Awon & Donnie Propa "The Street Jazz Mixtape"

UK's Donnie Propa is back with another one! His latest offering pays homage to Virginia-based MC Awon, aptly titled The Street Jazz Mixtape. The Don't Sleep Records MC has released some of the best jazzy hip-hop records in recent memory - consistent and prolific, Awon has countless projects you can throw on and listen to, front to back. Now you can run through 30 of his finest offerings on The Street Jazz Mixtape, which is also released on colored cassettes for those who enjoy physical copies. After, dig into the archives for countless Donnie Propa mixtapes and Awon albums.

Awon & Phoniks "Golden Era 2" (Album Stream)

Awon & Phoniks make a triumphant return with "Golden Era 2," the long-awaited follow-up to their acclaimed debut, "Return to the Golden Era." The growth of the duo is evident in this new release, featuring Phoniks' thoughtful jazz-infused boom bap production and Awon's introspective lyrics. Together, the co-founders of Don't Sleep Records not only reflect on the past but also offer a vision for the future of underground hip hop. This album captures the nostalgic vibe of a classic era, reminiscent of the excitement when your favorite group drops a new record, with the stamp of quality you've come to expect from Don't Sleep. Featuring contributions from Anti-Lilly, Tiff the Gift, Dephlow, Hex One, V Knuckles, Demetrius Rhymes, PEL, and John Robinson, "Golden Era 2" is available on CD, cassette and limited-edition vinyl. These guys do it RIGHT, every time. Listen below...

Awon & Parental "Sublime" (Album Stream)

A new MC/producer duo is on the rise, please welcome the collaborative effort "Sublime" by Awon (MC) and Parental (producer from Paris, France). The smooth but mind-blowing lyrics by Awon paired with Parental's Jazz-infected beats make their debut album another sureshot for all Jazzmatazz heads. The project consists of 13 tracks in total plus all instrumentals and the features include fan-favorite Anti-Lilly, Pete Flux, Tiff The Gift, Fresh Daily, Debonair P, Alcynoos, Saï T & Dan Amozig. Much love to the homie Awon and the whole Don't Sleep Records camp. Listen to Sublime below...

Awon & Phoniks "Nothing Less" (Album Stream)

Nothing Less is the latest studio album from hip hop group Awon & Phoniks. It is their first full-length release since starring in the 2020 Netflix documentary "Underdogs" centered around their label Don't Sleep Records and first tour overseas. The album is laced with Phoniks signature jazz-infused, boom bap production style and Awon's raw, honest lyricism. Produced on vintage samplers like the gritty Emu SP-1200 and Akai MPC 2000xl, the music evokes memories of classic east coast "Golden Era" hip hop. The songs were predominantly written under quarantine and center around political and social commentary of these tumultuous last few years. The album features an excellent supporting cast that includes Masta Ace, Blu, Dephlow, Anti-Lilly, Tiff The Gift, Ill Conscious, Kid Abstrakt, DJ Ill Digitz, DJ Eveready, and Av Hamilton. Awon and Phoniks are two of my favorite artists, and Don't Sleep Records is certainly one of the best independent labels creating music today. Listen to Nothing Less below and hit up the archives for a lot more on Don't Sleep Records...

Don't Sleep Records "Original Demos & Unreleased Tracks"

"Every MC I've worked with will tell you there's a 50/50 chance I try to change the beat on any track we record together. Here's a collection of 20 tracks with their original beats that ultimately got cut from the album and swapped for something else. Also included are a few unreleased joints that got scrapped altogether. Some of them I'm not sure why. Give it a listen and hear the original flows as they were intended before I went in and tampered with them. This was a dope trip down memory lane to go back and listen to the OG versions of some of our best records. It was a fun mixtape to put together and it features every member of the Don't Sleep Records roster. Hope you enjoy." - Phoniks // I'm a fan of every artist on the Don't Sleep Records roster, so this was a pleasant surprise - I recommend listening closely below, and click through for a lot more music!

