De La Soul "3 Feet High & Rising" (30th Anniversary Mix)

"On March 3rd 1989, De La Soul released their critically acclaimed debut album and Hip Hop music changed forever. At a time when samples of James Brown and breakbeat staples ruled supreme, De La Soul production partner Prince Paul cast the net far wider, snatching up snippets of vintage Soul, Rock n Roll, Disco, Spoken Word and children's records to create a collage the likes of which had not been heard before. Lyrically, the album married zany humor, real life observations and social commentary. Released less than a year after NWA's ground breaking 'Straight Outta Compton' and Public Enemy's politically charged opus 'It Takes A Nation of Millions', '3 Feet High and Rising' offered a light hearted counterpoint to harder edged sounds emerging on both coasts. In celebration of the 30th Anniversary of this classic LP, we've teamed up with Wax Poetics to present an exclusive mixtape of album tracks, sample material, alt versions, interview snippets and more, mixed by Chris Read." Disclaimer: the release date for this De La Soul classic has been an ongoing debate for some years now. Unfortunately, I do not have a definitive answer, but sources suggest that the release was closer to the end of January, 1989. Regardless of it's release date, it was a groundbreaking album and should be celebrated, so props to Chris Read and WhoSampled for their great work.

Wax Poetics · De La Soul '3 Feet High and Rising' 30th Anniversary Mixtape mixed by Chris Read

Smif-N-Wessun "The All" (Album Stream)

Smif-N-Wessun, the duo of Tek & Steele, return with their 7th studio album, ‘The All,’ entirely produced by 9th Wonder & The Soul Council. Known for their hardcore lyrical content, The PNC Boyz represent their Brooklyn roots going bar-for-bar offering deep jewels of knowledge and wisdom. The All features guest appearances from Raekwon, Rick Ross, Musiq Soulchild, Rapsody, GQ, Heather Victoria and more. The 9th Wonder x Boot Camp Clik projects are always solid, listen below...

DJ Stresh "SP-1200 Masters" (Mix)

DJ Stresh's "SP-1200 Masters" mix is dedicated to the legendary SP-1200 drum machine and to all the masters who made it famous with classics by Pete Rock, Larg Professor, Grap Luva, Lord Finesse, Kutmasta Kurt, Q-Tip, KRS-One, Buckwild, Easy Mo Bee and more! The SP-1200 is strongly associated with Hip-Hop's golden era. Its ability to construct the bulk of a song within one piece of portable gear, a first for the industry, reduced studio costs and increased creative control for hip-hop artists. Listen below to DJ Stresh's dope mix for classics with O.C., Reflection Eternal, Craig Mack, Rakim, Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Dilated Peoples, Smif-N-Wessun and lots more. Dig into it...

Jett I Masstyr "I Know God He Chops Like This" (Maxi-Single)

I Know God and He Chops Like This - the new single from Jett I Masstyr, featuring A-Side 'Knowledge God' and B-Side 'Chops Drop'. This is a quick 2-piece release with precise sample chops, live instrumentation, and hard drums. Houston producer Jett I Masstyr was born in 1982 and started making beats in 2004 - he hasn't stopped since! He loves Star Wars, hence the name. I don't post many singles, but "Knowledge God" had me open, so I had to share it with y'all! I wish I had more information to share, I'll have to go back and dig into his back catalog! Meantime, listen below...

The House List Podcast "Breeze Brewin Episode"

Another great episode of the House List Podcast, hosted by Peter Agoston. The latest guest is an OG of mine and one of my all-time favorite MCs, Breeze Brewin of the Juggaknots. "Breezly Brewin hasn't really had a long form interview like this on record, so it was fantastic to hear about his life and his journey into music. Now, a full time school teacher, Breeze grew up in the Bronx. We talk a lot about his childhood, playing basketball and how (like a few other of our most epic talks) Pete Nice helped him early on in his career. The Juggaknots (his group with brother, and sister) never really get their proper due, so I truly enjoyed digging our heels into the writing process of their seminal 1996 debut. The guy is extremely talented as a song / poem writer. Hope you enjoy this one and please subscribe and share feely." Listen to the full interview with my brother Breeze below...

