We Have Signal: Brother Ali "Breakin' Dawn Tour"

I know I am late on this but for people who know me know that Brother Ali is one of, if not my favorite MC out there. I found this video and thought I should share it with you, if you haven't seen it before: watch it now, if you have seen it: watch it again

WE HAVE SIGNAL: BROTHER ALI from We Have Signal on Vimeo.

Kitchen Khemistry "Transit"

You think you knew Uncommon Records and all of their artists fairly well, and then you find out about a new artist called Kitchen Khemistry. Who exactly is Kitchen Khemistry? Well, according to the official press release "Kitchen Khemistry is a voluntary, rogue, outer body experience. What KK does is find hidden lights in the universe and translates these lightwaves into sound. Therefore, Kitchen Khemistry is a translator of light waves. What you hear is what you don't see!"
But what does that really tell people? Expect something different from this release than what Uncommon has done before. Before people worry let me remind you that different DOES NOT mean something bad, it is just a different sound. The quality of music and idea of creating full albums is no different on "Transit" than other Uncommon Records albums so let that put your mind at ease. Now on to what this album is all about.
First time I heard "Transit" I was thrown off by the feeling of being attacked by laser rifles and plasma bombs at beginning of the album's lead "Transit Authority." Ok maybe that is an exaggeration but I was not prepared for the very heavy digital sounding beats that are on this album. Then you realize something else about this album, it is might have the most infectious hooks of any underground rap album in years as we find out with the intro "Life is a metropolis to me, in the heart of the city is the Transit Authority." That is correct, the beginning of the song is a hook and it will not let you go, no matter how hard you try. The beginning of the first verse also does a great job of explaining to the listener why the album is different from what we are use to "Look ma, I'm digital, its not like my analog was pitiful, I just had to change my frequency, and this thing called change is critical." So begins your journey that is "Transit" and the cohesiveness of the album. We travel first to the Transit Authority and are introduced to why this is the ride you have to take.
First stop after departing the station takes us to an ATM aka "Cream Machine." Continuing the pattern of leading off hooks, "I'm so convenient, I must be used more than gasoline, find me anywhere and come take a ride on the cream machine" displays the creativity of Kitchen Khemistry by putting us in the place of ATM and running us through some the regular situations it encounters including over draft fees, messy children, criminals and realizing just how important to our modern society ATMs have become.
After getting some cash "Transit" continues on the digital trip through the night, stopping off to visit a "Liquor Licker" apparently "she likes drinking, she is a professional, she is not green." The beat and lyrics work well placing you in the car with her traveling as well as various bars and clubs and stays on course.
The next stop leads us to a mainstay in any city, the "Starving Artist" (available on "No Dough, No Show") which captures perfectly the struggle of well, a starving artist. You can tell that Kitchen Khemistry has been through this stage of life one way or another, feeling the urge to follow their heart and create art instead of going the safe route of being just your typical 9-5 suit.
We are then introduced to the person that a starving artist would despise (or the realistic side of what an artist has to do as they pursue their art), the one and only "Microslave" who is knows it is "time to find a new job, tired of eating burgers on my lunch break."
"Eye Entity" leads us to a new segment of "Transit" as we stop visiting people or objects and are kicked in the face with a great instrumental intro that leads to a electronic tinged voice that makes one feel like we are introduced to our tour guide and we are preparing to go in a new direction on our travel.
We are transported to a great "Friday Nite" where any and all aspects of our appetites can be satisfied and anything is possible as we tell our self "the night is mine, that's right I own it." It makes you feel like it is time to go out and experience a night like this, no matter how much of a hermit you typically are, and the beat helps to get yourself off your seat and enjoy the ride.
Before we get too excited though we realize that some things and people are "Off Limits." We meet someone who who has some important information that is summed up by the chorus that will stick in your mind for a while "I know you're ready for romance, theres no chance you better call it quits that girl is off limits." I love how on a song with one of the best dance beats I've heard from any indy rap album the main message is you need to step back and realize the possible ramifications of your actions.
We are then come face to face with the idea that lots of people go out to forget about what is happening in their real life, and need to just escape their problems just for a night and if you try asking them what's wrong you meet up with these two words "Not Tonight."
To end our night out we visit "Misfit Pizza" where another important discussion is held between a girl and her friend (physical or psychological) about whether or not to pursue the guy from the evening or continue playing hard to get. We are left never knowing the choice, just as it is nearly impossible for a woman to know the answer to that question until much time has passed.
Kithen Khemistry's "Transit" is new area of Uncommon Records in a aural sense with much of a techno dance hip hop sound but remains tied to the idea of producing actual albums with talented MCs who know how to craft solid songs that grab a hold of you. "Transit" takes you on a journey through a typical evening in the city, jumping from person to person through the Eye Entity (ok the lyrics of Kitchen Khemistry) and I think it is summed up very well by saying that "this is the shuttle, the subway, the life. This is space, this is street, this is real." And in the end, "Transit" is very real dealing with struggles we as people face even if it might be hidden a bit and be packaged with beats that make it hard to stay still.