Teo Frank "Underdogs" (Hip-Hop Documentary)

Téo Frank was just 18 and an aspiring director when he decided to try his luck at filmmaking on the other side of the Atlantic. After a series of encounters and experiences, his trip took a turn when he crossed paths with photographer Mason Strehl in Alaska. Their encounter took him to New York where he got the chance to work with underground Hip Hop artists Awon, Phoniks, Tiff the Gift, and Dephlow of Don't Sleep Records. From this adventure a documentary was born called UNDERDOGS. Who are the rappers in this film? Téo didn't know them when he began, and never dreamed their encounter would change his life the way it did. This is an inspiring documentary, now available to stream on Netflix! In the meantime, check out the trailer below and much love to everyone at Don't Sleep Records! You'll want to hit the archives for all of their great music, too! Update (2021): unfortunately the link to the documentary's trailer has been removed (I don't know why), so I added a behind the scenes video instead. I still highly recommend that you check this out!

Awon "Soulapowa" (Album Stream)

I woke up to the incredible sounds of soul pumpin' through my speakers today. Yup, I stretched my arms at 6:15am, saw an e-mail that the new Awon album was released and 'popped' it in to get my day started. Some jazzy keys, a nice break... my eyes are opening... then the bars come in - "...the first amendment, exercised with a criminal vision..." - my day is off to a great start! Peace to my brother from Philly, Dread Solo, on the production for "Dark Roast," which ends with a proper applause. MZ Boom Bap is up next, and when the cuts come in after Awon's first verse, it levels up. This is feeling like Awon's sharpest and most concise effort thus far. "Keep it real, that's that..." (Peace to N.O.R.E.) By the time the soulful chop from Phoniks bleeds through the speakers, I'm floating through my morning rituals. I had to pause the album to cop the CD and show support...

The LP's AZ-like feature comes from Houston, TX's Anti-Lilly on two cuts. His message is always on point and breathes added life into the project. All in all, if you've been a fan from day one or this is the first time hearing Awon's music, this project has a timeless feel to it and while I must sit with it to break down and digest the lyrics properly, I'm standing firm that this may be his best project released to date. I'm gonna fire off a text to let him know how I appreciated his album as the sun starts to peak through. I hope the rest of the world is waking up with me, as Awon ironically says "...sleep while you alive and wake up in a coffin..." lol. I hear you, brother. Listen to Soulapowa below...

Awon & Phoniks "Return To The Golden Era" (Album Stream)

Unfortunately, this site wasn't up and running when the Virginia MC, Awon, & Portland producer, Phoniks first collaborated on their debut release of "Return To The Golden Era." However, I was surely tuned in for the nostalgic vibes and sound reminiscent of the golden era of hip-hop (the 90s). To celebrate it's 5th anniversary, a vinyl repress is now available - pressed on ultra clear, with gold splatter vinyl ... courtesy of Don't Sleep Records. I'm told the tracklist is slightly different from the original LP: mainly, interludes have been removed and the original version of 'Rule Of The Gun' has been replaced by the remixed version. The vinyl also includes the 'Get Yours' remix for the first time ever on vinyl, replacing the 'Move Back' remix from the original LP. For certain, prices will increase considerably via resellers once these are sold-out, so get in on the ground floor and support independent art at Don't Sleep Records! You can (and should) stream this project in full below...

Dread Solo "I Think We've Met Before" (Instrumental Album)

Creators are gonna create; it's essential to their being. When I read the caption to my brother Dread Solo's debut album, "I Think We've Met Before," it says: "It took me 26 years to make this abstract narrative. This is some of the realest art I've ever made" ... I can't help but exhale. I can understand that, and I'm instantly gonna support it. Known to me (first) as a journalist, then as a sketch artist, and now as a producer, I can sense that desire to create is always working within him. I'm glad he's found quality outlets for that creativity and as with his other endeavors, they have been met with success and acclaim. Dig into this 17-track opus below, and appreciate his expression from behind the boards. Props to Awon on "Night Shift;" dope to see them working together, too.

Awon & Phoniks "The Actual Proof" Album Stream

"Brooklyn-born / Virgina-based emcee Antwan Wiggins, better known as Awon, and Portland, Maine hip hop producer Phoniks have been cutting ‘Golden Era’-inspired rap tracks since 2013. This year’s The Actual Proof marks their 5th endeavor back into the studio, their third release on their own music label, Don’t Sleep Records. First track True to the Facts harkens back to the conscious hip hop years of the early aughts, my personal favorite era of this ever-expansive genre. Gliding on a Bob James-inspired organ hook delivered by the great Phoniks and some smooth-as-silk flows from Awon and Anti-Lilly, True to the Facts is yet another reminder that jazz and hip hop are as aurally delicious of a combo as coffee and cream." Peep the stream below and definitely show support.

