The Lighthouse Project (Disc 2)

I hit you guys with Disc 1 two weeks ago, and have gotten a lot of positive feedback from heads who are in tune to the sound. I look at this compilation as kind of two sides of the same coin. Where Disc 1 was a bit more harder, mixtape-feel to it, Disc 2 has a lot of the same themes underlying: social issues, love, and a host of introspective moods, wrapped around slick production and capped off with some dope instrumentals. Ah, just read on...

01. Freddie Joachim ft. Lauren Santiago & Jacewon "Hear It From You": Yes, I know, this isn't technically Hip-Hop, but ease off. This is my Hip-Hop Soul joint for the summer. Joachim has beats, Lauren has a sultry voice and Jacewon ties the whole story of yearning with a sick verse... and an extra endpiece. Reminds me of that Pete Rock shit, with a hint of that Neo Soul in it. This is on Joachim's In With Time, which is available... in Japan.
02. Big Quarters ft. Alicia Steele "August": This is from Big Quarters' Lake City Browns album. I dropped the video from this a few months back, and it still has that perfect chilled Sunday afternoon vibe. It's also the perfect compliment to "Hear It From You". Minneapolis, what?!?!?
03. Black ELement "Human": Black EL is on a roll right now, and if you've been hip to the internets, you should have seen this one around. I heard this a bit ago, and had to have it for this project. I love the switch-up in the beat when the chorus comes in, and he throws some witty lines and sows some deeper seeds (check that 2nd verse). A Major Minority is coming...
04. Amanda Diva "Supa-Woman": I was so mad - I couldn't lock down any other tracks from strong female MC's. I got my hands on this one early, and loved that bassline. Amanda has always been an artist I have loved, ever since I saw her spoken word, through her MTV2 stint. She is a chick that many heads would love to wife up - just the total package. One would hope you guys are keepin' into her DivaSpeakTV webisodes, as well as her blog over at Okayplayer. Props to Saptosa for the hook-up.
05. Fanu "So Sleeps The City": One thing I did get, however, were some dope instrumental jams. This is the first of the trifecta. Fanu is one of the artists on this comp who is not necessarily known for his Hip-Hop production - he is more of a Drum & Bass/Jungle/Downtempo soundboy. I sent out a load of e-mails on a whim, and was granted permission to use this track. Has that nice feel of a city like New York, like 1:30AM on a Friday, where the rest of the world is dead but this town is alive and kicking, and you're driving in a taxi, taking it all in. Heavy track.
06. Elucid "Step Careful": I leaked this cut earlier this month (again, I had this track pegged for a minute), and to be honest, I wish I had more from dude. Elucid is an emcee that went from a cat I'd converse with briefly to someone who I've been trying to get shit done with for a minute now. We'll see how that goes... regardless, this Waxwerks11701-produced, harpsichord-driven revival music anthem is from E's forthcoming Save Yourself album. Be on the lookout for that.
07. Muja Messiah "True Lies": Muja has been making crazy noise on this site for the better part of 2008, and for good reason - so much so, that this is the 2nd track of his on this comp! This is one of those wild, conspiracy theory heavy tracks that plays a great bookend to the previous track, spit over a mid-tempo banger. His album (Thee Adventures of A B-Boy D-Boy) is dropping on Black Corners on July 29th as well!
08. Wu-Tang Clan "C.R.E.A.M. (Zyon Base Mix)": Zyon Base is a producer who I only knew about from his Drum & Bass productions, so imagine my surprise when he hits me one Saturday with this ill remix of a classic Wu-Tang favorite. It's actually got a sound of something that could have been a B-side to the "C.R.E.A.M." single, which is always dope. I guess I have that old-Soul sound in me. Props to Hobzee for letting me know ZB did Hip-Hop.
09. Wordsmith "The Soulless Saint": Wordsmith is another artist who has gotten 'nuff play on this blog. The one thing I didn't know about dude was that he could weave stories like this, but "The Soulless Saint" is one to grow on. As a leader and a guy striving to make moves, you have to respect dude's hustle. Check out The Mid-Year Review mixtape Words did with Denox & HipHopDX recently.
