10/11/2008
10/09/2008
Black Milk Instrumentals - Music From The Color Purple
Detroit producer, BLACK MILK, drops an 11 track instrumental beat tape as a lead in to his upcoming release "TRONIC". Produced entirely by Black Milk and featuring only three guest verses on the entire album (from Pharoahe Monch, Royce Da 5'9", and Sean Price), TRONIC shows Black Milk flexing his solo production and emcee skills through tracks that are more expressive and daring than his previous works. The album is a departure from the soul-sample driven sounds of 2007's Popular Demand, as Black employs more live instrumentation, embraces the use of both vintage and modern synthesizers, and explores more orchestral song structure. Without abandoning his trademark Detroit hip-hop sound, he shows growth as an artist while clearly attempting to raise the bar as a pioneer of future hip-hop music. The album also features a short list of diverse players and vocalists including Dwele, rising YouTube star and new Universal Motown signee Colin Munroe, and the legendary DJ Premier who each add their signature creative nuances and textures to Black Milk's sound. The album drops October 28th. You can download MUSIC FROM THE COLOR PURPLE HERE
VIDEO: Hip Hop From New Zealand- SCRIBE - Say It Again ft. Tyra Hammond
Scribe & Tyra Hammond "Say It Again" Produced by Fire & Ice from the Scribe album "Rhymebook" 2007 Dirty Records. Beth The Superfan put me on to this and its pretty tight! The production is fire and Scribe has sick flow. Check him out on myspace. Scribe has a verse on a remix to Wyclef Jean's "Fast Car" also featuring Lupe Fiasco. Big moves Scribe!
Major Hip Hop Conference & Celebration at Cornell University: Acquisition of 2000+ piece BORN in the BRONX Archives
October 31 - November 1, 2008: Cornell University, Ithica NY
Born in the Bronx: A Celebration of Hip Hop
Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Caz, Joe Conzo Jr., GrandWizzard Theodore, Tony Tone, Disco Wiz, Charlie Ahearn, Kool Lady Blue, Popmaster Fabel, J.Rocc, Johan Kugelberg, Tricia Rose, Jeff Chang and Mark Anthony Neal will travel to Ithaca, N.Y., to speak at a two-day conference celebrating Cornell University Library's acquisition of "Born in the Bronx: The Legacy and Evolution of Hip Hop," a collection that documents the early days of Hip Hop with recordings, photographs, posters and more.
Events on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 will include music, performances and lectures by several Hip Hop pioneers and legends and roundtable discussions led by prominent speakers from the Hip Hop and academic communities. Cornell University Library will host the event, which will highlight the one-of-a-kind historical materials.
The conference and celebration marks the official opening of Cornell University Library's one-of-a-kind collection documenting the early days of Hip Hop, featuring nearly 1,000 sound recordings, the photographic archive of Bronx photographer Joe Conzo, Jr. and a collection of more than 500 original party fliers designed by Buddy Esquire.
Registration is free but space is limited.
Register today at http://rmc.library.cornell.edu/hiphop.
Schedule: http://rmc.library.cornell.edu/hiphop/conference_sched.html
VIDEO: Mocean Worker- "THAT ONE" (Is Going To Be My President)
Electronic musician MOCEAN WORKER has produced a song and video a few hours(!) after the debate between Senators Barack Obama and John McCain. "THAT ONE (Is Going To Be My President)" was made in response to Senator John McCain referring to Senator Barack Obama as "that one" while explaining how Barack voted on an issue in the U.S. Senate. Mocean, obviously peeved, created a funny and tongue in cheek response. Hey if you are going to refer to Obama as "that one", you're right- "THAT ONE" IS GOING TO BE OUR PRESIDENT!
10/08/2008
Raphael Saadiq's New CD and For The Love Of Tony Toni Tone
If you haven't picked this up don't miss out on another great CD, "THE WAY I SEE IT", from one of the founding members of Tony Toni Tone- Raphael Saadiq. Its a concept album that reflects the music of the 60's Motown and Stax era. Raphael Saadiq flawlessly brings the vibes and soulful instrumentation that he is known for. I am not a major R&B fan when it comes to many of the current crop of artists but I never miss a Saadiq album..
On topic of Raphael Saadiq, DREA reminisces on his original group TONY TONI TONE and the impact of their music-
I decided to show love to a group that I truly enjoyed listening to during my late teens/early 20's and even to this day. Well, I consider them to be more of a band than a group. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Tony Toni Tone. Tony Toni Tone first appeared in 1988 with their debut album entitled "Who". The proved themselves to be different from all the other groups that were out at that time. They presented themselves in a sleek suave style. You could tell early on that these gentlemen played from the heart. What was interesting and also refreshing during that era was they played musical instruments, wrote and composed their own music, danced, and of course sing (can't decide between sing or sang). When you hear their music, you don't get the "in the studio" type of feel. It's as if your neighbor's kids were in their garage just jamming and having fun. Staying true to who they were, they returned in 1990 with their second album "The Revival", a third album in 1993 with "Sons Of Soul", and finally in 1996 "House Of Music". Each has proven themselves as producers along with being able to create music as solo artists and performing with others but my focus is on the original group itself.