Prince Paul "A Prince Among Thieves" (Spin, 9/99)

"Long after he helped introduce the hip-hop skit during his trailblazing work with De La Soul on 3 Feet High and Rising, producer "Prince Paul" Huston created the most ambitious narrative effort of the hip-hop era: an album-length drama recounting the tragicomic travails of an up-and-coming MC and his brutal introduction to the music industry. The soundtrack to an as-yet unfilmed movie, A Prince Among Thieves also succeeds as a collection of memorable Old School-flavored tunes. Says hip-hop producer Dan "The Automator" Nakamura, "It's the first record I've ever heard that reminds me of the little Superman records I had as a kid, where it would beep and you'd turn the page." Today, on its 20th anniversary, check out the original samples, provided by VinRican, cont'd...

"While Prince boasts a supporting cast that includes Big Daddy Kane, Everlast, and Kool Keith (who took the Method-acting approach to his part as a weapons dealer, arriving at the studio armed with gun magazines), there was one performer Paul coveted but was unable to secure: Vanilla Ice. "I called up his manager," Paul says, "and he was, like, 'Oh, sounds great,' and then never called me back. I would have given Ice a real dope rhyme over an incredible beat ... so that people would have thought he was actually really, really good." Later, when Paul watched Ice spin his tale of woe on VH1's Behind The Music, he couldn't help but laugh. "Man, come on, it wasn't that pitiful - I was trying to give him work." - Spin, September 1999. Revisit this CLASSIC, conceptual album!

Clear Soul Forces "Still" (Album Stream)

"Nearly four years and a number of solo projects later, Detroit’s Clear Soul Forces are back with their most impressive release to date. "Still" is what happens when four proven artists continue to hone their craft and find their collective flow. At 11 tracks deep, this album eschews trends and instead provides timeless, straight-up dope Hip-Hop. Speaking on why Still sounds so organic and cohesively produced, group member Noveliss says, “Everyone’s growth has made the creative process easier... Now, we and the world know what’s up, and it’s all about bouncing off each other and being a unit on every song.” That sense of true teamwork and partnership is heard and felt on each track, from the neck-snapping opening track through to album closer that serves up a wild burner-to-banger beat-switch. Still is golden era Boom bap for the modern age, and it’s delivered through a lens that’s wholly unique to CSF. It’s also one of integrity, because there’s no fluff or superficial window dressing here—simply some of the best hip-hop you’ll hear this year." Listen...

The House List Podcast "Group Home Episode"

For the latest episode of the House List podcast, Peter Agoston sits down with the Gang Starr Foundation's Group Home. "Group Home's debut album Livin' Proof is an impenetrable piece of street art. From DJ Premier's production, Danny Hasting's photographic layout to the gruff and honest vocals by Lil Dap and Melachi The Nutcracker. It isn't their only album though, I truly enjoy revisiting 1999's A Tear For The Ghetto as well. Last year they dropped the LP Forever and off the record, I know they have some big stuff coming soon. This is the last convo recorded at my old Brooklyn apt / studio. Hope you enjoy, please subscribe and spread the word." Listen to it below...

Natural Elements "NE Definitely" (Mixed by Bad Cop)

UK's Bad Cop presents a Natural Elements mix called "NE Definitely," which originally hit the web back in 2013. It's a 26-track non-stop mix, with posse cuts, solo joints, and miscellaneous cuts from affiliated artists. The core members of Natural Elements are A-Butta, L-Swift, & Mr. Voodoo, along with the producer, Charlemagne, but you'll see additional tracks from Nightbreed (KA & Oddbrawl The Lyrical Juggernaut), 2Face (A-Butta & L-Swift), and Raidermen (G-Blass & Stex). A nice mix to get you familiar with the NE crew, or remind you what the underground scene was like in New York back in the 90s. Props to A-Butta, always good peoples. Stream the Natural Elements mix below...

