Sunday, June 28, 2009
Michael Jackson: 1958-2009
I'm in the process of moving from NYC after being here for longer than I care to admit. Between that and Michael Jackson's death this could be up there for one of the worst weekends ever. I'll post more Jackson-related stuff once I get settled in a couple days but for now, if you never did before, check out Rhymefest's really creative, Michael Jackson-based concept mixtape, Man In The Mirror here.
Labels: Michael Jackson, Rhymefest
Thursday, June 25, 2009
DJ Semtex Chipmunk interview
I f-cks with this kid. Here's Semtex's plug for his interview with him:
"He came in the game at the age of 16. Over the last 2 years he's put in the relentless grind, he's got the streets, the airwaves, the Grade A's in School and College. Now at the age of 18 he's just signed a major label deal with Sony. As you can see from this interview, he has a very big future ahead of him. He's more articulate than most of your favourite MCs who have been in the game for a minute."
Click here for more.
Online:
Chipmunk - MySpace | DJ Semtex blog
Pac Div – "The Mayor"
Like N.W.A meets Pharcyde (or Souls of Mischief?)! Not bad but did these kids miss their window and let The Cool Kids eat their lunch? [via PSD]
Bonus:
Pac Div – "The Mayor" [zshare stream/download mp3 link via 2DopeBoyz/Google Search]
Labels: Pac Div
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Bill Thompson almost ruined my Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival Experience!
"I felt like the Bill Thompson street team...."
So last Saturday, Wes Jackson and the Brooklyn Bodega crew held it down for the 5th annual incarnation of the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival. BHF has become a well-oiled machine and real landmark on the NYC summer concert calendar: f-ck a Summerstage, Summerjam or Siren Festival - BHF is where's it at if you're a true Brooklyn and/or hip hop head. I take particular pride in this fact as I was working with Wes doing some Sales and Biz Dev. work when he conceived this festival and helped him land some of the initial sponsorship dollars (thank you, Laura and Felicia at Virgin mobile and Partick at Cornerstone/X-box) that allowed him to get this thing off the ground and do it in a way that would make this amazing event free to all hip hop fans.
I could get into a whole thing about the artists at the event: big up to Dead Prez, Smif N Wessun, DJ Premier (fam, you couldn't have brought out Blaq Poet, Big Shug or some of the other Year Round Records massive so I wasn't just standing there watching you play records from your, admiitedly classic, catalog??), Torae & Marco Polo, Chip Fu (and Kool Kim/NY Oil & Grand Daddy IU both of whom he brought out on stage) and especially the surprise appearance of Black Thought who was the highlight of the day for me. (If they're still doing those Roots Sessions at the Highline, you owe it to yourself to go - dude gives master classes on excellence in live MC-ing every time he steps on stage). Apologies to Pharoahe Monch but I bounced before he hit the stage. Like I said, I could get into more about the show but I really gotta talk about Bill Thompson instead.
For those that don't know him, he's the comptroller for the city of New York and a candidate for maayor in this Fall's election. Now I don't know dude that well but if I could vote this November, his shenanigans on Saturday would just about assure that he would not get my vote. He started off innocuous enough saluting Wes, Brooklyn, the festival and hip hop as being a potential tool of change and communication for the youth (or some such political doublespeak). However, he quickly devolved into a really cloying, hackneyed, awkward quasi-stump speech in which he repeatedly (about five times by my recollection) said I'm Bill Thompson and I'm running for Mayor of New York City. I was even prepared to forgive his tone deafness and inappropriate stumping for a crowd that neither knew or cared who he was, but at the end he even tried to get a round of call 'n response going where he inveighed the crowd to chant, "Mayor!" when he said, "Bill." Wow, it was just just sad! I kind of felt bad for dude by the end to be honest. There was yet another politician who hit the stage later who seemed similarly out-of-step, invoking Obama's name and trying to 'connect with the youth' but I tuned him out. Note to Wes: in future, keep it only to Brooklyn Borough Prez, Marty Markowitz as far as the political proclomations for the BHF go. He's kind of corny too frankly, but at least he knows his limitations and does not overstep them (so much).
Getting back to the music though, considering the rain, the turnout was great and the performances were too (for the most part). Thanks to Pamela at the Bodega and her crew of cute helpers on the VIP access but I just wasn't up for fighting the media throng in the camera pit to get better flicks and interviewing artists ain't really my thing here at the Kitchen (for now, at least). It was also amazing to see all kinds of folk out there who I would never in a million years have guessed would come to this kind of event: I'm talking LL Bean (not even J, Crew)-looking white families with little toe-headed kids. Props to Wes for making his vision of a family-friendly, mutil-racial and multi-generational tribute to 'positive, cosnscious, progressive' hip hop and Brooklyn a reality. Here's to year 6!
Related:
End of the Weak's BHF '09 video recap.
Download: J. Period feat. Black Thought - “Brooklyn Go Hard (Live at Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival 2009)” MP3 [right click and save as, please] | zip file download
Online:
Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival: official website
Labels: Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival
#IranElection: A Round-up of Links
BE FOREWARNED, this is the video of Neda Soltan dying after being shot by Irani militia that has made headlines around the world over the past couple of days. It is EXTREMELY graphic:
And here's more links to keep you informed on what's going on in Iran post their contested recent national election:
Iran Update.
Huffington Post's Iran Election Live Blog.
Tehran: Iran Updates.
Newsweek's Iran coverage.
Also, show your solidarity for democracy in Iran on Twitter by turning your profile picture green:
via Help Iran Election
via Iran Green Thumbnails
Or here's a couple other ways to do it:
via @MsDrrema and via @dkclay.
Related:
Obama: Right on the Iranian Election Protests?
Tweet
And here's more links to keep you informed on what's going on in Iran post their contested recent national election:
Iran Update.
Huffington Post's Iran Election Live Blog.
Tehran: Iran Updates.
