The Griselda & The Chosen 1 Tape (EP Stream, 2020)

This an interesting release... DJ Chosen 1's beats with vocals from rare Griselda freestyles. The 9-track EP features tracks with Conway The Machine, Benny The Butcher, Westside Gunn, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Nipsey Hussle and even an interview with the late great Reggie Osse (aka Combat Jack - Rest In Peace!). There are physicals behind this release if you're interested in copping the limited edition CDs and vinyl. In the meantime, listen to The Griselda & The Chosen 1 Tape below...

Big L "Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous" (Ann. Mix by Filthy Rich)

I've shared so many press kits, album reviews and mixes from Big L over the years (dating back to my original blog in the early 2000s)... it's sad to me that--with his passing--eventually we run out of pieces of nostalgia to share. Fortunately DJs like Filthy Rich, and others, continue to pay homage and for the 25th Anniversary in 2020, he curated a mix of demos, album cuts, and rare gems to honor L's debut album, Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous. I'll assume I'd shared something else on its anniversary and figured I'd get back to it and never did. SO... as the album was released on this day in 1995, I'll circle the block and pick up that mix and share it with you below via DJ Filthy Rich up in Toronto. The art above is by Torre Pentel, who has a phenomenal page on IG that I highly recommend. The mix was taken down from Soundcloud or Mixcloud, where Filthy Rich originally shared it, but the audio remains on YouTube, so we'll take what we can get. R.I.P., Big L. Dig into it...

Blu "Soul Amazing Part 9" (Mix, 2020)

DJ Cristano mixes the latest offering from Blu in his long-running mixtape series, Soul Amazing. Part 9 boasts feature verses from Blu on collaborative tracks with Psychedlic Ensemble, DJ Manipulator, Left Bank, L'Orange, Exile, Choosey, Dag Savage, Zion I, Chong Wizard, Mickey Factz, MED, Nolan the Ninja, Reckonize Real, Nappy High, Blue Notes, Pearl Gates, Magno Garcia, Lil Moe, Localblac, Cashus King, Mr. Hong, Amerigo Gazaway, Jimmy Valentine, Wally Clark, J57, J Rawls, Jehst, Apollo Lofton, Definite Mass and lots more. The mix was apparently released in the winter 2020, but I'm late yet again to some new music. You know the deal, it's hard to keep up with music these days! I've said it before, so why not again - Blu remains one of my favorite writers/lyricists. Listen to the mix below...

Wojavelli "Best of Godfather Don" (Mixtape, 2020)

Godfather Don is a New York City-based hip hop producer and rapper. Ever since his 1991 debut album, "Hazardous", he has been a creative force within New York City's underground hip-hop scene. In the mid-90s he released a host of 12" singles and instrumental pressings through Hydra Entertainment before releasing his sophomore effort, Diabolique, in 1998. You may have also heard him on The Cenombites EP, The Slave of New York EP or The Ill Funk Freaker EP, just to name a few. With blogs in full swing by the last 2000s, the underground kept his name and his music in circulation before labels began unearthing demos and other tracks to reissue. Godfather Don continues to release music and has found quite the niche in recent years. Wojavelli pays tribute to Godfather Don, one of NYC's underground legends and unheralded heroes, with the Best of Godfather Don mixtape. Listen to the mix below, and, of course, dig into the archives for lots more...

Ol' Dayz "The Good Old Days" (Album Stream, 2020)

French producer Ol'Dayz teams up with some elite lyricists in the underground for this fine offering, The Good Old Days. With Ol' Dayz on his ASR10 with samples and drums; the flow of his guests, and the musical cuts by the DJ's on the turntables, it will take you back to the original essence. Props to Awon, Wildelux, A.G., Born Talent, Fel Sweetenberg, Ruste Juxx, Recognize Ali, DJ Robert Smith, DJ Djaz, and The Avid Record Collector. The Bandcamp says it was released last year and I completely missed it, so my apologies to all involved in the project! If you haven't heard this LP, check it below...

