Defari "Bionic" (The Source Review, 6/97)

"With last year's arrival of the gruff-voiced LA paparazzi-dodger Xzibit, the Alkaholiks crew expanded its rhyme cipher by one talented newcomer. The single debut of Defari heralds the arrival of another. Independently released on Bay Area rap radio luminary Beni B's ABB Records (510-419-0936), "Bionic," avoids the jovial bounce of the Liks' lush-ous abandonment, but nonetheless impresses via an underground blueprint that forcefully balances aggression and eccentricity. Producer Evidence infuses "Bionic's" immaculate conception of the advanced MC with reverb-soaked snares, a melodramatic piano figure, and Alkaholik E-Swift's scratched-in Raekwon-interjections ("Lock Shit Down!" from Wu's "7th Chamber"), all of which bring more than ample hardware to the iced-grills of MC Steve Austin-wannabe-challengers. Defari's idiosyncratically administered, Ultra-esque declarations of hip-hop chastity ("Handle this / Make you believe like an evangelist / That real MC's are coming to reclaim Los Angeles") add another gratifying dimension to the Likwit Camp's ever-evolving aura ... Make room, motherf#ckers." (Sure Shot Singles, The Source (6/97). Video below.

Gang Starr "No More Mr. Nice Guy" (1989)

'No More Mr. Nice Guy' is the debut album from Gang Starr. It was released on this day in 1989 on Wild Pitch Records. All songs on the album are produced by DJ Premier & Guru, except for 'Gusto' and 'Knowledge,' which were produced by the 45 King. There were also earlier singles like 'The Lesson' that was not included on the album, but were added as bonus cuts for a later re-issue. As far as Gang Starr releases, this is less-often mentioned because DJ Premier and Guru were still finding themselves as a duo and they hadn't quite found that signature sound they'd later be known for. However, there were glimpses of the greatness that would come with Premo on the cuts/beats and Guru's message-driven lyrics. In 1989, I was 11 and only had 1 song from 'Step In The Arena' on cassette single. It wasn't really until 'Just To Get A Rep' that I fully got into Gang Starr, although I credit 'Daily Operation' as being the one that had the most impact on me. That's a slow build, I was raised on their music! For fans that went back in their catalog after hearing 'Step In The Arena' or 'Daily Operation,' it must have been a confusing experience to hear 'No More Mr. Nice Guy,' but it's an album that Premo considers his 'resume album.' Him and Guru paid their dues, found their lane and mastered their sound in the coming years. 'Words I Manifest' was the single I first owned and to this day, that intro immediately brings me right back to those early days. Peep the LP below...

Has-Lo 'The Paul Tape' (Album Stream)

Here's the brand new instrumental project, 'The Paul Tape,' from the Philly MC/Producer, Has-Lo, who now lives in California. The project is an instrumental tribute to the legendary producer, Prince Paul, who if you've been paying attention, you know is one of my favorite producers. I've also publicly supported Has-Lo's music since 2010 and recommend you dig through his back catalog for a lot of great releases including the debut 'In Case I Don't Make It,' where he wrote and produced the entire record. On the instrumental vibe, his short but dope 'Reinterpretations' of Wu-Tang Clan joints had me open last year too. 'The Paul Tape' has 10 instrumentals with crisp drums, audio snippets from Prince Paul and some nice samples like on my favorite beat on the project, 'Hope Ya.'

Lost Boyz 'Legal Drug Money' (Classic Material Review)

Start HERE, where I first spoke on the Lost Boyz; specifically, the death of Freaky Tah and the many great records that were included on their debut album, 'Legal Drug Money.' That debut was released on this day in 1996 through Uptown Records. The lead singles 'Lifestyle of the Rich & Shameless' and 'Renee' both have alternate mixes on the LP, and while I prefer the single versions more, oddly enough, it took nothing away from how incredibly balanced the LP was between singles and album cuts. Island Def Jam reached out to me with a letter and the 12" from the Don't Be A Menace soundtrack, asking DJs to push the Mona Lisa record 'Can't Be Wasting My Time,' which featured the Lost Boyz. However, once I flipped the record over and heard the original version of 'Renee' and 'Winter Warz,' it was hard to remember that Mona Lisa record, although it was dope, too. I think Lil' Kim was also on that 12" but I can't recall the song. The album's production was handled by Pete Rock, Mr. Sexxx, Easy Mo Bee, Big Dex, Buttnaked Tim Dawg, and more. Super cohesive, the album had 5 singles, coulda been 6. The classic review above does a good job at breaking down the tracks, explaining their 'commercial charm' and giving background information, so check that out. Of course, the classic video for 'Renee' (the Soundtrack Version) is below...

