Free Album: The Big Mean Sound Machine- Ourubros

Ithaca's The Big Mean Sound Machine is a 10 piece ensemble that fuses elements of afrobeat, garage rock, funk, jazz, and dub rhythms to provide western New York with some of the dirtiest, fattest, grooviest beats ever heard. Seamed together by an amazing rhythm section of Angelo Peters on Bass, Andrew Klein on Drums, Bryan Davis on Percussion, Rob Tate on Organs, and Dan Barker on Guitars, the core of the group commands attention while providing a passionate and constant groove. Combine that with the talents of Bobby Spellman on Trumpet, Emily Pecoraro on Tenor Sax, and Remy Kunstler on Bari Sax, and you have polyrhythmic monster.

Known for their passionate and exhilarating live performances, TBMSM have been genre-bending together since early 2010 and have so far released LIVE @ Castaways, The Big Mean EP, Tongue Power Single, and most recently, their debut full length album Ourubros. If their other free releases merely remained local treasures, then it's Ourubros that will give them the global admiration they deserve. This 10-track opus flows seamlessly from start to finish, mixing all the elements that TBMSM claim to cultivate in all their music into one sublime and hearty sound stew.

Below you can find the free download of their new album Ourubros, as well as my favorite track from the record, Drunk & Crying. Make sure to check out their bandcamp page for more free releases.

Favorite tracks: Drunk & Crying, Tongue Power, A Grain of Sand.


Drunk and Crying

Download Album: The Big Mean Sound Machine- Ourubros

DTMD- Keep On ft. yU

Maryland duo DTMD have a new single, "Keep On (feat. yU)", from their forthcoming September Mello Music Group debut album Makin' Dollas.

You can peep our past coverage of DTMD here, where you can catch up with DTMD if you are not familiar already.


Pre-order Makin Dollas' here.


or DL on Bandcamp

Hassaan Mackey & Apollo Brown- Elephants (Oddisee Remix)

Daily Bread (Hassaan Mackey & Apollo Brown) continues to release new music as they campaign for their self-titled album Daily Bread.  Today they've reached out to label mate and producer Oddisee (whose album Rock Creek Park officially comes out everywhere Sept 6th on CD) remix the standout track Elephants. 

The Oddisee remix of Elephants  is being made available on a special edition bonus 45 record that FatBeats will release on 9/13 with the 2xLP vinyl edition of the new popular album Daily Bread.

The remix brings Oddisee's  distinct drum patterns and  Hassaan Mackey's gruff flow at it's best: "some down to earth shit the world aint ready for...verbs from the soul adding light to the mic."

Album available on CD
and vinyl

Download: Hassaan Mackey & Apollo Brown- Elephants (Oddisee Remix)

Future Space Travelers Vol. 1

This is ten types of awesome and the type of shit I love to play on TurntableFM.

How cool it is to have all these spaced cosmonauts gathered in one easily accessed place?!  A big thanks to Takexmexhome and Bleeding Panda for this interstella treat.

“A spectacular 31 track long odyssey into the farthest corners of the cosmos. This sexy, sleazy selection is just chock-full with much loved classics, forgotten gems and fresh, new discoveries. This is a must have.” – Bleeding Panda

Download: Future Space Travelers Vol. 1

Track list on the flip side.

Killa Kyleon- Candy Paint & Texas Plates

I have been revisiting all my old Houston albums from back in the day and enjoying the hell out myself. From Z-Ro's The Life of Joseph W. McVey to some of ESG's slept on classics to choice cuts from producer Mike Dean's legendary discography. The words candy paint, woodgrain, and swang are back swirling through my dome piece.

My recent lone star love fest has also led me to check back in with some of my old favorites and this couldn't have come at a better time because one of my favorite Houston rappers of all time (and one of the most underrated of all time), Killa Kyleon, has been killin' 2011 and I didn't even know it. On Thursday he will be dropping Candy Paint & Texas Plates 2, the follow up to the Mixtape of the Year that I missed in January. On the first edition of this tape, Kyleon proves why he is Houston's best lyricist and one of the greatest all-around rappers to come from the area, despite never dropping a proper solo album.

In my favorite mixtape so far this year, Killa hooks up with blog darlings Big Krit, Curren$y, and Wiz Khalifa, as well as fellow Houston MCs Z-Ro, ESG, and more. Catch up below

I also dropped his latest video "Make Me" from the upcoming follow up tape. CAN'T WAIT.

Download: Killa Kyleon- Candy Paint & Texas Plates

Killa Kyleon - Make Me Feat. Jack Freeman from Evesborough Films on Vimeo.

Track list on the flip side.

Uptown XO- Monumental 2

Uptown XO, 1/3rd of Diamond District, gives us yet another gem of a freebie to feast on featuring some of DC's finest up and comers and beatsmiths.

Download: Uptown XO- Monumental 2

Stream/Track list on the flip side.

DaVinci- Feast or Famine EP

Blastmaster from SteadyB introduced me to Bay Area MC DaVinci last week. After finally getting around to giving the Feast or Famine EP a proper listen, I'm on the bandwagon like everyone else. Since a lot of people were raving about his 2010 debut, The Day the Turf Stood Still, I took a listen but wasn't as impressed with it as I was this EP. So, in my opinion, this is where you should begin if you are new to his art.

