Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Rap Round Table, Week Ending 3/30/2012
Music Analysis & Reporting:
Every Jay-Z Magazine Cover, Ever by Alvin Aqua Blanco
Street Cinema: 7 Essential Hip-Hop Flicks by The TRU Brain Trust (w/yours truly!)
Murder Of A Teenage Life: Hip Hop's Take On The Slaying of Trayvon Martin by Slava Kuperstein
An Open Letter to Blu by Jaap van der Doelen
What If a Rapper Had a Son Who Was a Fudge Who Tried to Pursue a Career in Music? by Byron Crawford
David Banner and Big K.R.I.T. are Believers by Evan Nabavian
Catch the Vibes by Werner von Wallenrod
Song of the Day: Nas & The Roots - Nasty (Live on Fallon) by Mobb Deen
Swizz Beats, Araabmuzik and A$AP Rocky Take It Forward by Son Raw
Song of the Day: Roc Marciano - Emeralds by Mobb Deen
Big K.R.I.T. Maybe Actually Finally Has This by Tosten Burks
Who the Hell Is Nardwuar? by Sean Fennessey
Cops Get Scared of Homeboy Sandman by Jonah Bromwich
Action Bronson and Party Supplies Team Up by Phillip Mlynar
Classics Revisited: NaS – Illmatic by Aaron McKrell
Kool Keith Retiring from Rap Music, Didn't Retire 10 Years Ago by Byron Crawford
Escobar Season #4 by H.L.
Who Remembers Jibri Wise One? by Werner von Wallenrod
I Miss My Uncle Eric Y'all by Uncle Tre Mane
AZ – “My N*ggas” by Beware
The 18 Best Rapper Movies by J. Pablo
Azealia Banks, Fun Fascist by Jonah Bromwich
Drake: 'Why do you hate me so much?' by Paul Lester
Song of the Day 3/30/12 by Blockhead
The Flatbush Zombies Get Laker Paper by Tosten Burks
H.L.'s 9th Favorite Def Jux Recording by H.L.
To Loop, or Not To Loop Individual Sounds? by Amir Said (Sa'id)
Song of the Day: Willie The Kid - Live From The Ritz (feat. Styles P) by Mobb Deen
BeatTips MusicStudy: DJ Premier and Bumpy Knuckles are "Inspired" to Be Dope by Amir Said (Sa'id)
Juicy J, Moralist, Money Maker by Jeff Weiss
Children Of The Night Wave The New York Flag On Queens... Revisited by Phillip Mlynar
Album Reviews:
Ka - Grief Pedigree by Nate Patrin
Odd Future - OF Tape Vol. 2 by Phillip Mlynar
Chamillionaire - Ammunition by Jake Paine
Georgia Anne Muldrow - Seeds by Nate Patrin
Georgia Anne Muldrow & Madlib - Seeds by Marcus J. Moore
Wiz Khalifa - Taylor Allderdice by Joe Colly
Pep Love (of Hieroglyphics) - Rigmarole by Jesse Fairfax
Quantic & Alice Russell - Look Around the Corner by Erik Stabile
Profiles & Interviews:
Willie The Kid: Exclusive Interview by H.L.
Gunplay Talks "Cartoon & Cereal" Kendrick Lamar Collab, His Escort Service by Amanda Bassa
Danny Brown Talks Potentially Signing To a Major, Says "No One's a Bigger Fan of Danny Brown Than Danny Brown" by Brandon E. Roos
Chamillionaire Says Of His Artist Peers: "I Understand Why They Lie," And Reveals What Really Drove Him To Leave Universal Records by Paul W. Arnold
Answers for Questions Vol. 78 w/Blockhead
Every Jay-Z Magazine Cover, Ever by Alvin Aqua Blanco
Street Cinema: 7 Essential Hip-Hop Flicks by The TRU Brain Trust (w/yours truly!)
Murder Of A Teenage Life: Hip Hop's Take On The Slaying of Trayvon Martin by Slava Kuperstein
An Open Letter to Blu by Jaap van der Doelen
What If a Rapper Had a Son Who Was a Fudge Who Tried to Pursue a Career in Music? by Byron Crawford
David Banner and Big K.R.I.T. are Believers by Evan Nabavian
Catch the Vibes by Werner von Wallenrod
Song of the Day: Nas & The Roots - Nasty (Live on Fallon) by Mobb Deen
Swizz Beats, Araabmuzik and A$AP Rocky Take It Forward by Son Raw
Song of the Day: Roc Marciano - Emeralds by Mobb Deen
Big K.R.I.T. Maybe Actually Finally Has This by Tosten Burks
Who the Hell Is Nardwuar? by Sean Fennessey
Cops Get Scared of Homeboy Sandman by Jonah Bromwich
Action Bronson and Party Supplies Team Up by Phillip Mlynar
Classics Revisited: NaS – Illmatic by Aaron McKrell
Kool Keith Retiring from Rap Music, Didn't Retire 10 Years Ago by Byron Crawford
Escobar Season #4 by H.L.
