Got this from my man Hus from Tha Connection. I'm not completely on the up & up about the story behind this project, but it seems to contain some of Tha Connection's homies. I'm just now going through it and so far so good. Mellow music with crisp basslines and drums. Not every MC is a star, but still well worth the listen
Trapeze drops Nov 28th and Moon Water drops Dec 3rd, but yo check this out! http://sharebee.com/93820cd8
Showing newest 9 of 34 posts from November 2008. Show older posts
Showing newest 9 of 34 posts from November 2008. Show older posts
11/28/2008
Advantage Music Group Vol 1
Dahlak - Commencement
One of the first reviews I ever did on this site (and first submitted CDs I ever got) was from former Def Poetry Jam participate, Dahlak. Coming out of the Bay Area, Dahlak brings a little bit of everything to the table in the form of consciousness, partying, and love stories. A well rounded MC, Dahlak just released his newest mixtape, a Kanye West tribute in the form of "Commencement". There are some interesting tracks on this project and well worth the listen for those who enjoy projects such as this. He puts his stamps on certain Kanye songs and also comes with totally original materail.
Download Here: (It's easy) http://www.thisisdahlak.com/
11/27/2008
Interview with K. Sparks
Hey people! Today we got a special interview with a lot of Goodies for y'all. K. Sparks is an MC from New York and one of the hardest working men I ever met. His work ethic is exemplary... he even sent this interview back in half a day.
"At the age of 15 he started performing in various talent venues and began to create a buzz for himself within the Queens area. After a while K. Sparks later began recording several original songs. To date he has released 4 mixtapes, 3 Underground albums, and 1 self titled promotional CD. K. Sparks’ second mixtape generated such a buzz over seas that he was nominated for the best new mixtape release of the year award in London." He's a good guy what made us want to shine some light on him on our blog!
WYDU: For those who dont know you, please introduce yourself!
K.Sparks: My name is K. Sparks aka The Future Problem. I am an emcee from Queens New York that makes an eclectic range of music from traditional Hip Hop to Jazz Hip Hop fusion. I am a ghost writer that has written several songs and verses for artist while selling thousands of mixtapes and winning several awards in the process. Lastly, aside from being an artist I am also the Chief Executive Officer of the Independent Record Company Double Up Entertainment.
WYDU: Let's start from the very beginning. When did you fall in love with Hip Hop? 
K.Sparks: I first fell in love with Hip Hop during the time period of what I like to call the "Golden Era" of Hip Hip. That era was when artist actually
put more effort into the lyrics that they write. I remember when I first heard LL Cool J rhyming and I said "damn, this is what I want to do". After that I kept up with any and everything that was Hip Hop. The artist after that I listened to were cats like Nas, The Bush Babies, Chino XL, Ras Kass and others. Those dudes were actually true "Spittaz". I would rewind their music just to catch the metaphors and phrases. Not to mention the wordplay was sick with those cats, it made me want to be an even better emcee. As the years progressed my passion and appreciation for the art form grew even stronger. Due to the fact that I have a lot of passion for the art form it pisses me off to hear a lot of the garbage that "artist" are putting out. The way I feel is that if an individual does not have passion for this they should step the fuck off. I'm tired of hearing garbage ass songs on the radio just because they have million dollar budgets behind them. I want to start hearing more talented cats that may not have the huge marketing dollars behind them but instead they have the talent.
WYDU: You are a really hard working man, you released many projects within
the last three months. Please tell us something about them.
K.Sparks: I stay on my grind constantly because in this industry you have to constantly stay competitive and consistent. That's why within a period of three months I have released a total of 6 mixtapes. The first project was "When The Smoke Clears Mixed By DJ Killa P and Mixtape Assassin". That project really wasn't a mixtape because it consisted of a lot of dope original music that we wanted to get the people familiar with. The second project was a joint album project with Pajozo from Sweden entitled Definition. I took a lot of pride in making that project because it gave me the opportunity to make a solid album over those traditional true sounding Hip Hop beats. Pajozo has a real soulful Pete Rock sound that really brought the best out of me musically. We put that project straight to the internet for free download and it has gained an over whelming amount of praise. Right now we are working on our follow up album. The third project was a mixtape called "International Affairs" blended by DJ Ophax. I did that mixtape with Dipset artist Prince, and it was cool because half of the mixtape was in French while the other was in English. The fourth project was entitled "Call The Boss" Blended By DJ Pimp. The fifth mixtape was "The Camera Never Lies" blended by DJ Lee Majors. And the sixth was a mixtape entitled "Queens to Germany" Blended by DJ Easy. I have a lot more mixtapes coming out very soon as well. My work ethic is non stop because I have to work twice as hard as the artist that has a big name producer, big name DJ, or big name label behind him. My pops always told me that "persistence wears down resistence". In order to achieve what you want you have to stay persistent until you achieve what you want.
WYDU: What do you have on the table for 2009? What are your goals?
K.Sparks: In terms of 2009 there are a lot of things on the table. I will be releasing Four album projects. The first is a project entitled "The Blue Tape". It is a Hip Hop Jazz Fusion EP that will be entirely produced By Moe Productions. The entire feel of the EP will be very laid back and chill with a Hip Hop Jazz twist. The project will be released on the Independent level through my label Double Up Entertainment. The second project will be myself and Pajozo's follow up album to Definition. We have not yet solidified a set release date for the project because we are still in the creative mode in terms of concepts and production, but I promise everyone it will be a classic. The third project will be an album project I am working on with a talented producer named T-Mos. We have yet to name the proect yet but it will be a classic. Once it is done that will also be an Independent release. The fourth album project will be entitled "Q.U.E.E.N.S" and the album will be produced By Skrazey. Skrazey is a dope producer that has worked with several talented artist. However, before 2008 ends I will release another album before New Years entitled "The Red Tape" with France Producer Kurser. Kurser will do all of the production and the project in one word is no less than crazy. It's actually 96 percent complete at this time. All we need to do is wrap up two more songs and it will be ready.
In terms of goals for myself, I have achieved what I wanted for 2008. At the top of 2008 it was a new year and new opportunity for me because previously in 2007 I was under terrible management. I left behind that management in 2008 and took on a new grind. My goal was to brand K. Sparks within the music industry. I feel that I have done what I set out to do because all someone has to do is simply Google K. Sparks and my music is everywhere. For 2009 my ultimate goal has shifted towards branding K. Sparks even deeper within the music industry and to secure major distribution. I have a talented roster of artist that the world needs to hear so that is the next logical business move.
WYDU: You shot a video for your joint called "Trill". It looks really
professional and is very nice, can you tell us something about that?
K.Sparks: Trill is a song that tells a story about an individual that get's caught up in the drug game. The individual previously went to college and attempted to earn a living the honest way but later realized that he could not earn much with a BA from college. As a result of this he decided to start selling drugs as a way of earning a fast source of income. We had fun shooting the video because it came out exactly the way I invisioned it would. It was important to me that the video came out the way it did because at the end of the day I always expect a high standard for anything I do. The brand K. Sparks must always exceed people's expectations. Most Indie artist feel that because they are on the independent level that sub standard performance videos, mixtapes and etc are acceptable due to a lack of budget. Therefore they start putting out bootleg videos. The bottom line is if you can't do something right don't do it all. I teamed up with some cats that shared my vision and direction for quality so the video came out dope.
WYDU: How did you come up with the idea for the Manic Mondays?
