Two For One Friday: Thank God It's.....

It's friday, and you know what that means. Not just happy hour after work and getting your drink on, it's time for WYDU's Two for One Friday. I'm not really happy with what I have to offer, so it might just turn into three for one, just to make up for the potential lameness this post has the potential to turn into. Got to give the fans their money's worth. Let's jump into it, shall we?

Jean Grae & 9th Wonder- Jeanius (2004)

http://www.sendspace.com/file/7vpwf1

1. Intro

2. B.N.K

3. Don't Rush Me

4. Please Forgive Me

5. The Place Is Here

6. He's My Man

7. Think About Me

8. Non Sense

9. The Game

10. Until

11. So High

12. 2nd Chance

The first offering for today is something not terribly rare or terribly obscure, or even that old for that matter, but it fits nicely into a transitition from our "Unreleased Gems" series to our "Forgotten Ladies Of Hip Hop" series, although Jean Grae is definately not forgotten, but maybe her orginal name of "What What" when she was with Natural Resource during the end of the 90's is forgotten. Yeah, sure I'm reaching here, but it works.

If you are into Jean's music or 9th's beats, you probably have this by now, or you should have it. If you were late on catching onto this, this is your chance. As far as the current crop of female MC's, Jean Grae stands out easily above the rest in my opinion.

This album was reportedly recorded in a week while she was in N.C. hooking up with Ninth. It leaked fairly quickly and has never been properly released, although rumor has they have or are going to re-do some stuff and release it properly as "The Phoenix". As far as quality of music, this is probably Jean's best effort in my opinion as well as one of 9th's best production attempts. Ninth has gotten some flack of late for being kind of stale and one dimensional, but this album, remembering it was recorded in 04', showcases why 9th can be one of the better beatsmiths out there. The first handful tracks seem to stand out the most, especially "The Place Is Here" w/ Phonte of Little Brother and "Don't Rush Me". The album is worth checking out if you are a fan of either artist.

The First Priority Music Family : Basement Flavor (First Priority Music 1990) http://www.sendspace.com/file/o6nv2t

1 Alliance -Get On Down (3:48) Producer - The King Of Chill

2 Audio Two- Many Styles (4:55) Producer - Audio Two

3 MC Lyte & Positive K- I'm Not Havin' It (3:29) Producer - Audio Two

4 Michee Mee & LA Luv- Victory Is Calling (5:29) Featuring -MC Lyte Producer - Beat Factory

5 MC Lyte- Survival Of The Fittest (3:58) Producer -The King Of Chill

6 Positive K- Tramp (3:22) Featuring - Milk Dee Producer - Audio Two

7 Audio Two- Peer Pressure (4:06) Producer - Audio Two

8 Michie Mee & LA Luv- On This Mic (5:42) Producer - Beat Factory

9 Alliance- Kibbles And Bits (4:24) Producer - Alliance

10 Positive K- Impulse On Three (4:35) Featuring - Barsha Producer - Audio Two

11 Soulshock- Break The Limits (4:54) Featuring - See-Que Producer - Solid Productions

Next on the plate is something I would normally be pretty proud of sharing. One of my goals of doing this blog is to bring fairly fresh things that I haven't seen much on the net. Now of course I can't check everything that is on the net, but I just don't like posting up something that someone has posted in the not long ago past. I'm stuck on computer w/ a non functioning cd-burner, so I'm left to upload something that I have on my computer, and it happens to be this fine little ditty. Someone (sorry, the person escapes me at this moment) uploaded this on the cocaine blunts boards a few weeks ago, but it's defintely worthy of sharing with everyone else out there. (I give credit when credit is due, unlike some others out there)

For those not familar with The First Priority family, they were a loosely affliated collective of artists centered basically around the brother & sister duo of MC Lyte and Milk Dee of Audio Two, and their father, Nat Robinson, was in charge of the label at that time. The "Family" consisted of: MC Lyte, Audio Two (Gizmo and Milk Dee), Positive K, Michie Mee, Alliance, and probably a few others that I'm forgetting.

If you are familar with Audio Two's earlier work, then the sound of this won't be much of a suprise. It's usually some bare bones production with a lot of bragidacio rhymes, which for this time period was some great stuff. It might sound a bit dated in these day and times, but if you were into that sound back then, this will transport you straight back days of a drum track and straight atcha lyrics.

Pete Rock & CL Smooth- Rare Tracks (Japanese Import, WEA International, 1990)

http://www.sendspace.com/file/k9jfkr

Since I feel like I kind of cheated you guys today, you get a freebie. This is something you can also probably find readily on albumbase (I had orginally found it on Soulseek a few years back), but I had on my computer, so it gets thrown into the mix today as well. It's freaking Pete Rock and CL Smooth, how can they disappoint? What's so special about this

There are actually some very good remixes on here. One of my deep dark secerts is I orginally was never that crazy about "Mecca & The Soul Brother", but some of these remixes are better than the orginals, in my opinion. Enjoy!

