Tha Soloist x A Dusty Cinema "Soul Cinema" (EP Stream)

Just a couple weeks ago I listened to Junoon by Tha Soloist and made mention that the stand-out tracks (to me) were the cuts produced by A Dusty Cinema. I'd hoped they'd do more work together and just like that here's his latest EP, produced entirely by A Dusty Cinema. It occurred to me later, however, with as much music as Tha Soloist has released, this could be the dozenth collaborative project they released, I obviously needed to dig back in the catalog and catch up, lol. I'll have to listen to the back projects and do a post on the best of what I've missed (mental note). Even shorter this go round, the Soul Cinema EP is just four short tracks, but Tha Soloist wastes no bars as he shares his personal narratives, self-reflection, and pays tribute to classic MCs along the way.

Sean Price x Lil Fame "Price Of Fame" (Album Stream)

Sean Price & Lil Fame join forces for 'The Price of Fame' album on Duck Down Records. The 11-track project features M.O.P., Smif N Wessun, Rock of Heltah Skeltah, Conway The Machine, Illa Gee, and Guilty Simpson. The album is entirely produced by Lil Fame of M.O.P., and contains all unreleased Sean Price verses! Rest In Peace, Sean Price, one of the best lyricists to ever pick up a microphone. Don't sleep on Fizzy Womack's production neither, salute Lil Fame! You can listen to the LP below...

9th Wonder "Zion IV" (Instrumental Album)

9th Wonder has touched down with another entry in his Zion series of beat tapes, delivering on Zion IV. This time around, the effort comes through with 46 total tracks as 9th continues to flex his skills behind the boards, reworking Stevie Wonder live performances while also infusing soulful cuts such as SZA and DRAM's "Caretaker" and Debarge's "I Like It." It caps off another busy year for the super-producer who gifted fans with two collaborative Murs projects this year while also having his hand in Rapsody's Eve studio album. It was this time last year that Zion III arrived and 9th doesn't skip a beat in reviving and expanding on his successful series. - HNHH. Listen below...

Your Old Droog "Jewelry" (Album Stream)

Inimitable rap musician Your Old Droog is back. After recently releasing the acclaimed projects "It Wasn't Even Close" and "Transportation", the prolific artist is returning with the brand new album "Jewelry". The album is a celebration of Your Old Droog's Jewish heritage, which he is now officially revealing to the public for the first time. "Jewelry" features guest appearances from the likes of Matisyahu, MF DOOM, and Mach-Hommy (who also wears the hat of executive producer on the project), with beats by Quelle Chris, Tha God Fahim, Edan, Preservation, and more. "I'm a Jew in America", says Droog. "This is my story. Shalom." Listen to Your Old Droog's Jewelry album below... 

Abstract Orchestra & Slum Village "Fantastic 2020" (Album Stream)

Live jazzy orchestral interpretations of the Jay Dee aka J Dilla produced Slum Village classic Fantastic Vol 2! The contributions of the late Detroit producer James DeWitt Yancey - better known to the world as J Dilla - to the world of hip-hop can't be overstated, and nowhere is his legacy more apparent than his work as a member of Slum Village. A founding member of the trio, (alongside rappers T3 and Baatin) Dilla provided the group's distinctly esoteric, free-wheeling sound, built around winding basslines, quirky drumbeats, subtle low-end frequencies, and classic jazz and soul samples. Against the backdrop of Dilla's rich production, T3 and Baatin's free-flowing style of rhyming would also earn wide critical praise, leading to comparisons as the successors to A Tribe Called Quest. All these elements would come together in a truly prodigious fashion in the early 00s, when Dilla and Slum Village would release their second studio album Fan-Tas-Tic Volume 2. The group had already made critically acclaimed waves with Volume 1, but few could have predicted at the time of its release that Dilla's production, which combined portions of alternative, gangsta, and soul hip-hop, meshed with T3 and Baatin's deft lyrical flows, would become such a far-reaching influence. Enter the Abstract Orchestra. Helmed by composer and saxophonist Rob Mitchell, this 18-piece ensemble has become renowned for their distinct sound, which reinterprets some of the most famous hip-hop productions of all time (right on down to the sample material) into a unique blend of big band jazz and live hip-hop. They previously have released orchestral versions of revered hip-hop record Madvillian and a tribute to Dilla to critical acclaim as well. Abstract Orchestra are proud to pay tribute to this highly innovative hip-hop classic. The big band applies their own jazzy spin to Dilla's classic productions, with occasional assistance from the surviving members of Slum Village themselves. The end result is Fantastic 2020, a hybrid blend of smooth, funky brass rhythms with boom-bap sensibilities that is just the kind of tribute that an often unsung, but highly influential group like Slum Village deserves, and is a more than welcome addition to any Dilla completist's library.

