Add-2 "Jim Crow: The Musical" (Album Stream)

Chicago’s own Add-2 follows up his acclaimed 2015 release Prey For The Poor with a conceptual, timely, and socially conscious effort titled Jim Crow: The Musical. The 19-track, 57-minute audio adventure (narrated by actor Kadeem Hardison) takes listeners up-and-down the Mason-Dixon line with songs that touch on subjects relevant to Black people in America. The veteran lyricist opens in such a theatrical way, similar to Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly, where you have no choice but to lock yourself in and get ready for the ride. Self-produced by Add-2, Jim Crow: The Musical offers life lessons that cover topics such as self-determination, how to maneuver the streets, and staying alive. In an age where we’re reading stories — almost in real-time — about people of color being murdered by the police, vilified in the media, and condemned by politicians, Add-2’s contribution serves as a balm on an open wound... Jim Crow: The Musical is an exhibition in flat-out raw rhyming and beckons immediate playing. - via AFH. I really enjoyed 2013's Between Heaven & Hell, so I'm glad they put me up on his latest LP. Listen to Add-2's Jim Crow: The Musical below...

Noveliss "Sword Of Nature" (Album Stream)

In the words of Noveliss, "Sword of Nature is truly a sound that is somewhere left of Hip Hop. Produced entirely by Hir-O with Will Underwood III adding his flute to the mix. There is a story within the project that is an extension of the "Cerebral Apex" story. However, the story is narrated entirely in Japanese and the only way to see the English translation is to get the special edition vinyl." Personally, the production was a bit underwhelming for me on this one, so it left me a little disappointed, but in terms of lyrics and flow, Noveliss remains on point. I'm hoping it'll grow on me.

Redman Thanksgiving Special (BET Rap City, 1998)

There's no better way to spend Thanksgiving than with the Funk Doctor Spock, Reggie Noble aka Redman! Back in 1998, Big Tigger pulled up on Redman for BET's Rap City and as you'd expect, nothing short of comedy transpires! Redman promotes his then-upcoming album Doc's Da Name, running down the various features and production on the project. Redman da Chef cooks it up marvelous and shares stories about Method Man, Keith Murray, and his parting message is "if you've gotta be a monkey, be a guerrilla!" Do the knowledge on that one, lol. Happy Holidays and enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner. If you haven't seen it, find Redman's MTV Cribs video for a laugh too!

Rakim "The Master" (Billboard Magazine, 11/27/99)

"THE MASTER IS BACK: Respected rap veteran Rakim has a sound that transcends time. In fact, on his new Universal album, Rakim sounds as vital and current as he did over a decade ago on such Eric B. & Rakim classics as "Paid In Full" and "Follow The Leader." The Master -- his sophomore solo album -- arrives in stores Nov. 30. "When I Be On The Mic," produced by DJ Premier, is the lead single. It is being commercially released on 12-inch on Dec. 14. "I had a little more fun doing this album," says Rakim. "I stay in the street and try to keep an ear out for what's going on as far as my lyrical content. The main thing is knowing what not to do and say and what people are not feelin'."

"Rakim cites MCs who contradict themselves as the greatest offense to listeners. "I try to say true to myself and stay on one page," he says. "I haven't changed. [My audience] respects me as an artist because -- and I hate to use this expression -- I kept it real. And I keep it proper as far as my lyrical content and the way I present myself." As one of hip-hop's pioneers, Rakim is proud of the culture's growth. "When I think about how far hip-hop has come, I sit back and smile," he says. "DJs have taken their skills to the next level. Rappers are bringing more styles to the table, and the lyrics are wittier. We used to use R&B tracks for hip-hop; now R&B singers are using hip-hop tracks. We went through a lot of people turning us down, calling it hoodlum music. But when you look at television now, everybody is rapping." - Billboard Magazine, November 27, 1999. Listen HERE.