With Tony Toni Tone's music, you hear pure soul music. Gospel, Blues, Funk, a dash of Rock & Roll, and of course R&B. Whenever they released a single, you were guaranteed to hear a song that sounded so familiar to you. Then it would hit you that the melody was one you heard when you went to church with your mom or your grandmother. "Little Walter", "Feels Good", and "House Party II (I Don't Know What You Come To Do)" are the ones I'm speaking about. I know I'm missing another one but you get my point. Their music didn't sound like anyone else who happened to be popular at the time. They made it a point to create their own style of music and fashion. They weren't just another manufactured group. Tony Toni Tone took a huge chance by being themselves from the start and it proved to be the right thing to do. They played by their own rules, used no gimmicks, and had fun with it.
I also love their music because you are sure to hear something you will relate to. From having the ups and downs of being in relationships and also being able to enjoy life. It was almost refreshing how they were able to take something like heartache and not sing about it in the more traditional depressing way. Songs like "Not Gonna Cry For You" off of their "Who" album and "My Ex-Girlfriend" off of their "Sons Of Soul" album gave you more of an uplifting way to deal with a break-up. The clever thing they also did was hit you with hard beats that you had no choice to get up and dance to. It wouldn't be until much later that you realized that there were lyrics to the songs that you would learn quickly so you could sing while you danced. They are set to reunite in 2009 but the only original members will be D'wayne Wiggins, Timothy Riley, and Amar Khalil. I'll wait and see what happens next but me personally, I want MY Tony Toni Tone or no Tony at all!
VIDEO: Erykah Badu Interview on OKAYPLAYERTV
Ms. Badu speaks to OKAYPLAYERTV about her inspirations, her music, performing, what's next and more.
BOOKS: Do Not Give Way to Evil: Photographs of the South Bronx, 1979 -1987
powerHouse Books announces the release of Lisa Kahane's "Do Not Give Way to Evil: Photographs of the South Bronx, 1979 -1987". From the press release:
The Bronx had almost stopped burning by 1979. The intensity and extent of the devastation permeated the landscape. It was an awesome mess, not just another neighborhood, but another realm, visible but incomprehensible. The Bronx came undone in a confluence of unfortunate circumstances: the life cycle of community, rampant city planning, economic change, racism, poverty, failed hopes, drugs, crime, abandonment, counterproductive government response. It was destroyed for profit. The entire story has yet to be told.
A friend suggested to photographer Lisa Kahane that she record it for a time when it would be a memory, which was then impossible to imagine. The ruins of the immediate past overwhelmed any idea of a future. Ironically, Kahane had a good time in the Bronx. People smiled and said, "Throw me a photo!" Few objected to having their picture taken and no one tried to take her camera away. They wanted their story told. Any discomfort the camera might inflict was nothing compared to what they'd endured.
The result, Do No Give Way to Evil: Photographs of the South Bronx, 1979-1987, is an extraordinary document of devastation and rejuvenation, as Kahane records the first seeds of rebuilding. Throughout this desolate world, the people live alongside abandoned buildings and debris-strewn lots, carrying on their business with civic pride. Though the buildings may be ghosts of their former selves, the spirit of the people holds strong.
With an essay by Peter Frank and text by the photographer, John Ahearn, CRASH, DAZE, Jane Dickson, Stefan Eins, John Fekner, Joe Lewis, SHARP and Rigoberto Torres.
DO NOT GIVE WAY TO EVIL: Photographs of the
South Bronx, 1979 - 1987
by Lisa Kahane
NEW YORK CITY/
PHOTOGRAPHY
HC, 11 x 8.25 inches
136 pages
56 four-color images and
59 duotone photographs
ISBN:978-1-57687-432-5 $35.00
powerhousebooks.com
10/07/2008
NEW MUSIC from Joe Budden, Black Milk, Royce Da 5'9", Devin The Dude and eLZhi
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Leaked from the digital only remix album, "DJ BENZI PRESENTS Mood Muzik 3: We Got The Remix Album”- “Got Up” (Kick Drums Remix)
Digital only album release available at amalgamdigital.com
Black Milk - "Give The Drummer Sum"
Black Milk gives listeners the first taste of his highly anticipated new album Tronic with the lead single "Give the Drummer Sum." The track shows the Detroit phenom adding a new edge to his production. Black's ever-improving mic skills ride over live horns and hard drums on what's sure to be one of the most original and exciting hip hop singles of the year.