1. Searching [Remix]

2. Take You There [Remix]

3. Lots of Lovin [Remix]

4. I Got a Love [Remix]

5. It's Not a Game [Unavailable on LP-Vocal]

6. Mecca and the Soul Brother [Wig Out Mix]

7. Creator [EP Mix - Vocal]

8. Straighten It Out [Vocal Remix]

9. They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.) [Vibes Mix]

10. Get on the Mic

Travis

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Unreleased Gems Part Five: The Lost Hit Squad Members

Knucklehedz - Strictly Savage (1993)

1. Hedrush
2. Savages
3 Wuntz Upon A Time
4. Party Wrecker
5. Uglee Picture
6. Girlies Keep Screamin
7. All She Wanted
8. Trouble Makas
9. 5 Hoods In A 4 Door
10. Who Called The Cops
11. Joy Ridin'
12. Merlin



http://www.sendspace.com/file/9wde3b

It's time for Part Five and final chapter (at least for now, I have more in the vault) in the "Unreleased Gems" series. Today we come with one of my favorite crews in the history of hip hop, the almighty Hit Squad (circa pre EPMD break-up). As even the most novice hip hop head knows, the Hit Squad consisted of : EPMD, Das EFX, Redman, K Solo, but what a lot of people don't know there was a group of two white boys that repped the Hit Squad that never got their time in the spotlight, the Knucklehedz.

The Knucklehedz were from L.I. along with E Double and Pee and consisted of Tom J and Steve Austin. For some reason they didn't appear on a lot of the earlier Hit Squad stuff, although it was rumored they were life long friends with Sermon. They first appeared in a small part in EPMD's "Hit Squad Heist", while Tom J also had a small part on K-Solo's first album. They joined PMD's "Shuma Managment" and got signed by East/West recordings....see where this is going? Yeah, like Omniscience, Supernatural and others, they never got the album released, and were eventually dropped by the label that has dropped more balls than a Denver Broncos wide reciever.

Musically, let's just say the main thing you need to know about this album is production by Erick Sermon at the height of his career. Think of the first two Redman albums and Keith Murray's first album and you'll know what I'm talking about. Some funk for the trunk that sounds funkier than three week old socks. I want to say that Soild Scheme (responisible for some of Das' classics) also might have had a hand in a few of the tracks, although without any liner notes, that's strictly guess work on my part. Lyrically, they basically sound like EPMD. Slow, methodical rhymes. They fit the tracks good, but are by no means lyrical geniuses. The album jumps off with "Hed Rush" which to me is the best track on the album. Some lazy horn riding a deep bassline. Some songs come off as stuff you've heard one too many times. By no means is the album a lost classic (like say the "Resident Alien" or the "Omniscience") but if you were a fan of the early 90's hip hop scene or better yet, the HIT SQUAD, you should definately check this album out.

On other notes, I added a few more links to our "Best Of the Best", so be sure to check them out. That list is basically my own personal bookmark list, so it's all good stuff, endorsed by me. I'm not putting up someones link unless its something I personally look at at least 2-3 times a week.

On the same note, miscreant productions have posted some INCREDIBLE source sample compilations of BOTH the Beastie Boys AND the great Public Enemy. The time that had be involved in putting togther not one, but two, complilations like this together had to be extensive (They put it together themselves). If you are into learning where those samples came from, this is the most extensive source for those two groups I've ever seen, so head over to the site and get with some Miscreant shit!

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Scientifik - Criminal (Definite, 1994)

Considering that it’s just been legitimately re-released by Traffic Entertainment after ten years on the bootleg circuit, now seems like the perfect time for a retrospective review of the late Scientifik’s lone album Criminal. For those of you unfamiliar with the Bostonian rapper, he was one of Ed O.G.’s original B.U.L.L.D.O.G.S (that’s Black United Leaders Living Directly Off Grooving Sounds for you herbs). While Sci didn’t guest on Ed’s albums, he did appear on the album covers and videos and gradually pieced together a dope-ass demo (released on wax in 2001 as The Most Blunted for enthusiasts) which led to an album deal at Definite Records.

The resultant record, Criminal, is an almost-perfect time capsule of 1994 hardcore east coast hip hop. Scientifik’s rugged flow is matched with top-to-bottom dope production from Diamond and RZA (both fresh from working on Ed O.G.’s sophomore album Roxbury 02119), a then-unknown Buckwild, Rhythm Nigga Joe, Ed O.G. and Scientifik himself.

Maybe I’m just a Diamond junkie, but the two tracks produced by D-Square are without doubt the highlights of the album for me. ‘I Got Plans’ combines a hypnotic loop with Scientifik and Diamond schooling suckers on how dope they are, while ‘Yeah Daddy’ displays Scientifik’s slicker side as he boasts on the hook ‘Yeah daddy / Yeah daddy / Scientifik is the pimp without the Caddy’ over another sublime Dusty Fingers beat constructed from organ and horn chops.

Criminal is perhaps not the most thematically inventive record ever released, with subject matter sticking to tried and tested topics such as attacking fake gangsters (‘Overnite Gangsta’), drug dealing (‘Still An Herb Dealer’) and straight-up gulliness (‘Criminal’). In lesser hands, this material would get tired pretty quick. Fortunately, however, Scientifik frequently inflects his lyrics with a good dosage of humor that keeps standard wack-rapper dissing songs like ‘Fallen Star’ entertaining (‘Now how you think that you could do a tour around the world / When the only way the crowd yells HO is if they see your girl’). Scientifik’s refreshing approach to ideas that even in 1994 were becoming old-hat, coupled with the aforementioned production credentials, place the record squarely in classic album territory.

Unfortunately, the album was poorly promoted (it was never even released on CD (!)) and was not a success. In the years following the release of Criminal, Scientifik went on to drop an incredible verse on Big Shug’s ‘Official’ (alongside Ed O.G.) and also recorded an okay 12” ‘Lawtown 96 b/w Internal Affairs’ hampered by mediocre production on the UK label Proceed Records. Further material appeared on the No More Prisons compilation released by Raptivism. Tragically, the rapper died under mysterious circumstances in 1998.