K.Sparks: I got the idea for Manic Mondays from my Crooked I. Everyone is aware that Crooked I started The Hip Hop Weekly. After that Mickey Factz did The Leak. I spoke it over with my team and we decided as a collective that this is something that I should do. We decided that every Monday for an entire year I would release a dope original record. I have so many talented producers around me that it is an easy task to do weekly. I'm competitive naturally so every week I push myself to out do what I did the week before. Now we are up to week 13 and the response has been amazing. The Hip Hop web sites and blog sites have been very receptive to my movement. I appreciate all of the support that they continue to show. For Manic Mondays I have a lot of dope collabs and classic records on the way. However, the only down side to starting a series is that you start to notice the dick riders following suit. I see a lot of artist nowadays with series and this shit is like auto tune cuz everybody has one nowadays. If an artist has solid quality music then it's cool, but if you are just another artist jumpin on the weekly band wagon just because you feel it is a fad you should step the fuck off. I hear alotta series music comin out that is subpar. But at the end of the day to each his own. As long as they aren't on Double Up Entertainment who cares right?
WYDU: How important are connections for you? Connections are very important.
K.Sparks: I have a lot of solid relationships with real individuals in the music industry. I think it is imperative to surround yourself with true individuals that have your best interest at heart. The music industry is like the NBA, you can be the most talented player in the world but if no talent scouts from the NBA ever see you play it's a wrap. Same shit with the music, it's not enough to be a dope emcee because you need the right connections to open certain doors. My connections are very solid and I have great relationships with everyone. A lot of my connections came from writing for artist as well.
WYDU: What do you know about the Hip Hop scene overseas?
K.Sparks: To be honest I have heard only positive things about Hip Hop over seas. I'm always told that overseas there is a different appreciation for the music. In the U.S. The mainstream no longer has a genuine appreciation for Hip Hop. It is watered down and commercialized.
WYDU: In the end… Any last words?
K.Sparks: Thank you for building with me, shout out to Wake Your Daughter Up, DJ SoulClap, all of my fans, and the entire Double Up Entertainment family.
WYDU: Thank you, it was a pleasure. Good luck in the future!
For additional Info you can check his myspace: http://www.myspace.com/ksparksmusic
Check out these free downloads!
SOUHILLA ARMY / DOUBLE UP ENT Presents DJ OPHAX, K. SPARKS & PRINCE
"International Affairs"
Download Here
The album: K. SPARKS AND PAJOZO "DEFINITION"
Download here
K. SPARKS DJ KILLA P AND MIXTAPE ASSASSIN "WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARS" MIXTAPE
Download Here
K. SPARKS AND DJ EASY MIXTAPE "QUEENS TO GERMANY".jpg)
Download here
I guarantee y'all that this is excellent music, you should download all of these mixtapes!
Much Love as always!
Clap
11/25/2008
Spins, Tracks, Thoughts & Freebies: The Thanksgiving Edition Part One
I haven't done one of my Fav Trackslists lately, in fact for over a month or two at least. I wanted to do this like one of my "old school" aka "so last year" type of thing with some free shit that I've been bombarded with lately, the spins, the tracks and the return of "Why?", but as with a lot of things concerning the blog lately, I just ran out of time, so the rest of it will pop up at a later time (Thanksgiving maybe?).
None the less, grab whatever and leave some comments, I'm starting to wonder I'm just typing to myself, although the hits contiue to go up....talk people! This blog works a lot better with some discussion and that was something I never felt we had problems with until recently.
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DJ Concept - Jimi Hendrix: A Tribute To Experience
With the passing of Mitch Mitchell, we officially say goodbye to The Jimi Hendrix Experience. The legacy of the band will live on through their music and I felt the need to mix up, just a small portion, of their catalog. Thanks to J-Zone & Jake from Rhymesayers. Turn the volume loud for this one…
DOWNLOAD HERE: http://www.execute1200.com/hendrix
An Introduction
Star Spangled Banner
Stone Free
Gypsy Eyes
Nit N Run // prod by: J-Zone
Purple Haze
Castles Made Of Sand
Spanish Castle Music
A House Burning Down
Interlude One
Foxy Lady
Midnight Dirt f. Jay-Z
Midnight
Pimp Palace Magic // prod by: J-Zone
Lover Man (Live)
Today's Encore f. Jay-Z
I Don't Live Today
Interlude Two
All Along The Watchtower
Izabella
The Wind Crys Mary
Crazy Mary prod // by: J-Zone
Bold As Love
Fire (Live)
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ILLOGIC "ONE BAR LEFT" EP PRESS RELEASE
http://www.divshare.com/download/5906891-722
Please visit Weightless Records for physical copies and instrumentals...
"Sometimes an emcee comes that changes the way that one listens to hip-hop. An emcee that manhandles the English vocabulary to a point where one can almost forget all that's been heard and said before. We have had a few Poets in our generation, Nas, Rakim, who have clearly shaken up the hip-hop community with their visually enticing lyrics and polished intonation. Those such as Nas and Rakim have been heard before, but the name Illogic may not quite ring a bell to the average hip-hop head...as of yet." - hiphopsite.com
Born and raised in Columbus Ohio, Illogic honed his mic skills at an early age in hallway ciphers during high school. Nearly a decade and six studio albums later, through constant nationwide touring, Illogic has shared stages with Rakim, Casual, Atmosphere, Eyedea, Brother Ali, The Roots, Common, and many many more. Most in the underground circle might remember Illogic for his classic debut, "Unforseen Shadows", the first release of now legendary Weightless Records. Following that was the nationally acclaimed "Got Lyrics" and cult-classic "Celestial Clockwork", all sonically molded by the deft hands of Blueprint (of Soul Position and Rhymesayers noteriety).
Between constant touring and raising a family, Illogic has been preparing his return to Weightless Records, as well as his return to the spotlight after a nearly three year hiatus. In Spring of 2009, Illogic will release "Diabolical Fun", a lyrics and melody driven record that balances the poetic nature of a classic Illogic verse with the soulful and "out-there" melodies of album producer Ill Poetic (The World is Ours, Budden/Portishead & NIN/Outkast mash-ups).
In anticipation of this release, Illogic has cooked up the upcoming EP, "One Bar Left" as an appetizer, so-to-speak. The EP will be available for free download on Tuesday, November 25th, and will also be available for digital purchase, with the inclusion of all EP instrumentals.
The Illogic One Bar Left EP is here! After a 4-year hiatus, Illogic has returned with this FREE EP titled One Bar Left, produced entirely by up and coming producer and Ohio native Ill Poetic. Get it now! Illogic's full-length album Diabolical Fun will be released on Weightless Recordings on March 24th. Support the movement!
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Keelay & Zaire - The Times (Video & Mp3)
New video from my dudes Keelay & Zaire, featuring vocals from Blu, Fortlive and Nino Moschella - premiering live on MTVU all day today. You can grab the video and embed code below. There are also links to the mp3 below, along with the b side to the single, "Addicts For Real," featuring yours truly. Let me know if you can post the video!
Keelay & Zaire feat. Blu, Fortilive & Nino Moschella - "The Times" (mp3):
Keelay & Zaire feat. Tunji - "Addicts For Real" (mp3):
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Free Download: Tha Connection "Trapeze" album sampler
The most raw and soulful duo never heard! Hailing from Hempstead, NY, Tha Connection (Hus and SmooVth) come with their debut via Domination Recordings entitled "Trapeze" for a digital release this November. Filled with undiscovered gems to keep the underground boom bap and love soul alive. First appearing on 12bits Rawkus 50 release "Stranded On Planet Rock", Tha Connection represented 11 out the 23 tracks on the Rawkus album. With a recent vinyl appearance via Germany's Melting Pot Music that was released in August 2008, on Fella Vaughns produced "Love Song" and another release via Swedens Peakaboo Music entitled "SmooVth and Drums EP", these young men with old souls are on the uprise. "Trapeze" is kept in the true underground classic form, dope Beats and dope rhymes all the way through!
