DJ Keytronikz "Only Built 4 Da Poor & Dangerous" (Blend Tape)

DJ Keytronikz is a producer/DJ from Raleigh, North Carolina. Only Built 4 Da Poor & Dangerous is his recent blend-tape which features 12 joints of Big L's vocals from Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous blended over the crisp production from the RZA on Only Built 4 Cuban Linx. Those two projects were released in the Spring and Summer of 1995, making it one of the best years in hip-hop history! Guest vocals on this tape include Herb McGruff, Cam'ron, Lord Finesse, Jay-Z, Grand Daddy I.U., Party Arty and more. Tapes like this are undoubtedly a labor of love, but unfortunately they don't always survive once they hit DSPs, so stream it below and enjoy it while you can! Peace.

Diamond D "The Diam Piece III: Initium" (Album Stream)

Diamond D is back with the 3rd installment of his Diam Piece series, The Diam Piece 3: Initium. According to Fat Beats Records, Vol. 3 will be broken down into 3 separate parts with Initium being the 1st of 3. With Diamond D on the production, Initium  boasts features from KRS-One, RJ Payne, Skyzoo, Torae, Bishop Lamont, Sauce Money, Lord Tariq, Fat Man Scoop, Royal Flush, Agallah, David Bars, Inspectah Deck, Shyheim, 38 Spesh, E-A-Ski and Bonecrusher. These projects have been consistently dope, so I expect no less from this latest offering. To me, Diamond D's Stunts, Blunts & Hip-Hop might still be the greatest solo release out the Diggin In The Crates catalog. It's in the top 5 anyway. Am I wrong? One of you is gonna e-mail and debate me on that, but I've got time. Dig in...

Awon & Phoniks "Golden Era 2" (Album Stream)

Awon & Phoniks make a triumphant return with "Golden Era 2," the long-awaited follow-up to their acclaimed debut, "Return to the Golden Era." The growth of the duo is evident in this new release, featuring Phoniks' thoughtful jazz-infused boom bap production and Awon's introspective lyrics. Together, the co-founders of Don't Sleep Records not only reflect on the past but also offer a vision for the future of underground hip hop. This album captures the nostalgic vibe of a classic era, reminiscent of the excitement when your favorite group drops a new record, with the stamp of quality you've come to expect from Don't Sleep. Featuring contributions from Anti-Lilly, Tiff the Gift, Dephlow, Hex One, V Knuckles, Demetrius Rhymes, PEL, and John Robinson, "Golden Era 2" is available on CD, cassette and limited-edition vinyl. These guys do it RIGHT, every time. Listen below...

Rest In Peace, Chino XL!

Chino XL, the rapper whose bold lyricism and relentless fearlessness garnered both respect and controversy throughout his career, has died at the age of 50. In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the family of the New York rapper, born Derek Emmanuel Barbosa, confirmed that he had died at his home on Sunday morning. “Our father had many titles — King of Punchlines, Puerto Rican Superhero — but the most important one was Girl Dad,” his daughters wrote. “And what he gave us most in that role was his strength, straightforwardness, and ability to be super realistic. The main thing we are feeling now is that our Dad is at peace, and so we are at peace.” - Rolling Stone. Chino was a great dude and a wizard with words. I feel honored to have met and communicated with him over the years. I'm saddened that some of our brief conversations were left with things unsaid, but I do believe I gave him his flowers and felt encouraged by his willingness to stay in contact + build with my artists. There was a mutual respect that was always felt and appreciated. "Father's Day" is one of the greatest, most vulnerable records ever created; it'll be even more painful to listen to it now. My deepest condolences to all his friends and family. Rest In Peace, Chino XL. I know his legacy will live on through his music and family. More info will be passed on as it's available. Below are just a few of the countless messages of love/respect from his peers. 

Rakim "G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH)" (Album Stream)

Hip-hop legend Rakim is breaking new ground with his upcoming studio album, G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH), by flexing his skills both on the mic and behind the boards. Widely lauded as the best lyricist of all time, The God MC himself is blessing the culture with the next step in his historic career. G.O.D.’S NETWORK (REB7RTH) is proof that Rakim is truly one of the most special artists we’ve known not just in hip-hop, but all of music. You can tell he feels that level of praise when speaking about the genesis of the album. “Having the ability to showcase my talents behind the boards coupled with the elite lyricism the world already knows and gives me infinite praise for alongside some of the best talents to ever do it is truly a blessing and for that I am humbled,” he said. For fans of hip-hop, and especially of Rakim’s storied discography, there is so much to love on this record. You can hear his hunger as an emcee and producer on every track, as well as his desire to collaborate with so many respected artists. Despite having decades in the game and many classics to his name, it feels like Rakim is just getting started. - via Rakim Presents. Listen below...

Freeway & Jake One "Stimulus Package II" (Album Stream)

Well over a decade since their last collaborative LP, Philadelphia legend Freeway has once again teamed up with Seattle super-producer Jake One for their second full-length collaboration: “Stimulus Package 2”. Having been a key part of countless hit albums over the past 20 years, Jake One crafts timeless and versatile soundscapes that connect with both underground and mainstream hip hop audiences, and few sound more at home over his beats than Freeway. All-star guest appearances on the album include Black Thought, Jadakiss, Conway the Machine, Sauce Walks, Peedi Crack, Scholito, and Symba. Free says, "Second they think that it's over, folks'll vanish quick / My kidneys failed, I looked around and they abandon ship / Roc dropped me, looked around and they abandon ship / But these hoes still top me, they won't abandon d!ck / I'm the man again, feet on land again / New kidney, we eating lamb again...." A fine marriage of beats and rhymes. Listen below...

Common & Pete Rock "The Auditorium, Vol.1" (Album Stream)

Pete Rock and Common finally got together to craft an album in 2024... a possible dream collaboration! The Auditorium, Vol. 1 is everything you thought it would be: dope lyrics and crisp production. About the album, Common shared, "Pete Rock is one of The Greatest Creators Hip Hop and Music has ever seen. It has been a dream of mine to work with him on an album. And once we got together and I was around him and all his records and his MPC I felt the spirit of what I always loved in hip hop, in soul music, and why I wanted to be a part of the artform. His beats, his production, his scratches, took me to a place where I could just MC freely. It felt like I was home." Back in 1996, Common got with Pete Rock who produced his classic diss track to Ice Cube, "The Bitch In Yoo." Common was also featured on Pete's Soul Survivor album in '98. Stream the LP below...

Action Bronson "Johann Sebastian Bachlava the Doctor" (Album Stream)

Queens rapper Action Bronson may not be classically trained, but on his 2024 album, Johann Sebastian Bachlava the Doctor, he takes inspiration from Bacj and treats each song like he's got an entire orchestra at his disposal. With production from Daringer and The Alchemist, Bronson creates a sonic palette maximal in spirit and substance. Psychedelic samples dance with booming drums, triumphant horns introduce Bronson's voice like he's a king entering his court. Everything is turned up to 11, and Bronson relishes the opportunity to flex with abandon.... This rap at its most luxurious.