DJ Muggs & Crimeapple "Medallo" (Album Stream)

Welcome to Medallo. Fresh off releasing his Dia Del Asesinato album and dropping quality projects with Roc Marciano (KAOS), Mach-Hommy (Tuez-Les Tous), Eto (Hell’s Roof), and a couple others, DJ Muggs has now teamed up with NY spitter CRIMEAPPLE (who released Wet Dirt earlier this year) for a joint album called Medallo. Recorded in Colombia (of course) this past February, the album checks in at 12 tracks with features from Conway and Primo Profit. - via 2DBZ. Listen to it below...

D.R.U.G.S Beats "Vinyl Frontier" (Beat Tape)

Damn, D.R.U.G.S Beats put his foot in this Vinyl Frontier Beat Tape. 22-minutes long and pure fire! Like many fans, I first heard D.R.U.G.S on House Shoes' Street Corner Music with his instrumental release, The Gift. My artist, Supastition, has always kept him in high regard too, which means I keep an eye out for his releases, too. As a now-Grammy nominated producer - thanks to his work on Dr. Dre's Compton album - it's dope that we still get these random beat tape drops. After a decade producing, I'm sure working on his MPC is as natural as breathing. Enjoy his latest beat tape below...

Supastition "Sacrifice EP" (EP Stream)

After taking a long hiatus after the release of Gold Standard and a strenuous 60+ city U.S. tour, Supastition returns with the self-produced Sacrifice EP. The project features guest appearances from Blueprint and Yamin Semali as well as scratches from DMC Germany champion DJ Robert Smith. The project speaks on everything from learning to sacrifice your own dreams for the betterment of your family to the negative effects of attention and social media. Of course, there's some bars on here too! All songs were written, arranged, recorded, and produced by Supastition. Graphic design is handled by the artist himself. In March 2019, Supastition’s wife was unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer. All proceeds from this release will help to cover the medical costs and other expenses accrued during the surgeries and hospital stay. If there's ever been a Supastition music release that needs your support then this would be the one. Your support would greatly be appreciated. For t-shirts, hats and limited edition physical CDs, click HERE. Listen to the EP below...

GodBlessBeatz "Slime Stew" (Album Stream)

Godbless Beatz whipped up an eccelectic blend of hip hop on his latest installment titled Slime Stew. Every joint is an absolute banger on this project. He recruited an arsenal of underground heavy hitters to add just the right flavor. He cooked up some grimy menacing boom bap melodies. The project features Ras Kass, Benny The Butcher, Flee Lord, Sully Nomad, Primo Jab, Vic Spencer , Ralphiie Reese, Liym Capital, A. Flip and Born Unique. Boisterous beats accompanied by brazen bravado barbaric lyricism. The album is on repeat. Boom bap enthusiasts this is worth adding to your collection. Get your serving of Slime Stew. - via WeeklyRapGods. Dig into the album below...

DJ Mike Nice "Built To Last" (Mixtape)

Peace to the homie, DJ Mike Nice. Back when I had my oldest blog, Mike Nice would always reach out with the super rare, unreleased tracks and demo cuts to build about. You'd know him from Upstairs Records or if you've heard a rare demo or unreleased joint, he's probably behind it being unearthed and hearing the story behind it. I saw this mix tape years back through The Digger's Union - naturally, it was the tracklist that caught my eye... It's got demos and freestyles from artists like Mobb Deep, The Notorious B.I.G., Cypress Hill, Ghostface Killah, Nas, Jay-Z, 2Pac, The Alkaholiks, Mic Geronimo, Slick Rick, Grand Puba, Akinyele, Kool G Rap, Ei8trak, Sheek, Lord Finesse, EPMD, Method Man, Raekwon, Big L, Rakim, Biz Markie and lots more. Unfortunately, I don't know much else about it - I don't have the original art or release date, but better late than never.

EL Maryacho "Planting Seeds" (Album Stream)

This is Swiss producer EL Maryacho's Planting Seeds album. I'd posted about his beat tape That's Soul a month or two ago, and even then, I had very little information to go from. With this latest release, we're told that, "This album includes songs from 5 different releases, fully produced by EL Maryacho." With 10 tracks in total, Nowaah The Flood, Estee Nack, Recognize Ali, Ice Lord, and Al.Divino rhyme over the beats - with a few instrumentals thrown in to round out the album. It's dope, so listen below and hopefully more info to share will be released with future projects. 

