Natural Elements "Built To Last Mix"

The 'Built To Last' Radio Show is hosted by Corrado & I Joe, each Thursday from 8-9pm on Radio campus FM in Toulouse, France. This is another artist tribute mix, this time the legendary underground hip-hop crew, Natural Elements: L Swift, A Butta & Mr. Voodoo, along with Charlemagne on most of the production. Any fans that grew up in the same era of hip-hop as me - with access, of course - were glued to radio to try and catch the Natural Elements crew, late at night, dropping off live freestyles and going bar for bar with one another. Or, up at Fat Beats. Their LP on Tommy Boy Black had it's obvious setbacks, finally getting an independent CD release some years back, plus multiple vinyl releases to celebrate old demos, instrumentals and slept-on cuts. Dig all that up as you can, but for now get familiar with this tightly constructed "Built To Last" mix. 

Venomous2000 & Trilian "Sounds Of The Great Ones 2"

Sounds Of The Great Ones 2 is the follow-up collaboration album between New Jersey emcee Venomous2000 and Serbia's very own, Trilian. The project features appearances from Phonetic, R.A.P., Shinobi (One Blood Universal), Sticman (Dead Prez), Ned Schimmelfinney, Masai Bey, Fes Taylor, ID4Windz, King RA, Supreme Sol, Skrewtape, Recognize Ali, Godilla, Napoleon Da Legend and cuts by DJ TMB. Their first album got a lot of burn, so it's dope they did a follow-up. Dig into it below...

Elaquent "Baker's Dozen" (Instrumental Album)

Fat Beats Records is proud to present Baker’s Dozen, an exclusive series that shines a light on the best minds of instrumental hip-hop, ambient, and electronic music. Each installment gives one artist carte blanche to capture their signature sound. Every volume’s limited vinyl pressing features one artist and twelve tracks, and comes equipped with a 5x7” postcard insert that features a photo of the artist’s workspace along with the equipment used in their music-making process. Visually cohesive and packaged with the utmost attention to detail, Baker’s Dozen is a series that speaks up for artists whose craft renders voices superfluous, whose instrumentals alone suffice to make a statement. Volume nine highlights the Guelph, Ontario producer Elaquent, who breaks down his creative process below: “Since the beginning, my philosophy has always been that perfection is boring, so despite all the changes that have occurred with my equipment and system, that main philosophy remains the same. In the beginning it was all about flipping samples with FL Studio and just my computer keyboard, and over the years, I added the MPD and Masterkey in order to be able to jam out drums live and play keys, which speeds up the workflow. I like the effects on the 404, and there’s a lot of dope ways to integrate my iPad into it, but at the end of the day, it starts with a melody or sample, and I kinda just let the vibe take over.” - Elaquent. Catch the vibe below...

Westside Gunn "Supreme Blientele" (Album Stream)

“They wondered could I make an album better/equivalent to FLYGOD and I answered simply ‘this album is a masterpiece,’” Gunn said on Instagram. “Every beat, rhyme, feature is stellar. As a true fan of hip hop and my love for art, I can honestly say this will prove that I’m a legend. I’ve never claimed to be the best lyricist but I make some of the best music and influence the best in the game. This what the culture needed.” Locked in at 17 tracks, the album with three titles (yes, three) is absolutely stacked with features from Conway, Jadakiss, eLZhi, Anderson .Paak, Busta Rhymes, Roc Marciano, Benny, and CRIMEapple, over seriously banging production from Alchemist, Daringer, Statik Selektah, Pete Rock, Harry Fraud, 9th Wonder, and more. - via 2DBZ. Dig into it below...