Here is the download below, as well as a single I liked of his off the The 808 Experiment Vol. 3 mixtape SMKA put out.

DaVinci- Slide Through (prod. SMKA)

Download: DaVinci- Feast or Famine EP

Video: Gza- Liquid Swords ft. Wavves (LIVE)

Wu-Tang Clan's GZA joins forces with Wavves for a legendary "Liquid Swords" performance on The Daily Habit.

Thirsty Fish- Initiation (Version 2) (Prod. Awkward)

Thirsty Fish‘s “Initiation” gets a facelift by the original track’s producer Awkward, offering a more swampy take on the song from their LP Watergate. The album is available now via Mush Records.

Soundcloud embed is a no go.

Download: Thirsty Fish- Initiation (Version 2) (Prod. Awkward)

Nemo Achida- Goodbye Brooklyn EP

I first came across Nemo Achida last year when he dropped The North Star EP out of nowhere. Since then, it looks as if the Lexington, Kentucky bred MC has shipped off to Brooklyn, New York in search for better opportunities and documented his experience in rhyme form.

I left my family, friends, & relationship back in Kentucky on the pursuit of opportunity. During this period I was inspired, enlightened, & BROKEN. One thing realized is that, you don't know what you're missing until you're standing around those who have it. New York City has always been associated with the conquering of dreams, while Brooklyn specifically associated with the greatest MC's. This tape is about Lyrical-growth. All of the music compiled on this 15 minute tape are moments, exaggerations, & extremes from my life, a journal even. I didn't create this for "hype" or "buzz", I wanted to document my experience....& rap just so happens to be my only outlet.

The Goodbye Brooklyn EP was released this past June. Here it is in case you missed it.

Intro/Brand New

Download EP: Nemo Achida- Goodbye Brooklyn EP (Bandcamp) // Hulkshare

Video: Paranoid Castle (Kirby Dominant & Factor)- Orca

Kirby Dominant had already lived the stuff of rap fairytales / nightmares by the time his name began ringing bells up and down the West Coast’s ‘90s underground scene. Reared in the same Bay Area circles that produced the Living Legends and Mystik Journeymen who took the independent rap hustle to its bare essentials – a loud mouth, a pair of sturdy legs, and a backpack full of self-produced cassettes - Kirby sealed his worldwide reputation as a freestyle rap prodigy, world-class battle rapper and impossibly prolific studio rat. Champagne Nightmares is his second collaboration with Canadian producer Factor. They call themselves Paranoid Castle, and the name fits the music: hulking, ornate beats atop which Kirby is an elephant on a tightrope, executing a delicate, hour-long balancing act between singing and rapping, pleasure and doubt. Kirby is a grown man with a lot of lives behind him, just trying to figure out how to enjoy this life without hurting anybody, including himself. Champagne Nightmares drops August 30.

 

"Kirby Dominant has been a longtime friend. He is a great musician. An innovator. Creativity and imagination personified. It's Zappa meets Prince meets Iceberg Slim on a California street corner. Paranoid Castle is f**king awesome." -MURS

Blu- The Greatest Guest Features Collection (4-"discs")

Some azul fanatic collected all of Blu's greatest features and slapped it together in this 4-part download. All hail the interwebz once again.

Disc 1
01. This Is Your Life feat. MED (Prod. Exile)
02. WhatUWanna feat. Dela
03. Cadalac Steeze feat. Willow
04. Dreamland feat. Andy Allo
05. Fly (Song of Liberation) feat. Exile
06. Mars (Remix) feat. Dela
07. Radio Daze feat. The Roots, Dice Raw
08. Smoke feat. J Dilla
09. LoveLine(s) feat. Exile
10. A Song Called Triumph feat. Big Tone
11. From The Heart feat. Deep Rooted
12. Never Ending feat. Mumbles
13. Lamenated Looseleafs feat. MAG
14. GNG BNG feat. Flying Lotus
15. How Do You Sleep feat. Recess
16. Party of Two feat. Exile
17. The Richers feat. TiRon & Asher Roth
18. Through The Flames feat. Co$$
19. Dope 4 Gold feat. Sene
20. Hi(gh) Music feat. Shingo Suzuki

Disc 2
01. Maintain feat. Exile, Donel Smoke, Co$$ & Miguel
02. Samsonite Man feat. Fashawn
03. True Love feat. Sene & Chief
04. Pour Another Glass feat. Presto
05. Lucy's&LooseLeafs feat. Dela
06. Born Again feat. Co$$ & Sene
07. Therapy feat. The Alchemist, Evidence, KiD CuDi
08. The Day feat. The Roots, Phonte, Patty Crash
09. Piece feat. Choice37
10. Git It Now feat. Trek Life
11. Hostile Gospel (Remix) feat. Joell Ortiz & Talib Kweli
12. Morgan Blu feat. Tanya Morgan
13. Life Of A Lover (Remix) feat. Theophilus London, Jesse Boykins III
14. Just Relax feat. Noah
15. Hard Times feat. DJ Cadik
16. For Whom The Bell Tolls feat. Phonte, Evidence & will.i.am
17. Step To This feat. Josh One
18. Still Remains feat. Waxolutionists
19. The Times feat. Keelay & Zaire, Fortlive, Nino Moschella

