Blueprint "1988" (March 29, 2005)

"Fresh for '88, you suckas." KRS-One said it on "My Philosophy," and MC/producer Blueprint repeats it 17 years later on "Anything Is Possible." Blueprint samples, quotes, or pays homage to Doug E. Fresh, Run-D.M.C., Stetasonic, and other old-school artists on this tribute to the golden age of hip-hop. He isn't really trying to break new ground on this relatively accessible collection of concise, melodic songs, but he is trying to add something to his influences instead of settling for a nostalgia trip. DJ Rare Groove's cuts and scratches fit the throwback vibe, while Blueprint's beats tweak old-school ideas, whether he's working with a Billy Joel piano fill on "Big Girls Need Love Too" or Doug E. Fresh-style beatboxing on "Fresh." The only guest MCs are Aesop Rock and CJ the Cynic, who appear on one song each. Blueprint provides some cunning rhymes and changes up his delivery to fit the album's diverse subject matter, whether it's the earnest social commentary of "Inner-City-Native-Son," the playfulness of the aforementioned "Big Girls Need Love Too," the obligatory braggadocio and complaints about wack MCs, or even the emotional vulnerability he displays on the second verse of "Liberated." His observations seem most trenchant when he's complaining about the current state of hip-hop on songs such as "Trouble On My Mind," which serves as a reminder that it ain't 1988 anymore. -AllMusic. Have you revisited Blueprint's debut solo album 1988 recently? If not, tap in below and also check out his dope, informative podcast Super Duty Tough Work, HERE.

Props to the homie Blueprint, one of the best indie artists....

Evidence "Cats & Dogs" (September 27, 2011)

Grammy award-winning producer and one-third of venerable hip hop icons Dilated Peoples, Evidence is regarded by many as a legend of the scene. With production credits on Kanye West’s ‘College Dropout’, he has warranted enough pulling power to enlist some of hip hop’s cover stars to contribute lyrics to his second solo LP and debut for Rhymesayers, ‘Cats & Dogs’. With appearances from the likes of Slug from Atmosphere, Wu Tang’s Raekwon, Aloe Blacc, Mobb Deep’s Prodigy, Aesop Rock, Krondon and production from the likes of The Alchemist, DJ Premier and DJ Babu, ‘Cats & Dogs’ has been pencilled in as a genuine event in the world of hip-hop.... What is most satisfying about ‘Cats & Dogs’ is its consistency; here we are presented with a natural demonstration of boom bap instrumental sensibility married with witty rhyme schemes. Evidence’s brutal honesty comes to the fore as he dissects his own life and goes deeper and opens up more than ever before. This, while maintaining his characteristic flow, deadpan delivery and sincere gravitas that has earned him the tag of ‘Mr. Slow Flow‘. The singles ‘To Be Continued’ and ‘You’ have the expected head nodding effect with a pitch perfect combination of vocal delivery and beats... One misgiving would be that ‘Same Folks’ featuring Fashawn, is only a bonus track on the album, a shame as it is by far one of Evidence’s most catchy tunes. Nevertheless, ‘Strangers’ features production that resembles a certain DJ Shadow in all the right ways. And as for track 13: “There is no track 13 on purpose. The first line of ‘To Be Continued’ starts ’10 commandments, 24 hours, the 13th floor was missing from the towers…’ For me to leave it [the 13th track] blank and then explain why in the first line of the next track to me is genius.” Clearly not lacking in confidence, Evidence has come up with a truthful, hard-hitting album, moulding together content, rhymes and production into one cohesive whole, and making it Evidence’s most established and successful release to date, a laudable fact considering his already worshipped status. - The Find Mag. Revisit this fine LP below...

"So if you're reading this... thank you." - Evidence.

Brother Ali "Brother Minutester" (Album Stream)

It's a beautiful day when we get a new release from Brother Ali. Brother Minutester, Vol.1 is an extremely raw and rare collection (11 tracks) of Brother Ali's self-produced, one-minute freestyles recorded in tour buses, hotel rooms and backstages around the world. I'd heard several of the 1-minute releases through his instagram and began collecting them for a playlist of my own a while back. Brother Ali is easily one of my favorite artists and certainly a voice very much needed in music today. The culture benefits greatly from his message and I believe him to be a man of integrity and great character, which puts him at the top of many of my lists. Oh, and the music? Incredible. This is a must-own for true fans, pick up a copy before the officially sell out! Update: I'm glad he was able to post to DSPs, too, now that the vinyl is sold out. Go and listen to Brother Ali's new LP below...