Ill Conscious "The Underachiever" (Mixtape Stream)

Dropping on Ill Catz Records (a Belgian label), Ill Conscious' debut mixtape from back in '09-10, "The Underachiever." I'm told this release is limited to about 100 physical cassettes and it's the 9th release from the Ill Catz label. As they also work on pressing "The Prerequisite" to cassette next, we get to dig back into this throwback mix. The 18-track offering features original cuts produced by Mizfitz Sound, Da Cypher, Tom Delay, Josh Grooves, T-Mos, Skratch Zilla, Sinitus Tempo and a nice blend of freestyles over industry beats - Exhibit C & Devil In A Blue Dress to name a few - spread throughout. It's dope that young artists are aware that their back catalogs hold value & can be leverage for new $ too! I've only been to Belgium once (2010, European Tour with Eternia), it's a shame I never crossed paths with the good folks at Ill Catz Records, I wish them much success. Stream "The Underachiever Mixtape" below and order a copy of the limited edition cassettes HERE.

Apollo Brown & Locksmith "No Question" (Album Stream)

"West Coast Berkeley grad, battle rapper and musician Locksmith has hammered out a reputation as one of Hiphop's most enlightened no punch pulling emcees. From his early appearances on MTV's Freestyle Championship to his frequent Shade 45 appearances, Locksmith always brings cutting lyricism that not only questions the status quo but offers deep truths for reflection. Meanwhile Detroit's Apollo Brown has built his illustrious career on emotive production that draws the best out of already legendary mic kings. From his work with Ras Kass and OC, Skyzoo to Ghostface Killah, Apollo repeatedly creates eyes shut, head nodding, soul stirring perfection for our greatest storytellers to lay their truth bare. So when Richmond & Detroit came together in the studio the answer was "No Question" - a new project that finds Locksmith ruminating on everything from advice to his younger self to his continued drive to rise w/o following in anyones footsteps." - MMG

Gang Starr "The Ownerz" (Vibe Magazine, June 2003)

"For the generation of hip-hoppers who preserved through puberty with the help of conscious kings like KRS-One and Chuck D, but came of age stuck on the street nihilism of Kool G Rap and, later, Mobb Deep, Gang Starr represents a stripped-down and indispensable aesthetic. Few groups embody good old-fashioned hip hop like Keith "Guru" Elam, 36, and Chris Martin, aka DJ Premier, 34, who still encompass the breadth of hip hop before it splintered into subgenres - each too good to recognize the others. The duo has maintained a blemish-free catalog for 14 years, including classics like Step In The Arena and Daily Operation. Should they falter, let alone fall off, as most of their contemporaries have, it would truly indicate the end of an era. But Gang Starr's formula is both straightforward and timeless. And as evidenced by The Ownerz, their first studio album in five years, the two have no intention of switching it up this late in the game." Cont'd below...

"You know their steez: Songs like "Riot Akt" fit right into the canon of Gang Starr greats. Melancholy horns accent a diesel bass line, while Guru laments that "real criminals got immunity." In his simple but pleasant cadence, the 5'8 MC again puts substance before slickness - and the results are refreshing... Each of The Ownerz' songs, however, stands on its own as a respectable Gang Starr effort... While The Ownerz does not spark any new rap trends, it brings back the power of the basics in an ever-evolving rap music landscape. For the first time in five years, a generation of Gang Starr disciples can take ownership of their music, and claim it as a moment of truth." - Vibe, 6/03

Theory Hazit "Thr3e" (June 23, 2013)

Thr3e is the third album in the Lord Fire series by Scribbling Idiot member Theory Hazit. Entirely produced by Dert, this album is full of storytelling, reflection, faith and dope beats. "Theory Hazit was born and raised in Winchester, Kentucky with the support of his grandma, an aunt and two uncles. He always had a vivid imagination, enjoying cartoons more than music videos." A man of faith and a very cerebral MC, I've long been a steady fan of his music and along with "Extra Credit," and "Lord Fire," this "Thr3e" release is among my favorites in his catalog. Tracks like "What Lies Beneath" and especially "For Lack of Better Words," represent the quality of Theory Hazit's work that draws me in as a fan. I actually wanted my artist, Eternia, to jump on "For Lack of Better Words;" however different the style mighta been for her (production-wise), I still think it woulda been an incredible collaboration. I'll say it now - on the record - a separate collab will come eventually. In the meantime, dig into Theory's "Thr3e" album, and really sit with the lyrics today, on it's 5th anniversary.

