DJ Soul "Common: Time Travelin" (Mixtape, 2011)

In 2011, in advance of Common's release of "The Dreamer, The Believer," DJ Soul and OkayPlayer joined forces to release this quality mix. It features a variety of rarities, remixes and lots of classic cuts from Common's back catalog. At some point, fans are going to have to give this Chicago MC his flowers, because he's had an incredible career: in and out of music. Yes, he's had a miss or two, but he comes back stronger every time. He's an album-based artist with deep roots in all the elements in the culture of Hip-Hop. I've seen him at the biggest award shows and right home at Fat Beats, you gotta support that. Enjoy this mix of Common joints, mixed by DJ Soul: download/stream below...

Da Youngsta's "I'll Make U Famous" (The Source, 1996)

"Growing up is hard to do, just ask Da Youngsta's. Five years and three records ago, the threesome from Philly entered the hip-hop universe with a pugnacious, precocious sound that made up for whatever it lacked in maturity with a vibrant, infectious enthusiasm that embraced the group's youth. But on I'll Make You Famous - released by the venerable, independent Philadelphia rap label, Pop Art Records - Qur'an, Tarik and Taji are out to let you know they ain't no kids no more, despite the fact that all three are still under 20. Da Youngsta's are now to be known as the Illy Funkstas, and their first album as such seems intent on proving the importance of the distinction. This time around, 17-year Qur'an and company focus on the big boy concerns of swinging to survive, whether it's on the street, the mic or in the bedroom. The title single is a made-for-radio cruisin' jam that speaks on the pleasures the Funkstas have to offer the ladies. "Bloodshed and War," featuring Mobb Deep, teams the trio with one of their bigger influences in yet another hip-hop ode to the business of the street corner. "Verbal Glock" highlights the maturing confidence the group has in their ability to take on all MC comers..." The rest of the review is mixed and speaks to the pitfalls in the album, saying "it lacks the elusive flava that makes good beats great records." That's a fair take, few people would call this a classic. Watch the video for their title track since the album isn't available.

You can check out the full review down below...

Group Home "Suspended In Time" (The Source, May '96)

"With a solid debut album and 2 hit singles under their wing, the Group Home strike again with track #5 off the Livin' Proof album: "Suspended In Time." The simplistic lyrical style they've been notorious for is pretty much erased on this hypnotic head mover. With its positive message surrounded by pure street essence, "Suspended In Time" is bound to make your system and your mental bump. The beautifully produced track is another tight masterpiece by none other than DJ Premier. The melodic sounds of mystical flutes embrace the beat while, in the same tradition as "Livin' Proof," he brings his infamous scratch technique to the Rebel I.N.S. line, "Don't talk the talk if you can't walk the walk" ... Score another hit for the Group Home who, with all the bullshit feedback, still manage to deliver the realness." - The Source (5/96). Image by Danny Hastings.

Marco Polo "Newport Authority 2" (Album Stream)

Released in May of 2013, the Newport Authority 2 was inspired by politics and industry bullsh*t that prevented this material from being included on PA2: The Director's Cut. Shylow and I went in and created a separate album to hold people over until PA2 drops in July. Attached with Intro, interludes and fully mixed and mastered by Joe Nardone. With confidence I can say this is not a mix tape. It will also be available on vinyl LP via Fat Beats for the heads that appreciate physical product, because I still do. I've included songs I recorded with legends such as Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Lil Fame and The Artifacts. But, I've also got joints on here with some talented up and comers such as First Division, MidaZ and Big Gutta. Plus the sh*t is free - so enjoy! - Marco Polo. Dig in...

Fourfifths "Earth Wind & Fire" (12", 1997)

Fourfifths released this 12” in 1997 on Conception Records, which was a really dope label in Seattle, Washington. The label was co-founded by the Sharpshooters; Mr. Supreme & DJ Sureshot, in ’93. They released early records by Jake One, Diamond Mercenaries, Kutfather, Eclipse, Da Grassroots and even my brother, MoSS. The ‘Walkman Rotation’ compilation put together by J.Rocc may be one of their most known releases, because it showcased a little from each member on the roster. As for Fourfifths, it was Cuniform, Sub-Zero, and Nickle Slick, with a really dope remix by Jake One on this 12”. There are 2 variations, a blue sleeve and a green sleeve of this 12”, not sure if there’s any difference between them. The scratches on the 12” are handled by DJ Ace. Listen to the full 12"...

Phoniks & Raashan Ahmad "Above The Clouds" (EP Stream)

The "Above The Clouds" EP is the newest collaborative release from bay area emcee Raashan Ahmad and Portland, ME hip hop producer Phoniks. It's infectious combination of electric piano loops, filtered basslines and lively drum breaks lay the backbone as Raashan exhibits his natural groove as an emcee masterfully over the project's 7 cuts. Positive lyricism and jazzy soundscapes invoke memories of artists like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul while featured emcees such as Virginia's Awon, Chicago's MC ADaD and Slimkid3 of legendary hip-hop group The Pharcyde each bring their own unique rhyme style to balance the sonic palette. All these factors lead to a jazzed out, feel good project that is both relatable and refreshing, perfect to digest on a sunny afternoon cruise this summer. - Phoniks. You can stream/download the "Above the Clouds" EP below...

Doo Wop "The Best Of Freestyles Vol.1" (Mixtape, 1995)

"Doo Wop doesn't use the title "DJ" in front of his name, because the title "dee jay" does not fully describe Doo Wop's talent and ability. Known to many as "Da Bouncemasta," Doo Wop has made a significant impact in the hip-hop and mixtape world, and he is considered by most to be an urban street legend! Born in Los Angeles, California, but brought to the Bronx New York at the age of 2, DOO WOP has paid more than enough his share of dues." This compilation of classic and unreleased freestyles features Raekwon, AZ, Lost Boyz, Treach, M.O.P. and more. (Updated, new audio link).

NWA "The Strength Of Street Knowledge" (The Source, 5/89)

"If there's one phrase that describe NWA's approach to music, it's "don't hold back." Anywhere you drop the needle on their new album "Straight Outta Compton" (Ruthless/Priority), clear, hard, and funky sounds blow you away. The MC's of the group confront issues head on, painting a very real picture of the violent urban setting of Compton, a part of Los Angeles known for gang activity. The members of NWA are the rebels of rap, overlooking the political rebellion of PE or the poetic rebellion of BDP for straight-up, gun-in-your-face rebellion.... The MC's of the group - Eazy E, MC Ren, and Ice Cube - are each talented lyricists with distinct styles. Eric "Eazy E" Wright mixes comedy with hardness, going to all lengths to brag of his sexual prowess. He is also the executive producer of all Ruthless releases, and a solo artist with a recent gold album of his own, "Eazy Does It" (Ruthless/Priority).  Ren is the most skillful rhymer, using quick reversals and complex rhymes to create a great style, especially on "If It Ain't Ruff". Ice Cube is the power source of the group, giving off incredible energy and street-wise knowledge, at its best in "Gangsta Gangsta" (the first single) and "I Ain't The One." Dre even gets into the MC side of things on a few of the cuts, and he's no joke! Ren, Ice Cube, and Eazy team up and kick it on the most striking cut, the searing, revolutionary "F#ck Tha Police." The hard-edged music, the rhymes, and the voices sound great, but it's difficult to digest the subject matter.... In fact, NWA is widely criticized for the excessive profanity and violence found on their records. All in an effort, the group claims, to "reflect reality." - The Source, 5/89. Continue reading for a lot more on one of the best groups in Hip-Hop history!