Pete Rock & CL Smooth "The Main Ingredient" (25th Ann. Mix)

This month marks the 25th anniversary of Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth's second (and final) full-length LP, 'The Main Ingredient.' Following in the footsteps of 1992's 'Mecca and the Soul Brother,' the album comprises tracks built from densely layered samples, frequently previously unsampled jazz fusion cuts mixed with crisp drums and short vocal snippets plundered from well-known '80s/'90s hip-hop tracks. Use of a number of go-to tracks defines the sound of the album and the presence of vocal samples from Biz Markie and Big Daddy Kane in particular is a key ingredient in the album's sonic palette. In celebration of the album's 25th anniversary, Wax Poetics partnered up once again with WhoSampled to present this mixtape of album tracks, alternate versions, interview snippets, and of course original sample material, mixed by the talented Chris Read. Yessir, check it out below...

Matthew Africa "The Best of Gang Starr" (Mix, 2010)

“Gang Starr is one of my favorite acts from the 1990s. There is no rap group I listened to more in that era, although De La Soul, Outkast & A Tribe Called Quest all run pretty much neck and neck. Still, in recent years I haven’t listened to Gang Starr much... Maybe it’s because in the last decade the school of hardcore hip hop that they defined stagnated and played out so hard. For me, this mix was about rediscovery... After reading about Guru’s health troubles, I devoted a 2-hour episode to Gang Starr’s music. It was my first time mixing a lot of the songs in years and it felt so good, so natural, that I knew I had to turn it into tape... I drew tracks from all six of Gang Starr’s albums, and each is represented more or less in proportion to how much I like it: 1992’s Daily Operation tops them all with 9 selections, although 1990’s Step in the Arena, 1994’s Hard to Earn and 1998’s Moment of Truth all feature prominently with 7, 6 and 5 tracks, respectively. The first and last albums got kind of short shrift, although there were more songs I would have included from each if I hadn’t run out of space. They have one of the strongest catalogs in rap music and there were a lot of additional songs, verses and scratch parts I wish I could have included...” - Matthew Africa, 3/16/10. A moment of silence for the legendary Bay Area DJ, Matthew Africa, who was tragically killed in a car accident on 9/3/12. R.I.P. to him and Guru, who were taken from us far too soon.

Styles P "Presence" (Album Stream)

Styles P is determined to go down as the hardest working emcee in 2019 as the rapper adds another project to his long list of releases. The New York rapper has delivered Presence, which on the cover art of the album Styles shares is "the state or fact of existing, occurring or being present in a place or thing." The 10-track record is delivered via The Phantom Entertainment LLC and EMPIRE. Presence is sonically aligned with Styles P's streetwise lyricism and delivery that fans have continued to love throughout the years. The veteran rapper calls on a few artists to help him round out the project including Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, Chris Rivers, Cris Streetz, I-Man, Xander, and Butta. - HNHH. You can listen to Styles P's latest effort, Presence, below...

Mastermind "Tape 42: Back By Popular Demand '98" (Mixtape, 1998)

This is Canadian DJ Mastermind's Tape 42 aka Back By Popular Demand '98. Once again, Mastermind hits us with some underground flavor on tracks from KRS-One, Black Moon, Black Star, A Tribe Called Quest, Showbiz & AG, Def Squad, Fat Joe, Diamond D, The Roots, Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz, Nonchalant, Saafir, Sauce Money, Ras Kass, Paula Perry, Nas, Cam'ron, Wyclf Jean, King Tee, Lauryn Hill, Xzibit, Kid Capri, Defari, and a bunch more! Enjoy Mastermind's Tape 42 mix from 1998 below...

Slick Rick "Behind Bars" (The Source, May 1993)

