The Magnificent Tape Band "The Subtle Art of Distraction"

The Magnificent Tape Band are the alter egos of ATA Records founders Neil Innes & Pete Williams, who were the creative driving force behind the debut album by The Sorcerers, for which they wrote and produced all the tracks as well as contributing bass and guitar performances. Sheffield born, Rachel Modest developed her unique vocal ability within the churches and gospel choirs of her local community. Now based in Leeds she has developed a powerful and soulful vocal style that takes inspiration from artists such as Madeleine Bell, Dee Dee Warwick, Dusty Springfield and at times delivers a performance that resembles the falsetto of The Delfonics William Hart. Taking inspiration from the more abstract end of the soul spectrum that has been a richly tapped vein for hip-hop producers, The Magnificent Tape Band aim to create an evocative tapestry of sound that pulls together psychedelic soul with British library music to create a distinctly dramatic sounding record. Recorded on original '60s equipment, using vintage instruments, "The Subtle Art Of Distraction" immediately brings to mind the more experimental psychedelic soul records of the late 60s/early seventies by incorporating driving clavinet, loping drums and swirling organ and Mellotron alongside Rachel Modest's ethereal vocals. Recorded in a disused garage on the outskirts of Leeds, “The Subtle Art Of Distraction” uses an array of vintage equipment to create a dark musical landscape that underpins Rachel Modests powerful vocal delivery. Incredible project, listen below...

Blueprint "Two-Headed Monster" (Album Stream)

Although Blueprint is known primarily as an MC by most casual fans, those who are truly in the know understand how prolific and effective he has been as a producer throughout his career. In fact, during the early part of his career, he was known primarily as a producer, crafting the soundscape for multiple albums by Illogic and his crew Greenhouse Effect, as well as releasing two completely instrumental albums. That all changed when his Soul Position collaboration with RJD2 thrust him into the spotlight as an MC and his self-produced debut solo album 1988 showed he could rhyme and produce with the best of them. Throughout the history of hip-hop, there have been many great producers and many great MCs, but very few who excelled at both. With Two-Headed Monster, Blueprint shows once again that he a monster at both beats and rhymes. Produced entirely by Blueprint, the album also features guest appearances from underground legends Slug of Atmosphere, Aceyalone, Mr. Lif, Wordsworth, Supastition, and Has-Lo. The result, is a soulful boom-bap album that adds onto the legacy of the great MC/Producers who paved the way before him. Big-ups to Blueprint, another solid album! Dig into his Two-Headed Monster LP below...

Mick Boogie "#NY98" (1998 Mix)

1998 was an epic year in Hip-Hop. Arguably, with so many timeless classics, it was the last great year for the reign of NYC. Jay Z, The Lox, DMX, Wu, Big Pun, Gang Starr, Canibus, Flipmode Squad, Lauryn Hill, Def Squad, A Tribe of Called Quest, Black Star, Noreaga, Lyricist Lounge, AZ, Pete Rock, Cam’ron and so many more. Everything went south after that (pun intended), so Mick Boogie presents to you his #NY98 mix. A grip of tracks from the five boroughs, mixed up into one 2-hour mix. Underground, mixtape, radio, and club… all rolled into one. Listen to Mick Boogie's mix below... 

Diamond D "Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop" (Vibe Magazine)

Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop may be the most lauded album on this list -- it's often called one of the 100 best rap LPs of all-time. But as hip-hop's golden age nestles in, a select few producers -- Pete Rock, Dr. Dre, Marley Marl -- are name-checked as the architects of an era. Bronx-born Diamond D is not one of those names. If anything, Diamond, who is still actively producing, has been forgotten. It's a shame: His debut is almost clinical in its precision. Crisp sample sit atop evocative melodies ("Best Kept Secret") and workmanlike rhymes juxtapose slippery hooks ("Sally Got A One Track Mind") to power an album rare now than ever. A producer's playpen. - Vibe Magazine (August, 2008). For context, the list they are referencing is Vibe's 24 "Lost Rap Classics." I don't necessarily agree that Diamond D was ever forgotten, nor that this album was "lost," but I do see their argument and the point they were ultimately attempting to make and that was the fact that Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop deserves more shine and I'm here for that (obviously). I've argued for Stunts as the best solo album in the whole D.I.T.C. crew's catalog. Dig in the archives for that and more!

