In preparation for Mayhem's upcoming "Early May 3 - More Retro" mixtape, I bring you a classic Mayhem joint from circa 05 and one of the first solo songs Mayhem recorded as an EMS member. This is a party joint sure to get the heads knoddin' and the glasses raised. Check it out and turn it up! Early May 3 coming soon....
Do Ear "Soul Dealers Dub": First, I wanted to say big up to everyone for the love they showed RTD and the FiF compilation – we figured our fifth anniversary would get some love, but the outpouring of support and praise from peers and readers alike was truly astounding. I saw that Do Ear posted a 135BPM edit of their “Soul Dealers” cut, which can be found on FiF, and had to post it. Leaving the Run DMC sample in tact, this duo pitches things down, and actually make a fresh DnB tune even better! This rides the dubstep range, but is way more energetic, and that bassline is hypnotic and just plain HEAVY! Lookin’ to sort out a digi-single from these guys in the near future, so be prepped to hear more flavor from them via RTDLTD!
Moke & Tone "Destiny" (prod. by Illmind): This is one of those moments where I get hype off a SERIOUS beat from one of my favorites (this organ-and-bass lead instrumental has me vibing something ill), then let the lyrics introduce me to two cats I’d not been too up on. Mokeout reps Cali and was born in The Bronx, while the Problemaddicts’ own Tone reps MA. This cut is the second single from their forthcoming album, Shot Heard Round The World, which drops on the 12th of April. Gotta love tracks like this – with so many cats talking about their grind and hustle, you have to wonder – does hard work make destiny, or is it just fate that dictates? I figure you can sculpt anything into being, if you’re ready, so that’s why I do what I can, daily, to keep this ship afloat.
World Champion DJ / record label owner / foodie DJ A-Trak joins the Hype Men to discuss the DMCs + what you do after winning five titles + Sunglasses is a Must + working with Kanye + who he really was supposed to DJ for on Rocafella + signing Kid Cudi + Nervous Records + why Duck Sauce used the name "Barbra Streisand" + DJ AM + so much more!
Via Al Lindstrom: "The Allindstrom.com team took a trip up to XL Records to talk with Odd Future's manager Chris Clancy. In the interview, we talk about how he got his start at MCA records, and eventually started working with Steve Berman and Interscope. His first project with Jimmy Iovene's outfit? Product manager for The Marshall Mathers LP. We then talk about his departure from the label, and finding Odd Future. Finally, we discuss what he has learned from OFWGKTA."
Big S.I.N. "The Illest Man Alive" (prod. by Jackel Hyde): S.I.N. is always consistent. This cats flow always kills me – he’s no nonsense, and attacks the beat the same way – with furious anger and a smirk on the side. The samples in this are wild – Hyde threw in some vintage vibes in the background, nice to rock to. This cut will not only be featured on homey’s The Best of Big S.I.N. mixtape (which drops this month), but will also be found on S.I.N.’s The Soul Of Henrock album, which is due out this summer.
Whitefolkz "Blue Skies" (prod. by Benny Rome): I won’t front – I didn’t know what was going on when this track first kicked in. Feels like Whitefolkz used to dabble in that (def) poetry, as he goes into a different zone, breaking down thoughts as his phone rings, before the Benny Rome bass kicks in and homey kicks it up a notch. There’s a lot going on here, lyrically, bouncing thoughts on his people to plans on making scrilla, ‘Folkz has a lot going on. This second leak from Year of the Dogg shows Whitefolkz’ range, which I’m glad to see.
Mr. Miranda "Ritchie's View": Miranda recently leaked a Rick James tribute, and now opens a different chapter, penning this track from the point of view of Ritchie Valens, who was tragically killed on "The Day The Music Died". This is taken from La Bamba: The Ritchie Valens EP, which will drop on Valens’ birthday (May 13th), and is entirely produced by Mute. Love hearing cats really making ART with this artform.