OC From NC "Dope Sell Itself" (Album Stream)

Another strong project from OC from NC with Dope Sell Itself. Apparently this was originally exclusively available to fans who made merch purchases through his website. It's now being made available (as a Christmas gift to fans) on its own, as well. The project boasts 11 cuts with no credited features on the Bandcamp page, however the Spotify link does credit guest appearances from Big Remo, Chaundon, Vanessa Ferguson, Shame, DJ Flash, Yamazawa, Illpo, and Goodz The Carolina Boy. As the title suggests, you don't need me to tell you it's Dope, this shit will sell itself...

Marco Polo "MP On The MP" (Beat Tape)

Here's the latest beat tape from Canadian producer, Marco Polo. The project is titled "MP On The MP," and it features 12 brand new and unreleased beats inspired from Marco Polo's "MP On The MP" YouTube series, which you can check out HERE. The project is the first release on his own label and pre-orders are currently available for vinyl and cassette. These joints KNOCK, as you'd expect! Dig into the archives for past releases from Marco, and use the search for production credits, too.

Rest In Peace, MF Doom!

2020 couldn't end without one final gutt-punch, huh? The news is reporting that "Rapper MF Doom, known for his masked "super villain" persona, died back on Oct. 31, his wife Jasmine Dumile revealed on social media Thursday. He was 49. Dumile posted an Instagram message to her husband, real name Daniel Dumile, with the New Year's Eve revelation stating that the elusive rapper had "transitioned October 31, 2020." The influential rapper was the force behind beloved hip-hop albums "Mm..Food" and his collaboration with Madlib, "Madvillainy." "The greatest husband, father, teacher, student, business partner, lover and friend I could ever ask for. Thank you for all the things you have shown, taught and given to me, our children and our family. Thank you for teaching me how to forgive beings and give another chance, not to be so quick to judge and write off," Jasmine Dumile wrote on the official MF Doom Instagram account. "Thank you for showing how not to be afraid to love and be the best person I could ever be. My world will never be the same without you." Rolling Stone confirmed the rapper's death with MF Doom's representative Richie Abbott. No information on the cause of death was available." This one hurts. I have no words right now. Prayers to his loved ones. You'll also want to revisit this profile from Ta-Nehisi Coates on MF Doom in the New Yorker (2009).

Crimeapple "Mátalos Con Más Éxitos" (EP Stream)

“Mátalos Con Más Éxitos” is a bottle of expensive champagne to pop in the face of the opposition. A toast to victories and killing enemies with more success. With Buck Dudley at the helm of production and Crimeapple providing the narrative for a celebration of more life and more wins, this latest release boasts 8 tracks with guest appearances from RLX, Da Flyy Hooligan and Sonnyjim. Fat Beats is said to be preparing the exclusive vinyl for this release, so stay tuned for that if you haven't already pre-ordered it. Props to these frequent collaborators, and dig into the EP below...

38 Spesh "Interstate 38" (Album Stream)

Interstate 38 is the latest project from Rochester, NY's 38 Spesh. The rapper/producer has released a slew of impressive projects throughout the year, capped off by this latest 11-track LP, which features guest appearances from Che Noir, Ransom, Benny The Butcher, ElCamino, and more. The production on this solo effort is handled by StreetRunner, Buckwild, The Heatmakerz, Tricky Trippz, Rome On The Beat and 38 Spesh himself. Another solid LP release, check it out below...

