Westside Gunn & Conway "Hall & Nash II" (Album Stream)

Hall & Nash 2 is the collaborative album by Westside Gunn & Conway The Machine, entirely produced by The Alchemist. "When I first linked with Westside Gunn & Conway, the original plan was to do a Hall & Nash 2 tape. From the first day in the lab, I knew I needed these guys on my beats more than they needed my beats. The shit was coming out crazy, they linked with School Boy Q one day at my spot and made one, we knew we had something good. While we were finishing the project, they signed their deal with Shady. We ended up changing the plan to drop H&N2, and over time used some of the songs for different things, but a handful of songs never came out, & the original version of the album was never released. Now for the first time, the OG version of Hall & Nash 2 will be released on vinyl, cd and tape." Listen to their collaborative album H&N 2 below...

Elzhi & Oh No "Heavy Vibrato" (Album Stream)

Known for weaving together complex rhymes with style, Elzhi has been rapping circles around the competition for more than two decades. After years as a member of iconic group Slum Village, Elzhi’s impressive solo career has included projects produced by acclaimed artists like Black Milk, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Khrysis, and Will Sessions. Now, the Detroit emcee is linking with California beat maestro Oh No for the new collaborative album Heavy Vibrato. The project is a thrilling showcase for Elzhi's lyrical wizardry and cinematic storytelling, as Oh No breathes new life into a compelling tapestry of jazz samples, producing the entire collection. "The only thing you need to absorb this experience is an open mind," says Elzhi. With guest appearances by Blu and Guilty Simpson, Heavy Vibrato taps into an undeniable frequency. Stream their album Heavy Vibrato below...

Benny The Butcher x Thelonious Coltrane "Machine Gun Chords"

Machine Gun Chords is essentially a remixed album with beats by Thelonious Coltrane from Georgia and ripped AI acapellas from Benny The Butcher. Added to it are vocals from Pusha T, Stove God Cooks, Skyzoo, Jadakiss, 38 Spesh, Westside Gunn, Mayhem Lauren, RJ Payne, Conway The Machine, Diddy, Ransom and more. The fine artwork was handled by Wizard Steez. Bootleg, for sure... but creativity is what birthed hip-hop, so using technological advances to create something new is not going too far against the grain. That said, I do respect ownership so if this project gets taken down, I certainly won't be surprised. In the meantime, enjoy Machine Gun Chords streaming below...

Blu "Soul Amazing" (Part 12, Mixed by DJ Jon Doe)

Here's the latest installment in the Soul Amazing feature-mix series by Blu. This time the mix is done by the good homie from the Southern Vangard Radio show, DJ Jon Doe reppin' out of Atlanta. The mix showcases records featuring Blu alongside artists such as Stik Figa, Scienze, Cashus King, L'Orange ("Cafe Lover" is extra DOPE!), The Kickdrums, Kota The Friend, DJ Babu, Dela, Ray West, Breeze Brewin, and a whole lot more. 12 mixes in, you know what to expect and I'll continue to share as they are released. Listen to the mix from Blu and DJ Jon Doe below and hit the tags for more...

Black Moon "Enta Da Stage" (30th Anniversary Mix by Filthy Rich)

30 years of Black Moon's Enta Da Stage! I [still] remember being in the basement of my boy Chris' spot in Queens, and his older brother pulling out this cassette tape! While it was many of the remixes that from vinyl and maxi-singles that added life to this project, the full LP version is still incredibly dope on its own merit. Wreck and Nervous had shit on lock and can't front on Weeded Records neither. Props to Toronto's DJ Filthy Rich for unveiling this 30th anniversary mix and sharing the following message, "The LP was one of the bricks in the foundation for the Golden Era of east coast hip-hop. Da Beatminerz raw, dusty beats created a unique sound that became the signature of the Boot Camp Clik. This album was very influential to me, so I've decided to put together this mixtape tribute to the NYC legends. Remixes, blends, party breaks, OG samples & B-Sides." Torre Pentel on the comic art above. Dig into another really dope tribute mix from DJ Filthy Rich below...