Spec Boogie "Afrikingstyle": The other day, Spec made a comment about the Loosie Champion Hoods mixtape, which dropped almost five years ago! Crazy to see how long I’ve been rocking to the Lessondary crew, and now Spec is international. And he’s got lines for days – the one that struck me on "Afrikingstyle" is him saying he doesn’t fuck girls who don’t read books (because you can’t get brains from a dumbass, obviously). Dude is BKLYN born and bred, but his craft has him worldwide. Take that journey with him – you’ll be glad you took the trip!
K-SISE "Rewind N Replay" (prod. by Husky): The MC formerly known as Monsta X sent this one over to let us know he’s not affiliated with the Czars anymore, but still fucks with junclassic and is cooking up some intriguing heat with the nigga Husky. Even without the leftfield M.I.C. influence, Sise knows how to marry the unorthodox beat with the dope bars. New name, same quality. Or better.
DJ Solo ft. J-Live "Parts Unknown": I almost had a heart attack when this e-mail came through – I thought this was the Hip-Hop/Dubstep DJ SOLO out of Chitown, but this Solo hails from across the pond. DJ Solo is said to be influential in the Middle Eastern Hip-Hop scene, but it’s really not where you’re from. This sounds like Hip-Hop, no nationality. J-Live is perfect. You could give that nigga any kind of heat and he’ll throw you a gem, as he’s done here. Feels like the perfect track to help usher in the proper Spring weather, right? Solo’s Who Is Wriggly Scott? album is on the way...
DJ I-Dee ft. Eli Porter "Part-Time MC (Shiftee Remix)": This track came out of NOWHERE, and while I kind of wish I-Dee got Eli for the official video, we get the hybrid sound of Shiftee on this remix. Has that low-end sub, but isn’t necessarily dubstep or anything. Love that jungle-vibe Shiftee throws in there. E Dolla FTW, everyday. That nigga is #winning. How much is he charging?
Blitz the Ambassador ft. Les Nubians "Dear Africa": My memories of Les Nubians are from listening to their album while in my mom’s car. She loved that first disc, uncharacteristically. I had been seeing their name pop up as of late, and love that Blitz called upon them to help set this organic letter to Africa off. Setting the record straight, charting a new path from our generation to the fam over there. I’d like to hear them perform this with the Roots, on some eight minute excursion shit. Has a real great feel to it. Big up Mama Africa. Blitz’s album, Native Sun, drops on May 6th, and features more authentic African sounds. Les Nubians also has a new one coming, Nu Revolution, which is due out April 19th.
The fact that Tyler has to explain that his music isn't just about rape makes me realize that when I was rockin' subversive shit back in the mid to late '90s, I was right - aboveground fucks didn't get it. What's even better is Tyler doesn't even WANT to be underground love. Killin' me. Via Rap Radar.
Has-Lo "Untitled #1 (Hold On)": You’d think after dropping In Case I Don’t Make It last week, Has would be out of leaks, but this heartfelt, personal trip back arrived in my inbox, and when I fired it up, it felt like a Ghostface track – from the obvious throwback sample to Has’ lyrics, which open the door right to the kitchen of his youth, letting you see his life, through his eyes, in sepia tone. Even his tone is different. You don’t find too many artists being this open and honest, and that alone should coax you to cop homey’s album (digitally or physically) right now.
Kosha Dillz ft. Homeboy Sandman, MC Lars & Geo "The Alien Song": Taken from Dillz’ Gina & The Garage Sale, these four impressive MCs took a theme and ran with it. I don’t know if marijuana (or other drugs) were imbibed while coming up with this intergalactic funk fest, but I’m loving how it played out, from the obvious themes in the verses to the spaced out sounds within the beat. The further you go into the track, cats drop the ball a bit – but Sandman took it there, and won this one.