10. Cave Precise "GOD": This was an early addition to this project, as well. Cave is a talented producer of both straight-up Hip-Hop and some more twisted, genre-bending flavors. This has that pimped-out flex to it, but the organs and the overall feel had me open from jump. The beat CD this came on has some fire on it - MCs looking for beats, take note.
11. Praverb "Urban Legends": Teddy Roxpin went in on this beat. If I was an emcee, I'd want an album of tracks like this. Praverb is such a dope MC, though, it's good to hear him rip this one up. His first verse has been a quottable for me, just for the things he touches on (MF Doom, Cloverfield, etc.), but then tries to get you cats to think about things (like what "Crank Dat" is promoting). Talk about edutainment! I also recently reviewed his Center Of Attention album, which you heads need to check out.
12. Radius "South Shore (Baahumgbug!)": Fire production from Chicago. Instrumental Hip-Hop albums were my lifeblood back in '95, '96, so it's good to hear cats in the '08 still keeping fresh ideas up. If you need a good album to road trip to, or some different flavors for your iPods in general, Neighborhood Suicide is the way to go. I might have a special version of this coming...
13. Burt Fox & El Juba "The Jungle": This might be one of my favorite cuts on this entire compilation. That nasty Electro drive is slowed down, with Juba going buck on some revolutionary but gangsta steeze. Really big track, something you put on in the whip late at night and coast to, doing whatever you do, middle finger to the law. Props to Burt and the entire RiotControl fam. Hopefully he finishes more of his tracks!
14. Joulz Il "Imagine That": Joulz is an MC out of Dallas that I've been trying to put you guys onto for the longest. He is looking for a deal, and deserves one. Not too many cats from out that way are known for being lyrical, and dude actually sounds like a dude from out East, but regardless, he is a gifted MC (with a gifted producer, Entity Starr) who is making captivating music. Real uplifting, symphonic-feel to this joint, and his lyrics are so dense, and actually go from point A to B by song's end. This should be the anthem to all artists who are looking to get the big nickel...
15. Monsta X "Mind Of A Monsta": How about this is produced by MF Grimm? Some more Monster Island Czars shit, with X just going for broke over this eerie, bass-heavy beat. Just some straight, "what's going on in my mind" shit, with some boomin' beats that you might not regularly rock to. Jun hit me with this - good looks fam!
16. Wafeek ft. Azeem "I'mma Learn You": Wafeek's an MC that Trackstar put me onto, and for good reason. I wanted to put out a gang of freestyles over these beat tapes I compiled, and Wafeek hit me with this, over the Dome Cracker Remix of Das EFX's "Microphone Master", and another over a Gravediggaz jam. He flows so effortlessly on this one, and touches on a bunch of topics. Definitely expect to be hearing more from this talented cat.
17. Dyane P & Lex "Confused": I went to high school with Lex, and recently touched base with him via internets, and was surprised by the wealth of cuts he sent me. He actually said going over these has him picking up the pen again, which I feel like is my doing, so hopefully he has more work to put out. I remember him putting me onto the Freestyle Fellowship cats, and bugging over The Slim Shady LP, and hearing his packed lines always kills me. That real Cali open mic flow, which I can always appreciate. And that Ill Oytreb beat ain't nothing to sneeze at, either!
18. Big Jus "Resilient": Another Wally Clark-produced joint - actually, the first Wally Clark track I heard, and it still has me open. That ill super-hero vibe in the string sample, with some understated boom-bap on it. Big Jus goes hard on the beat, doing it justice. I'd like to hear some other cats get a crack at this beat.
19. Altered St8s "Last Call": This is some real-life talk for you guys who work during the week and need to hit the bar for a cold on. Really encapsulates what some cats go through, just some real life shit. Shouts to Lyfestile for this one, he's a monster on this. And this was also the joint that I always wanted to end on, not just for the title but the whole vibe, from the melancholy piano to that Common scratch in the hook. Fitting end to this disc, and the project as a whole.