Free Download: Tha Connection "Trapeze" album sampler MP3
Buy it Here: http://www.emusic.com/album/Tha-Connection-Trapeze-MP3-Download/11336713.html
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Big Pooh Video Blog
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RHYMEZWELL PRESENTS
My man Rhymezwell is going to be ticked at me. He sent me this about a month ago, which I ended up losing on the blackhole that is my computer. Then he sent another link last week for it. It didn't work (Z-share is a piece of crap lately) so then he sent me another. I've been so backed up with material that I haven't gotten around to it yet. I did let a friend listen to it and he said it was cool, so I'll take his opinion on it and I have time with it coming up either tonight or tomorrow. I imagine you'll see this cat again in the near future. - Trav
Its Been Two Years in the making!!! Bostons own RhymeZweLL is Finally set to Release his much anticipated Mix-Album Just The Words Vol. 1
Blended and Mixed by Nashville's Number 1 DJ, DJ Wick-it
Download Free Here:
CLICK HERE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD!!!!!
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www.RhymeZweLL.com
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Top 10 Spins
13. Q-Tip - Gettin' Up
I know a lot of hip hop heads have been hating on the new Q-Tip and I can't defend it a whole lot. I do however really dig "Gettin' Up". It's one of those songs that I think has a very infectious sound to it. The beat and lyrics are both chilled, but very memorable, almost on that "anthem" level.
12. Count Bass D - Can We Hang Out Tonight?
After listening to the first two tracks of our "Top 13", you can see the vibe I've been on this past month or so. The Count drops an amazing track that is in traditional Count Bass D flavor. I know some cats won't get it, but that's okay. Just move on to the next track and let the rest of us enjoy Count's mellow guitar licks and horn stabs as he successfully pulls off what Phonte was trying to accomplish on the last Foreign Exchange album.
11. DJ Design w/ Oh No & Roc C - Play
Oh No and Roc C on the same track? Dizamn! This beat is kind of weird, in the fact that it's heavy on synths, but the hook and the ill bass line all make it work real well together. Of course all Oh No & Roc C do their jobs well and add that Stones Throw that y'all seem to like so much.
10. Now On - The A
I've always been a sucka for strings and subtle vocal samples and "The A" from D-town's Now On packs those just right for a mellow track for the MCs to get loose over. I wasn't as crazy about this album as Eric from WTR was, but it's still good and this is bar far my favorite track from it.
9. Castor Pollux - 1979
I don't know much about this cat, but Castor Pollux dropped an album "In Name of the Father" with Ariano and then dropped a collection of loose ends, entitled "Guts & Garbage: A Collection of Shit", both of which are really good. This track, "1979", is a busy track (one of the few on the list) which gets embedded in your subconscious. Castor reminds me another MC, but I'm having a trouble placing it. He's a strong MC that attacks the track. The beat itself is a thing of beauty, with strong littering the soundscape and an uptempo feel comes rushing at the listener. A great track which is among my favorite of the year.
8. U-N-I - Yesterday
I'm probably guilty of lumping together a bunch of the new wave of LA acts. I don't always pay attention to the Pac Div stuff or this group, U-N-I. A couple weeks ago, I was listening to a mixtape or a radio show and this track came on. I had to do a little searching to see who it was from, so when I found it was from U-N-I, I was pleasantly surprised. Musically, this track is a whirling of strings with a harp like sample that gives it an almost angelic texture. Lyrically, U-N-I who consists of Thurzday & Y-O, are quite efficient on the mic as well, taking the song to the heights it needs to be. I'll be looking forward to their future material and dig out the Fried Chicken & Watermelon lp that I've been ignoring on my computer.
7. Zilla Rocca - Flow God Zilla
Give me a track with a well placed rock sample in it, and you have me. Zilla comes off as the lost fourth member of the 1986 Beastie Boys with this deliciously hard edged track with a electric guitar twinge ruling the beat. That's me BITCHES!!! There is so much attitude brought to the mic by Zilla, you'd swear he is going to jump out of the track and slap, only to pull his hand away at the last second and run his hand through his slicked back hair. This needs to be some UFC fighters entry music like right now!
6. The Gent$ - Cold
Armed with a hollow sounding drum sample, this Gent$ track offers the unorthodox sound that I tend to gravitate from time to time when done right. It's a simple track, with the bucket drum acting as the tracks backbone then with some synth sounds and vocal samples thrown in for good measure. I can't help but to nod my head while listening to this track.
5. The P-Brothers feat Roc Marciano - Outta Control
You have to dig Roc Marciano, especially on this track which is dominated by the thickest fuckin' bassline that sounds like it got straight jacked from one of the DITC producers back in their hayday. The bass can do it's job on any stereo, good or bad, exemplified by my little stock system in my ride. Traditional hip hop in all it's beauty.
4. Blu & Mainframe - Wow!
At first I thought this song sounded like a shampoo commercial, but the shit is catchy as fuck. Blu is Blu on this track lyrically, as he spits rhymes like an 9mm. Beatwise, as I said, it reminds me of something from an old episode of Charlie's Angels, that straight out of the 70's funk type of vibe.
3. Black Milk - Hold It Down
I already know someone is going to say "I like so & so track better from the album." Even when I talked to Black Milk himself (interview coming soon) he was surprised when I said it was my favorite track from his album. I guess it's the bouncy beat that just kind of hypnotizes me as my head bobs from side to side with the beat. This could be an album though that sees multiple favorite tracks as time goes on.
2. Tha Connection - Take It Higher (Revamped)
If I had actually done this list weekly like I have always planned on doing instead of the two months it's been since I last done it, this track would have been in the number one slot for a long ass time. Armed with an unknown producer, Vans Cal, the duo of Hus & Smoovth ride this beautiful beat all the way to the finish line. My grown ass could listen to this magical beat for next five years everyday, it's just that good. I can't pick out the sample, but the strings and muted horn just takes the track to uncharted territories. Yes, it's that good.
1. Ludacris - MVP
Never in a MILLION years did I think Ludacris would be number one on ANY list I ever could conjure up. What changed? A fuckin' INSANE DJ Premier beat. It's not that Luda is bad, but he's never been my favorite, but once again, Primo brings out the best in an MC, as he did with Biggie, Jay, and Jeru. This is classic Primo in all it's golden goodness. Fuck, stop reading this and just listen to it.
808s & Heartbreak
You know I’m sometimes a little counterpart of Travis, to have a good balance on this blog. I was really surprised when I read that he likes 808s. When I heard Love Lockdown for the first time I was a little shocked cause I thought it was plain wack! That was at the MTV whatever awards (can’t remember which one) Then a couple of days later I heard he will do a whole album singing with autotune, and I was like, damnit, I’m a huge fan of him but that will be horrible. I mean the beat for love lockdown was aight, definitely something innovative or different, but the autotune killed it for me. I wasn’t really paying attention to the tracks that leaked one after another. I was listening to them once and thought there were aight. But for some reason I was checking the blogs everyday to check for the retail album. Then, last week I found it and directly downloaded it early in the morning and put it on my mobile phone so I could listen to it on my way to university and I was slammed. In a positive way. This guy always manages to stay innovative and bringing frsh music… you can say what you want about his skills as a rapper, but his beats are always the shit! This whole album has such a different vibe to what I normally listen to, I even like the Jeezy and Weezy features, the album as a whole is a piece of art. “Heartless” has a nice monotone beat where he’s rapping a little and singing. The cool thing is, that he didn’t overuse the autotune effect on most of the joints, which makes em a lot better. On the tracks where that effect is more present, it fits. My very favorites have to be “Robocop” and “Streetlights”. Robocop has this totally distorted snare that kinda sounds like an explosion. CRAZY!!! The melody is super hot and the violins on the hook are crazy, kinda sounds like christmas to me with those additional bells, but it just sounds very dope! Streetlights has a great vibe to me. You can bang that in your headphones while going through the cold at night or while driving in the car. 
The album is definitely an inspiration for me. It made me do 3 new beats without samples right away. My midi keyboard is finally paying off… All I hope for right now is that they will put the album out on wax, cause I had to buy Graduation on CD which sucked major balls. I just didn’t get too mad because they put out 4 songles on picture vinyl. I can just give you the advice to at least listen to the album around 4 times to get used to it, it’s just refreshing!