Newsweek's Iran coverage.
Also, show your solidarity for democracy in Iran on Twitter by turning your profile picture green:
via Help Iran Election
via Iran Green Thumbnails
Or here's a couple other ways to do it:
via @MsDrrema and via @dkclay.
Related:
Obama: Right on the Iranian Election Protests?
Labels: Iran, Iran Election, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Monday, June 22, 2009
Video: Clipse feat. Kanye West - "Kind of like a Big Deal"
[via PSD]
Previously: Download the mp3 for the original and remix versions here.
Labels: Clipse, Kanye West
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Kanye West & Tapemasters Inc - Air Yeezy mixtape
Haven't peeped this yet but my dude, Kevin put it up so I'm reposting it for those of you who sleep on his incedible blog. Download it here. [Megaupload]
Or stream it here:
Download Mixtape | Provided by DatPiff.com
Labels: Kanye West, mixtapes, Tapemasters Inc.
Wale & 9th Wonder - Back To The Feature (mixtape)
Apparently anticpated! Still? Even after that mediocre-ass "Lady Gaga collab single?!
Well if your answer is yes, download it here. [zshare download link via Semtex]
Apparently mixed by my dude, Nick. Nice! Stream it here if, like me, you're a tad skeptical and not swingin' on Wale's nuts right now like every other blogger:
Download Mixtape | Provided by DatPiff.com
Bonus:
Wale - "Family Affair" Not on the mixtape. From a soundtrack to the forthcoming Rik Cordero-directed feature film, Inside A Change. [zshare mp3 download/stream link]
Labels: 9th Wonder, mixtapes, Wale
Jamie Foxx feat. Drake, Kanye West & Dream - "Digital Girl (Remix)"
Live on Conan with Drake up top. Download/stream mp3 link of full remix with Yeezy and the Dream below via zshare:
Jamie Foxx feat. Drake, Kanye West & Dream - "Digital Girl (Remix)" [Limelinx via Illroots.com]
Gotta admit, sh-t's pretty good! Wow, this kid Drake went supernova in the past couple months, huh? I thought he was getting big, but damn! Think about it: in the last 2 weeks he's been on or it's been announced that he'll be on records by Mary, Jamie and Jay-Z. Wow and damn again!!
Labels: Drake, Jamie Foxx, Kanye West, The Dream
Soul Assassins and Tradition present the Intermission Listening Party TOMORROW!
More stuff to do for my LA peeps...
Bonus:
Soul Assassins feat. Bun B & M1 (of Dead Prez) - "Gangsta Sh-t" from the Soul Assassins Intermission album. [yousendit mp3 download link]
Friday, June 19, 2009
MAD DECENT FRIDAYS launches in L.A. TONIGHT!
Recommneded if you're a 'fan' of dancehall as interpeted by notorious music cool hunter (or is it culture vulture??), Diplo. Cover is FREE with RSVP sent to maddecent@gmail.com [Subject: 'RSVP' with your friends names in the body]. Get more details on the party here.
Coast 2 Coast Mixtape Vol. 84 - Hosted By Mickey Factz
Get the tracklisting here. Download it here. [Yousendit mp3 download link via Coast 2 Coast mixtapes]
Labels: Coast 2 Coast Mixtape, Mickey Factz
Obama: Right on the Iranian Election Protests?
John Kerry agrees with him, Henry Kissinger agrees with his position. Even crazy Pat Buchannan agrees that Obama is right.
So tonight, get on your knees and thank God that John McCain and his reckless talk didn't make it into the White House last November.
Labels: Barack Obama, Iran
Video: Chris Matthews poppin' a vein over the US Senate Apologizing for the Slave Trade
Watch the whole thing. Chris seems a little, er... conflicted on the Slavery Apology issue. Congressmen, Clyburn and Cohen handled him with class and grace though. [h/t: Jay Smooth]
Here's more background info via The Root and Washington Post.
Labels: US race relations
New Boyz feat. DJ Webstar "You're A Jerk (remix)"
The Cool Kids biters are back with an actually not-bad remix featuring my uptown dude, Webstar:
New Boyz feat. DJ Webstar "You're A Jerk" [sharebee mp3 link]
Stream the orginal here [via imeem] or download it via The Kitchen!
Online:
New Boyz - Website | MySpace | imeeem | BUY it on itunes here.
Labels: DJ Webstar, New Boyz, YBI
Video of The Thing Record Store in Brooklyn
More fly old sh-t I found while cleaning out my personal and blog-related email inboxes....
This is a video of the basement of The Thing record store in Greenpoint, Brooklyn (located at 1001 Manhattan Avenue; 718-349-8234) where old records are priced at only two bucks a pop. Even DJ Shadow and Questlove might blow their minds trying to dig here! [via Daily Candy by way of my sis']
Labels: ?uestlove, Crate Diggin', DJ Shadow
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Stretch Armstrong x Plant Music Live in NYC TONIGHT!
For FREE!!! He doesn't spin just hip hop any more but between him and the Plant Music crew this should be great night of good music vibes.
Bonus:
Melboune - "Clubfeet (Kap10Kurt remix)" [mp3 download links: Yousendit | zshare]
Related:
Read a GREAT interview with Stretch done by Eli from TTLab.
Labels: Kap10Kurt, Melbourne, Plant Music, Stretch Armstrong
Throwback video: Souls of Mischief - "93 Til Infinity"
I HAD to post this 'cos Aleks sent it to the Grindin' list with a message saying the following comment was apparently posted in response to this classic Souls of Mischief video on YouTube:
"dis is aiight byt idk y its about 93 most ppl werent even boarn in 93 that was a lto of years ago the only ppl alife in 93 r in there 50s now & they dont lissen to rap they lissent o elives and the beetals so that is stupid maybe it should sing about something not so many years ago so ppl would now wat they are talk about????"
The youth of today! *Smh*....