Again, I have everything uploaded to Mediafire, as well as in a nice, easy .rar file. I appreciate everyone who submitted a track, conversed with me about this project (aka listen to me gripe), anyone who shot a suggestion, Tech Supreme for the dope covers, my close friends and family for the encouragement, all of the artists out there making it happen - anyone on these two discs is a problem! Your work/encouragement/inspiration/words mean so much to me, and are what keeps blogs like this going.

This is for Hip-Hop.

This is not the final piece to this puzzle... nor is this the last Lighthouse Project. Stay tuned!

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REAL St. Louis Hip-Hop

If you're a fan of this blog, you've probably seen posts I've dedicated to Trackstar the DJ, and if you peeped Disc 1 of The Lighthouse Project, you heard Tech Supreme and Tef Poe. One thing the three of these artists share in common is that they represent St. Louis. In the forthcoming Lighthouse Project compilations I am working on (including one dedicated to my home state, New Jersey), I am looking for some ill Hip-Hop from MCs in St. Louis, or in the surrounding area. I'm not sure how the project is going to come about in the end, but I can only imagine it coming out hot, based on the work these 3 have put in.

Submit any tracks to khaldub@gmail.com or hit me on AIM at DOA khal, and let's build!

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The Lighthouse Project (Disc 1)

I told y'all on Friday that this was coming. It's been a bit, and I've gone batty trying to get this paired down perfectly, but I am happy with how this came out, overall. This is my testament to the talented artists who hit my inbox on the regular, who stay hungry and, whether it's imeem or MySpace, Facebook or CDBaby, these guys are not letting their talent go to waste. Look at this as a celebration of the dope MC, the dope producer, and the true Hip-Hop that's still alive and well...