Eric B. & Rakim "Lyrics Of Fury" (1988)

There is no secret to their success -- it's about nothing but talent. Eric B. grew up in Elmhurst, Queens, New York loving basketball and music. He played trumpet and guitar as a youth and then graduated to the turntables when rap first surfaced in the late 70s. By 1985 Eric was good enough to work as a mobile deejay for urban contemporary giant WBLS - New York. It was at BLS that Eric met Marley Marl, the on-air mixer for "Mr. Magic's Rap Attack." Rakim himself was born William Griffin in Brooklyn. He grew up in Wyandanch, Long Island, one of five kids in a musical family and the nephew of early rock'n'roll immortal Ruth Brown. An honor roll student, Rakim was writing rhymes and rapping from the time he was a seventh grader. He and Eric met and clicked right away. "We made a promise that our music had to be positive, strong, and different," remembers Rakim, whose interest in Islam is reflected in his stage name. "And I think we've kept our promise." - via Press Kit / Bio. Perhaps not looked at as their most popular track, but "Lyrics Of Fury" on "Follow The Leader" is widely considered one of the greatest expressions of lyrical exercise, and my favorite track off their "Follow The Leader" album in 1988. Lyrics and audio below.

"I haunt if you want the style I possess
I bless the child, the earth, the gods and bomb the rest
For those that envy an MC, it can be Hazardous to your health so be friendly
A matter of life and death, just like a Etch A Sketch
Shake 'til you're clear, make it disappear, make the next
After the ceremony, let the rhyme rest in peace"

Jaguar Skills "College Donuts" (Mini-Mix)

Jaguar Skills brings us this short tribute mix to Kanye West and J Dilla entitled College Donuts. The 12-minute mix features Kanye West's vocals over various Dilla instrumentals and other beats from the late great, James Yancey. If you've been around the music scene, the name Jaguar Skills should already be familiar to you, but with countless mixes and genre-bending influences, he's definitely a DJ I respect and check for, so dig into another of his creative mixes and enjoy the sounds below...

A Tribe Called Quest "Scenario" (Live in 1992)

I mentioned the Scenario remix just the other day, got me thinking back to Tribe and Phife, of course, rest in peace. Then, I was on YouTube and because I mentioned it here, Google remembers everything (suspect!) and it suggested a live video of A Tribe Called & Quest and Leaders of the New School up at the Arsenio Hall Show in '92. Gotta appreciate all that Arsenio Hall did to broadcast Hip-Hop to a national crowd, and peep the CD longbox he's holding? Geez, I hated those things back in the day, but now I wish I had more of them, just for the unique versions of the artwork. In the interview after the live performance, Arsenio asks, "We've got problems in this country: riots here, economy problems everywhere, drugs, education, what would you like to say to the youth of America, 'cuz they need to hear positive things..." Ali Shaheed Muhammad says, "As far as those who have turned 18 years old, A Tribe Called Quest suggests that you go out there and register to vote, and that's real. That's your voice. As far as those under 18, stay in school, study, for real - it's a big game you have to learn to play. Definitely." I wish I could say times have changed. They also discuss the relationship between the title "The Low End Theory" and 808s, as well as changing stereotypes for how people look at the black youth in America. Check it all out below...

