Pusha T just said, "We done seen n!ggas panic and show us they tears / Reminiscin' over hits but the money ain't there / Truth or dare, still get it for eighteen, I swear / Reasonable Doubt and all my thoughts are cashmere," on that Ray Vaughn joint, "Problems." Enter Phoniks' "The Cashmere Tape," his latest offering which uses new technology to isolate the vocal files and remixes Jay-Z's 1996 debut classic 'Reasonable Doubt' front to back. A laid-back, jazz-infused reinterpretation of one of our favorite albums of all time. Many would tell you, leave perfection alone! But that would rob us of the occasional surprise release like this one. Listen to the jazzy Cashmere Tape below...
August 2002: Jay-Z took over Hot 97 for several hours over a two-day period to sound off on all his naysayers. For two consecutive days, Jay-Z guested on Angie Martinez's afternoon show, speaking out on rumors of civil unrest within the Roc-A-Fella camp -- which he scoffed at, insisting, "How could I leave the Roc? I am the Roc" -- as well as his falling-out with former mentor Jaz-O. More significant, though, was Jay-Z's reaction to the ongoing beef with rapper Nas. Echoing a challenge that he made in the The Source magazine, Jigga suggested that the two rivals settle their differences with a pay-per-view rhyme battle. He added that each party could pony up $1 million for the wager, with all event proceeds going to a charity of the winner's choice. By day two of Jay's marathon interview, he reported that boxing promoter Don King had already faxed in a proposal to organize the event. - MTV. Nas responded saying the contest should be decided in record stores, not on TV. ”Pay-per-view is for wrestlers and boxers. I make records,” he told MTV. ”If Jay-Z wants to battle, he should drop his album the same day I do and let the people decide.” Jay-Z was scheduled to release ”The Blueprint 2” on November 5th, 2 weeks before Nas released ”God’s Son.”
In the interview, they discuss when Nas flirted with idea of signing with Irv Gotti to Murder Inc. A decision that Irv later regretted, as he was also the producer on "Super Ugly" for Hov during that battle. Jay-Z said of the battle with Nas, "It's wrestling," alluding to the fact that it's just music. Jay-Z explained that he's not a perfect human being, and owned that he went too far with certain things he said. But, "people clash at the top," so as competitive artists, that's just where things went. Then they jump into a discussion about the battle: the pay-per-view funds/proceeds and tickets at the door (Madison Square Garden?) would have gotten to charity, with only the $1 million they each put up, going to the winner. A show with 3 freestyles from each MC, but "they gotta be vicious." He added, if anyone felt a way AFTER the battle, they could've gone to a gym, "put on some head gear", go 3 more rounds as men and go separate ways. Additionally, they discussed Jaz-O, R. Kelly, Cam'ron, Dame Dash and more. Ultimately, it's bigger than hip-hop and they squashed their beef, but all these years later, Hov still petty AF, if you ask me. A special moment in hip-hop!
Brooklyn Zoo: The Legend of Iceberg Slim is a mash-up mixtape with vocals from one of the greatest MCs of all time, Jay-Z, and beats from one of the most influential music groups EVER, the Wu-Tang Clan. While it was uncredited on the CD bootlegs, the mash-ups were done by The Insane Prophet, who also took vocals from The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, 2Pac, DMX, Inspectah Deck, Method Man, Lil' Wanye, Ghostface Killah and Ol' Dirty Bastard to put together this exceptional project in 2017. The following year (2018), he also released a project re-imagining Nas rhyming over the classic beats to Biggie's Ready To Die, aptly titled "Ready to Illmatic." These kinds of projects--when done properly--are a true labor of love, and this was absolutely done well, so dig into it below and look out for a follow-up post about that Ready To Illmatic tapewhen I revisit that one as well. Enjoy it...
This is a classic mixtape. It has all the elements I know I look for when I listen to mixtapes…especially blends. It’s not just the actual blends themselves either. We know Chong Wizard can blend and chef up some crazy shit but it’s the little things that make American Ironman a classic. The choice of beats off Ironman, being able to maintain some of that 70’s appeal on the Jay Z vocals while maintaining a stranglehold on the whole drug dealer come up. I’ve played this joint for young cats not familiar with Ironman to tough, I’ve played if for older cats that are very familiar with that Ghost album, and the reactions are the same…let me get a copy of that! That right there is how you know you did your thing in creating a masterpiece for the masses. - RapMullet. Revisit Chong Wizard's American Ironman below, an exceptional blend-tape that was reissued on cassette in 2018.