01. Cyrano aka Cy Yung "Reel Hip-Hop": This was the first track I received for the compilation, and it was always the intro. I envisioned this comp as a one CD thing, and this was always track 1. Just has that ill intro appeal, with the way the piano was flipped, and that message, basically trying to let the mainstream know that there's more out there than what Clear Channel gives you. Representing the BPA, Cy Yung is an ill emcee that has gotten love on this site ever for a bit. I know him and J. Slikk have some ish going on in terms of a collaborative LP, as well as the Y'All Soon Gonna C-Y EP with Toronto producer Cynergy Soundz (which is where this track comes from), his Cyrano's Edict EP, the Rosie Perez project, and a bunch of other things I can't reveal as of yet... BPA is coming on like a bullet train, y'all.
02. Tech Supreme ft. Ajunel "Famous Flavor": And this track was always #2. Tech was voted Best Hip-Hop Producer by the St. Louis Riverfront Times back in 2007, and if you listen to this horn-driven banger, then peep his remix of Lil' Wayne's "Lollipop", you can hear the diversity. I know he is working on an album, and I am pretty sure this cut is on it, which should be a great primer to what he has dropping in the future. The 'Lou is much more than Nelly and Murphy Lee. I love that Delorean line - this is def. some back to the future shit, just has a cool vibe that Tech attacks perfectly.
03. R.O.E. "Can't Help Myself": This is my jam, forreal. A magnificent beat cooked up by the one like J. Slikk, who has become a fast friend, is the perfect bed for Rising Over Envy's flavorful flows. It's hard to come wack on this beat (J. Slikk is a beast on the boards), and R.O.E. has the perfect flow and poise over this track. The bass in this takes me back to the mid-to-late '90s, just that back-of-the-whip, dutch-passin' vibe. R.O.E. has an EP on deck that should be coming sooner rather than later, but for now, grab that Return of the Soulstar for more fire, and revel in how R.O.E. coasts on this beat. Another BPA representative.
04. Hustle Simmons ft. 84 & Fel Sweetenberg "The Rundown": For you Johnny-come-latelies, I interviewed Tha S Ence back in '06, and this Philly-residing producer has been working on some fire, including the forthcoming project with Dave Ghetto under their Hustle Simmons guise (their LP drops on iTunes on June 24th - I've heard snippets of the jawn, and its something serious). This cut screams boom-bap, with some wicked horns hopping on top of those cripsy drums. With the 215's 84 and NJ's Fel Sweetenberg providing the perfect compliment to Dave's bars, this track is a certified heat rock for your block.
05. Brokn.Englsh "TCBY": Had to get some more Jersey on this comp. Brokn.Englsh rep Hillside, NJ, and come with the heat (peep the video for this jawn here). This beat is infectious, with that weird ass vocal in there - ultimate rewind material (it was produced by Dert, who I can't find a valid MySpace URL/website for). And those punchlines in this one? Potent. I've been quoting a lot of the lines in my head, including this personal favorite: "I'm a killer with text like anthrax messages..."; probably not the most politically correct line, but being a writer myself, I love those cold ass lines about your craft. Watch out for these cats - Myk Dyaleks is already working on some new ish, and I imagine the others are following suit. Infinite respect to J-Dub for putting me on to these cats.
06. Genesis Elijah "Hard": Genny (AKA the Voice of the Angry Black Male) is an MC from the UK that I interviewed for the now-defunct e-zine The Flow, and I am glad to hear he is still creating fire. This track begs you to question: what can truly be considered HARD? One answer is, that BEAT, with its thick, woofer-beating bassline, and those crazy sounds overtop? Whoa. Dude has 'nuff knowledge, and now with what seems like the right people behind him, I can only hope we get to hear more from this gifted MC. You also have to respect how much the UK appreciates real Hip-Hop, even though I imagine their mainstream still has the "money cash ho's" tracks that so densely populate American Urban Radio. Props to Nina and Escape Route Music for the hookup.
07. Muja Messiah ft. Slug & Hap "O'Silly Me": This is from Muja's MPLS Massacre mixtape, which is just pure dope. Atmosphere's Slug is featured on here, and they all take to task these chicks who are on your jock when you are making it... but seem to ignore you when you're low. The other thing that killed me was the pro wrestling lines in here - sorry, been a fan since the early 80's, and any reference to Jimmy Snuka kills me. You know how it goes. Minnesota in this! Muja's LP drops on July 29th - keep it locked!
08. Nov Gannon "Epiphany": This is actually one of the latest additions to the comp, but I had to put this one on here. Just has that ill vibe I was looking for to mix up this disc. That old school sample just works so well. Nov's one of URB's Next 1000, and also represents over at Flew Humble Martians. He classifies his brand of Hip-Hop as "Hip-Hop Fusion", and while that name makes sense, its just pure Hip-Hop to me.
