MC LYTE Forms New Group ALMOST SEPTEMBER + Behind The Scenes Video

2008 sees the return of MC LYTE in a new group called ALMOST SEPTEMBER. With a debut album due the first quarter of 2008, the trio includes producer/ writer/ vocalist Whitey and producer/ writer Jared Lee. There is a single, "Beautiful" leaked on their Myspace page and below is a behind the scenes video. More info to follow soon...



**UPDATE**

Thank you to Jared for dropping the bio off in my email so that I can hit you with a little more info about the group:

Arriving to quench the thirst of the true lovers of Hip-Hop is the new inviting trio pronounced ALMOST SEPTEMBER. Composed of veteran lyricist MC Lyte, producer/writer/vocalist Whitey and producer/writer Jared Lee, ALMOST SEPTEMBER is a fresh, new offering for music lovers across the globe. The name itself is a foretelling of what the trio can do. September is the ninth month and is nestled in the astrological sign of Virgo. Virgo is in constant search of perfection and although, the three of them know that no one and no thing is perfect; they are determined to come as close as they possibly can every time they step up to the mic. Their first single, "Beautiful", is a shining example.

With 10 albums, two Grammy's and a laundry list of other accomplishments to her credit MC Lyte is still making history. This time she decided to bring along two others to help revolutionize the industry she broke boundaries in. Whitey and Jared Lee may not be household names but their talent has touched millions. They have written and produced for the likes of Macy Gray, India.Arie, Tyrese, Usher, Floetry, Toni Braxton, JoJo, Nichole Scherzinger, Paula Deanda, Jon B, Steph Jones, Chingy and many more. Whitey has also won the coveted Grammy and Jared Lee has received several Grammy nominations. Both men love what they do and paint musical pictures within every song.

ALMOST SEPTEMBER united while working on an album for Macy Gray. Lyte describes their meeting as destiny. One night when Macy was unable to attend a scheduled session, Lyte heard a song Whitey and Jared were working on immediately began penning some lyrics. By the end of the night they had literally made beautiful music with the emergence of their first single “Beautiful.” The chemistry between them was so undeniable that they decided to keep it going and ALMOST SEPTEMBER was born. ALMOST SEPTEMBER is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on their self-titled album, which is scheduled to drop during the first quarter of 2008. Together MC Lyte, Whitey and Jared Lee will make history and leave behind a legacy for all the true music lovers to appreciate and follow. ALMOST SEPTEMBER is the newest addition to the Family Tree roster that includes Outkast, Nas, Kelis and more lead by Blue Williams.

New York Times: The Shrinking Market Is Changing the Face of Hip-Hop

I overlooked this article in the December 30th edition of The New York Times. Times writer, Kelefah Sanneh, wrote a thorough piece observing the shift in Hip Hop music as well as noting some of the best, most slept on releases this past year. You can check the article Here. In the meantime, here is an excerpt:

"UNTIL a few weeks ago it seemed like one of the few happy stories to emerge from an otherwise difficult year in hip-hop. UGK, the Port Arthur, Tex., duo that influenced a generation of Southern rappers, returned after a five-year hiatus. They came back bearing a sublime single, “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You).” And they came back bearing a great double album, “Underground Kingz” (Jive/Zomba), which made its debut atop Billboard’s album chart. hen, on Dec. 4, the news arrived: Pimp C — the duo’s flamboyant half, a slick drawler and an even slicker producer — had been found dead in his hotel room. His bereaved musical partner, Bun B, gave a handful of eloquent interviews, trying to explain what he had lost, what fans had lost.

“I appreciate the concern,” he told Vibe. “But I wouldn’t ask anyone to stop their life, because Pimp would’ve wanted us all to keep grinding.”

If you’re looking for a two-word motto for hip-hop in 2007, you could do worse than that: “Keep grinding.” This was the year when the gleaming hip-hop machine — the one that minted a long string of big-name stars, from Snoop Dogg to OutKast — finally broke down, leaving rappers no alternative but to work harder, and for fewer rewards. Newcomers arrived with big singles and bigger hopes, only to fall off the charts after selling a few hundred thousand copies, if that. Hip-pop hybrids dominated the radio, but rappers themselves seemed like underground figures, for the first time in nearly two decades.