In recent years, ‘that record with all the dope DITC production’ has enjoyed renewed interest from hip hop heads and has finally been officially re-released by the good people at Traffic. So whether you’ve been a fan since ’94 or you’re a latecomer, now is the perfect time to rediscover this forgotten gem.

Four and a half pairs of panties out of five.

Scientifik ft Diamond D - I Got Planz


Buy Here

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The Good Doctor Is In The House: Part Two of the Roadium Mixes

Roadium Mixtapes: Pt. 2

We have a new face on the blog. Brian will be joining us, adding a much needed west coast angle to our blog. We strive to bring rare, obscure, and irrevelant music from all aspects of the hip hop realm. We have both coasts coverd and the international scene now covered.

Brian is a large Dre fan and the lucky owner of the famous "Roadium mixtape series". This is his first post and will be joining us full time once we get him set up, without further ado....please welcome Brian....

--Travis

Dr. Dre is known for his driving bass line beats and his G-Funk Rhythms. For his days in N.W.A, rap's first super group. And as one of the foremost producers in the hip hop game for almost 20 years. His influence has transcended almost a generation now. His string of hits is unmatched by many. Even some like Pharrell and Timbaland long to have the career Andre Young has had. Let's visit some of the success he has had:

D.O.C. - No One Can Do It Better - Platinum

NWA and the Posse - Gold

NWA - Straight Outta Compton - Double Platinum

NWA - 100 Miles and Runnin - Platinum

NWA - efil4zaggin - Platinum

Eazy-E- Eazy Duz It - Double Platinum

The Chronic - Triple Platinum

2001 - 6 Times Platinum

Nuthin But A 'G' Thang (Single) - Platinum

Dre Day (single) - Gold

Keep Their Heads Ringing (single) - Gold

Blackstreet - No Diggity (single) - Platinum

The Firm (album) - Gold ..

1 Billboard hit with Mary J Blige's "Family Affair"

This list doesn't even include all Dre's successes with Eminem, Snoop & 50 Cent.

But all of his success there have been some lower times. His "Dr. Dre Presents....The Aftermath" album, lacked "The Chronic's" succession of hits. Failing to meet sales expectations, this album almost brought Aftermath records before it began. He has been notoriously late on delivering albums. Rakim's mysterious release from Dre's label was followed up by Eve's second term on Aftermath. And there has yet to be a release from her with over 2 years on her most recent term on the label.

Before Dre gained all his success in N.W.A he began Dj'ing in the street parties in Compton. Obviously Dre's been able to expound on his knowledge he gained Dj'ing those parties. He went on to join the World Class Wrecking Crew with DJ Yella. Dre began his long career behind the boards here, having a minor success with 'Turn Off The Lights'.

Dre has kept a low profile since his hey day with Death Row Records. With fans feenin for his next release, Dre has stayed for the most part, in seclusion. He has continued success with Eminem & 50 Cent, spinning them off in dual ventures on Interscope. Not to mention his protégé's success, Scott Storch. Staying in the background the whole time. Now, Dre's fan are just waiting for Detox, the long talked about, many rumored, often cancelled next album.

In recent years, some of Dre's DJ'ing work has popped up. Exact origins of these tapes is a bit unknown. They are referred to as the Roadium Tapes for the Roadium Swap Meet. It is believed this is where they were widely available. Clearly Dre still had the DJ Bug after he began to have success in N.W.A.

Roadium Mix 1 & Dre SuperMix: http://rapidshare.de/files/26783775/Dr._Dre_-_Rodium_Mixtape_3.rar

'Criminal': http://rapidshare.de/files/26789678/Dr._Dre_-_Rodium_Mixtape_1.zip

'Dope Beat': http://rapidshare.de/files/26890354/Dr._Dre_-_Rodium_Mixtape_2.rar

'U Got Ganked': http://rapidshare.de/files/27025631/Dr._Dre_-_Rodium_Mixtape_5_-_You_Got_Ganked.rar

There is a 5th Roadium Mix called 'Jam'. If anyone has this could they please send the link??

Brian

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Summer session

I got an idea while back... Since I'm going on vacation in two days I wanted to have a mix of classics which I could listen to in the afternoon surrounded with beer, BBQ and babes... This is what I came up with. It turned out so good that I had to share it with you. :) Tracklist speaks for itself, mellow moods through whole 37 minutes, straight chillin'. I know most of you have this tracks in your collection, but it's all in the mix in this one...

Aim ft. QNC - The Force
Fugees - Avenues
De la Soul - Ring Ring Ring
Mellow Man Ace - Mentirosa
Kid Frost - La Raza
De la Soul - Say No Go
Naughty by Nature - Hip Hop Hooray
Gangstarr - Much To Much
Main Source - Fakin' The Funk
Pete Rock & CL Smooth - T.R.O.Y.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=QGBFNOPD

This will be my last post before vacation, I'll be back in two weeks with some new stuff. hope you'll enjoy the tape and see you than. I'm out.

peace
phatsoul

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Movement Ex - Movement Ex (Columbia Records, 1990)

On the strength of the popularity of Public Enemy and BDP, the late 80’s and early 90’s saw a sudden abundance of artists categorised by the media as ‘pro-Black’, ‘political’ and ‘conscious’ hip hop. X-Clan, Poor Righteous Teachers, YZ, Lakim Shabazz etc all achieved critical and commercial success (however fleeting) by combining 5% Nation teachings with seriously fly production that ensured their records would still get plenty of spins on the radio and in clubs. However, for every classic Brand Nubian and Paris record there were a dozen overly preachy, poorly-produced imitators, most of which have now become the scourge of second-hand record stores.