Additional images because why the hell not...

Beneficence & Jazz Spastiks "Summer Night Sessions" (Album Stream)

New Jersey, Brick City hip-hop MC Beneficence and UK based producer duo Jazz Spastiks unearth a timeless treasure with the release of their collaboration album "Summer Night Sessions". With a completely jazzy street feel and slick written, soothing, intellectual lyrics the Ill Adrenaline co-founder releases his 8th full length album. Over 25 years of successfully releasing independent music, Beneficence set the bar high by using lo-fi, jazzy boom-bap sounds masterfully. Well selected guest appearances in these "Summer Night Sessions" include Skyzoo, Saukrates, Doodlebug (of Digable Planets), Awon, El Da Sensei (of The Artifacts), J-Live, Rakaa Iriscience (of Dilated Peoples), Kid Abstrakt, and Shabaam Sahdeeq. On the first single "Do This, Do That" feat. Awon, Beneficence flows smoothly over simple but captivating horns reminiscing about his come up on the music scene. "At the time I was seated behind Diddy and Biggie, '95 Source Awards keys to the city". "Mic Epps" displays lyricism in its finest form when Beneficence playfully pans between a reference to comedian Mike Epps and microphone episodes. "Civilize 'em with a mic check, I get funny on 'em, Mike Epps, you coming ugly imma swipe left, what we giving you is priceless, the nicest!". The musical marriage between the beautiful sounds of Jazz Spastiks and the sharp pen of Beneficence is tactfully done with rich and hypnotic bangers for hip-hop lovers with an ear for certified dopeness. Listen below...

Supastition "Every Last Word" (Album Stream)

Supastition returns with the first edition of a two-part project. Part One is entitled ‘Every Last Word.’ The two projects are connected in music, concept, and artwork and will be released in tandem a few months apart. Recorded during his most challenging moments throughout the past few years, Supastition documents his struggles with health issues, anxiety, anger, and grief from losing loved ones. The project was written, recorded, and produced by Supastition. As a bonus, the Deluxe Edition also includes the instrumentals and physical vinyl is available for the project as well. Props to DJ Robert Smith who features on the project with razor sharp cuts and as always, Supa overdelivers with introspective lyrics and clever rhymes. Listen to Supa's Every Last Word below...

DJ Premier "Beats That Collected Dust, Vol. 3" (Instrumental Album)

DJ Premier is back with a bang, unleashing the third volume of his iconic series, "Beats That Collected Dust." Renowned for his unmatched production skills, Premier has curated a masterpiece that's pure hip-hop at its core. These beats, originally crafted for artists like Westside Gunn, Kendrick Lamar, and Kanye West, now emerge from the shadows as a testament to Premier's timeless artistry. In a digital age, Premier pays homage to hip-hop's roots with an exceptionally limited vinyl release of the project too. Don't miss out on owning a piece of hip-hop history, order HERE and listen to the project below! Y'all know it, DJ Premier is undeniably the G.O.A.T. in my eyes!

Marco Polo & Torae "Midnight Run" (Album Stream)

The wait is finally over, Torae & Marco Polo return with their sophomore release Midnight Run, the follow up to their classic debut album Double Barrel. Midnight Run packs 11 tracks that will instantly satisfy fans of the elite lyricism and hard hitting production the duo is known for. The intro “Reloaded” sets the tone from the very beginning and stand outs such as “The Return”, “Makin’ Up” and “Oh No” maintain the momentum throughout. With no guest verses, no bars off and no filler Midnight Run gets directly to what you’ve been waiting for from the “Gray Sheep” Torae and Marco Polo. Go back and dig into Double Barrel too! Good to see them back in the studio together.

