NEW SHOW: THE ZRO HOUR 01.08.08

A little late uploading this but enjoy:

STEP UP FRONT and center in 2008 as THE ZRO HOUR returns with classic heat from POSITIVE K, KOOL G RAP, LEADERS OF THE NEW SCHOOL and BOOGIE DOWN PRODUCTIONS. The one and only ICE CUBE is back with that dominating flow in his new track "GANGSTA RAP MADE ME DO IT". PLus heat from JOE BUDDEN's MOOD MUZIK 3, PACIFIC DIVISION, GHOSTFACE and RUDY. For those of you you haven't heard SKILLZ' WRAP UP 2007, we got that on the show and BEKAY weighs in with his YEAR IN REVIEW 2007 (giving credit to SKILLZ in the process). We also premiere a new track by DAYO- "BABY I'M GONE".

This month, we will have a few special guests coming on the show so check the site for updates..


THE ZRO HOUR 01.08.08 (73.5MB)

PLAYLIST

STEP UP FRONT- Positive K
GOOD COMBINATION- Positive K
2007 WRAP UP- Skillz
YEAR IN REVIEW 2007- Bekay
GANGSTA RAP MADE ME DO IT- Ice Cube
ACK LIKE YOU CHILLIN'- Pacific Division
REC-ROOM THERAPY- Ghostface feat. Raekwon & U God
5TH GEAR- Joe Budden
BABY I'M GONE- Dayo
MEN AT WORK- Kool G Rap
LIKE A THROTTLE- Boogie Down Production
INTERNATIONAL ZONE COASTER- Leaders of the New School
THE RANGE- Busta Rhymes, Rah Digga, Dilla
THE OTHER SIDE- Rudy
CUSTOM LOVE-Wildchild
NIGHT SHIFT- Positive K

Check Out BEKAY, JO JO PELLEGRINO, ETURNAL AND DIABOLIC @ SOUTHPAW 1/17/08

For more details click HERE

Where Has The Romance Gone?

It has occurred to me that all of the crooners have disappeared. For all of you young folks who may not know what a crooner is, a "Crooner" is a male singer who sings true love songs. Songs about being in love, making love, and the pain that comes out of being in love. Songs to have the ladies swoon (hands in the air, eyes closed, and often shaking her head back and forth, or screaming to the point of passing out) and tossing their undergarments in concerts. I personally haven't gone that far because underwear cost too much. Ok.... I have been known to throw them at my television and radio but I gather them up after the song or performance. Anyway.... I'm speaking about guys/groups like Keith Washington, Howard Hewett, Brian McKnight, Jesse Powell, Today/Big Bub, Christopher Williams, Freddy Jackson, Alexander Oneal, New Edition/Johnny Gill, TROOP, Keith Sweat, Silk, Glenn Jones, UNV, Donell Jones, and Joe (just to name a few). Those guys sing what I like to refer to as "Grown & Sexy" music. It's not all about being in the bedroom and under the sheets. They sang songs that reached beyond that. You could play most of their music in front of your parents and grandparents without trying to explain anything or being embarrassed. Sure there's Tank (man oh man is he hot) but most of his music is about getting caught cheating and sex (don't worry baby.... I aint mad at ya). R.Kelly has some great love songs in his collection of music but most of what he is known for is sex (and I aint mad at you either). Babyface was known for having the ladies swoon in the 90's but now lately most of his music (in my opinion) is what I refer to as "Razor Blade" music. Just depressing and so sad. Boyz II Men and Silk has tried to bring back the "Grown & Sexy" by remaking some of the true love songs from the past and introducing it to the audience of today. It's almost refreshing to me. Sure I like to hear the freaky stuff but I want to hear some of the sappy stuff too. Bring back the romance because it sure is missed!

-DREA

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-