Nas "NASIR" (Album Stream)

Nasir is the twelfth studio album by Nas, released through Mass Appeal Records and Def Jam Recordings. It succeeds Nas' album Life Is Good, released six years prior in 2012. The album features an appearance from executive producer Kanye West, as well as Puff Daddy, 070 Shake, Tony Williams, and The-Dream. When it was announced that Nas would be releasing an album entirely produced by Kanye West, I said I wasn't sure if I was going to listen to it, because Kanye West is a musical genius who trades in f#ckery and I'm not here for it. I skipped the livestream of the premiere in the Queensbridge Projects & kept my head down when people discussed the album, but ultimately I clicked play. It was better than I thought, but not better than it should have been. The vocals from Nas didn't sit in a familiar pocket, which makes me wonder if it was remixed, phoned in or they just didn't sit in on the sessions together. It's been a mixed response, some people do love it, so I'm reserving the right to revisit it, but I suspect this will come and go, with Nas announcing new material shortly. Unrelated, I wanna send a congrats out to Nas for all his recent success with upstarts and investments ... the culture doesn't report enough on that, but keep shining brother.

Prodigy "H.N.I.C" (Mixtape, 2000)

"In 2000, before Prodigy released his official solo debut album, H.N.I.C., he teamed up with DJ Whoo Kid to drop his first ever solo mixtape called H.N.I.C. Pt. 1. The tape, hosted by the two, featured unreleased exclusives and never-before-heard freestyles from Prodigy. Whoo Kid recalls Prodigy's respect for the DJ, saying: "He was a fan of the DJ, so he was a fan of Clue, a fan of me, a fan of Cutmaster C, all the Queens DJs that was out there ... Prodigy was actually the first one to give me album cuts that aren’t finished. He did like, maybe a few freestyles, but it was mostly unfinished versions of other Mobb Deep songs, Havoc cuts. It was kind of bugged out." The mixtape had songs Prodigy did with Alchemist that were never released, so when they dropped the tape, it caused issues between Whoo Kid and Alchemist "because Prodigy was the type who didn’t care about getting permission to release his own shit." ...  Remembering what made Prodigy so unique, Whoo Kid points to P's unique delivery as a distinction. "Whenever you’d hear Prodigy come on, you know, Havoc was the cool nigga, he’s in the back, he got his verses or whatever, but when you finally hear Prodigy come on, he was believable. His voice, his cadence, made you want to do what you gotta do, because of the way he was dealing with his sickness. His sickness came out into the music." - XXL

Prodigy "Thief's Theme" x "Stay Chiseled" Freestyles

June 20, 2018 is the one year anniversary of the death of Mobb Deep's Prodigy. To commemorate his creative partner's untimely passing, Havoc has shared two "unreleased exclusive freestyles," as with DJ Absolut. "Thief's Theme," originally a single from Nas's 2004 album Street's Disciple, features both members of Mobb Deep, while Prodigy is solo on "Stay Chiseled," which appeared on Large Professor's 2002 album First Class. Listen to both below, via Fader. Rest In Peace, Prodigy!

Senswif "Elevation" (12", 1997)

Representin' Queens, New York - specifically Flushing - Senswif was formed in 1995 by GodSen and Born Swif. In 1997, they released their only 12" vinyl with "Elevation" on the A-Side and "Maintain" on the B-Side. It was released independently on their own Lah Lah Music label. At the time and even now, I get Cormega-like vibes from the record, and you can tell it reps Queens out the gate. Their melodic flows fit right over the production for "Elevation" by Lord C. Black. The credits state there was an album entitled "Alpha & Omega," but to the best of my knowledge, it was never released. 