Royce Da 5'9"- "Live Your Life" (I'm Nice Pt. 2)
Brand new download from Royce Da 5'9" entitled "Live Your Life" (I'm Nice Pt. 2) in memory of Big Proof, whos birthday it was on October 2nd. Make sure you pick up the Bar Exam II on hiphopdx.com if you haven't already.
Devin The Dude - "Can't Make It Home"
"Can't Make It Home" is the lead single off of Devin's new album Landing Gear which hits stores on October 7. Landing Gear is Devin's first album since leaving Rap-A-Lot Records in February after being signed there for 15 years. For more information and tour dates hit up www.myspace.com/devinthedude
eLZhi - "Transitional Joint"
eLZhi's "Transitional Joint" gives some pointers on how to tell the difference between what's golden and what's just got some glitter on it (as far as the ladies go). Be sure to stay tuned all the way to the end to catch the meaning of the song's title and some sick production from Black Milk.
Peep 2 more singles from eLZhi's "The Preface"-
eLZhi- Talkin In My Sleep
eLZhi- Save Ya Featuring T3 of Slum Village
FREE DOWNLOAD Batsauce Instrumental Album- The Gypsy Diaries
BATSAUCE, producer/DJ for The Smile Rays and Heavenly Noise, released an incredible collection of instrumentals entitled THE GYPSY DIARIES. Many of our frequent visitors to the site and listeners of our show are familiar with The Smile Rays and their eclectic but street level sound. As the architect behind the boards, Batsauce has proven himself to be one of the most slept on producers in hip hop. The Gypsy Diaries is a collection of instrumental beats influenced by three different continents- Asia, South America and Africa. All the samples derive from world music and they are cleverly chopped and twisted over knocking drums. Head over to audio blog WAKE YOUR DAUGHTER UP for the download link.
Beats On The Beach @ Miami Music Seminar 2008: Oct 9-11th
iStandard inc and DBHH Management bring you the first annual 'Beats on The Beach' Miami Music Seminar Presented by Roland, IK Multimedia, Remix Magazine and ASCAP October 9-11th 2008 @ The Doubletree Surfcomber Hotel in Miami Florida aka South Beach. 'Beats on The Beach' will consist of incredible networking opportunities, keynote speakers, interactive industry panels, artist and producer showcases as well as Miami's best offering- their sexy nightlife at some of the most incredible clubs on the beach!!
Confirmed panelists include the world famous DJ Clue (Radio Personality/CEO of Desert Storm), Sha Money XL (Co Founder of G Unit/ CEO Money Mgmt Group), Lenny S (VP of A&R Def Jam/ Rocafella records) Riggs Morales (SR VP of A&R Shady Records), Danny Carter (A&R Interscope West) Julian Boothe (VP of A&R Slip n Slide), Omar Grant (Head of A&R Urban EMI Records) Dre Mckenzie (G Unit A&R), Gorilla Tek (Platinum Producer for Trick Daddy, LiL Wayne) Entertainment Attorney Bob Celestin (reps Petey Pablo, Tocarra Jones and Blue Williams) Zack Katz (Manages JR Rotem and Co CEO of Beluga Heights, Home of Sean Kingston) John Ingram (Entertainment Attorney for Sha Money, Juelz Santana, LLoyd Banks and more) as well as multi platinum producers The Runners (Rick Ross, Keisha Cole, Chris Brown), Cool and Dre (Lil Wayne, Fat Joe, Rick Ross), Jimmy Kendrix (G Unit, Rihanna, Ja Rule, Ashanti, Shyne) Alamo (Director of A&R for DTP), The Diaz Brothers (Trick Daddy, Pitbull) and many many more to be announced. Check HERE for more info..
HEAVY D Drops New Reggae Album- VIBES
Heavy "bong diddly-diddly" D has made a return to recording with a new album of reggae burners entitled VIBES. Released on September 30th, this one took me by surprise as fans of Heavy D's music have been wondering if we would ever hear from one of the most respected emcees in hip hop. I checked out some of the new music on his myspace and on his imeem pages. It's refreshing to hear him just on the reggae tip but it is not a new arena for the Hev-ster. Heavy D (Dwight Meyers) is of Jamaican descent and he has done several reggae songs with artists such as Super Cat, Buju Banton ("Dem No Worry We") and Josey Wales among others. The L.A. Times' music blog posted a great article about the project HERE.