Who Remembers Jibri Wise One? by Werner von Wallenrod
I Miss My Uncle Eric Y'all by Uncle Tre Mane
AZ – “My N*ggas” by Beware
The 18 Best Rapper Movies by J. Pablo
Azealia Banks, Fun Fascist by Jonah Bromwich
Drake: 'Why do you hate me so much?' by Paul Lester
Song of the Day 3/30/12 by Blockhead
The Flatbush Zombies Get Laker Paper by Tosten Burks
H.L.'s 9th Favorite Def Jux Recording by H.L.
To Loop, or Not To Loop Individual Sounds? by Amir Said (Sa'id)
Song of the Day: Willie The Kid - Live From The Ritz (feat. Styles P) by Mobb Deen
BeatTips MusicStudy: DJ Premier and Bumpy Knuckles are "Inspired" to Be Dope by Amir Said (Sa'id)
Juicy J, Moralist, Money Maker by Jeff Weiss
Children Of The Night Wave The New York Flag On Queens... Revisited by Phillip Mlynar
Album Reviews:
Ka - Grief Pedigree by Nate Patrin
Odd Future - OF Tape Vol. 2 by Phillip Mlynar
Chamillionaire - Ammunition by Jake Paine
Georgia Anne Muldrow - Seeds by Nate Patrin
Georgia Anne Muldrow & Madlib - Seeds by Marcus J. Moore
Wiz Khalifa - Taylor Allderdice by Joe Colly
Pep Love (of Hieroglyphics) - Rigmarole by Jesse Fairfax
Quantic & Alice Russell - Look Around the Corner by Erik Stabile
Profiles & Interviews:
Willie The Kid: Exclusive Interview by H.L.
Gunplay Talks "Cartoon & Cereal" Kendrick Lamar Collab, His Escort Service by Amanda Bassa
Danny Brown Talks Potentially Signing To a Major, Says "No One's a Bigger Fan of Danny Brown Than Danny Brown" by Brandon E. Roos
Chamillionaire Says Of His Artist Peers: "I Understand Why They Lie," And Reveals What Really Drove Him To Leave Universal Records by Paul W. Arnold
Answers for Questions Vol. 78 w/Blockhead
Feedback...
I'm working on my Best of Quarter 1 mix. I need your opinion on how I proceed with putting out this compilation, and here's why: Mediafire, apparently the preferred file host, won't let me upload files greater than 200 MB. (I miss you, Filesonic!) There are three ways of working around this minor setback:
1) Keep the Q1 mix down to 30 or so tracks to stay below the 200 MB limit.
2) Use Rapidshare, which allows up to 500 MB.
3) Go over the 200 MB limit and upload the files as .RAR archives, meaning you'll need WinRAR to decompress the multiple parts. Kind of a pain in the a$$, in my opinion.
Lemme know what you preferring by mentioning 1, 2, or 3 in the comments section below... unless you've got an option I hadn't already considered. Also: Lemme know what some of your favorite tracks are from the past three months. I've got a pretty solid working list right now, but my memory's far from perfect. Thanks!
1) Keep the Q1 mix down to 30 or so tracks to stay below the 200 MB limit.
2) Use Rapidshare, which allows up to 500 MB.
3) Go over the 200 MB limit and upload the files as .RAR archives, meaning you'll need WinRAR to decompress the multiple parts. Kind of a pain in the a$$, in my opinion.
Lemme know what you preferring by mentioning 1, 2, or 3 in the comments section below... unless you've got an option I hadn't already considered. Also: Lemme know what some of your favorite tracks are from the past three months. I've got a pretty solid working list right now, but my memory's far from perfect. Thanks!
Zilla Rocca - "Devil's Pie" | Insomniacs Club
Here's an appropriate entry in the Insomniacs Club saga: noir hop pioneer Zilla Rocca's funky reinterpretation of D'Angelo's classic "Devil's Pie", produced by Small Professor. The track is featured on ZR's Nights & Weekends EP which I (purchased and) recommend.
Nas' Promo Photo for 'Life is Good'...
...suggests a strong 2Pac influence on the album. Can I pre-order this thing already or what?
"Me and 2Pac were soldiers of the same struggle..."
Bonus:
As promised, here's Peter Rosenberg's Noisemakers interview with The Nasty One...
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Welcome Back, Fish
They played this video tonight at Staples right before tip-off, in honor of Derek Fisher's return to the City of Angels. I damn-near shed a tear... Damn! "Get up I get... Get up I get..."