Nas "Illmatic: Live From The Kennedy Center" (Album Stream)

Two decades after the album's critically-acclaimed release, hip-hop icon Nas teamed up with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC to stage a symphonic rendition of 'Illmatic,' one of the most revered albums in hip-hop history. The new concert film, Great Performances Nas Live From the Kennedy Center: Classical Hip-Hop, captures the energy and nostalgia of this collaborative performance and premiered nationwide via PBS. Vinyl includes Gatefold 2XLP 180 gram (heavyweight) vinyl with 24x36" 2-sided poster, orchestral sheet music book including exclusive photos from performance. Enjoy this classic album in a phenomenal new way!

Crimeapple & Big Ghost Ltd. "Aguardiente" (Album Stream)

Crimeapple & Big Ghost Ltd collaborate a piece of fine art with "Aguardiente." Straight to the point, Big Ghost Ltd says, "I dont sweat the AOTY year shit at all.. Y'all can have those. Ya boy focused on building a timeless unfuckwittable discography b. I want the Big Ghost Ltd name to be some shit y'all cam rely on. My guy Crimeapple brought me one step closer to that goal." Say less, right? Everyone involved has a reputation that commands that you give this an immediate listen below...

2Pac's Testing Option Agreement For Juice (2/26/91)

First, a Happy Birthday to 2Pac, who was born on this day in 1971 in East Harlem, NY. Below is part of 2Pac's original contract to test for roles in the movie Juice in February, 1991. As you can see, Pac was initially being considered for the role of "Q" or "Bishop" in the film. His compensation was only $1647.80 per "studio week" for no less than seven weeks. Naturally, this doesn't reflect all of the terms, nor any adjustments that might have been made, but it's interesting in the sense that you've probably heard the rumors that 2Pac might've played the Omar Epps role of Q, instead of the "villain" Bishop. I can't imagine the movie without 2Pac playing "Bishop," he just captured that role so perfectly. Just the same, you probably heard all the controversy around Pac and the Hughes brothers, regarding fights and roles for the movie Menace II Society. Pac was such a strong personality and presence that he would've undoubtedly changed the course of those movies had roles being altered. His absence is still felt, and when I look back on what could've been - in life -  I know 2Pac would have inserted himself into the daily conscience of folks and his voice would be one of the most influential. As is, he is still one of the most impactful artists our generation. R.I.P., 2Pac.

Ice Cube "The Predator" (Press Kit, 1992)

"In all the controversy that's surrounded his career since he wrote a tune called "Boyz N The Hood" for his homeboy Eazy-E five years ago, there's one thing that journalists sometimes forget to mention about Ice Cube: he's one of the most mesmerizing MCs in hip-hop. Well, that's an issue quickly put to rest on "Wicked," the first single off his new album, The Predator. What's the song about? "I just wanted to get loose," he says, laughing. "I entertain, too. I make records and I can bust. That song describes the way I feel when I'm doing a show and the crowd's going crazy: I feel wicked." A bouncy, noisy jam, "Wicked" typifies Ice Cube's approach to music-making. "I don't stick to one producer. That's why my records sound so different," he explains. "Otherwise it'll sound stale." Cube hooked up with Torcha Chamber, who laid thee tracks for "Wicked," in an unconventional way." 

"In addition to longtime Lench Mob crew members Pooh and Jinx, Cube was joined in the studio by Mixmaster Muggs of Cypress Hill who injected his gangsta swagger in three tracks: "Now I Gotta Wet 'Cha," an ominous warning to cowards and punks, "We Had To Tear This M.F. Up," a look back at the Rodney King uprising which is full of horns and a furious acoustic bass, and "Check Yo Self," featuring back-up by Das EFX on its chorus. "Muggs is the kind of guy who'll work all night if he has to. The trip about him is that he'll create a whole song and will stop and say, 'Fuck it, I don't like it.' He'll erase the loop that he worked ten hours on and replace it with a better one. Most people can't criticize themselves enough to do that ... their ego is too big to start all over."