Labels: Humor, Souls of Mischief, WTF
Hoodie Allen - "Make The Whole World"
Suburban rap from LI. This ain't the most lyrically mind-blowing sh-t I ever heard by a long shot but there's something about this track I kinda dig anyway: reminds me of hip hop from the late 80's/early 90's. Evidently I'm not the only one as they are apparently working on a forthcoming mixtape with Mick Boogie associate, Terry Urban. Am I out of my mind here though?
Hoodie Allen - "Make The Whole World (Demo version)" [zshare stream/download mp3 link]
Online:
Hooide Allen - MySpace
Labels: Hoodie Allen, Unsigned Hype
Video: 5 O'Clock Shadowboxers - "Weak Stomach"
Not really my thing but Jeff from the Passion of the Weiss blog A&R'd the album, The Slow Twilight this video came from. What do you think of it?
If you dig it, download The Slow Twilight album for FREE legally (hey!) here. [mediafire download link]
Labels: Unsigned Hype
Video: Wax and EOM - "Music and Liquor"
Official music video for the second single off the Liquid Courage album. I wouldn't be drinking if my girl looked liked that!
Urgh! I'm in a real backpack mode right now, watch out!
Labels: Wax and EOM
Video: DJ Spooky - Rebirth of a Nation Trailer
This movie has been kicking around for a couple years and is available on DVD but is opening in limited release in the next couple weeks here in NYC, I believe. Here's a brief description:
"Originally commissioned as a live, multi-media performance, director Paul D. Miller (aka DJ Spooky)'s bold "remix" of D.W. Griffith's Birth of a Nation reworks the original film in order to relate its true meaning to the sociopolitical conflicts that America is experiencing in the early-21st Century. A "DJ mix applied to cinema" designed to challenge our legacy of revisionist history while deconstructing a controversial classic, Rebirth of a Nation features an original score composed by the director, and performed by The Kronos Quartet."
Online:
Rebirth of a Nation - website
Labels: DJ Spooky, Documentary, Movies
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Video: Nas vs. Biggie - the Battle That Never Happened!
Produced by mixtape legend, Doo Wop. Now THIS is hip hop 2.0 done RIGHT! So who would have won a real-life battle between these two legends?? Of course we'll never really know but the speculation is interesting. Even though I'm a huge Nas fan (and he defeated Jay), my money would have been on BIG!
[via PSD / Unkut]
Online:
Doo Wop - MySpace
Labels: DJ Doo Wop, Nas, Notorious B.I.G.
Video: The Lox - "If You Think I'm Jiggy" Live on Nickelodeon's All That
Vintage sh-t from the YN vaults. I know the group and D-Block Stans HATED this record but I always still dug this song and as a matter of fact, still do!
[via Rap Radar]
Video: The Next 48 Hours With Redman & Method Man (Pt. 3)
The Blackout 2! album is FANTASTIC! GO COP IT! Why it left to the veterans to show these new jacks how to make real classic hip hop albums??
Related:
TONIGHT Funkmaster Flex is hosting a Hip Hop Legends concert at BB King's with Naughty By Nature, Nice & Smooth, Black Moon, Smif-N-Wessun, MC Lyte, Raekwon, Showbiz & AG, Lord Finesse and Das Efx. I really should go to this since my time in NYC is quickly winding down and this kind of show is almost impossible to just go see anywhere else in the world but somehow I doubt I'll make it.... [h/t: Dom Corleone]
Labels: Method Man, Redman
Video: 'Fire David Letterman' Protest Becomes Hatefest!
Apparently it drew more media than protesters! Now, I might surprise some folks by saying I think Palin actually kind of had a point about Letterman being off-color with his jokes, but only kind of. I think Dave was referring to her older daughter and she's totally milking this incicent way beyond its original impact. Either way though, I guess Dave felt he had to finally apologize properly even though these people look loony and are obviously part of a distinct minority! [via Huff Post]
Labels: Coon Picnic, David Letterman, Humor, Right Wing Nutjobs, Sarah Palin, WTF
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Music Video: Torae & Marco Polo - "Party Crashers"
They annoyed the sh-t outta me with all their f-cking promo emails for leak singles, viral videos and mixtapes leading up to the release of the Double Barrel album but I have to admit, it (kind of) worked. I finally gave in and
Labels: Duck Down records, Marco Polo, Torae
Birdman feat. Lil’ Wayne, Rick Ross & Young Jeezy - "Always Strapped (remix)"
I know this is late but this is for the rest of you that actually have a life and don't just sit in front of your computer all day checking for updates on rap blogs!
Birdman feat. Lil’ Wayne, Rick Ross & Young Jeezy - "Always Strapped (remix)" [shareebe stream/downlaopd mp3 link via Illroots.com]
The video is NOT for the remix version above fyi but that beat is still pretty monstorous....
Labels: Birdman, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy
Jadakiss feat. Swizz Beats, Eve, Drag-On, Styles P & Sheek Louch - "Who's Real? (remix)"
All over the radio here in NYC for the past week (?) or so. Straight fiya - good to hear the Dog back on the mic and not in the courthouse!!!
Jadakiss feat. Swizz Beats, Eve, Drag-On, Styles P & Sheek Louch - "Who's Real? (remix)" [sharebee mp3 link via Miss Info]
Online:
Jadakiss - MySpace
50 Cent - War Angel LP Mixtape
UPDATED:
Download the 12 track War Angel mixtape here. [zshare zip file download via Thisis50.com]
Tell me what you think about it. Since I pretty much rock with NPR all day, I might not listen to this immediately.
Online:
50 cent - Twitter | Thisis50.com
Lupe Fiasco feat. Matthew Santos - "Shining Down"
Is this the record Lupe got his panties all in a bunch about 'cos it leaked this week?
Lupe Fiasco feat. Matthew Santos - "Shining Down" [usershare stream/download mp3 link via PSD]
It's pretty good. And hey Jay, he's using autotune on the second verse! LMAO....
