DJ Missie "Hip-Hop, Volume 1" (Mixtape, 2005)

I'm a fan of all the mixes in Japan's DJ Missie's Hip-Hop mixtape series. This is Hip-Hop: Volume 1... it features golden era tracks from The Beatnuts, EPMD, Cypress Hill, Lords of the Underground, Common, 2Pac, Digital Underground, Diamond D, MC Serch, Original Flavor, Black Moon, LONS, Jungle Brothers, Redman, 3rd Bass, Main Source, Kool G Rap, De La Soul, Eric B. & Rakim, Zhigge, and more! Not necessarily the 'best' or most original track selection, but DJ Missie is an extremely technical and well-skilled DJ, making these mixes a pleasant listen. The mixtape scene in Asia is real strong, the tapes from DJ Missie move over there! Dig into Hip-Hop Volume 1 below, more to follow soon...

DJ Koco "Hydra: Underground's Finest" (Mixtape)

Hydra: Underground's Finest is an aural history of Queens, NY-based underground hip hop label Hydra Entertainment's 12" output from 1995 through 2005, selected and presented by DJ Koco; one of Tokyo's premier hip hop DJs. Hydra was a powerhouse in its day, holding its own with other mid-1990s independent labels Rawkus, Fondle 'Em, Eastern Conference, Game, Landspeed, Fat Beats, and D.I.T.C. An integral part of the East Coast underground hip hop movement from 1995 through 2005, Hydra is world renowned for sought-after singles by major label-affiliated artists Mobb Deep, Screwball, Cormega, and The Beatnuts, as well as the top tier of a burgeoning independent movement. This is the first CD release for most of these tracks, which were taken from vinyl and skillfully sequenced and mixed by Japan's DJ Koco (Donuts Record). Includes tracks by Mobb Deep, Screwball, The High & Mighty, Slade Savage, Godfather Don, The Beatnuts, Nick Wiz, Powerule, Ghetto Professionals; appearances from Cormega, MC Shan, Prince A.D., and production by Marley Marl, Pete Rock, The Alchemist, Godfather Don, Mike Heron, Ayatollah, The Beatnuts, Nick Wiz, V.I.C., and lots more. Props to Hydra co-founders Mike Herron & Jerry Famolari. Listen to the mix below...

Biggie & Craig Mack "Caught In The Middle" Interview (1994)

We've all read the rumors and seen the documentary on how B.I.G. & Craig Mack weren't the closest of friends, but back in '94, they were both featured in Kevin Beachman & J-Bird's short-lived Rap Zine, 'Caught In The Middle.' The zine raised awareness for all things hip-hop in Chicago and the December issue was the first of 2 issues produced; it had Common (Sense) on the cover. In the interview, B.I.G. shouts-out Nas, KRS, Black Moon, Da Bush Babees and trashes the 69 Boyz & the late-Biggie Smallz, who if you don’t know, I’ll have to do a whole other post about him. A lot of people argue whether B.I.G.’s short catalog was enough to consider him for the G.O.A.T. and think about what could have been … and how the industry might be different had he survived. Well, it’s interesting to see what his thoughts were for the future when asked in the interview. “I got a 5 year album deal. Once I finish it I’m mostly gonna chill. Hopefully, I’ll have a lot of money and I can just spend it. I can’t do this for my whole life. Too many fake motherf#ckers smile in your face while you’re the shit. I fuck around and make ‘Walk With A Panther’ like LL or something and people don’t wanna fuck with me no more. Then come back with a ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’ and everybody’s just smiling back in your face again. That shit is phony. I hate that shit.” In explaining his album, Biggie adds "It's my life; it's just my life y'know. No gimmicks, no extra shit. The same shit playing on the tape is basically how it was. I was born, my mom and pops was arguing. Then my pops left, I started robbing and stealin', I got locked up and then started the rap shit. It's all there. That's basically it." People respect brevity, lol. Solid interviews in a publication not talked about nearly as often as it should; Zines were an important part of the culture. Props to Kevin Beacham and J Bird, who continue to pioneer amazing things at Rhymesayers and throughout the music industry.