Book Of Rhymes Podcast: Mic Geronimo (Episode 8)

Book of Rhymes is a brand new podcast, hosted by Donwill of Tanya Morgan and executive produced by Classic Material and Mika. After successful episodes with Black Moon, Smif-N-Wessun, Benny The Butcher, Marco Polo & Masta Ace, Pharoahe Monch and more, the Book of Rhymes podcast is back with episode 8 featuring Flushing Queens' own, Mic Geronimo. Listen as Donwill speaks to Mic about growing up in Queens with Large Professor, how he got his name, how he started rhyming, and DMX and Jay-Z's beef on his record 'Time to Build'. Enjoy the podcast below...

Reckonize Real "Bridges & Tunnels" (Album Stream)

Following the release of last years collaboration LP with Guilty Simpson, producer Reckonize Real started building on a concept sparked by an unreleased bonus track the pair had recorded. Connecting with lyricists around the country to represent their respective cities over tailored beats that bridge the gap between them. Bridges & Tunnels does just that with songs about harsh surroundings, vivid interactions and social issues told by talent from across the country including Guilty Simpson (Detroit), Blu (Los Angeles), Rasheed Chappell (New Jersey), The Bad Seed (Brooklyn), Nowaah The Flood (Dallas), Jamal Gasol (Niagara Falls), Teek Hall (Detroit), Mayhem of EMS (Boston), Paranom (Massachusetts), Junclassic (Jamaca, Queens), Vic Monroe (Chicago), Glad2Mecha (Arizona) and Antonia Marquee (Ohio). Stream Reckonize Real's production album Bridges & Tunnels below...

38 Spesh x Big Ghost Ltd "A Bullet For Every Heathen" (Stream)

Big Ghost Ltd. aka The Mighty Hands of Zeus went from an outspoken music critic writing for respected blogs to being one of the most consistent Hip-Hop producers of the last 3 years. 38 Spesh has been grinding in the game for more than a decade, but it’s the collab albums he’s dropped in the last three years that have made him one of the most buzzing emcees in this new era of hardcore Hip-Hop. So, with both artists having similar trajectories and an affinity for collaboration, it was only a matter of time before they linked for something monumental. The two have put together an offering titled "A Bullet For Every Heathen" that has all the trappings of a classic: a rich, cohesive sound, evocative rhymes…and Lukey Cage talking his shit. There’s even contributions from the UK’s finest as SonnyJim co-produces “Master Your High,” and Giallo Point does the scratches on “Black Moses” and “Extendos.” And, of course, the guest line-up is largely Spesh’s Trust Comes First family, which includes The Queen of Upstate, Che Noir, hook specialist Klass Murda, and lyrical pugilist Black Geez. The only other features are extended fam from Rochester, Eto and Street Justice. Listen below and look out for more from 38 Spesh and Big Ghost real soon.

Killa Kidz "In The Mental" (Demos EP)

The owner of Chopped Herring Records says, "So, True Force aka Tirrell (Killa Kidz old manager and exec producer) hits me and says “Bob, I found more DATs!!!”. “No shit?” I said. And then the files started to come. Multiple versions and recordings of unheard and unreleased material from the early days of Queensbridge’s dopest undercover crew. Included was the 1995 bomb and first ever group recording “In The Mental”, the title of this excellent follow up to 2013’s “1996-1997 Phenomenon EP” on Chopped Herring. In total we received 7 joints from 1995-1997 off the original studio DAT’s. There are only 350 copies pressed, so try to get ya'self one, ASAP. Hit up the tags for more information about the Killa Kidz, and as always, R.I.P. Killa Sha! Listen to the snippets below.

Anti-Lilly & Phoniks "That's The World" (Album Stream)

"That's The World" from Houston emcee Anti-Lilly and Portland, Maine producer Phoniks is the third installment of their hip-hop trilogy which featured 2014's "Stories From The Brass Section" and 2017's "It's Nice Outside". After going from exchanging beats over email in 2014 to now touring the world together the chemistry between the two has never been more evident than on their latest release. Once again Anti-Lilly is laying his therapy sessions on record, speaking on his substance abuse, trust issues, relationships and coping with his parents divorce. But despite the negativity he touches on, the young Houston poet embraces the duality of life—taking the good with the bad and trying to find a ray of light in dark times. His outer pressures help craft the jewels he lays over Phoniks jazzy production as he showcases his mature, honest perspective across the albums 12 tracks. “Peace family, I just wanted to take the time to dedicate this album to you... This album is inspired by one of my closest friends who inspires me. This album is built off of my entire life experience to this point. Thank you for your patience with me, God Bless.” - Anti-Lilly. Listen below...

