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Showing posts from November, 2008

Sundays of Soul, Vol. 5

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That might just have to be the offical S.o.S image? What do y'all think? And to whoever I jacked it from, thanks! One day I will have photoshop to utilize those few skills school gave me... This week I start with some live Jazz soul fusion and end on some modern psychedelic rock type shit - it's all over the place as I'm holding it down for solo, but you know I'm hitting you with those soulful joints! Sundays of Soul, Vol. 5 Marcus Miller "People Make The World Go Round" The Smith Connection "Wish I Had You" Sweet Charles "Soul Man" Edwin Starr & Blinky "We'll Find A Way" The Pharaohs "Freedom Road" Big Maybelle "It's A Man's Man's World" Donald Bryd "Stepping Into Tomorrow" Michael Franti & Spearhead "What I Do" Baby Charles "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" The Mystic Moods "Cosmic Sea" Mr. Chop "The Infinity Machine"

The Musik Lounge Podcast, Vol. 4

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And we're back one mo' gin for another round of what we do on Sunday - give y'al them music you need! This week's podcast is just a little heavy on the LA cuts and given that I'm depressed by the crappy weather up our way why not celebrate the place where the sun shines? The Musik Lounge Podcast Vol. 4

Saturday Spin: Boy In Static "Violet"

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I guess this is what I was looking for when I kicked off this Saturday Spin feature here on the TML – something I would probably never have found if I didn’t pick a random disc off the shelf, I promise one of these weeks I’m gonna get a flick of this pile for you all to get an idea of what it is I’m working with. On that note, let me talk about Boy In Static. Being as many of these discs were acquired while I was still involved with KSUB , I’m fortunate enough to have one sheets for many of the artists whose discs I’m surrounded by. Alexander Chen is a one man band (although the website says that Boy In Static is now comprised of two people) who plays a dozen or so instruments, sings, writes, and puts it all together to some interesting results. Boy In Static “December” I’ll be the first to admit this is definitely out of my comfort zone. Anyone familiar with the TML knows where my musical listening habits lie, but this reminds me of things I used to seek out on a much more regular ba

Evidence "The Layover EP"

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Evidence had some big shoes to fill following up his debut solo album , and if The Layover EP is demonstrative of what we will be hearing more of on his sophomore follow up next year, Cats & Dogs is my most anticipated album of ’09. But that’s the future and I’m sure I’ll have ample opportunity to speak on it at a more appropriate time. Right now I need y’all to try and follow me as I attempt to explain why I think you need to buy this album, like right now. Evidence was on tour with Khrysis last year and I would imagine being two beat makers they had some things to talk about and eventually those conversations led to some music creation. Originally this EP was going to be a free download with Ev going in over five heat rocks from Khrysis, things changed and instead we get two tracks from him – but after hearing them you won’t be mad. With the opening two cuts, Khrysis lays it down here! The title track knocks hard filled with more sounds than should work, but somehow it does and

Prodigy "Product of the 80's"

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Seemingly out of nowhere Prodigy snuck a new album out towards the end of October. Obviously he isn’t around to promote Product of the 80's , but prior to his up north trip he put in a lot of work at Dirt Class studios with production duo Sid Roams – and it had to get heard. Sid Roams, comprised of Joey Chavez and Bravo, have been making waves for a minute but only in the last couple years joined forces with a unified name and their own lab in NYC to concoct their heavy brand of Hip Hop funk. Featuring hard synths and harder drums these two have created an atmosphere fitting for Prodigy and his partners Un Pacino and Big Twins to spit their tales. Prodigy “Cold World" P is P. You can’t really come into this record not knowing what to get. For as long as the Mobb has been around they have been the leaders of grimey QB hood shit. But as the fame got larger and larger and the gap between what they were living versus what they had lived grew they lost their touch. Signing with G-U

Evidence "The Weatherman LP"