One of hip-hop’s biggest moments now has video footage backing it. New footage of Jay-Z’s 2001 Summer Jam performance was shared to YouTube, seemingly for the first time (taken down, and posted again) it’s been uploaded to the platform in its entirety. Included in the Hot 97 performance, which was uploaded by YouTube account HipHopVCR, is the moment when Blueprint-era Jay surprises the crowd with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The new camera angle—filmed from the top of the venue shows a solid view of how it all went down, with MJ and Hov chatting it up on stage as Jackson waved to fans and told them he loved them. Video footage of Jay introducing MJ has been shared before, but in less-impressive camera angles, despite the screams still being heard loud and clear. The footage of the entire performance also features Jay debuting “Takeover” on stage for the first time during the June 28 gig at the Nassau Coliseum. It remains unclear who shot the specific video, but whoever it was, they documented some of the biggest moments in music.... According to former Hot 97 program director Tracy Cloherty, “There were definitely some rules that went into effect” when Jackson pulled up. “Even though I was introduced to him, I couldn’t shake his hand or anything, and I couldn’t step within, like, a 6-foot perimeter around him,” Cloherty recalled. “Things like that. It certainly added another layer of security concerns and things that we had to deal with behind the scenes. But it was certainly worth it.” Check out the performance footage below. - Complex. No doubt, this was a historic moment in hip-hop, especially with the impact Nas vs. Jay-Z beef had on things. We absolutely chose sides, didn't YOU?? Oh and M.J., too!!
In the fall of 1999, Def Jam posted a billboard atop the intersection of Flatbush and DeKalb avenues in downtown Brooklyn to advertise Jay-Z’s new album. Fittingly, the blown-up cover image for Vol. 3 … Life and Times of S. Carter depicted the rapper flanked by skyscrapers, peering downward. (Hov always did love a good metaphor.) He was now above the competition—in his home borough, in New York City, and in hip-hop. By the time Vol. 3 dropped in late December, Jay-Z was rap’s undisputed ruler. Vol. 3 went no. 1, as did all nine of his subsequent solo releases. Beyond his transcendent skill, Jay’s nimbleness and ambition would become the hallmarks of a long-running monarchy. He hewed his sound to adapt to radio trends and collaborated with the right people at the right time. And he was ruthlessly competitive, on and off the mic, which only added to his longevity. While Vol. 3 isn’t regarded as Jay’s best album—that accolade is reserved for his debut or 2001’s The Blueprint—it does have a wide-ranging aesthetic that reveals the expansive kingdom that Jay-Z oversaw when he first assumed power. The South was rising. Dr. Dre returned. New disrupters were en route. And hip-hop in general was on the verge of going fully mainstream. Jay observed the terrain and adapted accordingly. From his very first words on the album—Yeah, I know you just ripped the packaging off your CD—to the bootlegged songs that were left off the final cut, Vol. 3 provides a perfect time capsule of rap as it headed into the new millennium. - The Ringer. Revisit the LP below.
The album's (Canadian) one-sheet boasts "sales points" and "facts" as: Vol.3: Life and Times of S.Carter is his highly anticipated fourth release with his charismatic dazzling lyrical acrobatics, stunning verbal versatility and fierce, driving beats. Album includes 2 hidden tracks: "Jigga My N!gga" and "Girls Best Friend" (from the Blue Streak soundtrack). Guest artists include Mariah Carey, Juvenile, UGK, Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek and Amil, as well as production from Swizz Beats, Timbaland, Big Jaz and "a few newcomers", failing to specifically mention DJ Premier, Rockwilder, DJ Clue, Duro, and Irv Gotti. Definitely not my favorite Jay-Z album... but it absolutely did have joints: "So Ghetto", "Do It Again", "Things U Do", "Big Pimpin'", "Anything" and the 2 hidden tracks, of course.