DJ Suspect "Straight From The Soul" (Mixtape)

France's DJ Suspect is a member of the 45 Live and Dusty Donuts collectives. This latest mix is called Straight From The Soul, and it features a nice blend of hip-hop records from the early 90s. You'll hear tracks from Fu-Schnickens, Original Flavor, Heavy D, Kurious, Lords of the Underground, Chubb Rock, Rough House Survivors, Nice & Smooth, A Tribe Called Quest, Poor Righteous Teachers, Beastie Boys, and lots more. Some nice background music to get you through the day. Listen below...

Aarophat & Illastrate as Black Noise, The LP (2009)

"Both Aarophat and Illastrate decided to merge as a group to generate a remedy for the lack of quality in Hip-Hop music. After listening to the album, it's hard to imagine that they actually met 14 hours before recording a single note. Aaro bonds his intense, intricate rhymes to Illa's nostalgic, boom-bap soulscape. The album consists of rugged instrumentals, along with aggressive percussion and heavy bass that allows Aaro to strategically map out his lyrical takeover while pulling listeners in. Using his insightful lyrics and an effortless flow, Aarophat gracefully walks the tightropes while Illastrate's production is gritty, yet friendly and inviting. The chemistry between the two is undeniable and the world will soon agree." You can and should stream it below. Instrumentals, too.

Apathy & O.C. "Perestroika" (Album Stream)

"Apathy (Demigodz, Army of the Pharaohs) and O.C. (D.I.T.C. - Diggin' In The Crates) combine forces to form 'Perestroika', a supergroup inspired by the cold war being waged on the rap industry. Anti-mainstream propaganda has become a bit of a cliche, so instead of speaking out against the unflattering direction that today's hip hop music has gone in, Apathy and O.C. have taken action by building a pillar in the ruins of what's left of true school hip hop. Picture the first time you heard Wu-Tang Clan's debut album "Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers" and were immediately swept up in to a dark Kung Fu movie, with the sound effects and painted visuals - "Perestroika" is intended to have the same effect... except it transports you to Cold War, Soviet Russia. From the Kremlin, to small villages affected by the economically devastating times of Perestroika, this album is a salute to the underdog and all those who are able to survive the coldest winters. Not entirely conceptual however, the album allows both wordsmiths to flex their greatest strengths over solid head-nodding East Coast-styled production. Showing up for the cause, guests Celph Titled, Slaine, Marvalyss, Kappa Gamma and Jus Cuz add to the palate alongside production that is mostly handled by Apathy, with MoSS and Illinformed (The Four Owls) contributing tracks as well. In a time of worldly political conflict and scandals, this project plays as the perfect soundtrack to the madness." - Apathy

Mastermind "Tape 34: Droppin' More Gems '97" (Mixtape, 1997)

This is Tape 34 aka Droppin' More Gems '97 by Canada's DJ Mastermind. The tape includes gems from The Notorious B.I.G., Sauce Money, Jeru The Damaja, O.C., Rasco, O.C., Redman, Saukrates, Boot Camp Clik, PMD, Kardinal Offishal, Cru, Mobb Deep, Tracey Lee, GP Wu, Nonchalant, Cappadonna, Jay-Z, KRS-One, Black Attack & Problemz, Choclair, Lost Boyz, The Beatnuts, Big Pun, Jungle Brothers, Diamond D, Tone Hooker, Rampage and more! Dig into another classic '90's mixtape  below...

A Tribe Called Quest "The Low End Theory" (9/24/91)

One of the great artifacts from rap's coming of age, this second album by the breeziest of the Native Tongues groups was self-aware enough to claim a jazz heritage, yet spry enough to rap about booty, not Dizzy. Bursting with happy, horny life, rappers Phife and the butter-voiced Q-Tip skip along through free associations and Queens reminiscence -- letting the '50s saxes and airy guitar chords behind them invoke the larger context of their travels. "It was never our intent to make a jazz hip-hop album," said producer Ali Shaheed Muhammad in 1991. "We chose the samples because we like the music." But more than any other rap group, Tribe made the beats-and-life aesthetic feel like a knotty, groovy, completely organic outgrowth of a profound musical tradition. Powered by dark acoustic bass lines and cracking snares, songs such as the percolating "Excursions" offer some of the most electrifying spaces that rhyme tales have ever enjoyed. "I knew people were sampling jazz musicians, but Q-Tip actually knew who Charles Mingus was," says jazz bassist Ron Carter, who played a live, loping groove on the album's "Verses From The Abstract." "Tribe had a sense of what the music could mean, and they were using it to make their poetry do something." And it did, blazing a trail of enlightened, unapologetically musical hip-hop from the Roots to the Fugees -- funky, raw, smart without being soft, and full of banging possibility." - Spin, 9/99.

