Warren G "Regulate... G-Funk Era" (June 7, 1994)

Because his first single, "Regulate," is also the debut track from the "Above The Rim" soundtrack album, rapper Warren G is enjoying a high profile that should aid in consumer awareness when his own debut album, "G-Funk Era," drops on Violator/RAL/Chaos. "Regulate," which is heard in its entirety during the movie's closing credits, debuted at No.64 on the Hot R&B Singles chart.... Chris Lighty, president/CEO of Violator Records says the prominent sample of Michael McDonald's "I Keep Forgettin'" on "Regulate" is driving listener interest and stimulating airplay at top 40/rhythm-crossover stations.... The 23-year-old rapper and DJ seems to have all the right hip-hop connections. Born Warren Griffin III in Long Beach, Calif., he helped form the hip-hop collective Tha Dogg Pound (213) with Nate Dogg (also featured on "Regulate") and best friend Snoop Doggy Dogg, with whom Griffin grew up. He also is the half-brother of producer Dr. Dre. In addition to having produced a track for MC Breed ("Gotta Get Mine"), he also wrote, produced, and performed on Mista Grimm's "Indo Smoke" and 2Pac's "Definition of a Thug" from Epic's "Poetic Justice" soundtrack. Lighty says an undercurrent of conversation regarding Griffin was initiated on mix shows and with college DJs when they received vinyl versions of "Regulate" and the "Above The Rim" soundtrack.... Griffin says he does not consider himself a gangsta rapper, but is aware of the controversy surrounding the music and the performers. "It's foul because [the gangster rappers] tell what's really going on. The tabloids are telling people they influence youth to gang bang, but it's not like that," he says. Although he likes hardcore rap, Griffin believes artists should stick to the genre of hip-hop in which they started, instead of jumping on musical trends. "My music will fit in the market on the old-school tip," says Griffin. - Billboard (April 30, 1994). Revisit Warren G's debut LP below...

There were cuts on this album I really enjoyed, some I didn't. R.I.P. Nate Dogg.

De La Soul "De La Soul Is Dead" (30th Ann. Mix by Filthy Rich)

Toronto's DJ Filthy Rich is back with another fine tribute mix! This time around, he pays tribute to De La Soul's 30th anniversary of De La Soul Is Dead. The album was originally released in 1991 (on that label ya'know) and featured tracks like "A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays," "Millie Pulled A Pistol on Santa," "Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)" and "Keepin' The Faith," among others. Filthy Rich's mix touches on the original samples, blends, remixes and more, which elevates the album from what might've been top 3 (or 4) to a nostalgia-filled trip down memory lane that makes it feel even higher on their best-list. When you've had as storied a career as De La Soul has, you can throw a dart and land on something phenomenal. All that said, click play below and enjoy this 30th anniversary mix...

Marley Marl's Legendize "The MC Shan Episode" (Podcast)

MC Shan, Shawn Moltke, is one of the freshest, most intelligent and coolest rap stylists and innovators to "rock the mic viciously".... His professional character is partly one of pure virtuosity, and partly one of exciting showmanship. Every since going out on the road with Roxanne Shante in 1985, without the benefit of a record, the word on the street has been that MC Shan is a serious performer who can fire up basic human instincts, like humor, romantic sentiment, and a strong desire for something essentially hip and physically intoxicating. In his early years, he unleashed a torrential outpouring of fresh def jams, including "The Marley Scratch," "The Bridge," and the preachy but funny anti-crack rap, "Jane, Stop This Crazy Thing," all produced by man Homeboy, and blood cousin Marlon "Marley Marl" Williams. - Press Kit. With that said, it's only right that MC Shan is the debut guest for the first episode of Marley Marl's new podcast entitled, Legendize. Join DJ Marley Marl and DJ Callie Ban for a deep dive into hip hop history... Listen in as original Juice Crew member MC Shan breaks down the making of classic songs as an artist and producer. He also clears the air about his beef with DJ Marley Marl, and the history of his beefs with LL Cool J and KRS-One. We hear first hand the stories behind iconic songs like "The Bridge," "Marley Scratch," "Beat Biter," and "Kill The Noise" by MC Shan. Also, the hosts break down an iconic sample used in hip-hop classics "Road to The Riches," by Kool G Rap, "Plug Tunin" by De La Soul, and "Disciple" by Nas. Listen below...