Consequently, it was with trepidation that I approached Movement Ex’s sole self-titled long player (released in 1990 on Columbia Records) on a recent record-shopping spree. The blurry cover-art featuring the LA duo of MC Lord Mustafa Hasan and DJ King Born Khaaliq standing behind the podium in front of an empty (!) congregation did not exactly promise great things.

To my surprise however, while this album is no classic it’s also far from wack. Lyrically, Lord Mustafa Hasan drops well-articulated Afrocentric science without coming off preachy. Musically, the album is not quite so impressive. Forgettable production by Sir Randall Scott on tracks such as ‘KK Punani’ and ‘Get Up Off the Pipe’ had me zoning out from Hasan’s vocals.

When the beats are good, though, Movement Ex are capable of great things. ‘I Deal With Mathematics’ and ‘The Lord Speaks His Mind’, by far the best two songs on the record, feature buttery low-key production courtesy of Randall Scott that works perfectly with Hasan’s flow. DJ King Born Khaaliq also gets ample time to display his excellent cutting skills, which stand up amazingly well fifteen years after the record’s release.

I’m not generally an advocate of buying albums for a handful of songs, but considering you can pick this one up for the spare change you were probably about to buy a bacon sandwich with, I’m gonna make an exception here. Three pairs of panties out of five.

Movement Ex - I Deal With Mathematics

Polarity

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Croatian flava Pt. 2

Today we bring you the second part of Croatian flava. This time you'll have a chance to hear collabos between foreign MC's and croatian producers. Some of you already heard tracks like beautiful or something's wrong by Masta Ace and Koolade. If in any case you slept on go to the store right away and cop Disposable Arts and A long hot summer. The reason I didn't upload these two great tracks is because we present you only the obscure tracks and it seems like you didn't do your homework and you can't follow the classes... (lol just kidding, you came her to learn right?) by copping these two LP's we're doing you a huge favour.
Blackout ent. is a group of producers ( Koolade, Dash, Baby Dooks) lead by Phat Phillie. So far they produced or remixed for major names in the game, the list goes from Das Efx to Angie Martinez, Chamilionaire, Sean Paul and Fat Joe. I don't really like some that tracks so I'll just give you the dope ones. I'll start with El da Sensei collaborations. First is Questions and Answers from Relax, Relate, Release album. Koolade produced it and here you can hear traditional Croatian insrument "Tamburica". You'll recognize it, they sound like the strings.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4J9YRXG1

Secon track is Follow, B-side to Ace's Beautiful. Again El and Koolade did a great job.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SMQQWIP0

These tracks are all great because almost every MC's who shined over Koolade beat was a skillful MC. The next one is sempled from Barry White "Walkin' In the Rain With the One I Love" . I've heard it sampled in a few other tracks ( i think one was from family tree, but not shure) but this one has some great lyrics. It's Survival from Masta Ace:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AP5XDPUP

Since I'm talkin about Ace I might as well mention another great MC: Strick. Meber of upcoming eMC supergroup. Again Koolade on instruments. I won't talk about Strick how great he is, I'll leave it to him, he says it the best:
Strick - Born Wit It

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=YDIBXUGW

Strick - Hate me too

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8BCZEWRO

Next one is Unspoken Heard: Truly Unique (Koolade Remix)

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=ILFLZLW2

Now I have to get back to Europe... There were some good collaborations too.
KC da Rookkee - Hot Souls

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8FSQ0QWG

Cronite - Remeber

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=145X1YL6

I didn't mention some other Croatian producers like Baby Dook and Dash because their production is set to rock the club. If you really want check newChamilionaire: Ridin' rmx with Bolesna Braca. There was another interesting track by two young producers called UrbanSpirit.
Here's a track with Showstoppa - Playin the game

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=H0GXM4X4

If you want more info about them go to : www.urbanspiritmusic.com
And check another two: Nace and Shalla: Myspace
I have some more tracks and if you liked it this far feel free to download:
Das Efx:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=W8JARSC1

Czarnok - Pimp tight produced by Koolade

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UB4YQPAD

Peace
Phatsoul

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Two For One Friday & The Return Of The Unreleased Gems: Part 4

It's Friday once again, and we know what that means. Let me apologize for the lack of posts on my part this week. Computers will be my downfall, I know it. I'm going to end up throwing it out my window of my apartment and hit someone in the head three stories down below. So needless to say I've had problems uploading albums this week. Even my work computer has been uncooperative. Luckily for me at least one of my partners is holding it down this weekend with a lil' international flava.


Omniscience- The Raw Factor LP
http://www.sendspace.com/file/o57iz9

OMNISCIENCE - THE RAW FACTOR

Year: 1995Label: East/West Records

1. Intro 2. Maintain 3. Greatest MC In The World 4. Who Is Down With Us 5. Lost In The Music 6. Everybody's Got An Ego 7. Love To The Crews 8. Bumpheads 9. Touch Y'all 10. Amazin' 11. My Main Man 12. Big Kap (Interlude) 13. Get Our Dicks Sucked 14. Act Like You Know 15. Lady's Freestyle 16. We Do It Like This 17. Rules Of The Game 18. Stage Domination 19. Fuck The Critics (Interlude) 20. Causin' Terror 21. Halfway

Thanks to ShareAndSshareAlike for the track listing

Today we'll jump into one of the harder to find albums out there, at least before the mp3 boom, and even now it's not the easiest thing to find. Before I get into this, I must thank 6MWTD for dropping gem on the cocaine blunts boards this spring.