Much Love, Clap
She Wanted The Big Screen.....and She Found It In the Inbox
My inbox got slammed the past four days, so lots of stuff to catch up. Since I was out of town, I didn't have any time to really listen to some of this stuff, but I went with the stuff I thought I would normally download myself. Hopefully it's up to par, so give it a listen, and if you like, drop a little comment and maybe you'll help someone else that might be on the fence on whether to download something. I didn't get it all out there, so I'll finish the rest of it later
Before we jump off into it, one of my favorite blogs and favorite bloggers, Scholar from Souled On, hooked up with one of my favorite MC's, fellow WYDU member Has-Lo. Has dropped a nice little write up (first of two parts) for some of the samples that he used on his dope second EP, Small Metal Objects. So all you sample geeks and Has-Lo groupies need to head over to Souled On and check it out!
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Dub MD presents the brand new exclusive mixtape project entitled "Hip Hop Renatus" with some of the most slept on and underrated emcees featuring the likes of Supastition, Skyzoo, Sha Stimuli, Mr. Live, 6th Sense, Sic Osyrus, Fred Knuxx, Karneige, Access Immortal, Donny Goines, Diablo Archer, Emilio Rojas, D.V. Alias Khryst, Wordsmith and many more, doing what they do best over some of the greatest producers in the Hip Hop's "New, Rare, Classic & Unreleased" instrumentals including J Dilla, DJ Premier, Pete Rock, ?uestlove, Large Professor, Oddisee, Illmind, Marley Marl, Madlib and 9th Wonder just to list a few.
Renatus in old Latin meaning Born Again/Reborn: 44 emcees over 34 handpicked beats! Thirty four tracks of that raw, authentic, no apologises Hip Hop music for the purest, 100% EXCLUSIVE from the emcee to this project, with a classic intro by the genius that is DJ Unexpected. This new mixtape is available for exclusive FREE DOWNLOAD right here, so pass it around, throw it on your iPod or burn it to CD-R, its yours! Thanks to everyone for all the continued support!
http://www.mediafire.com/?m1ntu2mnydm
01.) The Genesis (Intro By DJ Unexpected)
02.) 6th Sense - Hip Hop Renatus (Produced By Erick Sermon)
03.) Mr. Live feat. Earl Blaize - The Bitch That You Are (Produced By Oddisee)
04.) Sic Osyrus & Donny Goines - Why Lord? (Middle Fingers Up) (Produced By Khrysis)
05.) Karniege - The Kush (Produced By Jake One)
06.) Skyzoo - Bang This (Produced By The Alchemist)
07.) Dominique Larue - Role Play (Produced By 9th Wonder)
08.) Emilio Rojas - E To The M-I-L-I-O (Produced By J Dilla)
09.) Access Immortal - Stay Strapped (Produced By DJ Premier)
10.) Melodiq feat. Nikal Fieldz - Bottom Of The 9th (Produced By 4th Disciple)
11.) Diablo Archer feat. Myk Dyaleks (of BrokN.English) - We The New Era (Produced By Domingo)
12.) Sha Stimuli - Today We Living (Produced By Nottz)
13.) Fred Knuxx - Air 'Em Out (Produced By Hi-Tek)
14.) Laelo Hood - Extra, Extra! (Produced By DJ Khalil)
15.) Supastition - Sound Of Reform School (Produced By Black Milk)
16.) Black ELement - Feel The Hunger (Produced By DJ Scratch)
17.) Droppin' A Message (Interlude)
18.) Zero Star - On My Backpack Shit (Produced By Large Professor)
19.) Little Vic - Let The Dollar Circulate (Produced By Ayatollah)
20.) Cymarshall Law - This Is The End (Produced By Salaam Remi)
21.) Donnan Linkz - Buzz Kill (Produced By Oh No)
22.) Cy Yung aka Cyrano - OK Corral (Produced By Madlib)
23.) Tislam The Great - Once Again (Produced By Questlove)
24.) Faro - Love Me Or Hate Me (Produced By Scram Jones)
25.) Arsun F!st - I'm In Here (Produced By Marco Polo)
26.) Sense-I - Sense-I's The Name (Produced By Nicolay)
27.) Wordsmith feat. Kontact & Black Knight - Signing Day (Produced By Pete Rock)
28.) Journalist 103 - Til' The Trumpets Blow (Produced By Illmind)
29.) Clap Cognac feat. Jedi Knight - Chosen Ones (Produced By Havoc)
30.) City Scholar - The Rebirth (Produced By Evidence)
31.) Detroit Red - Hip Hop Redefined (Produced By Buckwild)
32.) D.V. Alias Khryst feat. Retsam Da Prince - It's Da Govarmynt (Produced By Marley Marl)
33.) Nametag - Champagne Bottle Flow (Produced By Ski Beatz)
34.) Panama aka Da Spanish Kid - Born Ready (Produced By RZA)
35.) Hi-Coup feat. Spectacula - My Father Told Me (Produced By M-Phazes)
36.) Preach Jacobs feat. N'telligence - Mic Check (Produced By Rockwilder)
37.) The Exodus (Outro By DJ Unexpected)
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Fresh from Good Music: GLC feat Kanye West - Big Screen
I know I'll get hate for this, but I like 808's & Heartbreaks. Call me crazy, but I do. Anyway, this is another Kanye produced joint (I assume) by one of his long time proteges, GLC. It's more of that 808 type of flavor for those of you who do like it.
GLC feat Kanye West - Big Screen
http://www.zshare.net/audio/51817963709e975b/
Here is the duo in the studio creating the track......
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Minutes After Midnight
Donny Goines Unleashes New Album
Minute After Midnight Available December 16th
New York, NY
Having achieved considerable notoriety with a vast collection of street albums and mixtapes, independent artist Donny Goines and Same Plate Management are proud to announce the release of Donny's official debut, Minute After Midnight. The album which boasts Dame Grease as Executive Producer will be available through Amalgam (famed for projects from Joe Budden, Dame Grease, El Da Sensei) on December 16th 2008.
Minute After Midnight, is simply a seamless confirmation that Donny Goines is one of the most prolific artists to watch out for in 2009. An abundance of soulful and unparalleled production selected by the Manhattan lyricist is featured on the album and is laced with Donny's heart-felt, naturalistic and legitimate experiences and stories.
Always exuding originality in his efforts both as an entertainer and a man, Donny is the first to comment on how hard he works to maintain such individuality and relevance.
"I worked very hard on this album. Minute After Midnight took a lot of sacrifice, dedication and hard work to complete. I truly put my heart in it and wanted to create something that could stand the test of time. I didn't have a budget nor label to finance this album but many people came together to help me craft this body of work. This album represents me, not some fictitious character or made up persona and I did everything within my power to make the best album I could. I hope when people hear it they can appreciate the effort I put forth, and enjoy it for years to come."
In his usual style Donny opts to ride out this opus alone. Not one to clutter his projects with features and collaborations, Donny has very much earned his reputation through his hard work and his creativity and upon hearing his unique piece of work it affirms that for some the right producers and a story is all that is needed to create a masterpiece.
Tracklisting
1) Intro Prod. by Dub Z (1:52)
2) The Triumph Prod. by M Phazes (3:14)
3) Ghetto U.S.A Prod. by Beatnik & K Salaam Ft. Tess (3:13)
4) What I Am Prod. By Apple Juice Kid (3:45)
5) What Happened Prod. By Dub Z (3:22)
6) Ricky's Story Prod. By Statik Selektah (2:55)
7) I am Moving Prod. by Dame Grease (4:15)
8) MLK Prod. By Dame Grease Ft. Tess (3:34)
9) Can't Fit in My Shoes Prod. By DJ Snips (2:43)
10) Can you Hear Me Prod. By Dub Z Ft. Tess (3:52)
11) The Look Prod. By Dame Grease (2:24)
12) As the World Turns Prod. by Dub Z (3:46)
13) Heaven is With You Prod. by DJ Static (4:27)
Donny's video for the Dame Grease single I am Moving, the first single from the album. The video produced by Don Hankins and Justin M Miller was recently featured on The Freshman, mtvU's video show.