Slick Rick, hip-hop’s greatest storyteller, spoke from prison (Woodbourne Correctional Facility in South Fallsberg, New York) in an exclusive interview with The Source in May, 1993. As Def Jam prepared to release his third solo album, “Behind Bars,” Slick Rick reflected on life behind bars and his turbulent past. “Titled Behind Bars, the third album brings producers like Pete Rock, Large Professor, Marley Marl and Easy Moe Bee into the picture, remixing - and in most cases re-remixing tunes that were completed months ago… “Behind Bars,” Rick’s account of life in the joint, is a graphic account of inmates getting their sneakers taken, “rape attempts,” fights for the telephone” and more. “While his lyrics shine, some people feel the album shouldn’t be released as is, that it isn’t representative of Rick’s best work. The decision lies in the hands of Russell Simmons.” As you saw in the Def Jam documentary, “The Show,” this conversation played out in the film, with Rick less than pleased with some of the production choices. I recommend reading the full article for all the back details, and I’ll close it out with a note from Slick Rick, saying “I’d like to say peace to all the brothers incarcerated, hold your head. And all the cross carriers, keep the faith.” Slick Rick was released from prison in 1997 after spending five years in prison. Slick Rick's album, Behind Bars, was released on this day in 1994. Happy 25th Anniversary. Art from Andre LeRoy Davis below.

Redman "Dare Iz A Darkside" (Press Kit, 1994)

"You are now about to embark on a unique adventure where time, sound, and reality all have different meaning. No you won't be hanging with Pee-Wee Herman money, your guide for this ride is none other than Reggie Noble BKA Redman, and the place with all the bass just happens to be The Dark Side. There's no need to go into how Redman came on the scene housin' S%&! right ? What! Your memory is failing you? Don't ask somebody, I'm about to school ya. After years tearing it out the frame doing classic freestyles across the Tri-State area, Redman burst out upon the Hip-Hop scene in 1991 by catching wreck with his gift of vocab on the EPMD tracks "Hardcore" and "Brothers On My Jock." Soon after he gained more props by releasing his first funky single "Blow Your Mind" off the now Gold debut album "Whut? Thee Album." It contained gem tracks such as "Time 4 some Akshun" and "Tonight's The Night." Besides that, Redman was also a powerful force in The Hit Squad, a crew in Hip-Hop so revered any mention of the name brought instant respect."

"But that was two years ago, and a lot has happened in between. In 1993 Redman was voted by The Source as the top rap artist of the year. And now Redman returns to reveal "Dare Iz A Darkside," his highly anticipated follow-up on Def Jam Recordings. The title for the new platter came easily as the MC has gone through a barrage of stress, trials and tribulations career wise, in addition to the everyday struggle of maintaining out in society. After a quick trip to the corner store for a couple of Phillies, he broke it down to me, 'My meaning of the dark side is deep and real. All that shit I was GOING through, I was like 'This don't make sense.' So you know what? I may just let shit go on this album to the dark side. Everybody's got a dark side, but they don't let it come out by pretending and grinning up in your face, and when they get home, they're on a whole different note. It wasn't about no gimmick. It's strictly real. The shit is dark but it's still funky'." - Press Kit, 1994 (Def Jam)

David Bars "The Bar Code" (EP Stream)

D.I.T.C. is ushering in a new wave that will be led by David Bars, who comes with high praise from some hip-hop legends. The Bar Code EP features production from DJ Premier, Buckwild, Showbiz, Lord Finesse and Da Beatminerz, as well as guest appearances from Fat Joe and Cory Gunz. DJ Premier adds, "David Bars brings back the joy of hearing lyrical skills and wordplay. The competitive voice and confidence he presents makes it exciting to keep that foundation alive for the culture to live longer." With D.I.T.C. and DJ Premier on the co-signs, the buzz is strong, but David Bars backs it up with the music! Listen to his new 7-track EP, The Bar Code, below and support our new talent...

DJ Enyoutee "The Planet Asia & Milanono Constantine EP"

Planet Asia and Milano Constantine have team up for six hard-hitting, lyrically-charged tracks for their collaborative EP helmed by New York’s DJ Enyoutee. And as the deejay tells it, getting these two together not only felt right but completely necessary. “Planet Asia and Milano respect each other as artists, so when I reached out, they were both down to make it happen without hesitation,” Enyoutee explains. “We all felt it was something that needed to be done.” The two emcees remain at the top of their game with their rhymes, and they make their intentions clear straight from the jump. Enyoutee picked out a collection of neck-snapping boom-bap from six different producers, and he was able to keep the sound consistent and cohesive throughout. “Being a deejay, I know that combining the two artists would work from a sonic perspective, while also being something that their fans would want to hear, so I knew the beat selection had to be rugged but also diverse,” he says. It all makes for another stellar entry in the already-impressive catalogues of both Milano and Planet Asia. These two have been at it for years and refuse to slow down, all while maintaining the same level of passion and desire. Dig into the collaborative EP below...