"This is my basement!"
Is this what it's come to, hip hop? Oh, who am I kidding, this is hilarious. This guy's like some sort of Soulja Boy/Eminem hybrid. "Me, I make money. You can hate but you can never take from me." Pardon me, I had to laugh at that... © Hov
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
And the winner by unanimous decision, in four verses...
Nasir Jones! It wouldn't have taken much for Nas to lyrically outshine Nicki, Drake and Jeezy, and he knew it. But he brought a knife to the fist fight to murder the track anyways. I may be a Stan, but speaking as objectively as possible, I'm really pleased with Nas' focus and demeanor right about now. He's been bodying these recent feature tracks with the precision of a cold-blooded assassin. Indeed, life is good.
TUMBLR: Nicki Minaj - "Champion" (feat. Drake, Nas & Young Jeezy)
PREVIOUSLY: Rick Ross - "Triple Beam Dreams" (feat. Nas)
P.S. Since 2010, The Tape Deck has featured exactly 30 of DJ Smu's mighty Smu Mixes to date. Add this one to the collection.
TUMBLR: Nicki Minaj - "Champion" (feat. Drake, Nas & Young Jeezy)
PREVIOUSLY: Rick Ross - "Triple Beam Dreams" (feat. Nas)
P.S. Since 2010, The Tape Deck has featured exactly 30 of DJ Smu's mighty Smu Mixes to date. Add this one to the collection.
Danny the Uncanny
It takes a certain kind of individual to tap into the id, the dark, pleasure-driven recesses of the mind, and dig up its contents with apparent ease, transmitting clusters of tripped-the-f*ck-out schema over the microphone like he's attending an acid-laced therapy session in a recording studio with padded walls. Danny Brown's that kind of guy. He's ODB on crack. (Wait, that sounded redundant, didn't it?) Maybe it's just the way I perceive his artistic approach, but there seems to be something so harmonious in the chaos that is Danny Brown. He's certainly one of the top emcees I check for these days, and there's no sign of him slowing down either. Here's a sampling of his recent contributions to society:
TUMBLR: Danny Brown - "Grown Up"
TUMBLR: A-Trak - "Piss Test" (feat. Juicy J & Danny Brown)
TUMBLR: Catch Lungs - "Gotta Kill This" (feat. Donny Goines & Danny Brown)
P.S. Nardwuar recently interviewed Danny Brown. Watch that here. Then watch this:
P.P.S. The best part is when he laughs.
P.P.P.S. Yes, this post's title is kinda/sorta based on an essay by Sigmund Freud. Relevant(?)!
TUMBLR: Danny Brown - "Grown Up"
TUMBLR: A-Trak - "Piss Test" (feat. Juicy J & Danny Brown)
TUMBLR: Catch Lungs - "Gotta Kill This" (feat. Donny Goines & Danny Brown)
P.S. Nardwuar recently interviewed Danny Brown. Watch that here. Then watch this:
P.P.S. The best part is when he laughs.
P.P.P.S. Yes, this post's title is kinda/sorta based on an essay by Sigmund Freud. Relevant(?)!
Peter Rosenberg's Noisemakers with Nas (Trailer)
PR's unleashing the interview tomorrow (March 29th). I can't wait to see this, how about you? Question: Is Nas constantly high and/or drunk, or just for interviews? Exhibit B:
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
Rap Round Table, Week(/Month?!) Ending 3/23/2012
I had some, uh, catching up to do...
Music Analysis & Reporting:
The Passion of the Weiss Hottest Rappers List by Jeff Weiss & Co.
The Passion of the Weiss “Hottest” Rappers List (No, Really) by Jeff Weiss & Co.
The Top 10 Hip-Hop Sneakers of All-Time by Dallas Penn
Freshman Orientation, 2012 by Noz
Case of the Missing Sample Pt. 2: Who Wore It Best? by Nahshon
A Story to Tell: Biggie Smalls and Narrative – “I Got a Story to Tell” by Abe Beame
The 100 Best Nas Songs by Gabriel Alvarez
Can’t Be Faded: 40 Forgotten Nate Dogg Features by Beware
A DIY Hip Hop Guide to Touring Europe by PremRock
Hip-Hop Saved My Life (An Essay) by Aaron McKrell
An Indeterminate Amount of Incredible Rap Songs You Need To Hear.....Right Now (Part 1) by HL & Co.
An Indeterminate Amount of Incredible Rap Songs You Need To Hear.....Right Now (Part 2) by HL & Co.
An Indeterminate Amount of Incredible Rap Songs You Need To Hear.....Right Now (Part 3) by HL & Co.
An Indeterminate Amount of Incredible Rap Songs You Need To Hear.....Right Now (Part 4) by HL & Co.