Off Limits - Kitchen Khemistry by UncommonRecords

Starving Artist - Kitchen Khemistry by UncommonRecords

You can get "Transit" from Uncommon Records Bandcamp page on October 31st and other digital retailers (Amazon) on November 2nd

Vijay Iyer "Solo"

I first heard Vijay Iyer on his collaboration with Mike Ladd "In What Language" back in 2003. I was blown away by both he and Ladd. Since then I have followed both of their careers closely and have not been disappointed with an album either has released including their second project together "Still Life with Commentator." One thing I wanted to hear was a solo piano album by Vijay Iyer and when he released the aptly named "Solo" almost 2 months ago I got that chance. I will admit I was nervous about the album because I wasn't sure how it would turn out, mainly had I set my expectations too high.
Running through the track list a few songs jumped out at me, mainly the Michael Jackson cover (which Miles Davis also did) "Human Nature," "Epistrophy" made famous by Thelonious Monk, and the Duke Ellington classic "Black & Tan Fantasy."
Iyer's stripped down "Human Nature" is a great choice for starting off the album, giving the listener something they are probably familiar with but one that he takes and makes his own, not an easy feat considering the two giants of music who did the song prior. He follows that up with "Epistrophy" another incredible undertaking, and while it doesn't top Monk's version (then again no one else has done that either) it stands as a solid and original interpretation. Iyer then shows he can hold his own with some of the greats of the jazz world with his covers of "Darn that Dream" and "Black & Tan Fantasy" doing rather straight forward versions of both songs and doing them very well.
The album really begins to shine when Iyer plays his original songs. Where the first 4 tracks show the listener what Iyer is capable of as a "traditional" jazz pianist his own compositions begin to show you why he's become known as one of the most original talents in jazz today. He not only shows his incredible technical proficiency buthe starts to open up and feel at home with "Prelude: Heartpiece" which acts as a buffer between his interpretations and his own creations. Then my jaw drops for the next 15 minutes as "Autoscopy" begins and is followed by "Patterns." I struggle to define just how these two songs sound without asking you to imagine what it would sound like if Monk, Charles Mingus and Roscoe Mitchell composed two songs together.
Just as you think you know what is coming next, the much more introspective "Desiring" begins, showing just how easily Iyer can go from one sound to another and appears comfortable anywhere on the musical landscape.
Steve Coleman's "Games" ends the streak of Iyer originals but continues to show he isn't afraid to leave himself open. Once again, as with the beginning songs I remind myself that these are songs usually performed by groups and Iyer is tackling them head on and at no point are you left feeling like something is missing. Iyer then shows no fear as he follows "Games" with the Duke Ellington piece "Fleurette Africaine" best known for the version that features both Charles Mingus and Max Roach off the album "Money Jungle," while it has a different feel from tension filled original, it works just as well as the exploratory free flowing piece that Iyer has transformed it into. The album ends with another Iyer original "One For Blount" where he pays homage to Sun Ra (born Herman Poole Blount) and does so very well with more impressive piano work but with a touch of that Saturn sound.
After waiting to hear a Vijay Iyer solo album for 7 years I am glad that this album lived up to if not exceeded my expectations. Iyer is one of many of a group of talented young jazz musicians exploring all corners of the musical universe, pushing jazz forward while never forgetting where it started. Highly recommend any fans of jazz get this album or any other Iyer album for that matter.