Common, Black Thought & More "Freestyle" (1998)

From the mid 90s through the early 2000s, the epicenter of Philly Hip-Hop culture could be found every Monday night at a small second floor nightclub directly off South Street. That club was Fluid, that night was The Remedy, hosted by Cosmo Baker & Rich Medina. Threaded through the evolution of the music at the time, through the rise of independent movement, concurrent with the very beginning of the Neo-Soul scene, The Remedy became the destination for music and culture lovers alike. Everyone from Kid Koala to Madlib, Questlove to DJ Craze, Bobbito to Goldie - would play the most underground and obscure tunes to a hungry and receptive crowd. And it was also not unlikely to have some immense talent jump up into the DJ booth and grab the mic, whether it was local talent from the Philly Neo Soul movement, or Slum Village, or Pharoahe Monch, or Bahamadia, or Kurupt. On this particular night in 1998, it was DJ Jazzy Jeff on the ones and twos, and we brought up Philly’s own Black Thought to bless the mic, followed by Common who ripped it to pieces. The freestyle session continued with Dice Raw, Scratch, Maylay Sparks and Rehani… everyone in the pocket. Also you can hear Black Thought kick a bunch of the rhymes he’d later on go and use on the masterpiece album by The Roots “Things Fall Apart”. Listen to this classic '98 cipher below...

Evidence "Squirrel Tape Instrumentals" (Vol. 1)

As a multidisciplinary artist, Evidence is able to effortlessly express his creativity in many forms. From his early success, rapping in the seminal independent hip-hop group, Dilated Peoples, before excelling as a solo artist, to earning praise as an esteemed photographer, to becoming a Grammy-award winning producer, it’s clear that Evidence has an ability to achieve greatness in his creative endeavors. No matter what discipline he chooses to explore, all of his compositions are lauded as both cutting edge and familiar. Evidence continues his production legacy with a brand new series to raise the bar. Squirrel Tape Instrumentals Vol. 1 is a 26-track collection of unreleased instrumentals, packed full of emotive melodies woven into hard-hitting drum breaks. Each beat transports the listener to a hypnotic state of nostalgia, perfect for study sessions or writing your own hits.

Gang Starr "One Of The Best Yet" (Album Stream)

Legendary Hip-Hop duo Gang Starr has released released their seventh and final studio album, their first since 2003, 'One Of The Best Yet.' The first single, "Family & Loyalty", features J. Cole, with a video directed by Hip-Hop Legend Fab 5 Freddy. The album features previously unreleased vocals from lyricist Guru [who passed away in 2010] and new, original production from DJ Premier. The project is 16 tracks long, and features Q-Tip, Talib Kweli, M.O.P., Group Home, Royce da 5'9", Jeru the Damaja, Freddie Foxxx, J Cole, and more. Please cop 'One Of The Best Yet' ASAP and listen below...

Original street work art, photo by Mr. Krum.

Method Man "Tical" (11/15/94) + 25th Anniversary Mixtape

"Method Man is the ni@@a most fake MC's love to hate. He's a confident street soldier with a back-to-basics style that earns him respect from anyone worth getting it from. His Tical album brings what is sure to become hip-hop's sound-to-bite in '95: dark bass and distorted wails that sound like someone is being hacked to death. His delivery is casual; instead of bullshit, battle rhymes are thrown like grenades. His hoarse voice and sense of what's metaphorically fly have seen him take over as hip-hop's urban paramilitary. His voice is cool and collected, dropping lines like, "36 chambers / be out you's in danger / let me pull your brain out your ass with a hanger." After "Tical" and "Biscuits" show who's boss, "Bring The Pain" has Meth roaming through his sonic castle, shining a candlestick on various wick-wack suckers who dare to release product in a hip-hop-gone-mad world. For "What The Blood Clot" he strolls through urban hell, smoking Dutch Masters, prepared to "kill a whole project." "All I Need" tells of sunshine, grey skies and the honey who stood by him through thick-and-thin. "Meth vs. Chef" is an aural equivalent of Marvel's Hulk vs. Thing epics, with Meth and Wu-Tang's Raekwon pretending to battle, then uniting against a common enemy. Tical combines verbal terrorism... and home-demo lunacy to produce a gritty introduction. He shows a fragmented hip-hop nation what this music is really about. The album will provide entertainment on the nights when there ain't jackshit to do but pop in a hip-hop tape and escape from a boring reality. And if that doesn't suit you, then go buy a Hammer tape, pootbutt." - The Source, 1995. 