If B.I.G. Was Still Alive: A Roundtable Discussion by TRU La Familia
Big K.R.I.T.’s Trill-OG(Y): 4evaNaDay by Jonah Bromwich
The iPod Shuffle: Zion I’s “Bird’s Eye View” by Beware
The Ugly Beauty of Action Bronson by Jonah Bromwich
Delayed Reaction to MTV's "Hottest MCs VII" List by Max
Delayed Reaction to XXL's "Freshmen Class of 2012" by Max
Killer Mike - Echoplex - 2/21/12 by Ben Westhoff
In Defense of: Chip Tha Ripper by Jimmy Ness
The Profile Records Rap Anthology by Werner von Wallenrod
Toppa Top 10: Biggie’s 10 Best Jamaican References by Jesse Serwer
The Passion of the Weiss Winter Mixtape: 2012 by Jeff Weiss & Co.
Necro: Rabbi Holding Guns by HL
5 Brief Moments With Ice Cubes by Tony Grands
Think Outside the Box for Custom Snare Sounds by Amir Said (Sa'id)
Boom Bap Can't Die; It's in the DNA by Amir Said (Sa'id)
How Much Nicki Minaj Is Talent vs Barbie'd Blinking Gimmick? by David Dennis, Jr.
Can Danger Mouse Make Norah Jones Cool? by Chris Barton
Hodgy Beats On: The Untitled EP by Tosten Burks
Classics Revisited: Outkast – Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik by Aaron McKrell
Versatility Is Cool, as Long as It's Within Your Own Style and Sound by Amir Said (Sa'id)
J. Cole - "Grew Up Fast" by Henry Adaso
Lil B: Straps On Deck by HL
Disco Rick Departs On a Happy Note by Werner von Wallenrod
Classics Revisited: Scarface – The Diary by Aaron McKrell
Rapper B-Real, medical marijuana advocates rally at L.A. City Hall by Nate Jackson
Review: Sleigh Bells bring 'Treats,' 'Reign of Terror' to Mayan by Mikael Wood
André 3000: Sorry, No New OutKast Music in the Works by Gerrick D. Kennedy
Want to Buy a Rap CD on Venice Beach? You Sure? by Jeff Weiss
Meet Rap’s Newest Supergroup: M.A.R.S. by Jaap van der Doelen
Nas: Stantravaganza by HL
Nas – The Don by Son Raw
Remembering the Notorious B.I.G., 15 years later by Gerrick D. Kennedy
Creating Your Own Moods/Sounds Chart by Amir Said (Sa'id)
Song of the Day: Wiz Khalifa - The Code (feat. Juicy J, Lola Monroe & Chevy Woods) by Mobb Deen
Father - MC = 69 by Werner von Wallenrod
Classics Revisited: Common – Resurrection by Aaron McKrell
Action Bronson: Pouches of Tuna by HL
Grim Reaper Rap by Tony Grands
Lyrics of Fury: Big K.R.I.T. – Red Eye by Jaap van der Doelen
That's It, Hater by Werner von Wallenrod
Song(s) of the Day 3/2/12 by Blockhead
Blu: Call My Nigga by HL
Charles Hamilton is Really Mad at J. Cole by Henry Adaso
The Forgotten Special Ed Record by Werner von Wallenrod
Blu and Sene Break Glass by Jonah Bromwich
Promote the Promotion! by Kosha Dillz
10 Rappers Most Influenced by Biggie by Genetta M. Adams
Allah Got a Shotgun! by Werner von Wallenrod
Classics Revisited: The Notorious B.I.G. – Ready To Die by Aaron McKrell
Everything is Purrple and Pink by Jeff Weiss
Go Mad With Madtoons by Werner von Wallenrod
Song of the Day: SpaceGhostPurrp - Filthy & Fucking Trill… by Mobb Deen
Neptunes Never Really Die by Evan Nabavian
Jay Electronica: My World by HL
You Say No to Drugs, Juicy J Can’t by Jeff Weiss
Nas: The Don by HL
Deeper Than Rap: 40 Heartfelt Hip-Hop Songs by Beware
The Making of WZRD by Joe La Puma
Was The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hustler’s Prayer” Answered? by Justin Tinsley
Complex Classics: A Look Back At Eminem’s "The Slim Shady LP" by Insanul Ahmed
Art Excavated From Battle Station Earth by Randy Kennedy
Flavor Flav Will Take Your Order Now by Lorraine Ali
5 (More) Elements of Hip Hop by Tony Grands
Cassette Tapes Are Back; Ask Your Mom to Mail Your Old Jambox by Rebecca Kirkman
You Never Go Full Retard: New El Producto by Jeff Weiss
A Bunch of Little Things… by Blockhead
Who Is Cadillac Dee? by Werner von Wallenrod