Labels: Lupe Fiasco, Matthew Santos
Video: The Slaughterhouse Rules
I'm not on the d-ck of underground hip hop 'supergroup' Slaughterhouse like other bloggers but I've paid enough attention to them to know this is f-cking funny! [via The Real]
Labels: Crooked I, Humor, Joe Budden, Joell Ortiz, Royce the 5'9, Slaughterhouse, The Real
President Obama's Address on Health Care Reform at the AMA
Yesterday!
Counterpoint:
Bill Maher goes in on Obama. [ByronCrawford.com]
Labels: Barack Obama, Healthcare, Politics
Throwback sh-t: Hustle Simmons - "Everybody"
OK, it's not a throwback per se but it was lost in the flood of 150+ emails I get every day back almost a year ago. I just cleaned out over 14,000 emails from my gmail inbox and there were a few old gems in there that I'm gonna throw up anyway 'cos its stuff still worthy of attention or that might have gotten missed by me as well as (maybe) others along the way. Like this track! Enjoy:
Hustle Simmons - "Everybody" [mp3 downloads: Radio | Original, direct links: right click and save as]
From the album, Dave Ghetto and Tha S Ence are Hustle Simmons released last September!
Online:
Hustle Simmons - MySpace
Labels: Dave Ghetto, Hustle Simmons, Tha S Ence
Monday, June 15, 2009
Big Boi Live at Sneaker Pimps NYC on June 26!
Worst.flyer.ever?? DJ Clark Kent, Clipse, Wale and Cool Kids also performing. More info via Sneaker Pimps.
Labels: Big Boi, Clark Kent, Clipse, Cool Kids, Outkast, Sneakers, Wale
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Clipse Live in LI, NY TOMORROW!!!
Click here or the flyer to buy tickets. Me personally, I'm gonna be at the new Yankee Stadium. Although, I'm sorry I'm missing this too.
Bonus:
Clipse feat. Pharrell - "I’m Good" (prod. The Neptunes) [mp3 download links: mediafire via NahRight | usershare via PSD, h/t: Complex]
The Clipse & Kanye West interveiwed by Amanda Diva. [KarmaloopTV]
Labels: Clipse, Karmaloop TV, Pharrell
It's Getting SUPER REAL in Iran!!!
The Heatwave present the Immediate Sounds Volume 1 mixtape
This half hour mix of jump-up Caribbean rave music is from last year but I missed posting it and its FIYA so don't sleep on it like I did!
Immediate Sounds Vol. 1 is the UK sound of garage, bassline, funky and jungle filtered through the tasty carnival vibes of bashment and soca. Featured artists include Beenie Man, Ms. Dynamite, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel and Dizzee Rascal (click here for the full tracklisting). The tape was mixed by Gabriel Heatwave and Ben Dubstar to their promote their Caribbean music party of the same name from last summer.
Listen to Immediate Sounds Vol. 1: stream | download [direct mp3, please right click and save as]
Online:
The Heatwave - website | Twitter | MySpace
Wu-Tang (Raekwon) feat. M.O.P. & Kool G. Rap - "Ill Figures"
Off the new Chamber Music album. Check it:
Raekwon feat.M.O.P. & Kool G. Rap - "Ill Figures" [zshare stream/download mp3 link]
That's kind of a legendary line-up there. Kool G. Rap is the most underrated MC in GOAT debates. True story: a friendship of mine broke up (indirectly) over a debate about G. Rap being a contender for GOAT. But where's EPMD??
Related:
More from Wu-Tang Chamber Music here.
Labels: Kool G. Rap, M.O.P., Raekwon, Wu-Tang Clan
Friday, June 12, 2009
Video: Dorrough - "Ice Cream Paint Job"
SLAB music!!! As heard on K104! Video directed by Dr. Teeth. Texas heads, who the f-ck is this dude??
Download:
Dorrough - "Ice Cream Paint Job" [yousendit mp3 download link]
Online:
Dorrough - MySpace
Labels: Dorrough
Dj Drama & Soulja Boy - Gangsta Grillz: Follow Me (Twitter Edition) mixtape
Get your Twitter Game Up!!! You heard Drama, LOL. Is this the first mixtape dedicated to twitter? Somehow I don't think so, but maybe??
So I actually like Soulja Boy but WTF?!?! Drama will do a Gangsta Grillz with anyone nowadays, huh?
Download it here: DatPiff.com | Yousendit
Or stream it here:
via DatPiff.com
Labels: Dj Drama, mixtapes, Soulja Boy
Video: Jay Smooth's Operation Ignore Charles Hamilton
This is the first video I've seen from jay where I was not supremely impressed. The analysis is similar to the one he offered on T.I. also, no? [via Nah Right]
Related:
J Dilla's Mother Speaks on the Charles Hamilton & Dilla issue.
Charles Hamilton’s Greatest Fails: A Retrospective.
Labels: Charles Hamilton, Jay Smooth, T.I., WTF
It's Brown Bag Season!
New music from the Brown Bag AllStars [all zshare stream/download mp3 links]:
Brown Bag AllStars - "All I Do" BTW: who else used this beat?
KONCEPT feat. Daniel Joseph - "Modesty" (prod. by J57, cuts by DeeJay Element)
KONCEPT feat. Donny Goines & 6th Sense - "Put Your Hands Together" (produced by DJ Goo)
J57 feat. Skyzoo - "Lights Out" (prod. J57, Cuts by Deejay Element)
The Brown Bag AllStars are:
The Audible Doctor (Emcee/Producer)
J57 (Emcee/Producer)
KONCEPT (Emcee)
Soul Khan
DJ E Holla (DJ)
Deejay Element (DJ)
DJ Goo (DJ/producer)
See the Brown Bag AllStars live at the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival on June 20.