Sales are down all over, but hip-hop has been hit particularly hard. Rap sales fell 21 percent from 2005 to 2006, and that trend seems to be continuing. It’s the inevitable aftermath, perhaps, of the genre’s vertiginous rise in the 1990s, during which a series of breakout stars — Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac Shakur, the Notorious B.I.G. — figured out that they could sell millions without shaving off their rough edges. By 1997 the ubiquity of Puff Daddy helped cement hip-hop’s new image: the rapper as tycoon. Like all pop-music trends, like all economic booms, this one couldn’t last..."

FREE Jay-Z/Marvin Gaye Download - Mick Boogie presents: Brooklyn Soul - produced by Shuko and The Gunna

Props to FOUNDATION MEDIA for sending me this-

Keeping his string of hits going, Foundation Media's Shuko linked up with The Gunna and Mick Boogie for Brooklyn Soul - a Jay-Z remix album using only Marvin Gaye samples and elements. Perhaps the most talked about of all the recent Jay-Z remixes, this album takes a great album and makes it classic. To download the album go to www.jayandmarvin.com, where you can also check out the remix version of the "Blue Magic" Video. Download "Brooklyn Soul" now and spread the word!

Hailing from Mainz, Germany (near Frankfurt), Shuko is one of Europe's top hip hop producers. Shuko's production credits range from major label to indy and include work with Keith Murray, Jedi Mind Tricks, Saigon, Immortal Technique, Bubba Sparxxx and more. '08 is going to be an exciting year as there are many placements yet to be announced. To purchase Shuko beats, or for more information, contact Foundation Media at info@foundation-media.com.

Happy Holidays From THE ZRO HOUR! Stay Tuned for 2008..

As we prepare to bring in 2008, I hope all of you have had a great 2007. Many blessings to all who have supported us and who continue to discover us. Thank you Alexie for holding it down as my partner and brother. Thank you to K Banger, Godhead the General, ThorTakeover & Sabina Diaz for that real hip hop. Thank you Phantomshino, Empire Isis, Reef, Dayo, Top Of The Building, Chase Daniels, The Smile Rays, Monster, Code Halo, Nabil & Underground EXP and SoulBrotha. Sandy, La Loba-WE LOVE YOU! Big Up King Michael! Big thanks to a great fan/friend Trina and our new contributor Andrea. To our families & friends- thank you for letting us put the time into this and supporting THE ZRO HOUR. We did not have the time to put together a year end show like we wanted but have some great guests coming thru in the new year. Check the site for updates...

Many have contacted us about the presence of DJ Ambush on the show. Ambush is a founder of the team and the original DJ of THE ZRO HOUR. He is still a part of us but he is pursuing other avenues right now. We may see a return this year..Hmmm
Meanwhile enjoy a great CD from the end of 2003- DJ AMBUSH- Gangsta Holiday. Ambush kills the mixes here. Straight turntable blends NO PRO TOOLS! Enjoy..


DJ Ambush- Gangsta Holiday (2003) 87.4MB

PLAYLIST

ENCORE-Jay-Z (Ambush Blend)
THE SETUP-Obie Trice feat. Jadakiss, Redman and Nate Dogg
PASS THA DUTCH-MIssy & Busta Rhymes
PU$$Y-Clipse
HOLLA-Cee Lo & Timbaland
STUNT 101-G-Unit (Ambush Blend)
DADDY LONG IN THA HOUSE-Daddy Long
ROOM KEY-Cassidy & R. Kelly
FREESTYLE-Fabolous
LAY YA ASS DOWN-G-Unit
HOVA-Jay-Z (Ambush RMX)
BIG AV FREESTYLE
POPPIN' DEM THANGS-G-Unit
GANGSTAS ROLL-Mobb Deep
ALLURE-Jay-z (Ambush Blend)
U DON'T KNOW MY NAME-Alicia Keys (Ambush Blend)
GANGSTA SHIT-G-Unit
JUSTIFY-Jay-Z
RIDE WIT U-Joe feat. G-Unit
NOT TODAY/GANGSTA NATION-Mary J. Blige, EVE, & Westside Connection (Ambush Blend)
SLOW JAMZ-Kanye West, Twista, & Jamie Foxx

MOOD MUZIK 3 IS RELEASED

JOE BUDDEN and DJ ON POINT presents the third chapter in the MOOD MUZIK series. This CD may be some of Joe's most important work to date. With his freedom from Def Jam, it will be interesting to see where his career goes. I want to see Joe Budden properly recognized for his skills and creativity. I hit up MIXTAPEKINGS.COM for my copy (including DVD) already. So what are you waiting on?

