Crimeapple & DJ Skizz "Breakfast In Hradec" (Album Stream)

Hradec is a city in the Czech Republic. I hadn't heard of it until reading the title for Crimeapple and DJ Skizz's new tape Breakfast in Hradec, but a few Google image searches in, I could easily picture myself enjoying pastries I can't pronounce at a riverside cafe. Crimeapple has grown a cult following with this rare lyrical ability to paint visuals, and he's showcased it over an impressive number of projects. Breakfast In Hradec is his third in 2022, and it's a memorable one. Crimeapple brings back the vibrant and grin-inducing braggadocio to the project along with some deep introspection. Across the nine songs he reflects on the addicts he used to serve ("In Flight"), his humble beginnings (40 Days, 40 Nights"), and discovering his talents as a rapper ("Wonder Years"). The vibe is served well by Skizz's faithful boom-bap production, its vintage chops also sounding like transmissions from Crimeapple's memory of something foundational. Whatever Crimeapple's gassing himself up on, it's working: on "La Lluvia," he constructs an entire song using almost entirely nouns that begin with the letter "L." That's not easy to do, and it's even harder to make it sound as good as it does here. - The Fader. Listen to the whole project below; it's a dope collaborative project...

DJ Eclipse "The Halftime Show" (93-97 w/ J-Live, 2/4/04)

Airing on February 4, 2004, this is DJ Eclipse and DJ Skizz on the The Halftime Show, their long-running show on WNYU. The theme of the show was a tribute to the years 1993 to 1997, and their esteemed guest was none other than underground titan, J-Live. You'll hear tracks from Channel Live, Nine, Dilated Peoples, Hurricane G, Money Boss Players, Da Youngstas, Kukoo Da Baga Bonez, Mobb Deep & Xzibit, Cappadonna, KRS-One, Neek the Exotic, Hoodratz, Masta Ace, Mr. Voodoo of Natural Elements and lots more. Props to the OG, DJ Eclipse, still reppin' the best of our culture on his Rap Is Outta Control Show with original Halftime Show member, DJ Riz. Listen to the mix 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...

DJ Skizz & Crimeapple "Wet Dirt" (Album Stream)

"Wet Dirt" is a collaborative album between producer DJ Skizz and ill wordsmith Crimeapple. "Led by “Pasteles,” the nine-track offering is chock-full of grimey beats and mud-bred rhymes that are sure to help you get through the final weeks of hoodie season." Props to 2DBZ for the heads-up on its release. I've been following Crimeapple since 2017's "Turner & Hooch," and the quality of his rhymes and beat selection remains on point.  I'm told there will be a vinyl release, perhaps cassette, via Daupe! Media, so keep it locked for that ... meanwhile, stream the "Wet Dirt" project below! 

DJ Skizz "High-Powered" (EP Stream)

New York City-based producer DJ Skizz has previously dropped full albums with Big Twins, Da Villins, and D.I.T.C. affiliate Milano Constantine. However, this summer he’s back with another producer compilation in the vein of 2016’s Cruise Control. This DJ/producer who was at the front-lines of Your Old Droog’s breakthrough has developed close relationships with a number the game’s most respected MCs, and they are always down to hop on a track at his request. For High-Powered this Brooklyn beatologist once again uses his proven formula of pairing Hip-Hop’s giants with up-and-coming talent. You get established names like Freeway, Planet Asia, M.O.P’s Lil Fame, and Jedi Mind Tricks Vinnie Paz, next to emerging voices with a buzz like CRIMEAPPLE, Ty Farris, and Battle Rap extraordinaire Nem$. Just like on Cruise Control, Skizz produces all cuts on this new offering with the exception of one track that he co-produces with Frank Dukes (“Perfect Storm”). If you heard any of his joint albums from 2017, you know the artist born Zach Raemer’s sound is characterized by hard boom-bap drums, thumping basslines, and dusty loops. Listen to High-Powered below...

Milano Constantine "The Way We Were" (Album Stream)

Brooklyn-based DJ and producer DJ Skizz has slew of quality Hip Hop albums releasing in 2017. Most recently, he has a collaborative project with Manhattan emcee Milano Constantine called The Way We Were. Fully produced by DJ Skizz and Marco Polo, The Way We Were serves as a highly-anticipated release from the D.I.T.C. affiliated Milano. The album includes guest appearances from Conway, Big Twins, and Lil Fame (M.O.P.). DJ Skizz also has a solo-produced compilation album called Cruise Control on the way with features from O.C., Big Twins, Hus Kingpin, Rozewood, Planet Asia, Big Noyd, Roc Marciano, Conway, Evidence, Your Old Droog, and more. Listen to the LP below...

DJ Skizz "Cruise Control" (Album Stream)

Different Worlds Music Group/Fat Beats are thrilled to announce the release of the latest album from DJ Skizz, “Cruise Control,” available everywhere now. Cruise Control is DJ Skizz’s 2nd official producer album (B.Q.E., 2013). Over the last couple years, Skizz has been laying down the groundwork for Your Old Droog, while producing and working as his tour DJ. He has also been producing for other notable artists, all the while creating his own label/imprint, Different Worlds Music Group. This will be the 2nd official release from Different Worlds. The label released Timeless Truth’s critically acclaimed “Cold Wave” album this past February. “Cruise Control is a sonic progression,” says Skizz. “This album takes you from where B.Q.E. left off- it’s still that raw boom-bap, but this album is a bit more slick and melodious.  On this album, Skizz recruited a mix of veteran OG MCs (O.C., Planet Asia, Roc Marciano, Evidence, etc) as well as up-and- comers (Your Old Droog, Conway, Hus Kingpin, Da Villins, etc) to provide a dope cohesive and original album that is set to be the official Hip-Hop soundtrack for the summer of ’16. Listen below to the Cruise Control album...