More online:
The Brown Bag AllStars - MySpace | Blog
Labels: 6th Sense, Brown Bag AllStars, Donny Goines, Skyzoo
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Site Check: Dom Corleone's Hold the Throne
My man Dom has just launched his new blog, Hold the Throne after a solid couple of years of holding it down with the way-under-the-radar and underappreciated site, Hits from the Blog. Hold the Throne is dope: nice, clean design and fresh content & opinions that are not just a rehash of other hip hop blogs! He's off to a promising start - now keep it up, Dom!
Check Dom Corleone's Hold the Throne blog here.
Labels: Web 2.0
DJ Dub pres. Kanye West - Martin Louis The King Jr (Style & Grace Vol. 6) mixtape
Fetauring all the usual suspects. Download it here. [zshare download link]
Online:
DJ Dub - website | Blog | MySpace
Labels: DJ Dub, Kanye West, mixtapes
Drake - "Best I Ever Had (Chops remix)"
I normally f-ck with Chops (if this is the Philly-based one) but I dunno about this one....
Drake - "Best I Ever Had (Chops remix)" [mp3 download links: zshare | sharebee]
New video: The Alchemist feat. Maxwell & Twista - “Smile”
One question: where's Maxwell?? Somehow I knew he wouldn't be in the video. I'm actually shocked he's even on the track, frankly. My other thoughts? Doesn't this sound like the kind of track UGK would spit on? Speaking of spit, I'm not saying he can't, but I've never been a fan of Twista. Dunno what it is. This track is no different....
New video: N.A.S.A. - "A Volta" feat. Amanda Blank, Sizzla & Lovefoxx
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Imakemadbeats feat. J. Freedome & Butta Verses - "Much Nicer"
J. Freedome is a Tdot MC (apparently) and Butta is a former protege of Maseo of De La Soul. Imakemadbeats is a terrible name but this track ain't bad:
Imakemadbeats feat. J. Freedome & Butta Verses - "Much Nicer" [zshare stream/downlaod mp3 link]
From his self-titled solo production album featuring Roc C, Black Milk, Butta Verses, Steele of Smif-N-Wessun, Masta Ace, J Freedome, Supastition and more this summer on Culture Kings Music.
Online:
Imakemadbeats - website | MySpace | Twitter
Labels: Butta Verses, Imakemadbeats, J Freedome
Tomorrow in NYC: Drake Hosts M2
M2 Thursdays presents
A Night Hosted by Drake
at
M2 Ultra Lounge (formerly Mansion)
530 West 28th Street (btwn 10th and 11th)
Presented by XL, & Adamas
With Music by DJ Suss One
Doors 11pm
Call 201.895-9226 to book tables.
This kid is red hot! I bet the tables will actually sell out!!! Click here for more details.
Labels: DJ Suss One, Drake
Video: Solitair x Cipha Sounds on Lil Wayne's "The Flyest"
A track you may know as "Outstanding" and have thought was produced by Dr. Dre. Posted 'cos to clear up the confusion and because of the Toronto connect with producer, Solitair. Walk with me and get the heat first.
BTW: addtional songs have been added to The Official "D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)" Remix & Freestyle Post here.
Online:
Solitair - MySpace | Twitter
Labels: Cipha Sounds, Lil Wayne, Solitair
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
New video: Myko Slim feat. Yung Joc - "Give It To You"
Tell me you won't be dancing with your girl to this record this summer! Recommended if you f-ck with Ryan Leslie, Slimm (from 112) etc.
I'll add a download link as soon as I can find an mp3 for "Give It To You."
Dimitri From Paris - Night Dubbin': A Dubbed Out Collection of '80s Dance Music
From The Village Voice:
"From the rabidness of England's Northern soul fanatics for Motown 45s to the hoovering up of any and all Blue Note LPs by Japanese jazzbos, it seems as if America's music is best appreciated by other nationalities. And as Night Dubbin': A Dubbed Out Collection of '80s Dance Music makes clear, that trend continues to this day. This three-CD set documents when adventurous NYC DJs and mixers like François Kevorkian, Shep Pettibone, Paul Simpson, John Morales, Tee Scott, Nick Martinelli, and, of course, Larry Levan applied the studio wizardry of Jamaican dub reggae to pop music, creating drastically "altered" versions of the hits—everything from Yaz's "Situation" and the Clash's "The Magnificent Seven" to Wham!—so that they might create a more devastating dancefloor weapon, be it at the legendary Paradise Garage or at other Gotham dance clubs of the era.
Compiled by the mustachioed Dimitri From Paris and then further dubbed in the mix by the zonked-out house-music prankster duo of Dan Tyler and Conrad McDonnell (a/k/a the Idjut Boys), Night Dubbin' casts a new light on those heady days when genre and artist name mattered less than a song's body-moving powers. The release makes it feel strangely fitting to have a Parisian and two Londoners appreciate this lost American musical form of post-disco/boogie/synthesized dance music, as originally cooked up in the studios of early-'80s New York City."
Well other than the mistake in the very first line (Northern Soul afficiandos were never very much into the mainstream Motown sound - too pop for them), this seems like an interesting project. Click here for more. BUY Night Dubbin' via Amazon.com here
.Download:
Listen to an exclusive 30 minute promo mix from Night Dubbin' by Dimitri from Paris himself right here. [direct mp3 link via StraightOuttaNow.com, right click and save as]
Labels: Dimitri from Paris, Idjut Boys
Monday, June 08, 2009
Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival Photo Exhibit & Fundraiser this Thursday!
The Official "D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)" Remix & Freestyle Post
All the inevitably superfluous and unecessary remixes & freestyles that are coming will be posted here. Bookmark it, kids! BTW: The first one (by Fuze the MC) was in my inbox before 3:30am the same night/morning the original song premiered on Hot 97! WTF?!?!