A copy of the review in Spin Magazine & more is below...

Mista Sinista & Roc Raida "Lesson Number 1" (Mixtape, 1996)

Lesson Number 1 is a mix tape from Mista Sinista and Roc Raida (R.I.P.) in 1996. The artwork by DJ A. Vee shares that "All cuts by Sinista and Raida." It also gives shout-outs to Fat Beats, Battle Sounds, Zulu Nation and All Real DJ's; as well "R.I.P. to Karem Smith, Mr. Kae and CM." A ton of mixing and scratching, along with tracks by Shadez Of Brooklyn, A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, The Roots, Wu-Tang Clan, Natural Elements, Nas, M.O.P., Arsonists, Large Professor, Jay-Z, Camouflage Large, Blahzay Blahzay, Capone-N-Noreaga, Big Shug, Brand Nubian and lots more. R.I.P., Roc Raida. Listen...

Rapsody "Laila's Wisdom" (Album Stream)

Laila's Wisdom is the second studio album by American rapper Rapsody, released by Jamla Records and Roc Nation. It is Rapsody's first album released under her partnership with Roc Nation. The album features collaborations with Kendrick Lamar (who Rapsody previously worked with on Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly), Anderson Paak, Busta Rhymes, Lance Skiiiwalker, Black Thought, BJ the Chicago Kid, and Musiq Soulchild, among others. This is the album I've been waiting for from Rapsody! A lot can be said, but it's best you listen for yourself, and expect Rap to keep leveling up each time out.

DJ 4our 5ive "The Best Of Nas" (Mixtape)

Bronx-born and Long Island raised, DJ 4our 5ive has a long history in the music industry. I've heard several of his mixtapes over the years and I always gravitate towards tribute mixes, so it's a no-brainer to support this mix of classic joints from Nas. I've lost count of how many I've already posted, but what's wrong with another Nas mix? Nothing! 4our 5ive's mix includes joints from many of the best projects in Nas' catalog, as well as remixes and features with Noreaga, Mobb Deep, Raekwon, Ghostface, The Firm, Large Professor, and more. There's nothing new here, but... it's Nas!

Biz Markie "Doin The Mud Foot" (Converse Promo Tape, 1990)

Well said by The Martorialist, re: Biz Markie & Converse tape: "13 years before Jay-Z gave away his first and only mixtape with those Reebok kicks of his, which turned into Keith Richards' face after a couple of wears, Converse teamed up with Warner Bros Records for a free Biz Markie promo cassingle which came free with every pair of blue-on-white Cons basketball hi-tops in 1990. Nothing for the radio, just 2 tracks of exclusive prime-era Diabolical: Off The Top Of My Head is Biz's version of DJ Cool V's To My Boys, while Non Stop Rockin' is a historical curiosity given that it's a precursor to Biz's Nas demo + the sample-source for Biz's own Studda Step. Catch the vapors below..." Yessir...

Roc Raida "Beats, Cuts, Skits" (2007)

Beats, Cuts and Skits is the sixth and final album released by Grandmaster Roc Raida. It was released on May 21, 2007 for Adiar Cor Records and featured production from Roc Raida. This was his last album recorded before his tragic passing in 2009. Roc Raida's project features the Wayne-O (of E. Bros), Aasim D'Xplicit, Saigon, Fat Joe, Smif-N-Wessun, A.G., Jungle Brothers, M.O.P., Black Thought, Grafh, Ghostface Killah, Dilated Peoples, and more. Lord Sear posted the project to his Soundcloud, along with the following message: "Rest In Power to a good friend of mine... always will love this brother!" Roc Raida passed away on this day in 2009, and he's still greatly missed. Dig in...

