A frequently updated site dedicated to music videos, interviews, artists features and general interest in and around, but not limited to, the Hip Hop and Soul culture.
Today sees the release of the anticipated new album from Detroit's Finale. After a long absence between projects, Finale has linked with Oddisee who produces "Odds & Ends" in its entirety. Released through the always trustworthy Mello Music Group, you can add another title to the already impressive discography.
At the end of August for the bank holiday, a new Hip-Hop night is being launched at The Ruby Lounge in Manchester. "Black On Both Sides". Taking the name from the classic album from Mos Def in the Rawkus years, the night looks to transport us back to the summer of 1999 when the LP was released.
Using this record as a starting point, expect to hear Hip-Hop that was prominent at the turn of the millennium. The 1's and 2's are in the capable hands of DJ Lee Majors (More Bounce), DJ A-UP and Agent J with Bedos (In The Loop) on hosting duties.
Read the flyer above (or below) for details and a closer look at the theme of the night. Links for mixes from DJs on the night can be found here Lee Majors and here In The Loop. Hope to see you all there!
DJ Lee Majors
Bedos, DJ A-Up & Agent J (Photo: Air Adam Photography)
By now, I'm sure most of you will have heard the awful news of the passing of Sean Price of Boot Camp Clik. The only details that have been disclosed are that he passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Saturday 8th August. He was only 43.
It's taken a couple of days to digest but I wanted to share a few words of my own. An influx of tributes and words about Ruck flooded social media over the weekend and rightly so. It seems whenever any artist is taken so soon that nothing but positive things can be said about the individual. This time it's legit.
Sean Price was loved. His music was and is remarkable but this time it's more than music. Anyone who knew him personally or met him at shows or in interviews will attest to how charismatic, hilarious and humble he was. He definitely wasn't humble in his rhymes though!
I was lucky enough to meet him at his show in Manchester late last year and spend some time with him on his early morning trip back to the airport. I tagged along to make sure Didjit didn't fall asleep at the wheel! Although P had little to no sleep after his show, he was nothing but gracious and funny the whole time. I'm happy I had those few moments with him.
He made amazing music, was a top tier lyricist, had a great live show and had the big personality to boot. I think many would agree that he is a massive loss to Hip-Hop and the friends and family he left behind. Rest in peace, P.
His new mixtape "Songs In The Key Of Price" is due to drop in a couple of weeks which makes the timing even more tragic. Check Peter Rosenberg's Real Late tribute mix below.
I've definitely been lacking on the posts as of late. I don't really have an excuse other than lack of inspiration to publish any new content. Maybe that's more of a reason than an excuse.
Anyway, I was snapped out of that funk yesterday when I was treated to the new offering from Manage. As a member of Caxton Press and before that, Chain Of Command, Manage has come through with the goods. Classic UK music.
Check out the new video for "Soul Root" as Runone delivers a throwback soundscape for Manage to let loose on. Love this track.
Finally, after the disappointment of not all the group making the show a few months back, the Bodega Brovas made their first appearance on Shade 45's Sway In The Morning. All three members were present to discuss how they balance their work in radio along with a music career and also talked about their live shows. Having seen them perform a few years back, I can agree with Sway when I say they are impressive.
Headkrack, Keynote and Travii also performed a live version of "In The Sky". You can also get a free download (for a limited time) of "Rising" here which was premiered on the show.
Watch the interview and performance below. Also, look for the new LP "L.G.A." coming in September. #BelieveInBodega
Voodoo Black return with a new video from their current project the "OutSauced EP". Pete Cannon delivers a nostalgic banger while Sparkz, Dubbul O and Ellis Meade drop a verse each respectively.
As mentioned, this track can be found on the "OutSauced EP" which is available for a 'name your price' amount on their Bandcamp.
Check the video below and take a look at Room2 Records for a slew of other releases from Voodoo Black and the rest of the roster.