Below is DJ Filthy Rich's tribute mixtape celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Method Man's Tical from 11/15/94. After releasing 36 Chambers, RZA's master plan for the Wu was for each member to put out their own album. This was the first of the Wu solo ventures, and featured Meth at his rawest! To put a new spin on this classic, Filthy Rich mixed in some of the original samples, demos, remixes, breaks, album cuts and his own custom blends. Props to Filthy Rich, listen to his mix below...

Daniel Son x Futurewave "Moonshine Mix 2" (Album Stream)

Since dropping Moonshine Mix with Crate Divizion a little over two years ago, a lot has happened in Daniel Son’s fast moving career. Having teamed up with the insane production talent Futurewave, the pair went on an unbelievable run of three albums, putting rap on notice that the North was a force to be reckoned with. Each record pushed their own limits, budding a reputation as one of the most reliable and dynamic acts in the scene. Though Futurewave didn’t spearhead the instrumentation of the original, their fourth offering was set to be Moonshine Mix 2, a record that barely afforded fans enough time to digest Yenaldooshi from earlier this year before making itself hard to ignore.... Daniel Son has pushed himself to new heights with every release, and Moonshine Mix 2 was no exception to that trend. As one should come to expect, his confidence and attitude behind the mic built up a massive presence leaving no second of any verse wasted. From a pure engagement standpoint, Daniel Son delivered one of the boldest emcee performances of the year with his blunt and assertive style laying down bar after bar of filthy - realistically morbid and cold - life observations. Review by Dustin for Extraordinary Nobodies. Stream their brand new LP below...

Wu-Tang Clan in Billboard Magazine (November 15, 1997)

"In 1993, rap took a turn to the East. Not only did the Wu-Tang Clan's debut, "Enter The Wu-Tang Clan (36 Chambers)" shift the attention of rap connoisseurs away from West Coast gangsta rap, but it represented a new East Coast sound that was heavily influenced by other 'Eastern' elements: Islam, Sun Tzu's ancient Chinese battle manual "The Art Of War" and martial arts. Its mix of deft rhymes, manic vocals, eerie soundscapes and kung-fu movie samples sent shockwaves through music, inspiring fans and imitators alike. It started with "Protect Ya Neck," a single the members recorded and distributed themselves, which started a groundswell of attention in the clubs, on campuses and in the streets and led to their contract with Loud. The B-side of that single, "Method Man," set the course by staying on the Rap Singles chart for over 25 continuous weeks and winning Single Of The Year as their album earned them Lyricist(s) Of The Year (Group or Solo) at the first annual Source Awards. In the four years since their first album went Platinum, Wu-Tang members have collaborated or soloed on several highly successful side projects - such as Method Man's "Method (TICAL) Man" and Mariah Carey's 1996 single "Fantasy." This year's enhanced double-CD, "Wu-Tang Forever," reasserted the group's dominance at No. 1 on The Billboard 200 Albums chart and going quadruple-platinum in its first four months." - Billboard, 11/15/1997 // A great time in music!