VIDEO: LIN QUE (Isis of X-CLAN) New Single GODspeed

When you speak on the nicest emcees when it comes to the female gender, LIN QUE is sometimes left out of the conversation. Unless you know your history that is. Many may remember her as ISIS, the lone female voice in one of the most influential groups in Hip Hop and the 90's era specifically- X-CLAN. Some may remember that MC LYTE assisted single, "LET IT FALL", where Lin Que destroyed the mic with a razor laced flow.

Here is the first single off of the upcoming album of the same name, GODspeed:

Lin Que's GODspeed Video



Here is another recent single BREATHE SPIT:



Here is the video of LET IT FALL:

NEW SHOW: THE ZRO HOUR 12.14.07

THE ZRO HOUR smoothes it out this week with a great 90 minute soul and R&B showcase from some of the strongest musicians from this era and the past. We show appreciation to GRACE JONES, ZHANE, and NINA SIMONE. We also play a few gems by LEELA JAMES, JAMIE LIDELL, MACY GRAY and JILL SCOTT. Diggin' through MySpace, I get to introduce you the the beautiful voice of RUDY and her reggae laced joint, "No More". Soon we will begin featuring select artist's MySpace music player above the EXCLUSIVES and FLASHBACKS section. The artists featured will rotate every seven days. Hit us up at musicplayer@thezrohour.com to submit your page for a chance at exposure. Light the candles, pour the vino and enjoy the show...


THE ZRO HOUR 12.14.07 (105 MB)

PLAYLIST

HEY MR. DJ- Zhane
PULL UP TO THE BUMPER- Grace Jones
IF I WAS YOUR WOMAN (live)- Alicia Keys
WATCHING ME- Jill Scott
MY MAN'S GONE- Nina Simone
ON OUR WAY- Christina Aguilera
WAITING FOR YOU- Toni Tone Tony
WHAT'S THE USE- Jamie Lidell
SOUL FOOD- Leela James
I'VE COMMITTED MURDER- Macy Gray
NO MORE- Rudy
PRIVATE LIFE- Grace Jones
SENDING MY LOVE- Zhane
IMAGINATION (Crown Royal Suite)- Jill Scott
LET'S STRAIGHTEN IT OUT- Monica feat. Usher
SCANDALOUS SEX SUITE (The Crime)- Prince

VIDEO: DELICIOUS VINYL Flashback

Here are a pair of videos from two of the best releases from the catalogue of DELICIOUS VINYL records. This is from an era that will never be forgotten. It seemed like the creativity in Hip Hop was limitless. Nowadays...Oh well enjoy-

BRAND NEW HEAVIES feat. LARGE PROFESSOR & MAIN SOURCE "Bonafied Funk"



THE PHARCYDE "Drop"

NEW SHOW: THE ZRO HOUR 12.08.07

(Pictured above: FREEWAY, N.E.S., MARCO POLO & WILDCHILD)

We return with the first of 4 (!) shows due before the coming of 2008. Alexie F. and myself are set to hit you some serious musical gems for the holidays. No Jingle Bells though. With so many releases out and still coming for this month, we had to put you up on some of the finest along with a few joints from the masters. We set off the show with a KEITH MURRAY "joint" and followed with new heat from MARCO POLO feat. LARGE PROFESSOR, FREEWAY, WU-TANG, SEV ONE feat. JADAKISS & UNCLE MURDER, WILDCHILD (of LOOTPACK) feat. SOULS OF MISCHIEF, GHOSTFACE KILLAH, LITTLE BROTHER and TOP OF THE BUILDING's own VAIN feat LIL MO. N.E.S. from SMOOTHFELLAZ INTERNATIONAL hit me on myspace. N.E.S. had this crazy track, CARIBBEAN GANGSTA and I had to drop it. Big up Washington Heights & DR! A couple of classics from LORD FINESSE and O.C. round out the show. Stay tuned to the site for an end of the year special. We will have more details on that soon. Kick back and crank the volume up for THE ZRO HOUR!

