Tony Touch "Hip Hop 40" (Mixtape, 1994)

Another dope mix tape from '94, this is Tony Touch's Hip Hop 40 on Tape Kingz. The tracklist is stacked with now-classics from artists like O.C., Mobb Deep, Bas Blasta, Gravediggaz, GZA, Lord Finesse, Nas, Brand Nubian, Notorious B.I.G., Common, Da Bush Babees, Super Cat, Method Man, Lords of the Underground, Redman, PMD, Boogiemonsters, Wu-Tang Clan, Fat Joe, Tha Lowa, Black Moon, Craig Mack, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Channel Live, Artifacts and more. Updated audio below...

EPMD "Business As Usual" (The Source, 1991)

"EPMD got biz! I got this tape three weeks ago and it's been in my walkman ever since mainly because it's dope from beginning to end. The first side starts off with two cuts featuring two of their boys. "Hardcore" shows off the rough, "knockin' heads like Mike Nunn" style of Redman over a slow beat and a lazy loop. And LL Cool J displays much skills on "Rampage," which is sort of a modified "Jinglin' Baby" complete with the chorus - "Slowdown, Baby," instead of "Jinglin' Baby." After that it goes into "Jane 3," the third of the "Jane" series about a girl that they ran into on each album. Flip to the B-side and "Rap Is Outta Control" will have you flipping; they drop crazy lyrics over the most simple (sounding) of tracks. "Funky Piano" is time for DJ Scratch to get off... and does he. It was no accident that Scratch won the DJ Battle for World Supremacy in '89 and I think he proves that here when he cuts up "Pump Me Up" from the old school jam of the same name.... There are still several hype cuts that I haven't mentioned. Believe me, the whole thing is dope." I don't know if it's my imagination or if Erick and Parrish actually got better on the mic? They have always been great lyricists, but on this LP they rock styles that we haven't seen from them before... I hope that EPMD will never change, because they are one group out there that's not trying to be like someone else. All they want to do is improve on their own act and this album proves that they're not bullshitting." - The Source, February 1991. Revisit this classic album from EPMD below...

EPMD's Business As Usual in The Source, February 1991...

The Halftime Show "Non Phixion, Arsonists, Big L" (Aug 19, 1998)

"This show had mad guests this night. After a short interview (53:58), Non Phixion, Arsonists and Necro hit the mic for an ill freestyle session (62:45). Then a little later A.G. and Ghetto Dwellas get busy (101:49) leaving it to Big L to close it all out (112:16). Even hearing Q-Unique talk about his MC battle at Club Vinyl (51:45) is dope when he runs down the list of emcees that made it past the prelims (i.e. Pumpkinhead, Poison Pen, etc). These shows captured the essence of what was going on in NYC in the 90s. #RIP Big L #RIP Party Arty" - via DJ Eclipse. Listen to this classic show below!

Brock Berrigan "Diamond In The Rough" (Instrumental Album)

Diamond In The Rough is the latest release from the man of mystery, Brock Berrigan. The 18-track instrumental album brings his smooth brand of production with crisp drums, instrumentation and entertaining vocal chops spliced throughout for an entertaining listen. I dunno where in the world Brock Berrigan was when he made Diamond In The Rough, but it's available now for your enjoyment.

Just Blaze "TAKEOVER" (Abstract Radio Show Mix)

Just Blaze dropped by Q-Tip's Abstract Radio Show on Beats 1, and dropped an exclusive two-hour mix of hip-hop classics from his back catalog, original samples, and also opened the vaults to share some reworked and unheard gems. This is as feel-good as it's gonna get right now, so revisit this mix below and be reminded of the legendary Jersey producer who helped fashion the sound of New York hip-hop in the early 2000s. Some of the gems include Usher‘s “Throwback” with Rico Love, Joe Budden‘s “Pump It Up” with a verse from Busta Rhymes, Kanye West‘s “Touch The Sky” with Robert Glasper, an alternate version of Freeway‘s “Flipside,” Rick Ross‘ “Lord Knows” verse over the “Computer Love” beat and also a Juelz Santana and Jim Jones featured “I Really Mean It” with Cam’ron. Just speaks with his hands and the music, but takes time to shout out the pioneering DJs that've held down radio over the years. Much respect to him for that. Ok, really now - listen below...

Chairman Maf "Soup" (Instrumental Album)

Sheffield, UK's Chairman Maf is back with "Soup," the follow up to last years highly acclaimed "Paint." "Soup" is 11 new tracks of melodic boom bap hip hop. At the time of its release, Maf's team declares that "it is his best (and possibly last) release... So sit down, grab a bowl and eat up." Listen below...

Paranom & Purpose "Life Outside The Frame" (Album Stream)

"It was at the end of last year that the Tragic Allies crew members Paranom & Purpose stepped outside their clique for a minute to record Life Outside The Frame. What they created was a varied selection of songs ranging from upbeat and catchy, to laidback and contemplative, making the LP unmissable for anyone searching for god-body rap with steez. As the newest recruit to the T.A roster, Paranom has proved his microphone abilities beyond a doubt, writing constantly creative bars and huge hooks with nothing but respect for the culture, lyrical depth, and skill. The tranquil jazz that Purpose has been diggin’ for suits the MCs’ chilled style well, and makes this lengthy track list seem short by keeping their songs to the point and highly musical." - via EyeKnowHipHop. Listen...

Q-Tip Lecture at Red Bull Music Academy (NY, 2013)

"Q-Tip is one of hip-hop's greatest MCs and producers. As a member of A Tribe Called Quest, he helped to shape the sound of hip-hop throughout the ’90s. The group’s exceptional run of full-lengths became a blueprint for MCs looking to balance the literate and the absurd, as well as producers searching for the perfect (and unexpected) break. Since Tribe’s split in '98, Q-Tip has kept busy with a solo career that has included multiple solo albums, countless productions, and guest appearances in places both expected and improbable. In this talk at the 2013 Red Bull Music Academy, Q-Tip discussed standout Tribe cuts, working with J Dilla, the Zulu Nation, and more." (Updated, 2017, added new photo; art by Larry Cooney Jr.). Enjoy the interview with Q-Tip below...