day, DJ Semtex. This one is Volume #6, released in 1996 and featuring tracks from Large Professor, Sadat X, De La Soul, GP Wu, Tribe, East Flatbush Project, Fugees, The Roots, Real Live, Akinyele, Busta Rhymes, KRS-One, Big Shug, Organized Konfusion, Money Boss Playas, Wu-Tang Clan, Pete Rock, Redman & Erick Sermon, Inspectah Deck, Jigmastas, and more. Props to DJ Step One for the upload, and much respect to DJ Semtex who has a show on BBC Radio 1Xtra, and has kept my artists' music in the mix! Dig in below...
Out of Lefrak City, Queens, this is the 1997 vinyl release from Chrome Rebels, ‘Escape From Irak,’ on Coptic Soundstations. The track was produced by Coptic, who later did production on tracks with G.Depp, Puff, KRS; a record on Biggie’s ‘Born Again’ album, and others. The two eMCees, Mr. Chrome and Treb Rebel, released this single during a Queens heatwave, which saw releases like CNN's 'The War Report' in '97, Mobb Deep's 'Hell on Earth' the year prior, and plenty more from Nas, Nature, Trag, Noyd, etc. That was stiff competition for an independent release, but it had mixtape appeal. It's not impossible to track down a copy of the 12", but it may run you at least $25-30 unless it's at a thrift store, lol. The 12" comes on a generic sleeve with a newspaper-like print on the front. I grew up 10 minutes from Lefrak, so maybe I'm bias to all things Queens, but it's worth diggin' up - don't take my word for it, you can listen to the full 12" below. As always, if you have an update or more info on the artists, leave me a note in the comments (or on IG), and I'll check it out.
Representing the Summer of '96 with this mix tape from Action Pac in 1996. A repetitive intro and tinny audio, but the mix still packs a big punch with tracks from Jay-Z & Biggie, LL Cool J, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, 2Pac, Nas, Trigga The Gambler & Smoothe The Hustler, Heltah Skeltah, De La Soul, KRS-One, Heather B, Inspectah Deck, Erick Sermon, Sadat X, Mobb Deep, Herb McGruff, Akinyele, Bone Thugs and more. Reminisce on how the summer was sounding in New York in '96...
Yes!! "We are very pleased to present the long overdue vinyl reissue of The Juggaknots' debut album, limited to 500 copies worldwide on blue colored vinyl in gatefold sleeve with all lyrics on printed innersleeves. One of the illest underground albums out of NYC, originally released on Bobbito's legendary Fondle 'Em Records, finally gets a proper re-release with 3 bonus mixes and a remix to "Clear Blue Skies." This shouldn't be missed in any serious Hip Hop record collection!" - HHV
2017 marks the 22nd year in the celebration of Raekwon's solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. While fans of the Wu argue which was the best solo release: OB4CL or Liquid Swords, I say the fans won with both albums. Others too. Instant classics. Rae, Ghost, and RZA delivered such quality with this album, it's hard to say anything I haven't already said 10x over in the past. This post is simply to continue to salute and honor the album with each year that passes and hopefully I'll continue to add new pieces to my collection like I did with the 7" for 'Incarcerated Scarfaces' on Record Store Day. That reminds me, I need the WU box set with all the 7" from Enter the 36 Chambers. Dig through the archives from this site and those that followed past sites, you probably already have the rare vinyl pieces and remixes I've posted over the years. Go get 'The Wild,' which was Raekwon's release earlier this year - I think it's one of the better records in his catalog, front to back.