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I hope everyone is having a great Thanksgiving! I’m getting paid! Although as much as I keep telling myself I don’t care that I’m here in the office all day it does feel just a little strange to not be home right now – never not been with my mom and fam on a Thanksgiving, and I’m thankful for my past so I guess I’ll survive today. That’s not why you are here though. I haven’t stopped banging The Layover EP all week (it’s the perfect length for my walk to work) and tomorrow it will be revealed just exactly how I feel about it, like you don’t already know. Today though I figured why not take a look at what is responsible for my impression with all that Ev touches these days. The Weatherman LP . As I made it known Monday , I wasn’t feeling the last few joints from Dilated Peoples. I heard some talk about a solo joint from Ev coming out on ABB but I was busy being a hater, screaming that he and his crew fell off and I didn’t care – never have I had to eat my words quite so harshly. Eviden

DJ Muggs & Planet Asia "Pain Language"

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From the street sounds of The Alchemist to the always booming sounds of his Soul Assassins mentor, DJ Muggs. Being the man behind much of the Cypress Hill sound on top of creating his own lane of West Coast destruction with beats Muggs is legendary for any number of accolades, but over the last few years he has been keeping his name in the spotlight collaborating with emcee’s for full length projects. After seeing him and GZA pull it off a couple years ago and then Sick Jacken getting the treatment last year, Planet Asia is the next up to be blessed with that SA sound – and he might be the best companion yet over a Muggs beat. DJ Muggs & Planet Asia ft. GZA & Chace Infinite “Triple Threat” Asia has long been on his grind in the west coast underground dropping solo’s and group projects over a decade ago, but while his witty and dense verbiage has kept his rep large with the true school heads he knows his position and plays it well. While Muggs Queens heritage probably plays into

The Alchemist "The Alchemist's Cookbook" EP

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Serving as a precursor to his Chemical Warfar e full length due in February, The Alchemist dropped his Cookbook EP with six tracks to hold us over until then. In typical Alc fashion we are treated to some of his classic QB griminess opening the disc with the Nina Sky assisted “Keys to the City.” Over some slow thumping drums a subtle repeating key loop in the background and quite vocal sample Al and P lay it down for their town. Snoop comes through on the hook for the lead single here, “Lose Your Life.” While Alchemist is know for his work with some of the hardest crews in Hip Hop, this is certified hood shit if I’ve ever heard it. Jadakiss does what he always does flowing in his usual smooth demeanor delivering his brand of street tale. In a rare separation from his partner, Pusha T slides in sounding just as at home over this banger as he does over anything cooked up by P and Chad. I can’t help but chuckle at the thought of CNN still trying to make it, but they make an appearance he

The Layover Videos

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I woke up this morning and took a walk over to EM (Everyday Music) did some digging and picked up The Layover EP . I’m planning a full review for Friday, but I’m as impressed as I expected to be. If you haven’t been following the internet hype campaign Ev and company created to get this record known, it was an impressive one and included shooting five videos, four of which are included on a DVD with the EP. The video plan worked well as far as I can tell as they are all fresh and different showing the versatility Evidence holds. Evidence “The Layover” Evidence ft. The Alchemist & Fashawn “Far Left” Evidence ft. Defari “Don’t Hate” The ending of that joint is DOPE! That beat is hypnotic and they both destroy it, this is indicative of the entire record. The Alchemist has long been down with Evidence – since before either of them were who they are today, and they have begun creating music together under the name Step Brothers. Here on the EP we are presented with their first official

Evidence & DJ Skee "The Layover Mixtape"