Stop The Violence: Overcoming Self Destruction (Documentary, 1990)

The Stop The Violence Movement was a collection of rap artists and record industry figures who joined together to celebrate music and preach against the evil of Black-on-Black crime.  First came the gold 12", "Self-Destruction" on Jive Records. Then the book, "Overcoming Self-Destruction", published by Pantheon Books. The third stage of the Stop The Violence Movement was this home video, which documents the activities of this non-profit organization. KRS-ONE, M.C. Lyte, Daddy-0, M.C. Delite, Wise, Fruit-Kwan, M'tume, Ms. Melodie, D-Nice, Kool Moe Dee, Just Ice, Chuck D, Flavor Flay, Doug E. Fresh,Heavy D, Young MC, Oran "Juice" Jones, Tone Loc and Big Daddy Kane are among the many artists who appeared on this long-form video. Also includes the video "Self-Destruction" by the Stop The Violence Movement. Directed by Ralph McDaniels. Produced by Sabrina Gray for Classic Concepts. Executive Producers: Nelson George and Tokyo Rose. Props to the Reelback channel for sharing. Check out the video below, it's roughly 56 minutes long.

Continue to support the Stop the Violence Movement.

The Fugees "Blunted On Reality" (Press Kit, 1993)

Defying all classifications, the Fugees (Pras, Clef, and Lauryn) are bringing a totally fresh perspective to hip-hop: one that's as intellectual as it is musical. Blunted On Reality, the Fugees' furious debut album, will undoubtedly get the group where they want to go, despite where they've come from. Chronicling the experiences of Pras and Clef - young Haitians in an America that set them as "refugees" - the Fugees use the 12 tracks of their album to give their side of the story in terms both specific and universal. Blunted On Reality is the story of anyone who's ever sought refuge. "We're all refugees," Pras points out. "We all seek refuge in our minds," philosophizes Clef. "We all want to escape somewhere, we're all really immigrants because we're trying to get somewhere and never end up there." These three drug-free MCs have discovered that music and life itself has the power to intoxicate and therein lies the meaning of the title, Blunted On Reality. Their self-produced LP vigorously combines elements of reggae, rock, funk, and a complex East Coast production ethic giving the Fugees sound the kind of depth that pushes East Coast rap into a whole other dimension. The Fugees cop to a surprising range of musical influences, citing Bob Marley, Phil Collins, Guns & Roses, the Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Thelonius Monk, Pink Floyd, and Elton John among the strains of sound that somehow seep into their complex musical mix. - via Press Kit.

The Big Picture "15 Classic Big L Freestyles" (2014)

"On February 15th, 1999, Harlem rapper Big L (aka Lamont Coleman) was tragically gunned down in the same neighborhood that he consistently repped in his rhymes. His murder came at a time when he had one of the most-talked about singles out, “Ebonics,” his D.I.T.C. crew was making major noise with posse cuts like “Day One,”and his mixtape and radio freestyles were scorching in the streets, which all led to his sophomore album being one of the most anticipated projects by a New York MC to drop. There were even rumors that he was signing to Roc-A-Fella Records, the hottest and most successful young label in the Big Apple at the time led by his rapper friend Jay Z. Unfortunately, his moment to shine at the next level never came to be. To celebrate Big L’s rap career today ... we thought to truly highlight the essence of Big L’s lyrical greatness, charisma, performance ability, and bottomless pit of bars, we’d round up 15 of his dopest radio, mixtape, and live freestyles (plus a few bonuses because that’s how we do), and put them all together in one mix for you to enjoy." - via NahRight and UpNorthTrips (2014), enjoy the mix below, and - of course - Rest peacefully, Big L!

KLIM Beats "Dusty Buttons" (Instrumental Album)

"Dusty Buttons," is the latest instrumental album from the very talented producer & composer from Kiev (Ukraine), Klim Beats! A blend of hard-hitting beats, with a bit more punchier feel to it this time. Hamburg's DJ C.S.P. is featured on the tracks, providing really sharp and precise scratching, which makes the project all the more fine-tuned. I caught a beat tape from Klim Beats some years back when I was in between projects with my artists, so there wasn't much I could do except enjoy listening to it, but I've been following and supporting his music ever since. Much respect to the international producers out there. Stream the project below & click through for more beats.