Omni was an MC coming straight outta of North Cacalack (North Carolina for those who don't know). Finding info on him is rather difficult, most of what I tracked down came from two sites, the legendary Vinyl Addicts (RIP) and a site that I never knew about before www.smalltimehustle.com that had the most info about Omni that I've ever seen.

He first appeared on the scene sometime in the early 90's as part of a group called Funke Leftovers with another North Carolina pioneer The Rhythm Fanatic from the early Bizzie Boys crew that also included Ski of Roc-a-Bloc fame. The duo dropped a single called "I Like Girls" in 92'. Around 93' Omniscience ventured out as a solo artist and dropped "The Funky One Liner" EP. The EP featured four tracks, two for sure appears on this LP.

On the strength of that EP, Omniscience got signed to Elektra's East/West Recordings, which would turn out to be the kiss of the death for Omni, among many others during this period of Elektra's mishandling of classic underground hero's. He would drop the underground gem of 95' with his first single "Amazin'" (pictured up above). He would then drop a second single "Touch Y'all" which featured a remix w/ Sadat X, which Smoov from Vinyl Addicts posted up during his hayday. Shortly after the release of the second single, Elektra would do to him that they did to 8Off Agullah, Supernatural and a host of others, they shelved the album and dropped them from the label. As far as I can gather, the album was shipped as a promo to DJ's and the such during the time and that's probably where this came from.

Omniscience sounds like (voice wise) a mix of buckshot, canibus, and someone else I'm still trying to put my finger on. Lyrically he's pretty nice with his. He drops lot's of one liners ("I'm not Denny's, I serve many brothers") guess thats why he calls himself the "Funky One Liner". Production wise, as far as I can tell, there were at least three people/crew's involved in the production of the album, The Rhythm Fanatic, 3 Boyz From Newark, and Rheji Burrell and Vincent Herbert. There is some nice smooth shit and there is some funky ass shit. It's very well produced.

This copy isn't bad as far as sound quality. Some tracks fade out, and I'm not sure if that's the way they are or not and their sounds like some basic freestyles here and there, so not sure what the deal is with that. None the less if you are a fan of the early/mid 90's east coast sound, this is a MUST HAVE. Enjoy!

**ADDED***

For more Omniscence flava check out these 3 different versions for each single all in one zip file:

+Amazin'(3 Boyz from Newark Ka-Ka Lak Mix-Clean/3 Boyz from Newark Street Mix-Clean/LP Version)+Touch y'all (LP version/Remix #1, Clean/Remix #2(feat.Sadat X)Clean)http://www.sendspace.com/file/r1idij

-6MWTD

The man came thru' again!

Dr. Dre Roadium Mixes: Criminal

http://www.sendspace.com/file/wwr7ji

Part two of our "Two For One Friday" is a piece of west coast history. One of the legendary "Roadium Mixtapes", the "Criminal" edition for the west coast legend, Dr. Dre.

Now I'll be the first to admit, even though I'm from the west coast, my knowledge of these things are not all that great (I was always an east coast cat caught in the west coast area). I was hoping to have a friend of mine write the article since he has more knowledge than I do, and he still might do that when we drop a few more of these classic mixtapes. But for now, you'll have to deal with my limited knowledge of these little beauties and what I could scrape up on www.apollojams.com . It's thefirst track listing I've ever seen for these is found on that site and the BEST west coast old school mixtape site I've ever seen. Check it out if you are into old school westcoast shit also if you want to own this and the others, you can buy them there. Also Thaformula.com had an excellent article that covered these mixes some time ago.

Apperently Dre sold these mixes at the Roadium swap meets, an old Drive-In theatre that hosted swap meets once it closed down. They were mixed up by Dre and sold by Steve Yano. It's also the beginning of Eazy and Dre as a partnership. There is quite a few of them floating around, at least six copies that I'm aware, maybe more. Anyway, I'll hopefully have a more knowledgeable source dropping the knowledge on these in the near future, so I'll stop acting like I know what I'm talking about and let the "tape" speak for its self.

> CRIMINAL mix begins (11 parts, 62m.):
> starts with "fuck it up, Dre!" (w/ Eazy-E LIVE doing the intro)
> Dana Dane: Cinderfella Dana Dane (Profile)
> L.L. Cool J: I'm Bad (Def Jam)
> Boogie Down Productions: Poetry (B-Boy)
> Real Roxanne: Romeo (Select)
> Public Enemy: Rebel Without A Pause (Def Jam)
> Salt 'n' Pepa: Tramp (Next Plateau)
> Schoolly D: P.S.K. (Schooly D)
> Ice T: Doggin' The Wax (TechnoBeat)
> NWA: Dope Man (the entire jam!) (Macola 1034 EP track, 10/87)
> Eazy-E: Boyz-N-The-Hood (the entire jam!) (Ruthless, 7/87)
> Ice T: Six In The Morning (the entire jam!)
> Eric B & Rakim: Paid In Full (M.A.R.R.S. remix) (F.A.B.)
> Boogie Down Productions: The Bridge Is Over (B-Boy)
> Boogie Down Productions: Criminal Minded (the entire jam!) (B-Boy)
> Dana Dane: Cinderfella Dana Dane (the entire jam!) (Profile)
> Dana Dane: This Be The Def Beat (w/ Ice Cube LIVE freestylin' over the beat) (Profile)
> Salt 'n' Pepa: Tramp (Next Plateau)
> Spoonie Gee: Godfather (the entire jam!) (Tuff City)
> Classical Two: Rap's New Generation (Rooftop 1003, 3/87)
> ???: (instrumental w/ James Brown samples....what is this???)/cuts out