Cam'ron "Who Is Cam'ron" (Press Kit, 1998)

"Cam'ron introduced himself to the public via the savage single "3-5-7," b/w "Pull It" (featuring DMX), a track from Untertainment's Woo Soundtrack album. He began recording Confessions of Fire late last year and reflects, "the first few months were hard for me because I wasn't used to writing in the studio. But after a while I got used to the schedule and I was in there almost every day for about eight months. Once you feel you're making one hot joint after another, the confidence and your output goes way up." Confessions of Fire begins with Cam'ron being led through a jungle swampland filled with eerie howls and ghostly screams into a promised land where money and success are there for the taking. What follows is a sonic theater portraying the life and good/bad times of Cam'ron and thousands of street kids just like him. The album depicts all the pain, glory, fear and triumphs found in all inner cities today." Check out the video to "3-5-7," cont'd below...

"The tracks come fast and furious. From the fearful intro, Cam'ron immediately goes into "Glory," the tracks victorious horns perfectly illustrating the range of emotions found in Cam's life story. The fast and furious "3-5-7" loops the theme from classic TV's "Magnum P.I." and it's lyrics match the hectic feel of a chase scene. Another jam, "D-rugs," personifies addiction by making it a neglectful mother that chooses a tragic, cheating man over her children. "That's my favorite song, because it's a universal story," says Cam'ron. "Addiction is so common in America today; everyone can relate to it." Elsewhere on the album, Cam'ron continues to guide the listener through his life story, putting the curb on a relationship with his best friend's girl ("Wrong Ones"), flosses mack-style in a Caddy ("Pimp Is A Pimp"), and on one of the album's strongest tracks, negotiates for a longer life with the Grim Reaper ("Death"). Whether flashing guns or roses, Cam'ron represents several facets of life."

DJ Fly "The Golden Hip-Hop Mix" (Video Mixtape)

The gold 1200s!? Fire!! And so is this live mix from DMC World Champion, DJ Fly, from Lyon, France. At roughly an hour long, DJ Fly runs through a classic set of all-vinyl Golden Era Hip-Hop. LIVE! Artists included in the mix are Wu-Tang Clan, Group Home, Big L, Das EFX, Gang Starr, Mobb Deep, Capone-N-Noreaga, The Roots, 2Pac, Bahamadia, Nas, Xzibit, Pharoahe Monch, Method Man, GZA, Lords of the Underground, EPMD, Dead Prez, The Notorious B.I.G., Gravediggaz, Redman, Jeru The Damaja, Blahzay Blahzay, Craig Mack, Royal Flush, Reflection Eternal, KRS-One, Kool G Rap & DJ Polo, Ol' Dirty Bastard, LL Cool J, Naughty. By Nature, Lootpack, and more! A truly skilled technician, DJ Fly made this vinyl set equally as fun to watch as it is to listen to! Much respect to DJ Fly, and Lou Veho, who shot the video. YouTube might try to take it down, so make sure y'all watch it ASAP!

Nas "The Lost Tapes 2" (Album Stream)

The Lost Tapes is one of the most storied projects in Nas' CAREER. For over 15 years fans have been awaiting the follow up, Lost Tapes 2. This album is a full collection of Nas’ most personal and favorite records. The Lost Tapes 2 features unreleased tracks from Nas' last four studio albums, Hip Hop Is Dead (2006), Untitled (2008), Life Is Good (2012) and the album that he scrapped in favor of NASIR (2018). The project includes production from the RZA, Swizz Beatz, Pharrell, Kanye West, No I.D., Pete Rock, The Alchemist and more. If you click HERE, you can read the letter that was sent to Def Jam executives by Nas urging the label to put the project out for his fans and accusing them of mishandling the project and its budget. All these years later, it's finally here! Check it out below...