Disc 3
01. Mars feat. Dela
02. Get Choze feat. Mr. Brady, Diamond D
03. iFeel feat. Miss Jack Davey
04. 2 Long feat. Jack Spade
05. Jazz (ATCQ Tribute) feat. J. Period
06. When I Dig feat. Kidkanevil & Kissey Asplund
07. Vibrate feat. Dela
08. So Perfect feat. Exile
09. L.A. Blaze feat. Uncle Imani and Luckyiam
10. Nino Brown (Prod. by RZA)
11. In feat. Freddie Gibbs & Homeboy Sandman
12. Lamenated Looseleafs (Small Professor Remix) feat. MAG
13. Aint Bout U feat. Jack Spade
14. Wednesday feat. Ta'Raach & Budamunky
15. We Beamin' (Remix) feat. Lupe Fiasco & All City Chess Club
16. The Fame feat. Sene
17. Angelic feat. Co$$
18. Soul Provider feat. Exile
19. King Me feat. Chief and Sene
20. Brothers feat. Jack Spade

Disc 4
01. Day by Day feat. Jack Spade
02. Disco D.Y.N.A.M.I.T.E. feat. Mainframe
03. Merci Me Lord feat. Ta'Raach
04. Supa Fly feat. S1 & Inspectah Deck
05. Robots (Remy LBO Remix) feat. Bilal
06. Awake In A Dream feat. Catch Lungs
07. Sour Patch Kids (Remix) feat. Asher Roth and Talib Kweli
08. Rainbow feat. Shenkar
09. For The Soul feat. Josh One & Mukwenda
10. I Dont Rock Parties feat. Ta'raach & Co$$
11. Surrender feat. Sepalot
12. Old Souls feat. The Grouch & Eligh (Prod. Flying Lotus)
13. Motive Pt. 2 feat. Sene and Co$$
14. Wonder Why feat. Blame One & Exile
15. Tell You feat. Exile & Aloe Blacc
16. Lear Jet feat. Folk & Stress
17. Excuse Me (Make Room) [Abridged]
18. Words Past The Margin feat. Jesse Abraham
19. Cringe feat. Pac Div
20. Wake Up Show Freestyle

Download: Blu- The Greatest Guest Features Collection

Uptown XO- Rumor Has It ft. Gordo Brega & AB the Pro

Another gem from Uptown XO's upcoming August 30th gift, Monumental II, featuring #ThinkBig Gordo Brega and celebrated DC producer AB the Pro.

Phonte- Not Here Anymore ft. Elzhi (Prod. 9th Wonder)

#LatePass.

I have to admit that I don't really check for Phonte's R&B offerings, but this song is undeniably good. I'm not sure how 'Te is going to come on this new album-- rapping, straight singing, combination of both-- but it seems that he's taking the latter route and I'm ok with that. +FE Music proudly presents "Not Here Anymore", the first single from Phonte's upcoming solo album, Charity Starts At Home. Charity Starts At Home will drop 9/27 on +FE Music.

Knocksteady Live: Dibiase

Criminally slept on producer Dibia$e recently made a trip to the Knocksteady offices for their podcast series. Listen as D drops a speaker-blowing beat set and talk about the beginnings of the LA Beat Scene, gangster rappers at his pop’s restaurant, and his love of loose drums. 

You can watch him make a beat LIVE on the above video.

Podcast #66: Dibiase - Knocksteady Live by Knocksteady

Ryan Adams- Lucky Now

Here is the first taste of Ryan Adams' upcoming record, Ashes & Fire, set to release October 11th. It's available to pre-order now. If you have listened to Heartbreaker, Matt Pinfield claims you'll love this album. I personally can't wait!

Lucky Now by ryanadams

Video: Warm Brew- Doin' It Right + Warm Brew EP

This past June, Los Angeles hip hop crew Warm Brew released their self titled sophomore EP. I missed it do to my hiatus, but have been intrigued by the quintet since I covered their 2010 debut, Natural Spirit.

Ray Wright, Manu Li, Serk Spliffton and Espy are the bubbling talent behind the new Los Angeles jazzy hip hop outfit, Warm Brew. Their debut album, Natural Spirit, which was released digitally in July of this year, is a breezy, laid back, jazz laced album that will instantaneously fire up Pharcyde nostalgia.

For those pointing their middle fingers at the autumn season that looms, these three tracks from Natural Spirit are for you. Keep the summer alive with the sounds of the always sunny Los Angeles; and when you're done sippin', head over to CDbaby or Bandcamp to give these guys a tip for their efforts.

On their new EP, the West Coast up and comers present themselves as a more polished product. In under a year, Warm Brew has turned into an untouched, ice cold 40oz waiting to be claimed in a Mid-August heatwave. The production is more crisp, the drums hit harder, and songs like "Doin' It Right" and "Willing to Ride" (YES! Peace to Warm Brew for collabing with this kid I was raving about last year and rapping over my favorite song) are ready to be embraced by the new school and true school alike.

Here is the video for the single "Doin' It Right" and the free download of the EP that I missed.

Download: Warm Brew- Warm Brew EP

Batsauce's Daily Beats

I'm 85 days late, but Batsauce, the Jacksonville based producer known for his work with Qwaazar, The Smile Rays, Paten Locke, Mr. Lif, Surreal, and more, has been placing his Beat of the Day series on his Soundcloud page for us to enjoy. Most of the instrumentals are under two minutes long and feature a wide variety of samples and techniques. If you were a fan of his Summertime mixtape from last year, than you must bookmark this for your daily dose of grade a guano.

