'Astronomic Delight' is the first production album by Propo’88 out of Greece, known from Hip-Hop collective Da Shogunz. The album theme is loosely based on the jazz rock/fusion style of the 70’s in its artwork and sounds; it also gives a nostalgic 90’s Hip-Hop feel throughout. Astronomic Delight boasts features from underground lyricists like Wildelux, Hex One, Blabbermouf, Glad2Mecha, Self The Bluest Eye, and is entirely produced by Propo’88. The lead video single from the album was 'The Anticipated,' featuring Bronx lyricist, Wildelux, who now lives out in Japan. That track caught my attention and now the full album is available digitally, you can stream/purchase it HERE, as well as on vinyl through pre-order at Germany's Vinyl-Digital. Sample the album's single below.
Lyricist Lounge Vol.1 was released on this day in 1998 through Rawkus Records and inspired by the work of Danny Castro and Anthony Marshall. In its rawest form, Lyricist Lounge was originally an open-mic gathering of underground MCs on various stages throughout New York City. It was a platform that launched many successful careers and gave an outlet to countless others to be inspired and share their art. From official releases, mixtapes, open mic nights, the Lyricist Lounge show on MTV, and all the park jams and events they continue to throw, I salute Danny Castro and Anthony Marshall for laying the foundation. I've worked with Danny Castro through my artist, Eternia, on several occasions and they hold some of my fondest memories in NYC. This double-disc release was one movement in a long line of things they helped do to push the culture forward, and 19 years later, it still deserves our support and recognition. Vol.1 includes classic underground records from Mos Def & Q-Tip, Pharoahe Monch & Black Thought, Punchline & Wordsworth, O.C. & Rass Kass, De La Soul, Bahamadia & Rah Digga, The Last Emperor, Indelible MC's & so much more.
25 Years! Gang Starr released their third album, 'Daily Operation,' on this day in 1992. “Keith E. a/k/a the Guru, Gang Starr lyricist and rapper, recalls that his grandfather used to tell him, “If you don’t know which fruit to squeeze, you can’t get any juice.” As their brand new album for Chrysalis, “Daily Operation,” aptly illustrates, Gang Starr knows which fruit to squeeze — although the two-man crew from Brooklyn (Keith’s partner is DJ Premier) have scarcely had a chance to take a sip since the release of their second album (and their first on Chrysalis), ‘Step In The Arena,’ in January of last year.” The press release goes on to give back story to their rise from ‘Jazz Thing’ in 1990 to ‘Daily Operation.’ I wouldn’t be overstating to say that each Gang Starr album raised me a bit more in Hip-Hop. From 8th grade through HS, Gang Starr released albums that I would sit with so long they were essentially soundtracks to that year(s). 'Daily Operation' shared '92 with Mecca & The Soul Brother, Whut Thee Album, Business Never Personal, Runaway Slave, Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop, Juice & … well, I could go on and on, but these albums were my most-prized possessions. I knew the liner notes front to back, lol. Later that year, I'd get further into vinyl, DJing and following the culture to the point that it consumed me (in a good way). I wish I could have bottled that excitement, I sit here and think back to those days and the memories are so vivid of opening the cassette, clicking play and reading the notes on all the DJs they thanked; Eddie Sancho who'd make the albums sound so dope, and artists I listened to like Izzy Ice & Majesty aka Da King & I; who'd release one of my favorite tapes the following year. In a catalog filled with so much amazing music (group, solo & feature-wise), it may feel like just another celebratory Gang Starr post, but until 'Hard To Earn' and then 'Moment of Truth,' this album was everything. R.I.P. Guru / Salute, Premo!
A quick Happy Born Day shout-out to Cincinnati's own, Hi-Tek. I first heard Hi-Tek on the underground gems from the Cincinnati crew, Mood, in the mid-90s. Their singles 'Hustle On The Side,' 'Karma,' and 'Snakebacks,' as well as their debut, 'Doom,' were exceptional records that I sold damn near everytime I put them on the turntables at Fat Beats (before they closed their doors). Those records were some of my introductions, but he'd later release a collaborative album with Talib Kweli (who also got put on by Mood), as Reflection Eternal, in 2000 on Rawkus Records. 'Train of Thought' as an entire body of work helped move the needle for underground Hip-Hop entering the new millennium. Until I read this interview, I was unaware of Hi-Tek's lukewarm sentiments to his debut producer album, 'Hi-Teknology.' In his own words, it wasn't the album he would have done, but as a stepping stone to more opportunities, he made it a point to display the versatility in his production and surely crafted a nice lane for himself with joints with Common, Jonell, Mos Def, Slum Village, etc. Subsequent albums would include more fierce production coupled with features from Nas, Q-Tip, Busta, Bun B, Raekwon, Ghostface, and more. He may always remain underrated in this climate of Hip-Hop, but he's highly respected among the elites in the industry. For those more familiar with music that transcends Hip-Hop, Hi-Tek also produced 'Come Down' on Anderson .Paak's smash album, 'Malibu,' last year, and I trust we'll be hearing a lot more from him in 2017. Click HERE and be sure to give him a follow and a born day salute! Check out Hi-Tek's 'Music For Life' below...