O.C. "The O-Zone Files: Rare Demos & Unreleased Tracks"

Massive collection of rare songs, unreleased demos, remixes, mixtape exclusives and freestyles from DITC’s own legendary O.C. With 7 solo and 6 collaborative albums under his belt, Mr. Omar Credle compiles some of his best but hard-to-find work including many classic recordings spanning from his first demo recordings in the early 90’s, all the way into his seasoned sounds during the early 00’s. Of course, all of his Diggin’ In The Crates cohorts pop up here including the late great Big L, along with his Organismz Crew (a la Organized Konfusion and Mr. Complex). With 51 tracks, this compilation is intended to quench the thirst of any die hard O.C. or DITC fan, and bring to light many sought-after cassette dubs that now have been digitally remastered. Listen to The O-Zone Files below...

Union Blak "Union Blak Friday" (Blak Gold Edition)

Birmingham based producer Sir Williams and New Jersey, Kentucky import, now London-based rapper Kimba have both been honing their crafts on the US and UK underground for some time, flying slightly below the radar which allowed them to cross paths via the internet in 2007. Through the digital underground tracks were passed back and forth and an instant chemistry was born between the two artists. Since 2007, they have been picking up great support across the board with heavy support on different platforms from the likes of De La Soul, Kiss FM''s Shortte Blitz, Chuck D of Public Enemy and across the BBC Radio Network from 1Xtra to Radio 1 and BBC London. Their debut project ''Union Blak Friday'' featured UK pioneers Blak Twang and DJ 279. It's thumping yet soulful. Full of beats, rhymes and life, void of any cliches. Recent comparisons have been made of them to the likes of Gangstarr, Pete Rock & CL Smooth and Slum Village. The project was originally released in 2014, but has now been reissued as the Blak Gold Edition, listen below via Bandcamp.

Run DMC "Raising Heck" (July 16, 1986)

In July of 1986, Run-DMC released their third album, Raising Hell, and thanks to their Aerosmith-assisted cover of "Walk This Way," they were on the way to becoming rap's first crossover stars. Darryl "DMC" McDaniels got a sense of the madness that lay ahead in the form of a couple of fresh-faced autograph seekers outside his Hollis, Queens home. DMC shares, "That's my house on 197th Street, my driveway, my brand-new '86 Caddy. I used to come home and find cars parked on my block, people who'd driven from Philly or D.C. or Baltimore to see if DMC really lived there. There would always be girls, fly girls, B-boys. But those kids? I mean, when I discovered Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa, I was 12. These kids are like, five, six, and eight. I knew everyone in a 50-block radius, but I'd never seen them before in my life. That look on my face is "Oh Shit!" - they're looking at me like I'm famous, like I'm a celebrity. Before that, if you asked me for an autograph, you were a hip-hop fan, looking to have a 12-inch or a 45 signed... This picture is the beginning of my greatness, but the end of my normalcy. After this, we made a movie, Krush Groove, and went on tour for Raising Hell, and by the time I came back, it was those kids' mothers and fathers and then white people and then people flying in from Germany. Then in '88, the crack epidemic hit Hollis and I started worrying about motherf#ckers coming to stick me up or hurting my mother and father, so we moved to Freeport, Long Island. But I'd still drive to Hollis every day to hang out in front of the pizza place on 203rd Street. Run lived on 205th and Jam Master Jay was on 203rd. It's a great memory. I've got my Adidas three-striped on. I'm fresh till death. - Spin (7/01).

Blu "Soul Amazing Part 8" (Mix)

Here's the 8th installment in the official Soul Amazing mixtape series by Blu, which showcases various feature verses he's done. If you're a fan like I am, you scoop up all the content from Blu and appreciate having these mixtapes in your collection. Volume 8 has verses that appeared on tracks with Nolan The Ninja, Blame One, Beatnick & K-Salaam, Smoze DZ, Klaus Layer, Declaime, Josh One, Cashus King, Planet Asia, Exile, John Robinson and lots more. Click the tags below for past releases.

DJ JS-1 & DJ Ody-Roc "Brainwash" (Mixtape, 2000)

DJ JS-1 shared his Brainwash mix tape with DJ Ody-Roc to his personal blog in 2010 with the following message, "This mix was done circa 1999/2000... It contains tons of hiphop songs, remixes, blends, scratches, originals, rock breaks and more.... It is 80 minutes of pure insanity!" I agree! Aside from original tracks and interludes from JS-1, there are cuts from Natural Elements, GZA, Jeru The Damaja, Pharoahe Monch, Canibus, Nas, Big L, Black Moon, Prodigy, Common, Rakim, Dr. Dre, N.W.A., The Notorious B.I.G., Rahzel, Kool G Rap, KRS-One, Mos Def, and more! Listen to JS-1's mix below...

