Common & Pete Rock on Juan Ep Is Life (Live at SOB's Video)

Juan Ep Is life with Common & Pete Rock
(Photo by @Calligrafist)

Recently, Common and Pete Rock sat down with Cipha Sounds and Peter Rosenberg for their Juan Ep Is Life podcast. If you're a long time fan and listener of the world's first Hip Hop podcast, it won't come as a surprise at the calibre of guests on the show.

This time, however, they did a live version of the podcast at SOB's in New York. DJ Kast One of Hot97 opened up proceedings, followed by super producer and fan of the show, Mark Ronson, who played a one hour set incorporating samples used by Pete Rock and Common from both of their discographies.

Mainly using this platform as a chance to promote their new album "The Auditorium Vol.1", the duo had stories for days and talked about past work on songs and collaborations they've both done with other artists. Common also kicks a freestyle for the crowd.

You can watch the full hour plus interview below and be sure to follow Juan Ep Is Life on socials @juanepislife and both presenters @ciphasounds and @rosenbergradio. They also have a Patreon with weekly exclusives, including Mark Ronson's set from the night. More videos can be found on Youtube via the video channel Juan Ep Is Life.

"The Auditorium Vol. 1" is out now.

 

Common & Pete Rock - All Kind Of Ideas (Video)

Common & Pete Rock

Common and Pete Rock continue their roll out of visuals for the upcoming album. This new video is for the single "All Kind Of Ideas". On this track we hear a verse from the Chocolate Boy Wonder for the first time. So far, the duo haven't missed with the singles and snippets released, only building anticipation for the LP coming soon.

Check the video below and look out for their project, "The Auditorium Vol.1" due for release on July 12th. 

"All Kind Of Ideas"

 

Your Old Droog - Movie (Album) & Videos

Your Old Droog - Movie

 Brooklyn rapper and producer Your Old Droog returns after an extended hiatus by his standards. Usually one to drop new material consistently, he says, "My new album #Movie is Out Now. Waited 2 years for y'all to hear it. Thanks to everyone who contributed".

You can expect to hear these contributions in the form of Conductor Williams, Just Blaze, Madlib and Yasiin Bey among others.

Over the past month Droog released two videos that landed on the album with "DBZ" featuring Method Man and Denzel Curry and also "I Think I Love Her". You can find both of them below.

"Movie" is available on streaming services from today.

Your Old Droog - "I Think I Love Her" (Video)

Your Old Droog - "DBZ" featuring Method Man and Denzel Curry (Video)

Juga-Naut - Been Away ft. Liam Bailey (Music Video)

Image taken from @juganaut on Twitter

A year after the release of his album "BEM", Notts emcee Juga-Naut releases the visuals to a standout track from the set, with "Been Away".

Joining him on the track and in the video is fellow Nottingham son Liam Bailey, adding his soulful vocals over a self produced Jugz beat, reminiscent of early Wu-Tang soundscapes that wouldn't be out of place circa '94-'96. However, this is very much of its time and showcases why Juga-Naut is held in high regard amongst his peers and is one of the most consistent and hardworking artists this country has to offer. 

Please check the Michael Holyk directed video below and be sure to follow Juga-Naut on his social accounts @juganaut. "BEM" is streaming on your platform of choice and Bandcamp.

Youtube link

 @juganaut 

@Liambailey.music

@Michaelholyk

Children Of Zeus - The Story So Far...

If you're unfamiliar with Children Of Zeus, that's a shame. But nevermind, you're reading this post. 

Their recent EP which dropped on vinyl is a select collection of six tracks both released and unreleased previously. Those who missed out on the wax can buy the repress if they're quick. The physical copy comes with a digital download of the tracks plus an additional seven cuts through Bandcamp. You can stream the music below and also buy via your preferred digital carrier.

Check the album and their latest video for "Smoke With Me" beneath.

Chalk - An Ode To The KP (Video)

Chalk - Growth album cover

Relocating to Thailand late last year has by no means stopped the musical output from Chalk of The Natural Curriculum. Definitely not, as the new solo album "Growth" has arrived. The first single to be lifted from the project and given a video is "An Ode To The KP". 

The track is a dedication to kitchen porters and minimum wagers who are living cheap and doing what they need to do to keep money in their pocket. I'm sure we can all relate!

Check the video below and go to Bandcamp for the album.

Dubbul O & Pro P - As We Proceed (Album)

Two years on from their first collaborative album together, "Omega", Dubbul O and Pro P prepare to release their second project "As We Proceed". The LP will be available on Bandcamp through Room2 Records.