Here's a taste:

Batsauce - Day 84 by Batsauce
Batsauce - Day 79 by Batsauce

Video: K-Murdock- M.P.C. Episode #1: Blue Oceanwave

Panacea producer K-Murdock has launched a brand new web series based on his production. On his first episode, Murdock breaks down "Blue Oceanwave" from Panacea's 12 Step Program album. If you add Murdock's Neosonic page on facebook, you can choose the next beat he breaks down for Episode 2.

Def Dee- Cheap Heat

Let's continue the Mello Music Group love fest...

Seattle based producer Def Dee is Mello Music Group's latest signing and after listening to his free 29-track beat tape earlier today, I can why the contract was typed up. It's no secret that the people behind the DIY hip hop label have pristine taste in hip hop talent, especially when picking producers, and Def Dee is just another example of their fine production palate.

Peep cuts like Yeah, Lisa, Pedal Floored, and New Keys and try not to make this face. This dude's drum game is bonkers! Looking forward to more already.


Download/Stream: Def Dee- Cheap Heat

Oddisee- Still Doing It ft. yU + Rock Creek Park

I'm a little late, but I finally got my iTunes filled with Oddisee's brand new album, Rock Creek Park.

To celebrate the release and his continued success on the iTunes charts, Oddisee let loose the only track on the record with rap vocals and the opening track to an instant candidate for album of the year.

To give everyone a taste, Oddisee & MMG are giving away the song Still Doing It featuring yU of Diamond District.  The song opens with hand drums and piano before breaking into tambourine shakes and yU's brillant flow.  The humble king takes us on a lyrical ride through the park.  The perfect end of summer jam, Still Doing It lets you feel the breeze and trees without losing any of the musical edge you expect from an artist like Oddisee who is always pushing boundaries.   So relive the last moments of summer with Oddisee & yU: "Pennslyvania Ave, we rolling around, this is summertime we got the windows down."  Then slide into Autumn with Rock Creek Park.

Do yourself a favor and cop Rock Creek Park on iTunes now. Oddisee has given us so many FREE classics over the years-- it's time to support one of the most consistent producers/MCs out today. DMV, standup!

Video: Intuition's Band Practice + Viper Room Aug. 26th

Since I have a nice little chunk of traffic coming from Southern California on a daily basis, I decided to toss this video and announcement up from one of my favorite artists. Watch as Intuition heads to rehearsal for his first show with a full live band. They'll be performing together on Friday, August 26th at the Viper Room.

?uestlove's little brother ?uestlike spotted at 1:20.

Purchase Tickets here - http://tktwb.tw/oWVDdP
For more information - http://t.co/1b4nHi6

#SwimTeam

 

Can't wait for people to ask me what my swim stroke is. 

Thank you Knocksteady for hooking a fanboy up!

Free Album: Young Circles- Jungle Habits

Today I found an interesting up and coming band from Miami that pride themselves on transcending genres and labels while creating "NEW" music for the information-raped 20th century music fiend.

The first impression came in the form of the Young Circles' first quarter gift, Bones EP. The first two songs had enough to perk my ears, but as soon as "Sharp Teeth" began to flip-flop back and forth between rap vocals and dirty guitar riffs I began to have flashbacks of my favorite childhood albums, Mellow Gold and Odelay. While tripping face off nostalgia, Young Circles continued their impressive onslaught. The end of "Sharp Teeth" melted flawlessly into the best song on the album, "Halfway Up", where a neat psychedelic grind in the first half of the song darts into a dreamy chorus (1:26) before diving back into a cesspool of beautiful distortion. To top things off,  they accomplish this without any sign of forced eclecticism or pretentiousness. What we have here is rare and really fucking exciting.

The infatuation with the Bones EP turned into a midnight google-spree for more information, which then turned into the discovery of their brand new free album, Jungle Habits. If the EP got you lifted, Jungle Habits is the trouble sack of pure that causes a lifetime habit. Riddled with circuitous compositions, spacey layers, and addicting genre-bending transitions, this is the album that will place Young Circles on the pedestal they belong on. It's only a matter of minutes before the youth form shrine circles around their bandcamp and start sucking down the electrifying kool aid this band has to offer.

Here are a few samples below for those too lazy to stream the album on Bandcamp (it's much better to listen to both full releases in full with no interruptions), as well as the download links. What do you think of my new favorite band?

Young Circles- Sharp Teeth


Young Circles- Halfway Up


Purchase the Bones EP for $Curtis Jackson.

Young Circles- Love Hitch


Young Circles - You. Me. Nothing


Download: Young Circles- Jungle Habits (Free Album)

Stream things on the flip side.

Ekundayo

Ekundayo is a New York transplant that has lived and cultivated his craft in the catacombs of Atlanta, Georgia. Alongside fellow members of his Freeport, Long Island bred Liuns Den crew, Ekundayo has continued creating culture rich hip hop that was harvested in their early years in New York while playing numerous events around Hofstra University, NYU, Baby Jupiter, Planet 28, Lyricist Lounge, Nuyorican Poets Cafe, Chameleon Lounge, and more. 