Evidence "Unlearning Vol. 1" (Album Stream)

In March 2020, right as the whole world was entering into a transitional phase, Evidence released a single titled “Unlearning”. Now, a year later, Evidence launches the campaign for his upcoming album, Unlearning Vol. 1, picking up where the single of the same name left off, and going beyond. Throughout his career, Evidence has always been adept at both staying true to his roots and evolving as he grows and learns from life experiences, including recognizing when the time comes to unlearn. During the campaign for his last album, Weather or Not (2018), he expressed a desire to close the chapter on the weather-related theme that had been a staple of his solo career to that point. Unlearning Vol. 1 not only sees that vision come to life, but shines brilliantly in the process. Unlearning Vol. 1 pairs Evidence’s own production with works from The Alchemist, Nottz, Sebb Bash, Animoss, Mr. Green, V Don, Khrysis, Daringer and EARDRUM (QThree). This highlights perhaps an undervalued skill of Ev’s—his ability to collaborate with a multitude of producers on a project, while still creating an album with a cohesion and consistency rarely found in such extensive collaboration. While the album’s musical soundscape sets the scene, it's Ev’s gift for relatable yet inventively clever writing that really paints the picture, continually pulling the listener in. That said, a small but powerful cast of guest appearances also decorate the landscape, courtesy of stellar performances from Boldy James, Conway, Fly Anakin, Navy Blue, and Murkage Dave. Unlearning Vol. 1 embodies the sound and feeling of pure artistic expression, capturing a moment in time where marketability, album sales & streaming potential, and the desire to please anyone other than the artist themselves, are all just an afterthought. As one could expect, such freedoms allowed Evidence to tap into something special that sounds engaging and unique, and also remains true to his foundation. Listen to it below...

Sa-Roc "The Sharecropper's Daughter" (Album Stream)

Since signing with Rhymesayers in 2015, Sa-Roc has continued to both invigorate and grow her fanbase with a string of singles, accompanied with powerful and visually enthralling music videos. In that time, she has continued to cultivate and sharpen her skill sets, and has now released her first album for the label. Speaking on the meaning of the album’s title and inspiration, Sa-Roc shares, "The Sharecropper’s Daughter speaks to my father’s actual beginnings on a Virginia tobacco farm where his family sharecropped. The title is meant to signify that both my father’s and my upbringing, though so different, are linked by a shared history that informs the way I move through the world. Although his formative years were spent in the Jim Crow era of the south, where he suffered through poverty and racial oppression, and mine were shaped in the heart of DC, amidst the war on drugs and the effects of its fallout, the album finds points of connection in two very different yet tragically familiar stories of Blackness in America. It’s a sonic reflection of the things we inherit. About the emotional weight that we unknowingly bestow upon the next generation; the genetic transfer of both trauma and triumph that we, both donors and beneficiaries, are tasked with reshaping into a future of our own." The Sharecropper’s Daughter album is entirely produced by Sol Messiah, with the exception of "Deliverance" produced by Evidence and co-produced by Al B Smoov. And, while Sa-Roc’s crafty wordplay, razor-sharp delivery and exceptional writing are the prominent highlight, this undeniable quality is only further enhanced by stellar guest performances from Saul Williams, Styles P, Ledisi, Chronixx, and Black Thought. Great project! Please dig in below...

DeeJay Bird "Beneath The Surface" (Mixtape, 1998)

Originally taken from Fifth Element/Rhymesayers' blog, here's a nice bit of background info on the mixtape, which sets up the video interview below that J-Bird did about his "Beneath The Surface" mixtape back in 1998. "Many of you might better know J-Bird for his role as the General Manager of the Rhymesayers label, including his many tours with Atmosphere, Brother Ali, Rubberoom, etc. However, throughout the 80s and 90s, he was also one of the top and most sought after DJs in the Lake County, IL area. He's also key, in that region, in helping raise the bar on what a mixtape could be and the influence eventually created ripple effects well beyond.... Back in '97 DeeJayBird approached me about assisting in the recording of his first official studio/retail mixtape, "Beneath The Surface." What ensued was countless hours of meticulous planning, endless recording, concept innovations, fantastic mistakes, and a broken Tascam 688 8 Track Recorder, resulting in starting from scratch. In the end, DeeJayBird delivered a very well constructed and influential mixtape. In this exclusive DeeJayBird interview we discuss his favorite mixtape DJs, how the tape was put together, the distribution, the artwork, hidden messages, how he gave special props to the DJ, and how "Beneath The Surface" was the first in a planned trilogy of mixtapes..." - Kevin Beacham.