When he's not creating movements or plotting world domination, my boy DJ Nappy is just making moves. Most niggas in the situation he's currently in wouldn't be plotting some of these situations - or actually making them a reality. One of the things I've been discussing with him is a string of shows that he and Marty (aka Rose Music Productions) will be putting on in Chicago. Their first show, Sub Heat, goes down on the 9th of June, and tickets are on sale NOW. Here's a little blurb I wrote for the event:
Touching down at V Live in Chicago on the 9th of June is Sub Heat, the debut Chicago event from the Rose Music Productions crew. Aligning some of the finest performers within the Bass Music scene, this night is primed and ready to shake the dancefloor and leave the patrons breathless! Featured DJs include DJ Craze, a three-time DMC World Champion, Dieselboy, a staple within the Drum & Bass and (now) dubstep scene (performing with the acclaimed MC Messinian), Mad Decent representer Dillon Francis out of LA, Atlanta’s own Heroes & Villains (representing Mad Decent and HEAVY), and the Thugstep architect, DJ Nappy. All DJs pack their own Sub Heat, and are ready to crush speakers and rinse the venue. 18+ to enter, 21+ to drink. Eight hours of partying from 8PM to 4AM. BE THERE!
If you're in Chicago, and a fan of Bass Music, this should be the party to kick the summer off right. Or make a trip out there. Should be an ill night. EDIT New acts/stages have been announced for tomorrow night's Sub Heat show in Chicago. Loads of local Midwest EDM talent are lined up - check it out!
And if you want to have a laugh, here's what happens when Nappy doesn't answer his phone: My Manager's Voicemails by djnappy
Building onto the first proper HOODLUM release (the “U Don’t Like Me” Refixes), one of the crew’s latest findings, The Netherlands’ own Santi Junior has flipped his own refix project, taking the acapellas from Lil’ Jon’s Crunk Rock album and giving it the proper THUGSTEP treatment. I always think that I overthink these things, but it sounds like Santi actually put some thought into this. Or he at least has a great ear for what works. I know it sounds easy, but to make a refix that not only works on a few levels, but lasts, you don’t just beatmatch and let it fly. Or maybe you do – again, I overthink shit. In any case, Santi’s crafted some sick refixes, capturing the rowdy flavor that Lil’ Jon brings when his voice touches a mic device. I’m not sure who Requake is, but I think the couple of refixes that feature his beats are my favorites. Just has a nice swing to them; the hooks take on a new life over that proper sub bounce. Something fresh for the new season, seen?
Topaz, Volition, Mars & D-Dand "I Got A Love For This" (prod. by Thelonious Martin): I had a pretty busy end of week last week, through Sunday’s Wrestlemania buzz, so I’m sorry for posting this later than I had imagined. Without going off on a tangent on certain niggas out there, let’s take a look at the Tastemakers crew out of Jersey – none of these cats can buy beer but bring that back to the future cool to this Thelonious track. The title really says it all, and each MC expresses their love for this thing of ours. I feel comfortable in saying “Jersey Stays Active” when the younger cats can bring forth fire like this. I feel like I need to take a trip up north and let these niggas know personally that we all need to stick together and do it for keeping Jersey on the map. Then again, anytime I try to get people to drive towards a vision, based off of MY love, the train derails. So I sit near the tracks, trainspot and record my sightings. For you, the lover. Enjoy that.
Hodgy Beats & Domo Genesis "TANGGOLF": For all of the comparisons to the Wu-Tang Clan (and the co-sign from Steve Rifkind), I find it funny that this is the first time I’ve heard any of OF on a Wu instrumental. Picking up the classic “4th Chamber” from GZA’s Liquid Swords, Hodgy and Domo go in. I like hearing Domo on this – might be one of my favorite verses from him, really complete. Hodgy does his Method Man on this one, too. The lastfew leaks from OF have come from his way, so he’s either trying to get some love in hopes of getting his own album, or has some kind of mixtape coming. Or just doesn’t give a fox and wants to unearth gems. Love that.
