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Rukus Returns On A "U.F.O."


Feels like its been forever since I heard new material from Rukus; it's been even longer since I've posted new stuff from him. On his latest single, "U.F.O.," he's back with a more conscious vibe to his material, which is all kinds of necessary. Check out the full video for his latest banger, and keep it locked for more material from the Texas-based emcee.

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Life After Death: Download These Tributes to The Notorious B.I.G.

While it's customary that we at rockthedub pay tribute to The Notorious B.I.G.'s legacy by sharing this now-nine-year-old mix that we did, today is a bit different; today marks the 20th anniversary of his death. It's a big one, and should be recognized properly.

That said, check out some of these tribute songs, mixtapes, and more to the memory of one of the greatest to ever do it. Rest in peace, Biggie.
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J-Live Is Releasing The Instrumentals To Some Of His Illest Productions

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Image via J-Live
One of my favorite things about the legend J-Live is that he's a triple threat. There are a number of rapper-producers, and DJ-producers, but it's rare that you see a rapper who is just as talented of a producer as he is a DJ; hell, have you seen him perform "Braggin' Writes" live on the decks? Phenomenal.

Live has recently released Actual Tracks Vol. 1, the first in a series of self-produced instrumentals from his previous works. We're talking from his 16-year, nine-release catalog. It's structured like a mixtape, and is a DOPE time capsule of how one of the nicest emcees ever to do it gets busy on the boards.

I think I really got into his work via his All of the Above album, which featured a cut entitled "Whatever." It's a parody of rappers building themselves up to start rhyming, but never getting to the end. Finally, 15 years later, he's dropped "Whatever Revisited." AKA the wait is over!

You can stream Actual Tracks Vol. 1, and grab the full release via Bandcamp.

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KC Slater & Shy the Duke Take On The Perception of Black Women In "Black Mona Lisa" Clip


I love the movement going on in hip-hop right now. When Black Collar Biz was really on his grind a few years ago, you saw the worlds of hip-hop and the arts scene in Trenton, NJ coming together, and last weekend, I got to see KC Slater & Shy the Duke take it to the next level.

They held a premiere for their "Black Mona Lisa" music video at Artworks Trenton, which was dope because they shot the video for the Rell Gambino-produced track at the local art gallery as well. It's dope to see them give back, considering they lit up the Art All Night - Trenton 2016 stage last summer.

The spot takes a look at how black women are perceived in America; it reminded me of that scene in The Birth of a Nation where Nat Turner essentially made his master buy the woman that would become his wife. I hated that scene, but it's a mirror of how things can be seen in real life, so it was dope to be able to have an open discussion about these kinds of things during the post-premiere discussion at Artworks.

Hopefully more local acts start bridging gaps like KC and Shy are. Word is they both have projects set to drop some time this year; if you rock with this track, grab their Adderall Rx album.

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RTDMIX009: Dusty Ohms


One of the things I love about the RTDMIX is realigning with old favorites. I remember the homey DJ Cable putting me onto Fused Forces, with whom he made a number of bangers with, including the massive "Flocka Riddim." After a while, one-half of Fused Forces struck out on his own, calling himself Dusty Ohms, and while he still worked with Cable, he also started to stretch his wings a bit.

Dusty's been putting in work ever since, leading up to the release of his Trap Door EP alongside SupaSaiyan on their new imprint Smho Wal. The nine-tracker was pressed on a limited run of white vinyl, and if you like what you hear, there are some bits still available. He also recently put out "Grip Fo's" with Saturate, and touches down monthly on Fly High Society.

Like his bio says, Dusty is a "hip-hop outlaw, straddling the no mans land of electronic music." His RTDMIX fits that description perfectly, finding the likes of Champagne Drip, Om Unit, JD. Reid, Etch, and others thrown into one lit stew of electronic-drenched hip-hop beats. Proper pre-game mix for you dames and gents out there.

You can stream this mix below, and if you're so inclined, subscribe to the podcast.


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Celebrate 'Moonlight's Oscar Wins With This Chopped & Screwed Remix of The 'Moonlight' Soundtrack


Last night, Moonlight made history. Today? We celebrate with Purple Moonlight, aka a chopped and screwed remix of the Moonlight soundtrack, done with director Barry Jenkins' blessing.

This flip is a smart one, considering that Moonlight features a chopped and screwed version of Jidenna's "Classic Man" that's used to perfection. Sadly, there's no Prince Ali on this mixtape.

Stream Purple Moonlight below, and grab the Moonlight soundtrack for your ride.

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Kemba Opens Up In "Already" Video


The last time we saw Kemba, he was spitting a verse for Kendrick Lamar that had the entire internets wondering if he was TDE. For those who hadn't been paying attention then, they are surely paying attention now, so it makes sense that Kemba drops a video for "Already," a standout Frank Drake-produced cut from Negus. While the project as a whole is more of a new school negro spiritual, the attitude on this clip is more playful yet New York. Kemba says he linked up with Jeffrey Almonte, aka the kid who made that ultra-viral "chopped cheese" video.

Kemba will only have so much time to celebrate this, though; today, it was announced that he will be joining Boogie, Michael Christmas, and Kaydio on the first No Ceilings Tour from Pigeons & Planes. They kick things off on April 18 in DC, hitting a number of markets before the tour ends in Los Angeles in May. Check out the full schedule, as well as the complete "Already" video down below.
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Hudson Mohawke Returns For His 10th "Slow Jams" Mix


It ain't a Valentine's Day if Hudson Mohawke doesn't drop a "Slow Jams" mix. Here's his tenth. Preview it below, then download it so you have it ready for your late-night excursions with bae this evening.

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MJ Cole Drops a Stunning Mix of "Not Dance Music" For Solid Steel


While DJ mixes are some of the best ways to discover the sounds of dance music, that doesn't mean dance music DJs only want to play dance music. Case in point, UK garage legend MJ Cole. For his new Solid Steel set, he went left: "I weaved and meandered through my collection of not Dance Music," he told them, "and bound it together to form and hour of pianos, textures, voices and audio nuggets which together make my Solid Steel mix."

Featured in this set is material from Lapalux, Floating Points, Radiohead, Bonobo, and Cole himself. Stream, download, and chill out below.


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Inkke Gets Dark and Moody On New Project, 'Faded With Da Kittens Vol. 1'

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I don't know about you, but I'm a bit under the weather. That paired up with some chilly February weather has me wanting to stay in a hoodie and under the covers. Dark and gloomy status. It's times like this when I want to make sure I have the proper soundtrack for my turn down, and Inkke's surprise compilation, Faded With Da Kittens Vol. 1, perfectly matches my mood.

There's something about the blunted hip-hop influence in Inkke's sounds that always matches where my mind is at. This 11-track release feels like exactly what I'll be vibing to for the rest of this winter season. This cut "Slippin'" will be on repeat for the next half hour. The best part? It's available for whatever you want to pay. Grab this 11-tracker ASAP, trust. Stream the full release down below.

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