Kolaps "Lost Soul Files II" (Instrumental Album)

Kolaps is a producer from Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is his latest beat tape; a 28-track offering entitled "Lost Soul Files 2." Keeping each instrumental short, the project flows nicely with a soulful and melodic boombap vibe throughout. I really enjoyed this one, so recommending you give it a full listen below and hit the tags for more releases from Kolaps! Got more info? Send it through.

Ras Kass 'Nature of the Threat' in Rap Pages (1996)

Ras Kass dropped 'Nature of the Threat' on his debut album 'Soul On Ice' in 1996 via Priority Records. It's arguably one of the most discussed and most dissected records of the last two decades. In 2011, Ras Kass did an interview offering some insight: “[Writing the song] was a task that I took that I really did for myself, so yeah it solidifies me as somebody that’s a thinker and a rapper, because it’s not a…storytelling song and it’s not the most lyrical song; it’s a factual song. The time it took me to get that done was more [of that of a] historian or philosopher than a rapper.” He further remarks (via BeeShine) “As far as how it’s affected my career, for some people, it is my opus. For other people, it may have been a song that made them [think] like, ‘Oh, he hates these particular people,’ which, really, it’s not,” he said. “It may have affected my career [in a way] that [made people respond like], ‘Oh, well we don’t want him talking about that.’ Some people have speculated – [and] I could see where some of their points are valid – that maybe it affected my career in a negative way. It is what it is. I made it for myself. I think it’s a part of me that I’m glad I got out at that time. I probably couldn’t make the same song today…[or] five years ago, just because that’s where I was [when I made it]. Like I said, everything I make is a time capsule. There may be fundamental facts [in the song] that I [still] agree with, but I may have a different interpretation of those facts [now].” The illustration and lyrics are from Rap Pages in '96. Props to Brian @ TheBeeShine for the quotes above and all his introspective interviews. Listen closely below...

Marlon Craft "He Looked Like Nothing" (Mixtape)

Here's the latest mixtape from Hell's Kitchen's Marlon Craft. The young spitter's new tape "He Looked Liked Nothing" features 14 cuts with production by Arbus Beats, Donato, BeatsInMyBackpack, Svmson and Nymano. No shots at all at the producers, but I enjoyed hearing him over more golden-era inspired and soulful production like he borrowed on his Pieces mixtape, but I can still hear the skill and talent in Marlon Craft. It's clear he's working on his delivery and finding his own lane, but New York needs new energy ASAP, so I hope it'll connect for him sooner than later. I didn't mess with his "So, What Are You Doing?" EP too tough, but I'm still rooting for him. Listen to the "He Looked Like Nothing" mixtape below, and follow him HERE!

DJ Cash Money "Fly Fishing, Vol.4" (Mixtape)

Chopped Herring records presents Fly Fishing Volume 4! Mixed by the incredible, DMC World Champion, DJ Cash Money, Volume 4 features tracks from Ill Conscious, S.L.I.M. Rockwell, Willie The Kid, Da Ghetto Connect, Napoleon Da Legend, Tuff Crew, Zigg Zagg, Godfather Don, Ghettolandz, MC Gels, Junior M.A.F.I.A., Cenobites, Meyhem Lauren, Hell Razah, Class A Felony, Too Poetic, Stetsasonic, and more. Limited cassettes and CDs can be purchased HERE. Props to Bob Lipitch.

Codenine x Purpose "Below The Sumerian Skies"

"Below Sumerian Skies is the debut solo album from Code Nine of Massachusetts super-crew Tragic Allies. Production is held down entirely by fellow Allies member, Purpose who has previously worked with Tragedy Khadafi, Paranom, Estee Nack and Confidence. The dusty soul-strewn beats make the perfect backdrop for Code Nine’s gritty wordplay, rife with historical figures and metaphors. Guest features on the release include Paranom, Estee Nack, Purpose and M-Credible. Born and raised in Lynn, MA Code Nine used lyricism as an escape from his surroundings including crime, gangs and alcoholic parents. Unfortunately things got worse around the time ''Grey Skies'' was released, with his father’s passing. With financial pressures on the family, Nine dropped out of school and began hustling. Numerous possession charges and a near fatal altercation helped him to rededicate himself to his music. The result is Below Sumerian Skies, a mature and graphically verbose hip-hop offering that any 90’s hip-hop purist must own." Props to Below System Records, listen below...

Ras Beats "Control Your Own" (Album Stream)

"Control Your Own" is first-class, NYC hip-hop, from producer Ras Beats. The LP features some of the best lyricists: Roc Marciano, O.C., Elzhi, A.G., Rasheed Chappell, Blacastan, Sub Con, Breeze Brewin and lots more. The lead singles  "Wit No Pressure' & "Knowledge of Self' set the stage for the album, but it remains consistent throughout. Independent art at it's core, it is released on New York-based indie label Worldwyde Recordings. After acclaimed releases featuring Masta Ace, Sadat X and Neek The Exotic, Ras Beats presents to you "Control Your Own," stream it below.

Ghost Of The Machine "Heroes For Hire" (Album Stream)

Ghost Of The Machine is an artist from NYC, living in Worcester, Massachusetts. He connected with DJ Proof for his latest offering, a 15-track mixtape which features Reks, Fredo Crespo, Haze and more. A solid mix of tracks filled with introspective bars over soulful boombap production. For some background info, "Ghost of the Machine is 1/3 of Mastermind Alliance and 1/2 of The Verbal Vizion. Ghost of the Machine’s music paints a picture of activism, struggles, and the day to day triumphs of his life over gritty boom bap beats. Ghost of the Machine harnesses sharp lyricism in every song to contradict what is lacking in the current state of this medium of Hip-Hop." Listen below... (Updated).

Sprite Advertisements (Videos)

Most of us remember back when Sprite was airing commercials with our legends, but do you also remember the Sprite Series' vinyl releases too? There were about 2 dozen of them, released in clear plastic sleeves & translucent Sprite-green vinyl. I had a whole stack of them. Steve Stoute calls it the 'Tanning of America,' explaining hip-hop's marketing ability in mainstream media, and to white America. Truth is, it's been happening for decades, and even our favorite artists secured the bag from various brands. Lugz, Sprite, St. Ides, Pepsi, Reebok, the list goes on. In the case of Sprite, they chose dope artists and they did it with originality and creativity; most seen in bringing KRS & MC Shan together for a mock battle - who could argue that wasn't timeless? A few years back, they licensed lyrics on the cans, which caught my attention. Below are 3 of my favorite Sprite commercials: Nas & AZ, KRS & MC Shan, and Pete Rock & CL Smooth - heavy on the nostalgia!