Mr. Miranda ft. Simone Hines "Go James" (prod. by Hexsagon): Taking a pretty interesting interview snippet of Rick James, Miranda unleashes a leak from his The Super Freak Tape: A Tribute to Rick James mixtape, which is set to drop in August. This is part tribute/part fly breakdown of Rick’s history within the game, a “true pioneer” as Miranda says. Something funky to listen to while puffing on some green or just lounging on a Friday night, on your way to a chillspot. RIP Rick James, you’ve done a lot for the game.
Kings Of The Midwest "Piling Up The Paper" (prod. by Indiana Rome): InHouse Productions/Force affiliate Indiana Rome has been on his grizzly, coming with project after project. Kings Of The Midwest is Rome linking up with D.I. Skreet for some groundshaking tracks. I always say it, but this beat is made for your trunk. If your system has the capacity, blast this one LOUD. If your car audio system can’t handle this, get a new one before grabbing another Rome jawn. This is the first leak from the KMW album, so enjoy that and get your house proofed for the next hit.
Johnny Spanish & T-Razor "I Know": In a couple of weeks, Spanish and Razor are dropping 2 The Top, and sent over this track recently. While it’s cool to spit about getting fucked up and how ill you are, you have to take some time to go a bit deeper. Span and T found a proper instrumental and really let loose on this one. One of my favorite tracks from either, mainly because it’s kind of against type, but primarily because it’s just good to hear cats spitting from being inspired.
RayDawn "All Night": After the acclaim that "Heir" received, here's the latest leak from Controlled Chaos 2, which will be presented by SMKA, YNotMyDream and RTD on the 29th of April. Has that space-y vibe to it, something you can open the doors of the club to and stunt on niggas to. Over the last couple of weeks, I've gotten to know RayDawn, and respect his grind. That nigga is putting his all into this shit, and it shall pay off. Determination and consistency will break necks and backs, and RayDawn achieves both. Rock to this one, and be on the lookout for some visuals from RayDawn very soon...
I don’t know much about this project, truthfully. I know Rocky brings that undeniable flavor from the STL, and that this project kind of just dropped from the heavens. Maybe I shouldn’t say heavens, unless God saw the cover/heard the title and threw it out of his discman. In any case, we’ve got these devilish treats, another example of a nigga who needs to be headlining more shows, putting out more albums and really just have his name in the mouths of more niggas who do shit like talk about music. Production comes from the likes of Trifeckta, Adult Fur, Brainstorm and more, with niggas like Tef Poe, Vandalyzm and others providing features. Trifeckta’s instrumental for “Silly Human” wins for flipping Rick James like that, with Rocky flowing along with it so perfectly. You need this, bitch.
With all of the press surrounding his recent arrest, Mister Cee did what any capable DJ would do: speak with his hands. After the news broke last night, many knew he’d have to handle it some kind of way during today’s throwback, and you could feel the intensity in his track selection. I personally turned it on and got hit with a barrage of Biggie and Hov venom – really angry, aggressive bars. Twitter was ablaze, with many comments – some for and some against – but you can’t deny that this was a different type of Cee. If you’re riding or suspect, you definitely listened. And he brought it. I’m not with a lot of the “hater” talk – I personally don’t see it as hate, just scandal talk over a different portrayal of the man who brought Biggie to us. Regardless of all of that, I was loving this show. We’ll see how it goes. In the meantime, Cee has a twitter (@Real_MisterCee) and an e-mail address (FinisherMisterCee@gmail.com) – kind of mad that it took a bad situation like this for a nigga to get on the bandwagon. And for what it’s worth, Power 105.1 called Cee their Donkey Of The Day.
