The Bronx's DJ Iroc released this mix tape back in 1995. The mix features a number of exclusive freestyles from KRS-One, Method Man, Pete Rock, Shyheim, Channel Live, 12 MC's, Boot Camp Clik, Cella Dwellas, O.C., King Just and Ten Thieves. Those exclusive comprise the bulk of the mix, but it also includes tracks from Stephanie Mills, Mary J. Blige, Mad Skillz, Blackstreet, Big L, The Notorious B.I.G., Channel Live, Death Camp, Ol' Dirty Bastard, The GZA/Genius, Total & Keith Murray, Miss Jones, Tha Alkaholiks and Mad Lion. The full tracklist is above, listen below. Props to J.Nickelz and Dirty Waters for the tape rip. There's a Showdown '96 also, I'm sure I'll eventually get to that too!
The Hip Hop Coloring Book is a fun activity book for kids and adults, featuring a selection of Mark 563’s own illustrative takes on some of Hip Hop’s most important figures, ready to be colored in. The 64 pages are packed with legendary rappers from the East to the West coast, spanning the Golden Era through to today’s rap superstars. Mark 563 is a Melbourne, Australia, based Illustrator and Tattoo artist. Born and raised in England, Mark has a Visual Communications & Graphic Design degree from The Surrey Institute Of Art & Design and moved to Australia in 2005. He has worked as a designer and illustrator for a number of clients ranging from local independent record labels to large corporations, and has been working on his own series of Hip Hop illustrations, entitled “Evolution Of The B-Boy”. Besides his artwork, Mark 563 is an avid record collector and Hip Hop nerd, and has DJ'd alongside EPMD, Souls Of Mischief, J-Live, The Rza and more. Get it HERE.
"The 4th installment in Epidemic's catalog "4 Dimensions on a Paper" takes the listener on a journey through an array of sonic landscapes and emotions, much like seeing different seasons pass through the year. It was constructed in four sections each containing four songs with each section representing one of the four seasons. Beginning with an upbeat playful feel-good sound representing the summer, it slowly descends into heavier and deeper themes and more melancholic sounds. It eventually ends on a hopeful positive note much like the cycle of seasons is renewed during spring. The album features production by numerous beat makers from all over the world. The Loop.Holes (a production team from Norway) handled more than half of the beats on the project however, producing 11 of the 18 tracks. Other production includes Boora, SicknessMP, Jewbei, Planet Ragtime, Figub Brazlevic and Da Eighth. Featured artists include Melanin 9 and Chad Bazel. This album, with its minimalist approach to guest appearances and lengthy track list, aims to provide hardcore Hip-hop fans with a concentrated and substantial listen." Listen to Epidemic's album below...
Big Kwam came up in the late 90s when he moved from London to NY and connected with Big Twan. He dropped a few solid 12" releases on Blind Side Recordings, which also put out The Creators EP, as 12" from 2 Face (A Butta & L Swift), as well as joints from Pharoahe Monch, L Swift, Mos Def & Talib, and the popular "Wide Angles" compilation in 1999. Anyhow, by the time "Verbalise" had dropped, he had a nice buzz on college radio & was featured in a few noteworthy publications. With distribution through Fat Beats, the 12" was released with an incredible remix from the Jigmastas' producer, DJ Spinna. When you look back on Spinna's catalog, it's amazing how much amazing content he put out in the underground, when you consider how much he's crossed over into other genres and made himself into a household name as a DJ and producer. If you dig up the 12" to "Execution Expert" that dropped prior to this 12", you can find the original version of "Verbalise," which was produced by The Creators & scratches by Mr. Thing ... but this remix is the one! Listen to it below...
Streetmatic is the latest beat tape from Ukrainian beatsmith, KLIM Beats. I've said it before, but I dig his style and continue to check out his beat tapes and instrumentals whenever I get an update. As long as they continue to knock, I'll keep sharing them. There are a grip of releases on his Bandcamp, naturally they will not all be covered here, but click through and dig into his back catalog. Or, until next time ... here's 11 instrumental tracks for you to enjoy. Listen to Streetmatic below...
Le Da Soul: 20 Years of De La Soul represented 20 years (when it was released in 2009) since the release of De La Soul's debut album 3 Feet High and Rising. Mick Boogie and Terry Urban teamed up with a slew of artists to remix classic cuts and pay tribute to the legendary group. Artists like Senor Kaos, Tanya Morgan, Homeboy Sandman, Kardinall Offishall, Phife Dawg, Skillz, Asheru, Chaundon, U-N-I, Camp Lo, Rapper Big Pooh, Butta Verses, 6th Sense, Daytona, Talib Kweli and more. I don't want us to lose sight of all the great mixtapes that came out at the height of the blog era, so I figured a random day like today was as good as any to revisit this great project.
"It's been years since the official death of the Black nationalist emcee movement; and hip-hop hasn't had too many voices checking the thug mentality or the folks "slangin' that rock." All we've seen are emcees who advocate freedom through the dollar bill. But Nonchalant, hailing from Washington D.C., has opted to put a message back in the rhymes with the release of her debut single, "5 O'Clock." Nonchalant flips the layed-back G-Funk drawl, usually associated with lyrical "set tripping," and uses it to relay a message to the hustlers. Over compelling, gospel-esque production, she poses the question: "5 O'Clock in the morning, where you gonna be?" They reply, "Outside on the corner!" For these individuals, she drives home the point of origin for crime and violence. "I got the urge to let you in on a little secret / 'cause you'll keep dying if I keep it / On the killin' that you feelin' from within / For the culprit check the color of your skin." Peep the audio video to the track below...
"Surprisingly, after a four year hiatus, the words "strong, black nation" pop up in a rhyme again. After getting a response from two dope-slangin' MCs, who defend their desire for the finer things in life, Nonchalant rebuts with solutions of collectivism over the rugged individualism that hustling ultimately represents. The lyrics are accompanied by a crisp bass and kick, layered with keyboards, a looming church bell, and an entire chorus. In an age where no one, including record companies, wants to hear or support a sermon, Nonchalant defiantly pays no attention." Full 12" review below...
The legendary Diggin’ In The Crates crew are back in the studio - their own studio at that - and the result is their first new album in 15 years! 15 tracks deep, the album features lyrics and production by all members of the crew, including a few new affiliates. Highlights include a return to the microphone by Lord Finesse on the banger “Rock Shyt”, Fat Joe returning to this legendary Bronx crew and DJ Premier production on “Connect 3.” The album was designed to be the first of many new releases coming out of their new headquarters and label, DITC Studios. You can order the Deluxe Edition via Fat Beats, but you know how I feel about album samplers, so check it out below + Put an L up for Big L - may he Rest In Peace. Great to see the D.I.T.C. crew back together.
