Maxx Julian "Throw Mama From the Train" and "ARC 2: The Sweets EP"

Detroit producer, Maxx Julian, has released latest album, "Throw Mama From the Train." It is a soulful, story like instrumental project that does what any good instrumental album does, it never leaves you waiting for an MC to jump on the beat. Let's be honest, that is not an easy feat, I often listen to incredible producers instrumentals and feel like something is missing, the MC. "Throw Mama from the Train" stands by itself. If releasing one very cool instrumental project wasn't enough, Julian decided to release an EP on the same day, "ARC 2: The Sweets EP" is a solid 8 track EP, that makes sure to not disappoint. So sit back, relax, turn up the volume and get ready for two separate journeys, make sure you land before you start the next one.

You can stream and download"Throw Mama From the Train" here and "ARC 2: The Sweets EP" here.

Bil Basmala "FUSHIHOJOKI [12 inch]"

Bil Basmala is back (although he never really left, seems the longest time between releases is a few weeks) with a digital 12 inch entitled "FUSHIHOJOKI." What is fascinating about this release (besides the fact that it is the high quality and out there work you expect from Basmala) is the stark contrast between the two tracks. "Is Oriso" sounds like you are flying through the clouds, while the string bass of "We" sounds like it is coming from the roots of giant trees, so grounded and organic. But enough of my rambling, check out the project for yourself and prepare for more Bil Basmala coming soon.

You can stream and download the music here.

Random (aka Mega Ran) "TOUR: Date With a Dream"

I always think it is cool when an artist decide to release a special tour album that is only available if you go to a show, especially if I am able to make said show. Normally the album is some remixes of some hits or an acoustic version, and maybe one or two new songs. Well, Random, decided to do something like this but one up the standard tour only album. For one thing, it is available to those who order a ticket or if you donate to help the tour, so even if you cannot make it to one of the performances you can still get the exclusive album. But what really makes this stand out is the fact that only one of the tracks is not brand new song, "Jeremy Lin" but not no version has been available on an album and this version, the Lost Deuce remix is exclusive to this album. As I am sure you can tell from this introduction, I thoroughly enjoy the album, but what exactly is it about and what are the songs. I guess I should tell you that now, so here it goes.

The album begins with a great blues vocal snippet from "I've Got a Date with Dream" (hence the album title) before Random prepares for his journey (aka the tour.) One of the things that always comes through in Random's music is he is often surprised at the fact that people want to listen to his music (mentions this on other tracks on the EP as well) and "to all my fans, supporters and such, for all your kind words, I thank you so much, for every cheer, and Facebook like, you are the reason, I grab this mic." What this track does very well, is set the scene for the album. Fair warning, expect the beat to get lodge into your head, in fact, expect the entire project to refuse to leave you alone.

As to be expected by an album entitled "TOUR: Date With a Dream" there are a few songs about touring and being on the road. The first of such tracks features Lefty and is entitled "Area Codes." Yes, you do know this beat very well. But instead of having girls in different area codes, Random and Lefty have shows. Ok so the hook isn't that original, but it is a fun track. The two give a list of some of their favorite places to perform and give a few of the standard dilemmas encountered when they tour.

The road theme continues on "Heaven" where Random announces, "the studio is my church, but heaven is the road." The main topic of the track is the musicians conundrum, "half the time I am here, I wish that I was gone, then I get gone, I wish that I was home." But where as often a track like this is a woe is me story, Random stays positive throughout, telling stories of Waffle House breakfasts and random fan encounters (pun entitled.)

Two other members of the Writer Guild and fellow Phoenix MCs, MC Pennywise and RoQY TyRaiD, join Random on "The Town," as they go after the local scene and "the fans of real music in this city's not practical, laughing at you rappers trying to do it for the city, because the city never loved you and the scene is too gritty." Even as Random states, "might never be accepted in my hometown" (either Philly or Phoenix) and "a blogger said he never heard of me" he responds with a line that shows running the local scene isn't really that important, "heard about it when I was reading fan mail from Germany." Now, I am going to apologize for the rant I am about to go on, but stuff like this happens far too often. Why are very talented artists force to leave their local area to gain acceptance, whether it is their hometown or even country. It happens with hip hop artists and jazz artists, and then people get upset when they do not support their local area. To cut this rant short, support your local musicians.