9th Wonder "Zion IX" (Instrumental Album)

Zion IX is the latest installment in 9th Wonder's prolific Zion instrumental series that dates back to 2016. With considerable replay value, there are 34 instrumentals on IX, and the Durham, North Carolina producer sounds as focused as ever. 9th has been reppin' the culture as a lecturer and record executive (Jamla Records), and while I haven't heard as many collaborative releases in recent years, his extensive catalog puts him among the top producers to represent that soul-based sample sound that we all grew to love. On occasion I still go back and revisit his epic episode of Rhythm Roulette, his energy making that beat is still infectious to me. Anyhow, stream Zion IX below...

Chino XL & Stu Bangas "God's Carpenter" (Album Stream)

After co-founding the duo Art of Origin, Chino XL was signed at age 16 by Rick Rubin's American Recordings label. In 2014 he formed a hip hop supergroup along with rappers Vakill, Copywrite, Tame One and producer Stu Bangas called Verse 48. Chino XL now reunites with producer Stu Bangas on this new project, God's Carpenter. It features guest appearances from Mystic, Dj Romes, Violet Revenge and Vinne Paz. I've had the pleasure of connecting with Chino XL numerous times over the years and he's always remained a humble giant. His razor sharp lyricism is an excellent home for Stu Bangas' hard, driving beats. More than anything, it's a gift to continue to see the release of music from Chino XL, who spent the bulk of his career without many physical releases, but maintaining the underground respect for the legend that he is. Stream Chino & Stu's God's Carpenter below...

Speaker Bullies "Art of Disrespect" (Album Stream)

First working together on Supastition’s ‘Gold Standard’ album, Supa and Praise debut their new group, Speaker Bullies. The sound is described as "in the same vein as MF Doom or Run the Jewels where anything goes musically.” Supastition’s esteemed career includes acclaimed projects, world tours, and collaborations with KRS One, Little Brother, Royce da 5’9”, Jedi Mind Tricks, RJD2 + more. Known for hard-hitting drums and infectious bass lines, Praise has many production credits including Pharoahe Monch, BJ the Chicago Kid, Joyner Lucas, Torae + more. The group's album ‘Art of Disrespect' album is available below via Soulspazm Records, dig into it! Props to my brother Supa!

Emapea "Beat Catz Jazz" (Instrumental Album)

Beat Catz Jazz is an instrumental album from Polish beatmaker Emapea. The LP is full of chilled jazzy beats created with variety of dusty jazzy samples from vinyls, tapes and cassettes. Sounds been crafted with vintage samplers such as Akai s950 and s3000XL to add that lo-fi character. If you're into this such a vibe you'll definitely enjoy it. Using vintage samplers such as Akai s950 and s3000XL, you really get that throwback feel to the beats, and Emapea is really putting in the work to find some interesting samples and flipping them in creative ways to keep the music varied, funky, and fun to listen to. He’s also putting the work to make sure the tracks are nuanced and he develops them in such a way that you’re taken on a nice journey with each song. It’s not just a beat tape where he establishes a groove and then just stays there, these are fully formed songs with memorable melodies and beats that will keep your head bobbing. Beat Catz Jazz isn’t doing anything new, but it’s doing it very well. Certain styles persist because people like them and boom bap built from jazz samples is certainly one that has lived on because of this. Emapea is delivering an album in that style that is accessible, well-made, and just a lot of fun to listen to. - Scratched Vinyl. Dig in...

Conway The Machine "Won't He Do It" (Album Stream)

Won’t He Do It is Conway the Machine’s third studio album and was going to be the first part in the Won’t He Do It duaology (but has now since been scrapped), following up his February 2022 album, God Don’t Make Mistakes. The album consists of fourteen tracks, with features ranging from Benny The Butcher, Dave East, Fabolous, Westside Gunn, Juicy J, Sauce Walka, and more. The album was preceded by four singles, "Super Bowl", "Brucifix", "Quarters" and "The Chosen". It is Conway The Machine's first studio album since his official departure from Shady Records and Griselda Records. With so much music released through this camp, it's hard to place Won't He Do It in their vast catalog, but critics are considering its release a highlight in his prolific catalog. What do you think?