"The Predator differs from Death Certificate in that last year's flavor was more of a concept album, with it's "Death Side" and "Life Side." "I didn't want to go with a format on this record. I just wanted to do the tracks that I wanted to do." Did you find that is limiting in a way? "No, I didn't find it limiting. I just felt as if it's already been done and I'm not into doing records that's already been done or trying to recreate any old records..." Between the enthusiasm of newcomers like Torcha Chamber and the professionalism of vets like Muggs, Jinx and Pooh, The Predator's sound is anything but boring." - Press Kit. The Predator was released on November 17th, 1992. 

Debonair P "Debonair Blends 3" (Mixtape)

Debonair P is a Melbourne-based DJ, producer, engineer and label owner (Gentleman's Relief Records). He put together a nice blend of underground hip-hop tracks from the 90s, cycling through dozens of tracks in around 70 minutes. You'll hear joints from Scientifik, Jeru The Damaja, AZ, Lord Finesse, Juggaknots, Mic Geronimo, Chino XL, DJ Spinna, Method Man, Kool G Rap, Sauce Money, Grand Puba, T-Max, Nick Wiz, Guru, Buckshot, Show & AG, The Nonce, Bahamadia & more.

Cali Agents "How The West Was One" (CMJ, 2000)

These days, street marketing is a corporate-funded phenomenon. But back in the day, labels like Sugar Hill broke artists on a street level, pumping 'em through the clubs and the mom-and-pop stores. Emcees Rasco and Planet Asia of the Bay Area duo Cali Agents return to those old-school, DIY ethics on How The West Was One, which comes from Ground Control via Nu Gruv Alliance, a small California label that's recently been gaining notoriety in hip-hop circles. The enterprise is a matter of artistic and economic autonomy, principles not exactly high on a major label's priority list. "If we can sell 50,000 units, we're cool," Planet Asia says. "The advantage of being on an independent is being able to do what we want to do." The group's no nonsense musical style and estimable rhyming skills have already brought them much respect within hip-hop's inner circles, with The Source naming their 1997 breakthrough Time Waits For No Man one of the best independent albums that year. In the wake of their strong support in the indie world, both have heard the call of the major label world, as well. Planet Asia, who has also garnered notice for his work with the Lyricist Lounge, is working on a solo debut for Interscope. Ironic? Maybe. But with Cali Agents, he will no doubt stay true to the game. "I'm trying to play both sides," he explains. "But people are gonna know me from the underground." - CMJ New Music Monthly (August, 2000). Listen below...

Black Thought Interview (NPR, Video)

Black Thought's been basking in overdue props lately. The viral Hot 97 freestyle that sent the internet into a tizzy six months ago made him something of an anomaly – a hip-hop vet, 30 years into his career, finally recognized for being at the top of his game! We discussed that here briefly; it was clearly a moment that gave fans a collective pause to reflect on what an immense talent we have in Black Thought. Finally, the world caught on and in Black Thought's own words: "Well, it's about time..." NPR sat down for a conversation with Black Thought, and it's a must-see - watch it below...

Rah Digga "Everything Is A Story" (Unreleased Album)

Last year a fan remastered Rah Digga's leaked vocals from her unreleased album, Everything Is A Story. Rah Digga allegedly owns those masters, and called the remastered version a "bootleg of a bootleg," but still proclaimed that she was here for it ... lol. Rah Digga released her debut album Dirty Harriet in 2000, then returned in 2010 for a collaborative album with Nottz titled Classic. I was in the studio with Rah Digga in 2009 for a track with Eternia ("The BBQ"), what some fans don't know is that while she was in the studio that night, her house burned to the ground and all she had left was her laptop with her music. That scenario somehow unlocked a chamber within her to get back to music, thus eventually releasing Classic the following year. Anyhow, back to her unreleased album Everything Is A Story, which she'd originally recorded in 2004... the album was released in pieces over the years, but is now available on her Bandcamp and features production from J Dilla, Just Blaze, Hi-Tek, Large Professor, DJ Scratch, No I.D., Scott Stortch, Jake One and guests like Ghostface Killah, Mobb Deep, Fabolous, Snoop Dogg, Lloyd Banks, Joe Budden and more! Exhale ... that's a lot to leave on a shelf. J Records absorbed Flipmode Ent when Busta was crossing over to work with Aftermath and the album was delayed to the point of being shelved. Listen to it below...