Below is the video interview with J Bird, and just to give you an idea of what's on this mixtape, you'll hear records from Organized Konfusion, Kool DJ EQ, I.G. Off & Hazardous, Rakim, Non-Equation, Latyrx, Scienz Of Life, Stony Island, Peanut Butter Wolf, Defari, Tha Alkaholiks, The Beatnuts, No I.D. & Dug Infinite, Easter Conference, Atmosphere, Slug, Lord Sear, Prince Paul, Gang Starr, Rubberoom, All Natural, Molemen, E.C. Illa, Jurassic 5, MF Doom, Cage, Siah, Killah Priest, Sir Menelik, Godfather Don, Company Flow, Kool Keith, Common, O.C., Ill Advised, 7L & Esoteric, Hiero and so much more! Much thanks to J Bird and Kevin Beacham for all they contribute to the culture. Enjoy the content.

Fifth Element Closes Its Doors (A Letter From RSE)

"Fifth Element has been a fixture in Minneapolis since it first opened in 1999, but it's also proven to be a destination for Hip Hop fans worldwide. Countless memories have been made in that time and space, while serving our local community as well as traveling visitors and artists alike, and we are thankful for all the love and support you've given us in return over the last 20+ years. Rhymesayers and Fifth Element have always sought to continue building upon our foundation while seeking to grow and evolve with these ever-changing times. Last year, while discussing our next steps for 2020 and the coming decade, we began developing some creative new strategies to better serve the needs of our artists and our community, and we're excited to begin this work. With that outlook in mind, and with respect for recent events requiring temporary closure, we've chosen to permanently close our Uptown Minneapolis retail store. As of April 1st, FifthElementOnline.com will transition to Shop.Rhymesayers.com, which will continue to be the official source for all things Rhymesayers Entertainment. Please continue to support independent artists and businesses as best you can in these challenging times. Stay safe and stay tuned for more new and exciting chapters in our story, for 2020 and beyond. Much love, Fifth Element & Rhymesayers Entertainment." // Thank RSE for all they've done and continue to do for the culture! Please keep supporting RSE and all their artists!

Evidence "Squirrel Tape Instrumentals" (Vol. 1)

As a multidisciplinary artist, Evidence is able to effortlessly express his creativity in many forms. From his early success, rapping in the seminal independent hip-hop group, Dilated Peoples, before excelling as a solo artist, to earning praise as an esteemed photographer, to becoming a Grammy-award winning producer, it’s clear that Evidence has an ability to achieve greatness in his creative endeavors. No matter what discipline he chooses to explore, all of his compositions are lauded as both cutting edge and familiar. Evidence continues his production legacy with a brand new series to raise the bar. Squirrel Tape Instrumentals Vol. 1 is a 26-track collection of unreleased instrumentals, packed full of emotive melodies woven into hard-hitting drum breaks. Each beat transports the listener to a hypnotic state of nostalgia, perfect for study sessions or writing your own hits.

Brother Ali "Secrets & Escapes" (Album Stream)

Secrets & Escapes is a compendium of Brother Ali's time with Evidence over the course of three trips to California, recording in a Venice garage with no regard for pleasing the internet or competing with the music industry. Ev chopped up records on old-school samplers and ran them through a compressor (2 track) so they couldn’t be re-arranged or mixed. Brother Ali sat with the mic and spit rhymes as they came to him, without writing or organizing them into songs. Ev smoked a lot of weed, Ali prayed a lot, and their influences on each other can be heard in the recordings. Every time they made something that reminded them of what they’ve become known for, they threw it away and started something new. Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch and CS Armstrong all came through to bless the project with contributions too. This album is two friends making rap music for no other reason than because it’s what they love to do. Listen to this great project below...

Brother Ali "Sensitive" (Audio & Video)

I always smile when I see new music from Brother Ali, especially on limited 7" vinyl. I appreciate him for continuing to share his truth and his gifts with us, openly and honestly. To that end, I'll let Brother Ali explain his vulnerable new track, "Sensitive": "Sensitive deals with the reality that artists are often times faced with self doubt and a deep sense that the world isn't hearing us as we'd like to be heard. This one was made at a time when I'd taken too long to release new music, had medical trouble with my voice and felt like I'd alienated fans with my political statements. Typical 'tortured artist' vibe that not many people talk about in Hip-Hop, but we all experience it on one level or another." An excerpt from the song's powerful lyrics and streams for the song are below...

