DJ Matman "Hip-Hop Debuts" (Mixtape)

For this exclusive mixtape, DJ Matman wanted to create a mix featuring a combination of both debut appearances and singles from many of his favorite hip-hop artists and groups, such as Big L, Eminem, Jay-Z, 2Pac, The Beatnuts, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest, Busta Rhymes, Souls of Mischief, De La Soul, Boogie Down Productions, EPMD, K.M.D., Mos Def, The Roots, Lauryn Hill, Kanye West and more. DJ Matman is a multi-award winning DJ based in London and I'm a fan of his mixes so it's an honor to share them here for those who follow me and know I only co-sign mixtapes from DJs with technical skill and raw creativity ... nuff said! Listen to the mix below...

Nas "Halftime" (The Source, 12/92)

"This MC has slowly been collecting props on the down low in NYC. He added flavor to the Main Source's "Live At The B.B.Q." and recently went "Back To The Grill" with MC Serch. Now, after years as a guest star, Nasty Nas gets the chance to wreck an entire track without havin' to pass the mic. Nas is one of those brothers who can drop freestyles on you without warning. And Halftime's made-for-freestyling track (conservative bass, gritty snare and horn loop) is all Nas needs to catch wreck. His trademark is ill rhymes and punch lines galore." "I rap in front of more n!ggas than in the slave ships / I used to watch "Chips" now I load glock clips / I got to have it, I miss Mr. Magic / Versatile, my style switches like a faggot / But not bisexual / I'm an intellectual / In rap I'm a professional / But that's no question, yo!" Nasty Nas will definitely be starting trouble in '93." - The Source, December 1992. "Ill Will, rest in peace, yo I'm out..." Peep the extremely gritty visuals below...

The original review in The Source (December, 1992) is below...

Gang Starr "Step In The Arena" (Album Review, 1/91)

"Everything you've heard about Gang Starr is true. They are observers of street factualities, and blenders of the most wicked funk. To call DJ Premier a genius might be over the top, but if you want a rap record that you can jam to in your car, or on your walkman, or in your room, then this is it! Every track on this LP kicks with lyrics that come straight from life on the street. As Gang Starr says in "The Meaning of the Game," Gang means the posse, Starr means power - and that's exactly what the duo deliver. They tackle everything from intellectual attitude in "Form Of Intellect" to bad boy stick up kids in "Just To Get A Rep." And to show some diversity, Guru looks at relationships with "Lovesick" and "What Do You Want This Time?" with a humor and sensitivity never seen before in rap lyrics." "Execution Of A Chump" is the dopest track on the LP. Using an old'n'slow Pointer Sisters break, the track takes on all-comers and puts them in their place, without being offensive or rude - the perfect lyrical execution. "Take a Rest" uses "Trouble Man" breaks while the funky drum beats and train sounds put other posses in their place. If you're seeking out innovation in rap, then check out "Game Plan" and "Check The Technique." Basically, there's something for everyone on "Step In The Arena." As they on the track of the same name, some rappers are "Here Today, Gone Tomorrow," but not Gang Starr. This is serious business." - Hip-Hop Connection, 1/91.

You can read the full review in Hip Hop Connection (1/91) below...

9th Wonder Presents "Jamla Is The Squad" (Album Stream)

Veteran producer and music executive 9th Wonder has turned his independent label Jamla Records into a formidable roster of quality rappers and singers alike. From Rapsody to Add-2 to Heather Victoria, Jamla is set up to prosper now and in the future. To give listeners a taste of what his label has to offer, 9th Wonder has released the compilation album Jamla is the Squad. The 25-song project is hosted by notable DJ/producer Statik Selektah and includes a mix of records from Jamla artists and outside talents as well, with Talib Kweli, Phonte, Buckshot, Blu, and more showing up for the limelight. The project also features production from The Soul Council (Khrysis, Eric G, AMP and Ka$h), a team of producers that 9th Wonder put together. If it wasn't already apparent, the guy knows talent when he hears it. Listen to the Jamla Is The Squad compilation below. - Complex.

Digable Planets "Rebirth of Slick" (The Source, 12/92)

Their '92 review in The Source said "Taking native tongue grooviness and jazzy hip-hop styles to the next level, meet Digable Planets, three "ghetto dwelling insects" with sound smuggled to you from sector six in the colorful ghettos of outer space. Digable is two guys and one female - Butterfly, Doodle-B and Mecca the Lady Bug - and they all rhyme (the first male-female combo since the days of the Funky Four + 1 and The Masterdon Committee)." "The opening of this debut single features thick scales on an upright bass. Then the beat drops with some jazzy high-hats and the laid back rhyme flavor enters your world. Over a warm horn loop and a bouncy track that bottoms in-and-out, the MCs drop references that range from b-boy, "the lyrics is like loot, come in stacks and rolls" to the retro-hip, "60s funky worms with waves and perms." Some may say they sound like Quest, but Digable are just a crew of hip-hop stylistics who can rock everybody, from dreads to jheri curls. Check for the early '93 LP," (The Source, 12/92) which Digable called a "sound vestige" at the time: "Reachin (A New Refutation of Time & Space)." Check out the dope visuals below...