Percee P "Perseverance" (Vibe Magazine, Nov. 2007)

"On a handful of acclaimed early '90s guest verses, Percee P spit lines that stretched, narrowed, and quickly folded back upon themselves in a blur of virtuosity. But then, for more than a decade, he languished in a rap obscurity. For this long awaited debut, Stones Throw producer Madlib has supplied him with a sample-centric daze of jittery rhythms and globally inspired noise that defies that expected retro tag. Madlib's sound is the perfect sonic bed Percee, offering enough space for his lung-collapsing lyrics, while also opening a jagged new lane for a veteran formalist. For a change, left-field rap done right." - Vibe, 11/07. Check the video for "Put It On The Line" and props to the homie Percee P; the sticker up above is from one of the countless sessions outside Fat Beats.

DJ Rei Double R & G-Bo The Pro "Tape #15" (Mixtape, 1993)

Back again is DJ Rei Double R & G-Bo The Pro with Tape #15, another flavorful mix tape with a blend of Hip-Hop and R&B tracks. Artists like Gang Starr, Onyx, Snoop Dogg, House of Pain, Mary J. Blige, Intro, Naughty By Nature, H-Town, Lords of the Underground, Trends of Culture, Prince Markie Dee, Heavy D, Run DMC and lots more. This isn't my favorite of their mixes, but it still knocks all around and the new rip from J.Nickelz is pretty crisp. Much respect, listen to the mix below...

Cut Killer "Hip-Hop Summer Jam" (Mixtape, 1995)

This is Cut Killer's Hip-Hop Summer Jam mix tape from 1995. Cut Killer had released a few mixes in the Summer Jam series, but this particular tape features joints from Onyx, Lost Boyz, Jeru The Damaja, Doug E. Fresh, Nine, Junior M.A.F.I.A., Shabazz The Disciple, Raekwon, 1st Down, Mystidious Misfits, AZ, Shamus, Showbiz & A.G., Method Man, Pudgee The Phat Bastard & Biggie, Troubleneck Brothers, KRS-One, Big Kap, Jemini The Gifted One and more. A nice blend of indie/underground and classic material with Cut Killer doin' his thing in the mix. Props to DJ E-Freezy. Check it out below...

Recognize Ali & DJ TMB "Allah's Favorite" (Album Stream)

"After successful albums "Too Visible To See" LP & "Diary Of A Wild Child" EP,Super talented emcee "Recognize Ali" comes with the highly anticipated LP "Allah's Favorite" this one has DJ TMB on all the cuts with features from King Magnetic Verbal Kent Ruste Juxx C-Rayz Walz Reef The Lost Cauze and the Genocide General himself "Vinnie Paz" Provides the Intro! On this masterpiece the lyrical assassin shows us why he's one of the best emcees out now,why he's the chosen one,why he is Allah's Favorite! A breath of fresh air to hip hop purists worldwide. Hip Hop is alive & well!!!"

Crimeapple "Metralleta" (EP Stream)

After a buzz-worthy freestyle on Statik Selektah's radio show, New Jersey's Crimeapple and producer Buck Dudley got into the studio to record Metralleta. The 7-track offering showcases Crimeapple's wit and humor, alongside Buck's gritty, dark tunes. My favorite cuts are the Sopranos-assisted "Spike Up" and "Pop Shit," but the whole EP is dope. I first heard Crimeapple's music on DJ Eclipse's radio show with a song called "Turner & Hooch," then dug up the Statik Selektah freestyle and now we're finally getting an official release. I think Crimeapple is gonna be a genuine force in the underground. This short EP is a great first step forward, stay tuned for more and listen below...

If you haven't heard that Statik Selektah freestyle, dig in...

Astronote "Re-Delivery" (Album Stream)

Re-Delivery presents original music and remixes from Detroit artists! All tracks are produced, mixed and mastered by French producer, Astronote. Astronote had a breakthrough placement when he landed on Kendrick Lamar's Untitled Unmastered project last year. But, to me, he'll be known for all the work he's done with Magestik Legend, Donwill, Blu, Illa J, Blakk Soul, and the artists included in this latest project: Nametag, Boldy James, Invincible, Danny Brown, Guilty Simpson, Phat Kat, Jamall Bufford, RoSpit, T Calmese and more. The project is executive produced by the homie, DJ Graffiti. 