The TSA is the center of attention on "TSA (Transportation Sexual Assault,)" and as you would expect from the title, it is not exactly a loving song. Random has some VERY dope lines on this track, ranging from rather humorous "if you're going to touch me like that, at least take my ten digits and give me a call tomorrow," and "my Jordans cost too much to consider putting a bomb in these," to those highlighting racial profiling "my name is not Muslim, its Arabic." The track ends with a rant by a comedian (who I think is Penn Juliet) where he attacks the TSA with the line"yes I would like to fly, here take my rights."

Jermiside makes a guest appearance on "Casualties of Tour" where the two tell some their touring horror stories. Jermiside talks about his first out of state gig "passing through towns where not he low they're thinking of lynching us" and "on the first stop got prepositioned by a runaway" but at the end "still we killed the crowd, they was needing a hospice." Random's story is one that taught him some very important lessons. Make sure the promotor actually answers their phone, and get an advance. Of course, he tells the story much better than that, and then ends it with some faux phone messages from a promoter as Random gains popularity and the lizard like tendencies of some people.

The highlight of the album for me is the track called "Awakening." It is one of those inspirational songs that at the same time makes you angry. He is able to sum up the feelings of many quality MCs (and really all artists in general" with the lines:

These critics judge me on the revenue I generate, it seems the only way to blow is to imitate, I wanna innovate and stimulate minds, travel the universe, penetrate time, hurts when your worth is defined by your purchase, worse is walking the earth without a purpose

Those lines alone, make the song incredible. But he does not stop there, honestly, it sounds like an artist on the verge of a major break through, getting ready to do something extra special.

What might end up being Random's most well known song (I mean it was on Sportscenter,) "Jeremy Lin" gets remixed by Lost Deuce. You probably can guess what this track is about. As usual, Random does a great job of capturing the story of the subject and Lost Duece, does one hell of a remix. I do not know what else to say about it because I assume you have heard the original already. If not, check it out here.

The last full length song on "TOUR" is "Respite," which shows a rather annoyed but at the same time positive Random some of the negative consequences of being a hip hop artist, but even with the negatives he finds the silver lining. As the chorus says, "Life is what you make of it, what you give to it, and also what take from it." There is a transformation near the end of the track as he realizes his success and happiness has come once he realized that he should make the music he wants and not what the critics say should be made. The album closes with "Outro" which uses the same vocal snippet from "Intro" to conclude the project.

"TOUR: Date With A Dream" was created by Random as a thank you to his fans. Often when an artist creates something like this it is a single track or something that only die hard fans will really enjoy. But what Random did, was create a quality album that any fan of dope music will enjoy, whether they know Random or not. Once again, Random shows why he is one of my favorite MCs in the game (that is punny.) So make sure you go and get this album and support Random on his most recent tour and get yourself some great music in the process.

You can get the album by donating here or here.

Black-Tokyo x Sincere Vega "Vegageta GT"

Another dope MC/producer combo has emerged. This time it is Black-Tokyo on production and Sincere Vega on the mic. Vega's flows are dope as usual and Black-Tokyo's beat fades in and out adding a great feel to the track. Take a listen and let us see if they can keep up the good work because it appears this will be a monthly gift front he two of them to us, a dope track, until a full album is born.