THE ZRO HOUR 12.08.07 (85MB)

PLAYLIST

GET LIFTED- Keith Murray
THE RADAR (RMX)- Marco Polo feat. Large Professor
GANGSTA SHIT- Sev One feat. Jadakiss & Uncle Murder
FALLIN'- Jay-Z
YOLANDA'S HOUSE- Ghostface Killah feat. Method Man & Raekwon
CARIBBEAN GANGSTA- N.E.S.
HATERZ EVERYWHERE- B.o.B. feat. Rick Ross & Juvenile
SPIT THAT SHIT- Freeway
TAKE IT BACK- WU-Tang Clan
HOW WE DO- Wildchild feat Souls Of Mischief
TAKIN WHAT'S MINE- Busta Rhymes w/DILLA
RUDE SQUIRE- Roddy Rod
DREAMS- Little Brother
MAKE UP- Vain feat. Lil Mo
STRICTLY FOR THE LADIES- Lord Finesse
O-ZONE- O.C.

Sneak Peek Of 2008 K BANGER DVD

One of our favorite featured artists on THE ZRO HOUR, K BANGER is about to drop a DVD in 2008. The DVD will trace his journey through Hip Hop and reveal why he is among the strongest breed of new talent.

Wyclef Believes Lauryn Hill is Bi-Polar

From ALLHIPHOP
WE LOVE YOU LAURYN!!
Whoa! Clef has some strong words to say about his former Fugee bandmate. In the interview, Wyclef promotes his upcoming CARNIVAL II: MEMOIRS OF AN IMMIGRANT and speaks on his feelings of his last two projects not being as successful as his earlier releases. Great interview and then it shifts into the expected questions of a Fugee reunion and Wyclef makes a declaration that Lauryn is bi-polar-


AllHipHop.com: When did you last speak to Lauryn?

Wyclef: I stopped reaching out to Lauryn because it got very confusing, you know? I would never know who and what personality I would get on that particular day.

AllHipHop.com: Different personalities?

Wyclef: Yeah. I think Lauryn is Bi-Polar.


He goes on to say that he can be quoted on it. The sometimes strange, eccentric behavior of our beloved LAURYN HILL has been widely reported over the years. In the words of Arsenio, "Hmmm..."

Get the full article HERE


Check this interview from August of this year. The interview runs nearly 15 minutes long. Its very cool and she doesn't spazz out or anything. She speaks very candidly and seems comfortable with the host. It appears it is from a music network in the Netherlands-

MUSIC TECH: Reminiscing on the SP-1200

Last week, The Village Voice published an article focusing on the history and importance of EMU systems' SP1200 sampling drum machine in shaping the sound of Hip Hop music. There is roundtable discussion with producers Hank Shocklee, Lord Finesse, Ski, and Pete Rock speaking on their love and discovery of this seminal drum machine. The rough , aggressive textures and limited sample time of the SP1200 made producers of that era create techniques and work-arounds that later became the trademark sound of gritty boom bap. Thanks to MUSIC THING for the link. Check the article HERE

Check these youtube videos for instruction and demos of producers using this legendary machines-

Mick Boogie Releases DILLAGENCE November 27th

Shout out to John Robinson for the info..

From mickboogie.com:

The homie Busta Rhymes called me the other day following up on an idea I gave him months and months ago. So long ago that I actually forgot about it. He called me with four very specific words: “Check your inbox, son!” When I opened it, I found song after song of unreleased craziness from Busta and the late, legendary J Dilla. So after a week of figuring out our strategy, it’s done. Mick Boogie + Busta + Dilla = Dillagence. The album of the year…and it’s not even an album!

Get it this Tuesday at the above link!

A Conversation With The God-RAKIM

By Davey D


powered by ODEO

The other night after he simply killed it at San Francisco’s Mezzanine Night club, we sat down and spoke with the man who many consider to be the greatest emcee of all-times. We’re talking about Rakim aka the 18th Letter. No we didn’t get into the over-played conversation about why he and Dr. Dre never completed that highly anticipated album. Instead we got his take on the current state of Hip Hop and how he feels about today’s crop of emcees. He talked about the love he has for artist like Lupe Fiasco. Contrary to what many Hip Hop purists would like to hear him say, ‘the R’ talked about how it was important to hear people embrace and reflect their unique regional backgrounds. In other words its not productive to hear everyone trying to sound like a cat from New York and he wasn’t about to start classifying people as rap vs Hip Hop etc. He agreed with the assessment that much of this labeling comes from journalists who like to act like papparazzi. He talked about the ways in which Hip Hop has evolved overseas.