Aight. Here we go:
- AZ - "D.O.A.(Freestyle)" [mediafire mp3 download link via East Coast Digital]
- Trey Songz - "Death of Autotune” (R.Kelly diss)" [sharebee via Miss Info]
- Drew Hudson feat. Jyg - "D.O.A." Live band remake by Jyg (group featuring Joe Budden's producer Dub B aka "White Boy"). Kinda fiya - there might be a mixtape with all remakes like this. [youtube link via Wil at Culture VI]
- Cameron Cloman - "D.O.A." [sharebee via Cam's MySpace]
- Akira The Don - "D.O.A.(Freestyle)" A commentary on the recent election of two members of the racist, anti-immigrant BNP (British National Party) to the European Parliament. [direct mp3 link, rigth click and save as via Akira's website]
- Fuze the MC - "D.O.A. (Death of Autotune) Remix" [Box mp3 | zshare]
- QuESt - "N.I.D.O.A (Now It's Death Of Autotune)" [zshare]
- Derty Den - "D.O.A. (remix)" [zshare]
Labels: Akira the Don, AZ, Jay-Z, Racism
Mos Def Freestyle & Interview on BET '106 & Park'
Dante rockin' over some classic Liquid Swords- era GZA! Mos Def The Ecstatic in stores NOW! Get the digital album on Amazon for $3.99 for ONE DAY only!
Click the 'Mos Def' tag below for more Mos Def posts on The Kitchen.
Labels: Mos Def
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Jay-Z - "D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)" (192 CDQ)
"I might wear black four years straight...."
OK, you already know what it is: "D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)", the first 'street look' from Hov's Blueprint 3 album which is scheduled to drop on 9/11, the anniversary of the original Blueprint album and the attack on the World Trade Center, was just premiered by Funkmaster Flex and Mister Cee on Hot 97. The symbolism of that release date speaks volumes obviously while Hov had the internet going nuts tonight at one point commandeering 5 of the top 10 trending terms on Twitter! But hold on! What about the music? Well check it and you tell me:
Download: Jay-Z - "D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)" [mp3 audio download links: zshare via Rap-Up | yousendit]
My thoughts?
The record is meh to me. I'm getting deja vu from when Flex n them were hyping up "Blue Magic" and "Jockin' Jay-Z." They dropped crazy bombs and rewound both a million times just like they did tonight. Two weeks later nobody cared or was talking about either of those records.
"D.O.A." is just like those tracks. The beat (by Kanye and No ID apparently) is OK - it sounds like a leftover from the American Gangster soundtrack sessions. Lyrically, Hov is on point I guess, but is he still moving the culture like back in The Black Album days when he basically put Stall & Dean out of business by endorsing the wearing of "button-up's" on "What More Can I Say"? Somehow despite his disses, I'm guessing kids are still gonna keep wearing their skinny jeans. After all, no-one wants to be emulating their trying-to-be-cool uncle's fashion sense and Hov is a lot closer to being that than he is the average 16 year old.
It was also telling to note how "Every Girl", the current autotune-powered anthem by Lil Wayne and his Young Money crew including the 'It' rapper du jour, Drake was the record that immediately followed "D.O.A." both times Flex and Cee blasted off on it tonight! I guess autotune ain't quite dead yet! Or maybe Flex and Cee know that, for all their bravado, the jig is up and were unintentionally heeding Itsthereal.com's hilarious tweet: "Good work, Flex. Everyone under the age of 22 has tuned out [from listening to "D.O.A.'] because they haven't heard Drake's voice yet."
And I can't help but feel that Hov already knows the battle is lost too. Check this line from the song: "I might send this to the mixtape Weezy" - is that him subtly acknowledging that Weezy, the autotune Rap King, is the #1 dude in the rap game now? Who knows? I guess it could be interpreted a few different way so I could be off on that one.
So what are the people saying so far? Well there were plenty of 'Hov smashed it, killed a few rapper's careers, is bringing real hip hop back' comments on twitter and Real Talk NY has a poll going that is overwhelmingly cosigning the song, but I was more struck by some of the comments by naysayers I spotted while watching the whole spectacle unfold via everyone's favorite micro-blogging service:
RT @DJWiLLGATES @KILLinemSOFTLY: "Jay-Z fuckin retire please!!!!! (U can't stop doin suttin u love, stop hatin)"
RT @starvingartist1 @MBtheREMIX PSA: "Believing in Jay-Z's power to kill auto-tune is like believing Bruno accidentally dropped on Eminem."
RT @FoxxFiles @TheIntriguing1 @youngsinick "Jay-Z is a 40 yo man who dresses like he's 21. Should I really care what trend he wants dead?"
Although the most telling tweet came from my long-time dude (pause), Combat Jack:
@Combat_Jack "Listening 2 Hot 97, waiting 4 new Hov, 11 yo son playin vid games ordered me to turn music down."
Obviously on some level Hov still matters 'cos I wrote more on this one song than I have for any 10 recent posts combined. But I mostly did that as a countervailing force to all the likely gushing hip hop blog fanboy posts about how Hov is bringing real hip hop back that are being written as we speak. When you cut through all that hype though, CJ's tweet about his son's level of excitement is probably the most true measure of Hov's status in the game in 2009! Come end of the year, I wonder which will have sold more: Blueprint 3 or the first major label release by Drake? Let the debate begin....
(And by the way: he even bit the Death of Autotune concept! Damn....)
Labels: DJ Mr. Cee, Funkmaster Flex, Jay-Z, Kanye West, No ID
Video: Kid Cudi - "Heaven At Nite"
Sh-t, I stayed up listening to the f-ckery of Flex and Mister Cee debuting the new Jay-Z "D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)" single on Hot 97, so why not throw up some more posts?
So is this the follow-up single to "Day N Nite"?? Yes, according to The Fader where I swiped the video for this Ratatat-produced second single from his major label debut.