"I didn't wanna pull my heart out, let you see in it

I just wanna grow privately, be free a minute

Plus my soul don't always have peace within it

I tell the truth, but I can see that I'm conceded with it..."

Or, if you prefer, enjoy the warm visuals with the official music video below ...

Evidence "Weather Or Not" (Album Stream)

Evidence has returned to deliver his third solo album, Weather or Not, the final chapter in The Weatherman series before beginning the next saga. “As a writer and a rapper, I’ve been using the weather as a metaphor my whole career,” Evidence explains. “I had a line that said, ‘Some think I’m clever, others think I’m the one who makes too many references to weather… or not.’ Every time I would perform that song live, the crowd would always say the ‘or not’, so I knew I was on to something, and it would eventually be an album title.” For Weather or Not, Evidence tapped a stellar cast of producers to share duties with, including Alchemist, DJ Premier, Nottz, DJ Babu, and more. The album also features an all-star lineup of guests and friends, including Slug (Atmosphere), Rakaa (Dilated Peoples), Alchemist, Styles P, Rapsody, Jonwayne, Defari, etc. “I made this album with loyalists in mind,” Evidence says. “There’s nothing that’s unintentional. There are no wasted words.” While the album predominantly highlights his talent as a rapper, Evidence is also a well known producer, photographer and videographer. But, for all of his non-stop, high-level productivity, Evidence is most notably modest, a quality fully captured on Weather Or Not. “Now that the album is finished, I can see clearly that every single song serves its own purpose. To me, it’s like a playlist, or a greatest hits collection…except that none of these songs existed before I made them.” At the time of the release of his "Throw It All Away" video last year, I was unaware that his beautiful wife was fighting cancer -- my heart is heavy for him, his wife and their young son. Much respect to Evidence, please keep them in your prayers... and do support the LP! It's available to stream below...

Thanks to Rhymesayers for these rain drop stickers, too. Get the LP!

Brother Ali "All The Beauty In This Whole Life" (Album Stream)

"Over the past 17 years, Brother Ali has earned wide critical acclaim for his deeply personal, socially conscious, and inspiring brand of hip-hop. Under Rhymesayers Entertainment, he’s unleashed a series of lauded projects, establishing himself as one of the most respected independent voices in music. The latest chapter in that celebrated journey is All the Beauty in This Whole Life, a 15-track collection produced entirely by Atmosphere’s "Ant” Davis. "This entire album is based on the reality that beauty is the splendor of truth" says the Minneapolis MC. "Beauty in all of its forms is the outward manifestation of love and virtue. It soothes the soul and pulls it gently toward the truth it communicates. Every word and note of this album is intended to either reflect beauty, or expose the ugliness that blocks us from living lives of meaning." All the Beauty in This Whole Life is Ali’s first official release in five years and represents the newest and most refined chapter of his life's journey. "Each of my albums are the result of the pain, growth and eventual healing that I experience. Articulating the pain and navigating the healing allows the people who really feel my music to travel with me. It's not only that we hurt together, we heal together as well." Contrasting intensely heavy moments with joyous and grateful ones, All the Beauty in This Whole Life arrives right on time, to help heal a divided nation through the power of music. "In times of great suffering in the outside world, the most important battles start from within." - Rhymesayers Entertainment.

Brother Ali "Shadows of the Sun" (5/2/03)

Celebrating the album's 14th anniversary, Brother Ali delivered his highly anticipated first Rhymesayers full-length album 'Shadows On The Sun' on this day in 2003. 'An emcee, producer and community activist, Brother Ali is a student of Hip Hop's Golden Age. The now classic 'Shadows on the Sun' was crafted with this foundation and Ali's ability to write creative songs with passion and personality. The album is produced entirely by ANT and features a guest appearance by Slug of Atmosphere.' CDs are still available HERE, but you may have to dig to find an OG copy or the 10th-Anniversary picture vinyl. Like many, my favorite track is probably 'Forest Whitiker,' although following closely are 'Picket Fence,' 'Star Quality' and 'Pay Them Back,' just to name a few! With Brother Ali's brand new album, 'All the Beauty in This Whole Life,' on its way May 5th, I want to remind you of the power Brother Ali's voice and message in today's Hip-Hop landscape; please consider supporting it, and once again, his live show performance will change your life, so see it when it comes to your city! Much respect to Ali, Siddiq & the whole RSE. Hit the labels for more.