DJ ZID "Shadows" (EP Stream)

DJ ZID is a DJ and producer from Zurich, Switzerland. A good dude, I've had the pleasure of choppin' it up with him a few times over the years. For his latest EP, he drops off 6 jazzy hip-hop joints that feature Silent Knight, Awon, Pete Flux, Tiff the Gift, dkay and more. Catch the vibe...

Playlist #4: From The Depths of Soundcloud

It's been a minute since I did a Playlist post, but I was on Soundcloud and looked into what I've liked on my company account and created a quick playlist from it. It's about 30 joints, some I've already posted on here, and others I probably meant to in the first place. To give you an idea of what to expect, it includes tracks from: Awon, Anti-Lilly, Reks, Apollo Brown, SRAW, Philanthrope & Omaure, DJ Low Cut, Blu, Emanon, Hubbs, Yogisoul, Hy-Definition, Bluestaeb & Juju Rogers, Joe Budden, Torae, Logic and a dozen more. I mean, if you've been paying attention to the 'Selections' posted on this site, then you already know what to expect. I'm overdue for another Instrumentals playlist too, I'll have to remind myself to like more material, so the playlists will be ready when I go to make them, lol. A lot of the projects included have digital AND physical copies that you can support, so do look into purchasing what you enjoy from the playlist. I need to do more, I know...

Awon & Dephlow 'Sleep Is The Cousin of Death' (EP Stream)

'Sleep Is The Cousin Of Death' is the latest release from Hip-Hop collective Don't Sleep Records. The project features Virginia's own Awon & Dephlow on the mic and producer Phoniks on the boards, recreating the chemistry from their highly celebrated debut "Dephacation" in 2014. Dephlow's booming mic presence is complimented by Awon's slick, smooth delivery as the two eMCee's weave in-and-out through a compilation of Phoniks turntable cuts and somber boom-bap instrumentals. The trio proves that they haven't missed a beat since their debut, and Don't Sleep Records remains one of the best / most consistent collectives in underground Hip-Hop. The project is available digitally using the 'Name Your Price' feature on Bandcamp, on CD and Vinyl, as well as limited edition posters. The project will sell out, so be sure to support it while supplies last. Dig in...

Awon & Linkrust 'Moon Beams' (Album Stream)

'Moon Beams' is the lastest project by rapper Awon and French producer Linkrust that takes the listener on a "spaced-out afrofuturistic journey through the streets as they exist today, yesterday, and possibly the future." The music by Linkrust is obscure, raw, and gritty yet beautiful at times ... the accompanying lyrics of Awon only enhance the vibration. The album is available digitally, as well as on CD and LP featuring Awon's wife and MC, Tiff The Gift, also from Don't Sleep Records. If you're not caught up, go back and listen to Awon's releases with co-founder of Don't Sleep Records, Phoniks, as well as 'Matte Black Soul,' and 'Beautiful Loser.' Follow all of these breadcrumbs!

Mz Boom Bap 'The Rawness EP' (Album Stream)

'The Rawness' is the debut EP from Portuguese beat maker Mz Boom Bap. A genuine homage to the golden era, everything from the drum programming to the sample selection to the subtle ringing distortion of the Akai s950 delivers a seldom seen old-school authenticity. Where similar style efforts often fall short by overpaying for uninspired bars from aging New York veterans, Mz has instead recruited an underground freshman team of budding young rhyme spitters. Features include Don’t Sleep Records co-founders Awon & Phoniks (bars and DJ cuts, respectively), Curtis Roach, Nemesyzz Rigby, Philo, Ryler Smith and MC Shinobi. The vinyl has sold out, but there are CDs available that come with the instrumentals, as well as a digital version of the instrumentals sold separately. Props to Don't Sleep Records for another high-quality release. Stream the EP below...

Tiff The Gift "It Gets Greater Later" (Album Stream)

"It Gets Greater Later" is the 3rd studio album from Don't Sleep Records' Tiff The Gift. The LP features production from Phoniks, JR Swiftz, LinkRust, F. Draper, Kalvion & Kameleon Beats, as well as vocals from Dephlow and her husband - and dope MC - Awon. Oh, and peace to DJ Sayeed too, that's the homie! In a thought similar to "this too shall pass," Tiff shares optimism with her title, as well as a tip to the progression and growth in her life and her music. The Don't Sleep Records brand is about quality every time, so by the time the music reaches us, you can rest assured it's a solid listen from start to finish. With that, click play to stream Tiff The Gift's latest offering below. 

