Altered Crates "DOOM STARR" (Mash-Up EP)

Here is the latest mash-up project from Atlanta-based producer Altered Crates blending beats by DJ Premier and vocals from the late great, MF DOOM. The project is appropriately titled, DOOM STARR. The 6-track EP casts the phenomenal production of DJ Premier and inimitable style of MF DOOM in a new light... imagine the possibilities? DOOM is an underground legend to be celebrated and it was a terrible tragedy that we lost him too soon. I don't know how long this project--like those that came before it--will last on the internet, but if it goes down, hit me up and I'll try to update it with a fresh link. You can also download the project for free HERE, which I highly recommend. Props to the good homie Matt out in Baltimore for giving me the headsup on this EP...

Nipsey Hussle x DJ Premier "The Premier Hussle" (Mixtape)

Several thousand people showed up to the Staples Center to honor the memory of Nipsey Hussle after his tragic death 1 year ago. He was shot and killed right outside the very clothing store that he owned and operated, but as an artist and community activist, Nipsey Hussle created a legacy that will be felt for generations of people who were inspired by his message of ownership, independence and persistence in the face of adversity. It's important to celebrate those we love while they're here, but it's also important to remember and honor their memory in absence, too. This project by Altered Crates was released 11 months ago, mixing Nipsey Hussle vocals and DJ Premier's beats - you may enjoy it and it'll give a chance to hear his voice in a unique way. R.I.P., Nipsey Hussle.

Benny The Butcher & J Dilla "Butcherin' Donuts" (Mixtape)

In 2020, one of the most exciting MCs of late is Benny The Butcher. One-third of the Griselda group, the Buffalo, New Yorker goes full speed ahead at being one of most prolific high-quality feature MCs in quite some time. Out of relative obscurity over years in the game, Benny is among the best in the business, now in his mid-thirties. Benny’s career was molded in the streets of Buffalo at the same time Dilla was lacing Common, Q-Tip, and working with his Stones Throw Records family. The Butcher never got a batch of donuts from the Detroit, Michigan producer. However, the Altered Crates crew continue their penchant for surgical mash-ups with Butcherin’ Donuts. The nine-track effort fuses Dilla beats with Benny raps, including guest shots from Black Thought, Westside Gunn, Styles P, Conway The Machine, and 38 Spesh. As always, Altered Crates looks far and wide for sources that fit together nicely. The 9 songs show the range in both artists. - AFH

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...

J. Cole & 9th Wonder "Wonders Of A Cole World" (Blend Tape)

DJ Tiger and Altered Crates present this solid J.Cole and 9th Wonder Mash-up project. Blending acapellas of J. Cole's vocals over gems from legendary producer 9th Wonder, DJ Tiger brings the North Carolina connection full circle with Wonders of a Cole World. The unofficial project also features vocals from Joey Bada$$, Kendrick Lamar, Rapsody, Talib Kweli, Jay Electronica and Mos Def. Props to John Breiner on the dope art for the project. Enjoy Wonders Of A Cole World below...