09. Che Grand "Swing": Dear Che - I interviewed you back in July 2006, and Everything's Good Ugly is still not out. I know, I know, by hell or highwater it will be out on your born day, but I want it now, especially with tracks sounding as dope as this club-ready cut you allowed me to drop "Swing" on this comp. Let me, and the world, know when this is coming. Tracks like this always get me, because people think underground or backpack Hip-Hop, and think "this shit won't pop in the clubs", but I guarantee if someone like DJ Khaled dropped "Swing", it'd be a wrap - panties would drop, Patron would get bought up, and Che would be on TRL, cheesin'.
10. Junclassic "The Promo": Jun is one of two Monster Island Czars on The Lighthouse Project (he goes by the AKA Gabarah when with the MIC), and he flips a breathless, hookless stream of consciousness flow on this reworking of a Jungle Brothers classic. Just a dope track that might require multiple rewinds before you really hear what he's saying. Pure unadulterated, raw Hip-Hop - dope beat and dope rhymes, no nonsense. No frills fire.
11. L.E.G.A.C.Y. ft. Sean Boog "That Me Shit": Exclusive shit. Out of all of the Hall of Justus niggas (as well as the Rawkus 50 heads that L.E.G.A.C.Y. is grouped with), Leg has been my favorite. Dude just has those wild lines that make you stop midtrack and just... think. Really captivating writer, especially when he goes introspective. This is not on that flavor, though. With Sean Boog on the hook and Khrysis on the boards providing a heavy track, Leg gets on his mixtape shit and just comes with bars bars bars. Watch out for his forthcoming Suicide Music album, as well as the S.I.N. Music Group.
12. Aych "She's Cheatin'": This is one of two Wally Clark-produced cuts on this compilation, and this one is pure comedy. The title says everything, and fans of the show Cheaters should be up on the premise of this track. Aych is coming with some fire, please believe - lyrically, dude is creating some ill tales, and he does it without compromising his steeze. You don't find that too much these days.
13. Bun B "That's Gangsta (The Amps Remix)": Wow. Not only do L.A.'s The Amps provide a serious dubby-feel to the beat in this one, but they completely axed Sean Kingston's hook (aside from the "yeah!", which sounds dope). Bun's fierce flows sound so perfect over this big beat. They've already been featured producers on mixtapes for cats like the Clipse and Ray Cash, and are working on a plethora of remixes for artists like Weezy, Rick Ross, Eightball & MJG and others, so keep your eyes peeled for these talented cats.
14. Styles P ft. Swizz Beats "Blow Ya Mind (Benja Styles Remix)": For those paying attention, I dropped this weed-soaked anthem on the 19th edition of rock the dub radio. Benja Styles throws a throwback beat underneath Styles' latest ode to the greenery, and this actually sits much better than Swizzy's original. Has that blaxploitation vibe to it, which is something I'd love to zone to if I was still chiefin'... and don't get it twisted - Benja is more than just a Hip-Hop remixer/producer - he has many styles!
15. SIN "Last Night": SIN is a dope North Carolina spitter, with an everyman-appeal and some wicked flows. He's not super flashy, just real, and when he's in the pocket, he's murder. SIN beasts on this banger of a beat, bridging the stylin' from the old school with the aggression of today, this cuts a sleeper. This is another cat I interviewed for The Flow who's kept in touch, and kept making heat, getting love stateside as well as in Germany. How does that work? Consistency... pick up his Warning Shot mixtape to get more fire like this.
16. Both Nice ft. Jelani "The Cuchifritos Groove": Those Notherground cats are working on a ton of stuff, from Jelani's forthcoming Wait, You Can Rap?!?! album to a ton of other stuff. "The Cuchifritos Groove" is some slick shit, something to lean and rock to. Bang this one LOUD in the whip, and feel the windows shake off that bass. Oh, Both Nice = 6th Sense + Wildabeast, so you already know!
17. The Homebodies ft. Cool Breeze "Cool (Remix)": The Homebodies = A-Bomb & Wes Green, and this keeps you on that slinky, groovin' vibe we're on right now. And yes, it's that Cool Breeze. Get your lighters out for this one - all of you peeps who just KNOW you're cool, here's your anthem. ATL is definitely in the house. Check out their recently-released video for "Know Me Foe", and definitely be on the lookout for these cats.
18. Tef Poe "Niggas Ain't Brolic": Tef is another St. Louis rhymer, and this just has me open. "Niggas Ain't Brolic", aside from being a hot title, is also full of punchlines, and doesn't get old. Manifest Destiny should be out at some point this year (right, Tef?), but for now, keep up with dude - he's an interesting cat.
19. 5th Flow "The Reign": Yes, these three Texas spitters are just warming up for their album, but this banger, which was on their Quarter To A Half mixtape, is more fitting as an end-cap on this chapter, with some fierce bars and a bombastic beat. Pink Slip up in this, forreal...