"NY meets Baltimore @ The Windup Space" compiled by DJ Addikt

In one month, March 24th, some incredibly dope New York artists will meet up with some equally dope Maryland artists and put on a show that will finally end the cause the union and confederates to join together in appreciation. The show will feature, Teddy Faley (with DJ Addikt), MC Eleven, Cubbiebear, ADAM, Collectible Humans, and DJ Jimmy Da Gent and will some how only cost $5 dollars. As a way to get the word out about the event, DJ Addikt has compiled a few tracks from each artist (including some new tracks) and decided to offer them up to you the people. So if you can make it to Baltimore, Maryland on March 24th, go to The Windup Space and check out what is sure to be one hell of a concert. If you cannot make it, then listen to this project at 9pm on the 24th. No matter what though, you should go get the album and enjoy it.

You can stream and download the album here.

ISWHAT?! "HandsUpQuick" and Remixes

So as I mentioned a few days ago I am a huge fan of jazz hop, especially when it is a live jazz band with talented MCs rhyming over it. Well, through the magic of social media I discovered a VERY dope group that does just that and found out they actually just released a new track, along with some remixes. The group, ISWHAT?!, has been around for nearly 15 years, and has performed with some of the giants of hip hop and jazz. Honestly, I can't really put my finger on their sound just yet, mainly because a lot of the instrumentation is actually avant garde jazz (i.e. my fav) and I am just in awe that someone has the imagination and talent to actually rhyme over it. But here is the new track released just two days ago entitled "HandsUpQuick" and two remixes, one by Mathieu LaLande and the other well, it is called the Boogie Bang Mingus remix...so I am at a bit of a loss, but it certainly is amazing.

A.M. Breakups "Lunar Caustic mix" for Cool'eh Magazine

A.M. Breakups (who created my favorite instrumental album of last year with "The Cant Resurrection") has joined forced with Cool'eh to bring us "Lunar Caustic Mix" for Cool'eh Magazine's podcast. So check out the dope mix and enjoy.

COOL'EH Magazine Podcast15 - Lunar Caustic Mix - A.M. Breakups by Cool'eh Magazine on Mixcloud

Mon-tag "The Other Day"

Sometimes there are artists who are willing to push some boundaries, and occasionally there are some willing to push just about every one out there, Mon-Tag is one such artist (if you follow me closely enough you may be able to figure out who Mon-tag is.) You can also follow his "journal" on tumblr to get an even more in-depth idea of the artist. But he recently released his debut track, entitled "The Other Day" a heart wrenching song about missing a loved one who has left this world. Check out the song and prepare to be hit hard by the emotion of this track, keep up with what else Mon-tag will be creating in the future, it is sure to be something special.

Computer Chip "Ode to Blast Mode"

As if to make us want Megabusive (aka Computer Chip) to do another "365 Songs in 365 Days" project, the same day he re-upped "365" he dropped a very dope track entitled "Ode to Blast Mode," his own little tribute to Mega Man, sampling the classic video game for the beat. So check out the track and keep your ears open, because rumor has it there might be more tracks that have more than one Mega working together.



You can stream and download the track here.

Megabusive "365 Songs in 365 Days" (Re-Up)

Last year, San Jose artist, Megabusive, decided he would create one song a day from scratch for 365 days. He would each track once it was done so each day it was like a little present from Megabusive and he did it for more than a 1/3 of the year. What was really impressive is at the same time he was making other music official releases. Sadly, after a while, Megabusive took down the 365 project from his bandcamp page but recently he decided to put the project back up, probably for a limited time only, so check out the project now and download it before it leaves again.

You can stream and download the album here.

IV the Polymath x The Find Magazine "Winter Instro Mix (2012)"

If you do not know who IV the Polymath, then well...what have you been reading on my blog? But if you do not know he is an incredible producer, catch up on his work at his bandcamp page. Well, recently he made another mix for the very dope online magazine, "The Find." The mix is the second such one that Polymath has done for "The Find" (check out his "Summer Mix"). This one, takes aim at the feeling of Winter (makes sense since it is called a Winter mix.) But enough of my rambling, check out the mix below and enjoy.