Inspectah Deck "Champer No. 9" (Album Stream)

Inspectah Deck is one of the founding members of the legendary Wu-Tang Clan. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), 2019 has seen the re-emergence of Wu-Tang. From Good Morning America, to Jimmy Fallon, to ringing the bell at the stock exchange, Inspectah Deck and his crew have been busy. The veteran wordsmith has enjoyed a successful solo career as well. Going back to his ground breaking debut, Uncontrolled Substance, to The Movement, and Manifesto, Inspectah Deck isn’t afraid of stepping outside the box. He has achieved underground success and critical acclaim from his CZARFACE albums with 7L and Esoteric, including recent albums with DOOM and Ghostface, respectively. Now, the Shaolin MC is back with a banging new solo album titled, "Chamber No. 9" featuring Deck shining on the mic over some classic gritty production. Album guests include Cappadonna, Streetlife, and Hellfire. Production is handled by up and coming Danny Caiazzo and Boo Bundy. 'Chamber N0. 9' is certainly another brick in the wall for Deck and the Wu legacy. Get ready to enter a brand new chamber! Check it out below...

Little Brother "The Story Behind: The Listening" (Documentary)

Starting in a college dorm room by a group of North Carolina Central students in 2001, the Justus League collective and offshoot trio Little Brother defined the sound of Durham hip-hop for years to come, constructing a style altogether distinct from everything to the north and south. This level of innovation turned heads with some of hip-hop’s biggest names, and the members of Little Brother (9th Wonder, Big Pooh and Phonte) have gone on to work with superstars like Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Jay-Z, Dr. Dre and Questlove, who appears in the documentary. Through the use of extensive interviews with the group and never before seen archival footage, The Listening chronicles a key moment in Little Brother’s past and present: the creation of their first album. This is an important album, and I'm glad we get to hear the stories behind it and more. Tune in below...

Daniel Son & Futurewave "Yenaldaooshi" (Album Stream)

Daniel Son is back on the prowl with Futurewave for their latest full length chef up, “Yenaldooshi.” The Canadian emcee has been hard at work with people from all over the globe but manages to create the darkest and grittiest soundscapes when he gets with right hand man Futurewave. On this new endeavor the two recruit Rigz, Rob Gates, Ankhlejohn, Al Divino and Saipher Soze to jump on a few joints. With “Yenaldooshi,” Daniel Son appears to be unleashing the demons and darkness out of his system to create one legendary album. This is a top album for the year, dig into it below...

Book Of Rhymes Podcast: Pharoahe Monch (Episode 7)

Book of Rhymes is a brand new podcast, hosted by Donwill of Tanya Morgan and executive produced by Classic Material x Mika. After successful episodes with Black Moon, Smif-N-Wessun, Benny The Butcher, Marco Polo & Masta Ace and more, the Book of Rhymes podcast is back with episode 7 featuring Southside Queens' own, Pharoahe Monch of the legendary group Organized Konfusion. Listen as they dig into the background one of the greatest lyricists from Simply II Positive MCs to Organized Konfusion to solo material; building on writing techniques and lots more. 

Cousin Feo "Provoleta" (EP Stream)

Provoleta is the new EP from Los Angeles eMCee Cousin Feo. The EP is entirely produced by Dre Mendoza whose production is subtle but soulful with warm strings, synths and a boombap aesthetic. Along with the release, they shared the following info: "This latest project is an ode to the greatest footballers in Argentina and all the kids worldwide playing in the streets trying to make their way outta them. Supreme to all parties involved." The EP features Codenine, Panamanian Dro, Che Uno, Von Poe VII, Flashius Clayton, Lord Juco and 1-800-Call-$ol (quite an interesting name). I've been seeing this album all over my timeline; I had to finally take the time to listen. Dig in...