Pawz One "Sell Me A Dream: Flowstalgia" (Album Stream)

Los Angeles emcee Pawz One teams up with Dutch producer Robin Da Landlord to release their new album “Sell Me A Dream: Flowstalgia”. With a collaborative mix of sharp rhymes schemes and gritty drums, Pawz One and Robin Da Landlord are here to counter the trends on "Sell Me A Dream". The album is entirely produced by Robin Da Landlord and includes guest features by Prince Po of Organized Konfusion, MED and VegaMonster. Pawz One worked with seasoned artists and producers such as Ras Kass, Termanology, Masta Ace, Domingo, DJ Rhettmatic, Madchild, Talib Kweli and more. With a magnetic stage presence cultivated through hundreds of live performances, Pawz One has been able to tour nationally and overseas with Sean Price, Necro, El Da Sensei & AG, as well various independent tours. Also Pawz has performed at such events and festivals as Hip-Hop Kemp, SXSW, Vans Warped Tour, A3C Festival and more. Listen to their Sell Me A Dream LP below...

Ice-T "Cop Killer" Controversy (Spin Magazine, 1992)

"Die, Pig, Die," go the lyrics in "Cop Killer," the song that enraged police officers across America last summer. Ice-T said Body Count's song "Cop Killer" does not tell people to go out and shoot cops, but his original intent -- to portray a demented soul seeking revenge on a murderous group -- got lost in the din. Law enforcement groups jumped all over Time Warner, whose subsidiary Sire Records released "Cop Killer," and within weeks they had enlisted the support of 60 members of Congress, Oliver North, Dan Quayle, and President Bush. Alabama Governor Guy Hunt sent out an urgent Father's Day message to the nation's governors, asking them to join in a campaign against the Body Count album. By August, over 1,400 record stores nationwide had dropped the album. Very few Americans actually heard the song, but most had something to say about it. Sixty-six percent of nonblack Americans tended to support the protestors who urged that the song be pulled from public circulation... Only 37 percent of blacks did. A half-dozen cops can get blasted in an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie without music fanfare, but a different standard is applied to rap or speed-metal bands such as Ice-T's Body Count. "There's an assumption that inner-city blacks are more likely to be influenced than the rest of us," ... "There's an assumption of black inferiority in all of this." In September, Quayle blamed a rap album from Tupac Shakur for the shooting death of a state trooper in Texas. And Cummings says it's no coincidence that the controversy over "Cop Killer" erupted a couple of months after the L.A. riots. Time Warner execs backed Ice-T during the two months of controversy... but Ice-T finally decided to pull the song, ostensibly to protect Time Warner from the heat. Lesser-known rappers are worried about the fallout. Warner Bros. is said to be discouraging songs about alleged police brutality: A Warner Bros. spokesman said Juvenile Committee was asked to tone down "Justice in the Hood," and Boston crew Almighty RSO says it was dropped by Tommy Boy Records because its rap antagonized police groups. "Ice-T should have stuck to his guns," says Almighty RSO member Jeffrey "Def Jeff" Neal. "If they got him to back down, they're going to wipe out the little guy." - Spin Magazine (December, 1992). Ice-T appeared on the Arsenio Hall Show to discuss the "Cop Killer" controversy in greater detail. Full article is below. The dope illustration up above is by Warren Drummond in The Source Magazine (No. 40, January 1993).