In 2010,  Ekundayo began to get sprinkles of coverage within the blogosphere, but I just recently came across his music after randomly listening to a song he did over a jacked Oddisee beat. The self titled track immediately perked my ears not only due to the crisp production, but Ekundayo's cloudless cadence as he twists vintage vaunts around Oddisee's vaporous horns and drums. This solid first impression led me to Ekundayo's latest collection of loosies featuring 20 tracks of some original music as well as production from "up and coming" producers around the world (Oddisee (D.C.), Onra (Paris, France), Full Crate and FS Green (Amsterdam), Brenk (Austria), Tokimonsta (Bay Area), Jansport J (LA), Illastrate (Atlanta), and Ekundayo himself). 

Throughout this collection, Ekundayo proves he is a veteran worth listening to. In an over saturated blogosphere where youth, inexperience, and raw potential is manifested as top tier material, 'Dayo stands as a skyscraper next to bodegas and, to me, is way more interesting and polished than most of the up and coming east coast conscious lyricists I've lauded in the past.

Here is a collection of Ekundayo work that I personally enjoyed (from what I've found so far). There are a lot of loose singles, Liuns Den videos/tracks, and other collabos that I've missed, but I'll catch up one of these days. You can reach 'Dayo on twitter here. 

Download Free Mixtape/Compilation: Ekundayo- Ekundayo! 
Ekundayo! (beat from Oddisee)


Want It (Beat from FS Green)


Got That


Click More for a few more videos, links, and tracklist of the compilation.

Video: Timbo King- High Ranking ft. RA the Rugged Man

Visuals have been released for the best single off of Timbo King's upcoming album. You can grab the MP3 of the song that we posted earlier in the month here.

Timbo King-- Flava Flav's cousin, Royal Fam/Black Market Militia member, and underrated Wu-Tang affiliate-- is preparing the release of his solo album, From Babylon To Timbuktu, for an August 30th (although I have seen an August 16th date mentioned as well) release date. The album will feature RZA, Jr. Reid, R.A. The Rugged Man, Killah Priest on the mic and production from Lil’ Fame, Bronze Nazareth, Vinny Idol, and more.

Stream: One Be Lo- The G.O.A.T.

One Be Lo's first single, "The G.O.A.T.", off of his upcoming release, L.A.B.O.R., due out September 6, 2011. Pre-orders available soon.

Free Album: Question- Interludes & Interpretations

The first time I heard Question was on his split album with Freddie Joachim in 2009, Study Guide. Freddie was becoming one of my favorite new producers back then, so I was especially impressed when this unknown Cali producer held his own on an album with one of jazzy hip hop's rising stars.

On this short 8-track instrumental album, Question unloads a few old and unreleased jazzy joints from his MPC. As usual, the Mellow Orange affiliated freebies are appreciated and a perfect way to say goodbye to the weekend with.

Download/Stream: Question- Interludes & Interpretations

Video: The Doppelgangaz- NY Bushmen

The Doppelgangaz (EP & Matter ov Fact) released their Loan Sharks album back in June. Here is their latest visual presentation. Beat is STRONG.

aDaD- Slowly (Prod. Exile)

LRG Clothing Co x Dirty Science will present Exile’s “Intro To The Outro” Mixtape as a free download on August 31st, 2011. The mixtape features all Exile production that covers key songs in Exile’s lengthy catalogue while featuring brand new exclusive material never heard before. The list of exclusives is quite heavy, featuring new music from DOOM, Bun B, Blu, Fashawn, Aloe Blacc, DagSavage (Johaz & Exile), Co$$ and others. LRG will be distributing the mixtapes for free at Rock the Bells so make sure to look out for the physical CDs while you are there.

ADAD "Slowly" Prod. Exile by LiftedResearchGroup

Video: Stalley- Chevys and Space Ships

Here is the visuals for the single that was released in May off of Stalley's upcoming Lincoln Way Nights album, which is being re-released via SMC/Fontana on Oct. 25, 2011.

Uptown X.O- Tol' U So ft. Diamond District & Fat Trel

OKP premiered this dope new track from Diamond District MC Uptown X.O featuring his DD partners yU and Oddisee and up and coming DC spitter, Fat Trel. This track is to prepare you for X.O’s Monumental II set to drop on August 30th.



Download: Uptown X.O- Tol' U So ft. Diamond District & Fat Trel

Free Album: Moe Pope, Rain & Headnodic- Depeche Moe

It's Headnodic day on Whiskey Teeth, I guess.

Here is another dope release from producers Headnodic and Rain, as well as slept on Boston MC Moe Pope. Moe and Rain reached out to Headnodic to remix tracks from their 2010 collaboration, Life After God (check it out, it's one of my favorite releases from last year), using one group or artist to snatch samples from. That artist turned out to be the legendary English electronic band from the 80's: Depeche Mode.

If you had the chance to listen to Moe Pope and Headnodic's MegaBjork album, than you already know they have no problem flipping experimental genres into banging and cohesive hip hop remakes.

Download: Moe Pope, Rain & Headnodic- Depeche Moe
Purchase Moe Pope & Rain- Life After God

Tracklist on the flip side.

Free Mixtape: Headnodic- Nodrospective

I missed this when Headnodic was promoting his new album Red Line Radio, but better late than never.

Nodrospective is a “Best Of” compilation that contains over a decades worth of music produced by Headnodic. This is one of those few compilation albums that was mixed well, so it has a great flow and cohesion. Don't miss out, especially if you're a fan of Crown City Rockers, Raashan Ahmad, Zion I, Gift of Gab, etc.

