Lloyd Banks "Victory" (Classic Freestyle, 2002)

Sometimes I go back and relisten to the old G-Unit, LOX and Dipset mixtapes, amazed at how much content was put out in that era. It's mind boggling! One of the standouts is the Victory freestyle from the punchline king, Lloyd Banks. Years back Banks explained why it was undoubtedly his biggest mixtape song ever: "That has to be overall the most–the biggest freestyle I had as far as impact wise. Even DJ Clue will tell you that’s when he felt I went from being a mixtape dude to the next dude they expect to pop from the mixtapes… Honestly, I knew what I was following behind. Biggie was one of my favorites. When I did ‘Victory,’ everybody knew that was one of his biggest verses. So to fall behind him, I knew there was pressure behind it. I just wanted to add a different feel. At that time, I was thinking punchline wise. A lot of people used to ask me, ‘Yo you going to run out before the album,’ but when I write naturally, I write witty. I write from the perspective of being different. So, that was one thing that never troubled me. There was a few lines [I liked]. I said, ‘I think I’m the last rapper to scare n*ggas since Craig Mack.’ There was even the Master P line and its funny because I have 100 percent support for Master P, but his sneaker was [ugly] at the time.” Banks adds, "That was the first freestyle I performed. Not only did it help me as far as my recognition goes, but it helped me performance wise cause I got used to being by myself for a whole verse. It’s hard to keep people in tuned for a whole verse with no chorus–on a mixtape too. The breakdown toward the end of the verse, is when I learned over time you can’t rap the same bar cadence throughout 50 bars, you got to at some point change it up." Banks ends it by saying, "I put my all into that, bar for bar.” - via Rap Radar. Happy Born Day to Banks, listen to Victory below...

Nomadic "The Journey" (Album Stream)

A nice boombap sound from Miami MC, Nomadic, on his album "The Journey." I don't know much about Nomadic, but I do know Veks and BBZ Darney, who have worked on projects I've enjoyed, so it wasn't a major surprise when the kid was spitting' over some solid production. To let Nomadic tell it, "Welcome to the metaphysical, highly lyrical, multi-dimensional brain waves of an extraterrestrial on the microphone." Take a chance, give it a listen. I supported the album & copped a physical CD, too. (Disclaimer: his physical CD does not look like the image above, it needs to be repackaged). Listen...

DJ Whoo Kid & Stretch Armstrong "Unbreakable" (Mixtape, 2001)

After the success of DJ Whoo Kid & Stretch Armstrong's Murda Mixtape series, they returned to collaborate on Unbreakable, a mixtape released in 2001. The mix stands out in my mind because it highlighted the then-beef between House of Pain's Everlast and Eminem, who exchanged a few shots back and forth on record. It's interesting when you consider that the mix tape was Hosted by Eminem, lol. I guess it's clear where they fell on the beef. The rest of the mix includes freestyles from Em, D12, Prodigy and Franchise, as well as tracks from Xzibit, Beanie Sigel, Snoop Dogg, Sticky Fingaz, Memphis Bleek, Black Rob, Nature, Capone-N-Noreaga, Shyne, Dr. Dre & more. Listen below...

Eddie F. & The Untouchables "Let's Get It On" (1994)

Eddie F is from Mount Vernon (NY) and made a name for himself in the late 80s with production on Heavy D's Livin Large, Big Tyme and Peaceful Journey albums. He was also associated with fellow Mount Vernom natives Pete Rock & CL Smooth and is credited with creating the first "featured artist remix," where a track was musically reworked and replaced by an entirely new track along with a featured rap artist. It's no surprise that Diddy was said to have lived with Eddie F in his home studio in the early stages of Puff's A&R position at Uptown Records. He went on to be VP of A&R at LaFace Records and helped manage Usher, OutKast, TLC and more. In that same time, he released Eddie F & The Untouchables' album Let's Get It On on Motown Records. The compilation featured the only known in-studio collaboration of 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. at the time on the title track which also featued Heavy D, Spunk Bigga, and Grand Puba. They spit bars over the dope sample of Barry White’s “You’re the One I Need.” The 12" was serviced to DJs and included the acapella which was definitely a gem, pre-internet lol. Check out the single "Let's Get It On" below...