The Rub "Love Raps" (Valentine's Day Mix)

A special Valentine's mix via The Rub, "Love Raps." Don't be fooled, there are JOINTS! on this mix. For example, tracks by Meth & Mary J, Lost Boyz, Jay-Z, Outkast, Mos Def, Eve, Busta Rhymes, Fat Joe, Ed O.G., Eric B & Rakim, plus lots more. Their blurb: "Recorded live at House of Wax in Downtown Brooklyn, Love Rap is over two and a half hours of hip-hop love songs. From LL Cool J “I Need Love” (1987) to SZA and Travis Scott “Love Galore” (2017), this is the very best of rap romance and sexual braggadocio." I'm likely to skip over some of the more commercial, new records, but I fault them none for including them to celebrate their diverse taste in music (and audience)! Listen below...

Kurious "A Constipated Monkey" Press Kit/Bio

Staring down hip-hop's tiresome faddishness, Pete Nice's Hoppoh Records & Bobbito Garcia's Hit U Off Management offer up the perfect antidote: a new kinda rapper who calls himself Kurious. With "A Constipated Monkey" -- his 12 song debut album -- Kurious embarks on an illuminated journey into the center of his schizoid universe all set to a soundtrack of dope beats and fluid musical snippets courtesy of fellow Latin hip-hop artists, The Beatnuts & Stimulated Dummies. As inquisitive as his cartoon namesake, Kurious trades in reality -- not hardcore gangsta caricatures -- and finds a bizarre universe hidden in the tiny details and humorous mishaps that make up everyday life. His down-to-earth lyrics and slicing rhyming skills have earned Kurious the most precious of rap commodities: respect from the New York hip-hop community from which he sprang. "The key to my whole deal," says Kurious, "is that it's natural, I'm not trying to prove any point. I never brag about having money 'cause I don't have any." But never mind the disclaimer, the main weapon in the Kurious arsenal is his razor-sharp wit. - via Kurious' Hoppah Records promotional press kit. Unappreciated!

Recommended Reading: "Go Ahead In The Rain"

This is the 3rd book by Hanif Abdurraqib. It is a love letter to a group, a sound, and an era. It is called "Go Ahead In The Rain: Notes To A Tribe Called Quest." To be 100% honest, at the time of this post, I have not yet read this book. However, it is #1 on my Amazon shopping list and I've heard nothing short of amazing reviews by people I respect and thus, I absolutely consider this recommended reading. In Chapter 2, "Once Upon a Time In Queens," Abdurraqib says "...the first bits of hip-hop were born out of DJs breaking apart funk and disco beats and relegating every other sound to a graveyard until all that was left was the percussion, cut up into small, danceable portions for the people in the audience to sweat to." And so it goes... help me find my way. You can and should order the book HERE! If you've read it, drop a comment or hit me with YOUR feedback.

Sean Price x Small Professor "86 Witness" (Album Stream)

Several years in the making, the highly anticipated collaborative project from the late Sean Price (Rest In Peace) and producer Small Professor, '86 Witness,’ is here. The album features Rock of Heltah Skeltah, Guilty Simpson, Your Old Droog, AG Da Coroner, Illa Ghee, Reef the Lost Cauze, Curly Castro, Zilla Rocca, Rob Kelly, Quelle Chris, Elucid, Castle, and scratches by DJ Revolution throughout. Man, Hip-Hop as a whole misses the presence of Sean Price. R.I.P. Listen to it below...

STLNDRMS "Dig'Em Smacks" (Instrumental Album)

STLNDRMS (pronounced Stolen Drums) is a sample junkie, beat geek, crate digger and lots more from Atlanta, GA. This is his latest release, "Dig'em Smacks," an 11-track beat tape filled with tight chops, hard drums and plenty of headnod. My brother Supa put me up on STLNDRMS last year, even played me one joint that was flames! (I hope he recorded to it!). I've been tuned in since, and hope to post more, but for now, listen to "Dig'em Smacks" from this extremely talented producer.