Nas x DJ Green Lantern "The N Tape" (Mixtape, 2008)

"While Nasir Jones' revised untitled album strives for somber profundity - sketchy essays on Farrakhan, Fox News, and yes, friend chicken - this mix tape puts the N-word on blast like a grad-school gangsta soundclash. Pissed, self-aggrandizing, earnest, surrounded by pop-culture samples blowing like air horns, Nas nods to pioneering race wits Richard Pryor, Paul Mooney, N.W.A., et al. And here, "Black President" - his moving hesitant Obama tribute - is the vibrant centerpiece, not an obligatory coda." - Spin Magazine. Released 10 years ago today, listen to the mixtape below...

Tony Touch "Hip Hop 62: Ready For Impact?" (Mixtape, 1999)

Tony Touch asked if you were Ready For Impact? with Hip Hop 62 on Tape Kingz in 1999. This was the last tape from Tony Touch in the millenium! The mix features tracks from Black Rob, The Notorious B.I.G., D.I.T.C., The Mad Rapper & Eminem, U-God, Jay-Z, Rakim, Truck Turner, Mos Def, Dr. Dre, Tash, Method Man & Redman, Planet Asia, Inspectah Deck, The LOX, Mase, Erick Sermon, Pharoahe Monch, Q-Tip, Raekwon, Natural Elements, Canibus & Rakim, Xzibit, and more! Dig into it...

MoSS "Marching To The Sound Of My Own Drum" (Videos)

Back in November 2015, after years of collaborations with artists like Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Obie Trice, Sean Price, Kool G Rap, Eternia and countless others, Toronto-based producer MoSS released his debut producer album entitled "Marching To The Sound Of My Own Drum". Since the beginning of his career, the Canadian beatsmith, record digger and music connoisseur has made a name for himself with a unique, signature sound. On this record he showcases what he's capable of, backed by an all-star team that features AZ, Havoc, Slum Village, Onyx, Inspectah Deck, Ill Bill, Skyzoo, Guilty Simpson and 20+ other legendary MC's. A few years after its original release, Tuff Kong Records has decided to team up with MoSS to bring you this masterpiece on wax. For the occasion, MoSS also added an unreleased bonus track called "We Here" that features Smif-N-Wessun, along with "Emotional Redux" featuring Big Gov, Guilty Simpson, Jon Connor, V-Stylez and Willie The Kid that's been pressed to 7". If you missed this one, it's not too late! Grab a dust mask...

Cage "Purple Rain Mix CD" (2004)

Cage's "Purple Rain" Mix CD was released exclusively with his "Home Movies" DVD in 2004. The "Homie Movies" was a limited edition DVD, which gave behind the scenes looks at The Revenge of the Robots Tour. Scenes included a trip to the High Times Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam, a cypher with the Weathermen at WKCR in NYC and various live performances, in-stores and whatever else they were doing for shits and giggles at the time. As for the Purple Rain Mix CD, it features various exclusives with Cage, Yak Ballz, Leak Bros and more. A personal favorite of mine is Cage's "Ballad of Worms," which flips Built to Spill's "I Would Hurt a Fly" into an eerie soundscape to deliver a story about his obligation to a sick and dying girlfriend as a metaphor for his real life relationship with hip-hop and music. It's also said to be a love ballad to Zelda from "Pet Semetary," who dies from spinal meningitis. Remember when music had this many layers? In the words of Cage, "Enjoy kiddies!"

Revisiting an Old Playlist

Diggin' through the crates tonight, curating a golden era vibe in the crib. It started with some Gang Starr, Nas, and Mobb Deep, then went deeper underground to some Adagio!, Natural Elements, Troubleneck Brothers and more. It reminded me to 1) update this site more (I know!) and 2) that I did create a playlist a while back that no one probably ever heard, lol. So, I pulled it up and sure enough: Natural Elements, M.O.P., Troubleneck Brothers, Noreaga, Nas, Big Pun, Gang Starr, Phife, The Whooliganz, Real Live, Cormega & more ... More or less, I come back to a lot of the same artists over time, even if the songs from said artists change up. If you're 1 of the 190 plays on the playlist, props to you, lol ... otherwise, give it a listen. There are some other playlists on this site, click the tags & I'll start making some more ... comment if you want obscure, themed or more current.