Take It Personal Podcast "Nas Vs. Jay-Z Episode"

When the Take It Personal crew decided to tackle the greatest hip-hop battle of all-time, they knew it had to be special. It was important to them to re-create the magic and the memories and celebrate two of the most decorated veterans in hip-hop. They contend that this epic episode plays like a Scorsese film, and I agree. But, unlike most films, this gladiator battle has 4 acts. Each mix has been carefully curated to bring out the best in each opponent. They found a way to breathe new life into this battle of rap dominance and New York supremacy. From the little nuances, sound bytes, samples and scratching throughout this episode, if you don't get chills, you might not have a pulse. Take It Personal covers the battle of Nas. vs. Jay-Z like never before. Whether you're Team Nas or Team Jay-Z, we guarantee you moments where you'll feel conflicted, startled and even celebratory. So much goes into making these types of shows, so, please continue to spread the word, share these episodes and support Take It Personal Radio, but first, enjoy their Nas vs. Jay-Z battle.

"94 State Of Mind" (Mixed by Its Overture)

"A musical tapestry of rap in New York circa 1994." Presented by UpNorthTrips and mixed by the ever-talented DJ, Its Overture. The quick-mix features joints from Nas, Mic Geronimo, Artifacts, Brand Nubian, Black Moon, Ghostface & Method Man, Ill Al Skratch, Main Source, Funkdoobiest, Organized Konfusion, Redman, Beastie Boys, The Beatnuts, Raekwon, Boogiemonsters, Keith Murray, Big L, Channel Live, Gang Starr, Fugees, and lots more. Artwork by Rhek. Listen to the mix below...

Crimeapple "Viridi Panem" (Album Stream)

CRIMEAPPLE's Viridi Panem is a deep dive into the complex dynamics of the eternal paper chase. "It's a conceptual piece about capitalism, greed and excess," says the charismatic heavy-bearded New Jersey-based MC, who adds that the album’s title translates from Latin into "Green Bread." The eight track project rolls out like a modern film noir starring a protagonist making connections with models in Medellín, splurging through fine dining scenarios, and navigating his way through a cast of aspirational characters lured into a clandestine contraband realm. Viridi Panem builds on the buzz of this summer's Medallo album, which CRIMEAPPLE cut with Cypress Hill figurehead DJ Muggs. Before making moves with hip-hop legends and collaborating with modern scene leaders like the Griselda Records camp, CRIMEAPPLE announced his talent with a relentless freestyle on Statik Selektah's Shade45 radio show back in 2017. That move paved the way for a run of four breakthrough EPs—including the Halloween-inspired Sweet Dreams and the Street Fighter-themed Perfect franchise—all produced by CRIMEAPPLE's long-time cohort Buck Dudley, who also masterminds the complete sonic backdrop to latest sureshot Viridi Panem. The dark and intoxicating world depicted on Viridi Panem is relayed by CRIMEAPPLE in captivating fashion. His intricate flows mix up vivid imagery with bursts of rapid-fire syllable spitting and splashes of Spanish slang that represent the MC's Colombian heritage. CRIMEAPPLE's graphic bars are matched by Buck Dudley's beats, which conjure a shadowy, danger-fraught atmosphere through the use of eerie wavering synths, echo-enhanced snares and growling bass tones. (Updated). Dig into Viridi Panem below...

DJ Manipulator "The Soviet Tape" (Beat Tape)

Just in time for the frigid weather, DJ Manipulator drops his cold-war concept instrumental project, The Soviet Tape. The Massachusetts-based producer drops his latest beat tape, bringing together Russian sound bytes, unique samples, and plenty of sick scratching over 14 tracks. The Soviet Tape shows off Manipulator’s skills as loop digger, melody composer, beat creator and DJ on every joint. Manip provides plenty of dope slices and scratches on every track, showcasing his precision on the 1’s and 2’s in addition to his prolific beat arrangements. Layers of guitar riffs, synths and subtle effects ooze over the multiple percussion elements, often sparking catchy melodies and evoking a playful mood at times. Never afraid to take the risk sonically, Manipulator incorporates a wide array of genres, only adding to the texture of his beats. “Kalinka” sets it off with traditional Russian strings loops, drums and handclaps with visions of Russian natives dancing the Kazatsky or the Kalinka, both traditional Russian dances. A refreshing and enjoyable 26 min that spans from Siberia to Moscow, Manipulator captures the essence and spirit of the era, injecting a thunderous beat and hip hop spirit into each sample and sound byte. - DRHH. Listen to DJ Manipulator's beat tape below...