EXCLUSIVE: Turqouise Summers - Maybe (Bounce)

Once there was a musician who in his words needed to "rid myself of the issues i was having musically" After years of searching for his sound he actually stumbled upon a few others who were going through their own musical "Vision Quest." Together the musicians formed a group they would call Turqouise Summers The group states "What we came up with was very genuinely from our hearts and natural." I am pleased to be one of two people, not in the group, to have access to this song (the other is busy creating musical history). So Ladies and Gentlemen fasten your seat belts and prepare for a funktastic journey with Turqouise Summers. Their full length album will be out this winter.



Download Maybe (Bounce)

11:00AM- Troubleshooting (Teddy Faley Remix)

Uncommon Records Presents The Free* Remixes from 11:00A.M. All the tracks from their Uncommon debut, Free* are back, remixed by Teddy Faley, Nasa, 1000Names, Shortrock, A. Smart and A.M. Breakups! The album is dropping September 7th and will include several of the Instrumentals.

11:00A.M. is made up of Emcee Eleven and Producer A.M. Breakups. Check out this leak titled, Troubleshooting, as remixed by Teddy Faley. Teddy brings an aggressive chopped up and blended style to the original heavy but laid back approach. This remix project brings different, but yet cohesive feels to the original concept that "Something is terribly wrong with this country".

If you like this I highly recommend visiting Uncommon Records' bandcamp page and getting the original "Free*" and speaking of free got Teddy Faley's bandcamp page and get both free albums he has posted.

Troubleshooting (Teddy Faley Remix) - 11:00A.M. by UncommonRecords

Uncommon Records Cubecraft

I recently became addicted to cubeecrafts which are little paper figures that you cut out and put together, pretty cool in my opinion. I decided to make a custom one for Uncommon Records. I figured best place to put it was on my blog. I hope you enjoy it. Below is the jpg version (and a sendspace link to the pdf version) of the
blueprints so you can make it yourself and show support for Uncommon Records.

PDF (recommended)

Short Fuze & Nasa "Lobotomy Music"

Not too long ago ?uestlove posted an open letter to Jay Electronica where he suggested that hip-hop albums, and albums in general, work best when you have single producer to help focus the song selection and overall sound and feel of an album. Short Fuze and Nasa show just what ?uestlove was talking about on "Lobotomy Music," the latest release from Uncommon Records.

Although Short Fuze has been putting out albums for over 7 years as part of the group The W.A.S.T.E.L.A.N.D.S., this is his first solo album and it reminds one of many other debuts (Jay Z's "Reasonable Doubt") where an MC has been spending their whole life creating this album. This is Short Fuze's story of how he became the man he is today, both the good and the bad; there is actual feeling and thought put into each and every song.

With an album this personal it makes perfect sense to use one producer, both the original meaning and the new hip-hop meaning, to create a focused album, rather than just a collection of songs. The producer who was giving this task was Nasa, whose beats work very well with Short Fuze's vocals and rhyme patterns. Very quickly the listener realizes this album was a collaboration between two like minded individuals who knew the other person was putting them self into their art.

The album begins with what sounds like an other worldly chorus preparing to announce their leader; shortly after this Short Fuze utters the perfect first line for the album, "Welcome to my World." The listener is quickly thrust into "Poison Makes Me Pretty" and finds out just how personal this song and album are going to be. Whether talking about his own attempted suicide, finding his friend after he overdosed on heroine, walking with dead friends, or contemplating his relationship with God, Short Fuze stands strong that life is still worth living, no matter what:

One Way or Another we'll all get taken out, the time that's in between is what life's about, just take the end from the start and hope for that amount so just breathe in and breathe out with no doubt