Craig Mack "The Mack World Sessions" (Album Stream)

Despite being a driving force behind the early success of Bad Boy Records, the working relationship dissolved after Craig Mack's debut album "Project: Funk Da World." Most of you remember the awkward interview where Fab Five Freddy boasts of Craig Mack's role at Bad Boy, and to save face, Puff pretends he's working on the release of his sophomore LP, much to the visible surprise of Craig Mack, whose face called bullshit. After a disappointing album in '97, "Operation: Get Down," Craig Mack bounced around, leaving only white label releases sprinkled over the years. Many of those 12" releases have now found a home on Craig Mack's self-released album, "The Mack World Sessions." Tracks like "Wooden Horse," "Please Listen to My Demo," "Mac Come Thru" and over a dozen other tracks properly sequenced as a cohesive project. To this point, I haven't seen much promo attached to it, but it's available on all streaming platforms, so definitely check it out!

Purpose & Confidence "The Purpose of Confidence" (2012)

Purpose, founding member of the group Tragic Allies, teams up with extraordinary producer Confidence of Rashad & Confidence fame to bring you their debut album "The Purpose of Confidence". While these two artists come from different backgrounds, the sounds they put together capture the essence of pure hip-hop. The mixture of music takes you in different directions from story-telling, real world situations and lyrical onslaught. Purpose's flow, delivery and lyrics will have you engaged from start to finish while Confidence delivers on the boards as usual. This time, he switches it up to help complement Purpose's subject matter, but still providing his soulful and hard hitting trademark boom-bap sound along with more gritty beats as well. Listeners will be in for a nice surprise as these two artists help shape the landscape of hip-hop and keep that raw and authentic music pumping through the speakers. The Purpose Of Confidence was released 5 years ago today via Ill Adrenaline Records, and it's still highly recommended today!

Apathy "The Alien Tongue" (September 11, 2012)

After the much successful fanfare of Apathy's “Honkey Kong” full length from 2011, the Demigodz leader and Army of the Pharaohs soldier delivered a very special release. This album compiles some of Apathy's earliest demo recordings from as far back as 1994 up until 1998. Transferred from cassettes and ADAT studio tapes, these songs represent his early to late teen years, as well as Eternia's first recordings ever. “The Alien Tongue” is a title that takes you on a journey thru the 90's era of Apathy, fresh into his early association with Jedi Mind Tricks, as this was around the same time he was recording for their debut album, “The Psycho Social...” Also included are some of the first beats Ap ever produced, made on an old school Ensoniq ASR-10. This release gives fans a great insight into the mind of a young Apathy (and Eternia) as well as a spotlight on the beginnings of what would become a highly respected legacy. Eternia adds, "All we did was write, record, network & strategize... I was spittin’ long before I met him, but I always use the analogy that I moved to CT sounding like Salt-n-Pepa and left sounding like Pharoahe Monch... When I listen to this I am reminded of how far God has taken me!" The Alien Tongue was officially released on 9/11/12.

Skratch Bastid "The Starter Era – Dope Raps '89-93" (Mix)

A fresh mix from 2011 by Canadian super-DJ, Skratch Bastid, called 'The Starter Era: Dope Raps 1989-1993.' The mix was commissioned in conjunction with the release of issue 22 of Sneaker Freaker magazine and honored the days of music when Starter caps, jackets, and gear were the craze. I used to cop all my Starter hats from an Asian woman across the street from the old Q38 bus stop outside Macy's at the Queens Center Mall, lol. $10 a hat. Anyone remember that small spot? I also had the Miami Hurricanes Starter jacket that got me through a couple winters, and away from the cops at least once reversing the colors on the jacket. Sorry, I went off on a tangent, back to the mix; it features Brand Nubian, Das EFX, Slick Rick, Main Source, Gang Starr, Nice & Smooth, KMD, Naughty By Nature, and more. Skratch Bastid is one of the best with the cuts and his mixes are always extremely precise and technical + great track selection, so you can't miss clicking play below.