1) Intro Prod. by Dub Z (1:52)
2) The Triumph Prod. by M Phazes (3:14)
3) Ghetto U.S.A Prod. by Beatnik & K Salaam Ft. Tess (3:13)
4) What I Am Prod. By Apple Juice Kid (3:45)
5) What Happened Prod. By Dub Z (3:22)
6) Ricky's Story Prod. By Statik Selektah (2:55)
7) I am Moving Prod. by Dame Grease (4:15)
8) MLK Prod. By Dame Grease Ft. Tess (3:34)
9) Can't Fit in My Shoes Prod. By DJ Snips (2:43)
10) Can you Hear Me Prod. By Dub Z Ft. Tess (3:52)
11) The Look Prod. By Dame Grease (2:24)
12) As the World Turns Prod. by Dub Z (3:46)
13) Heaven is With You Prod. by DJ Static (4:27)
Donny's video for the Dame Grease single I am Moving, the first single from the album. The video produced by Don Hankins and Justin M Miller was recently featured on The Freshman, mtvU's video show.
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Amad Jamal Show In L.A.
I'm a huge Amad Jamal fan, and him and his crew are playing a show this Friday with his band The Solution at the Airliner. It's also my man Kurt Fagan's (the Drummer in the Solution) birthday (Happy b-day man!) So if you are in the L.A. area this Friday, stop by and check out Amad and the gang and say "Happy Birthday" to Kurt and give them out before the drop the new album (about time already!)
(click to enlarge)
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Quad Almighty
Former Artist Spotlight alumni is dropping a new album which I've had the pleasure of hearing, and it's rather dope. Straight up dope hip hop along with some food for thought. Consciousness in full effect!
Quad Almighty - Quad Almighty
http://www.zshare.net/audio/51819760b56afac7/
Buy Album Here: http://www.soundstation.com/quadalmighty.aspx
The Royal Parchment: The Indoktrination of Dynastik Rationalizm
As the legend goes……Long, long ago, before the world as we know it was conceived, the righteous King and Queen of creation, in all of their wisdom and glory, embedded a set of provisional instructions in the fabric of space and time in order to maintain the balance of freedom, justice, and equality throughout the universe. This set of instructions is known as the Royal Parchment.
It is during the most tumultuous epochs in history, that the Royal Par chment is made manifest into the fabric of our reality. During these trying times, by way of a stream of cosmic consciousness, The Royal Parchment unlocks a vast reservoir of ancestral wisdom and we see major advances in the arts and sciences throughout various cultures of the world. This creates a shift in the intellectual and moral state of the era, resurrects righteous ruler ship, and restores order and balance in the world.
The current zeitgeist is framed by what is called the “ information age,” a period that has produced bold advancements in the fields of biotechnology and interplanetary travel. Yet war, disease, and famine have engulfed the face of the earth. The world’s religious, political and military leadership lack intellectual integrity. As history tends to repeat itself, a cataclysmic fate seems to be an inevitable, self-fulfilling prophecy. Yet, some remain vigilant.
Over the last 30 years, we have seen the emergence of Hip Hop, a set of art forms that have pervaded every society and civilization around the globe, bridging the gaps between the nations and ushering in the existence of a universal culture. In the midst of this revolutionary shift Quad Almighty presents, The Royal Parchment: The Indoktrination of Dynastik Rationalizm.
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MIDIMarc Beats.....
Yeah yeah I know......I've been getting the phone calls. "Man...when are you putting the next produce up"......."Can you let me check the joints out before you post em". Well....I'm on CP time, but I'm here. Since its the 10th week, I've prepared 10 Beats. I'm getting more and more in the groove of the new equipment, so here we go.
http://midimarc.blogspot.com/2008/11/fresh-produce-week-10-special-edition.html
1. Watch Us Ride
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?d1yddyzjayt
2. Betcha Cant
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?e4yintjonvi
3. Wah Out
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?jtmymnjnz2j
4. There Is No Greater
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?gznjjm3zozm
5. Step It Up
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?zg2yem2mq0t
6. Open Might
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?14ny4f2dg3m
7. Its All Over
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?ktzdj3gd3mv
8. Flippah 1
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?myizqyzly2m
9. Cloverfield
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?ntk0no2zg2n
10. BJ Cash Track
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?zxnenxz5dyt
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Joe Budden & The Game - The Future
Joe Budden featuring The Game “The Future” (Amalgam Digital)Lead single taken from Joe Budden's forthcoming sophomore album “Padded Room” available on CD & Digital FEB 24th 2009
"The Future" is here: http://www.zshare.net/audio/5182012736778646/
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11/24/2008
Krumbsnatcha & DJ Jemani - No Weapon Formed Against Me Shall Prosper
My man DJ Jemani hit me off with this little jewel. I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet, but I'm sure it's a nice little jewel to be brought to the ears of the lost
The highly anticipated & unreleased CD from Gang Starr foundation member KRUMBSNATCHA ( KS ) & DJ JEMANI " No Weapon Formed Against Me Shall Prosper "
CLICK CD COVER & DOWNLOAD IT FREE !!!! 
WYDU Classics Nov '08
Do y’all want the bad new or the good news first? The bad news first you say?
It’s a Monday.
The good news?
Well most of us here in the U.S. only have a three day work week. Thanksgiving is this Thursday and the majority of us get Friday off as well. So basically, it’s like a Wednesday. How f’in cool is that?
I know I can use it. The weekend trip to Reno was fun and all, but now I need a rest from my vacation. How bad is that? I was saving this post for later in the week, but since I have nuthin' for today, it goes up.
It’s time for another issue of the world famous (okay, kinda known on the internet) WYDU Classics. I really want to get to bed so I'm not going to waste much time here. There were mainly a bunch of tracks that I used to like from back in the day, around when I first discovered what Napster and Audio Galaxy was. Of course most of these tracks are all older than those days, but I'd download all sorts of crazy shit from those P2P sites back in the day.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask away....
WYDU Classics Nov 08
http://rapidshare.com/files/166829964/WYDU_Classic_Nov_08.rar
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=RD2MRN2M
01 Organized Konfusion - Stress (remix)
02 Insight - Universal (Ft. Mr Lif)
03 MHZ - Rocket Science
04 El Fudge - Realize
05 L Swift - How itz Goin Down (remix)
06 Knucklehedz - Savagez (remix)
07 Constant Deviants - Competition Catches Speed Knots
08 Shorty No Mas - You Like My Style
09 Big Scoob & The Booty Bandits - Niggaz Cant Hang
10 Blackstract - Diary Of A Mad MC (hungry_mix)
11 Freestyle Professors - Down With The Freestyle Professors
12 Nomaads - The Ultimate
13 Jaz B Latn - Set it Off
14 Original Flavor - Grip Da Mic Tight
15 Cormega - One Love Letter to Nas
16 Children of the Corn - Harlem USA (Harlem Version)
17 Frescho & DJ Miz - Ya Don't Stop
18 Too Kool Posse - Give 'Em A Sample
11/21/2008
Grip Grand Interview
One Sunday afternoon this spring I was talking to my man Eric over at When They Reminisce on the telly. The topic, as usual, was hip hop. Eric knows my tastes and listening habits fairly well and suggested that I listen to this artist called Grip Grand. I didn't know who this Grip Grand cat was, but E suggested it was something I'd probably really like. No less than two hours later, another fellow blogger, Scholar over at Souled On had sent me an email, like he tends to do every couple weeks. Scholar and I swap names of artists we are listening to and suggest stuff the other might like. Again, the name Grip Grand was brought up. Two people that know and understand my quirky tastes pretty well had mentioned the same artist in a very short time. Sooooo I did what any self respecting blogger would do. I found his latest album and downloaded it. That night, I put Grip Grand's Brokelore on my iPod and went through my nightly ritual of listening to music to unwind right before I got to bed. I think the iPod was on random and the track "But Anyway" came on. Immediately, the horns, a sample from the "Jump Around" intro, caught my attention. Then came on a rolling (as in steady drums) break and Grip started spitting. He wasn't a awe inspiring MC, but there was something about his voice and style that just hooked me.