"God's Waiting Room" and "Break Down The Walls" both feature some of the best word play on the album, while remaining serious as they explore various aspects of life and death. Just a few Further showing just how much of a joint venture this album is, Nasa spits a verse both on "Break Down The Walls" and joins in on the chorus of "God's Waiting Room." Just to give you a taste of some of the lines from "God's Waiting Room"

uncivilized like Jews scribin’ Muhammad’s face in krylon/ eating pigs in eye shot/ rockin’ Mein Kamph screamin’ my God this is what I’m on/ from the top of Mt. Zion/ battling Jesus Christ and Dylon draped in Izod/ cross the pylon 7 points/ like when 85 percent find God/ my career won’t be defined by nine shots

I have to think there was some debate between whether "Beautiful Anger" should be the song to begin the album if for no other reason than its first lines:

Hello beautiful stranger/ would you like a touch of my beautiful anger?/ and wait for the world to us under?/ talk to me maybe we can save each other/

But where "Poison Makes Me Pretty" has an uplifting chorus, "Beautiful Anger" is more Short Fuze laying out his life to a stranger, similar to how some people feel very willing to tell you their life story. The selection of "Poison Makes Me Pretty" shows just how much attention was paid to the order of the album.

"Turn Off The Light" begins by letting Nasa's beat stand on its own for the first 45 seconds and it stands strong and proud. Then Short Fuze, Nasa, and Cirrus Minor lyrically kill the track and let us know "last one to die, turn of the light."

The first single off the album "Don't Feed the Machine" has just about everything you could want in a song: great beats, killer lyrics, incredible scratches by DJ Shortrock, and some Johnny Cash. What more can you ask for in a song? If you want to get a better idea of the sick lyrics you can read them at Short Fuze's blog The Fuze Box, he's also posting more lyrics each day.

"Bully Rappers" is the album's posse track, but unlike many posse tracks that sound flat and act as album filler, Eleven, Passive 65ive, Karniege, and Short Fuze each put serious thought and lyrics into their verses, while Nasa gives us one of the more spaced out beats on the album.

The rest of the W.A.S.T.E.L.A.N.D.S. joins their comrade in the hard hitting Berserker Fury. If you were to ask which is the straight rap track, I'd show you this one and explain why this could easily be a major radio or at least mix tape hit.

Easily, the most important track on the album is "Doomsday Device." It begins with Nasa addressing the idea and concept of religion, as well answering stereotypes of Christianity, and then Short Fuze responds to the hatred that 9/11 created towards Muslims, and dispels the myths that all Muslims hate America and want to blow it up. I will withhold my rant on how needed this song is and how much people have to realize how wrong and dangerous stereotypes are in this world.

Short Fuze continues with a common theme of religion, spirituality and its place in the world on "Master Peace." He acts as the master peace of the world, in other words, what you believe. Now, I realize this might scare some people because often we are afraid to talk about religion and listen to someone who might believe something different than we do. But just listen to the track, keep an open mind and understand this is part of who Short Fuze is. We want our artist to put feeling and meaning into their songs and that is exactly what he is doing in this song.

Now we move onto my final track, which I will do my best not to talk about too much. "Gorgeous" is easily my favorite on the album, and might be my favorite song this year and all genres of music. It is the culmination of one of the things that makes this album so great, the raw emotional investment that both Short Fuze and Nasa put into this album and how well they meshed throughout.

Recently more and more people have been talking about how fewer and fewer people are making albums. I'm not even talking about the artists are releasing one song, then waiting and releasing another others are just doing mix tapes, that is a whole different discussion. I mean how people are not worried about how songs sound together or just worry about making a few good songs and using fillers to finish the album. Then you have the fact that maybe the songs work together on an album but their order is all off. These complaints are coming from every where: fans, musicians, DJs, but some people just do not seem to understand how important making a true album is. But "Lobotomy Music" is different, actual time was spend on making sure the songs worked together as a cohesive unit. In other words where as today many albums are similar to "The Short Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald: A New Collection" which may have a bunch of great songs, but no common thread, "Lobotomy Music" is more like James Joyce's "Dubliners." If you do not get that comparison, I highly recommend you READ both books and you will see it makes perfect sense. In an era of ring tone rappers, shuffling on mp3 players, MCs who put out single songs, it is truly refreshing for me to hear an actual album. So if you miss the times when albums meant something or maybe you're too young to remember this time check out "Lobotomy Music" and see how great music can sound when it works and the artists truly care about their art and know what they are doing.