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With Evidence dropping his new EP tomorrow - I won't lie I think it's about to be one of the best releases of the year - I've got a week of Ev & Alc posts ready so if you don't know get ready, and if you do kick back and enjoy! Whenever you are a fan of the artist it’s just a little harder to dissect the music. I’m a fan of Evidence. Dilated Peoples was forever my shit, and then they slowly got consumed by the music industry machine and I lost interest. But my boy Swerve kept telling me to check out The Weatherman LP . I took my sweet time, but finally I stopped sleeping and was blown away. Since then Ev has steadily impressed, reminding me why I loved Dilated back in the day. For his first mixtape venture he links with DJ Skee and together they put out The Layover Mixtape . While Skee’s involvement is minimal, a few drops over good verses and the occasional shout out, it’s a good bet he was involved in setting up just a few of these collaborations. The most notabl

The Musik Lounge Podcast, Vol. 3

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Fuck all the haters! I remember seeing this for the first time and being so distraught, now I just find it funny. Don't be scared, they never heard what I got in store for y'all - more of that goodness! The Musik Lounge, Vol. 3

Sundays of Soul, Vol. 4

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Whether this is how you spent your Sunday or not, the sentiment is all that matters! Rob came through this week with some fine blues selections and your's truely was all over the map from that gritty grimy southern funk to clean and crips disco soul. Kick back and enjoy another edition of Sundays of Soul. Sundays of Soul, Vol. 4 The Menahan Street Band "The Traitor" The Intentions "Dig It" Konk "Baby Dee" Mighty Voices of Wonder "I Thank The Lord" Roosevelt Grier "Slow Drag" Sky "Ain't No Need (Unity Mix)" Clifton Chenier "One Step At A Time" Ike Turner & The Kings of Rythm "I Walked From Dallas" Champion Jack Dupree "Don't Mistreat Your Woman (When You Know You're Wrong Yourself)"

Saturday Spin: Killah Priest & Chief Kamachi "Beautiful Minds"

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I tried grabbing something random off the shelf for this week's Saturday Spin edition, but it was a bunch of non sense by some group called Fresh Kills? If anyone knows anything let me know, but I was unimpressed. So instead I present to you that which I can get down with... Killah Priest has long been a silent force within the extended Wu Tang family. Chief Kamachi has steadily been building up his rep as one of the key members of Philly’s Army of Pharaohs. The two joining together for a record is an underground heads wet dream, and in a true demonstration of sheer talent the two don’t disappoint. Killah Priest & Chief Kamachi “Beautiful Minds” If you are familiar with either of these two’s previous work you know the depth to which they take their lyrics and Beautiful Minds is exactly what you expect. Filled with discussions of faith and religion, conspiracy theories, and stories from the ghetto that play like a Scorsese flick yet to be made the album will keep you engaged fr

DJ Graffiti "Hipsters Need Soul Too"

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Before we get into this, I suggest you let Jay Smooth break something down. If it’s good music, I’m down with it. The most basic, fundamental element to a DJ’s repertoire is his ability to find good music. To that end, dusty crates across the world (wide web?) have been sifted through in hopes of finding that cut to blow the audiences mind. DJ Graffiti may not stumble on auditory bliss with his Hipsters Need Soul Too mix, but he will give you a great demonstration of the so called “Hipster” rap movement and even show you a few legends that might have been just a bit ahead of the curve. Buff1 plays double duties here hosting the tape and delivering the opening cut “What Does Hipster Mean?” I know it’s a question I’ve asked, and I’m guessing it’s one that is only going to be asked more often in the near future. Buff breaks down his ideas surrounding the word and while he can’t resist taking a few shots at the hipster fashion sense, he’s heard the good music Graffiti has lined up. With

Sundays of Soul, Take 3

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I woke up this morning feeling refreshed and ready for anything. I hope the music gives you some of the same as you enjoy your Sunday afternoon and evening! Sundays of Soul Vol. 3 4Hero "Morning Child (Landau Orchestra Remix) Joe Bataan "Gypsy Woman (Demo Version)" Mayer Hawthorne & The County "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out" Stevie Wonder "Snippet #1" The Randy Watson Experience "Goodbye Isaac" Bobby Taylor "Eleanor Rigby" Marva Whitney "Things Got To Get Better (Get Together)" Gene Waiters "Shake & Shingaling Pt. 1" Stevie Wonder "Snippet #2" Novel "Amazin' (Remix)"