Wu-Tang Clan "Wu-Tang Forever" (Snippet Tape, 1997)

This Wu-Tang snippet cassette was released by Loud Records in 1997 in advance of the Wu's double disc album, 'Wu-Tang Forever.' It included snippets of some of the best tracks on the album and clips of the RZA, Raekwon, and Ol' Dirty Bastard speaking on various aspects of the Wu, which you can read more about below. It's only about 12 minutes long and it's repeated on the B-Side of the cassette. 'Wu-Tang Forever' debuted at #1 on Billboard, sold 612k copies in its first week and is 4x platinum. Below is the cassette audio and a page straight from Billboard magazine in May of 1997 discussing the tape. In related news, it wasn't until 2015 that GZA's second studio album, 'Liquid Swords' was certified platinum - 20 years after its release - making it the first album to go platinum since Method Man's 2004 release, 'Tical 0: The Prequel.' Times have changed, huh? 'Wu-Tang Forever' dropped on this day in 1997, so raise a cup for its 20th anniversary! R.I.P., Ol' Dirty Bastard!

Read the article in Billboard Magazine (updated) below...

KUPLA "In.The.Forest.We.Are.Wizards" (Instrumentals)

Here are two instrumental albums from Finnish producer (now living in London), KUPLA. I'm not certain who put me on to his work, but I was intrigued by the title of his latest instrumental release, 'In.The.Forest.We.Are.Wizards.' As soon as I clicked play, I felt nothing but good vibes. The project was released in March and of course, I had to go back and dig through his catalog and found 'Gravy,' which is very similar and was released in August of last year. These are Sunday afternoon vibes on a Saturday, lol. Give them some burn, it'll put you in a good place. I'd love to hear the right artist(s) drop bars and melodies with a storyline to these beats. Anyhow, enjoy the keys and basslines, it's a quick listen of about 25 mins in total for today's selection. Dig in below...

Evidence "What's The Digg?" (Mixed by MIL)

Compiled and mixed by MIL, the latest What's The Digg? mix pays tribute to Evidence of Dilated Peoples. Diggin' through Ev's discography, MIL mixes some great tracks and many of the samples that were the backdrop for your favorite cuts. From personal experience, I can say that Evidence is one of the most humble and down-to-earth guys I've met in the industry. His catalog is filled with introspection over some of the best and most consistent production you will hear from any artist. As a touring artist, I'm certain he's passed through your city, make sure you catch a live show!

Hip Hop Heaven (Vibe, 1999)

"Hip Hop Heaven" was printed in Vibe Magazine's October issue in 1999, honoring the lives of eleven artists through illustrations by Natalie Ascencios. As those of us who have been around since the early days of hip-hop get on in years, it's life's cycle that more of our hip-hop legends will be taken from us. In recent years, it feels like time is catching up to all of us, but for many, far far too soon. With that, David Bry's words resonate that much more and I'd like to share them below, and also remember all those we've lost -- then and since -- may they rest in eternal peace! 

"Sometimes, when we hear their music or their voices, distant and muffled coming from a passing car's radio, it's like they're still with us. We can envision them, late at night, huddle in a hazy cipher under the streetlights. Or in the studio, hunched over a notepad, mouthing words to themselves. Rhyming. Consumed, carried by their music. Living for the music, living each day as if it could be their last. And then, one day, it was. Those artists, these artists -- and there have doubtless been others -- were taken from us, taken from where we stay, far too early. Taken by violence or illness or some fateful mishap. But they are still with us. In their words and songs, their souls preserved on record forever. They're still moving us. Still making us think and feel and shiver in awe of their spirit and of their gifts. And we can be thankful, at least, for that."

Rest In Peace: The Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac, Eazy-E, Big L, Sean Price, Phife Dawg, Praverb The Wyse, Pumpkinhead, Guru, Freaky Tah, Roc Raida, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Heavy D, J Dilla, Big Pun, Proof, Adam Yauch, Nate Dogg, Left Eye, Jam Master Jay, Bloodshed, Pimp C, Camu Tao, MC Breed, Charizma, Mac Dre, Apache, Baatin, Capital Steez, Crazy Toones, Eyedea, Fatal Hussein, Half-A-Mil, Killa Sha, KL, Stack Bundles, Chinx, Troube T-Roy, MC Trouble, Cowboy, Scott La Rock, Seagram, Yusef, Stretch, DJ Screw, Too Poetic, and many more that I'm sorry I haven't documented ... gone but never forgotten!