You can stream and purchase the full album at Uncommon Records Bandcamp page.

Willie Green "Dirty Jordans"

Just less than a year after Willie Green released "...Of Heroes and Villains" he is back with his new album "Dirty Jordans." Even though, "Dirty Jordans" is now 2 years old (Super Chron Flight Brothers wanted to pick it over for beats to use on their new album "Cape Verde" out June 22nd) the album sounds fresh and current as great beats always do.

Weighing in at just over 31 minutes, "Dirty Jordans" is a direct and to the point album packed with 30 beats for your ears to devour. With no time for filler and the best drums this side of Black Milk, Green shows why he is one of the best producers you never heard.

While "...Of Hereos and Villains" was a concept album, "Dirty Jordans" acts as a collection of beats that fit together well and keep you on your feet as you cover a variety of styles. "Big Cars" satisfies every bit of your craving for both funk and soul, while "Catina De Amor" hits hard with a great Latin flair. There's also the eerie "Stirring the Pot" which would fit perfectly into any horror or suspense movie.

But the best part of the album might be some of the incredible tracks under 30 seconds such as "Low Stakes," "Shhhhh," "Three Legged Chairs," and the title track "Dirty Jordans." These tracks show just how important and powerful each note in a song can be and informs the listener that Willie Green will use each second to it's fullest because in the end that's what every piece of music should do.

What really impresses me is that at no time do you feel like you are missing vocals, these songs are complete as they are presented. In a time when so many instrumental albums seem lacking something, the only thing the listener is left wanting is more and there's nothing wrong with that.

If you're still not sure about this album the best thing I can tell you is check out http://williegreen.bandcamp.com/ and see for yourself. There are six albums for you to check out and decide for yourself. My top recommendations would be the aforementioned "...Of Heroes and Villains" and Super Chron Flight Brothers "Deleted Scenes." No matter which ones you listen to you, you will enjoy them and then check out "Dirty Jordans" at the same site on June 15th.

"2010" by The Presence produced by Subtitle

The Presence (Adam Warlock and Cirrus Minor) offer this free track, produced by Subtitle. This is the first from the group (minus guest appearances) in about a year. This song won't be on their upcoming album "We Want the Winter" so grab it now before it is gone.
2010 - The Presence by UncommonRecords

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NEW Super Chron Flight Brothers

Yes, the new Super Chron Flight Brothers new album "Cape Verde" has an official release date of June 22nd. That alone is exciting news for any fans, but how about the new single "Reggie Miller"produced by Willie Green and to top it off: the track listing for "Cape Verde"

1 Reggie Miller
2 Golden Grams
3 GMA
4 Good Country People
5 Travailler
6 B More ft. Zesto
7 Jumpstreet
8 Wheel Of Fortune ft. Masai Bey
9 Double Jeopardy
10 Strangers With Candy
11 Rap City
12 The Spin Off
13 42nd St. ft. Lord Superb, Pastense & HiCoup
14 No Spin Zone
15 Unsolved Mysteries ft. Vordul Mega
16 Emmanuel Goldstein ft. Bigg Jus
17 Nigger Pennies
18 100 Ft. of Cold Dirt ft. Johnny Voltik
19 Guns And Pussy
20 Paid Programming

Mona Lisa - Taiyamo Denku ft. Prince Po (Agartha Audio Remix)

Check out the Agartha Audio remix of Taiyamo Denku's "Mona Lisa" ft Prince Po on Uncommon Records.

Mona Lisa - Taiyamo Denku ft. Prince Po (Agartha Audio Remix) by UncommonRecords

If you like the words check out Taiyamo Denku's LP Articles of Mind.
itunes amazon

If you like the beat check out Agartha Audio's LP The Hollow Earth.
itunes amazon

For more information on either artist or album check out uncommonmusic.net

Greenhouse "Out Cold"

Greenhouse is Blueprint and Illogic. If you like "Out Cold" you can download the "Electric Purgatory: Part 1 EP"

"Hollow Earth" promo video

If you want some snippets of Agartha Audio's "The Hollow Earth" as well as a nice video checkout this promo video released by Uncommon Records

Agartha Audio "The Hollow Earth"

Agartha Audio's, aka producer Dig Dug, new album out now on Uncommon Records sees various MCs over Agartha Audio beats discussing the sci-fi Reptilian Agenda. The theory states that numerous world rulers and those in power now and in the past. are actually reptiles in human disguises. Now don't run away from the album because of the theory, it will be ok, I promise.