Gang Starr "One Of The Best Yet" (Instrumentals)

Last year DJ Premier released the first album from Gang Starr in over 15 years: One Of The Best Yet. The album had previously-unheard verses from the late Guru, joined by the likes of J. Cole, Talib Kweli, Ne-Yo, Nitty Scott, Q-Tip, Royce 5’9, Big Shug, Freddie Foxxx, and Group Home, among others. Premier has now released an instrumental version of One Of The Best Yet, which comes with the bonus track “Glowing Mic” which is a new take on the song “Mr. Gang Starr.” “Since the song ‘Mr. Gang Starr’ was previously released after we hadn’t worked together in so long, I noticed the multitrack session said ‘Mr. Gang Starr (Original Version),’” DJ Premier said to Rolling Stone. “The lyrics and the hook are totally different so I gravitated to it and I didn’t want to use the same title and confuse people. My search for scratch ideas landed me across a song I produced for Torae (‘For the Record’) in 2011. The line says ‘I destroy the mic for my glow.’ Instantly ‘Glowing Mic’ became the title simply from hearing that line.” Listen to the instrumentals and the bonus track, "Glowing Mic" below and props to 2DBZ for the description. R.I.P., Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal!

Supastition "Sounds of Xmas" + Naughty By Nature Christmas Card

Cormega shared an important message that echoes many of the sentiments that I wished to share today; he said: "2020 was a tumultuous year. Holiday season is hard to bear for those who may have lost loved ones during this challenging year. Think of your family and friends who lost someone this year and give them the gift of compassion and make sure they are OK. And if they aren't, do what you can to make sure they are. To all those who are feeling down at this moment, I send my sincere wishes of better days for you and I wish everyone a safe and good-moment-filled holiday season. Peace." Additionally, my brother Supastition released a song in 2007 that still captures relevant thoughts for the holiday season. The track is produced by D.R., and is a dedication to those less fortunate who are struggling during the holidays. You can hear that below, and as for the Christmas card above: if you were on their mailing list in the 90s, you undoubtedly got a Christmas card sent out by Tommy Boy Records. This particular card features Naughty By Nature and illustrations from the legendary Andre LeRoy Davis. The card says, "Have a Happy Holiday and a Naughty New Year! From your friends and family at Tommy Boy." I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, however you celebrate. I also wish you good health and better days ahead. Keep the faith! Much love and thanks for checking out the site and all of the support. Last minute gift ideas? HERE.

Navy Blue "Song of Sage: Post Panic!" (Album Stream)

New York rapper-producer Sage Elsesser has released his new album under the name Navy Blue. The project, Song of Sage: Post Panic!, features Yasiin Bey, Billy Woods, Maxo and Zeroh. Producers like Evidence, Animoss, Chuck Strangers and more contribute behind the boards. The project is Elsesser’s second full-length effort of the year. Back in February, he dropped his debut Àdá Irin. The former skateboarding phenom and face of Supreme streetwear also appeared on the Earl Sweatshirt Feet of Clay bonus track “GHOST” and Mach-Hommy’s “Clout Dracula (Remix).” A close friend of Earl’s since childhood, Elsesser contributed to the art direction for I Don’t Like Shit, I Don’t Go Outside and also earned two songwriting credits on Frank Ocean’s Blonde. Along with the album, Navy Blue shares the video for “1491,” directed and edited by Ryosuke Tanzawa. Tanzawa previously worked with Google for the platform’s Art & Culture production for Black History Month and Schoolboy Q’s 2016 track “Dope Dealer” featuring E-40. Tanzawa’s reel also includes work with adidas originals, Reebok, and 1800 tequila. Hear Navy Blue’s Song of Sage: Post Panic! below. - OKP.

Phoniks "The Quarantine Tape" (Album Stream)

The good brother Phoniks is back with his latest release, The Quarantine Tape. The 12-track project boasts a collection of remixes from 2020, produced on Phoniks' SP-1200, MPC 2000XL and Maschine. The instrumentals are comprised of vinyl samples and live instrumentation, all compliments of the Portland beatsmith. You'll recognize vocals from Ahmad, INI, Erykah Badu, The Notorious B.I.G., The Pharcyde, Jay-Z, D.I.T.C., OutKast, De La Soul, Nas, Street Smartz, and more. A phenomenal tape, check it out below and click through to order the Instrumentals on CD, and more.