Vibe Magazine's '08 album review of Diamond D's Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop...

Icon Curties "Modus Operandi" (Album Stream)

I'm diggin' this new project from Italian producer, Icon Curties, called "Modus Operandi." The album is being released on CD & Vinyl via Tuff Kong Records, which is also releasing my brother MoSS' production album, "Marching to the Sound of My Own Drum," on vinyl. The album features talented spitters: Recognize Ali, Daniel Son, Hus Kingpin, SmooVth, Estee Nack, Code Nine, Saipher Soze, Rozewood, Anklejohn, and more. Driven by hard drums and moving samples, you should throw this in your car and take it for a ride, you won't be disappointed. Album stream below via Bandcamp; cop the physicals HERE and definitely get a copy of the MoSS album on LP + 7" while you're there!

Pusha T "Daytona" (Album Stream)

Daytona is the third (solo) studio album from Pusha T of the Clipse. While it is comprised of only seven songs - which I'd consider an EP - it's alleged that the album was over a year in the making. Initially, the album was going to be produced by noteworthy beatmakers and producers, but - at Kanye West's request - it was scrapped, and Kanye came aboard to produce the entire project. In light of the ongoing feud with Drake, which was (re)fueled by the last track on Daytona, "Infared," I suspect there will be a lot more eyes on this project, and luckily for Pusha T, he delivered an excellent album. Having watched from afar as Drake battled with Meek Mill and Joe Budden, I'd say Pusha T has his hands full ... however, Pusha T is the superior lyricist and I'd argue Drake has far more to lose and isn't prepared to get down in the dirt, which is a competitive advantage for Push. I don't know if Drake can use his celebrity if Pusha T hits hard enough. Regardless, it'll be entertaining to see how this plays out, and even if my taste in music doesn't lead me to the radio or the mainstream, a good rap beef is critical for hip-hop and I'll gladly watch them slug it out on wax. Hopefully they give me more to talk about. That said, don't let the beef distract you from what he's put together here; it's light on tracks but not on everything else you'd expect from Pusha! Dig in...

J Dilla 'Production Credit' Interview in XXL

I love this quote: "I say it all the time -- that I want a classic, so it's like a dream ... Hopefully the sound that I'm trying to get out there surfaces instead of being under the radar. 'Cause people thought I was out the game, but I haven't even reached my peak yet. So, I'm definitely back at it." His sentiments equally inspire and sadden me. That drive and hunger ... to be heard, to impact a culture; for success and for listeners to hear what you hear in your own head; that's an inspiring message. It saddens me because what we know today is that he passed away probably never feeling like he reached his peak and a lot of people didn't give him his flowers while he could smell them. It took a man's life, literally, to inspire a culture but then outsiders tried to turn his legacy into a t-shirt. It irks me that we neither appreciate the geniuses and the forward-thinkers of our culture in their time, nor do we know how to properly honor their legacies. Rest In Peace, J Dilla. 

Take It Personal Podcast "The Reunion Show Episode"

On episode 27, Take It Personal is joined by their close friend and former Philaflava Show member, DJ Krisis. For many, this show will take you right back to high school with classics and forgotten gems from King Just, Private Investigators, Now Born Click, Da King & I, Kurious, Gravediggaz, Organized Konfusion, OutKast, Big Mike, Cash Money Click, Boogiemonsters, Trends of Culture, World Renown, KMD, plus, DJ 360 laces us with a remix of Woo-Hah. We also got a little friendly DJ battle between DJ 360 vs. DJ Krisis on this episode. Trust me, you don't want to miss this! Peace to Philaflava.