Ict-T & Calvin Butts on Video Music Box (June 30, 1993)

“Video Music Box Special: Censorship? Rap Under Attack” is a debate on rap music and censorship that was hosted by Ralph McDaniels and broadcast live from WNYC-TV in New York on June 30, 1993. The participants are: Reverend Calvin Butts, pastor of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem; Cynthia Horner, editor of Right On! Magazine; Coral Aubert, Youth Educator; and rap artist Ice-T. Reverend Butts had recently garnered headlines by leading a protest against explicit lyrics in rap recordings and earned the wrath of “hardcore” rappers like Ice-T. (Read: “Harlem Protest of Rap Lyrics Draws Debate and Steamroller” in The New York Times, June 6, 1993). Indeed, there are quite a few contentious exchanges between the pastor and the rapper in the course of this compelling discussion. Ice-T is quite hostile at times toward Reverend Butts, who maintains a firm but gentle demeanor throughout. There are occasional viewer phone calls. This upload contains the discussion only and omits the opening rap video montage to avoid a music copyright dispute. There are occasional video tracking problems, but the audio remains unaffected. Photo by Steve Jennings.

Original Press Release in 1993...

David Begun "Lofi Villain" (Album Stream)

I've been sitting with this project all day... much respect to David Begun for his latest offering, Lofi Villain. In his own words, "I wanted to use MF DOOM's lyrics but re-create an entirely different vibe and feeling from his music and in doing so hopefully pay tribute to the legend. Using a variety of lofi/chillhop beats from various producers as the bed to lay the Super Villain's unique variety of lyrics, I hoped to achieve that and create "Lofi Villain." A 20 track tribute to your favorite rapper's favorite rapper to open the windows and listen to at 2 in the morning." Well done, sir! Listen below and dig into the full archives for other great projects from David Begun. Rest In Peace, MF DOOM!

Mike Tyson vs. Evander Holyfield II (June 28, 1997)

For once, even Don King was silent. Mike Tyson's postfight excuses had long since rung hollow, and not even the usually long-winded promoter in charge of Tyson's career was up to the task of resurrecting them. The outrage that followed Tyson's disqualification for biting Evander Holyfield's ears showed no signs of abating though, even in the conspicuous absence Sunday of the former heavyweight champion and his handlers. "It's certainly a sad day for boxing," said Marc Ratner, director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Holyfield nursed a pair of tender ears Sunday, a day after Tyson was disqualified after the third round of his rematch with Holyfield in boxing's richest fight ever. Holyfield is $35 million richer and still holds the WBA heavyweight title, but it was a hollow win in a fight that fell well short of its potential of being one of the best heavyweight rematches in recent history. Tyson, meanwhile, celebrated his 31st birthday today in the face of public scorn. A Nevada boxing commission is scheduled to meet Tuesday to consider fining him up to $3 million and suspending hm from boxing for biting part of one of Holyfield's ears off and trying to do the same with another. "It's over, I know it's over," an angry Tyson kept repeating in his dressing room after the fight. "My career is over." Tyson had just found his way through an enraged crowd that was screaming and making obscene gestures at him. A bottle of water thrown from the stands just missed his head, and he had to be stopped from going into the seats to beat up his tormentors. The fight, which started with Holyfield smiling and singing to himself in his corner and Tyson grin-faced across the ring, ended in bedlam, with Tyson seemingly out of control and trying to hit anyone around him. His actions might cost him far more than a fine and suspension. Now the target of the scorn of the boxing world, Tyson will have a tough time reaping the huge pay-days that have been his since leaving prison two years ago after serving a term for rape. - 1997. Tyson has certainly bounced--back time and time again-- always remaining a fan-favorite, and one of the greatest boxers and media personalities. For $1M, would you get in the ring with Tyson in his prime? NOPE!!!

One of the most infamous moments in all of Boxing history...

Dave Diggla "Diggin' In The Dirt, Vol. 5" (Mixtape)

Dave Diggla is back to serve up some true school goodness with the fifth installment in his Diggin' In The Dirt mix-series. Boasting a selection of some of the most potent lyricists, Dave Diggla runs through tracks from Planet Asia, Masta Ace, Pete Rock, Jean Grae, Big Pun, Crooklyn Dodgers, Redman, LL Cool J and lots more from the underground that I'm too lazy to list off, lol. This mix had been sitting in the drafts for several months, it somehow got lost in the shuffle and now I don't know exactly when I first listened to it, so pardon the mistake but it's never too late to share good music and mixes. Listen below and I'll check back to see what other new mixes he's released since...

Evidence "Unlearning Vol. 1" (Album Stream)

In March 2020, right as the whole world was entering into a transitional phase, Evidence released a single titled “Unlearning”. Now, a year later, Evidence launches the campaign for his upcoming album, Unlearning Vol. 1, picking up where the single of the same name left off, and going beyond. Throughout his career, Evidence has always been adept at both staying true to his roots and evolving as he grows and learns from life experiences, including recognizing when the time comes to unlearn. During the campaign for his last album, Weather or Not (2018), he expressed a desire to close the chapter on the weather-related theme that had been a staple of his solo career to that point. Unlearning Vol. 1 not only sees that vision come to life, but shines brilliantly in the process. Unlearning Vol. 1 pairs Evidence’s own production with works from The Alchemist, Nottz, Sebb Bash, Animoss, Mr. Green, V Don, Khrysis, Daringer and EARDRUM (QThree). This highlights perhaps an undervalued skill of Ev’s—his ability to collaborate with a multitude of producers on a project, while still creating an album with a cohesion and consistency rarely found in such extensive collaboration. While the album’s musical soundscape sets the scene, it's Ev’s gift for relatable yet inventively clever writing that really paints the picture, continually pulling the listener in. That said, a small but powerful cast of guest appearances also decorate the landscape, courtesy of stellar performances from Boldy James, Conway, Fly Anakin, Navy Blue, and Murkage Dave. Unlearning Vol. 1 embodies the sound and feeling of pure artistic expression, capturing a moment in time where marketability, album sales & streaming potential, and the desire to please anyone other than the artist themselves, are all just an afterthought. As one could expect, such freedoms allowed Evidence to tap into something special that sounds engaging and unique, and also remains true to his foundation. Listen to it below...