Tony Touch "Hip Hop 32" (Mixtape, 1993)

Another solid mix tape from Tony Touch in 1993 via Tape Kingz, Hip Hop 32. A bunch of classics from artists like De La Soul & Biz Markie, Black Moon, Apache, Casual, Masta Ace, Tha Alkaholiks, KRS-One, Funkdoobiest, Doug E. Fresh, Mad Lion, Cypress Hill, Trends of Culture, Nubian Crackers, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Poor Righteous Teachers, Leaders of the New School, East Side Hoods, Souls of Mischief, Ed O.G. & Da Bulldogs, Mad Flavor, Illegal and more! Dig into the mix - updated link - below...

DJ Clue "Cluemanatti" (Mixtape, 1997)

I ran this tape a lot back in 1997; DJ Clue's "Cluemanatti!" It features bangers from AZ, Wu-Tang Clan, DMX & The LOX, Mobb Deep, Mic Geronimo, Lost Boyz, Sauce Money, Canibus, Capone-N-Noreaga, Tragedy Khadafi, Genovessee, EPMD, Fat Joe, The Notorious B.I.G., Redman, McGruff & lots, with plenty of exclusive freestyle mixed throughout. Maybe some of it is wrapped in memories I have from that time (Freshman year in college), but I still really enjoy listening to this mix tape, so dig into it below. Updated with a fresh, new audio link - thanks to DJStepOne's mixcloud page.

PF Cuttin "The Danger Mix" (Mixtape, 2015)

DJ PF Cuttin of Blahzay Blahzay takes us back to the 90s with this mix of anthemic, East Coast bangers! Taking it's name from their Blahzay Blahzay classic, "Danger," the mix includes tracks from the Artifacts, Real Live, Onyx, Craig Mack, Busta Rhymes, Das EFX, Screwball, Mad Skillz, Pharoahe Monch, Gang Starr, Brand Nubian, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Naughty By Nature, The Notorious B.I.G., The Beatnuts, Original Flavor, and Pete Rock & CL Smooth. Listen to this mix of Hip-Hop anthems below...

"First Time Felon" (TV Movie, 9/6/97)

Can a young gangster from Chicago's West Side turn his life around? A first time felon doesn't have to be a lifetime criminal. Greg Yance (Omar Epps) has learned all he needs to know about life on the street. As a member of the Vice Lords gang, Greg believes he's got it made until he's arrested and jailed for dealing drugs. Behind bars, one false move could end his life. But a chance to escape certain death arrives when he's offered a way out, serving his time in a rigorous Marine-style boot camp. It's a choice that will change his life. Greg must stand up to intense discipline and heavy handed punishment. But even if he survives the training, can he carry the boot camp lessons into the real world without being drawn back into a life of crime? With a cast that also includes Treach of Naughty By Nature, Pepa from Salt-N-Pepa, Delroy Lindo, William Forsythe, and Charles Dutton among others, this is a powerful film that was originally aired on 9/6/97. I know made-for-TV movies often get slept on, but run this one back one time since now there's a full-link on YouTube to watch.

Frank The Butcher & DJ 7L "Illegal Business" (Mix)

Frank The Butcher & DJ 7L have consistently released dope mixes & here's one of their earlier joints from the winter of 2013. The "Illegal Business Mix" was originally a double-sided mix, the A-Side featuring an intro from DJ Clark Kent & featuring tracks from Real Live, Redman, Smoothe Da Hustler, Cormega, Cru, Fat Joe & Pun, Blahzay Blahzay, CNN, The Lox & Biggie, Mobb Deep, Nas & more! The B-Side kicks off with an intro from the G.O.A.T., DJ Premier, the dives into tracks with Nas & Mobb Deep, Wu-Tang Clan, Rapper Noyd, Gang Starr, Tragedy, Biggie, Royal Flush, Big L & even more. If that doesn't speak for itself, then this mix isn't for you! Otherwise, click play and listen below. (Update): Frank The Butcher & DJ 7L only had Side A up on Soundcloud, but fortunately DJ Step One now has the full tape on Mixcloud so once again props to him for the stream. Listen...