Roc Marciano "Marcielago" (Album Stream)

Marcielago is the seventh full length studio album from legendary emcee/producer Roc Marciano featuring Westside Gunn, Ka, Willie The Kid, Knowledge The Pirate, Stove God Cook$ with beats by The Alchemist, ANIMOSS and Roc Marci. The Long Island giant delivers once again, not straying too far from the original blueprint that captured the underground scene for him this entire decade. Whether you paid to hear it early or waited patiently like I did, Marci delivers another solid project and showcases why his influence on the current state of (underground) hip-hop is so strong. Dig in...

Kxng Crooked & Bronze Nazareth "Gravitas" (Album Stream)

Long Beach legend Kxng Crooked (Crooked I) takes a break from his consistently dope Weeklys series to serve up listeners a slab of hardcore Hip-Hop fashioned with lauded Wu affiliate Bronze Nazareth. It's East meets West in a collision of sound. And plenty of Crooked and Bronze's homies come along for the ride, including Killah Priest, Ras Kass, Bishop Lamont, Planet Asia, Snoop Dogg, LA the Darkman, Tristate, Ghostface Killah, Benny The Butcher, 38 Spesh, DMX, Royce Da 5'9, Statik Selektah, RZA and more! Listen to Kxng Crooked and Bronze Nazareth's Gravitas project below...

Adonis & DJ Skizz "Logan" (Album Stream)

Long Beach, California rapper Adonis connects with BK/LA producer DJ Skizz to bring you a 9-track album "Logan". As you may be able to tell from the title, this project is inspired by Marvel's Old Man Logan aka The Wolverine. Adonis has always been a huge marvel head and wanted to create a album that fused his love for the marvel universe with his microphone prowess as an MC. On the title track "Logan", Adonis actually takes on the Wolverine persona "I feel like I'm Old Man Logan on Mics simply was choose to give out moments that were Golden/I can't remember my life/know that my name is Logan it's engraved on a ice, Yikes!" DJ Skizz has been having another busy year behind the boards. On "Logan", he provides Adonis with an eclectic backdrop that includes tracks like the gritty "U.S.S.R", the slow, menacing "What U Call That", and the soulful "Stone'.  All of the songs fit cohesively into a body of songs that tells the story of a rapper who is the Wolverine of the rap game and most definitely has a bright future. Cop the instrumentals when they drop, too. Dig in...

Fat Beats "25th Anniversary Compilation" (Album Stream)

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Fat Beats, they've carefully curated this compilation of their best and favorite 25 tracks on Fat Beats Records. It also includes 2 brand new cuts from Clear Soul Forces and Ill Bill, as well as great tracks by Crimeapple, Masta Ace, Black Milk, Will Sessions, Blu & Exile, Kool G Rap, La Coka Nostra, Roc Marciano, El Michaels Affair, El Da Sensei, Trinity and more. Part of me is sad that they didn't contact me to use one of the vinyl-only exclusives we recorded on Fat Beats Records for the Eternia & MoSS "At Last" EP, but I'm still so extremely proud of all their accomplishments and cannot explain how much my years at Fat Beats (as a customer and working there) impacted my life. Thank you, Fat Beats! Please stream the compilation below...

DJ Big Chris "Party Groove" (Mix)

DJ Big Chris drops a dope mix with over one hour of joints from 1992 (a touch of late '91/early '93); lots of hip-hop classics and anthems throughout. You'll hear tracks from Diamond D, A.D.O.R., Grand Puba, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Nice & Smooth, Digable Planets, Brand Nubian, Nine & Funkmaster Flex, Dr. Dre, Gang Starr, Redman, Run DMC, Naughty By Nature, Apache, Das EFX, Onyx, Lords of the Underground, Showbiz & AG, Zhigge, A Tribe Called Quest, Fu-Schnickens, Black Sheep, Double XX Posse, Eric B. & Rakim, and more! The mix called "Party Groove" and it overdelivers! Dig in below...

DJ Clif "US Connexion" (Album Stream)

A 19-track production album from DJ Clif representing out of Montfermeil, France. The project features 90s style production and a grip of the underground's hottest spitters such as Reks, Napoleon Da Legend, Dirt Platoon, Recognize Ali, The Absouljah, Raf Almighty, Ruste Juxx, UG (Cella Dwellas) and more. Give this one a thorough listen... it's got solid beats, sharp cuts and biting lyrics.

Tha Soloist "Junoon" (EP Stream)

One of the most prolific MCs in the game, Tha Soloist represents out of Jersey City, and I'll be honest, I can't keep up with his output! I've probably missed several of his releases at this point - and I will eventually go back and check them - but for now, here's his latest effort, Junoon. It's a short EP, just 5 tracks, featuring production by A Dusty Cinema, Appetite and Dseize. I'm enjoying the soundscapes of A Dusty Cinema - Tha Soloist definitely has a good ear for production. I'd like them to do more work together in the near future. In the meantime, peep Tha Soloist's EP below...