Below is a chronological tribute mix to Jay-Z by DJ Break entitled, 96 'Til Infinity. Originally released in January 2011, DJ Break shares: "From track 1 of Reasonable Doubt to the last track of Blueprint 3, DJ Break seamlessly slams through every song in order of tracklisting from Jay-Z's eleven solo studio albums. This is a timeless mix that conceptually has never been done for any artist in history." The mix only lasts about 15 minutes, so it might feel a bit rushed and not cover the tracks you were looking for, but in honor of Shawn Carter's born day today, I figured I'd share it for those who haven't had a chance to peep the mix yet. I'm curious what'll happen when fans/other artists start throwing Jay-Z's name around to do a Verzuz? Does Kanye step up? Drake? Do they try to sell a Jay-Z vs. Nas re-battle? It's debatable if anyone in the history of hip-hop could hit that stage and make an impact as great as Jay has done. People say Busta's live energy makes him a strong force, but I just don't think it's enough to get him a W. That said, Jay would never do it anyway, so it's just a fan argument for the f#ck of it. What's next? Listen to the Hov mini-mix below...
In the pantheon of street-cultural gods, the hustler is the bejeweled strategist, a ghetto politician who moves with the money and mommies — the cat who can hang with the thugs, high rollers, Los Angeles Bloods and Brooklyn gods with equal grace. And Jay-Z is his pop personification. Outside of Iceberg Slim, no one has offered a more detailed portrait of the hustler as a young man. Over the last four albums of his reign, Jay-Z has offered crime-born insights edged with a razor awareness of not only the dangers and angles of the streets but also the consequences of his actions — on himself, his family and his community. For every glamorous “Big Pimpin,” there is a document of his fear and loathing like “Streets Is Watching.” In return for his crimes, he gave us a window into the process of his evolution from hustler to pop phenom — all the while keeping count of his progress in diamonds, cars and bottles of Cristal. In his latest offering, the strangely titled The Dynasty Roc La Familia, Jay settles into a more natural role: that of the hustler-teacher. Sensing correctly that bling fatigue has set in, Jay steps away from the flash and floss of Volume 1, 2 and 3 and focuses on more weighty subject matter. La Familia is not without its pimping and posturing, but it is much more about family. On track after track, Jay confronts the new, unfamiliar demands of being a father figure with the same determined egoism and intelligence that he used while hustling in the streets of Brooklyn. “Soon You’ll Understand” finds Jay having to confront a young girl’s tears instead of rival drug dealers and FBI surveillance. There are unanswered questions and unresolved emotions. And throughout, Jay returns to a core theme. In an offhand moment, Jay calls to the father he hardly knew: “But I ain’t mad at you, Dad/Holla at your lad.” The production is as reflective as his lyrics: pulled back, less frenetic and more full-bodied than on his previous album, Volume 3 . . . Life and Times of S. Carter. La Familia is closer, in many ways, to his seminal 1996 debut album, Reasonable Doubt, and his pre-Timbaland days. Dynasty is Jay-Z working back toward his roots musically, all the while creating a solid foundation for the next generation.... - Rolling Stone. Listen...
A young MC emerged from Brooklyn's Marcy Projects aspiring to be a rap superstar. After learning and surviving the harsh life of a drug dealer, lyricist Jay-Z began his inevitable journey toward becoming one of the most famed hip-hop artists in the biz. The six-figure ni**a known to millions as Jay-Hova or Jigga Man recently released his highly anticipated fourth Roc-A-Fella/IDJMG album, The Blueprint. His determination to rhyme helped Jay to leave his drug-dealing days behind and focus all of his energy on seeking out a record deal. Serious about rapping, Jay began to scope the scene. He appeared on several underground projects before he hooked up with Damon Dash, CEO of Roc-A-Fella, who talked Jay into a partnership. That link got Jay's rap career off the ground. In 1995 he released his first single, "In My Lifetime," which was a surprise hit in the core of New York's fastidious rap scene. His debut album, Reasonable Doubt, wasn't a top seller, but it did well enough to start a buzz. The following year Jay and Dash joined forces with Def Jam and released Jay's sophomore project, In My Lifetime, followed by Hard Knock Life and The Life & Times of S. Carter. Just as listeners recovered from the whiplash they suffered from the head-bobbing, c-walk anthem "Change the Game" and the raunchy sex single "I Just Wanna..." Jay released the lead single from The Blueprint, "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)." The album outlines comical bars and penetrating messages in Jay's distinct hood lingo, laced with Cristal, ice, Bentleys and gorgeous women. Sing along to "Girls, Girls, Girls" as Jay speaks frankly about his addiction, then enter the world of Jay-Hova in "Jigga That Ni**a" and "U Don't Know," a glimpse into the life of a rap star. Before you stop, take on the gangsta-influenced joint "Renegade," as Jay and fellow rebel Eminem exchange hard-core rhymes. No longer labeled a product of an unjust environment, the multimillion-dollar talent known as Jay-Z hits haters with another sure-to-be Platinum album. Though his last project didn't gain quite the reputation of its predecessor, The Blueprint reclaims lyrical victory for Jay. Enjoy. - October 5, 2001.
