DJ Keytronikz "Only Built 4 Da Poor & Dangerous" (Blend Tape)

DJ Keytronikz is a producer/DJ from Raleigh, North Carolina. Only Built 4 Da Poor & Dangerous is his recent blend-tape which features 12 joints of Big L's vocals from Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous blended over the crisp production from the RZA on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. Those two projects were released in the Spring and Summer of 1995, making it one of the best years in hip-hop history! Guest vocals on this tape include Herb McGruff, Cam'ron, Lord Finesse, Jay-Z, Grand Daddy I.U., Party Arty and more. Tapes like this are undoubtedly a labor of love, but unfortunately they don't always survive once they hit DSPs, so stream it below and enjoy it while you can! Peace.

Diamond D "The Diam Piece III: Initium" (Album Stream)

Diamond D is back with the 3rd installment of his Diam Piece series, The Diam Piece 3: Initium. According to Fat Beats Records, Vol. 3 will be broken down into 3 separate parts with Initium being the 1st of 3. With Diamond D on the production, Initium  boasts features from KRS-One, RJ Payne, Skyzoo, Torae, Bishop Lamont, Sauce Money, Lord Tariq, Fat Man Scoop, Royal Flush, Agallah, David Bars, Inspectah Deck, Shyheim, 38 Spesh, E-A-Ski and Bonecrusher. These projects have been consistently dope, so I expect no less from this latest offering. To me, Diamond D's Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop might still be the greatest solo release out the Diggin In The Crates catalog. It's in the top 5 anyway. Am I wrong? One of you is gonna e-mail and debate me on that, but I've got time. Dig in...

Awon & Phoniks "Golden Era 2" (Album Stream)

Awon & Phoniks make a triumphant return with "Golden Era 2," the long-awaited follow-up to their acclaimed debut, "Return to the Golden Era." The growth of the duo is evident in this new release, featuring Phoniks' thoughtful jazz-infused boom bap production and Awon's introspective lyrics. Together, the co-founders of Don't Sleep Records not only reflect on the past but also offer a vision for the future of underground hip hop. This album captures the nostalgic vibe of a classic era, reminiscent of the excitement when your favorite group drops a new record, with the stamp of quality you've come to expect from Don't Sleep. Featuring contributions from Anti-Lilly, Tiff the Gift, Dephlow, Hex One, V Knuckles, Demetrius Rhymes, PEL, and John Robinson, "Golden Era 2" is available on CD, cassette and limited-edition vinyl. These guys do it RIGHT, every time. Listen below...