Percee P Trades Verses With Fat Joe & Eminem (Video)

Happy Born Day to the legendary veteran emcee; the Rhyme Inspector, Percee P. It's been many years since you'd catch Percee P outside of Fat Beats slingin' his CDs, but his hustle is the story of legends. People came from far and wide to cop his CDs and meet the man for a photograph and/or an autograph. I'm not sure of the exact year, but I'm sure most of you have already seen the footage... below is Percee P trading verses with Fat Joe and a young spitter named Eminem. The video was re-shared by Stones Throw Records to help hype Percee P's Perserverance album, but the original footage is from GeRard X and GETTO VIDEO. Another classic video is the infamous battle in 1989 between Percee P and Lord Finesse in the Patterson Projects (Bronx, NY). You can watch that battle HERE. I had the pleasure of interviewing Percee P several years back, hopefully I'll share parts of that interview on here one day, too. In the meantime, enjoy the video below. HBD!

DJ Craig G "Sneekin' Up On That Ass II" (Mixtape, 1995)

DJ Craig G returned with part 2 in his Sneekin' Up On That Ass mix tape series in 1995. Like the first release, part 2 packs a ton of classic material! You'll hear tracks from Junior M.A.F.I.A., Rakim, Smif-N-Wessun, Total, Mary J. Blige, Jemini The Gifted One, Mad Skillz, Soul For Real, Grand Puba, Raekwon, Ol' Dirty Bastard, The Notorious B.I.G., Das EFX, Mobb Deep, King Just, Onyx, Redman, Keith Murray, Special Ed, Crooklyn Dodgers, Doug E. Fresh, and lots more! Dig into the mix below...

UFO Fev & DJ J Hart "Émigrés" (EP Stream)

Emigre: a person who has left their own country to settle in another. This defines DJ J Hart, a French native who left his homeland in search of the purest form of hip hop NYC has to offer. After packing his equipment and hitting the road, Hart's journey led him to Spanish Harlem, NYC. Home of UFO Fev. The legendary Fat Joe has called him "the Spanish Nas," which is a heavy shadow. UFO Fev has been bubbling up the ranks as an emcee, now linking with J Hart to craft a fresh raw sound that captures the heartbeat of the underground as well as hints of Fev's charisma with cuts like, "Mr. Officer" & "Running It". Émigrés is a short, but really dope body of work. Listen to it below...

Ron G "What If..." (Mixtape, 1997)

Another Tape Kingz release, this one is from Ron G in 1998, with "What If..." The mix tape OG, Ron G, puts it down with records from Mase & Puff Daddy, The Firm, Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Rakim, 2Pac, A Tribe Called Quest, Wu-Tang Clan, Mic Vandals, Royal Flush (blend), Mic Geronimo, DMX, Canibus and a bit of filler towards the end of the mix tape. Ron G is at his best when he's blending hip-hop and R&B, so there's not much originality to this one, but he still comes widdit on What If. Dig into it below...

DJ Jazzy Jeff x Mick Boogie "Summertime Vol.10" (Mixtape)

We've reached the 10th anniversary of DJ Jazzy Jeff and Mick Boogie's classic mixtape series, Summertime! Each year they provide us with a soundtrack to the summer for our BBQs, pool parties and all our dopest social gatherings. This year, Volume 10 includes tracks from The Isley Brothers, D'Angelo, OutKast, The Eagles, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Mims, Commodores, Lil Jon, EPMD, 2Pac & Dr. Dre, Warren G, Grand Puba, Talib Kweli, Kanye West, Biz Markie, Nas, The Roots, Das EFX, Common, Father MC, Big Daddy Kane, Drake and lots more! Listen to classic mix below...

Royce Da 5'9 "Rock City" (Vibe, 2002)

Once Eminem was established, he moved quickly to set up his peoples (Detroit's D12 and Royce Da 5'9"). Whereas D12 piggybacked the bleached blond to a platinum plaque, Royce sets out to prove he can do it on his own. Well produced and well balanced, his solo debut relies on a solid, bass-heavy beat selection that defies coastal identification. Chanting over commanding tracks like his hometown anthem "Rock City" (on which Em lends a helping hand on the hook without upstaging Royce) and the DJ Premier-produced underground smash "Boom," Royce lets his wicked wordplay run wild with delightful results. He demonstrates his range, schooling his seed on the album's most emotional selection, the aptly titled "Life." Royce even shows love to Chicago's tightest (Twista) on the dark but bouncy "Let's Go." Topically, he sticks to gangsta staples plus some lighthearted concept rhymes like "My Friend," a clever tribute to his genitalia. Whether his debut will propel Royce to Em's stratospheric fame remains to be seen, but the album shows that da 5'9" is solid as a rock. - Vibe (April, 2002). Much respect to Royce, who is celebrating his born day today! Salute!! Listen below...