DJ Chief One "1993" (Mixtape)

Sharing another dope throwback mix from DJ Chief One; this one covering the year 1993, arguably one of my favorite years in Hip-Hop music! Squeezing over 70 tracks into this mix, suffice to say he covers a wide range of releases from '93, including tracks from A Tribe Called Quest, Run DMC, Rakim, Black Moon, KRS-One, M.O.P, The Coup, The Beatnuts, Dr. Dre, Da King & I, Shyheim, Masta Ace, Knuckleheadz, Common, Souls of Mischief, Tragedy, Rumpletilskinz, Dred Scott, Biggie, Flavor Unit, Cypress Hill, Wu-Tang Clan, De La Soul, Tha Alkaholiks, Yall So Stupid, Hard 2 Obtain, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, The Nonce & more! You don't wanna miss this one, dig into the mix below.

DJ Obsolete "Reminiscence" (Instrumental Album)

"Reminiscence" is a solid instrumental album from beatmaker, DJ Obsolete, from Cologne, Germany. I saw it originally released digitally and on cassette earlier in the year, it's now being released on Vinyl via Postpartum Records - limited to 250 copies. Hard-drums and vocal chops, it's got a nice boombap feel throughout all 20 tracks, so dig into it below and click through to order the limited vinyl.

The Halftime Show "The 14th Anniversary" (March 7, 2012)

DJ Eclipse uploaded the audio from the 14th Anniversary of The Halftime Show. The date was March 7, 2012 up at 89.1FM WNYU and the audio represents a look back at some of the highlights from the earlier years of the show - including freestyles from Akinyele, A.G., Arsonists, Big L, Cage, Dilated Peoples, Dynasty, Eminem, Fat Joe, 50 Cent, Ghostface Killah, Godfather Don, Hieroglyphics, Method Man, Natural Elements, Non Phixion, Outsidaz, PMD, Q-Tip, Ras Kass, Redman, Royce Da 5'9, Street Smartz, Talib Kweli and more. Peace to DJ Eclipse, DJ Riz, DJ Skizz & Petey Cologne. Listen below...

Justo The MC & The Lost Info "Epiphany: The Lost Project"

Justo The MC and The Lost Info have joined forces, creating a hip hop odd couple fusing a Brooklyn, NY lyrical marksmen with a Toronto Based Powerhouse Production Team. This match made in heaven, formed by a Sound Cloud follow and a few emails has created a four headed monster pairing the East Coast with the North of the border in an unexpected and undeniable sound of raw unfiltered hip hop. Justo, who brings the lyrics, hails from the projects of East New York and has been an MC for almost 15 years. He got his first big break in 2011 when he and older cousin Vic Black of the Gang Starr foundation released his first single "It's Our Year". On the production side, The Lost Info is a three man beat making crew consisting of Ol Man 80zz aka Major (Toronto), Futurewave (Rexdale) & Blanxx (Brampton). The Ontario, Canada natives started on separate paths, but found a connection & respect for each other due to their mutual love for music and music making. The Lost Info and Justo The MC have now combined their talents and experiences to create a soulful, lyrical, universal and highly original "flava" bridging an old school foundation with a new school flair. Their first official project "Epiphany: The Lost Project" is set to be a game changer in its unique, yet nostalgic hip hop sound and delivery. Between Justo's timeless bars and smooth approach combined with The Lost Info's melodic, jazzy, hard-hitting and neck breaking variety of beats, it's easy to see why both sides agree this is just the beginning of a lethal combination. 

Real Live "The Turnaround" (The Source, 9/96)

Larry O and K-Def of Real Live are by no means strangers to the rap game. Though you might only know them from their "Real Live Shit" single, they've been together on and off since 1988. In that time Larry O did a stint with BDP while K-Def honed his mixing and production skills under the tutelage of Marley Marl. On their debut LP, The Turnaround, it's obvious that these are two seasoned hip-hop veterans: Larry O rhymes from the perspective of a hardened OG who's seen and done it all, while K-Def provides flawlessly constructed musical arrangements to bolster Larry's tales of ghetto strife. K-Def's production formula works mostly off of big bass bumps, moody string arrangements and expert scratching... Every track on The Turnaround showcases a chemistry as tight as any DJ/rapper team... Unfortunately, the album does fall off a bit on the B side... Overall, The Turnaround is a solid debut. Larry O and K-Def display a wisdom and maturity that is rare in these days of shorty hustlers and pre-pubescent MCs. They have proven themselves to be tried and true hip-hop warriors who should not be slept on. - The Source, 9/96. You can listen to the LP below...

Full album review in The Source + Real Live sticker... below.