Since that night, I've bought both of Grips solo albums, Welcome To Brokeland and Broklore, with Brokelore easily being one of my favorite albums of the year. Coupled with a easy going demeanor and an easy to listen to rhyme style, Grip just grabbed my attention from the first track and didn't let go until the final track, the ever so dope "Remember The Time" ended. As I have in the past, if I get hooked onto an album, I ended up contacting Grip via myspace. After some banter back and forth and three or four months of waiting on my part, then a few weeks while Grip was out on the road and working on a slew of upcoming projects, we finally got the interview done. As I said, if you have been into stuff I have endorsed in the past, I HIGHLY endorse Grip Grand, so be sure to check his music and pick up his projects.
I got people asking me about Grip and the album after declaring it my fourth favorite album of the first half of '08. Of course, I don't offer up retail albums, those can be found in other places (like stores), but Grip himself posted up this mixtape that has quite the humorous story behind it. It's definitely worth the read and the music is from earlier in his career, but I think it gives a good starting point on what to expect from the album if you unfamiliar with his music. This won't be the last you hear of Grip Grand on WYDU (I think you know what that means), but give this mixtape a listen and read one of the funnier stories I've heard in hip hop in awhile.....
WYDU: What's good, Grip? Can we get a proper introduction for those few unlucky souls who are not hipped to as of yet?
Grip Grand: Grip Grand, That’s me. Nice to meet you all. Now we’re best friends! Do you like hip-hop? Me too! We have so much in common! This is great…
W: Wow, what a coincidence, we'll get along just fine. So....what's the story behind your name.....haha, nah, just kidding. I only bring that up because it seems I've seen that question on everything I've read from your past interviews.
GG: My name? Yeah, lots of speculation. I’d understand if I had a more colorful moniker, like, say, Diamond Shell or Frukwan or, uh, Shorty Shit Stain. But mine’s is pretty plain. Let’s just say a friend gave it to me, and we’ll both know that’s not the whole story. But it’s the most interesting part…which is pretty pathetic.
W: Names aside, you've lived from LA to Portland, Oregon, to the Bay Area in between. Which location would be your favorite? Which contains the bests scene productive to the fabled "underground hip hop" label?
GG: I’ve been all over the West Coast, but my heart is in Frisco because it’s my birthplace (and also in Oakland…because I hella love Oakland). Plus, I like the weather best in the Bay.
As far as which city has the best “scene” for underground hip-hop…if we had a good scene, maybe we wouldn’t be underground anymore. Sometimes I think underground just means no one shows up. No, actually, every town I’ve lived in has a pretty vibrant scene, but I wasn’t really part of any local movements (I wish I had been, maybe I’d be famous now). To quote Andre 3K, “I grew up to myself, not round no park bench”….
W: Some people might not be aware that you've been doing music since the late 90's. How did you get your start in the game and what were some of early influences?
GG: I’ve been rapping for a long time….My first inspiration—as far as making my own rap music—was my friend P-Way (then known as P-Champ…also, incidentally, the man who named me “Grip”). He and his crew started 3 Shades of Rhythm, which later became Bored Stiff. All their demo tapes were dope, it really made me wanna try harder. But I never recorded anything, I just kept writing and practicing, and also I started collecting records around that time. Then, many years later, I hooked up with my man Sep, a rapper/ producer I went to college with in Portland, and he had a sampler and a cassette four-track…. Sep taught me how to work the boards, then I bought my own sampler and four-track and started recording myself. And the songs that I made on those machines became my first album (Welcome to Broakland). I put out the single (Pro-Gress/Santa Ana Winds 12”) on my own in ’99, before the LP was complete. Once I finished the album, I basically sent out demos in the mail, and I got a deal with Bomb for a full release in 2002.
W: As you said, you hooked up with Bomb Hip Hop Records, which is somewhat made a name for itself through the DJ comps it used to do. Can you expand more on the Bomb deal?
GG: I sent out ten unsolicited demos to various labels, all wrapped in homemade envelopes that looked like they probably held a ransom note or something. Of the ten recipients, only two replied. One wrote a nice note saying "Thanks, but no thanks." The other was Dave Paul at Bomb. My demo was maybe five songs, something like that. He asked if I had anything else, so I sent him the whole album. I think he had me take off like one song and a couple of instrumental interludes, but other than that…he mastered it and released it pretty much as is. So remember, even though people say you don’t get a deal sending out random demos…anything is possible.
W: That first album, Welcome to Broakland, came out in 2002, how would you describe yourself as an artist then and now? How is different to your latest album, Brokelore?
GG: Man, in some ways it seems like night and day, in other ways ain’t sh*t changed but the name. I’m more confident in my skill and ability now, I think my new songs are more polished, the production and lyrics are more wide-ranging stylistically. Welcome to Broakland has a more stripped-down production and vocal style than Brokelore, so it sounds more intimate, maybe, but rougher around the edges. Whereas Brokelore has some of the songs I’m most proud of to date as a musician and a songwriter. Also, it has Percee P and A.G., so…you can’t knock that. In terms of subject matter, though, whichever album you hear, it’s mostly punchlines and life, man, that’s what I do. Normalcore. Nothing really changed there. The challenge of rap is to say something dope and to say it in a dope way. Some people specialize in just thoughtful content, or just flow, or just punchlines. I seek the balance.W: There was quite a bit of time between Welcome to Brokeland and Brokelore, to some of us (myself included) you came off as a "new" artist. What were you doing in the time between the two albums, and how do you view being seen as "new" by unassuming dumb asses, such as myself?
GG: Oh, I’m fine with being seen as a new artist, as long as I’m being seen. I definitely don’t take offense. I’m just happy if people hear my music. I work hard on it. And the time delay between albums is partly due to that, to taking my time, not rushing songs. I changed labels along the way, started working with new people, learning new equipment, new methods of production…I went back to school to get certified in audio engineering and recording. So I was delayed by life, but also I wanted to deliver quality work. I really like the album format. Nowadays we digest music much more quickly, one new song at a time, minute to minute…but with Brokelore, I wanted to deliver a total experience, a world you can get lost in for an hour or go back to later and find something new. Hopefully I achieved that, but it’s not for me to say.
W: Not only do you rhyme on your projects, but you also produce a lot of your tracks. How is the mind state different going from production to writing rhymes? Which do you prefer to do more?
GG: I’m mostly self-produced, and I feel it’s an advantage as an artist. Understanding how music production works definitely informs my writing and vice versa. Basically, I’m a songwriter—the piano and the pen are tools of the same trade. But in a funny way, they occupy different parts of my brain. If I’m making a beat, I stay in beat mode. If I’m writing, I do that. I don’t hop back and forth, work on a beat and write to it all at the same time. There’s also a qualitative difference, in that with the writing, often you’re telling someone something, but with the music you’re making them feel it. I enjoy both, I like the interplay of the two. It’s another balancing act.
W: You mention in the liner notes for Brokelore about a hard drive crash that nearly wiped out all the work you had done up to that point on the album, how did that change the final project?