Download: Headnodic- Nodrospective

Tracklist on the flip side.

Free Album: Prof- King Gampo

It's not too often I throw up a post in the middle of listening to an album, but Prof had me at track one (Gampo). The intro track epitomizes the rest of the album, as well as Prof's general attitude: “Everyone’s trying to be a preacher or a politician— telling you how to live your life,” he says. “I’m not running for Senate. I’m doing this for fun and I don’t watch my mouth.”

Halfway through and King Gampo is exactly that-- nothing serious but overflowing with originality, infectious beats, and gripping rhymes. Prof's album is a fun listen from a seasoned veteran ready to break through his Minneapolis obscurity and this is the album that could get him there. In my opinion, it has cult potential just like the oddball indie film Prof is portraying on the cover.

Stream/Download: Prof- King Gampo

Tracklist on the flip side.

Oddisee- The Carter Barron

Oddisee has been one of the most consistent hip hop artists (production and rapping) over the past few years and has easily become one of my favorites of all time. From Traveling Man and his seasonal instrumental series to his highly overlooked project with Unknown and Kolai (Ave.to- Three Way Intersection), Oddisee is by far one of the most mature and well-rounded producers making music today.

His innate ability to blend jazz, funk, and live instruments into lively hip hop infused gems should have everyone excited for his forthcoming ode to Washington DC's infamous Rock Creek Park. The new album (a warm up for his proper solo coming this winter) features heavy live instrumentation alongside rich samples that gives the new project a sonically full 3-dimensional sound. Today, Oddisee offers up the first Rock Creek Park instrumental single, The Carter Barron. 

The Song:
The Carter Barron is a smooth, sweeping track, with amazing drums performed by DC's Jon Laine, bass from DC's Dennis Turner, keys from the always dependable Ralph Real, soulful sampling, trademark expansive synth work from Oddisee and beautiful orchestration.

A Short History:
The Carter Barron is named after the park's amphitheatre, a 4,200 seat outdoor performance venue in Washington, DC. Located in Rock Creek Park. The amphitheatre opened in 1950 in honor of the 150th Anniversary of Washington, DC as the nation's capital. The National Park Service operates Carter Barron, offering a variety of quality performances, including Hip-Hop, reggae, Latin, classical, gospel, musicals, pop, R&B, jazz, new age, theater, and dance. Many of the performances are provided free of charge. The Carter Barron has seen performances from Harry Belafonte, Louis Armstrong, the Temptations, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, B.B. King, the O'Jays, Smokey Robinson, and The Four Tops. 

FROM THE FORTHCOMING ALBUM:
ROCK CREEK PARK
Aug 23rd - iTunes Sneak Peak
Sept 6th - CD & Digital Release
Sept 27th - Vinyl Release

DRGN KING- Holy Ghost

Drgn King is a Philadelphia based indie pop quartet that's fronted by the talented singer/guitarist Dominic Angelella. We recently covered their 2010 EP and video featuring Peedi Crakk and are now proud to present their first single/video from their forthcoming debut full length album, set to release this Fall.

Download: Drgn King- Holy Ghost (Bandcamp)

Video: ASAP Rocky- Peso

Supposedly this is the new bees knees to the Fader Mag & #SwagRap contingent, but ignoring my shallow judgements and the recent Drake co-sign-- I'm digging this shit.

New York needs more rap that doesn't sound like New York rap. Peace to Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire and this dude, as well as Drizzle over at Steady Bloggin' for showing me this compilation of ASAP Rocky tracks below.

Anyone know the sample on the Peso track?

Download: ASAP Rocky Compilation (Mediafire)

Danny Brown- XXX

It takes something beyond rapping to catch the attention of hipsters, true schoolers, bloggers, underground supporters, radio heads, and casual hip hop fans alike -- and Danny Brown has that something.

As a follow up to his lauded 2010 "The Hybrid" mixtape, Danny has reunited with producers that gave The Hybrid it's backbone in brandUn DeShay, DJ HouseShoes, and Quelle to give us his Fools Gold Records debut, XXX. Full of ignorantly fun and lewd one liners and eccentric production, XXX will undoubtedly serve as Brown's catapult into the next level of rap stardom. Over 19 tracks, DB reminisces over 30 years of life, industry toil and street survival that he claims has left him with nothing but a drug habit. But, in my opinion, after nine years of hard work within Detroit's sound subterranea and enduring endless flack for his sudden image morph, Danny Brown is ready to take it to the next level and show why not giving a fuck is this generation's creative golden ticket.

Listen to Danny not try to be the cool guy for free below.

Download: Danny Brown- XXX

Tracklist and Stream on the flip side.

PremRock & Willie Green- Diary of a Dreamer

New York emcee PremRock and producer Willie Green have combined forces for a full length album  set for a Sept. 28th release date.  The frequent collaborators have inked a deal with Isolated Wax Records for the self-titled album, which will boast guest features including C-Rayz Walz, Soul Khan, Open Mike Eagle and Has-Lo.

Video: MaLLy & The Sundance Kid- Heir Time

Check out past coverage of MaLLy and The Sundance Kid.

Video: Shame on a Pony Who Try to Run Game on a Pony

I think this beats the Sesame/MOP mash-up.