Surprisingly enough, this has been on YouTube since end of April but seems to have been missed by everyone for some reason?? Not that it's terrible but I think its safe to say, Cudi n crew dropped the ball and lost the momentum they had with "Day N Nite." Now Drake is the 'It' rapper from the XXL Class of 2008 who's probably gonna make it while Cudi toils in the hipster-approved netherworld of MTV2/MTVu, Pitchfork and blogs. I just hope he don't get punched in the face by any broads any time soon! BTW: "Day N Nite," "Heaven at Nite" - WTF??
Friday, June 05, 2009
Video: Young Jews Speak on Barack Obama in Jerusalem (June 3, 2009)
I was gonna wrap it up for the night but I just saw this and had to post it. Granted these kids are drunk but wow! That's the response from young Israel on the eve of the president's impassioned outreach to the Muslim world, something that I would have thought most reasonable people would agree is necessary?? It's pretty scary that the most rational person in the entire video was this guy. My favorite part of the video though was this broad who claimed Obama was a terrorist, not American and a secret Muslim and she knew that 'cos she was a political science major... but she didn't know who Benjamin Netanyahu was! LMAO.... [via MTO]
Online:
Mondoweiss | Max Blumenthal
Labels: Barack Obama, Coon Picnic, Right Wing Nutjobs, The Israeli-Palestine Conflict, US race relations, WTF
New music: Roger Riley & Teddy Troutman - Death of Autotune
Pure comedy! This album, by Roger Riley & Teddy Troutman (!), is a collection of hip hop classics redone with Autotune. Shows you how crazy this recent Autotune trend has gotten in hip hop.
Listen to audio streams from Death of Autotune here. Download the album here. [zip file download via Rappers I Know]
[via It's the Real]
New video: GZ Boyz - "Booty Dew"
I know you hate me right now. And??
Previously:
GS Boyz Live at Guesthouse in NYC TONIGHT!!!!
New music: GS Boyz - "Booty Dew"
Labels: GS Boyz
DJ Chorizo Funk - Chorizo Chunks Vol. 2 (Live Bboy Mix)
Breaks, funk and soul. Young'uns: act like you know and get familiar!
DJ Chorizo Funk - Chorizo Chunks Vol. 2 (Live Bboy Mix): stream | download [direct mp3, right click and save as]
Labels: DJ Chorizo Funk, mixtapes
Video: President Obama's Speech to the Muslim World from Cairo, Egypt
Late pass (again!) For archival purposes. I think the Muslim consensus on this address has been: great speech but lets see how the age-old words vs. deeds dynamic plays out in this case.
Labels: Barack Obama, War on Terror
Watch Michael Moore's new movie, Slacker Uprising for FREE
Above is the trailer. Click here to sign up and download the movie for free (valid in the US and Canada only). Seems a little dated issue-wise but free is always good, right?
Labels: Michael Moore, Movies
More Mos Def in the Streets of Osaka !
So The Ecstatic has also leaked. I haven't check it out yet but the buzz I'm hearing is very good.
Previously:
Current TV Music presents Mos Def "Casa Bey" live in the street of Osaka.
Related:
Aqua Boogie on Mos Def x Malcolm X.
Labels: Mos Def
Move On Up with DJ Anousheh in Toronto June 6
Soul & reggae vibes all night plus a special live appearance by Catl! Click here for more info.
Labels: DJ Anousheh
GS Boyz Live at Guesthouse in NYC TONIGHT!!!!
With Mr. Cee, DJ Boof and DJ Boogie. Everyone FREE 'til 12AM with mandatory RSVP to: ChocolateFridays@EddyShades.com
Labels: DJ Mr. Cee, GS Boyz
Liz Cheney is even crazier than her Dad!
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
It's amazing how much sh-t Obama has said and done that she is 'troubled' by. Plus she even tried to re-connect 9/11 and Iraq after even her nutjob Dad finally admitted there was none. Amazing....
Labels: Dick Cheney, GOP incompetence, Liz Cheney, Republican f-ckery, Right Wing Nutjobs
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Melanie Fiona - "Teach Him " (Unofficial Video)
An unofficial video for a song presumably from the soundtrack to the movie, Obsessed. Posted mainly because Melanie Fiona is the hottest. Song is actually kind of nice too though.
Labels: Melanie Fiona
Ghostface - "Forever"
Late pass...
It's Ghost, sh-t is hot, nuff said!
Ghostface - "Forever" [via OnSmash]
From a forthcoming R&B album (apparently). [via Idolator]
Bonus:
Ghostface Killah feat. AZ & Inspectah Deck - "Harbormasters (Radio edit)" off the Wu-Tang Chamber Music album, available June 30. [mediafire mp3 download link via Clockwork Music]
Labels: AZ, Ghostface, Inspectah Deck
New music and freestyles from Mos Def
Freestyle recorded in the streets of Osaka, Japan. Part of a three-part series leading up to the release of his latest album, The Ecstatic. [via Current TV]
Bonus:
Mos Def feat. Slick Rick - "Auditorium" [zshare stream/download mp3 link via Yeezy too]
Labels: Mos Def, Slick Rick
New video: Kanye West - "Paranoid" (Official Version)
New artist: Priscilla Renea - "Hello My Apple"
This is not my usual thing but homegirl is such a cutie-pie and her music ain't too bad if you like your pop vaguely soulful and acoustic. She comes off like a junior Corinne Bailey Rae. Check it and let me know what you think:
Priscilla Renea - "Hello My Apple" [audio: wma stream | yousendit mp3 download]
Check out more on her website.
Online:
Priscilla Renea: MySpace | YouTube | Buy the Hello My Apple EP on iTunes
[mp3 via Behzad]
Labels: Priscilla Renea
Terry Urban & Gold Coin present the Southerngold mixtape
The mixtape that almost never was. This mash-up mixtape combines acapellas of Southern hip hop classics with instrumentals from Santigold's excellent debut album from last year. The quality of the blends varies from decent to almost-sublime although the T-Pain one ("Can't Say It") is pretty atrocious!