So that's that, for now. You can grab this as one complete .rar, or hit up the mirrors over at mediafire. Shouts to beatplexity and openeyesconnect for the hosting. Shouts to all of the heads who allowed me to include their music on this compilation. Big ups to all of the heads I converse with on the regular, those who give honest critiques and insight into how I might want to do things. Props to all of my fellow bloggers for filling in the gaps on my musical journey. Much love to my wife, who always has a supportive ear. And one love goes out to Hip-Hop.

Disc 2 drops on June 23rd... keep it locked!

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Warning Shot Wednesday: "Step Careful"

Elucid "Step Careful" (prod. by Waxwerks11701): I've been sitting on this track for a minute. Elucid gave this track to me for my forthcoming rock the dub compilation (part 1 out next week - get prepared!), and this is also coming on his Save Yourself album, which is due out in the future. Tight drums, synth washes and a funky harpsichord play the soundtrack to Elucid's revolutionary warfare. This is not a game, people.

www.myspace.com/elucidmusic

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Wordsmith The Mid-Year Review Cover+Tracklist

On May 30th, my boy Wordsmith (in conjuction with HipHopDX & DJ Denox) will be dropping a new mixtape entitled The Mid-Year Review, which features 12 of the best tracks that Words has released to the masses over the last 6 months. You will be treated to the instant-summer anthem "Park & Ride", as well as the "Word's Signing Day" freestyle, with Words and Nu Revolution crew merking the "We Roll" instrumental. You will also be treated to "The Soulless Saint", which has Words showing his deeper storytelling side (this cut is also featured on the forthcoming rock the dub compilation), among a host of others. Words hit me with the tracklist, check it out:

1. The Soulless Saint (Produced by Strada)
2. Grudge of a Madman Remix (Produced by Capish & Wodzu)
3. Danger Zone Feat. Black Knight (Produced by Professa)
4. Quest for My Existence (Produced by Professa)
5. The Missing Element (Produced by DJ Denox)
6. Dreamin' of Superstardom (Produced by Capish)
7. Scrapbook Vol. 1: The MC Years (Produced by DeMo)
8. Word's Signing Day Freestyle Feat. Kontact & Black Knight
9. Above Average Status Feat. RhymeZwell & Black Knight
10. The FunkBox Remix Feat. Kontact & SoL, Black Knight & RhymeZwell (Produced by Capish)
11. Park & Ride (Produced by Strada)
12. A Psychedelic Side to Love Feat. SoL tha Analyst (Produced by Street Level)
Bonus: Diaries of Deception Feat. D-Dub, Deedaman, & Black Knight (Produced by Strada)

For you fans of quality, hungry underground MCs, this mixtape will not be disappointing, especially since Denox is really working on the mixes and blends, making this a true old school Maxwell-tape treat. Definitely one for the Jeeps and the walkmans.

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rock the dub, the compilation: update

Touching down, keeping you guys up on what I've been working on since I last posted about this.

The compilation, which is still FREE and strictly digital, is still a go, and I've been getting some serious fire as of late. When we last spoke, I let it be known that fire from Amanda Diva, Che Grand, Elucid, Genesis Elijah, Wordsmith and a Benja Styles remix are confirmed. Since then, I've also gotten confirmations from L.E.G.A.C.Y., Junclassic and others. Recent additions to the comp include Black ELement, 5th Flow, The Homebodies (ft. Cool Breeze), Shelly B, SIN and many more!

I've also got word that DJ Cable is up for doing a complimentary mixtape, featuring his choices of the comp and a host of exclusives made for this project.

My projected date of release would be sometime in June, but I just got a 10 hour idea that might push it, but I am trying to stick to that June 2008 date. This ain't Tha Carter III.

Gonna be something special. And is just the first of many. I'm getting a few submissions for other projects, although I know I wanna get another Hip-Hop one out by the end of the month. We'll see.

Any producers/MCs reading this who want to contribute, hit me up at khaldub@gmail.com or www.myspace.com/khaldub. Holla.

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On That Leak: "Urban Legends"

Praverb ft. Arsun Fist "Urban Legends" (prod. by Teddy Roxpin): Just ill. Super smooth beat with some intelligent lyrics over top. Praverb's first verse is a thing of beauty. The non-Arsun version of this will be on the rock the dub compilation. You already know...

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rock the dub: the compilation?

I am always trying to showcase new, exciting artists with my blog, reviews, and other pieces I write. I am wondering if I need to take it to the next level, and actually create a compilation of Hip-Hop from cats many of you might not have heard, but need to hear. I'm not talking about money, I'm talking about exposure. A situation where tracks from (hopefully) the world over, primarily Hip-Hop, gets into the hands of people who want it. Would anyone be down? If so, hit me up via e-mail: khaldub@gmail.com. Serious inquiries only. I have no more details only because I want to see how many of you would truly be down.

Let me know what's good.

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