Question Of The Day: Which Biggie Song Do You Know Every Single Word Of? by John Gotty
Reactions to the “Otis” Beat Demonstrate Hyper Scrutiny by Amir Said (Sa'id)
Too $hort Apologizes for XXL Video, Says, 'My Eyes Are Opening' by Margaret Wappler
Different Methods for Adding Bottom to Kick Drums by Amir Said (Sa'id)
Freddie Gibbs Can’t Have Fun if the Homies Can’t Have None by Jeff Weiss
Seven Ghostface Killah Songs Showing His Softer Side by Reed Fischer
10th Favorite Def Jux Recording by HL
The Closing Of Megaupload & The Industry's Conflicted View Of Digital Distribution Services by Alex Thornton
From Run-DMC to U2, the durability of the Monkees & Davy Jones by Todd Martens
Album Reviews:
Big K.R.I.T. - 4Eva N a Day by Jayson Greene
Big K.R.I.T. - 4Eva N a Day by Edwin Ortiz
Action Bronson - Blue Chips by Jeff Weiss
Action Bronson - Blue Chips by Alex Thornton
Curren$y & Styles P – #The1st28 by Jaap van der Doelen
The Alchemist - Rapper's Best Friend 2 by Slava Kuperstein
Planet Asia - Black Belt Theatre by Ericka Simone
Ski Beatz - 24 Hour Karate School Presents Twilight by Max
Sleigh Bells - Reign of Terror by Matthew Perpetua
Sleigh Bells - Reign of Terror by Randall Roberts
Hodgy Beats - Untitled EP by Jordan Sargent
Shlohmo - Vacation by Erik Stabile
DJ FOOD - The Search Engine by Will Cleveland
Fatal Lucciauno - Respect by Chul Gugich
SpaceGhostPurrp - God of Black, Vol. 1 by Patrick Masterson
Lee Bannon – Fantastic Plastic by Francisco McCurry
Jim Jarmusch & Jozef Van Wissem - Concerning the Entrance Into Eternity by Marc Masters
Shigeto - Lineage by Graham Major
Karen Dalton - 1966 by Lindsay Zoladz
Estelle - All of Me by Joe Colly
Busdriver - Beaus$Eros by Fred Castano
Serengeti - Kenny Dennis EP by Fred Castano
Chairlift - Something by Briand Hodge
Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All - The OF Tape Vol. 2 by Jordan Sargent
WZRD - WZRD by Brandon Rae
Tyga - Careless World: Rise of the Last King by Joe Colly
Gunplay - Bogota Rich: The Prequel by Jayson Greene
Madlib - Medicine Show #13: Black Tape by Nate Patrin
Lil B - God's Father by Jayson Greene
Grynch - Perspective by Chul Gugich
Cam'ron, Vado & McKenzie Eddy - Blu Tops EP by Jayson Greene
Esperanza Spalding - Radio Music Society by Chris Barton
Robert Glasper Experiment - Black Radio by Will Cleveland
Profiles & Interviews:
Question in the Form of an Answer: Ka by Alex Piyevski
Question in the Form of An Answer: Black Milk by Alex Koenig
Reconnecting With Humanity: An Interview With Brother Ali by Jacob Greene
TSS Presents Smoking Sessions With Mobb Deep by Raj
Easy Mo Bee’s 10 Favorite Sample Flips by Ego Trip
J-Zone’s 10 Favorite Sample Flips by Ego Trip
Answers for Questions Vol. 73 w/Blockhead
Answers for Questions Vol. 74 w/Blockhead
Answers for Questions Vol. 75 w/Blockhead
Answers for Questions Vol. 76 w/Blockhead
Answers for Questions Vol. 77 w/Blockhead
DJ Format’s 10 Favorite Sample Flips by Ego Trip
Pharoahe Monch Talks Upcoming Album by John Healey
Chamillionaire Says Of His Artist Peers: "I Understand Why They Lie," And Reveals What Really Drove Him To Leave Universal Records by Paul W. Arnold
The GQ&A: Andre 3000 by Mark Anthony Green
Interview: Young Guru Talks About Working With Jay-Z by Insanul Ahmed
TSS Presents Smoking Sessions With Don Trip by Beware
Obie Trice Speaks On Leaving Shady Records In 2008, Eminem & Dr. Dre's Role On "Bottoms Up" by Paul Meara
Question in the Form of An Answer: Boldy James by Jimmy Ness
Papoose Discusses The Release Of "Nacirema Dream," Illuminati Symbols In The Media by The Company Man
The Passion of the Weiss Hottest Rappers List by Jeff Weiss & Co.