GG: Yeah, there was a catastrophic hard-drive event at the Look Records studios. Basically, all of the original files that made up my album were destroyed in the process. Luckily, every time we had completed recording a cut, we burned a disc of that song to listen to. In the end, those discs saved us, because we had working copies of each track. But they were the only survivors. So the main effect this meltdown had on the final project was a limiting one: we had no instrumentals, no acappellas, no clean versions…none of the extras that you would put on a single, or offer for remixing, or whatever. Nor could we go back and “fix” anything, change the mixes, the levels, etc. We just took what we had and rolled with it. I guess you could say God decided on the final mix for us. Or Steve Jobs. One of the two.
W: You have some quality guest appearances, and well placed I might add, on the album. How did you hook up with Percee P and AG, two of the more well known ones?
GG: A.G. was a label mate, recording his album for Look at the same time that I was starting work on mine. I guess he liked "Poppin’ Pockets", so Design hit me up about doing a remix with A.G. on it. That’s an artist I really respect, and I was honored to do a second version with him. He put it down on that song.
Percee P was the same kind of thing, except he wasn’t on Look. But Design hooked up with him for something, and I had already done this track (Paper Cup) that was like a fast-rap beat and it was only one verse…so Design figured Perce was the perfect cat to be on it. And he murdered the beat, as always. Look up “pay dues” in the dictionary and you will see Percee P’s face, the man is a legend, on the mic and on the grind (check out an interview with the Rhyme Inspector himself on my crew’s website: http://www.routinefly.com/2008/10/percee-p-interview-in-santa-cruz-10308/). Again, working with him was an honor.
W: Possibly my favorite joint on the album is "Remember The Time". A friend of mine explained who Darondo was and I thought it was a most interesting story. Is that just a straight up sample, or did you actually do work with him? If so, how did you hook up with him?
GG: Darondo does have an interesting story, and anyone who likes classic, gritty soul music should cop his records. Sadly (for me), I didn’t get to work with him on this one. It is, in fact, a sample…and by “a sample” I mean “me rapping over his whole song just as it appears on his album.” Now, I know some people are against this kind of thing (but don’t call it stealing…we paid him for it). However, those people are clearly not familiar with classics like Ghostface Killah’s Holla, where he raps over the Delfonic’s "La La Means I Love You" in its entirety.Really, what happened is that I wrote this song—which was meaningful to me because of the subject matter (the dearly departed and so on)—and I recorded the original demo over that Darondo song…it was just the perfect tempo and vibe and all. I figured that later on I would make a beat with the same type of feeling, and then I would redo the song. But the more we listened to it, to the sound and the emotion of the demo, the more we said “Can we just clear the sample and use it as is?” And it turns out that Yes, we can. So we did. And now the demo version, which was a one-take thing I did at home, is what you hear on the album.
W: I got to ask about the one song that kinda seems out of place. I know I'm not the only one who thinks this, since I've seen you explain the existence of "Handle That". My initial take on the song was it was more of a parody, can you deluge into it a little more?
GG: Yeah, "Handle That" is a parody of the “dumbed down” synth-hop style that has come to dominate the popular airwaves in years past. There’s so many grimy keyboard beats out there with cats spitting oversimplified couplets about cocaine and cars, I mean, you can’t escape that sh*t. And, I have to admit, some of it is really tight. But it’s ubiquitous, and I felt like commenting on it. So I made a song in that style. But I couldn’t just do some goofy Weird Al sh*t, and I couldn’t really allow myself to do a “bad” rap that was actually bad either. So "Handle That" has way more punchlines than your average trap-song. I basically just decided I’d do one of those songs, but a version for my taste—punchlines, humor, light social commentary—while making it sound as if I was rapping about the same sh*t that the coke-and-cars set spits. That’s why I have lines like: “It’s dangerous, to think you could hang with us/We sit on 50-inch rims ‘cuz we take the bus”….personally, I relate to that, more than I can relate to some rapper talking about his collection of Lamborghinis and handguns. I just tried to flip it. So it’s a parody, but I don’t feel it’s out of place on my album—after all, I wrote it and produced it, the subject matter and lyrics are similar to all my other songs…I feel like Brokelore, conceptually, is like a set of stories from this Broakland universe I’ve created over the years, and "Handle That" is one of those stories. I think it definitely fits in that context.
W: "Love/Drama" is another dope track. I've read that was based on a true story with a web/magazine critic, what was the story behind that track?
GG: "Love/Drama" is a response to a review of my first album, a review that was on a website which is now defunct (so you can’t go read it). It was one of the first reviews I ever got, which is why it was notable to me. So I wrote a song, wherein (to paraphrase) I basically agreed with all of the critiques that the reviewer made, admitting that I had sent him sub-par material; but I concluded that, given the astuteness with which he had dissected my album’s many flaws, I would look forward to hearing his own album—which, due to his penetrating insight into what constitutes good hip-hop, would surely be a classic of the genre. I have yet to hear back.
W: Which is worse, a magazine critic or a web site critic? Or are they equal scum?
GG: Man, I have no problem with critics, although what constitutes a critic nowadays? I mean, sharing your opinion in a public forum doesn’t make you a critic. Blogging about movies you hated doesn’t mean that your wisdom on the subject is weighted equally with Roger Ebert’s. For example, I write a blog about comics on my website. That doesn’t make me a critic, it makes me a fan. No one pays me for my insight, and no one is asking for my credentials. Basically, if you didn’t have to show someone your resume to get the job, you are probably not a critic. You are probably a hater.
Like me.
W: You roll with a crew these days, correct? Who is the members of your crew, the Rec League All-Stars?
GG: Yessir, the mighty mighty Rec-League All-Stars, Cali’s finest. It’s a deep set, but the main musical members are (in alphabetical order) myself, Haji P., MF Shalem, Proe, Q’m, Richie Cunning, and Rob Rush. But we got a lot of batters, man…Bob Clean, Matty Eye, Vince the Bard, P-Soup, the roster goes on and on. If we ever did a full posse cut, we’d run out of tape. Believe it. Check for new albums from the crew (Rec-League Season 2), Richie Cunning (Night Train), and Q’m aka Cumulus (Happy Hour, which I did hella beats on) coming soon! Everyone else has albums in the stores and on iTunes, so check ‘em out. And go to www.routinefly.com for more info!
W: Let's discuss the "mysterious" collection of Grip Grand material, Boner Jams. For those of us on the "slow bus", can you tell us the story behind the collection?
GG: Boner Jams ‘03 is an unauthorized, high-quality collection of Grip Grand material, both released and unreleased, that surfaced in Japan earlier this year. I don’t know who put it together or how they did it, but I couldn’t have done it better myself, so I’m thankful in that regard. Plus, the cover is just un-f***ing-believable. Seriously. If you want 50-some Grip-filled minutes of lyrical fury, plus a picture of a grown man in a squirrel suit (it’s not me, sorry), this is the only place to get it. Read the whole story here:
http://www.routinefly.com/new-grip-grand-mixtape/
Click on the “Boner Jams” links to get the mixtape.
W: Still no idea on who put the collection out? I hear they got Grip Grand posters hangin' in the Japanese teenagers bedrooms these days...haha
GG: You know what’s weird? I just finished working on two new projects for a record label in Japan. I wonder how they got my name? Boner Jams? Probably not. I have a couple songs coming out soon over there on a compilation called The Light, both previously unreleased. Keep your eyes peeled for those (and more)!
W: You appear on DJ Design's newest project, Jet Lag. You have quite the history with DJ Design, how did you hook up with him?
GG: I remember the day I met Design, because it was the same day I signed my contract with Bomb for Welcome to Broakland. I had gone to Frisco to meet with [Bomb founder] Dave Paul at his office. While I was there, Dave’s old friend DJ Design dropped by. So I met him then, but I didn’t know that he was starting his own label. After Bomb put out my first CD, Design hit me up in 2003 about getting together and making some music, just for fun. So we did that, it was a good vibe, and then he and his new label, Look Records, approached me about doing an album. We started work on Brokelore, and during that time I also did a few songs over Design’s beats (he’s a dope producer, and I learned a lot just watching him work)…some of those songs appear on Jet Lag—namely, "B-Side Too", "Wave of the Future", and "Wild Ones" featuring Phat Kat (shout out to Kat, he’s the man).