Is Jay-Z the King of New York? An Empire State of Mind by ToonCrew.
Toronto's DJ Filthy Rich celebrates 25 years of Jay-Z's classic debut album 'Reasonable Doubt' with a mix of blends, original samples, remixes and rarities! Filthy Rich consistently shows love to many of our culture's finest releases with these fine anniversary mixes. His Jay-Z mix also features Jaz-O, Sauce Money, Nas, Foxy Brown, The Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige and more. He promises a second installment to this mix, but in the meantime, I hope this project stays live, because Soundcloud and Mixcloud tend to snatch down many of my favorite mixes. In other words, enjoy it while you can! The mix is brought to you in conjunction with Hip Hop Back in The Day and my brother Soles of Mischief. Props to Young Hov on 25 years of his classic debut. Check it out below...
New York - "The Most Anticipated Album on the Street" is at long last scheduled to surface. Roc-A-Fella recording artist JAY-Z will release his first single, "Dead Presidents" as early as March 1, 1996. The forthcoming album, REASONABLE DOUBT will follow shortly after with its release scheduled for April 1, 1996. "Dead Presidents," the underground hit single has its large audience captured in a tight grip. It is no wonder why the "underground hit" has now been scheduled for release as the sophomore single. Now in full rotation on HOT 97, New York's premiere hip hop station, "Dead Presidents", held listeners in a burdening suspense. JAY enthralled the hip hop community by winning three consecutive bouts on the Angie Martinez' segment, "Battle of the Beats." Winning over reputable competitors such as Busta Rhymes, Real Live Sh!t and Tupac Shakur was just part of a day's work for JAY-Z. On the fourth night it was Ghost Face Killer and several key Wu-Tang members that took him out. See what it takes to knock an artist like JAY. The "fant-abulous" issue on the release of this single is that listeners will receive equal enjoyment of the flip side. The "B" side features Foxy Brown on the explosive, "Ain't No N*gg@." So listen on, "JAY-Z's Listening Party" will provide you with a sweet head nod and an idea of what else will follow. Remember this is just a taste." (Press Release. February 5, 1996). Revisit Hov's classic, Reasonable Doubt, and more below...
Reasonable Doubt is the first release for Roc-A-Fella Records, a label that was conceived by Jay-Z, Damon Dash, and Kareem Burke. Reaching gold status in such a small amount of time for a start-up record company is a remarkable feat in itself. Jay-Z, who holds the title of COO of Roc-A-Fella records comments on the success of Roc-A-Fella and Reasonable Doubt by saying, "It's just the beginning." Damon Dash, CEO of Roc-A-Fella contributes that, "We're not just a company, we're a conglomerate. A family with high expectations, we refuse to lose." In the words of CMJ's M. Tye Comer, Reasonable Doubt is "easily one of the best records of the summer and will undoubtedly give De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest a serious run for their money as the hip-hop record of the year." The album highlights include production by producers such as Clark Kent (Junior M.A.F.I.A.), DJ Premier (Nas) and Big Jaz, who produced the gold single, Ain't No N*gg@. The current single, Can't Knock The Hustle, which features Mary J. Blige, is currently in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart. Jay-Z's performance at a recent concert at New York's famed Apollo Theater had seasoned observers of the hip hop scene comparing Jay-Z's live fire to Run-DMC in their prime. Neil Strauss of The New York Times wrote, "Jay-Z came off like a hustler millionaire alternating lyrics about diamonds and Grey Poupon with ones about street gangs and shootouts." (Press Kit, September 19, 1996). The art above is by talented artist, Alphonze. Full press releases are below.