The original review in The Source (12/92) is below...

Jay Electronica "Unsigned Hype" (2004) + Style Wars EP

"There are multiple reasons for wanting to be successful in the world of rap music. Of course, the fame or the fortune are appealing, and a lil' bit of groupie love never hurt nobody, right? But for 3rd-Ward Magnolia native Jay Electronica, the sincerity of his music proves that it's love for the sport and a burning desire to return Hip-Hop to its rightful path that keeps his boat afloat. Obviously a student of the culture who's serious about his craft, Jay exhibits new-school hunger, old-school ideals and a keen ear for powerful beats (provided by heavyweight producers like Nottz, Jay Dee and Hi-Tek). With a refreshing frame of reference, he drives his mission's importance into listeners' consciousness over the smooth grooves of "Retro-Electro (Scenario 2004)" and to the beat of thumping drums and spine-tingling organ riffs on "Something To Hold On," where he reminds partygoers not to forget the everyday struggle of the 'hood. But what makes Jay's story so intriguing is that he breaks the stereotype of what a New Orleans MC is supposed to sound like. Clearly his time spent in ATL, Philly, Detroit and NY have had an influence on his impressive style." 

"While numerous songs on his 20-track CD offer quotable verses ("Sucka MCs rock ice, but they really in flames" on "Lock, Stock and 1 Smoking Barrel") Mr. Electronica truly displays his lyrical talents and wordplay on joints like "So What You Sayin', 2004." After "dedicating this to all you wack muthaf#ckas rappin', go get a job," he takes out his anger on the mic, ripping: "Jay Electrolysis / Combing the globe like a geologist / Puttin' all of you p#ssies on display like gynecologists / Listen, I'm on a mission / Most of you n!ggas just spittin' / The wise comprehend the diction / Hypnotized with the rhythm / Lyrical circumcision / Toss the shmuck in the fire / Yeah, your man's and them is nice / But they ain't f#cking with sire / I'm a higher power." But deeper than just bragging, Jay takes time to address key political issues, such as post-9/11 America ("The Empire Strikes Back") and the breakdown of family ("Heaven and Hell"). Clearly on a mission to educate and enlighten, he doesn't waste many words. Exploring so many topics on his CD, one begins to wonder what the hell all these other rappers are really talking about. Hopefully, for Hip-Hop's sake, some of the more misguided will follow Jay Electronica's lead." - The Source, June 2004 (Unsigned Hype). Update: Link fixed?

Organized Konfusion "Organized Konfusion" (The Source, 1/92)

OK's debut single "Who Stole My Last Piece of Chicken," was dope, but it didn't really give you a good idea of what this crew is about, lyrically speaking. Buy this album, take it home, and prepare to sweat brain cells trying to keep up with the way these kids rhyme. MC's Prince Poetry and Pharoahe Monch flip the illest off-beat rhyme style to come out since Ultramagnetic's Kool Keith... Organized is definitely on some other shit. "The cut that seems to epitomize their concept most is "Releasing Hypnotical Gases." The title should suffice to let you know how bugged it is. The beats fall right in sync with the lyrical atmosphere, full of mad soulfull jazz breaks topped with crazy sounds like the backwards guitars on the title cut and the sound of bubbling fluids before "...Hypnotical Gases." "Roosevelt Franklin" makes a statement about life in the 'hood. Roosevelt is a brother seeking a balance between doing well in school, being a good son to his moms, while getting paid slinging rocks on the down-low. Other stand-out cuts are "Fudge Pudge," "Audience Pleasers," with a laid-back freestyle feel, and the "...Chicken" remix hooked up with some fat live instrumentals. Organized is talking hip-hop to new levels. Those who like to hear progressive and innovative styles need to get with it. - The Source (1/92). The LP isn't on DSPs, so watch "Fudge Pudge" below...

The full review of Organized Konfusion in The Source (1/92) is below...

Common "Unsigned Hype" + "UnAmerican Caravan" ('91 Demo Tape)

"As talent continues to sprout from all over the map, Chicago rises to the top of the crop this month with the "Greatest UnAmerican Hero," Common Sense. At the ripe age of nineteen, Sense introduces what he describes as an Avante Garde School approach to entering the rap game through his portrayal of different characters and altered egos. His rhymes display a melting pot of personalities. He has a distinct, squeeky but likeable voice and impressive rhyme skills especially for an MC coming out of Chicago. The tracks, produced by Sense's homeboys the 3 Wise Men, bring out the best in his unique vocals. His loops are creative and the hooks are catchy. The beats and samples flow in and out smoothly with a professionally polished feel to the production. The combination of these talents creates a package with the potential to attract a wide variety of audiences from all regions without losing the hardcore crowd." - Unsigned Hype, The Source - October, 1991. Bonus: you can listen to a copy of Common's "UnAmerican Caravan" demo tape below...