Kevin Casey "Live From New York: 1994-2001" (Mixtape, 2009)

Kevin Casey presents Live From New York; a mixtape/compilation made up of records released between 1994 and 2001 by New York artists. "A forty-six song answer to the question: What was a good time for hip-hop?” - Sasha Frere-Jones, The New Yorker. I was in the middle of the roll-out for Eternia's project on Fat Beats when this project originally hit my inbox in 2009. With a co-sign from someone I respected, I popped it in my iPod (remember those?) and made my trips back and forth to Queens from Brooklyn. Kevin Casey wasn't a name I'd recognized, but he did a very solid, technical job of piecing the music and vocal samples together for this project. He curated a nice vibe and gave listeners a look back at a specific time period in New York. Reminisce with this one, as I am, and hopefully you'll be inspired to put in your own hustle today. Has he released anything else?

Shortfyuz "Lostsol '96" (Album Stream)

ST. Records producer Shortfyuz has been making beats his whole life. He began as a kid in the early 90's making beats for Boston Legends like Krumbsnatcha and The Wiseguys. Fast forward a few years later, Shortfyuz teamed up with Termanology in 2013 to release the collaboration album “G.O.Y.A.” which became a well sought after hip hop gem. With features from Action Bronson, Inspectah Deck, N.O.R.E., Sheek Louch, Tony Touch, Reks, Sway and more. ‘G.O.Y.A.’ was quickly followed up with the release of a 9 song EP ‘Mas G.O.Y.A.’ which provided more flavor of beats and rhymes from the rap duo. Shortfyuz is now back with his debut album ‘Lostsol 96’ with exclusive features from Sean Price, Styles P, Ransom, Chris Rivers, Big Twins (Infamous Mobb), Reks, Crimeapple and many more. The album packs a heavy punch of hard hitting beats and great lyrics.

Torae "Daily Conversation" (10th Anniversary Edition)

Torae’s breakthrough project ‘Daily Conversation’ is finally getting a vinyl release for it’s 10th anniversary. The project that started it all features production from DJ Premier, 9th Wonder, Marco Polo, Khrysis, Black Milk and more. “Since it’s release people have been asking for me to put it out on wax. Myspace days, up to DM’s on twitter. So I figured a 10 year anniversary release would be dope. And what better way to celebrate some new vinyl than on Record Store Day” says Torae about the thought process behind releasing ‘Daily Conversation’ now. Torae has gone on to release 2 solo albums, 2 collaborative albums & 2 mixtapes since dropping ‘Daily’ in early 2008 but it’s still held as one of his most popular projects. Ironically, I met Torae for the first time 10 years ago at Fat Beats, on Record Store Day, and he was actually the first artist I'd interviewed on my first blog. I'll have to dig that up and re-post it one day soon, along with the RSD cypher. Much respect to Torae, always holdin' it down... Click HERE to order the vinyl directly from Torae, or via Fat Beats.

"Off The Dome Freestyle Compilation" (1994)

I came across this tape on Mixcloud, it was uploaded by the reputable RandomRapRadio and is called Off The Done freestyle compilation '94. The freestyles are all from the world famous Wake Up Show with Sway & Tech out in California, and Stretch & Bobbito's show in New York City. The blurb says the project was homemade by Amad, props to him for putting this compilation together. The tape features freestyles from Large Professor, O.C., Tha Alkaholiks, Artifacts, Saafir, Kurious, Masta Ace & Lord Digga, Wu-Tang Clan, Ras Kass, Kool Keith & Godfather Don, Supernatural, Guru, Jeru The Damaja, Akinyele, Del The Funkee Homosapien, Organized Konfusion, and more! A fun tape to throw on and just bug out to! Reminds me how much everything changed after the internet and camera phones got big. Artists couldn't tour with the same one or two freestyles, it was either go off the dome or have more rhymes in the chamber. But back then cats at least had bars! Right?!?!