DJ Juice "Volume 38" (Mixtape, 1998)

This is DJ Juice's Volume #38 from 1998 via Brooklyn's Tape Kingz. The mix tape features original blends, freestyles and tracks from Black Rob, Queen Latifah, Redman, Cormega, Noreaga, Onyx, Queen Pen, Canibus, DMX, Tragedy Khadafi, Craig G, Sauce Money, Fat Joe, Davina, Usher, Killah Priest, Smif-N-Wessun, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Lost Boyz, McGruff, Mr. Cheeks, Def Squad, Das EFX and more! DJ Juice's mix tapes were always a dope experience, dig back into this one below...

Big Pun "PreCapital" (1995-1998)

Barcelona, Spain's Gadc333 has released this fine cassette mix tape of early Big Pun freestyles, original demos, feature joints and rare gems from Pun in 1995-1998, ahead of the release of his classic debut album, Capital Punishment. The Terror Squad MC from the Bronx trades bars with Fat Joe, Cuban Link, Armageddon, Raekwon, B-Real, Kool G Rap, The Beatnuts and more. Big Pun was one of the most colorful personalities our genre had ever seen, and his presence is heavily missed in the game. Much love to Pun, Rest In Peace. Listen to the PreCapital mix tape below via YouTube....

Planet Asia & EL Maryacho "Jackpot" (EP Stream)

Jackpot is a 6-track collaborative EP between Planet Asia and Swiss producer El Maryacho. The tempo of El Maryacho's soulful production provides an open soundbed for Planet Asia's smooth flow to float on, heightening his lyrics and making this a nice, mellow project to sit with. I only recently got put on to El Maryacho via one of his earlier soulful beat tapes, and since I've heard him on a handful of projects with like-minded artists. Looking for him to be a breakthrough producer in 2020.

DJ Fase "What's On The Flip? III" (Mixtape, 2017)

This is Part Three in DJ Fase's What's On The Flip? mixtape series from 2017. Again, the concept here is diggin' into b-sides and remixes from some of your favorite tracks. Specifically, the mix digs into tracks from Channel Live, A Tribe Called Quest, The Legion, Das EFX, Dr. Dre, Casual, Scritti Politti, The B.U.M.S., D&D All Stars, The Beatnuts, Smif-N-Wessun, Diamond D, Tha Alkaholiks, Akinyele & Sadat X, Red Hot Lover Tone, Da King & I, Saafir, Double XX Posse, KMD, Digable Planets, Da Bush Babees, Keith Murray, Da Youngstas, Knuckleheadz, Big Noyd, Mic Geronimo, Souls of Mischief, Ill Al Skratch, MC Lyte, Mad Skillz, Common, Brand Nubian, Capone-N-Noreaga, Zhane, Funkdoobiest, Black Star, The Nonce, The Whoridas, Aceyalone, Large Professor, Natural Resource, Peanut Butter Wolf, Saukrates, Kardinal Offishall, and more! Dig into Part Three in this mix-series from DJ Fase below...

Scarface 4 Life (Documentary, 2005)

The Scarface 4 Life documentary was released Feb 18, 2005 by the Big Apple Distributors studio. Rikers Island in New York City is home to a fearful penitentiary with a lengthy – and often troubled – history. Filmmaker Troy Reed chose Rikers as the location for his documentary, entitled Scarface 4 Life, in an attempt to convey some of the disturbing events that have taken place on the island. Drawing on some fearsome events that were triggered in the late-1980s and early-1990s, Reed highlights police corruption, inmate slayings, and plenty more besides in this powerful portrait of a bleak institution. This is still an incredible, must-watch documentary. Please watch it below, but be advised that this a graphic documentary, and should not be viewed if you have a weak stomach.

