Theory Hazit "This Is Damone" (Beat Tape)

Portland-based MC/Producer Theory Hazit has done it again on the production-tip; his latest beat tape ‘This is Damone’ samples entirely from Vic Damone’s ‘Strange Enchantment’ album. The tape boasts 14 original instrumentals with flavored chops, skits from 'Money Talks' spliced between, and knockin’ drums. I’ve long been a fan of Theory Hazit with projects like ‘Lord Fire,’ ‘Extra Credit,’ ‘Thr3e,’ and his 2015 release ‘Fall Of The Light Bearer’ all in constant rotation for their introspective lyrics and how they certainly resonate with some of my own struggles. A quick look at Hazit’s Bandcamp page and you’ll see just how prolific he’s been as an independent artist. Listen below, and then go visit Theory's Bandcamp to support his 10+ years of contributions to hip-hop!

Jay-Z "S. Carter Collection" Mixtape (4/18/03)

The S. Carter Collection was Jay-Z’s first official mixtape, released on this date in April of 2003 in conjunction with his signature Reebok S. Carter sneaker collection. The free mixtape came packaged with the sneaker and included the classic 'Young Black & Gifted Freestyle,' then some of Jay's best bars over Joe Budden's 'Pump It Up' track; before going half on a boat with Puff on ‘Flava In Ya Ear,’ and several other remixes, freestyles, and skits. In November of ’03, Jay-Z dropped what was supposed to be his final release, ‘The Black Album,’ so this mixtape also served as a bridge to that release and captured industry-wide attention. Today, The S. Carter Collection is considered one of the greatest artist mixtapes ever released. After all, it's Hov! The articles above in Billboard & Vibe Magazine stress the importance of these collaborations/business ventures, Hip-Hop's impact on marketing and what Steve Stoute would call the 'Tanning of America.' In the end, I forget the sneakers but I remember the bars: "Who’s the nicest life or lifeless on these mic devices / and I don't write this / I just mic this / I will it to happen / One take Hov I’m real at this rapping." Hov definitely remembers the checks. You can stream and download Jay-Z's S. Carter Collection below...

A Tribe Called Quest 'People's Instinctive Travels...'

Damn, time flies - I felt old when it was the 25th anniversary of A Tribe Called Quest's debut album, 'Peoples Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm,' but here we are 27 years later! The vibes from their debut remain incredible and its progressive production has aged quite well. In 1989, after shopping a 5-track demo tape, Tribe dropped their first single, 'Description of a Fool,' in August. The main singles would then follow: 'I Left My Wallet In El Segundo,' 'Bonita Applebum' and 'Can I Kick It?' I can remember sitting in my man Ant's basement watching the video to 'I Left My Wallet In El Segundo,' not a clue what El Segundo was, feeling like the music was catchy & playful, but still hip-hop. Their outfits, the dwarf with the sombrero, lol, it all caught our attention. Yet, it wasn't until 'Bonita Applebum' and 'Can I Kick It?' that the album really saw its momentum climb. Peace to Q-Tip who celebrated a birthday last week; R.I.P. Phife Dawg, and much love to the homie, Jarobi.

Redman "Funk From Hell" (The Source, 1992)

A quick shout-out to Redman, who is celebrating his 47th birthday today! Bursting on the scene in '89-90 with EPMD, Redman has been putting that work in - on-stage and in the booth - ever since. One of the true stage performers in hip-hop, Red & Mef will give you an amazing show every time they come out to perform. In the booth, one of a very select few MCs who has delivered back to back to back smash albums with 'Whut? Thee Album,' 'Dare Iz a Darkside,' and 'Muddy Waters;' not to mention hits with Meth, EPMD, The Hit Squad, and a long list of successful solo releases since. Arguments have quietly been made for Redman to join the ranks of the greatest to ever do it and while content may not be his strongest gift, you can put a check inside just about every other box. Reppin' Jersey to the fullest, he's shown consistency and longevity with no signs of stopping. In fact, at 47yrs old, he's embarrassing artists half his age out here. Check the Redman "Documentary" below and the "Funk From Hell" article in The Source back in 1992, plenty of added backstory for ya...

Awon & Linkrust 'Moon Beams' (Album Stream)

'Moon Beams' is the lastest project by rapper Awon and French producer Linkrust that takes the listener on a "spaced-out afrofuturistic journey through the streets as they exist today, yesterday, and possibly the future." The music by Linkrust is obscure, raw, and gritty yet beautiful at times ... the accompanying lyrics of Awon only enhance the vibration. The album is available digitally, as well as on CD and LP featuring Awon's wife and MC, Tiff The Gift, also from Don't Sleep Records. If you're not caught up, go back and listen to Awon's releases with co-founder of Don't Sleep Records, Phoniks, as well as 'Matte Black Soul,' and 'Beautiful Loser.' Follow all of these breadcrumbs!

Noveliss "Dilla Instinct" (EP Stream)

Fresh off the success of his last EP "Mic Swordz," Noveliss (Clear Soul Forces) is back with the J Dilla tribute EP titled "Dilla Instinct." A quick-strike 5 song EP over beats created by the late great J Dilla, and a feature from Nolan The Ninja. The project is also themed after one of Noveliss' favorite fighting games of all time, Killer Instinct. Short and Sweet. R.I.P., James Yancey. Listen to it below...

Method Man ft. Mary J. Blige 'All I Need' (Video, 1995)

Is Method Man & Mary J. Blige's 'I'll Be There For You / You're All I Need To Get By' the single greatest Hip-Hop & RNB collaboration ever made? Top 5? 10? For the sake of the argument, I am speaking of the Puff Daddy version. Ironically, of all the versions, I enjoy the original ('Tical') album cut the least, but that didn't stop me from purchasing the single on cassette, CD and 12" with the alternate remixes. It was Puff's version that rang out on radio, but the RZA's Razor-Sharp Remix was used for the video and set a fitting backdrop for what the director, Diane Martel, considered an apocalyptic love story. 'All I Need' was released in April, 1995 and 22yrs later, it still goes. Which was your favorite version? Where does it rank among 90s Hip-Hop & RnB collabs? TOP... ? (Updated)

Smoothe Da Hustler "Brooklyn Representer" (The Source, 1996)

'Once Upon A Time In America' was released on this day in 1996 via Profile Records. The production by D.R. Period and the undeniable chemistry that blood brothers Smoothe Da Hustler & Trigger Tha Gambler had on record made this a gem of an album out of Brooklyn. Whether it was Smoothe & Trigg going back to back with innovative rhyme patterns on 'Broken Language,' rhyming backwards on 'My Brother My Ace' or on the would-be single, 'Only Human,' they delivered great tracks along with D.V. Alias Khryst. Maybe some of you remember it from my old website, but Smoothe and I did an interview over 10 years ago, where he spoke about his time away from music raising his son after his baby mother died from a brain aneurysm, some of the artists who ran with his style in his absence, his album with Ice-T and lots more to do with his SMG label. The one thing I know for sure, go to any party & throw on 'Broken Language,' Brooklyn will take over that whole party, lol. After that interview, I remember catching a show he was on at the old Knitting Factory and then side-stage at Rock The Bells the year Nas & DJ Premier headlined. His energy was good, we chopped it up briefly & crossed paths one more time at Fat Beats, where he did a quick drop for a mix I was working on at the time. 'Broken Language' video below, and The Source interview is up above.