Flash Bang Grenada- In a Perfect World ft. Open Mike Eagle

Jesus just jizzed and from the clouds came this hypnotizing alien emission from Busdriver and Nocando, known collectively as Flash Bang Grenada. With the help from Swim Team captain Open Mike Eagle, the trio trip on a vision of their perfect earth. Flash Bang Grenada's LP, 10 Haters, drops on August 23rd.

Download: Flash Bang Grenada- In a Perfect World ft. Open Mike Eagle

Video: Sahtyre- Miss Communication

Sahtyre performs “Miss Communication” (produced by Elos) at Knocksville. The Buddha is available now.

Video: Manchester Orchestra- Virgin

After being nominated for two VMA's in regards to their great video for "Simple Math" Manchester Orchestra return with more visuals for their track, "Virgin". It was the opening track on their latest and most ambitious album to date, Simple Math. This video however is a little different as it was handed to them randomly on the street in New York by a Student. The band said:

"We were skeptical to say the least, but the more he talked about it, the more we were interested in actually seeing this thing...He pulled his laptop out and placed it on the steps to the bus. We were blown away. We put him in touch with our manager and for the last few months he’s been putting the finishing touches to this incredible piece. This is that rare moment when art expands further than first intentions or expectations. Where two different inspirations can coincide to create something better. We proudly present to you: ‘Virgin’, directed by Ben Disinger.”

Video: Blu- My Sunshine ft. Nia Andrews

The first single from NoYork! Shot in Los Angeles.

Video: Evidence- Same Folks ft. Fashawn

No matter how hard I try, I still can't catch up with 2011 hip hop.

Here is a video from Ev's forthcoming solo record, Cats & Dogs, on Rhymesayers featuring one of my favorite "newer" MCs in Fashawn. The record drops September 27th and pre-orders are being taken now! Pre-orders will be autographed by Evidence and will include an Evidence, Rhymesayers, and Fifth Element sticker! Also included is an instant digital download of "Same Folks" feat. Fashawn.

Get this track free! Pre-order CD.
Pre-order Vinyl.

J-Live- The Live Indenity Mixtape

Before he drops his new album, S.P.T.A., on September 27th, J-Live has released the first installment of his Live Trilogy mixtape series. More info below:

This mixtape is the first installment of “The Live Trilogy”. The Live Identity is a collection of J-Live songs, old, new, rare, hot and classic. The tracks range from the first singles of the mid 90s to the new single for the upcoming album “S.P.T.A. Said Person Of that Ability”. S.P.T.A. hits the web and stores everywhere 9/27/11. Like the album and the “Undivided Attention EP” before it, "The Live Identity" features the hip hop triple threat as a three man group (Emcee/DJ/Producer). This is an all J-Live compilation, mixed by DJ J-Live and hosted by J-live. Enjoy...

Hit the flip side for the Stream/Download

Damu the Fudgemunk- Truly Get Yours (Instrumental Version)

One of my favorite instrumentals to come out this year. Damu does it again!

DIGITAL: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/when-the-winter-comes-truly/id455970064
VINYL (LIMITED PRESSING): http://www.fatbeats.com/products/damu-the-fudgemunk-when-the-winter-comes-45
INFO: http://www.wonkabeats.com

Truly Get Yours - Instro Version - Damu The Fudgemunk by Redefinition Records

Free Album: SUPERBUDDAH- Watch the Couch

Ethereal is back and and even more blunted.

This time around Eth has joined forces with KeithCharles Spacebar to form SUPERBUDDAH, a super-blazed duo that has created a trippy 9-track hotbox soundtrack for those that worship spaced gods, not based gods. Much like his debut, ▲ B S T R ▲ C T I C ▲, Watch the Couch is full of syrupy song structures and icy inclinations that serve as a perfect accessory to my Nyquil daze as I get over this summer flu.

Video: Outasight- Figure 8

Here is the latest video from Outasight off his 2011 EP, Figure 8, which is still available as a free download via Bandcamp.

EL-P- Drones Over BRKLYN & News

Via Shitfork:

It's been a while since we heard a proper rap-heavy album from El-P-- his last effort, I'll Sleep When You're Dead, dropped four years ago. (He also released an instrumental beat tape, Weareallgoingtoburninhellmegamixxx3, last year). That'll change next year, when El-P releases the I'll Sleep When You're Dead follow-up tentatively titled Cancer for Cure on new label home Fat Possum.

As the penultimate installment in their summer singles series, Adult Swim has the first teaser from the new album, "drones over BKLYN (censored mix)", which was co-produced by El-P and Lil Shalimar. Grab it here, and listen below.

Video: Oddisee- The Blooming

Belgium's ZBS Studio reached out to Mello Muisc Group about permission to do a video for Oddisee's "The Blooming". MMG of course was honored to have them interpret the song and apply their vision to the track. The resulting marriage of visual storytelling & instrumental perfection is a narrative work that tells the story of time's passage in the life of a boy. The video was directed, shot, & edited by Tomasz Cibulla and Wojciech Drożdż of ZBS Studios in Belgium.

Filled with rich landscapes from Belgium's countryside, smokey ambers, old typewriters, watches, clocks, and a father and son, The Blooming portrays life's unfolding through the metaphor of time. Oddisee's original track was last springs soundtrack to the rains and blooming growth of nature. Rich strings, bold piano, wood block, synth, flute, and snares that rest easy in the backdrop drive this instrumental track from Odd Seasons.

