WATCH THE THRONE FAIL

Maybe hate isn't quite fair, but watch the throne leaves something to be desired.  All the hype, the artwork, the mini documentary and I was left with a forced, over dramatic and sloppy effort by two of my favorite rappers.  I'd stop just short of saying this record is awful because it does have a few tracks that keep me occupied. Those being Niggas In Paris, Otis and Murder To Excellence.  Maybe I'm just showing my age, but I can't listen to this without thinking of ALL of the classic records that preceded Watch The Throne.  I can't even give it cool points as being an experimental record because, frankly, it's not. Sampling Nero and and Cassius seemed like Kanye (or whomever really produced the record) just co-opting trends.  Unlike Stronger which pretty much put dance music back into the pop consciousness.  I mean, they recorded the album in someones living room in Australia. And it sounds like it.  The record is boring, uninteresting and not Hell Hath No Fury... so they already started the race behind.  For all of you who dig the record, I don't think you're crazy.  Just being a huge fan of both of them I was underwhelmed. This is not a memorable record. Too much Ye trying to be Jay and too much Jay trying to be young.

And come on, All of The Lights had 25 people singing on it. Amazing.

I give it 2 Zamber Roses out of 5.

WALKING ON THE BLOCK WITH LIFE IN MY POCKET

One of my FAVORITE unsung rappers hails from VA and has been around for years. If you're familiar with the early 2000's Star Strak movement, then you know Fam Lay.  Below are 2 new joints and 2 classic joints. Enjoy. Yesssssir.......

IT'S DAT REAL

About this last one, I'm glad I'm not the only one who loved this beat.  There are mad Neptunes beats that got SUPER slept on.

JAM BOY MAGIC

Continuing on the theme of hip hop, the Philly rap group Money Making Jam Boys teamed up with 10Deep to release their latest mixtape The Prestige: Jam Boy Magic.  This project has been around since the earlier 2000s. You may recognize some of the members, Dice Raw from The Roots' earlier work in the 90's and members Truck North and PORN from The Roots' more recent releases.   Their first mixtape (which name escapes me right now and I don't have anymore and can't find and I'm sad) I stumbled upon on the Okayplayer forums about 5 years back.  It was some of the most refreshing hip hop I had heard in a long time, made extra special because they were hometown cats.  You can download the whole jawn mixed up by Mick Boogie and Terry Urban right hurr fo' free!

RETURN OF THE BOOM BAP

Lately I've been feeling extremely overwhelmed by the mountains of new dance and pop music that comes my way on a daily basis.  I so need a break. So, with a little inspiration from A-Trak's blog, I've decided to dedicate the next 7 days to listening to as much hip hop and non-dance music as possible.  I intend to rediscover some old records that I haven't listened to in a while or hopefully find some new stuff.

Also, in making that decision and doing a little re-design of the blog, I began thinking of some albums that changed my life. KRS ONE's Return of the Boom Bap is one of those albums.  Now, in 1993 when it was released I was 4, but I came across it in middle school, about 10 years later,  actually bought it at a store and played it until I knew every word.  This was pre-DJ BRUCE, so I didn't know that I was looking for something when I picked it up, but I found i stumbled upon something special... not just a great record.

GOOD OL' RIDIN' MUSIC

Do your like to ride around in your car with no particular destination while playing your music really loudly? I thought you'd might. Do I have the mix for you. Titled simply Sup?  like, "wussup?" Exactly. Downloadable for a short time only, 30 minute selection of some of my favorite recent hip hopp tracks that bang extra hard.... Yes, I can play hip hop.  Enjoy! **I'm not responsible for your speakers exploding.

Download

Track list below. 

Shiny Suit Theory

I'll have to admit, I have become super jaded about having any prospect for me to enjoy any new rap or hip hop that comes out.  Like good, listening hip hop. Not party-hop, not cocaine-hop, just good (they don't even have to be life altering) solid rhymes over gritty beats.  And what makes it even harder, that in the 90s and early 2000's there were countless hip hop acts that were overlooked that are still being uncovered and revitalized and replayed for the crowd today.  So any new artist has to overcome and compete with music that was made fifteen or twenty years ago by guys who aren't even rapping anymore.  Go to any "hip hop" party, the DJ is always playing the same jam.

Reef the Lost Cauze, Kuf Knotz, & Asaad @ The Rotunuda (Philly) - Nov. 14th

YAY, a hip hop show! Finally! On November 14th I'll be jamming between sets with Reef the Lost Cause (Army of the Pharaohs),  Kuff Knotz & Asaad in Philly @ The Rotunda. Also, bring some non-perishable food items to donate. All proceeds go to Philabundance. 


$8, come support hip hop and good music. 


info: Here

A Trak Feat. CyHi Da Prynce- Ray Ban Vision

Trizzy in and the G.O.O.D folks at Kanye's label come with a banger. And it's free!  A lower bpm than we're used to but it has A Trak all over it. Enjoy.

This track may or may not have been brought to you by Ray Ban. And mine are prescription.

SAME OL EMINEM

And we couldn't be happier.

YESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

The new K-Os record is FLAMESAUCE. GO BUY THIS NOW!

JAY STAY PAID!!!!!!!!!!

NEW J DILLA ALBUM!!!!!!!!

READ!!!!!!!

STONES THROW MAKES IT WITH STUSSY

This tee from famed Stones Throw Records and clothing line Stussy puts their iconic logos into a nifty little article of clothing.

That would make a dope slipmat too. (PS STONES THROW SEND ME A SLIPMAT).

>>Hypebeast

PAPER DOOM

For the kid hip-hopper in all of us.

Madvillian Cubeecraft > Pics & Download