Download it here: Sharebee | Sharebee - alt [via Illroots.com and NahRight.com]
Bonus:
Santigold - "Anne (King Britt Moody Mix)"
Labels: King Britt, Lil Wayne, Santogold
Tanya Morgan to host the Ladies Love the Breaks Autism Fundraiser TONIGHT in Brooklyn
Well Donwill & Von Pea of Tanya Morgan, at least. I might check this out as my girl, Jalylah put me up on it last night via twitter.
Related:
Don't forget, Tanya Morgan's Brooklynati 'concept' album is on sale at itunes right now. Check out the first single from it:
Tanya Morgan - "So Damn Down" [direct mp3, right click and save as]
Online:
Brooklynati.com | Go to the Brooklynati DMV and register for your very own Brooklynati Drivers License!
Labels: charity, Tanya Morgan
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
It's Hammertime!
The Hammertime reality TV show premieres Sunday, June 14 at 10pm ET/PT on A&E. Check out www.watchhammertime.com for more details.
Also download the Mick Boogie Hammertime: Past, Present & Future mixtape here.
MC Hammer is back?!?! I know dude has been a bit of a quiet player in the online/social media wolrd over the past few years but NEVER did I think I'd be saying those words in 2009!
Labels: MC Hammer, Mick Boogie, WTF
New music: GS Boyz - "Booty Dew"
Best hip hop record since OC's "Time's Up." No, seriously! No, not really but you know I f-ck with these novelty dance records...
GS Boyz - "Booty Dew" [mp3 download links: Radio | Instrumental]
The GS Boyz previously on The Kitchen here. Shout to Sledge and Joc....
Labels: GS Boyz
Video: Earl Young on the Sound of Philadelphia (Part 1)
Rough clip from the film, Philly Pop Music, featuring Earl Young (MFSB session drummer, Trammps), Peter Humphreys (Sigma Sound engineer) & Weldon McDougal (producer, songwriter) talking about the development of the legendary Philly Sound. As my boy Duane, who I swiped this from, says, "[Earl Young] was the first to make extensive and distinctive use of the Hi-Hat cymbal throughout the playing time of an R & B record. In other words, he invented the disco 'beat'."
Online:
http://www.PhillyPopMusic.com
Labels: Earl Young, MFSB
Video: Wale feat. Lady Gaga - "Chillin"
Is this a hit?? I mean I've been hearing it a bit on Hot 97 over the past couple months, but are people buzzing about this the same way they are about Drake? BTW: it is comical how interscope continues to flog those Beats By Dre headphones with flagrant product placements in every rap video they shoot.
Kickdrums Full Album
"Wait, didn't you already post this??" you're thinking. Wrong! This post is for the whole debut self-titled album by the DJ/production duo, the Kickdrums.
You can download it here [zshare link] or preview an imeem stream of it and buy the official version via itunes here.
F-ck with these dudes! Sh-t is hot: their blend of indie rock and hip hop kind of sounds like what would happen if Marley Marl produced Radiohead (or something).
Bonus:
I missed this before (or I might have only posted it to my twitter):
Kickdrums "Fading In and Out" x Kid Cudi "Ask About Me" x DJ Class "I'm The Ish" mashup [zshare stream/download mp3 link]
Online:
Kickdrums - MySpace
Devin the Dude x 88 Keys - Smoke Break mixtape
Produced by Small Eyes & CheSingTheCool.com.
Download it here: Sharebee | Zshare | MediaFire
Related:
Shameless Plugs presents Devin the Dude & 88Keys live in ATL on June 5. Click here for details, click here to buy tickets which run $20.
Labels: 88 Keys, Devin the Dude, Small Eyes
Beastie Boys - "So What'cha Want " feat. The Roots Live on Jimmy Fallon
Hot although The Roots made the beat sound too 'tight' and clean. Needs to feel more greasy if you know what I mean. Listen to the original if you're not familiar with it.... [via Illseed]
Labels: Beastie Boys, Jimmy Fallon, The Roots
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Trailer for D-Nice's True Hip-Hop Stories: Greg Nice
Video: Manuok - "Serves You Right"
For you blinkered idiots out there this is not hip hop so if you're not open-minded, move along - there's nothing for you to see here. I featured one of this dude's videos before. I f-cks with him 'cos he reminds me a little of Radiohead.
Labels: Manuok
Cheney: "There was never any evidence... Iraq was involved in 9/11" (video)
See 3:00 mins. from the end of the clip for the moment of truth - finally! How much money has been spent and how many lives have been lost in this absolute f-ckery?? So can the media finally stop paying attention to this total f-cking idiot?? BTW: I love how they're trying to pin all the intelligence f-ckup's on former CIA chief, George Tenet. You sleep with dogs....
[via Huff Post]
Labels: Dick Cheney, George Tenet, GOP incompetence, Iraq war, Republican f-ckery, War on Terror
Tracks from J. Dilla's Jay Stay Paid
From the promo email blast:
"Jay Stay Paid is a 28 track collection of unreleased Dilla beats mixed and arranged by Pete Rock. While mostly instrumental, "J$P" also offers a few guests vocals from artists that Dilla worked with or admired including Black Thought of The Roots, MF DOOM, Havoc of Mobb Deep, M.O.P., Raekwon and more." Check some of those vocal tracks here:
J. Dilla feat. Bun B & Termanology - "Make It Fast"
J. Dilla feat. Havoc & Raekwon - "24K Rap"
J. Dilla feat. Black Thought - "Reality TV"
[all Mediafire mp3 download links via Clockwork Music]
Jay Stay Paid is in stores TODAY so go support some of the final work by this musical legend.
Related:
The second volume of the Dillanthology series, Dillanthology 2: Dilla's Remixes for Various Artists, will be dropping on June 23rd on Rapster Records. Click here for details.