The full Rock City album review in Vibe (April, 2002) ...

Doo Wop "Cool Out '93" (Mixtape, 1993)

Takin' it back to 1993, this is Doo Wop's Tape Kingz release of Cool Out '93. Doo Wop digs in the crates for the relaxed R&B and soul vibes with this one. The tape features tracks from H-Town, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Intro, Deniece Williams, Marvin Gaye, Mtume, Rick James, The Gap Band, Chaka Khan, Teddy Pendergrass, SWV, O'Jays, and more. If you were diggin' Dirty Harry's Dirty Luv on Valentine's Day, then this mix tape is also for you. Catch the vibe, listen to the tape below...

DJ S&S "Get Your Swerve On '95" (Mixtape, 1995)

This is DJ S&S's Get Your Swerve On '95 mix tape. The A-Side is called the "Smooth Side," and features Raphael Saadiq, Total, Xscape, Monica, Mary J. Blige, Groove Theory, Brownstone, TLC, Blackstreet, Faith Evans, Da Brat, Montell Jordan and more. On the B-Side aka the "Rough Side," DJ S&S gets into tracks from Method Man & Redman, Das EFX, Junior M.A.F.I.A., Big L, Notorious B.I.G., Keith Murray, LL Cool J, Money Boss Players, Raekwon, KRS-One, Lost Boyz, Onyx and more! Another dope tape outta Brooklyn's Tape Kingz, reppin' Hip-Hop and R&B in 1995. Listen to it below...

Kendrick Lamar "Section.80" (July 2, 2011)

Compton emcee, Kendrick Lamar, had been fighting the good fight on the mixtape scene for a while, but it wasn’t until he got an unofficial endorsement from Dr. Dre on Big Boy’s radio show in L.A., that the rest of the industry began to take notice. From there, Lamar’s career would be built upon more than just critical acclaim, adding work on Dre’s Detox to his resume, as well as nabbing a spot on XXL‘s Freshman ’11 list. Section.80 is the “aftermath” of the events of the last six months. But Kendrick’s imminent celebrity has not distracted him from his craft, as Section.80 is an incredibly focused, heavy release. Comparable to albums like Outkast’s ATLiens, early releases from 2Pac, and more recently Drake’s Thank Me Later, the tone of the album is super mellowed out, with weighty backdrops for Kendrick’s words. Unapologetically Compton, Kendrick is the antithesis of Game, less concerned with name-dropping, more concerned with providing an accurate, honest representation of growing up in the hood, something that’s been missing from hip-hop for years. Fixated on the sociopolitical aspects of life in Compton during the 80′s, Kendrick is a product of his environment, with songs like “A.D.H.D.”, “Ab-Souls Outro”, and “Ronald Reagan Era” exploring the effect the crack era had on his generation. There’s a series of conflicting emotions here; the youthful “I-don’t-give-a-fuck” attitude and the more grounded, conscious aspects of his personality, both which manifest themselves equally throughout the album. Kendrick has a certain sensitivity to women, with many of his song’s providing Jungian explanations for their behaviors... (Listen below ... and keep reading).



Tracks like “Hol’ Up” and “Rigamortus” find him simply exercising numerous styles from his arsenal, despite any bitches or hoes that might get in the way of his mind-spray. Other times we catch some clear influence from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (as discovered by his hometown hero, Eazy E) on songs like “The Spiteful Chant”, with a spotlit verse from Schoolboy Q. It should also be noted that much of the success of this LP is owed to the production of Soundwave and THC, who handle the majority of the album’s heavy beats. But perhaps the best beat on the whole thing is owed to J. Cole, with his hypnotic sample on the project’s first single, “Hiiipower”. There’s no explanation or reasoning behind Kendrick’s duality, other than that he’s human – and fallible – just like the rest of us. As on “Ab-Soul’s Outro”, he puts it best, “So the next time I talk about money, hoes, clothes, god, and history in the same sentence/ just know I meant it, and you felt it / cause you too are searching for answers / I’m not the next pop star / I’m not the next socially aware rapper / I’m a human motherf#cking being, over dope ass instrumentation… Kendrick Lamar.” - HipHopSite.