Blu "Soul Amazing" (Part 11, Mix)

Mixed by DJ Bless 1ne, this is Part 11 in Blu's feature mix-series, Soul Amazing. The latest installment showcases records Blu has been featured on alongside artists like Ras Kass, Exile, J57, Cashus King, Creestal, MED, Damu The Fudgemunk, Choosey, Jabee, Young RJ, Awon & Phoniks, D-Styles, Emanon, J Dilla, Johaz, J. Sands and a whole lot more! Man, I had that "Charlie's Christmas" beat from J57 for YEARS waiting for a moment when I could hear it with a talented MC like Blu over it. Glad that finally happened. Props to them for making that happen and this whole mix-series.

El Michels Affair & Black Thought "Glorious Game" (Album Stream)

When Leon Michels and El Michels Affair released their first record, Sounding Out The City, in 2005, it was hard to guess what was next for Michels and his then-introduced, now-patented “cinematic soul” sound. Now, four EMA studio albums and scores of tribute and remix projects later—all while producing for some of the biggest names in the industry—Michels has trademarked his sound, with each project taking audiences somewhere new and pushing the boundaries of what he is known for. This time he takes his golden touch into the realm of hip-hop laying down a musical bed for one of the greatest to ever rhyme into a microphone: Black Thought of The Roots crew. Releasing on Big Crown Records, the LP is called Glorious Game and it is a remarkable debut partnership in more ways than one. Michels provides his bottom-heavy, soul-tinged production for Black Thought who gives us some of the more personal and transparent verses we've ever heard from him. For Glorious Game, Michels would make wholly composed and recorded soul songs in his studio, sample himself, then chop and/or loop up his sounds and create instrumentals for Black Thought. On some tracks he took a more traditional hip-hop approach, starting from samples of other people’s music but then adding live instrumentation on top. But for the most part, it's him reinterpreting his own compositions into something new. The result is an organic feel of loop-based tracks that breathe and fluctuate enough for Black Thought to flex on. Black Thought rhymes through personal memories and distinctive perspectives, all dripping with visuals. "To me," Black Thought says about Glorious Game, "these songs are like scenes from a film that is my life. That's the way it evolved." And with his pure lyrical skill on full display and Michels' custom-made approach to making beats, this record is a bit of a rarity in today's hip-hop atmosphere: there are no flashy guest features and no attempts to be on trend. Now, listen to their phenomenal project below...

Don't Sleep Records "The Instrumentals Volume One"

This collection features a blend of our most popular records and personal favorites, including some slept-on beats that deserve a second chance to shine. These tracks represent the diverse range of sounds and styles that have shaped the unique sonic fingerprint of Don't Sleep Records over our ten-year history. From jazzy, soulful tunes to hard-hitting boom bap and soulful bangers, this compilation offers something for every discerning listener. We're excited to share this collection with our fans and we hope you'll enjoy it as much as we've enjoyed putting it together. - Don't Sleep Records. Props to Phoniks. Peep "Don't Sleep Records: The Instrumentals Volume One" below...

DJ Invasion "Plugs At The Apollo" (Blend Tape)

Plugs At The Apollo, the latest project by DJ Invasion, takes a verbal stroll through Buffalo, with Detroit as the musical back drop. Benny The Butcher's street infested gritty rhymes intertwined with Apollo Brown's vinyl crackling soulful beats, is a classic "What If?" combination, brought to life. Through years of manifesting this clash of styles, "Plugs At The Apollo" will take you on a musical journey through the everyday struggles, harsh realities, and making the almighty dollar, to come out on top.  This came out pretty fresh... Props to DJ Invasion, check out Plugs At The Apollo below...