The Audible Doctor "Soul Slaps, Vol.3" (Beat Tape)

Apologies to my brother and fellow Fat Beats alumni, The Audible Doctor ... Soul Slaps was released around April of last year, and when I saw Volume 3, I realized I'd missed Volume 2 (<--- Click). Whoops. Either way, The Audible Doctor's back with another 10-track beat tape, because ... well, in his own words, "just because..." I guess he was in a good mood. Click play below for Audible Doctor's signature soulful sound, hard drums and classic song titles, lol. Dig into the archives for more releases from his back catalog and apologies - in advance - for the next time I miss a release.

Effiscienz "Green Beatz" (Instrumental Album)

Following a strong demand, EFFISCIENZ has finally decided to release a series of compilations of instrumentals released on its various projects. Each volume will bear the name of a color and will be available in digital and vinyl. You'll find the work of DJ Brans, Mil, Fel Sweetenberg, Street Wyze, Sir Williams (of Union Blak), Junior Makhno and more ... The vinyl edition will always be in the color of the project name and will be ultra limited, only 250 numbered copies. Listen to Green Beatz below...

The Alchemist "Lunch Meat" (EP Stream)

The Lunch Meat EP is the latest 4-track offering from the Alchemist. The EP features guest appearances from Roc Marciano, Westside Gunn, Conway The Machine, Action Bronson, Benny The Butcher, Styles P, and includes the instrumentals for each of the four tracks. Alchemist enlisted frequent collaborators, who happen to be some of the lyrical titans of underground hip-hop. The artwork is trash, but the bars are heavy & the beats knock, so dig into the Lunch Meat EP below...

DJ Smooth Denali "When It Mattered" (Vol.1, Mixtape)

When It Mattered, Vol.1 is a 90s-themed mix from DJ Smooth Denali. The tape features tracks from A Tribe Called Quest, Common, Main Source, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, O.C., Jamal, Redman, Das EFX, Nas, The roots, Da Bush Babees, Wu-Tang Clan, The Notorious B.I.G., Gang Starr, Lords Of The Underground, House of Pain, Brand Nubian, and more. Smooth Denali's mix tapes are always solid, so throw it on and let it rock! Health and blessings to the good brother, listen/download below...

Willie The Kid & V Don "Deutsche Marks" (Album Stream)

The duo of Atlanta-via-Michigan emcee Willie The Kid and Harlem based producer V Don have been frequent collaborators for some time now, releasing a number of records together already. VDon & Willie The Kid decided to join forces once again and went back to the lab to bring you Deutsche Marks, their first joint full-length project. With features from rappers Smoke Dza, Meyhem Lauren & Roc Marciano, this ten track LP from Willie The Kid & VDon is classic Hip-Hop from start to finish. Willie is the younger brother of Wu-Tang Clan affiliate La the Darkman. He released his debut album, Absolute Greatness, in September 2008, and has steadily dropped project after project. As the son of a Harlem DJ, VDon was destined to make his mark on music, and has amassed a dope catalog. Dig...

Nas "2000" (Mixtape, 1999)

Similar to the Death of Escobar project that found its way online, the Nas 2000 mixtape was an extremely popular bootleg that made its rounds on the streets of Queens (and around in the world) in the fall of 1999 ahead of the release of Nastradamus. Some of the records would later appear on The Lost Tapes, others were remixes, freestyles and feature records with Prodigy, Kool G Rap, Kid Capri, Nature, Large Professor, Biz Markie, Jay-Z, Lord Tariq and more. I've discussed a few of these records in the past and explained the importance of the white labels that leaked ahead of Nastradamus. In the days of the internet, nothing appears nearly as rare anymore, but back then, this was a big deal and everyone wanted to put their ears on these new records from Nas. This tape represents that special time in music for me, so listen below... Nas is still the G.O.A.T. Fight me.