Madlib "The Beat Konducta Vol. 5 & 6"

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Madlib. The Beat Konducta. Otis Jackson. "In Jah Hands (Dilla's Lament)" He goes by many names and releases lots of music. But what do you know about that latest installment to the Beat Konducta series? The Dil Cosby and Dil Withers suites are invading the area right here. "Rebirth Cycle (Super Soul)" After showing us what he did hide away in the lab on the first two volumes, he took us to India so he could show us how to chop those foreign records, and now he is showing all the wannabes who have spent the last almost 3 years since Dilla’s passing biting his style how it should be done. "Rolled Peach Optimos (Call Day)" While I’ve taken issue with many of those biters and their blatant attempts to profit off that which Dilla did so well, Madlib was his riding buddy towards the end and if someone is going to carry the torch for Dilla today the Beat Konducta is our best chance at it being done with the respect and honor J Dilla’s memory deserves. Joining

Saturday Spin: 4Hero "Play With the Changes"

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Every now and then it’s good to listen to something different. I haven’t been as successful as I would like at putting forth good music outside of the Hip Hop realm, but today I grabbed a disc off my book shelf that is over flowing with discs I’ve acquired in the last year – 4Hero’s Play With The Changes . Coming out in 2007, Dego and Marc Mac have been around for years involved heavily in the European electronic music scene and while that influence is obviously in play here they dedicate just as much attention to having a stable of talented musicans on hand creating a beautiful modern fusion record. While the album is issued as a 4Hero record, it is split between the two partners with Dego taking charge on eight tracks and Marc Mac holding down the production duties for the other seven. Not one combined meeting of talent? I wonder what the story is with that. Whatever the reason is, it’s a mute point as they both prove they are capable on their own and obviously understand what each o

The Musik Lounge Podcast, Take 2

Took a week off to re-group and see how I could revamp this podcast and pass it off to y'all! So here it is, in all it's glory The Musik Lounge Podcast Volume 2 .

Jay-Z "The Blueprint 2: The GIft & The Curse"

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Upon the delivery of The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse Jay-Z was subjected to a lot of hate. While not fully deserved, it’s hard to listen to The Blueprint next to it’s predecessor and believe that it’s the best Jay-Z could have given us. Filled with his typical commercial fodder, the sprawling two disc effort might be the Jay album you’ve been sleeping on. Let’s just get this out of the way: This album is not The Blueprint . Aside from the similarity in name and a few producers you shouldn’t expect to hear the same style that was executed to perfection the first time out. Instead be ready for club hits and a more studio oriented sound. The samples aren’t completely gone, but just as present are keyboards and synthed out effects a number of producers continue to perfect so as to avoid the expensive penalty of clearing a sample. Bringing back the two stars of The Blueprint , Kanye and Just Blaze are in heavy attendance here with them contributing four and seven beats respectiv

The Wests other Producers

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With the end of the year rapidly approaching, I had to weigh in on a couple more producer comps the year has seen released. With strong showings from both Jake One and Statik Selektah you would think we had been blessed with enough heat from the always on their gind underground beatmakers, but instead we have also been blessed with two from west coast legends DJ Revolution and DJ Babu. Babu dropped the third volume of his Duck Season joint filled with his dusty brand of funky and thumping Hip Hop tracks. The Beat Junkies/Dilated Peoples representative digs deep pulling a number of fresh and unknown samples out of his crates and sets them up with hard drums and a great assortment of guest emcees. Opening with his crew for a quick burst of energy to get you into the mood Duck Season 3 knocks from the start. Quickly getting into album cuts we see M.O.P. do what they do best on “Dearly Departed” - Babu sounds like he was meant to give the Brownsville bombers those heat rocks. DJ Babu f