Enjoy---Travis

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Croatian flava

Most of you don't know where the fuck Croatia is, some of you even do, so big props to you!
In the south-east Europe there is a small country, where hip-hop culture came in the late '94. Maybe it would came earlyer if it wasn't for that god damn war that Serbs started. It all started through radio show hosted by two dj's: Phat Phillie and FRX. That was basically step in the stone. Soon after that they formed a crew called Blackout, which contained B-boys, Writers, producers and normally MC's.
I'll cut this topic into several parts and today I'll just give a taste how does it sound. The first LP they droped was: Young Lordz - Wake Up in the midle of '95. It never came out as a official release, but it was still treated like it was.
Here's a track from that LP called Hood's anthem live. Interesting thing about this track that Target, croatian MC was rapping in english. Production is on the level but I can't say that for his lyrics. It was his beginning so have that in mind when you listen to it.
Young Lordz - Hood’s anthem live
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XCPCT5UY
In the end of the track you can hear him giving shoutouts to YO clan posse ( the dopest croatian team of writers with the headmaster Lunar (www.lunar75.com)), Slavin Balen who introduced Croatia with Grandmaster Flash and such, Ugly Leaders, T.B.F....

Than they realized that rapping on english isn't the best solution so they continued rapping on Croatian. Young Lordz (Target, Real Phast and Shot) than split up. Target formed a group with General Woo called Tram 11. They made 2 great albums, from which "Čovjece ne ljuti se" lp is considered as a one of the best Croatian rap album. Koolade, Dash and FRX produced the albums. The tracks are just previews, just the first verse and the chorus.

Tram 11 – Kog je briga za vas
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8D6J3NGL

Tram 11 – 10 000
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SOHJCG83

Tram 11 – Malu na stranu
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=1HW73DGN

Tram 11 - Udri brigu na veselje
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FA770ANW

After that all started going well, Shot formed a group Elemental along with Remi (female MC and singer) and Ink. They are my favorite domestic group because they sound like Common, Talib and Foreign exchange in one. It's a shame you can't understand them, they lyrical skillz are equal to Masta Ace's.
Anyway here's a preview of their work, much more soulful than tram 11.

Elemental - Dal sjecas se
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HDUP81S7

Elemental - Elementalitet
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=8ZOLYFG0

Idemo lagano dalje
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CT19SGMN

There's a lot of other MC's that helpt to build the scene. The capital city of Croatia Zagreb was and still is the strongest in rap culture, but from the begining T.B.F. , group from Split and Ugly leaders from Rijeka had their fair shares to spread the culture through whole country.
Here's some T.B.F. sound, it's kinda different, they experiment a lot:
T.B.F. - Genije
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=S0Z0OUMV
T.B.F. - Zivot je lijep
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NSENVQV4

I forgot to mention that these lp's didn't came out right after the young lordz. Those groups formed and they all put their raps on the Blackout project compilation. Few years later Blackout crew had another project simply called Blackout 00 but this time they regrouped a little. My perception of Blackout is more like a family than a crew because the crew was only FRX, Stupni, Nered and El Bahattee and a family is much bigger: the crew plus Tram 11, Bolesna Braca (Sick Rhyme Sayazz), YCP crew, the B-boys, producers...
Here's some tracks from the crew:
Prva Petorka - Da da da
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=9LUPEOLE

Nered - Odjel za narkotike
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OL4XSXWG

Nered - Laske de Marco
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AJJGHW17

Nered - Cuvari Doline Ft. Remi
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=O3Z7UJS8

El Bahattee - Jedna Ljubav
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=08VQQGZ4

El Bahattee - Noc pecenih volova '91
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KIVX4EFV

Feel free to leave comments and I have to apologize for bad grammar.
Next time I'll write about Croatian producers Koolade, Dash, Baby Dooks, Urban spirit...
Peace
Phatsoul

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Two For One Friday

Part One- Female MC's Of Yesteryear

Monie Love
Down To Earth (1990)

http://www.sendspace.com/file/9bpqgv


1. Monie in the Middle
2. It's a Shame (My Sister) - Monie Love, True Image
3. Don't Funk Wid the Mo
4. Ring My Bell - Monie Love, Ultra Naté, Ultra Naté
5. R U Single
6. Just Don't Give a Damn
7. Dettrimentally Stable
8. Down 2 Earth
9. I Do as I Please
10. Pups Lickin Bone
11. Read Between the Lines
12. Swiney Swiney
13. Grandpa's Party


It's friday, so fuck it, you get two posts for the price of one. Also I'm going to be nowhere near a computer most of the weekend, going up to Steamboat Springs, Colorado and rub elbows with the rich and famous, get my drink on, and see just how many bars I can get kicked out of by the rich snobs.

My plan was to do a female MC series of OOP albums and obscure stuff after the Unreleased Gems series, well I'm starting it a bit early, just because I have an album already uploaded for it. Female MC's probably don't get their just due in the game, but they've been around since the beginning of it all, holding it down. I know a lot of guys, myself included at times, automatically blew off the female albums and the such. Now in my more open minded days, I've been trying to catch up to some of the stuff I missed at first and I'm sharing a few of my favorites.