People Under The Stairs "Sincerely, The P" (Album Stream)

After more than 20 years of hip-hop DIY, the People Under The Stairs have pulled into their last stop. It's a rare and bittersweet moment when a group can call the shots surrounding the end of their career. Thes One and Double K, the duo who make up People Under the Stairs, have been doing things on their own terms since their formation in '96. Maintaining a DIY work ethic, they produce, mix, handle booking and touring, market and promotion all by themselves. Despite the lack of mainstream or chart success throughout the two decades, PUTS have achieved and maintained praise and notoriety throughout their career, regularly selling out shows and maintaining a steady stream of top-tier releases. From their debut album The Next Step, PUTS has put in the blood, sweat, and tears that'll ensure their artistic legacy lasts for a long time. With Sincerely, the P, the duo stick to their tried-and-true strengths. Quick witted, cool-out lyrics blend seamlessly over the head-nodding tracks, with various callbacks to the group's previous albums. 15 tracks in all, released on Thes One's own label Piecelock 70. The end of a hip-hop era. Listen to their final LP below...

Ghostface Killah "Supreme Clientele" (Feb 8, 2000)

Championing the cause of Wu dominance, Supreme Clientele exemplifies Ghost's lyrical dexterity. While his thunderous light-speed delivery hasn't changed much, his jagged wordplay is at its zenith. One minute, he breaks down street survival tactics on "We Made It" (I ain't tryin' to waste my career on y'all / Even scuffle with you, waste gear on y'all / But if I got to go out / You know I'ma show out), then he takes you on a rough ride down memory lane as he reminisces about adolescent crushes on "Child's Play" (Pretty little Sally sat up by the tree trunk / She had an ass like Deborah Cox / Face like Lauryn / Waist like a coke bottle scorin'). Then there are those Ghostface-isms we love. Like on the muddy treat "One," where he brags about his "rhymes made of garlic" ... So will the Ironman & his clan ever decline? Ghost says it best: "You think I fell off the ledge / The legendary Ghost Dhini might be dead / Never!" - Vibe (April, 2000). 19 years later, and still a gem of an album!

DJ Skizz & Crimeapple "Wet Dirt" (Album Stream)

"Wet Dirt" is a collaborative album between producer DJ Skizz and ill wordsmith Crimeapple. "Led by “Pasteles,” the nine-track offering is chock-full of grimey beats and mud-bred rhymes that are sure to help you get through the final weeks of hoodie season." Props to 2DBZ for the heads-up on its release. I've been following Crimeapple since 2017's "Turner & Hooch," and the quality of his rhymes and beat selection remains on point.  I'm told there will be a vinyl release, perhaps cassette, via Daupe! Media, so keep it locked for that ... meanwhile, stream the "Wet Dirt" project below! 

Jazz Spastiks "DJ Premier Mix" (Mixtape)

The Jazz Spastiks are an Edinburgh, Scotland based producer/DJ duo. They've released several beat tapes and mixes, as well as landing numerous production credits over the years. Their jazzy hip-hop drum loops, cuts and vocal chops carry with it a sound reminiscent of the best days of hip-hop. Today's mix is a tribute to DJ Premier, featuring a mix of some of their favorite Premo-produced tracks: M.O.P., Gang Starr, Bahamadia, Jeru The Damaja, KRS-One, Group Home, Fat Joe, Gang Starr, Rakim, The Notorious B.I.G. and lots more, check it out below... and you can also download it HERE. 

38 Spesh "38 Strategies of Raw" (Album Stream)

I can't lie, I am not the biggest fan of Robert Greene's 48 Laws of Power and I haven't read The 33 Strategies of War - yet - but I can still appreciate Rochester's own 38 Spesh flippin' the concept for his last 11-track LP, 38 Stragies of Raw. The LP features guest appearances from Fred The Godson, Benny The Butcher, Che Noir, Klass Murda and Green Double. Solid 90s-influenced boombap production and hard lyrics, it's a simple blueprint that continues to work today - enjoy it below...