The Passion of the Weiss “Hottest” Rappers List (No, Really) by Jeff Weiss & Co.
The Top 10 Hip-Hop Sneakers of All-Time by Dallas Penn
Freshman Orientation, 2012 by Noz
Case of the Missing Sample Pt. 2: Who Wore It Best? by Nahshon
A Story to Tell: Biggie Smalls and Narrative – “I Got a Story to Tell” by Abe Beame
The 100 Best Nas Songs by Gabriel Alvarez
Can’t Be Faded: 40 Forgotten Nate Dogg Features by Beware
A DIY Hip Hop Guide to Touring Europe by PremRock
Hip-Hop Saved My Life (An Essay) by Aaron McKrell
An Indeterminate Amount of Incredible Rap Songs You Need To Hear.....Right Now (Part 1) by HL & Co.
An Indeterminate Amount of Incredible Rap Songs You Need To Hear.....Right Now (Part 2) by HL & Co.
An Indeterminate Amount of Incredible Rap Songs You Need To Hear.....Right Now (Part 3) by HL & Co.
An Indeterminate Amount of Incredible Rap Songs You Need To Hear.....Right Now (Part 4) by HL & Co.
If B.I.G. Was Still Alive: A Roundtable Discussion by TRU La Familia
Big K.R.I.T.’s Trill-OG(Y): 4evaNaDay by Jonah Bromwich
The iPod Shuffle: Zion I’s “Bird’s Eye View” by Beware
The Ugly Beauty of Action Bronson by Jonah Bromwich
Delayed Reaction to MTV's "Hottest MCs VII" List by Max
Delayed Reaction to XXL's "Freshmen Class of 2012" by Max
Killer Mike - Echoplex - 2/21/12 by Ben Westhoff
In Defense of: Chip Tha Ripper by Jimmy Ness
The Profile Records Rap Anthology by Werner von Wallenrod
Toppa Top 10: Biggie’s 10 Best Jamaican References by Jesse Serwer
The Passion of the Weiss Winter Mixtape: 2012 by Jeff Weiss & Co.
Necro: Rabbi Holding Guns by HL
5 Brief Moments With Ice Cubes by Tony Grands
Think Outside the Box for Custom Snare Sounds by Amir Said (Sa'id)
Boom Bap Can't Die; It's in the DNA by Amir Said (Sa'id)
How Much Nicki Minaj Is Talent vs Barbie'd Blinking Gimmick? by David Dennis, Jr.
Can Danger Mouse Make Norah Jones Cool? by Chris Barton
Hodgy Beats On: The Untitled EP by Tosten Burks
Classics Revisited: Outkast – Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik by Aaron McKrell
Versatility Is Cool, as Long as It's Within Your Own Style and Sound by Amir Said (Sa'id)
J. Cole - "Grew Up Fast" by Henry Adaso
Lil B: Straps On Deck by HL
Disco Rick Departs On a Happy Note by Werner von Wallenrod
Classics Revisited: Scarface – The Diary by Aaron McKrell
Rapper B-Real, medical marijuana advocates rally at L.A. City Hall by Nate Jackson
Review: Sleigh Bells bring 'Treats,' 'Reign of Terror' to Mayan by Mikael Wood
André 3000: Sorry, No New OutKast Music in the Works by Gerrick D. Kennedy
Want to Buy a Rap CD on Venice Beach? You Sure? by Jeff Weiss
Meet Rap’s Newest Supergroup: M.A.R.S. by Jaap van der Doelen
Nas: Stantravaganza by HL
Nas – The Don by Son Raw
Remembering the Notorious B.I.G., 15 years later by Gerrick D. Kennedy
Creating Your Own Moods/Sounds Chart by Amir Said (Sa'id)
Song of the Day: Wiz Khalifa - The Code (feat. Juicy J, Lola Monroe & Chevy Woods) by Mobb Deen
Father - MC = 69 by Werner von Wallenrod
Classics Revisited: Common – Resurrection by Aaron McKrell
Action Bronson: Pouches of Tuna by HL
Grim Reaper Rap by Tony Grands
Lyrics of Fury: Big K.R.I.T. – Red Eye by Jaap van der Doelen
That's It, Hater by Werner von Wallenrod
Song(s) of the Day 3/2/12 by Blockhead
Blu: Call My Nigga by HL
Charles Hamilton is Really Mad at J. Cole by Henry Adaso
The Forgotten Special Ed Record by Werner von Wallenrod
Blu and Sene Break Glass by Jonah Bromwich
Promote the Promotion! by Kosha Dillz
10 Rappers Most Influenced by Biggie by Genetta M. Adams
Allah Got a Shotgun! by Werner von Wallenrod
Classics Revisited: The Notorious B.I.G. – Ready To Die by Aaron McKrell
Everything is Purrple and Pink by Jeff Weiss
Go Mad With Madtoons by Werner von Wallenrod
Song of the Day: SpaceGhostPurrp - Filthy & Fucking Trill… by Mobb Deen
Neptunes Never Really Die by Evan Nabavian
Jay Electronica: My World by HL
You Say No to Drugs, Juicy J Can’t by Jeff Weiss
Nas: The Don by HL
Deeper Than Rap: 40 Heartfelt Hip-Hop Songs by Beware
The Making of WZRD by Joe La Puma
Was The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Hustler’s Prayer” Answered? by Justin Tinsley