Many came before them, but no show continued to entertain like Stretch & Bobbito. With raw underground flavor, guest freestyle MCs, and gut-busting humor, they controlled college radio and broke some of the most impactful artists of our generation. "Fuck Seinfeld, we all know who runs things on Thursday nights from sundown to sunup," said The Source in '98. Today marks 26 years since Big L and Jay-Z blessed the mic with their infamous freestyle session. I'm sure it was less remarkable to Stretch & Bobbito at the time, but it is now legendary as new generations of fans get hip to the archives of their shows, and as Jay-Z became arguably the greatest MC in hip-hop. Not to mention the untimely death of one of Harlem's greatest lyricists, Big L. Lines like, "The last thing you want with Big L is a fair one / 'Cause in a street brawl I strike men like lightnin' / You seen what happened in my last fight, friend? Aight then," from L and "Me and L put rhythm on the map, so give him his dap / And me, I just take mine / Gimme those, gimme this, gimme that—fuck that!" from Jay-Z, set the mood for the night. Jay-Z was virtually unknown and L's debut album Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous would drop a month later. Below is the full freestyle from the show (the extended 10-minute version), and below it is the second half of the show (2.5 hours long), which features Funkdoobiest, JuJu, and Gangsta Boogie. Dig into it below, and if you haven't already, hit up the archives for Stretch & Bobbito's recent release, "Freestyle EP," which includes a condensed version of the freestyle, as well as other rare 90s freestyle gems. Rest In Peace, Big L.
I messed up, I completely missed this fine release from MICK, but better late than never. In his own words: "When Jay Electronica dropped "A Written Testimony" at the beginning of the pandemic, it was exactly what we needed. Powerful music for a powerful time. But I couldn't help but wonder: what if there was more? What if it was longer? What if it had more layers to it? I called my friends Chi Duly and Hasan Insane to help put together this intricate revision of Jay Electronica's debut album. But with additional beats. More Hov. Rare verses. Outtakes. Special guests. And lots of other fun easter eggs for true Jay + Jay fans. We hope you love it as much as we do." If you dig into the archives, you'll see a lot of other great mixes from Mick Boogie that prove I'm not only a fan, but that the man consistently puts together some of the best mixes. Don't hesitate, listen to it below...
During the American Gangster recording sessions, Jay-Z laid the vocals for "Dead Presidents III." An unfinished version of the track hit the web in 2007, but during a webchat with Hov in 2013, a fan questioned him about the track and if it was ever completed, to which he gave permission for Just Blaze and Young Guru to let it leak. Guru obliged and leaked a version with some additional bars and touched-up production (Just Blaze found the sample, and Guru made the beat), but the version you hear below is all there is of "Dead Presidents III." As to why, Just Blaze added that "DP3 had 2 verses, one of which got used on another record... So there's only that 1 verse. Sorry." He also adds that the verse has been out for years and was on a Green Lantern mixtape. Oh and "Google is your friend," just to add some snark. It's now 8 years later and I still go back to listen to the track every now and again. If you searched and found this link, maybe Google is your friend. Photo by Jamil GS.
When you went out and bought the highly anticipated album from hip-hop's most arrogant lyricist, you prayed that he reached the level of his last album. By now, most of you are bumpin' Life And Times... to a point where new-school classics like "So Ghetto" and "Big Pimpin'" almost sent the rewind button into an early retirement. As hard as it is to repeat an album as timeless as Hard Knock Life, Jay-Z attempts to hit you with the same ingredients that made Hard Knock a classic. But let's not front. There's a lack of the type of hair-raising lyrics we've come to demand from Jigga. As you know, when the production doesn't support an MCs lyrics, problems arise. On joints like the irritating "Hova Song (In & Outro)," the corny "S. Carter," and the trendy "Pop 4 Roc," Jigga gets lazy over some sleepy tracks. However, when coupled with the right production, Jay-Z reveals why he is the most influential hip-hop artist alive today. Songs like "So Ghetto," "Do It Again," and "Come and Get Me," highlight Jay-Z's uncanny ability to transform bumpin' tracks into cleverly crafted hip-hop anthems. And even on his worst day, there's an industry of MCs who emulate his infectious flow and delivery." - The Source (4 Mics). Not my favorite Hov album, but revisit it below...
You Are About To Witness A Dynasty Like No Other...