Puff Daddy "No Way Out" (Press Kit, 1997)

No Way Out is the autobiographical sonic movie produced, directed by, and starring Bad Boy Entertainment CEO Sean "Puffy" Combs. Co-stars include the late Notorious B.I.G., Faith, Mase, Lil' Kim, Jay-Z, and Busta Rhymes... The best selling maxi-single of the year and one of the biggest selling singles of the decade, "I'll Be Missing You" is only one of the hot songs on No Way Out. But not long ago it looked as if the album might never be heard. As a teenager growing up in Mount Vernon, NY, Sean "Puffy" Combs dreamed of making an album. "Everybody has a dream when they're watching Run-D.M.C. or LL Cool J," Puff says with a laugh. "They think, 'I wish I was that.' And I was always somebody who closed my eyes and dreamed but then opened my eyes and saw what I had to." ... After proving himself [at Andre Harrell's Uptown] he's promoted to A&R. He architects a pair of hip hop-soul skyscrapers: Mary J. Blige and Jodeci. In 1991 he becomes the CEO of Bad Boy Ent. He introduces the world to the Notorious B.I.G., Craig Mack, Faith, Total, 112, Mase, and the L.O.X. He sells more than 12 million albums in three years, including five platinum and ten gold albums... Meanwhile, off-stage, Puff grows into a mature man and a powerfully, socially-conscious executive... And through it all Bad Boy becomes more than a label selling music. It sells a lifestyle and launches a movement... Finally, after years of hard work and planning...  he begins his solo album. Cont'd below...

"Victory," a frenetic, rah-rah joint featuring B.I.G. and Busta that represents how close he and the Notorious B.I.G. were. "Why Do They Hate Us," a slam-dunk certain smash featuring Puff and Mase... "Pain," on which Puff sings the chorus, and talks about," all the things that hurt me in my life." "Is This The End" where Puff rhymes Bone, Thugs-style. "Senorita" a sexy ode to the hot Latina Mamis. An extended remix of "It's All About the Benjamins" adding rhymes from Lil' Kim and B.I.G. And "Friend," a funky make-you-dance track with a rhyme from Foxy Brown, where Puff tells how he deals with fickle audiences... Though he rhymes on all tracks Puffy refuses to call himself a rapper or an MC. "I would never disrespect the art of rapping and MCing," Puffy says. "I'm an entertainer. I don't write all my rhymes myself - I co-write with Jay-Z, Sauce Money, Lil' Kim, Mase, Jay from the L.O.X. I'm not a MC, I'm a vibe-giver." But as a producer, Puff knows he's among the hiphop elite... "I don't make a record like it may be a hit. It is a hit." Puff adds, "I was just having fun, makin' hot records. The concept was to have 15 hits on it," - when he and B.I.G. took time out for a trip to the Soul Train Awards in LA. Only one of them returned. "When everything happened," Puff says, meaning B.I.G.'s passing, "I just wanted to give up. I didn't wanna work, I didn't wanna make music no more." Then, one night after the funeral, Puff had a dream. "In the dream I was screaming at somebody, saying, 'There's no way out for me!' ... At times I feel like I'm trapped inside of a movie starring me, but I'm not the director, and I don't know what the next scene is, nothing. So I was screaming to somebody, 'What am I gonna do now?! There's no way out for me!' ... When I woke up I knew I had to do this album." - Press Kit, 1997. Listen above, and the full 2-page press kit is below...

Dibia$e "Bonus Levels" (Beat Tape)

DIBIA$E returns, this time with his signature 8-bit sound. Bonus Levels is everything you would expect from this LA beat scene veteran. A nod to video game culture, Bonus Levels brings back memories of endless hours of gaming and takes us to a place of Lo-Fi nostalgia. DIBIA$E dices up vintage NES, Super NES and Sega video game samples, layering them with slumped out, off-the-grid drum programming, arpeggiated synths, pixilated sounds and filthy bass lines. Sprinkled with elements of house and footwork, plus a couple of remixes from favorites, Elaquent and 14KT, Bonus Levels is destined to be an instant 8-bit classic. Dig into this latest offering from Dibia$e below...