Black Thought "Streams of Thought, Vol.1" EP (Album Stream)

With Black Thought of The Roots going up to Funk Flex recently, he lit a spark and opened the eyes of countless new fans - his freestyle was unquestionably a viral moment. Regrettably, he dropped his collaborative project ("Streams of Thought Vol.1") with 9th Wonder & The Soul Council amidst the beef between Drake & Pusha T, not to mention the same day as Kanye dropped his project (I don't even know the title of it). Bar for bar, Black Thought is your favorite rapper's favorite rapper and everyone knows it. I salute Method Man for trading verses with Thought up at Sway In The Morning, that was another viral moment to a lesser degree. 'Streams of Thought Vol.1' is Thought's debut EP and will be first in a series of 3, which features Rapsody, Styles P & more. He adds, “None of this is my solo album. It’s just a chance to see me in a different light doing a different thing.”

Pusha T "The Story of Adidon" (Drake Diss)

"Since you name-dropped my fiancée

Let 'em know who you chose as your Beyoncé

Sophie knows better as your baby mother

Cleaned her up for IG, but the stench is on her

A baby's involved, it's deeper than rap

We talkin' character, let me keep with the facts

You are hiding a child, let that boy come home

Deadbeat mothafucka playin' border patrol, ooh"

A signature "Yuugh!" from Pusha T on this whole "Story of Adidon" track, no question! I'm not above being petty, for sure, or else I wouldn't even post this audio, but the questions a beef like this raises are more important than the beef itself. Rules? Boundaries? Codes? Now, as layered an MC as Pusha T is, I suspect he only went low because he knows more than we do, or else he wouldn't take these shots at 40; he's above that ... no? So, while I won't post about it again (unless another great track accompanies it), we're gonna see it play out live. Maybe questions will be answered, because, ya know, Hip-Hop is still young; we're learning as we're going. This may end up as a blueprint for beef moving forward. At least for mainstream artists that try to use their celebrity. Again ... "Yuugh!" Read the room and walk away, Drake. Photo courtesy of Purple PR. Listen below...

Wyclef Jean "The Carnival" (Classic Material, XXL)

Perhaps an interesting choice to touch on Wyclef's debut here, but listen ... I have very fond memories of the Fugees' smash 'The Score' and even Salaam's portion of 'Blunted on Reality.' When the summer of '97 hit, it was Wyclef's 'The Carnival' - not the whole album, but definitely the front end of the project got a ton of burn. The production on "Apocalypse" and the crossover anthem "Guantanamera" gave me lots to discuss with the Cuban family I was staying with while working a night job in Manhattan between semesters in college. You can't deny Clef's talent as a "writer, instrumentalist, producer and mastermind behind the group's (The Fugees) sound." Sure enough, the album went double platinum, and even if "Gone Til November" and "We're Trying to Stay Alive" weren't MY favorite tracks on the album, he had a fresh blueprint and "if an immigrant kid from Haiti can become an international superstar responsible for two classics, then anything can happen." Word. Read more below and salute to Salaam Remi and Warren Riker for the incredible mixing and mastering on the project. Much love to L Boogie. Enjoy the video to "Guantanamera" below... 

Benny The Butcher "A Friend Of Ours" (Album Stream)

Following his debut Butcher On Steroids through Griselda Records, Benny brings some of the usual suspects with him for his latest release, A Friend Of Ours. Guest features include 38 Spesh, El Camino, Dark Lo, Skyzoo and Dufflebag Hottie. Production comes from Rick Hyde, Chup, DJ Shay, and Marc Spano. Benny keeps in line with his Mafia inspirations by using cover art from The Sopranos, as well as the 1997 film Donnie Brasco as the source of the album's title and opening skit. Listen...