Dan The Automator on Crate Diggers (Video)

On this episode of "Crate Diggers" we hear from producer Dan The Automator, who among other things, talks about what he thinks are the most important breaks in Hip-Hop history.

Diamond D - Rap Life feat. Pharoahe Monch (Video)

The legend that is Diamond D of D.I.T.C. releases the video to his track "Rap Life" with the awesome Pharoahe Monch. The cut is taken from D's upcoming album "The Diam Piece" due later this year.

Cook & Kuartz - The Tormented Revenge Of Slick Jnr (Album)

A new project out of Manchester from Cook & Kuartz. A Western themed Hip-Hop soundtrack over 12 tracks. Something fresh and an alternative spin on the classic Western movie genre.

Check the stream and download below. Also check the Bandcamp page for a list of the contibutors to the project.

  

In Conversation: Nas and Michael Eric Dyson (Video)

Last night at Georgetown University, sociology scholar and professor Michael Eric Dyson joined Hip-Hop legend Nas in conversation. The discussion included how Nas' "Illmatic" has impacted the genre over the last 20 years and a look at how Hip-Hop is today.

Check the in-depth video below.

 

Black Milk on Rhythm Roulette (Video)

Black Milk is the latest to step up for Mass Appeal's "Rhythm Roulette".

Talib Kweli - State Of Grace feat. Abby Dobson (Video)

From his current album "Gravitas", Talib Kweli releases an animated video for the track "State Of Grace" featuring vocals from Abby Dobson.

"Gravitas" is available directly from Kweli Club.

De La Soul x J. Dilla - Smell The Da.I.S.Y. (Mixtape)

De La Soul drop their anticipated mixtape over all Dilla beats. Head over to their site to get the free mixtape. Alternatively, you can make a donation for the tape too. Below listen to the short message they sent out today explaining the set.

The Doppelgangaz - Live Rugged (Video)

The Doppelgangaz release the third video from their album "Peace Kehd". This time we have visuals for the track "Live Rugged" over one of the most laid back instrumentals from the album.

Apollo Brown - The Answer (Audio)

After the success of his album as part of Ugly Heroes, Apollo Brown is back on his own for his upcoming instrumental album "Thirty Eight". Set to drop on May the 6th, Brown releases the first single from it, "The Answer".

Check Mello Music Group or their Soundcloud for pre order details and listen to "The Answer" below.

Above The Rim 20 Year Anniversary

20 years ago, this past Sunday (23rd), one of my favourite movies was released. If you were heavily in to basketball and listened to Hip-Hop in 1994, I daresay you watched "Above The Rim" too.

It also had a brilliant soundtrack that was very West Coast inspired despite the film being set in New York. Executive produced by Dr. Dre, the album had a slew of breakout hits including the obvious "Regulate" by Warren G. & Nate Dogg. The Lady Of Rage (album version is better), O.F.T.B., 2nd II None, SWV and Tupac's crew Thuglife and more all had accompanying videos for their singles and I've included them below.

The movie and soundtrack always bring back great memories and, in fact, I think I'll watch it again today.

State Property - Reputation (Single)

Some of the original Roc Boys get together for this new State Property track called "Reputation" over a Mike Jerz production. With Beanie Sigel unfortunately only supplying a hook, there a verses from Young Chris, Peedi Crakk and Freeway. Philly in the house.

Stream and free download below.

Sean C & LV - Loud Dreams Vol. 1 (Album)

Production duo Sean C & LV finally drop their new album "Loud Dreams Vol. 1" in association with Play Cloths and DJ Booth. Catch a brief behind the scenes that I posted previously.

Guests include Styles P, Dom Kennedy, Raekwon, Prodigy, Jadakiss, Devin The Dude and many more. Stream or download below.

The LOX - New York City (Video)

The LOX finally release the video to their current single "New York City".

Don't forget, The LOX are in Manchester this Saturday courtesy of This Is Hip Hop! Details here.

L'Orange - The End feat. Billy Woods (Video)

Mello Music Group's L'Orange drops the new video for his track "The End" featuring Billy Woods. The track is taken from his new album "Orchid Days".

Dubbul O - Misty River (Video)

Dubbul O unleashes the video for "Misty River" from his recently released album. Get the entirely Pro P produced album "Omega" here.