Us Natives "Used Vinyl Review"

When you hear that two producers are coming together to form a duo, you wonder why? Not just about the functionality of it, but how can multiple producers actually help a sound? Won't it get too muddled and lose what makes you a fan of them individually? While this might be true in some cases, Us Natives (Ill Clinton & John E Cab) some how make it work and make it work incredibly well. While listening to Used Vinyl Review a few things came to mind. The first was, holy fuck this is incredible, it sounds like a strung out, drum infused orchestra that pounds in my head and lets me fly away. The second being just how well these pieces stand on their own, in fact, I think I would be disappointed to have an MC over top of any of these tracks, they need to be enjoyed as is and loved for what they are, great pieces of music that come together and make a mind blowing album. Us Natives did something very special with their layering of elements, often having an instrument acting as a vocalist for a track, such as the trumpet on "Royal." I really cannot say enough about this album, it blew me away on all levels. You NEED to download this album as soon as you can, put your headphones on or your stereo, turn it up, and get ready for one of the best hip hop albums of the year, instrumental or otherwise.

You can stream and download the album here.

Philavibe (Phil G the Knowbody & Ill Clinton) "Rare Phorm"

40 tracks? That is quite possibly the first thing you will notice about Rare Phorm and that is understandable because that is a whole shit load of music. But do not let that overwhelm you, really it is sort of an anthology of Philavibe's music so far, with some tons of unreleased tracks as well that do not fit into any of the albums the group is working on. It is a great place to start to familiarize yourself with the Phil G the Knowbody (who in case you do not know is the MC of the group) and Ill Clinton (who is the producer) and the duo that is Philavibe. So check out the project and enjoy, while you are it at, go back and get the group's previous efforts and get ready for what they have cooking next.
You can stream and download the album here.

Black-Tokyo "Strange Bologna EP" & "The Canvas Animals EP"

After a brief one month hiatus (which to most artist would not be a hiatus at all but I digress) Black-Tokyo returns with not one but two EPs of sonic symphonies to unleash open our ears. Strange Bologna seems to be the more fun and nerded out album (filled with bangers of course) while The Canvas Animals seems much more introspective and serious. Now, I could of course be hearing this albums all wrong (but to my ears I am not) but no matter what you hear in these albums, one things is clear, Black-Tokyo returned with a big bang (20 to be exact) and he shows no signs of letting up any time soon.
You can stream and download Strange Bologna here and The Canvas Animals here.

Anthony Valdez "Jesus Loves Me"

If you are unfamiliar with Anthony Valdez, you need to catch up. He has a great show on KCRW, routinely puts out incredible mixes, plus there is his own music. Basically, the guy is a musical monster and you can see a check out a bunch of his work at his website. But this post is about his latest mix, entitled Jesus Loves Me featuring some great songs that you know, some you don't and some remixes that will blow your mind. Check out below and keep up on what he is doing, because he is always up to something. Tracklist: Stevie Wonder - Superstition (Obol Remix) Maylee Todd - Hieroglyphics (Tall Black Guy Remix) Hiatus Kaiyote - Nakamarra Erimaj - Conflict Of a Man Cousin Culo - Enemies Get No Water Seven Davis Jr - Thanks The Weekend - Coming Down (Sango Mix) Bondax - You're So Jay Electronica - Dear Moleskine Jai Paul - Jasmine Kanye West - Mercy (Feat. Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz)

The Fucking Mutants (Dave Dub & Megabusive) "Mutation"

The good people over at Isolated Wax Records just released the Fucking Mutants (aka Dave Dub and Megabusive) from their cages to drop the new track "Mutation." Hopefully this means an album is coming from the group, but we shall see. If not at least we have this great track to imagine what could be and I highly doubt this won't be on some album in the near future. So press play and prepare for your ears and mind to mutate.

Zilla Rocca & Curly Castro "Monty Hall Expo"

Some in the near future (hopefully) the Wrecking Crew "Curly Castro x Has-Lo X Zilla Rocca) will be releasing Wu-Tang Pulp their tribute to the Wu-Tang Clan (no shit) to hold us over until then, Curly Castro and Zilla Rocca have released the track "Monty Hall Expo." The song features Zilla Rocca's flip of Ghostface's "Mighty Healthy" while Curly Castro takes you on a trip through the world of the Wu. What is really cool about this track (and probably the whole album) is while it is an homage to the Wu and is dope by itself, you will just catch more if you are a fan. So put your headphones on, take a walk through the city and prepare for Wu-Tang Pulp.

DK and Trin "freeEP vol. 1"

Hooray once again for MCs and producers getting the memo that a great collab can do something special. This time, it is MC, DK and produced, Trin (aka MegaTrin, etc) who joined together to bring you freeEP vol. 1. The album shows a little bit of everything from the duo, ranging from the heartfelt and emotional, "Keep It Real," to the hard thumping "My World." This is a project that once you press play will take you into it's own little world and everything else will fade away, in other words, it will do what great music should do. Check it, download it, and get ready to zone out.

You can stream and download the album here.