DJ Tiger "The Illmatic Guru" (Blend Mix)

Another fresh blend tape from DJ Tiger of Full Blast Radio... Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal (R.I.P.) over the classic beats of Nas' "Illmatic" album. A refreshing way of revisiting the ill concepts and messages of Guru over classic beats from DJ Premier, Large Professor, Pete Rock, L.E.S., and Q-Tip. For more mixes and content, check out Full Blast Radio's Mixcloud page HERE. Enjoy the mix...

Kendrick Lamar Wins Pulitzer Prize for "Damn"

Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer for “DAMN” makes him the first nonclassical or jazz musician to receive the prize since the awards expanded to music in 1943. In late January, the Compton, Calif., rapper Kendrick Lamar lost the Grammy Award for album of the year to Bruno Mars. “DAMN.,” Mr. Lamar’s fourth LP, was his third straight to be nominated but ultimately fall short of the trophy, considered by most to be the top prize in popular music. --- But perhaps not anymore. --- On Monday, Mr. Lamar’s “DAMN.” took home an even more elusive honor, one that may never have even seemed within reach: the Pulitzer Prize for music. Kendrick is not only the first rapper to win the award since the Pulitzers expanded to music in 1943, but he is also the first winner who is not a classical or jazz musician. “The time was right,” Dana Canedy, the administrator of the prizes, said in an interview after the winners were announced. “We are very proud of this selection. It means that the jury and the board judging system worked as it’s supposed to - the best work was awarded a Pulitzer Prize.” - NYT // Congratulations to Kendrick Lamar!! Listen to the LP one mo' gain, below...

DJ Premier Breaks Down Gang Starr's "Moment Of Truth"

"Guru's lyrical style, though seemingly monotonous, serves to uplift, enlighten, and energize listeners. "I used to be a counselor at a maximum-security detention home for boys 14-18 with charges ranging from murder to purse-snatching," he says. "So I had to learn to relate to them not like a preacher but more like a big brother or a cool uncle." That small glimpse into the mind of Guru says a lot, and it shines through even further on tracks like "Above The Clouds" and the title track, "Moment of Truth," which DJ Premier agrees is arguably the most serious track on their '98 LP. DJ Premier sat down for an interview on Tidal and did a track-by-track breakdown of Moment Of Truth, and like everything Premier does, it's insightful and shared with an amazing sense of clarity. I don't know anyone in the industry with a memory as solid as Premo's. Showing respect and giving credit where its due are integral parts of his character, and you feel that whenever he tells a story or shares a memory. That said, check out the video series (8 videos) below of DJ Premier breaking down several track off their most successful LP, Moment Of Truth. There's also an article from April, 1998 in Billboard below, where you can read a lil' bit about the marketing and label side of the project. Gang Starr is my favorite group and DJ Premier is my favorite producer, of all-time!

Article in Billboard Magazine, April 1999

DJ Riz x DJ Eclipse "Fly Fishing, Vol.5" (Mixtape)

DJ Riz and DJ Eclipse of the legendary Halftime Radio Show have joined forces to release "Fly Fishing, Volume 5" from Chopped Herring Records. With DJ Riz on Side A and DJ Eclipse on Side B, the mixtape features tracks from Meyhem Lauren, Doz Funky Baztardz, Shylow, Afiliashun, Cenobites, Junclassic, Class A Felony, Da Bruze Bruvaz, Nomaads, Brothers G.R.Y.M., Wiseguys, Horror City, Jazz Spastiks, Beneficience, Da Last Future, Masta Ace, Big Tabb, Definite Vacation 4 Suckas, Thirstin Howl III, 5-Elementz (R.I.P. J Dilla), Too Poetic and more! The cassettes were limited to 150 copies. DJ Eclipse and DJ Riz have always been known for supporting dope independent hip-hop, so it makes good sense to link with Chopped Herring for this mix tape. Hear Volume 5 below...