Monie Love first gained recognition for appearing on Queen Latifiahs "Ladies First" single. She gained some buzz from that apperance then showing up on some Native Tongues projects, she was aimed for a solo project that garned the attention of the male world. I for one, was also caught up in the buzz. From my foggy memory, I believe she might have been the very first female artist I went out and bough (someone gave me an MC Lyte tape, but Monie was the first buy).

The album is decent. It contains some of the corny hip house stuff that was going on at the time, but it also has one of the first Beatnut beats that I can remember on "Pup Lickin Bone". Unfortunately, there is no Native Tongue apperances, but Monie drops an enjoyable album for the most part.

Unreleased Gems Part Three

Camp Lo
Short Eyes (Japan Only Release)
(2001)

1.Cybersex
2.Army
3.Sunkiss
4.Babys Mother
5.Scarves
6.Blind Photography

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6H6JVRAH

I know I said I was going to highlite the rare Omniscience album for the next post, but since my home computer sucks balls and I'm uploading most of my stuff at work and I forgot the disk, you get something I found just this morning on my trips on the internet.

I guess technically, this isn't "unreleased", since it did get dropped in Japan, but for us Americans, we didn't see shit for this release. I've never seen it in any of the stores here, but you can pick it up on CD Universe for 35 bucks, which, for six tracks, and me eating frozen pizza's every other night, I think I'll wait until I make my first million.

Camp Lo is kind of like your favorite pair of shoes that no one else likes. You're not sure why you like them, but you just do. They have always been very unique in their style, both on and off record. This release is no different. No sure what the story behind it is, it dropped before the slept on "Let's Do It Again" (And NO Polarity, it's still not better than "Uptown...") in 2002. It's got kind of the same flavor as "Let's Do It Again", but I think I actually like this release better. Not sure who did the beats, but I'm guessing since it has that "Let's.." flavor to it, that the EXTREMELY underrated Ski did them. STOP SLEEPING ON SKI!!!! Anyway, this is a must for any fan of Camp Lo.

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Unreleased Gems Part 2---Dilated Peoples

Imagery, Battle Hymns & Political Poetry 1995 Immortal Records
http://www.sendspace.com/file/rg8htj

Today, we drop the unreleased Dilated Peoples project from 95' "Imagery, Battle Hymns and Political Poetry" on Immortal Records, through Sony. The project contains the two core group members, Rakaa and Evidence, but is before the time Babu from the infamous Beat Junkies joined the crew. This album also encompasses the time before Evidence really grew as a producer and from what I can tell through interviews, he didn't do any of the production on it.
The album does have a Redman guest apperance which is cool, since Red was still pretty raw at this time. X to the Z also makes an apperance, marking one of his early performances on wax. The album isn't the greatest by any means, but it's worth a listen and probably a nice grab for those hardcore Dilated fans out there. The sound quality is pretty crappy and some of the songs are cut short, but from what I can gather from others out there, this is the only version floating around, so you have to make due with what it is.

I'm not going to lie and say Dilated is one of my favorite groups, because they really aren't. They aren't bad, but by no means my favorite. They are a mainstay in the LA underground scence and tend to have a strong fan base, but besides a few strong singles, I've never been that big into them.

The tracks were not numbered and I forgot to name them when I zipped it, but here is the tracks as the appear in the zip (and there might be slight errors on song titles, I scribbled down song titles at 5 in the morning while hurringly getting ready for work).

Cool City Slick
Devestation
Dilated Peoples
Foward Motion
Freestyle
Goin' For Broke feat Xzibit
Huh Haa! feat Redman
I ain't The One
I Want It All
It Comes Down To This
Straight
What Are We Supposed To Do?


Next: Omniscience- The Raw Factor

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Unreleased Gems- Part One

Evolution. A simple word that can mean so much. For us right now, that means change. When I first started this blog back in Oct/Nov of last year, I said I would not be putting up full albums. Well since that time the world of the hip hop blogs have evolved and changed. In order to keep up with that swirling evolution, I felt the need to evolve as well. That means WYDU will be posting up albums in the future when it sees fit. It also means I'll be following some loosely based rules for myself. Nintey nine percent of the albums I post will be out of print stuff. My orginal and still primary goal is to school people on the obscure and rare stuff in the past history of the culture and art form. Also it will usually only be one album per post. Alright enough of the editorial stuff, let's get back to our regulary scheduled blog...


Resident Alien- It Takes A Nation Of Suckas To Let Us In

http://www.sendspace.com/file/hwwdj1


To kick off the week and new format, I'm going to be starting a new series (the "So corny, it's good" series is still going, and will be updated one of these days). The "Unreleased Gems" series, which I hope to run through this week. Simply put, I'm be highliting albums that never saw the light of day. There are many reasons projects don't hit the shelves. Some were simply not good enough. Other's were just a bit before their time. Today, I'm dropping one of my favorite producers unreleased project, Prince Paul.

After Paul's success with De La and Stetsasonic, our good friend Russell Rush, aka Russell Simmons gave Paul his own label under the Def Jam umberella and to be distrubted by Def Jam. Well the first, and only, result for that label was Resident Alien- It Takes A Nation Of Suckas To Let Us In. Needless to say, apperently Russell wasn't overly excited about this creation, as it never saw the light of day. As far as I know, the only things to be released from this project was "Mr. Boops" b/w "Ooooh The Dew Doo Man" & "Shakey Ground". It was this project and his failed endevour that resulted Paul to go into a deep depression then later drop the "Pyschoanalysis" and probably had a lot to do with the Gravedigga's them as well.