Phoniks & Raashan Ahmad "Above The Clouds" (EP Stream)

The "Above The Clouds" EP is the newest collaborative release from bay area emcee Raashan Ahmad and Portland, ME hip hop producer Phoniks. It's infectious combination of electric piano loops, filtered basslines and lively drum breaks lay the backbone as Raashan exhibits his natural groove as an emcee masterfully over the project's 7 cuts. Positive lyricism and jazzy soundscapes invoke memories of artists like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul while featured emcees such as Virginia's Awon, Chicago's MC ADaD and Slimkid3 of legendary hip-hop group The Pharcyde each bring their own unique rhyme style to balance the sonic palette. All these factors lead to a jazzed out, feel good project that is both relatable and refreshing, perfect to digest on a sunny afternoon cruise this summer. - Phoniks. You can stream/download the "Above the Clouds" EP below...

Awon & Phoniks "Knowledge Of Self" (Album Stream)

"Knowledge of Self" is the 2nd official offering from Hip-Hop duo Awon & Phoniks. Coming over 2 years after releasing their debut album "Return to the Golden Era" in Summer of 2013, the Newport News, VA emcee and Portland, ME producer have been working diligently on their follow-up. While the debut LP was a throwback to 90's hip-hop in every sense, with lyrics focusing on Awon's troubled youth and tales of street grandeur, their 2nd LP sees the group maintain their signature sound while refining things both musically and lyrically. This time Awon is speaking from the present, educating youth on tracks like 'Reflections' and speaking on current social climates in 'Summer Madness' and 'Profit Off My Pain'. He has adapted his rhymes to more relevant topics while keeping his all-natural flow groove-locked in the pocket. The duo also capitalized on the networking opportunities their first LP provided, collaborating with a multitude of talented artists from all over the globe such as Oslo's Ivan Ave and London's Heeni. Phoniks shows his maturation as a producer on tracks like the trunk rattling 'Do They Really Love You' and 'Be Real With It' featuring jazzy piano chops, subtly layered samples and off-beat, un-quantized rhythms. While the debut LP was crafted with the artists in isolation, recording and emailing each other from their respective bedroom studios, "Knowledge Of Self" was made possible by traveling across the east coast and working together in state of the art recording facilities. The tracks are given a warm punch from being recorded through top notch microphones and preamps and bounced down to analog tapes. Across it's 13-tracks, Awon & Phoniks make their best case at providing fans with one of the most well-rounded, impactful hip-hop projects of 2015. Not only have they returned to the Golden Era, but this time they have done it with a seasoned wisdom. Knowledge Reigns Supreme." - Don't Sleep Records Enjoy the stream below and hit the tags for more from Awon & Phoniks. (Updated, 2018)

Awon "Matte Black Soul" (Album Stream)

"...Sometimes I feel like my flesh

Is now speaking to my soul

I understand my purpose

And as long as the earth twist

I'm here to tell the truth

Until I'm underneath the surface

On whatever medium

The antithesis of skinny jeans and shirts that's smedium

Awon bout as real as they come..."

Wooo, catch that 21st Century sample of "Remember The Rain;" it's nicely flipped by Phoniks, and featured on Awon's "Matte Black Soul" LP. Lord knows ... I been old, lol, so I know it's not uncommon to feel like our best days are behind us. Yet, Awon was something of a seasoned vet even before his name caught on, now making waves in the underground bringing maturity, messages with purpose, and lots of soul & jazzy hip-hop with his projects. The blueprint over at Don't Sleep Records is not new, it's just too many artists got jaded or abused by time and veered off course - Phoniks and Awon, however, keep the focus on the music, complementing it with strong visuals, products and packaging + they get themselves overseas where the love is. The industry might be slow to catch on: doing it the right way does work! But then, you can't copy authenticity. (Updated).

ILLusionist "The Uplift" (EP Stream)

ILLusionist is a beatmaker from Romania. He released "The Uplift" EP at the end of last year, featuring Nieve, DJ Nasa, Awon, The 49ers, windchiLL, Tiff The Gift, & more. The production is solid and the features don't overshadow it, they are a nice complement to the entire feel of the project. I'm looking forward to more releases from ILLusionists, for now dig into this latest EP below.