Robert Glasper x KAYTRANADA "The ArtScience Remixes"

Three-time GRAMMY-winner Robert Glasper joins forces with the innovative Montreal-based producer KAYTRANADA on The ArtScience Remixes, an 8-track EP that reimagines the songs on Robert Glasper Experiment’s acclaimed 2016 album ArtScience, which The FADER called “a freewheeling, genre-agnostic collection of feel-good songs.” The ArtScience Remixes is available now to stream or download, and will be released physically as a Record Store Day vinyl exclusive on April 21. The set features cameos by Don Cheadle, Talib Kweli, Alex Isley, and Iman Omari, and takes the Experiment’s trailblazing blend of R&B, Hip-Hip, and Jazz into new sonic realms. “KAYTANADA is super inventive and musically brave,” says Glasper. “He goes places with the music where most won’t go! Working with him is always so much fun and creatively inspiring.” ArtScience found the Experiment getting down to its essence, with each of the band members—keyboardist Glasper, saxophonist and vocalist Casey Benjamin, bassist Derrick Hodge, and drummer Mark Colenburg—delivering the vocals and sharing in the production and songwriting on the album. “Robert Glasper has been the standard-bearer for jazz music’s fusion with hip-hop, soul, and rock,” wrote Pitchfork. “ArtScience is the Robert Glasper Experiment’s most realized effort…They’ve created their own vibe, one that needed their own voices to truly resonate.” Dig into this dope project below...

Blu & Nottz "Gods In The Spirit..." (Album Stream)

"Blu & Nottz’s epic two-part saga officially reaches its final form with 'Gods In The Spirit, Titans In The Flesh,' which combines the previously released EPs into a single project that upgrades everything about the original. There is a care and attention to detail to this project that goes well beyond a standard reissue that clumps the previous projects together. GITS, TITF is a complete upgrade from the ground up with stunning new artwork by Dan Lish, remixed and remastered audio, and a reimagined tracklist featuring an ethereal new closing track (“Yesterday” feat. Sene & Elisa Meri). All of these fine touches really make the project a treasure for diehard fans, newcomers, and collectors alike. Blu personally wanted to restructure the tracklist because he believes it flows better than before, a sentiment that hits immediately when “Atlantis” kicks things off. And then there’s the one-two punch of hearing “End Of The World” (feat. Rashad) and “Heaven on Earth” back to back, which reveals the true nuances of these songs. “Gods in the Spirit was the beginning—an eye opener to the madness that me and Blu were about to unleash,” Nottz says, “While Titans in the Flesh unleashed the wrath.” “With both EPs now combined, it’s a wrap—the kraken has officially been released with reckless abandon,” Nottz adds." - via Coalmine Records. Listen below...

DJ Missie "Hip-Hop, Volume 3" (Mixtape, 2005)

This is Hip-Hop Volume 3 from Japan's DJ Missie, originally released in 2005. Volume 3 includes expertly mixed tracks from Wu-Tang Clan, Jeru The Damaja, Black Moon, The Notorious B.I.G., Smif-N-Wessun, Buckshot Lefonque, INI, The Roots, Ultamagnetic MCs, Casual, The Pharcyde, Das EFX, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Lady of Rage, Craig Mack, Nas, Kool G Rap, Naughty By Nature, 2Pac, Redman, Big Daddy Kane and more. While I think Volume 2 might be the best in DJ Missie's Hip-Hop series, this volume is pretty dope too! For some golden era records, check this mix out below...

Hex One "This Is How You Murder A Kanye Classic" (Video)

Hex One was born in Barranquilla, Colombia in '89. He spent most of his childhood and adolescence in Queens, New York after he and his family moved there when he was 6 years old. Influenced early on by the Colombian culture of improvised rhyming called “trovas” and later on being exposed to New York’s hip hop landscape, Hex soon began writing his own rhymes at age 12. Later, after relocating once more to South Florida, he met high school friend and fellow MC Tek-nition. Hex and Tek went on to release multiple projects and garner some relative notoriety in the underground. I've covered his projects on the site, but below is a joint he titles, "This Is How You Murder a Kanye Classic," which I'm (sorta) embarrassed to admit, I didn't know was a Kanye beat. Shrugs... nevertheless, he kept his word and bodied it! I don't post a lot of loosies, but the content and his flow made me stop and pay attention, which checks both boxes on reasons to share this here. Watch it below...