Once again, Complex add another great episode to their series of web episodes "Magnum Opus". This time they take a look at the classic record "Mass Appeal" by Gang Starr. DJ Premier himself, Jadakiss, Fat Joe, Stretch Armstrong and Lil Dap all add their stories and memories of the record among others.
RIP Guru.
Watch the episode below and check out the video for "Mass Appeal" beneath that.
Fresh off the early release of his anticipated new album, "Music For My Friends", Skyzoo drops the visual to his single "Luxury". With a beat familiar to A Tribe Called Quest's "8 Million Stories" and Buffalo's Westside Gunn on the chorus assist, Sky continues to add to his collection of videos and great discography.
"Music For My Friends" is available everywhere now.
As a thank you to the Shark Nation, yesterday The Doppelgangaz dropped a brand new EP for free. "Parts Unknown" is available to stream below and download here.
Manchester's very own Levelz crew return with an absolute banger. All bias aside, this is something else. Nobody sounds like this lot right now, or before to be honest. Definitely taking the music and their city to another place. Check the amazing visuals below. Then get the free download on their Bandcamp.
The Doppelgangaz return with a new track from an as yet unknown project with "Scintilla". Keep an eye (and ear) out for new music from Matter Ov Fact and EP in the coming months.
eMC collective Wordsworth, Stricklin and Masta Ace return with another visual from their latest project "The Tonite Show". With production from KIC beats and vocals from Dion, the trio take a smoother approach on the track "Signtology".
Set in the always splendid backdrop of NYC, they deliver a great video to accompany one of my favourite cuts from the album. I'm not mad at the ladies starring in the video either!
After being announced several weeks ago, Jay Z took to the stage of Terminal 5 in NYC last night to perform a selection from his vast catalogue. Streamed exclusively via TIDAL, this "B-Sides" show was a chance for Hov to go back and revisit some of his album cuts and various verses that he seldom plays out these days. There are a few obvious hits in there too but it's great to see if you're more than just a casual fan.
There were a few surprise guests too but you can see for yourself. I doubt this will remain on Youtube for long so watch it while you can.
Taken from his EP/mixtape "Black Rose", Dave East drops the video for the opening track to the release with "The Offering". The start is reminiscent of Nas' track "Book Of Rhymes" and is released through Mass Appeal, so he's definitely in good company with Nas, Fashawn, Boldy James and Run The Jewels.
The Roots' leading man Black Thought continues his "Live Mixtape" series with close collaborator J.PERIOD on their most recent "JB Edition". In remembrance of the late James Brown, Thought goes in for 35 minutes with J.PERIOD cutting up remixes, JB instrumentals and Brown vocals all live.
This is just stupid. Love this. Stream the performance below and visit J's site for the download.
"New York City Radio during the 1980's featured the most dynamic and influential soundtrack the city had ever heard."
Red Bull Music takes a look back at radio in New York City in the 1980's with DJs such as DJ Red Alert, Stretch Armstrong, Marley Mal and DJ Spinna sharing their memories. Everyone on here was influenced in one way or another and they all reminisce about their personal connection to the music.
Unfortunately, this is desperately short considering the scope of music released back then but still very enjoyable.
With Mobb Deep recently being added to the line up at this years' Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival, the festival executive Wes Jackson dropped this short documentary on their classic album "The Infamous". This coincides nicely, as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the album's release.
Yesterday at Coachella, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah performed the classic album "Only Built For Cuban Linx". Backed by Scram Jones on the 1's and 2's, the duo went back and forth over some of the most iconic beats ever to be contained on one album.
Check the set below. Props to Yardie for the upload.
DJ Premier and Royce Da 5'9 continue to roll out the videos from their PRhyme project. This time with a little help from the fantastic Dwele, the duo showcase one of the more soulful cuts from the album with "You Should Know".
"PRhyme" is available now.
Also, catch the pair in Manchester on April 19th as part of the RedBull Music Academy UK tour alongside DJ Jazzy Jeff and Todd Terry among others.