W: What does Grip Grand have planned for the future? Money, fame, a harem of women? What about projects?
Yes, with all the money my newfound fame brings me, I will take my harem of women and move into the projects. Oh, not that kind of projects…I see. Upcoming projects: mixtape (a collection of the weekly Billboard Number One remixes I’ve been doing); Chart Toppers. Scoviet Union mixtape and album (Scoviet Union = Me and Richie Cunning); new songs on The Light (Japanese compilation, see above); another release with my man DJ Flip out in Ireland called Crossroads (featuring me, One Be Lo, and Zumbi from Zion I). And, if anyone’s looking for verses or beats, they can hit me on MySpace. I got it for cheap.
W: Any last words the naysayers need to hear?
GG: Yeah. “Duck.”
W: Thanks again, much love
GG: My pleasure. And now a word from my sponsor.
Go buy Brokelore! Go buy Welcome to Broakland! Watch my videos on YouTube! Tell a friend how much you love/loathe/are totally indifferent to me! And if you haven’t had your fill yet, go to:
www.gripgrand.com and
www.myspace.com/gripgrand
and check out my regular blog/waste of time at
http://www.routinefly.com/category/grip-grandstand/
Peace!
Chart Toppers!!!
Week 8
Rec-League All-Stars presents Chart Toppers Week 8!!!
Womanizer Remix: Britney Spears vs. Grip Grand
On YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfxkUObl9bA
For Download:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/50606554b61950e8/
Week 7
Rec-League All-Stars presents Chart Toppers Week 7!!!
Live Your Life Remix: T.I. & Rihanna feat. Grip Grand
On YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4nMhtLBerg
For Download:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/20552840898327e3/
(Or, because the zshare site was having technical difficulties today…)
Week 6
The Day That Never Comes Remix: Metallica & Grip Grand (Prod. by Grip Grand)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/1944585481fa4efa/
The Day That Never Comes Remix Cover Photo
http://www.zshare.net/audio/178517712b1a09a8/ (T.I. Whatever You Like Remix)
Whatever You Like Remix Cover Photo
http://www.zshare.net/audio/1854370469481670/ (Chris Brown Forever Remix)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/1753698334be0457/ (Rihanna Disturbia Remix)
http://www.zshare.net/audio/17206282db1211c3/ (Katy Perry I Kissed A Girl Remix)
I Kissed A Girl Remix Cover Photo
Charmed I'm Sure--Grip Grand, produced by Madlib
Charmed I'm Sure is an unreleased demo (produced by Madlib) recorded for the Grip Grand album Brokelore (Look Records 2008). Besides having a beat laced by one of the game's best and brightest, this song is also notable because it was sampled by Madlib for the chorus of the song 2 Brothers From The Gutter Remix featuring Diamond D off the Percee P Perseverance Remix album (Stones Throw 2008). Don't believe me? You can hear both songs back to back (and catch the whole story) at:
http://www.routinefly.com/2008/02/madlib-sampled-me-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-bong/
Discography:
“Boner Jams ‘03 Mixtape” CD (Unknown Manufacturer 2008) Japanese Import
Featuring Richie Cunning, Aditional vocals by Rob Rush & Q’m
“Brokelore” CD & LP (Look Records, 2008)
Featuring A.G., Percee P, Darondo, and Richie Cunning.
Produced by Grip Grand. Additional Production by DJ Design, DJ Flip & Freezemaster Slick, Richie Cunning, and MF Shalem
“A Penny” (DJ Flip’s Mix) 12” Single (All City Records, 2007)
*Released as O’Liffey Family feat. Grip Grand & Richie Cunning
B/W Rock the Spot—O’Liffey Cousins feat. Craig G., Mondo, Punch, & Words
Produced by DJ Flip & Freezemaster Slick
“Poppin’ Pockets” 12” Single (Look Records, 2005)
Featuring A.G., Produced by Grip Grand & DJ Design
“Welcome to Broakland” CD (Bomb Hip-Hop Records, 2002)
Produced by Grip Grand
“Pro-Gress” Vinyl EP (Self-Pressed, 1999)
Produced by Grip Grand, Additional Production by DJ Abstract
Appearances:
DJ Flip & Freezemaster Slick—“Crossroads” 12” Single (Upcoming)
- Zion, Grip Grand, & One Be Lo—Crossroads/Produced by DJ Flip & Freezemaster Slick
DJ Design—“Jetlag“CD & LP (Look Records 2008)
- Grip Grand & Phat Kat—Wild Ones
- Grip Grand—Wave of the Future
- Grip Grand—B-Side Too/All Produced by DJ Design
Various Artists—“Look Records Sampler” 2008 CD (Look Records 2008) Promo Only
- Grip Grand—Hip-Hop Classic/Produced by Grip Grand
- Grip Grand—96 Tears (MF Shalem’s Talk About It Mix)/Produced by MF Shalem
- DJ Design—Wild Ones feat. Grip Grand & Phat Kat/Produced by DJ Design
Rob Rush—”Childhood Hero” CD (Rec-League Records, 2006)
- This N’ That feat. Grip Grand, Cumulus, & Proe/Produced by Proe
Various Artists/DJ Ransom—“Behind the Beat” Mix CD (Gingko Press, 2006) Promo Only
*with the book Behind the Beat: Hip Hop Home Studios
- Grip Grand—Poppin’ Pockets Remix feat. A.G./Produced by Grip Grand & DJ Design
Richie Cunning—“Grizzly Man Mixtape” CD (Grad School Music, 2006)
- Richie Cunning & Grip Grand—The Recwilder
- Grip Grand—A Penny feat. Richie Cunning/Produced by DJ Flip & Freezemaster Slick
Cumulus—“Dreamswork Mixtape” CD (Rec-League Records, 2006)
- Get Retarded feat. Grip Grand
Various Artists—“Look Records Sampler” 2005 CD (Look Records, 2005) Promo Only
- Grip Grand—Paper Cups (edit)/Produced by Grip Grand
- Grip Grand—But Anyway/Produced by Grip Grand
Various Artists—“Preemptive Hype 5.5″ CD (Hiphopsite.com Records, 2005) Promo Only
- Grip Grand—Poppin’ Pockets Remix feat. A.G./Produced by Grip Grand & DJ Design
Rec-League All-Stars—“Rec-League Mixtape Vol. 2″ CD (Rec-League Records, 2005)
- Rob Rush, Proe, Richie Cunning, & Grip Grand—You’re Gonna Rec Me
- Grip Grand—Don’t Say Shit To Grip
- Grip Grand & Richie Cunning—The Recwilder
- Grip Grand—You Don’t Know My Grip
- Grip Grand & Richie Cunning—Rec It Like It’s Hot
- Rec-League All-Stars—The Symphony
Various Artists—“Rec-League Records Season One” CD (Rec-League Records, 2005)
- Division 3 (Cumulus, Matty Eye, Grip Grand)—Maybe I’m Too Young/Produced by Grip Grand
Various Artists—“Season’s Cretins” 2004 CD (Scotty the K Records, 2004) Promo Only
- Grip Grand—St. Nick’s Conversion/Produced by Grip Grand
Rec-League All-Stars—“Rec-League Records Mix Tape Vol. 1″ CD (Rec-League Records, 2003)
- Rob Rush & Grip Grand—The Makeover/Like Whoa
- Grip Grand—50 Grand
- Grip Grand—Horror, Baby
- Division 3 (Cumulus, Matty Eye, Grip Grand)—D3 Arena
Cumulus & Rob Rush—“Please Go Back: Operation Free Flow” CD & Vinyl EP (Rec-League Records, 2003)
- Diggin’ In Your Head feat. Grip Grand/Produced by P-Soup
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