First thing first, remember this is definitely an album, not just a collection of songs randomly thrown together, so listen to the whole piece. The stars of the album are the beats of Agartha Audio covering all styles: a little bit of techno, Spanish guitar, reggae, metal, and straight hip-hop. The beauty is that it all works.

The album begins with with the aptly titled "ReptilianRollcall" an instrumental that makes you feel as though you are underground, with some voice overs giving a list of some of the Retiles and some history of the Reptiles. The listener quickly realizes the sort of album they have just gotten into: one where you actually have to keep your ears and mind open.

To make sure to not scare off too many listeners right away, The Butterfly Effect featuring Cam, the first official leak off the album and most straight forward song comes next. This is surely one of the stand out tracks on the album with a great piano-based beat. Cam gives us a bit more of the history and possible future of the Reptilian Agenda and spits one of my fav lines off the album "Put this track out, see if they come and murder me, naw I'm just paranoid, cause no ones ever heard of me"
Then Gigster tells us some of the deeds of various Reptiles on "I Hate Sleep" and just how successful they became, from George Washington to JFK and some more. The beat has a horror dream feel, with some great piano playing throughout. The history lesson continues with a guitar heavy instrumental on "Hollow Earth Memoirs." One of the more spaced out songs "Angilas" follows with 9th Scientist letting us know just how far back the Reptiles arrived.
The album continues with "Word Became Fresh" featuring Tracy Jones, a stripped down beat that works great with Tracy's flow. Nac1 makes his first of 3 appearances on "MKULTRA" on top of one the most "bangin'" of Agartha Audio's beats with snippets letting us know "what we perceive to be reality is not reality at all." By now the idea that the Reptilian Agenda just may be true begins to creep into your head.
"Do some research, don't just pick any old name to go by that sounds cool," are uttered by E.Coli to begin "Researching0157h7." And this is exactly what happens on this track, some research about E.Coli. Then a Brazilian style song plays for a few seconds before we are reminded that yes it is true "Fat Kids Taste Better" which warns us of the dangers of fast food, laziness, and just being good ol fat Americans. We then get to take a smoke break with Nac1 and Tracy Jones on "The Tallest Trees" which shows that if used correctly almost any sound can create a great beat in the hands of a talented producer. "Twist Blissfully (Romantic Interlude)" acts as just that a breif interlude but offers some foreshadowing into what is coming next.

Mischief Mic then offers a preview of what may happen to Agartha Audio if the right (or wrong people depending on how you see it) hear this album on "Life in the Camps." "Unleashing BioEngines" featuring The Presence, lets us look into the eyes of someone who sees the true horror of the secret war between humans and the reptiles. While The Presence do a great job on the mics the funky beat steals this song, before being transformed into a horror movie. The ominous instrumental "Spring Came" picks right up where "Twist Blissfully (Romantic Interlude)" left off.

The album concludes with possibly the best track on the album and one you can hear below. Nac1 cuts loose on a good ol' fashion hip-hop track "Together," while still fitting into the theory but not holding back on social and political commentary. If you are not a fan of this track, I might have to ask for you to hand in your hip-hop fandom.

Now I know I sort of just recapped each song which I was trying not to do, but this isn't your standard album, if forced to describe it to someone I would say it is as if Dr. Octagon's (Kool Keith) "Dr. Octagonecologyst" and Prince Paul's "A Prince Among Thieves" had a baby. Then you would have Agartha Audio's "The Hollow." You need to check out this album and listen with open hearts open minds and open ears and you will see why. It is also not an album you listen to once and decide what you think about it, take some time, digest it really listen to it.

Listen to Together featuring Nac1

Purchase on Itunes or Amazon

My Logo

This is a logo a created quickly for myself, let me know what you think.