Another gem from the OG, DJ Eclipse; 'The Unreleased Show' from August 10, 2000 on 89.9 WKCR (CM Famalam Show). DJ Eclipse's description: "Although not technically a show from the 90's, this show from 2000 was 4 hours of unreleased gems many dating back to the 90s. Riz and I subbed for Bobbito who wasn't there, but left us with Lord Sear as well as What? What? (Jean Grae) and Mr. Len for comedy relief (63:57). Riz set off the first hour of the show with promo only vinyl releases (not commercially released). Then after the comedy break I played 3 hours of demos (71:00). This was before Serato and even CDJ's so all demos were played one after another old school style from tapes and cds. Some sound great and some sound like 100th generation dubs. Some of these have since been released, but many still have not. Last mic break at 230:47." You'll hear tracks from Noreaga, R.A. The Rugged Man, M.O.P., Organized Konfusion, Buckshot, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, AZ, O.C., Scientifik, Nas, Biggie, and so much more; check out The Unreleased Show below. Thanks, E!
'Doobie, with bonified funk for your fanny...' The LA-based crew, Funkdoobiest, consisted of Son Doobie, DJ Ralph M and Tomahawk Funk, and they released their debut album, 'Which Doobie U B?,' on this day in 1993 through Epic/Immortal Records. The project was executive produced by DJ Muggs, who clearly played a major role in the overall sound of the project along with DJ Lethal, T-Ray, and DJ Ralph M. If not for the Soul Assasins connection and my DJ partner at the time being more open to West Coast influences, I might have missed this release back in '93. To be honest, I was initially more intrigued by the wild artwork by Glenn Barr, the clear vinyl, and the project's heavy production. The big singles on the LP were 'Bow Wow Wow,' 'Wopbabalubop,' 'The Funkiest,' and the B-Side, 'Funk Mode.' Released in the days of cassettes, it was hard not to notice that 3 of those 4 tracks were released in succession to open up the album, with 'Wopbabalubop' on Side B; I can remember fast-forwarding to it, lol. All in all, however, it's a very solid debut release and it does take me back to the basement making those early mixtapes. ''My thoughts are collected for the funk, expect it." As I said, I've always loved the OG art by Glenn Barr, check it out...
After making a name for himself as a member of the legendary Juice Crew, and releasing his debut in ’91, ‘Take a Look Around,’ Masta Ace returned in ’93 with his breakthrough album, ‘Slaughtahouse,’ along with his I.N.C. crew. Man, I can still remember the clear yellow cassette for the album (which I still keep in rotation). Considered a loose concept album, 'Slaughtahouse' took aim at the "so-called hardcore rappers coming out these days ... Masta Ace Incorporated are taking them straight to the ‘Slaughtahouse.'" The press release for the 12" added: ‘Following up their underground hit, ‘Jeep Ass Nigguh,’ ‘Slaughtahouse’ is bound to create controversy as phony rappers from coast to coast re-check their style and attitude." Released on LA’s Delicious Vinyl, like their follow-up ‘Sittin On Chrome,’ the album would lend itself to some funkier West Coast production. Often uncredited is the 'Jeep Ass Nigguh' remix, 'Born To Roll,' which was later released on 'Sittin On Chrome,' but was a summer anthem I always attributed to 'Slaughtahouse.' I can still hear that heavy bass rolling in cars around the park streets in Queens. The B-Side single 'Saturday Nite Live' was dope too. In the interview above, Masta Ace says "The reason why my album is different than other albums that are out is because nobody dies on my album. I mean it's not your typical 'shoot-em-up bang, bang' record. Although my album is hardcore, I break the stereotype where someone has to die."
Roc Marciano released his debut solo album, 'Marcberg,' on this day in 2010 through Fat Beats Records. I consider it an important album in the resurgence of New York slang, dusty production, and raw flows. Now, I know these elements never left, but in an ironic twist, an album that was never exceptionally well-promoted, caught so much grassroots attention that it bubbled up and forced everyone to stop and talk about it. By everyone, I mean some of the same opinion-leaders who push the (often) phony "Bring New York Back" narrative. The elusiveness of Roc Marciano - not doing many interviews and having the look, sound, and resume to carry it like that - played into the album's success. Before you knew it, the album was being repackaged, remixes were dropping, and now it's available in every format with Roc Marci's style influencing MCs/Producers around the world. When Sean Price jumped on the remix to 'Snow,' it was hard to ignore, R.I.P. You can support the album on CD, LP, and Cassette as well as the new album, 'Rosebudd's Revenge,' out now too!