Evidence "Throw It All Away" (Video)

Yes, new Evidence! Rhymesayers looks like they're getting their ducks in a row for the summer, and I'm here for it. I first heard this on DJ Eclipse's 'Rap Is Outta Control' show a week or two ago, and I've been waiting on it since. Evidence has showcased some of his best work throughout the years over Alchemist's production, and he's diggin' deep with content on the melancholy 'Throwing It All Away.' The black and white visuals add layers to the depth of the track & through the rain storms, the Weatherman shares his trials as an artist and a man. While I celebrate his art and applaud his transparency, I'm taking a second to send prayers up that the song and video are more cinematic than a cause for concern. Bless up, Ev! Hopefully a new project is on the way, but in the meantime, Rhymesayers has given a number of convenient options to listen, watch and support the new single HERE. Much respect to Ev, Al, and the whole RSE family. The video was Directed by Stephen Vanasco and edited by Punit Dhesi; the rain was provided by God. Check the video down below...

'What a long winding road it's been 

With no sign of slowing up around it's turns and bends 

How many have friends that ain't foes within 

Dirty laundry in the wash, but them clothes don't spin'

Brother Ali "The Bite Marked Heart" EP (2012)

On it's 5th anniversary, let's revisit Brother Ali's "The Bite Marked Heart" EP; a free 7 song EP for your listening pleasure. "The Bite Marked Heart" features Phonte (Little Brother, Foreign Exchange) Stokley Williams (Mint Condition), Singer/songwriter Nikki Jean and Aby Wolf. Tracks 1,2,4,6,7 produced by Jake One, Tracks 3,5 produced by Ant. You can still download it for free HERE, and stream it below via RhymeSayers Ent. My favorite track is the video single, "Shine On," featuring the lovely & talented Nikki Jean: I love this song - watch the video HERE. Is it redundant to remind you - yet again - Brother Ali is one of my favorite artists in this whole industry!? Ok then, dig in...

Brother Ali "Us" (Billboard Magazine, 9/09)

"If you know me, you know I love my family, love my God, proclaims Minneapolis MC Brother Ali at the top of his third album. If you didn't know that, Ali makes sure you do by the end of "Us," on which he holds forth on his Muslim faith, his kids and, in the song "House Keys," how "we really don't need all three of these bedrooms." (The rapper suggests spending the money he and his wife would save by moving into a cheaper apartment at seafood restaurant Red Lobster.) What gives Brother Ali's slice-of-life ruminations their impressive heft is the rapper's eye for everyday detail and the handmade appeal of his vintage funk arrangements. Producer Ant provides him with deeply soulful tracks similar to those he supplies his partner Slug in the hip-hop group Atmosphere. Highlights abound, but the standout track "Best@It" has fiery guest spots from Freeway and Joel Ortiz." - Billboard Magazine, September 2009 (available below). Watch the visuals to the title track below...

Online, HipHopDX gave "Us" a 4.5 star review, saying: "Brother Ali's story is a unique one. Skeptics may wonder how an albino white kid from Minnesota could become one of independent Rap's strongest voices. Yet, Ali stands as one of the genre's most highly-praised artists, defying the odds to make it happen. After battling doubt, ridicule and hardship, he grew out of his teen years with the confidence of a talented emcee and used that same grit to escape from poverty, a painful divorce and strained family ties. All of this has been well documented throughout his previous projects and while his story is an intriguing one, it seems he's ready to shift gears on his latest offering. Now, Ali is transferring his focus to Us, working with longtime collaborator Ant to share the stories of others in an attempt to build on his impressive discography. Marking the release of his third official full-length album, some have doubted that he could satisfy those high expectations. But, that only allows Ali to do what he's always done best: defy the odds..." (Updated).

Sa-Roc "MetaMorpheus" (EP Stream)

Metamorpheus is a compilation of songs from Sa-Roc's catalog which spans 12 albums over the last 8 years with 6 new songs. After just one listen, one would truly discover that Sa-Roc is a lyrical gymnast. As Sa-Roc always says, she is an MC who just happens to be a woman. Sa-Roc says on The Reckoning, "I'd rather be remembered for my quick wit and intelligence / Then big tits and a swelling ass cause looks never last forever / I'm like the best of Darth Vader and Skywalker, family product of two sides, dark and light smashed together / Perfect combination of church and abomination, I'm person to file with the grace..." An elite lyricist with bars and real messages, please stream it below!