Complex Classics: A Look Back At Eminem’s "The Slim Shady LP" by Insanul Ahmed
Art Excavated From Battle Station Earth by Randy Kennedy
Flavor Flav Will Take Your Order Now by Lorraine Ali
5 (More) Elements of Hip Hop by Tony Grands
Cassette Tapes Are Back; Ask Your Mom to Mail Your Old Jambox by Rebecca Kirkman
You Never Go Full Retard: New El Producto by Jeff Weiss
A Bunch of Little Things… by Blockhead
Who Is Cadillac Dee? by Werner von Wallenrod
Question Of The Day: Which Biggie Song Do You Know Every Single Word Of? by John Gotty
Reactions to the “Otis” Beat Demonstrate Hyper Scrutiny by Amir Said (Sa'id)
Too $hort Apologizes for XXL Video, Says, 'My Eyes Are Opening' by Margaret Wappler
Different Methods for Adding Bottom to Kick Drums by Amir Said (Sa'id)
Freddie Gibbs Can’t Have Fun if the Homies Can’t Have None by Jeff Weiss
Seven Ghostface Killah Songs Showing His Softer Side by Reed Fischer
10th Favorite Def Jux Recording by HL
The Closing Of Megaupload & The Industry's Conflicted View Of Digital Distribution Services by Alex Thornton
From Run-DMC to U2, the durability of the Monkees & Davy Jones by Todd Martens
Album Reviews:
Big K.R.I.T. - 4Eva N a Day by Jayson Greene
Big K.R.I.T. - 4Eva N a Day by Edwin Ortiz
Action Bronson - Blue Chips by Jeff Weiss
Action Bronson - Blue Chips by Alex Thornton
Curren$y & Styles P – #The1st28 by Jaap van der Doelen
The Alchemist - Rapper's Best Friend 2 by Slava Kuperstein
Planet Asia - Black Belt Theatre by Ericka Simone
Ski Beatz - 24 Hour Karate School Presents Twilight by Max
Sleigh Bells - Reign of Terror by Matthew Perpetua
Sleigh Bells - Reign of Terror by Randall Roberts
Hodgy Beats - Untitled EP by Jordan Sargent
Shlohmo - Vacation by Erik Stabile
DJ FOOD - The Search Engine by Will Cleveland
Fatal Lucciauno - Respect by Chul Gugich
SpaceGhostPurrp - God of Black, Vol. 1 by Patrick Masterson
Lee Bannon – Fantastic Plastic by Francisco McCurry
Jim Jarmusch & Jozef Van Wissem - Concerning the Entrance Into Eternity by Marc Masters
Shigeto - Lineage by Graham Major
Karen Dalton - 1966 by Lindsay Zoladz
Estelle - All of Me by Joe Colly
Busdriver - Beaus$Eros by Fred Castano
Serengeti - Kenny Dennis EP by Fred Castano
Chairlift - Something by Briand Hodge
Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All - The OF Tape Vol. 2 by Jordan Sargent
WZRD - WZRD by Brandon Rae
Tyga - Careless World: Rise of the Last King by Joe Colly
Gunplay - Bogota Rich: The Prequel by Jayson Greene
Madlib - Medicine Show #13: Black Tape by Nate Patrin
Lil B - God's Father by Jayson Greene
Grynch - Perspective by Chul Gugich
Cam'ron, Vado & McKenzie Eddy - Blu Tops EP by Jayson Greene
Esperanza Spalding - Radio Music Society by Chris Barton
Robert Glasper Experiment - Black Radio by Will Cleveland
Profiles & Interviews:
Question in the Form of an Answer: Ka by Alex Piyevski
Question in the Form of An Answer: Black Milk by Alex Koenig
Reconnecting With Humanity: An Interview With Brother Ali by Jacob Greene
TSS Presents Smoking Sessions With Mobb Deep by Raj
Easy Mo Bee’s 10 Favorite Sample Flips by Ego Trip
J-Zone’s 10 Favorite Sample Flips by Ego Trip
Answers for Questions Vol. 73 w/Blockhead
Answers for Questions Vol. 74 w/Blockhead
Answers for Questions Vol. 75 w/Blockhead
Answers for Questions Vol. 76 w/Blockhead
Answers for Questions Vol. 77 w/Blockhead
DJ Format’s 10 Favorite Sample Flips by Ego Trip
Pharoahe Monch Talks Upcoming Album by John Healey
Chamillionaire Says Of His Artist Peers: "I Understand Why They Lie," And Reveals What Really Drove Him To Leave Universal Records by Paul W. Arnold
The GQ&A: Andre 3000 by Mark Anthony Green
Interview: Young Guru Talks About Working With Jay-Z by Insanul Ahmed
TSS Presents Smoking Sessions With Don Trip by Beware
Obie Trice Speaks On Leaving Shady Records In 2008, Eminem & Dr. Dre's Role On "Bottoms Up" by Paul Meara
Question in the Form of An Answer: Boldy James by Jimmy Ness
Papoose Discusses The Release Of "Nacirema Dream," Illuminati Symbols In The Media by The Company Man
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Remember the Times...