Pretty sick after NJPAC after-party with a number of Elite Assembly affiliates. Shouts to Daniel Joseph for sending this one over - homey has his If Walls Could Talk EP on the way (produced by the Co-Pilots [Capicoo and Sincere]), his Jimi Led Joseph side-project (featuring BullyMouth and more w/ Production from Mr. Len (company flow) KRK! (former JS KRILLZ), as well as beats from Dan himself), and his Silver Lining, Screen and Bullet album, which already has production from KRK! and the Co-Pilots. This nigga also slipped up, saying him and KRK! have a dubstep album that they'll be playing cuts from at the after-party. Of course he didn't SEND any cuts off of it, but I need that, Espee. Now.
I'm don't know who put Nore up on Tyler, The Creator, but I'm NOT mad at him grabbing "Yonkers" and going buck. This is a preview that features another track, "Bottles Go Bang", which I'm kind of mad at. Nore sounds ill on that "Yonkers" instrumental. And no so dope on the other jawn. Anyways, I'm on my #WM27 ish right now. Sorry.
I just dropped this preview over on HOODLUM, featuring a track from The Real Crunk Rock (The THUGSTEP Edition), a special 10-track refix project that Santi Junior hooked up using the acapellashttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif from Lil' Jon's Crunk Rock album, using tracks from the likes of Caspa, Bassnectar, Flux Pavilion, Requake and more, really sorting out the essence of what the King of Crunk sounds like over these alternate sounds. Here's an example of what you'll hear on the full project:
I finally saw The Hangover last month. Awesome. This looks awesome too - I can even look past at the fact that they did this shit a second time. So amazing. Can't wait. Memorial Day 2011.
The homey DJ Cable has been on a ROLL lately, with touring as Yasmin's DJ, starting up his Triangulum imprint and doing other producing and stuff. Lots of good food on his plate. Last night, the premiere of his Mini Mix for Annie Mac's Mashup was played last night, showcasing 160 Hip-Hop tracks... in five minutes! If you're a fan of things like DJ Zinc's DnB Megamix, or just love Annie's show in general, you should know how this will roll out. He uploaded it earlier, and I wanted to share this with you.
Wiz has to be celebrating this week: not only does he have one of the flyest chicks on his arm, but his debut album, Rolling Papers, hit stores this week. rockthedub turned five years old yesterday, so we're throwing celebrations all weekend. And Nappy's on the way out very soon - sooner than you think. So it made sense to drop a previously-unreleased refix of Wiz and Philly phenom Starkey. Shit like this makes so much sense - just listen to how Starkey's beat fluctuates and matures, and how Wiz's shit matches it beat for beat. Just excellent. Head into Wrestlemania weekend with this one, trust we!
I guess this wasn't a joke. I do feel odd that he calls his project Face in the Crowd, but then has it released by Refined Hype & BOTTOM SHELF. Most "faces in the crowd", within this Internets Hip-Hop game, don't get co-signs on their projects (and the fact that the cover doesn't have - wait for it - other people in it), but I digress. This is a good introduction to Capri's chamber. The intro/title cut feels like Nas' "Book of Rhymes", a lot of different themes/thoughts being thrown atop one beat (although this would've been doper with an ALC beat). Elsewhere, upcoming gems like King Mez help add some weight to this project, but Capri doesn't throw wild features all over - and has a variety of soundscapes to help him prove to you that he's singular. Despite the date on the calendar, this EP's devoid of jokes. Give it a spin.
New day, new time slot = NEMANATIIIIIII! Haha. Last night was the debut of CJRS in the new Wednesday 10pm-12am time slot. No more leaving the station at 4am. Primetime! In the building was the usual suspects Combat Jack, Dallas Penn, Premium Pete our newly appointed DJ Ben-Ha-Meen. Our special guest was none other than the author of “The Big Payback: The History of Business of Hip-Hop”. Dan has been in the music business for a while and was in the mix of some of the Hip Hop’s most monumental moments. Do yourself a favor, purchase the book and stream/download the show below…..
*Don’t forget, The Combat Jack Show can be heard live each and every Wednesday nights 10pm-12am on www.pncradio.fm*