I was suprised to run into this, as I had heard of it's exsistance, but never thought it to be true. I found it on the cocaine blunts forums (the best OOP forums on the net) so big up to whoever orginally posted it. With Paul, you never know what to expect. This is someone who has been involved with Stet, De La, Gravediggas, and made the brillant "Prince Among Thieves", not exactly any tying link that can be observed. The album is a loosely based concept album that Paul is known for. As far as sounds go, it's along the De La sound, something that I would think Russell and Def Jam would be excited about, although the stories and songs are a little off the wall, but what do you expect from Paul?? As far who is actually "Resident Alien", I'm not entirely sure. You can pick out Dres and Maceo from De La on "Mr. Boops" but there are always more than one voice on the majority of the songs, so not completely sure who is who.

Unfortuantley, I never have seen a proper track listing, although you can kind of catch some of the earlier leaked stuff here and there. Also no proper art work either. Enjoy!

Next: Dilated Peoples - Imagery, Battle Hymns, Political Poetry




Also, since I didn't finish it up this weekend as promised, WYDU Classics Vol 7 is here for your consumption. A little bit of everything, I actually pieced it together early last week during the four day weekend, so I was a little buzzed when I was making my selections, so it is what it is.

WYDU Classics Vol. 7 July 06'
http://www.sendspace.com/file/dxxlkw


1. Public Enemy - Get The F--- Outta Dodge (Escapism 1991)
B-side to "Can't Do Nuthin' For You Man"- 1991
2. 3rd Bass- 3 Strikes 5000
appeared on "Cactus Album Revisted"- 1990
3. UMC's- Blue Cheese
12" dropped in 1991 also on "Fruits Of Nature" LP - 1991
4. Nine- Lyin King
12" dropped in 1996 and was on the "Cloud Nine LP- 1996
5. Large Professor- The Mad Scientist:12" dropped in 1996. Was supposed to be on "The LP" that Geffen never released- 1996
6. Krumbsnatcha- Closer To God - 1997
7. 3rd Eye/ The Group Home- Ease Up :On "Who's The Man" OST - 1993
8. Digital Underground- Return Of The Crazy One :12" dropped in 93; From the LP "The Body Hat Syndrome- 1993
9. Rodney O & Joe Cooley- Get Ready To Roll :12" dropped in 1991; On The "Get Ready To Roll" LP- 1991
10. No Face- Half :12" dropped in 1990; On the "Wake Your Daughter Up" LP- 1990
11. Poison Clan- 2 Low Life Mutha's :On "2 Low Life Mutha's" LP- 1990
12. Chino XL- No Complex :12" dropped in 96; on the "Here To Save You All" LP- 1996
13. Rasco- The Unassistated :12" dropped in 97; appeared on "Time Waits For No Man" LP- 1998
14. Casual- That's How It Is:12" dropped in 93'; LP "Fear Itself"- 1994
15. Pharcyde- Pandemonium : Apperead on the "Street Fighter" OST- 1995?
16. De La Soul- Ego Trip 3 : B-side to Ego Trippin 2 -1993
17. Wrecks N Effect- New Jack Swing : 12" dropped in 89; S/T album- 1989
18. Young Black Teenagers- Tap The Bottle : LP "Dead End Kidz Doin' Life Time Bids"-1993
19. Fat Boys- Crushin': On the "Crushin'" LP - 1987

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Hip Hop, You Don't Stop

While you are all waiting for me to get off my ass and make a legit update, I want to show some love to some newer blogs I added to the roll call. Some dudes out there doing their thing and really need to be checked out on a regular basis.

Biff's Hip Hop Spot
www.biffhop.blogspot.com

One of my new favorite sites, Biff is dropping some tight/classic albums on there. I spent a good couple hours on there this weekend catching up on some albums I have been missing. Something about those Aussie cats, they know their hip hop.


Bootis Connex
www.bootisconnex.blogspot.com
More good stuff being offered up. He drops some crazy discography posts, so if you are missing any QB or DITC stuff, this is your site.

12inchers
www.djespionage.blogspot.com

Could quite possibly be the new Vinyl Addicts. Some crazy stuff on there and I'm always fond of the obscure as Big Foot in the Bronx type stuff.

http://rapchwast.blogspot.com

Dropping some crazy stuff as well, more full albums that are hard as fuck to find.

and as always, I have to shout out my two personal favorites, although not new

Streets On Beats
www.streetsonbeats.blogspot.com

They always have creative twists on subjects and have more knowledge on Nastymix, Insane Poetry, and horrorcore hip hop than anyone I've seen on the net.

my boy Tommy B on Miscreant Productions
www.casiohardcore.blogspot.com

The professor in the Miami Bass genre of hip hop. But yo man, why did you drop me on your list?? Not cool...hahaha, it's all love.

So do yourselves a favor and check out those sites. They are what I'm striving to be. More updates by this weekend though

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Food, Fun & Re-Ups

First off, happy Fourth of July to my fellow Americans out there. May your holiday weekend be filled with the three "B's"....Beer, BBQ and Babes.

Second off, its been brought to my attention that a couple links for the WYDU Classics were down, so without further delay, here are new links. And as always, if anyone ever needs a new link to one of them, I'll be more than happy to oblige....now excuse me while I get another beer.

Vol 4. http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SCJC5ZV4

Vol 5. http://www.megaupload.com/?d=WGNORXY3

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