"In My Lifetime" is the debut single by Jay-Z. It is produced by Ski Beatz, and contains samples from "Oh Baby" by Aretha Franklin and two Soul II Soul songs: "Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)" and "Get a Life". The original version of the single was sold by Jay-Z and Damon Dash out of Dash's car in 1993-1994. It was then released by Payday Records in 1995, but Jay-Z had royalty conflicts with the label and decided to release his material through the label he co-founded, Roc-A-Fella Records. The single features a remix by Big Jaz and the B-side, "Can't Get Wid That," produced by Clark Kent. The song is not featured on either of Jay-Z's first two albums, but the Big Jaz remix is featured on the Streets Is Watching soundtrack and was first heard in the slept-on film, "Bullet," with Mickey Rourke, Michael K. Williams and Tupac Shakur (R.I.P.) in 1996. Above is the classic postcard sent out to promote the 12", and below you can stream the remix via Spotify. Jay-Z's career is that of a legendary hustler and business-man, who also happens to be one of - if not - thee greatest MCs of all-time! Much respect to Hov, Dame, Biggs and the whole Roc-A-Fella team!
Jay-Z is arguably on top of the rap game. With his past five albums all achieving platinum-plus status, the Brooklyn, N.U., native looks to quiet anyone who dare challenge his reign with his latest set, The Blueprint. Such tracks as "The Ruler's Back" and "Takeover" are testament to this; both showcase a fearless Jay-Z, who, despite his crossover success, is still a highly credible MC. The Kanye West-produced "Takeover," which craftily employs a sample of The Doors' "Five to One," is perhaps Jay's best work to date. The Blueprint does have its requisite party tracks. Lead single "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)," which references the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back," is already making serious noise at both urban and top 40 formats. Throughout The Blueprint (which features guest appearances from Q-Tip, Biz Markie, and Slick Rick, among others), Jay-Z deftly proves that while his celebrity status continues to rise, he remains firmly grounded to the street." - Billboard (9/22/01). Next to Reasonable Doubt, this is widely considered one of his best LPs, revisit it below and let me know if you agree? The production from Kanye West, Bink!, Eminem and (especially) Just Blaze is incredible.
The article in Billboard and a pic from my IG are below...
"With the release of his Roc-A-Fella debut LP, Reasonable Doubt, Shawn Carter (a.k.a. Jay-Z) moves from hip-hop sidekick to Mafia-style front man, blowing up the spot with vivid tales about the economic reality fueling what's left of contemporary ghetto politics. In terms of subject matter, Jay-Z isn't saying anything new. It's the same ol' criminal melodrama that you hear on so many rap LPs nowadays. Titles such as "Friend or Foe," "Politics As Usual" and "Can't Knock the Hustle," featuring Mary J. Blige on vocals, could have been on any number of hip-hop wannabees' LPs, but what makes these tracks stand out here is the slick way Jay-Z flips lyrics. He flows like he's conversing of street survival. His lyrics create cuttingly clever rhymes that ride bomb tracks provided by Clark Kent, Primo, Big Jaz and others with effortless perfection. In addition, Reasonable Doubt has guest spots filled by Brooklyn's Finest playa, Notorious B.I.G., the velvet smooth Foxy Brown, Big Jaz and newcomers Memphis Bleek and Sauce Money. The down side of the album is that while Jay-Z has great MC skills and slamming beats, he mars the LP with an almost religious disrespect for women with songs like "Cashmere Thoughts" and "Ain't No Jigga." Aside from that, Reasonable Doubt has some really thought-provoking songs. Two of my favorites are "Regrets" and the outright eerie "D'Evils." On the latter song, Jay-Z delves into the conspiratorial powers behind the eye on the dollar bill, suggesting that they are the real culprits controlling the ill behavior of so many poor people committing crimes in America. Overall, Reasonable Doubt is a very solid LP. And while many around the country may want to indict Jay-Z for his gender politics and violent content, I seriously doubt if any of them would have a chance of convicting the brother for dropping a wack album." - The Source, 8/96 // Listen HERE and as always, hit the tags for a lot more content.
MICK (f/k/a Mick Boogie) presents #theMICKsTape, 4 hours! of Jay-Z's classic b-sides. The mix was recorded live via Instagram on May 19, 2020. There's that live element to the mix; no rhyme or reason, and an interactive feeling to it because, as I said, it was recorded on IG. That said, if you ignore some of the commentary and shout-outs between records (no shade, MICK), it's still a really dope mix to let rock in the background and hustle through your errands, your work or your commutes to/from work - Hustler Hov's B-sides are the perfect complement to getting you through your day. Click through for the full list of tracks he played in the 4-hour mix. Dig in below!