TFM & IV The Polymath - Winter Instro Mix (2012) by Thefindmag on Mixcloud

1. K-Def – Driving
2. Beat-Maker-Beat – Blessmusic
3. Letherette – Ashtro
4. Dakta – Peace of Mind
5. Heavy Drama – Quiet Storm
6. DREDi – Late Drive FM
7. Kev Brown – Neva Done
8. Noel Zancanella – Like This
9. Freddie Joachim – Night Cap
10. IV the Polymath – Drive
11. Beat-Maker-Beat – FlowersfoHer
12. kith’R'mple – Non Mollare Man
13. Well Aware – Celesta Improv Act 2
14. Talk (over IV the Polymath “Goldeneye”)
15. Man Mantis – Gonna Die Here

You can download the mix here.

elmattic "bbop for bboys" Take 1 & Take 2

Anyone familiar with this blog has probably been able to figure out rather quickly that I am a huge fan of both hip hop and jazz, if you did not know that, I am telling you that now. Some of my favorite albums are those that do a great job of blending the two as one, whether it is groups that use beats that heavily sample jazz records (most notably A Tribe Called Quest) or when a hip hop artist creates an instrumental album basically of jazz remixes (Madib's "Shades of Blue") or jazz musicians who create hip hop esque jazz music (Robert Glasper) or my favorite when the two meet for a true collab, when a group of jazz musicians create music for MCs to use as their beats (Mike Ladd & Vijay Iyer, or Antipop Consortium and the Blue Series.) Well, elmattic is also a fan of such music and a while ago he created a very cool mix of some of his favorite examples, entitled "bbop for bboys" and not too long after released the second volume, "bbop for bboys (take 2)". Click the links for his write up and explanation of each mix. What I thoroughly enjoy about these mixes is the variety and the discussion that can be had about the mixes and about the genre of jazz hop or whatever you want to call it, but whatever you do, I highly recommend you check both mixes out and enjoy.

Take 1

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Take 2

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Willie Green "Four Seasons"

When Willie Green released the first movement of his work "Four Seasons" I was blown away, but for some reason did not share it with you (my apologies), then was very late on even knowing about the second one, and once the third movement came out, I decided I would wait until the whole piece was complete, that way you can enjoy the individually or as a whole and find them all in one place (besides Willie Green's bandcamp page of course.) What Green did is rather ambitious, not so much to release an album based on a season, but by making them each a movement, he is sort of telling the listener that they are to be enjoyed as one giant piece, but each movement has separate themes, but as a whole it tells the grand story. While each movement does a wonderful job of capturing each season through the beats of Willie Green, what really impresses me is some of the subtleties that work to link each section to each other and form the grand work that is known as "Four Seasons" so check out the project and get lost in it.

You can stream and download the albums here Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Thesselonious "Prince Paul Saved My Life"

Sometimes we all take ourselves a little too seriously, and that is even more common in the world of hip hop. But occasionally there are people and artist who have no trouble joking around and making stuff fun. Now there is a misconception that all fun hip hop is crappy hipster party music. Well first off, let us remember that hip hop started out as party music, but what is important is to make sure that that music is quality. But as I am rambling off topic I must reel myself back in. The idea was to convey that just because the music is incredibly good and high artistic quality does not mean that it has to take itself so seriously. In my opinion the king of doing this in hip hop (and in all honesty possibly all of music in general) is the one and only Prince Paul (one of my top five favorite producers of all time.) He is able to do just about any style of music and keeps it fun and even when he does something dark like Gravediggaz he keeps it very tongue in check. So when I heard that a very dope producer, Thesselonious, was going to drop an album inspired by the man himself I was ecstatic. If you are not familiar with Thesselonious I highly recommend you also check out his album, "...while I was curling my blunt." But then I got a little nervous, I mean, it is an album inspired by Prince Paul...if it missed the mark, it would be a train wreck. My worries were put to rest VERY quickly upon hearing this album, it is all you could hope for from such an album, captures that Prince Paul feel while still certainly being a Thesselonious album. Enough of my rambling you probably want to know what this album sounds like, so here it goes.