Sean Price "Donkey Sean Jr" (Mixtape, 2003)

Donkey Sean Jr. served as a prelude to Sean Price’s first solo album Monkey Barz. It was released in 2003 through Duck Down Records and is mixed by producer/DJ, PF Cuttin. The title of the album is a play on words referencing the 1982 arcade-style video game Donkey Kong Jr. The track “Jail Shit” was later featured on Monkey Barz. The mixtape also features Ruste Juxx, Rockness Monstah, Rampage, Steele, Agallah, Lil' Dap, Buckshot, Joe Budden, Nardo Ranks, and more. Dig in below...

Hezekiah / Soulpete / Bodziers "Raw Road" (EP Stream)

"Raw Road" is a collaborative album by Hezekiah (Philly), Soulpete (Poland) and Bodziers (Poland). Soulpete and Bodziers handle the production on this EP, with Hezekiah on the lyrics despite also being a great producer. The incredible artwork is done by Johnny Lemonade and the EP features Range Da Messenga, 7even Thirty, Mike Beon, Spaad, and DJ Eprom on all the cuts. Listen below...

House Of Pain "Jump Around" (25 Year Remix)

House of Pain is celebrating the 25th Year of their classic "Jump Around," with Muggs' remix featuring Damian Marley, Everlast and Meyhem Lauren. House of Pain’s classic hit “Jump Around” is one of the biggest songs in hip-hop history. Released in May of 1992, “Jump Around” peaked at No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and spent 30 weeks on the chart. But over the years, it’s become embedded in the DNA of pop culture and is still heard everywhere from parties to sporting events to this day. This remix won't overtake the original, nor the Pete Rock remix, but it's a nice addition. It was released in time for St. Patrick's Day but I'm a bit late! - via BallerStatus. Listen below...

Jean Grae & Quelle Chris "Everything's Fine" (Album Stream)

Jean Grae and Quelle Chris’s creative tour de force opens with a game show skit where “everything’s fine” is the answer to every question. This idea of insisting things are OK when so much of the world around us is fraying and falling apart inspires one of the smartest and most prescient albums of the year. The 15 self-produced tracks are a kaleidoscope of concepts, flows, and commentary, putting Everything’s Fine squarely in the lineage of albums like De La Soul Is Dead and Masta Ace’s Slaughtahouse, employing layers of irony and satire to make serious points. “My Contribution To This Scam” is an animated critique on what parts of the modern hip-hop scene have become, “Breakfast Of Champions” is an emotionally-charged account of living in a world where police brutality is a daily occurrence, and “Gold Purple Orange” spotlights stereotypes over deep, bass-powered production. Crucially, the album ends with the emotionally haunting “River,” where the MCs write open letters to family members in such earnest fashion that it causes the listener to take stock of what’s really important in their own world while also challenging them to right what’s wrong. - Updated via Bandcamp, because they say shit better than I do. Jean had me at the artwork, but they overdelivered on the music, too. Go figure! Dig into Everything's Fine below...

Conway The Machine "Blakk Tape" (Album Stream)

Griselda's Conway The Machine is back yet again with his latest effort, Blakk Tape. The 10-track effort features in-house production from Daringer, along with VDon, Beat Butcha & Bozack Morris. Conway is on the record (IG) claiming that this particular project is made specifically for the streets. You can hear it, this is some dark, gritty hip-hop. Conway the Machine and the whole Griselda Records have the strongest brand identity at this point, whether Conway announces that the project is for the streets or not, we know what it is and we know he'll drop consistently. That's a brand you can trust and it's clear why Shady Records invested in it. Dig into Blakk Tape below...