10/06/2008
VIDEO: MTV's Sway Sits Down With Our Future President Barack Obama
MTVI missed these pair of interviews that premiered last week. I have always felt that Barack Obama is of the hip hop generation due to his age and awareness. Even if he did not listen to hip hop (which he does), I know that the influence of the culture would not have missed him. Above Sway talks one on one with Obama and the below video features Sway's interview with both Barack Obama and Joe Biden. Barack speaks on hip hop, his running mate Joe Biden and his successful first debate with senator John McCain.
VIDEO: Peedi Crakk - "Sweet Dreams"
Video of “Sweet Dreams” off of the debut Peedi Crakk album “A Night in the Life” to be released March 24th, 2009 on Amalgam Digital.
Amalgam Digital Announces New Upcoming Releases From Cassidy, Remy Ma & 40 Cal
Cassidy “Back To The Problem” (OCTOBER 14th)
Originally signed by producer Swizz Beatz to his Full Surface label, Cassidy has graced the cover of Source Magazine, been nominated for a Vibe Award and has taken home the distinct honor of "Lyricist of the Year" at the Source Awards.
Known for his unique ability to diversify his music for all types of audiences, Cassidy’s debut album “Split Personality” was divided into three parts: the first is credited to Cassidy and reflects his pop side; the second, credited as "Tha Problem," aims at fans of his mix tapes; and the third is credited to B. Reese for fans from his early days. Split Personality, which spawned the mega hit “Hotel” with R. Kelly, reached #2 on the Billboard 200 album chart and #1 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart.
Fresh from parting ways with his label J Records, Cassidy is back with the brand new 18 track album “Back To The Problem.”
Remy Ma “Blasremy” (OCTOBER 14th)
Remy Ma is a former member of Fat Joe's crew, Terror Squad. Remy was featured on the group's hit song "Lean Back" from their second album True Story and was featured in the remix of M.O.P.'s "Ante Up." Her debut solo album, “There's Something about Remy: Based on a True Story”, was released on February 7, 2006.
Remy was originally discovered and mentored by the late great Big Pun. After his death, rapper Fat Joe signed Ma to his new record label, SRC under Universal and made her a member of Terror Squad. Following the success of “Lean Back”, which garnered Ma a Grammy nomination, her debut solo album, “There's Something About Remy: Based on a True Story”, was a strong commercial release selling 37,000 units in its opening week and 158,000 units within the first year. The album received 3.5 out of 5 mic's from The Source magazine. After the release, Remy still parted ways with her former label and crew to take on her own path.
40 Cal “Leader of the New School” (NOVEMBER 25th)
Harlem native 40 Cal is a member of the famed Diplomats (Dipset) crew along with Cam’Ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, JR Writer & Hell Rell. 40 made his first appearance on the self titled theme song, "40 Cal," for the Dipset album “Diplomatic Immunity 2.” However over the past few years his reputation & strong following have been built off his numerous street level releases that have brought him legions of fans. “The Leader of the New School” is a brand new 14 track album showcasing 40’s notable battle rhyme skills, his street level approach with lethal metaphors topped off with his gangsta braggadocio.
10/05/2008
VIDEO: Joe Budden - "Touch & Go"
Official video for Joe Budden’s “Touch & Go” which is the lead single off of “Halfway House” to be released digitally via AmalgamDigital.com on Tuesday October 28th, 2008.
VIDEO: RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY Lecture Session With Blu & Exile
The RED BULL MUSIC ACADEMY is currently in session for its special tenth anniversary edition in Barcelona. The Academy has travelled far and wide, bringing its unique symposium of knowledge and good musical vibes to cities like Melbourne, New York, Sao Paulo, and Cape Town. As every year, it goes down like this: a group of 60 participants, hailing from 36 different countries and selected from thousands of worldwide applicants, zooms into town. It’s not just the students, or ‘participants’ as they call them, who’ll find themselves fusing new musical patterns. 40 musical luminaries have been invited as lecturers: from Melvin van Peebles to James Pants, there’ll be plenty of wisdom and wonkiness in play. The lecturers, team members and participants will take those fresh ideas from the studios straight to the ears of the people of Barcelona, as they perform at over 40 events in the city.
The above video features a sit down with hip hop duo, BLU & EXILE. They speak on their beginnings, creative and production philosophy and Exile rocks the MPC live throughout. Blu and Exile is a tag team made in heaven, as their album Below The Heavens ably demonstrates. There's not many duos making hip hop music in the spirit of the golden age, yet astonishingly fresh. Blu talks to his audience instead of at them, concerned more about the message in the music than breaking even. Bringing West Coast sunshine and honest introspective lyrics, he is the perfect foil to Exile's fierce MPC adventures, crafting gritty soul in the tradition of greats like Primo, Dilla, and Pete Rock.
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