DJ Apollo "Reggae Dancehall Classics" (Mixtape)

This CD mixtape is the undisputed "classic" and is the first to kick off the Triple Threat mixtape series featuring classic reggae and dancehall anthems. Get ready to dance non-stop, as this one will make you press rewind over and over again. Featuring artists like Beenie Man, Capleton, Barrington Levy, Mad Lion, Sean Paul, Spragga Benz, Shaggy & Rayvon, Cutty Ranks, Nardo Ranks, Barrington Levy, Buju Banton, Mad Cobra, Johnny Osbourne, Yami Bolo and dozens more! Hear the mix below...

HouseShoes "Magic 2018 Wrap-Up (Non Rap)" (Mix)

"Wrapping up 2018 with my favorite non-rap shit from beats to soul to jazz from around the globe," says Houseshoes. I think the days of "tastemakers" are long gone (for the most part) but for those who have been around long enough, there are still people in the industry who are human algorithms; they weed through all the music out there to bring us the best of the best in their niche. Houseshoes has certainly earned his spot with his unique ear, connections and due diligence. With that said, here's his mix of tunes featuring the likes of Drugs Beats, Black Milk, DJ Spinna, Stro Elliot, Ghost McGrady, Tall Black Guy, John Coltrane, Kamasi Washington, and lots more. Dig in below...

Jay-Z "Decoded" x Bing Marketing Campaign

When people ask what I'd do if a label ever "opened the budget" for marketing and promo, I kinda just laugh (as we should with purely hypothetical questions like that, lol) ... but in the back of my mind, I think about Jay-Z's "Decoded" marketing campaign, which also launched Bing. Do you remember it? I do and luckily YouTube never forgets neither, so here are some of the visuals and backstory of one of my favorite campaigns... ever. Bing allegedly received over 1.2 billion impressions within the time the advertisement went up. Hov's book stayed on the New York Times Best-Seller list for 19 weeks at #3 and grew his social media following by over 1 million. It's also rumored the budget was nearly 100M, but don't quote me on that. Really, watch this short, 3-min clip below...

The Legion "Three The Bronx Way" (Album Stream)

Hailing from hip-hop’s birthplace, The Bronx, NY, The Legion are back to solidify their already-storied legacy. Molecules, Dice Man and Chucky Smash once again combine forces to deliver their BX slick talk over Cules’ gritty tracks. They enlist the help of fellow artist Dres (Black Sheep) as well as Sadat X (Brand Nubian) and embark on a journey to further uphold the sound that the BX made popular some 40 something years ago. Traditional sounds with beats and cuts included below...

The Juggaknots x DJ Boo "Mega-Mix"

When people ask me to give my 'Top 5', I let out a grunt ... why? ... because it's such a loaded question. It's usually asked by trolls or people that just wanna hear themselves rattle off a list of their own. I think it's one of the reasons so many people default to Nas, Rakim, Jay-Z, Biggie and 2Pac. Safe bets, right? Hard to argue with those LEGENDS. Well, how about a list that has Breeze Brewin, Pharaohe Monch & Black Thought in it too (to name a few)? Is that too "backpack" for you? Well, I stand by those MCs and I'm always excited to hear new - or throwback - music from them. Technically, I just find them to be superb lyricists and it'd be hard to find an artist that could disagree with me. I watched Breeze come up in the NYC underground scene, not to mention at Fat Beats, and in some of the hottest, dustiest venues we had. His vocal tones, flow, wordplay and message are all top tier. Sometimes it saddens me that we don't go more new music from Breeze, but then when we do, it does feel like a holiday; much the same as 3 stacks but on a niche level, lol. Whether it was "Dear Autumn," the "Control" verse, Pessimistic Personal Trainer or features with Marco and others; it comes in drips, but it's always high quality, non-disposable music. I could go on, but let's get into this Megamix from the Juggs, put together by my long-time homie and also Fat Beats alumni, DJ Boo! Big ups to Kev Fever and Queen Herawin as well; a family affair! #ILoveJuggs