 

Children of Zeus "Balance" (Album Stream)

Children of Zeus is back with their sophomore album, 'Balance'. Following the release of their debut album 'Travel Light' in 2018, Tyler Daley and Konny Kon spent the next two years extensively touring the UK, Europe, Australia and South Africa. With shows on ice over the last 12 months, Children of Zeus took the time to mature their sound; 'Balance' is 50 minutes of future-classic British soul music encompassing hip hop, neo-soul, gospel and r&b. Konny's laidback flow once again merges with Tyler's unmistakable buttery vocals across a set of bass-heavy backdrops and smoothed-out keys, taking the blueprint from their debut and evolving it into a deeper, more-refined sound. As with previous material, the album is largely produced by the duo themselves, though we also see the return of Grammy-winner Beat Butcha, whose previous production credits include Jay Z, Beyonce, Nipsey Hussle, & Griselda. This album is about equilibrium; walking the thin line of life and striving to keep your footing firm at all times, ever pushing forward. Balancing the rough with the smooth and the work with the play. The Children of Zeus sound is now fully grown. It's time to bring 'Balance' into the universe. This is the definitive sound of UK street soul in 2021. Listen to their new album below...

Peter Rosenberg "Real Late" (Album Stream)

Hot 97's Peter Rosenberg has dropped a compilation album entitled, Real Late. The 13-track LP features Ghostface Killah, Westside Gunn, Styles P, Method Man, Rasheed Chappell, Meyhem Lauren, Raekwon, Homeboy Sandman, Ransom, Roc Marciano and lots more. Blending his taste in new school and true school MCs, Rosenberg closes the generation gap and pays homage to compilations of years past utilizing his long-time connections and putting a fresh spin on the release. Rosenberg is definitely for the culture and few would argue with his ear for quality MCs. He's certainly held down my artists in the past, so much respect to him. Give it a listen below, it's well worth your time...

Wu-Tang Clan "Wu-Tang Forever" (June 3, 1997)

Emerging in 1993, when Dr. Dre's G-Funk had overtaken the hip-hop world, the Staten Island, New York-based Wu-Tang Clan proved to be the most revolutionary rap group of the mid-90s and only partially because of their music. Turning the standard concept of a hip-hop crew inside out, the Wu-Tang Clan was assembled as a loose congregation of nine MC's almost as a support group. Instead of releasing one album after another, the Clan was designed to overtake the record industry in as profitable a fashion as possible -- the idea was to establish the Wu-Tang as a force with their debut album, and then spin off into as many side projects as possible. In the process, the members would all become individual stars, as well as receive individual royalty checks. Surprisingly, the plan worked.... The vision of the Wu-Tang Clan is undoubtedly due to the musical skills of the RZA. Under his direction, the group -- through its own efforts and the solo projects, all of which he produced or coproduced -- he created a hazy, surreal and menacing soundscape out of hardcore beats, eerie piano riffs, and minimal samples.... The Wu-Tang Clan's long-awaited second album Wu-Tang Forever arrived to great anticipation, and the double-disc set did not disappoint. Where contemporaries like 2Pac and the Notorious B.I.G. issued double-discs cluttered with filler, Wu-Tang Forever is purposeful and surprisingly lean (arguable, at best, in my opinion), illustrating the immense depth of producer RZA and the entire nine-piece crew. Each rapper has a different lyrical style, from Ol' Dirty Bastard's bizarre rants to Raekwon's story sketches, and RZA subtly shifts his trademark style for each song, creating an album of cinematic proportions. There are no great musical innovations on the album, since the Wu-Tang's signature blend of skeletal beats, scratchy samples, eerie pianos and spectral strings remain intact. Yet the music is more nuanced and focused than ever before, balanced equally between scary soundscapes and darkly soulful tracks. The result is an intoxicating display of musical and lyrical virtuosity, one that reveals how bereft of imagination the Wu-Tang's contemporaries are. - All Music Guide, 2002. Dig into in the archives for a lot more...

Some additional promotional items (coins + postcard) ...

What Had Happened Was "Run The Jewels Part 2" (Podcast)

In 2014 El-P and Killer Mike released their second full length as Run The Jewels. While they knew that the energy and sound of RTJ was undeniable, it was the second release that truly catapulted the duo to worldwide popularity. But, as they say... along with the success came brand new challenges. Learn about all that and lots more in the latest episode of Open Mike Eagle's What Had Happened Was podcast. Dig into the archives for Season 2 episodes and Season 1 with Prince Paul...

The Alchemist "This Thing Of Ours" (EP Stream)

Continuing his prolific run, the West Coast beatsmith unleashes his latest offering, This Thing Of Ours. The EP boasts 8 tracks (well, four vocal cuts and their instrumentals), which feature Boldy James, Earl Sweatshirt, Maxo, Navy Blue, Pink Siffu and Sideshow. It's dope to hear ALC and Earl Sweatshirt working on music together, hopefully these two tracks are a hint at future collaborations. I'm a fan of Earl, for sure. Props to Mr. Krum on the layout, dig into the EP below...