When I started Hip Hop Is Read back in 2007, this was one of the first sports-related posts I published. We've come full circle since then, adding two additional trophies to the collection. We'll miss you in L.A., Fish. You too, Luke.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Happy 90th Birthday, Jack Kerouac!
"I saw that my life was a vast glowing empty page and I could do anything I wanted."
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Justin Bua's The Legends of Hip Hop
The Legends of Hip Hop
by Justin Bua
Harper Design, 2011
Immortalizing hip hop icons on canvas and paper, Justin Bua is an innovator himself, specializing in urban/fine art. He's designed everything from album covers to skateboards, capturing and reinterpreting the essence of hip hop culture. The Legends of Hip Hop, Bua's latest book release - a follow-up to 2009's The Beat of Urban Art - is a masterful collection of his hip hop portraits and prints. It might just be THE definitive hip hop coffee table book (sorry, Jay). From cover to cover, The Legends of Hip Hop is a highly-saturated collection of the best hip hop has to offer. Justin Bua presents an assortment of paintings and drawings of fifty individuals, artists and groups. Beginning with Muhammad Ali, James Brown and Michael Jackson, Bua works his way up to legends like Melle Mel, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Public Enemy, Guru, Nas, Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z and Eminem, finally capping things off with President Barack Obama, arguably a product of the multicultural progression of hip hop influence. The inclusion of both paintings and drawings offers a very nice balance of fine art and sketches, not to mention the well-written mini-essays and quotations on each individual's influence(s) on culture and Bua himself. The Legends of Hip Hop is a blast from the past, often times teaching the reader a thing or two about the history of hip hop: Lesser known contributors to the culture like Futura 2000, Mr. Wiggles and Crazy Legs are included in the narrative, given equal exposure as more prominently recognized greats like Slick Rick, KRS-One and Dr. Dre, amongst many others.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Blockhead - Interludes After Midnight [Album Cover]
Blockhead just unveiled the cover to his upcoming album Interludes After Midnight, his latest solo release since 2009's The Music Scene. I'll definitely be looking out for this one (and you should too). Head over to Blockhead's blog to get a feel for the styles and themes he's touching on with Interludes After Midnight, prepped to drop in April...ish.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Step It Up and Stop Playing
Soon after reaching 400,000 followers on Twitter, Bun B (a.k.a. @BunBTrillOG) unleashed this monster on the internets. This is the type of song I can imagine listening to while flipping through teams on NBA2K13. (Yeah, I was listening to it during today's Lakers/Heat game too). Word on the tweets is Bun B's getting ready to drop yet another entry to his Trill catalog. Frankly, I think Trill OG was the perfect bookend to the series, earning 5 Mics in The Source and all. Besides, who prefers a quadrilogy over a trilogy? But hey, if he can drop an album full of tracks like this, Bun can do whatever he likes. He can even name the album Trillmatic if he pleases.
What I really like about "Stop Playin'" is the roster: three grizzled veterans in the game who've seen it all and done it all and yet, for whatever reason, often fail to earn the respect they've long deserved. Hearing them go apesh*t with vigor and hunger over a energetic beat like this (produced by Mr. Inkredible) is just what the game needs right now. #TTD201214
What I really like about "Stop Playin'" is the roster: three grizzled veterans in the game who've seen it all and done it all and yet, for whatever reason, often fail to earn the respect they've long deserved. Hearing them go apesh*t with vigor and hunger over a energetic beat like this (produced by Mr. Inkredible) is just what the game needs right now. #TTD201214
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Give Funk Doc the Drummer Some...
I'll bet you there's some legendary emcees out there who know how to play bass or piano; maybe some who play a horn (sax, clarinet, trumpet...); who could get together and form a jazz quintet. That'd be f*cking amazing...
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