Jay-Z "Reasonable Doubt" (June 25, 1996, Press Kit)

New York - "The Most Anticipated Album on the Street" is at long last scheduled to surface. Roc-A-Fella recording artist JAY-Z will release his first single, "Dead Presidents" as early as March 1, 1996. The forthcoming album, REASONABLE DOUBT will follow shortly after with its release scheduled for April 1, 1996. "Dead Presidents," the underground hit single has its large audience captured in a tight grip. It is no wonder why the "underground hit" has now been scheduled for release as the sophomore single. Now in full rotation on HOT 97, New York's premiere hip hop station, "Dead Presidents", held listeners in a burdening suspense. JAY enthralled the hip hop community by winning three consecutive bouts on the Angie Martinez' segment, "Battle of the Beats." Winning over reputable competitors such as Busta Rhymes, Real Live Sh!t and Tupac Shakur was just part of a day's work for JAY-Z. On the fourth night it was Ghost Face Killer and several key Wu-Tang members that took him out. See what it takes to knock an artist like JAY. The "fant-abulous" issue on the release of this single is that listeners will receive equal enjoyment of the flip side. The "B" side features Foxy Brown on the explosive, "Ain't No N*gg@." So listen on, "JAY-Z's Listening Party" will provide you with a sweet head nod and an idea of what else will follow. Remember this is just a taste." (Press Release. February 5, 1996). Revisit Hov's classic, Reasonable Doubt, and more below...

Reasonable Doubt is the first release for Roc-A-Fella Records, a label that was conceived by Jay-Z, Damon Dash, and Kareem Burke. Reaching gold status in such a small amount of time for a start-up record company is a remarkable feat in itself. Jay-Z, who holds the title of COO of Roc-A-Fella records comments on the success of Roc-A-Fella and Reasonable Doubt by saying, "It's just the beginning." Damon Dash, CEO of Roc-A-Fella contributes that, "We're not just a company, we're a conglomerate. A family with high expectations, we refuse to lose." In the words of CMJ's M. Tye Comer, Reasonable Doubt is "easily one of the best records of the summer and will undoubtedly give De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest a serious run for their money as the hip-hop record of the year." The album highlights include production by producers such as Clark Kent (Junior M.A.F.I.A.), DJ Premier (Nas) and Big Jaz, who produced the gold single, Ain't No N*gg@. The current single, Can't Knock The Hustle, which features Mary J. Blige, is currently in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart. Jay-Z's performance at a recent concert at New York's famed Apollo Theater had seasoned observers of the hip hop scene comparing Jay-Z's live fire to Run-DMC in their prime. Neil Strauss of The New York Times wrote, "Jay-Z came off like a hustler millionaire alternating lyrics about diamonds and Grey Poupon with ones about street gangs and shootouts." (Press Kit, September 19, 1996). The art above is by talented artist, Alphonze. Full press releases are below.

Gang Starr "The Ownerz" (June 24, 2003)

For 14 (30+) years, DJ Premier and Guru have been synonymous with cutting-edge, streetwise hip-hop that challenges you to think while inducing you to dance. On their first release in five years, they take dead aim at those they feel are misusing their art form for commercial gain. On "Peace of Mine," Guru declares, "Of course I want money, but I won't compromise." He criticizes rappers who obscure the real pain of poverty with much more bankable thug imagery. First single "Rite Where U Stand" finds him and Jadakiss ready to take on all comers, while haters and fakers get blazed on such tracks as "Put Up or Shut Up." "Riot Akt" explores the sudden violence that can erupt in the streets. This is music with a heart and a brain. - 2003. Said perfectly, "music with a heart and a brain," explains Guru and Gang Starr's music as a whole. DJ Premier continues to carry on tradition in Guru's absence and everything is done with that same level of integrity. Rest In Peace, Gifed Unlimited Rhymes Universal. Revisit Gang Starr's 2003 LP, The Ownerz -- also featuring Fat Joe, M.O.P., NYG'z, Snoop, Smiley The Ghetto Child, Freddie Foxxx, Krumbsnatcha and more -- below...

Review in Democrat & Chronicle (July 3, 2003) ... 

DJ JS-1 "Subculturez" (Album Stream)

Subculturez is the latest album from DJ, turntablist, producer and graff writer, DJ JS-1. This ambitious offering boasts 32 tracks representing an ode to his hometown of New York City. It features scratch tracks, various beats and breaks that he's produced, and the album's artwork is also drawn by DJ JS-1 aka JERMS. DJ JS-1 is a stand-up guy (one of my favorite in this industry), who loves the music and the culture, even when he feels it doesn't love him back. He's definitely one of the best DJs I've ever seen and someone who truly knows the music and the business. Take a trip through the 5 boroughs of New York City with his ode to a place I'll for-ever-ever call home...