We talked to Rakim about his upcoming album which will be released on his own independent label. He noted that he put on his CEO cap and brought forth some great surprises that Hip Hop is in dire need for. He wouldn’t offer up too many details, but he promised that folks will be absolutely pleased.

he also touched upon the mindset he has when it comes to writing rhymes. He’s an avid jazz fan and for those who don’t know, Rakim is a trained saxaphone player. He said that he composes songs much like jazz musician and that each word uttered has to fit nicely within the notes of a song. His smoothness is attributed to him rapping the way he feels sax player would blow notes. He also talked about the importance of taking time to write songs and bring forth inspiring and meaningful lyrics.

We also touched upon the topic of gangsterism and gangsta rap. For those who aren’t familiar, when Rakim came up he was around some of New York’s most notorious gangstas. The back cover of his Paid in Full album, show folks like the Original 50 Cent. He explained that he never felt a need to talk about other people’s gang tales because he didn’t want to exploit their situations. Nor did he want to bring unnecessary heat on folks. He said he was well aware of the madness that went on around him but it was important to keep street stuff on the streets and not broadcast it on wax. In other words real bad boys don’t tell no tales.

We concluded with Rakim talking about politics and conscious raising music. he said he wasn’t the type of cat to look at an event and write about it. he said his consciousness was more organic and heartfelt his day to day living.

We felt blessed and enlightened and so should you after you peep this incredible interview that was done by myself and collegue Sam Chennault of SF Weekly and Rhapsody Music.

When Rapper Jay-Z Talks About Euros, People Listen

From DAVEY D for The Mercury News:

Several years ago, Jay-Z bragged that, if he were to start rapping about drinking water, rather than Cristal champagne or some other alcoholic beverage, H2O would become the drink of choice. At the time, it sounded arrogant, but in retrospect it wasn't far fetched, considering Jay-Z's track record as a trend-setter.

For example, the rapper is credited with almost single-handedly changing the tastes of the hip-hop audience from gold to platinum jewelry.

He is said to be one of the main influences in getting New Yorkers to embrace Southern rap, through his 1998 collaboration with Juvenile on the song "Ha" and another one a few years later with Southern rap icon Bun B of UGK on the hit "Big Pimpin'."

Jay-Z changed the landscape once again when he teamed with the then-emerging producers known as the Neptunes, which included Pharrell Williams. Their 2000 hit "Just Wanna Love You" helped accustom listeners to the falsetto harmonies that have become a staple in hip-hop.

A year later, Jay-Z changed things yet again when he tapped the emerging Kanye West to lace his "The Blueprint" album with soulful beats, instead of the hard-edged, gritty stuff that was popular at the time.

His influence even reached Maryland Republican Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, for whom a lavish party was held at Jay-Z's New York restaurant, the 40/40 club. At the time, I asked Steele why he chose 40/40, and he said the location would send a strong message that the GOP was changing its image and diversifying its constituency.

All the while Jay-Z was setting trends, he was enthusiastically publicizing his taste for Cristal champagne, which sells for about $300 a bottle. So it came as quite a shock last summer when Frédéric Rouzaud, managing director of Cristal maker Champagne Louis Roederer, suggested that he didn't appreciate rap stars hyping his beverage.

In response, Jay-Z removed Cristal from the wine cellar at his nightclub and scratched the references he had made to it in his songs.

Rouzaud tried to repair the damage by sending a letter of apology, but it was too little too late. Today, Cristal isn't just passe; it's all but dead among the hip-hop crowd.

Two weeks ago, Jay-Z attracted wide attention again, when his video for the song "Blue Magic" made its debut on BET. He was the first rapper to buck the trend of flashing wads of greenbacks at the camera by flashing euros instead.

The move inspired a fierce commentary by CNBC's Jim Cramer, who criticized Jay-Z for further undermining an already weak dollar.

The euro incident also was noted in the financial sections of papers around the world. A week later, a much-read Bloomberg item focused on Jay-Z's video and Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen's public request not to be paid in U.S. dollars. In some places, both were praised for grasping that the dollar was out, and the euro was in.

It seems a bit naive to suggest that an artist such as Jay-Z could make an impact on the world economy. But there can be no question that he sparked a timely dialogue about international monetary policy on a number of popular hip-hop shows, including Chuck D's "On the Reel." On the Nov. 18 show, Chuck cited the recent move by OPEC to reject U.S. dollars.

In a popular Oakland nightclub last weekend, I heard a spirited debate involving 10 or 12 young men about the value of the dollar, and whether they should start getting paid in euros.

And I'll admit it: I'd much rather hear that kind of conversation than a debate about who's the best rapper.

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Davey D's hip-hop column appears biweekly in Eye. Contact him at mrdaveyd@aol.com.