Nuttkase "Boombapathy" (Mixtape)

An interesting remix project from Russian producer, Nuttkase. Using vocals from some of your favorite Apathy records, "Boombapathy" has nine remixes with instrumentals, and five bonus cuts to round out the project. The Demigodz MC sounds at home over these hard drums and 90s flavor. Hearing Ap reminds me once again to say R.I.P. to our brother Pumpkinhead. Check it out below.

"5 Deadly Venoms of Brooklyn" (Mixtape, 1997)

5 Deadly Venoms of Brooklyn is a mixtape created by five classic New York City DJsP: P.F. Cuttin, Mister Cee, Tony Touch, DJ Premier and Evil Dee. The mixtape was recorded in 1997 and released by Tape Kingz on cassette tape. The name of the album is a reference to a well-known Kung-Fu movie, "Five Deadly Venoms." The mixtape consists of mixed tracks from Breez Evahflowin, KRS-One, Kool G Rap, Mobb Deep, Q-Tip, Shadez Of Brooklyn, Ak Skills, The Notorious B.I.G., Sunz Of Man, Jeru The Damaja, Guru, Camp Lo, Verbal Hoods, Channel Live, and many more. 5 Deadly Venoms of Brooklyn is widely considered one of the greatest hip-hop mixtapes ever created. In the book Ego Trip's "Big Books of Rap Lists," it is ranked on "Top 10 Greatest Mixtapes Ever" list. Enjoy the mix tape below!

DJ Camilo "Old School Reggae" (Mixtape, 1998)

Live from the Queens, this is DJ Camilo's Old School Reggae from 1998. Camilo's mix includes the classics like tracks from Johnny Osbourne, Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, Junior Reid, Foxy Brown, Tiger, Yami Bolo, Nardo Ranks, Barrington Levy, Tenor Saw, Yellowman, El General, Red Fox, and more. This isn't my favorite dancehall tape, but it's definitely got a good amount of joints and plays solid all the way through the tape. Depending on where you grew up - and your age - the impact of dancehall might hit you differently, but these are the sounds of jams from my youth. Catch the vibes below...

The Nonce "1990" (Unreleased Album)

The discovery and release of The Nonce 1990 is an important milestone recorded during the Golden Age of Hip-Hop. Recognized as innovators of the LA Hip-Hop Underground, The Nonce was formed by two 17-year olds; Nouka Basetype aka Sach and the late Yusef “Afloat” Mohammed (R.I.P.). As The Nonce, the duo was part of the Project Blowed collective. Just after high school graduation in 1990, the young duo was given the chance to go into a professional studio. Their dreams of a record deal were soon dashed after the production company raised objections to their artistic choices. Unwilling to meet the demands, The Nonce walked away from the project, leaving behind the masters of the very tracks that make up The Nonce 1990. Daniel Borine, of the independent Family Groove label, discovered the lost material for this album in 2017. These 14 rare tracks by The Nonce predate their critically acclaimed 1993 single, Mix Tapes and the classic World Ultimate from 1995. What was once thought to be lost forever is now preserved for generations. The Nonce 1990 is now available to stream below via Fat Beats Distribution and Family Groove Records. Rest In Peace, Yusef Afloat!

DJ Boogie Boy "Take It Personal" (Mixtape, 1995)

This is a classic mix by DJ Boogie Boy called Take It Personal (No More Mr. Nice Guy) in 1995. The mix tape includes joints from Nas, LL Cool J, Jay-Z, Das EFX, Mobb Deep, KRS-One, Cypress Hill, Blahzay Blahzay, Erick Sermon, Group Home, Gang Starr, Fugees, Special Ed, Trends Of Culture, Capleton, Method Man, Raekwon, Miilkbone, Lords of the Underground, Crooklyn Dodgers, The Pharcyde, and lots of underground gems. This tape got a ton of replay in my walkman. Listen below...