The album kicks off with, "Thesselonious Vs. The Neighborhood" a track obviously influenced by "Prince Paul vs The World," (and not just because of the title.) The other area of tribute is in the vocal snippets laid over the instrumental, but lets talk about the instrumental underneath all of this. It starts with some faded out but obvious drums (bass and kick) that builds as the surrounding instruments change, first keys before a bit of a sonic deconstruction into some synths and then back to the keys, before horns join in and the deconstruction begins again. It one hell of a trip that then blends right into a little interview snippet with Prince Paul, entitled "Prince Paul (It's Official, We're Here..)" which is really just an intro into "Chocolate Soup."

Now, "Chocolate Soup" is an odd track, for a few reasons, mainly the fact that it is an interview with Thesselonious laying instrumentals underneath it, consisting of drums (of course, since he is a drum snob) strings, with some whistling mixed in. But what is crucial about the track is the interview segment chosen, not only because it shows the humor and logic of Prince Paul, but because it is about the creation of skits, which really this is what the track is, it is a skit, but not a skit that so many artist do, no it is much more a Prince Paul skit, something that adds to the album and isn't just there for a bunch of filler, it serves a purpose and still will keep your head nodding. The track concludes by blending into "Prince Paul Speaks 11 (Who's Who)" which is a short snippet that concludes "Chocolate Soup" in essence giving the track an intro, and outro.

Bongos and communication between astronauts and the control center, that is how "Lunar Sunrise" begins. Then a few laser beam like keys enter the discussion before the cymbols and a few scratches come along as well. Then just as you feel you have this piece figured some ominous synths hit, and hit hard, just as the lunar sunrise is occurring. Just as quickly as they appear and jar you, they disappear before the pattern repeats with a few tricks. I keep listening to this track and getting more and more lost in it, it is only just over 5 minutes, but there is SO much going on, it was incredibly well done and you will not be able to pull yourself away. There is both a feeling of sadness and relief when the track finishes because it sucks you and takes you over, you don't want it to leave but you are glad to be back and feel like you have control (in case you cannot tell, this is easily my favorite instrumental on the album.)

I figure at this point, I should mention how Thesselonious classifies this album, not as a hip hop album, or an instrumental album....no it is a Skit-Strumental album. And really, that is the best way to explain this album, especially tracks like "Pardon Me, But Are You Wearing A Watch?" Which, like previous tracks, is an interview with Prince Paul that Thesselonious put an instrumental underneath to compliment and create a great environment for the conversation. The music is very laid back...until the drums hit and then it gets you moving, making you decide whether to listen to the interview or the music...or be bold and try to listen to them as whole (good luck doing that the first two or three times listening to it) but when you get it, you realize how well it works, and just how funky the instrumental is, almost makes you want to dance.

The energy continues on "High Heals..." a song that will test your bass. The high energy drums, keys and BASS come through quickly and carry that impact, forcing your you to nod your head as the vocal snippets get you ready for some pure craziness...then as it starts to reach the apex...the horns come in and calm you, before everything returns just long enough to make you excited, as the track ends.

As much as the previous two tracks make you want to move, that is how "Who Knows?" puts you down in your chair and makes you relax and just vibe out. The drums are much less in your face (but still have that oomph) and the subdues keys (even the vocal samples, especially the singing) just starts to make you float away and gets you lost, ready to digest what ever is coming next. And as the abrupt change shows you, you have no idea so you must be ready for anything, or not and just be surprised again.

On "Prince Paul Speaks III (Y'all Rhyme?)" Thesselonious stays away and just lets you listen to Paul speak and then blends it into what is probably the most fun track on the album, and the only on featuring MCs. "Pawn Shop" features G-Zos, K.T. and Brandon Steele and feels like it could have made it on "3 Feet High and Rising." The track is a mesh of rather well known samples with each vocalist talking about, well, the Pawn Shop and even doing their taxes there. Nothing that will be changing the consciousness of the world, but it fits so well into the album and has the feel of a group of guys sitting around and dropping rhymes over some cool beats.