Support Oddisee "Odd Seasons"

 CD     iTunes     Vinyl

Promo Video: Songs of Farewell and Departure: A Tribute to Hum

A friend of mine did a promo video for the upcoming Hum tribute album. Here is the video above and the info below. Hum was so underrated.

I recently did the promo video for Pop Up Records exciting new tribute album, Songs of Farewell and Departure: A Tribute to Hum. Hum was an underrated alternative rock band in the 1990s that released two critically acclaimed albums, You’d Prefer an Astronaut and Downward is Heavenward, before disbanding in late 2000.

Pop Up Records and the entire HUM Tribute Team are extremely excited to announce the complete line-up for SONGS OF FAREWELL AND DEPARTURE: A TRIBUTE TO HUM. The announcement comes several months after strategically leaking out a handful of bands at a time, but alas the full line-up has gloriously emerged. We have assembled a diverse cast of bands to pay tribute to one of the 90’s most beloved space rockers HUM, and fans have good reason to be excited. The release will celebrate the Champaign, IL collective’s all too short career with astounding new takes of classic tracks from some of today’s brightest new and up-and-coming bands. SONGS OF FAREWELL AND DEPARTURE offers a brilliant look at the near decade long reign of HUM through the eyes of the musicians they influenced including Funeral For A Friend, Junius, The Felix Culpa, City Of Ships, Solar Powered Sun Destroyer with J. Robbins [Jawbox/Burning Airlines], Stomacher, Kellii Scott [Failure] & Eric Gorfain [The Section Quartet], and much more.

Head on over to the site to check out the exclusive Hum Tribute packages. The album is available in Platinum, Gold, and Silver packages, and the standard CD order, as well as the official Hum Tribute T-Shirt!

Timbo King- High Ranking ft. RA the Rugged Man

Timbo King-- Flava Flav's cousin, Royal Fam/Black Market Militia member, and underrated Wu-Tang affiliate-- is preparing the release of his solo album, From Babylon To Timbuktu, for an August 30th (although I have seen an August 16th date mentioned as well) release date. The album will feature RZA, Jr. Reid, R.A. The Rugged Man, Killah Priest on the mic and production from Lil’ Fame, Bronze Nazareth, Vinny Idol, and more.

Here is the latest single, High Ranking, featuring RA the Rugged Man and a promo video for the album.

Timbo King (ft. R.A. The Rugged Man) - High Ranking by naturesounds

Illogic & Walter Rocktight- How You Want It

Illogic gives you the story about his shelved album below.

For those of you that have been fans of mine for a few years now, you may recall reports of an Illogic album set to be released on Rhymesayers Entertainment around 2005-2006 called, Year 8076 produced entirely by Columbus, Ohio's own Walter Rocktight. With the success and critical acclaim being received by Celestial Clockwork, it seemed the right time to take a major step with my music and career. There was never anything formally signed with Rhymesayers, but Walter Rocktight and I were in serious talks about the release of the album with the groundbreaking label. Since I was heavily touring with their artists such as Eyedea and Abilities, Soul Position, as well as doing spot dates with Atmosphere for many years, it was a logical move for both them and I.
Year 8076 came about on the heels of releasing Celestial Clockwork. With my career headed in the right direction, three really good albums available to the public, and a spot captured on Urb Magazine’s Next 100 list (Before there was a XXL Freshmen 10), I wanted to do something different. Step away from the darkness and depression of Celestial Clockwork, and make a fun record with a party vibe.

Walter Rocktight, a party Dj and great untapped resource as a producer had been a friend of mine for sometime in the Columbus hip-hop scene. He had already been making noise with his mixtape game, producing for Sa Smash's debut album ''Smashy Trashy'' on Def Jux Records, and recording songs with Copywrite for ''EC all stars 4'' released on Eastern Conference Records in early October, 2004. After a getting wind of his adept production, I asked if he wanted to do a few songs, he was down…and so it began. We became the group 8076. The meaning behind the name was that the 80 was for the year that I was born and 76 for the year that he was born.

I went into the creation and writing of this album to have fun, lighten up my subject matter a bit, but still show off my skills as an emcee. Rocktight’s production was such a departure from Blueprint’s whose sound I had been submerged in for some many years making my first three albums. It includes quite a few radio friendly tracks showcasing Rocktight’s brilliant sampling of live instrumentation, and of course my storytelling ability weaved in with an edge of satire, always witty wordplay, and extensive vocabulary. For those fans of the dense Celestial Clockwork, Year 8076 is a lighter version of my complexity but still in some ways an anti-party party album. A beautiful and well-crafted bridge to bring the listener out of the darkness that was Celestial Clockwork. I think it makes for a balanced and fun record.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen life circumstances, Rocktight and I advised Rhymesayers that we would not be releasing the album and it has since sat on the shelf. This was the beginning of my five-year hiatus leading up to the release of Diabolical Fun in 2009. If I’m being honest, not releasing this record has always been the one thing in my musical career that I regret. At this point, I just want it to see the light of day to show people a time in my development as an Emcee which never reached fans ears.

I think that it is a great album and I hope you all enjoy listening to it as much as I did making it. Before I can show you where I'm going I feel I need to show you all of the places that I have been. Year 8076