Smoke DZA & Benny The Butcher "Statue Of Limitations" (EP)

Smoke DZA and Benny The Butcher combine for an all Pete Rock produced EP entitled Statue Of Limitations. The 6-track EP also features some of NY and underground rap's biggest MC's like Griselda labelmates Conway the Machine and WestSide Gunn, as well as The LOX's underground OG, Styles P. The real takeaway are the hard, thumpin' beats from Pete Rock, who has been one of the greatest producers since he broke into the scene over two decades ago. This definitely could've been a full album and a group, but I won't be greedy. Get some NY rap in your life, listen below...

Kut One "The Icon Series Vol. 1-2" (Nine & Neek The Exotic)

Australian producer and turntablist Kut One showcases not only his own talents but those of two living New York rap legends on The Icons Series, Volume 1 & 2. On the first EP, he’s joined by Queens tough-talker Neek The Exotic, who brought along a few like-minded guests for the ride like Kool G Rap, Royal Flush and Large Professor. And for the second EP, you’ll hear Kut’s intricate productions complemented by the gravelly and gully rhymes of the BX’s Nine. And for the second half, Nine kicks things off with a bang on “Basquiat,” which boasts a hilarious shot at notorious loudmouth Stephen A. Smith over Kut One’s menacing production. That vibe continues on the criminal-minded lead single, “When Ah Pull Up,” the paranoia-heavy “Might Get Show,” and on the raw closing track, “Welcome to N.Y.C.” Taken as a whole, the first two installments of The Icons Series are a thrilling celebration of the grimier side of underground rap. They’re also a reminder that this style of rap has not—and will never—go out of style. It’s a timeless example of the culture’s underbelly, where sample-flipping Boom bap production sets the stage for emcees to talk their shit. Give The Icons a listen below...

Westside Gunn "Hitler Wears Hermes 7" (Mixtape)

Hitler Wears Hermes 7 is the latest installment of Westside Gunn’s famous HWH mixtape series. The Buffalo rapper enlists features from Estee Nack, Fat Joe, Conway the Machine, Benny the Butcher, Jay Worthy, Boldy James, Curren$y, and Keisha Plum. The production is handled by Alchemist, Daringer, DJ Green Lantern, Statik Selektah, Animoss and JR Swiftz, among others. According to Westside Gunn himself, he wanted to have more drums, soul and high intensity rapping on this installment and that this is the beginning of a new phase of his career. I'm here for it, listen below!

DJ Craig G "Winter Jamz" (Mixtape, 1997)

Born and raised in Harlem, DJ Craig G has made a name for himself as part of the The Heavy Hitters. He released this Winter Jamz mix tape in 1997, featuring tracks from artists like KRS-One, Foxy Brown, Tragedy Khadafi & Capone-N-Noreaga, 2Pac (R.I.P.), Mobb Deep & Raekwon, Method Man & Redman, The Lox, McGruff, Heavy D, Yvette Michelle, The Notorious B.I.G. (R.I.P.), Cocoa Brovaz, Big Noyz, Jay-Z, Keith Murray, Tracey Lee, DJ Kool and more. Listen to DJ Craig G's Winter Jamz below...

Elcamino x Bozack Morris "Saint Muerte" (Album Stream)

Saint Muerte is the new collaborative project between Toronto producer Bozack Morris and Buffalo lyricst Elcamino. The project is 9 tracks featuring Benny The Butcher, Flee Lord and Rome Streetz. The project is available on CD, cassette and vinyl, as well as a special edition test pressing. I think you know what to expect lyrically and on the production, they deliver on both, so check it out.

Brother Ali "Secrets & Escapes" (Album Stream)

Secrets & Escapes is a compendium of Brother Ali's time with Evidence over the course of three trips to California, recording in a Venice garage with no regard for pleasing the internet or competing with the music industry. Ev chopped up records on old-school samplers and ran them through a compressor (2 track) so they couldn’t be re-arranged or mixed. Brother Ali sat with the mic and spit rhymes as they came to him, without writing or organizing them into songs. Ev smoked a lot of weed, Ali prayed a lot, and their influences on each other can be heard in the recordings. Every time they made something that reminded them of what they’ve become known for, they threw it away and started something new. Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch and CS Armstrong all came through to bless the project with contributions too. This album is two friends making rap music for no other reason than because it’s what they love to do. Listen to this great project below...