We return to instrumentals, with "Other Side of the Pump" which has a sort of fun, flirty (there is a female laughing at time,) but at the same time dark sound and feel to it. The bass of drum hits hard as a piano plays, then every so often another layer of sound is added giving it much more depth, but the sounds are not any particular instrument just a feel and echo that you notice, and what started off so light becomes a sonic puzzle that your ears try to put together, and just as they come close, Thess switches it up again, wonderful example of how what you start with doesn't have to be what you end with.

The pure interview segment "Prince Paul Speaks IV (Grave Diggin' is Dead..)" blends right into "Mondo (Wow... He's Ill)" and for me is the most fascinating interview snippet, mainly due to how many labels missed the boat on the Gravediggaz because the me members were "played out." If you think about that, you will realize how wrong those labels were. The instrumentation of "Mondo (Wow...He's Ill)" features some very cool horns playing a sort of game of hide and seek with the drums on the track. The mesh of Prince Paul and the music are so well done that by this point, if it hasn't happened already, you see what Thesselonious was doing with the Skit-Strumental concept. The album ends with "Prince Paul Speaks V (Last Words?)" as the words "buy mine" of Prince Paul echo throughout to the end.

One of the many things I thoroughly enjoy about this album is you can tell that Thesselonious is a huge fan of Prince Paul and did this album as a way to honor him and not just cash in on his name. But it isn't an album of Prince Paul sounding beats, no, they are certainly Thesselonious beats, who just happens to have been influenced by Prince Paul (as well as others.) This album also does a bunch of other things well, besides the obvious of making a fully fleshed out album that flows from one idea to another. But it also shows artists and listeners that skits can work, when done correctly, they can really work to pull an album together and make that picture more clear. So do yourself a favor and get this album, put on your headphones and enjoy what might be the first of many Skit-Strumental albums.

You can stream and download the album here.

Ill Clinton "Music to Make Love By"

I am not normally a fan of people dropping a project on Valentine's Day for a variety of reasons, some having to do with the holiday itself, some having to do with the sheer pointlessness of such an act. Now there are of course some exceptions one being the fact that it landed on a Tuesday this year (normal release date anyway,) if the album actually is somehow tied into the day, or if the date means more than Valentine's Day (i.e. a birthday or some numerical significance.) Well, Ill Clinton's "Music To Make Love By" does fit one of these scenarios, it actually has to do with the idea of love (I mean come on look at the title.) Now I know what you are thinking, what the hell is Ill Clinton doing creating a project about love, well first of all, he is human and does have a heart (at least that is the assumption) secondly, this is not overly mushy trite, bs, no these are a few very soulful beats that have a feeling of love in them, plus they are actually old beats that he created between 2009 and 2010, so the beats were not made with this in mind, but it certainly does work. But I can tell you there is another motivation to this release, in just a few days (February 18th to be exact) Ill Clinton will be dropping another album, entitled "SKYWALKEN 2" which I can tell you right now, is just as good if not better than the original "SKYWALKEN". So enjoy these 5 beats and vibe out to the soul while preparing yourself for "SKYWALKEN 2" later this week.

You can stream and download the album here.

Creature ft Sinnagi "Under the Lights" produced by Reno

Creature is back again, with a track feature Sinnagi and produced by Reno, entitled "Under the Lights." If you are unfamiliar with Creature (shame on you) let me assure you he is a top flight MC who is able to go toe to toe with just about any other artist out there, whether it is on a grime and gritty track or an out there avant garde idea. After listening to this track, I highly recommend you do two things, first being check out his EP with Prefuse 73 entitled "Chest Himes EP" and then go visit his bandcamp page and enjoy the dope music and of course support the artist.