Farma Beats "The Shadow Man" (EP Stream)

The Shadow Man is the latest EP from London producer, Farma Beats. The 8-track offering features  some heavy spitters from the underground in Deuce Hennesy, Lupus Dei, J Scienide, Norm Regular, Supreme Cerebral, Ty Farris, Johnny Storm, Cousin Feo, Lord Juco, and Jah-Monte. The EP also features DJs Madhandz and Boogieman. The drug-inspired EP boasts solid beats and rhymes. 

Rigz & Mooch "The Only Way Out" (Album Stream)

Big Ghost Ltd drops off his latest, and shares that "This aint no album yo the shit is a movie. You hear bum ass rappers call the bum ass shit they do "a movie" all the time but this aint that. This shit is cinematic FORREAL.. Reality told from two shared perspectives in a semi chronological way without no sugar sprinkled on top. In the first half you get the glorification of the streets. In the second half you get the less glamorous n enticing side of the coin following the same timeline. The realities of both presented without filters. Gritty. Grimy. Brutal. Violent. Merciless... And sometimes heartfelt. Just in time for the Holiday Season!" Dig into Rigz & Mooch's The Only Way Out below...

Skratch Bastid "Merry Christmas & Happy New Year" (Video)

Later today, this may feel like I was being lazy and this is a throw-away post, but I am a very big fan of Skratch Bastid - I think he's one of the greatest technical DJs we've ever seen! This Christmas-themed mini-routine is extremely dope. What do you want for Christmas?? WE WANT THE FUNK! It's catchy and skillful, plus he's got the t-shirts for sale, which makes the video excellent marketing! I'm here to support that, so check it and capture the essence of Christmas spirit! It'll only take you 2 minutes and 37 seconds. Ho! Ho! Ho! Props to Skratch Bastid, hit the tags for more... 

Pounds x Buckwild "Trafficante" (Album Stream)

Rochester MC Pounds and Diggin In The Crates producer Buckwild have released a collaborative project titled Trafficante. The 12-track album features Roc Marciano, Benny The Butcher, Crimeapple and more. Buckwild's production remains extremely sharp throughout, and Pounds' unique voice and flow complement it well. I listened to this album at the request of two friends, because I honestly wasn't familiar with Pounds, but I can see why it's got a buzz. Listen below...

Theory Hazit & Krum "Muddy Squirrel Tape" (EP Stream)

Fresh off the success of the "Here's Mud In Your Eye" album, Krum and Theory Hazit are back to track mud all over your floor with the "Muddy Squirrel Tape" EP. This time around we get a 5 song snapshot of the dirty duo rhyming over the most dusty instrumentals from Evidence's latest offering, "Squirrel Tape Instrumentals, Vol.1". You can dig into the archives to hear that release from Ev. In and out of music, I'm a fan of Theory Hazit - he's good peoples. Support his latest EP below...

Eto & Wally Clark "The Circle" (Album Stream)

Over the course of a year, Eto and Wally Clark worked hard to create something that was new and different from what you are used to, but while maintaining the raw sound that you have come to trust from Rochester's native son. What you get is that same grimy upstate flavor, mixed with some Southern Soul provided by Nashville raised Wally Clark. The Circle was crafted in Colorado, and by having Denver native Juan Fuentez contribute his stunning street photography, from his time spent in Los Angeles, this project is truly a culmination of all sides of America. Listen to The Circle below...

Swank & King Draft "TwoFive 2 Jersey: The Sequel"

Swank and King Draft are signed to 9th Wonder's Jamla Records. You've heard them on Jamla Is The Squad II and Zion III. Now they are back with The Sequel to TwoFive 2 Jersey. Apparently King Draft was enrolled in 9th Wonder's class and 9th was impressed with the rollout of his first album. From there he linked with Swank, who played a major role in Rapsody's Eve artwork, and as they say, the rest is history. The album knocks with production from The Soul Council, and features Mique, Reuben Vincent, SMITTY, and Heather Victoria. A different style than usual - for here - but I dig it...

Andre 3000 & Madlib "Otis Benjamin 2.0" (Mixtape)

Altered Crates delivers a sonic delight by blending Andre 3000’s spectacular verses with Madlib’s magnificent tracks. Aptly-titled Otis Benjamin 2.0, the extended project adds four new edits, including Madstacks takes on UGK’s “Int’l Players Anthem,” Lloyd’s “I Want You,” and Outkast’s “Elevators.” The tape caps a ten-release year from Crates, whose mash-up archive now features the stellar Premier Hussle project, a Yasiin Bey x Al Green twist-up, and a Freddie Gibbs Christmas album. These releases from Altered Crates have been phenomenal, check Otis Benjamin 2.0 below...