El Jazzy Chavo "Aspects of Dystopia" (Instrumental Album)

Aspects of Dystopia is the sixth solo instrumental album by the producer El Jazzy Chavo out in Athens, Greece. This album is packed with hard knocking drums, fat basslines and atmospheric melodies. Based on the classic methods and techniques, El Jazzy Chavo brings new aspects of beatmaking/art to the surface. "Inspired by the urban routine, the everyday life misery, the working class struggle, the low-life cats that conquer the city. Aspects of dystopia, aspects of reality," he shares. Another fine instrumental release, dig into Aspects of Dystopia streaming below...

Dela "Atmosphere Airlines 3" (Instrumental Album)

French producer Dela is back after a fairly long hiatus with a fresh installment in his Atmosphere Airlines series. Past releases have included tracks with Supastition, Large Professor, Blu, J-Live, Torae, Apani B, Finale, and more. Now living in Japan, Atmosphere Airlines 3 is mostly instrumentals with some additional vocals by Reigie, Sollie and Nadina Ali. The instrumentals were recorded between 2008 and 2010, so it'll give you that familiar jazzy and soulful vibe you've heard in the past. In the current climate of lo-fi beats and jazzy loops, Dela's music stands as an early blueprint and it's welcomed that he'd dig into the archives to release these tracks for us to hear. Dig in below...

Reef The Lost Cauze "The Airing of Grievances" (EP Stream)

"Welcome newcomers, the tradition of Festivus begins with the airing of grievances. I've got a lot of problems with you people, now you're gonna hear about it!" Rest In Peace, Jerry Stiller. The Airing of Grievances is, in fact, the latest EP from Philly's Reef The Lost Cauze and is entirely produced by Haj of Dumhi. Lyricism with a genuine message, Reef The Lost Cauze has always stood tall as a man and protects the cloth we come from in the early days of this hip-hop shit. His IG is one of the most entertaining, because he kicks real facts about life, being a father, and takes no issue with calling out the bullshit. Naturally that extends to the music, so dig into it for a dose of the realness.

Drink Champs "Cormega Episode" (Podcast, Video)

On this episode of Drink Champs, N.O.R.E & DJ EFN chop it up with the legendary Cormega. As a Drink Champs alumni, Mega & The Champs dig deeper to discuss his career, Queens, settle some old beefs and a whole lot more! After receiving one of the biggest shout outs from Nas on his song “One Love,” Mega never looked back. Cormega talks about his success as an independent artist, breaks down the meaning of all his projects and what they all meant to his career. Mega also shares stories of Big Pun, The Jacka, Nas, The Firm and more! I don't post all the episodes of Drink Champs - although I am a fan! - but Cormega deserves his flowers as a man + artist, so dig into it below...

 

KLIM Beats "Winter Stories" (Instrumental Album)

Another phenomenal instrumental album from Ukranian beatmaker/producer, KLIM Beats. Winter Stories boasts eleven instrumentals, filled with jazzy loops; keys, strings and hard-kicks amidst other instrumentation. Grab a cup of coffee and if you can, look out the window to picture the snow-filled streets and holiday season in full swing. This is one of my favorite releases from KLIM Beats, but if you dig into the archives, you'll find a lot more selections from his extensive catalog, which is all available on Bandcamp. Many of his projects are also available on vinyl, so show 'em love.

Chino XL & Balthazar Getty "Chino vs. Balt" (EP Stream)

Los Angeles born-and-raised multi-talent Balthazar Getty has teamed up with one of the culture's most potent lyricists, Chino XL, for a collaborative EP entitled Chino vs. Balt. According to Hype Magazine, "freeform creativity and lots of late-night phone calls led to CHINO vs. BALT, the definitive collaboration between Balthazar Getty and Chino XL. With critical acclaim and cultural respect, Chino XL is known for his impressive penmanship and thought-provoking lyrics... The duo believes that making music both simple yet compelling is a true sign of mastery. The two veterans create a vibe that harkens to the golden age of lyricism and 90s hip hop roots, all while representing the present day sound." - The Hype Magazine. Listen to their collaborative EP below...