Lyle Horowitz "Redamancy"

The day before Valentine's Day Lyle Horowitz decides to drop an album. Obviously it is going to be all about love, especially considering the deep emotional albums that he is capable of making. Then you take in consideration the album is entitled "Redamancy," which for those that do not know means "The act of loving in return." It has to be a love album right? Well...not exactly, instead it is almost an anti-love album, it is much more a album about failed love, unrequited love, or a relationship where one side is sick of being taken advantage of and ignored or not feeling redamancy. Which makes sense then that he opted to release the album the day before Valentine's Day instead of the date itself (also could have worked being released the day after.) As always Horowitz is in top form on production and has a few guest appearances from MCs and vocalists PreZZure, Deniro Ferrar, Big Pooh, Loud Pack Lucy, and Lewis. Wonder in amazement how Lyle Horowitz is able to continue churning out album after album in such a short period of time and still create high quality and fully realized ALBUMS.

You can stream and download the album here.

Shottie & TeV 95 "Biff Tannen"

"Back to the Future" is an awesome movie. What does that have to do with this site? Well, two talented artist, emcee Shottie and producer TeV 95 decided to join forces and crafter an album called "Delorean" and what do they release as the first track off said album, "Biff Tannen." Need I say more? Yes, you say? Ok, well, Shottie and TeV 95 together made one hell of a banging track with "Biff Tannen" and if "Delorean" is anywhere close to this, it will be an album that shall be taking over many ears and music collections. So check out the track and get ready for the album to drop in the near future.

Various Artist "S​.​top O​.​ppressing P​.​eoples A​.​ctions" (Compiled by Issuez)

If you thought the compilation "#OccupyChristmas" was just about the holidays and that Issuez wouldn't be doing anymore, you were grossly misinformed (besides the fact that he released "Musikal Chairz" the next day.) He has returned with many of the same artists as before, plus a few new ones on "S​.​top O​.​ppressing P​.​eoples A​.​ctions." Honestly, if I am not sure what to say about this that isn't rather obvious, by the track list (assuming you regularly read this blog.) The album is filled with great artists offering up exclusive songs and it is free. What else do you want? So check out the album and enjoy.

You can stream and download the album here.

Jasiri X "#TheWholeWorldIsWatching"

Recently Pittsburgh hip hop has been getting a lot of press, including a week of showcasing it on MTV. But it always seems like the wrong artists who are getting mentioned. Where is the discussion of the 'Burgh artists out there trying to make a difference through their music? Well, I am going to let you know about one such MC, Jasiri X. He uses his music as a way to get out critically important social, economic, political and basic human right topics. Honestly the only MCs I can think of that compare are Chuck D and Immortal Technique and just like those two, Jasiri conveys his message with incredible skills on the mic, because no matter how important the message, if the music isn't good, people won't listen. Jasiri X recently released his latest album "#TheWholeWorldIsWatching" that tackles police brutality (in Pittsburgh and the US,) the facade that so many "great cities" have, the idea of the Tea Party being black, and many other topics. This album will get you thinking, get you angry, and hopefully make you do something to make this world a little bit better, all while you are listening to some great music.

You can stream and download the album here.

iAreConscious "Oh Yea - Uh Huh"

Sometimes I feel like the world in general is afraid of experimentation and attempting something that might be or sound odd to others. One such area that this is obvious to me, is how much people seem to shy away from doing spoken word. It seems like a lot of people who have the idea for a spoken word poem, feel it has to be presented as hip hop and then add in stuff that isn't needed. But then sometimes, someone comes along and decides to create a poem that is presented a bit differently and we shy away from it. Well, I am going to do my little part to stop that, a few weeks ago, iAreConscious released a very cool musical poem/spoken word/whatever you want to call it, in which he paid tribute to three of my favorite artist, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk. I present that piece right now, entitled "Oh Yea - Uh Huh," I highly recommend you check it out, and keep your ears open for what iAreConscious has coming next (no matter what name it is released under.)