Check the link for the album preview tracks and pre-order followed by the video for their first single "The Eyes Know" beneath.

As We Proceed

Finale - Odds & Ends (Album)

Finale

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.

Stream/buy below and also available on iTunes.

The Catch Up: Slimkid3 & DJ Nu-Mark

A project which I believe may have gone under the radar is the self titled album by The Pharcyde's Slimkid3 and Jurassic 5's DJ Nu-Mark. Straight away those two groups should grab your attention. It's strange to me then, that this album had no build up or sense of anticipation. A shame, especially when you give it a listen. 

Production is solely provided by Nu-Mark with Tre's unmistakable voice in tandem. The guests on the LP are crazy too with the likes of Murs, Del The Funkee Homosapien, Diamond D, J-Live to name a few. Check out the two music videos they've dropped since July below.

Timeless Truth - Dominican Diner (Album Stream)

Flushing, Queens' own Timeless Truth have put their latest album "Dominican Diner" up to stream in full. Listen below.

Timeless Truth -

"Dominican Diner is dedicated to everyone who reps their culture unabashedly. To Queens, NYC, ‘Lo heads, vintage gear addicts, graff writers, and hip-hop fans all over the globe.

The EP is entirely produced by Fafu and features guest appearances from Eliki and Maffew Ragazino. Dominican Diner was mixed by Fafu and mastered by John Sparkz."

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.

  

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.

Dubbul O & Pro P - Omega

Finally, after a sneak peek with "Slang To Ya Brain" last week, we get the new full album from Manchester's Dubbul O. As a constant collaborator with The Mouse Outfit and part of his own group Voodoo Black, this time we hear Dubbul O solo (almost) with "Omega".

The whole project is produced by Manchester transplant Pro P who supplies some hefty production on this offering. Along with his previous work with The Bluntskins and the Room 2 collective this is further proof that his music should not be slept on. Other projects from Pro P can be found on the "Omega" album page.

Expect guest appearances from Voodoo Black, Bowski, Bill Sykes and Spider Jaroo among others.

This album is offered on a "name your price" basis but is definitely worth supporting. Cop that!

Homeboy Sandman - Bad Meaning Good (Video)

Homeboy Sandman returns with "Bad Meaning Good", the first video from his completely Paul White produced project "White Sands". The Boy Sand is currently at the start of his European tour. Dates are here.

"White Sands" is available now on Stones Throw.

Otis Clapp - So That, So This (Video)

Otis Clapp drops another video from his "#ATB" project with "So That, So This". The full album can be downloaded for free here. Make sure you get that.

Amerigo Gazaway - Yasiin Gaye: The Departure (Side One) (Album)

Amerigo Gazaway finally drops his Mos Def and Marvin Gaye mash up. Stream or download available below.

De La Soul To Make Their Entire Discography Free...For 25 Hours

De La Soul are set to make a lot of people very happy this Valentine's Day. As the trio prepare to celebrate 25 years since their debut album "3 Feet High & Rising", they will be making the whole De La Soul discography available for free through their official site.

The anticipated new album (the first since 2004's "The Grind Date") "Your Welcome" is said to be just around the corner, so that's definitely something to look forward to. You never know, they might do a Beyonce and drop it today unannounced! Here's hoping!

Check back on the official site from 4pm in the UK and 11am in The States. You only have 25 hours, so don't let this pass you by.

The Doppelgangaz - Peace Kehd (Album Stream)

With the new album "Peace Kehd" dropping in less than a week, The Doppelgangaz have made their new project free to stream on Soundcloud. Awesome music right here!

"Peace Kehd" is available from February 17th.

Eric Roberson - Anymore (Live Video)

It's a busy week for Eric Roberson. Not only is it the week he starts a run of UK shows (including Manchester's Band On The Wall on Saturday the 8th February), but today also sees the release of the first of two new albums this year. The album is named "B-sides, Features and Heartaches". The second brand new project is expected later this year.

Erro dropped this video from a rehearsal yesterday performing the track "Anymore" from the new album. Check the video below and get yourself a copy of the LP here.

Otis Clapp - #ATB (Free Album)

This week saw the release of Otis Clapp's sophomore album "#ATB". If you can't tell what that stands for from the album cover, it'll become apparent after a few seconds in to the first track. Coming in at 18 tracks, this project from Otis displays his versatility over equally schizophrenic beats. That's a good thing.

Stream or download the album for free below.