Brother Ali "The Undisputed Truth" (April 10, 2007)

'The Undisputed Truth' is Brother Ali's third full-length album (4th project), released by Rhymesayers Entertainment on this day in 2007. The article above in Spin Magazine does a good job of setting the stage for the album by providing backstory to the various issues going on behind the scenes in Brother Ali's life. Most notably: a failed marriage, gaining sole custody of his son, and the passing of his mother (R.I.P.), but truthfully, that barely scratches the surface of the depth and honesty of this album. On 'Faheem,' (Ali's son's name), he shares heartfelt words of advice to his son and stresses the sadness he feels leaving him to go on tour. On 'Uncle Sam Goddamn,' Ali takes a stand against corporate America and politics, which is echoed elsewhere on the album, and certainly caused a ripple effect on his career at the time. Essentially, each track on the album serves a purpose and has a greater informed message that will surely resonate. This is, perhaps, my favorite album from Brother Ali, although he continues to raise the bar with each LP, making it harder to settle on a favorite. As the article's title declares, Brother Ali turned bad times into a great album. Ali adds, "If you're really putting your heart into what you're doing, you can't not document that." 

'If I don't like my life I gut it and rebuild it
Fuck it keep nothing but God and my children
I kill the devil wherever he resides
Even if he hiding in me he got to die
I killed little Jason he was only fifteen
Sewed his good traits together made Ali
Filled his lungs with the Qur'an until he breathed
Let him walk but kept him on a short leash...'

Sa-Roc "The Legend Of Black Moses" (Mixtape)

After months of anticipation, ATL-bred femme fatale Sa-Roc is finally here to go after all of your favorite rappers on her knockout 19-track The Legend Of Black Moses mixtape. Named after one of history’s most important freedom fighters, Harriet Tubman, the album turns conventional rap on its head, as the title and theme reimagines MC as liberator and liberator as superhero. Touching notes of vulnerability lead to piercing tones of bravado as track for track, Sa-Roc challenges MCs to step their bars up. From clever puns to repurposed hooks, “Black Moses”, leaves no doubt about the inevitable-Sa-Roc is a legend in the making. If you’re still unfamiliar with the the God Hop Queen, it’s time to get properly acquainted. Stream Sa-Roc’s The Legend Of Black Moses tape below and hit the tags for more Sa-Roc content. (Update: Sa-Roc's streaming link was taken down, but you can still download the mixtape from HERE.) In the meantime, while you're already here, check out the visuals for "Between Friends," a stand-out track from the project, produced by Flying Lotus.

Rubberoom "Street Theme" (12", 1997)

We discussed Rubberoom here to cover some background information on the group, as well as their "Architechnology" album in 1999. I've been meaning to further discuss "Gothic Architecture" from '95 in more detail, but let's first take a trip back to 1997 for this solid 12" release of "Street Theme" and "White Hot Razors." Like "Architechnology," this was released on Indus Recordings, however neither track from the 12" appears on the album. The Chicago crew's signature sound is easily felt; hard drums, deep distorted bass, dope cuts and plenty of vocal strength on the tracks. Noticeably, S.P.O. is not featured, nor is Wititude AKA Fill Spector, and it'd later be announced that they'd gone separate ways from the group. It's also worth noting that "Bird Cage Management" was actually J. Bird, now known from Rhymesayers Entertainment. Explained in more detail by Kevin Beacham of RSE, "Around the same time of the “Street Theme” single, I had come across the Rhymesayers sound in the Twin Cities. That discovery would eventually lead to me connecting them with J-Bird in an effort to build opportunities for both crews by swapping shows in their respective cities of Chicago and Minneapolis. The next logical step was a national tour with Atmosphere and Rubberoom, tour Managed by J-Bird. It was on the tour that Rubberoom finally decided to disband and ended chapter one in their legacy. Meanwhile, Atmosphere still needed a manager and secured J-Bird for the position and only a few years later they would bring me on to the Rhymesayers team as well, but that my friends in a whole other story…" Well said, KB. Now, let's get into this "Street Theme" 12" below, and we'll dig back into some promo from "Gothic Architecture" on another day soon.