I think I’m Mingus
I think I’m Coltrane
I think I’m Monk
I think I’m oh yeah, uh huh
oh yeah, uh huh
Mingus’ shadow played the white keys while he fondled the bass.
Monk’s the black keys.
Coltrane’s horn was in the shop, so he watched.
Fingers folded. Legs crossed in chair.
A trio of great.
No ADHD present.
At least non diagnosed.
In the years before night terrors.
Bad dreams sans Steven King Clown
Memories reluctantly held hands with troubled thoughts.
Reefer madness. Plumes of smoke.
Death doctors in white hooded coats.
I think I’m Mingus
I think I’m Coltrane
I think I’m Monk
I think I’m oh yeah, uh huh
oh yeah, uh huh
I think I’m Mingus
I think I’m Coltrane
I think I’m Monk
I think I’m oh yeah, uh huh
oh yeah, uh huh
I think I’m Mingus
I think I’m Coltrane
I think I’m Monk
I think I’m oh yeah, uh huh
oh yeah, uh huh

World Around Records "We Are World Around"

Label compilations are always a tricky beast. Normally, you dig one or two artist on the label, and maybe via the comp you find another one or two...but then you are left with like 5 maybe 6 out of the 20 tracks you actually like. But everyone in a while, a labels roster, and their frequent collaborators (which often appear on such comps) are all or at least mostly dope artist. Those are the ones that get played over and over again, especially if they are unreleased tracks and not just songs that were on previous releases. That is exactly what you get with World Around Records "We Are World Around." There are a few artist that any regular reader of this blog will know, most notably Louis Mackey and Dr. Quandary, but there are others you should be aware of and this comp is a great way to be introduced to the likes of Zilla Rocca, Man Mantis, DREDi, and Curly Castro (just to name a few.) So do yourself a favor and download "We Are World Around" and then check out other works by the artists' featured, you will not be disappointed.

You can stream and download the album here.

Jimmy the Bang? "Loop Playback"

There are tons of MCs or producers who call themselves MCs/Producers, some deserve the title others...well they are either MCs who made a beat or two that are tolerable or a producer who has average to below average rhyming skills. Then you have those who make beats for their music, but call themselves MCs, or producers who rap but only call themselves producers. Jimmy the Bang? is none of the above (technically.) Jimmy the Bang? is the alter ego, or really just alias of e.d.g.e. and as he says in the album description, "I wouldn't call myself a producer, or even a beatmaker though. The reason being, most of my work consists of repeated 4-bar loops, more often than not without basslines!! So I'd prefer to call myself a "Loop Technician." And that is exactly what "Loop Playback" is, a slew of tracks that are dope loops, that are great to vibe to, or as e.d.g.e. has shown, great to rhyme over. So check out the loop technician and see for yourself.

You can stream and download the album here.

Nerd Ferguson "Bitch, Where's My Sandwich: The Album"

#ATFU has been coming hard lately...even more so than lately, case in point 2 of the members dropping dope albums on the same day. The first being Rusty Redenbacher's "The Tinkerer" the second is by Nerd Feguson, "Bitch, Where's My Sandwich: The Album." The titles of the first two tracks alone should gain your attention is you are looking for something different than the standard rapper, "This is NOT a Mixtape" and "WARNING: Don't Sign Me." Please name other MCs who would state those things in conversation let alone put them as titles for their songs. (Yes I know there are some but not the majority by any means.) I know some people will look at his name and be turned off because they assume it is "Nerd Core" or whatever, but let me assure you, this is a dope hip hop album, filled with bangers made by someone with a brain. Don't believe me? Check out the link and get the album, Nerd Ferguson offered up two versions the regular, which is free and the deluxe (features 3 extra songs) that is .99¢ so spend the money and get the extra three songs.

You can stream and download the album here. If you really do not have the dollar, you can get the standard version here.