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.

 

SWV - NPR's Tiny Desk Performance (Video)

SWV: LeLee, Coko & Taj

NPR wrap up 2024's Black Music Month and their all female line up with the much anticipated Tiny Desk performance from SWV. With a career spanning more than three decades, Sisters With Voices display how talented they still are and why their name is so apt. I've been looking forward to this one all month.

Watch their performance below and be sure to check the many other Tiny Desk videos too.

 

Durand Bernarr - Fist Bump feat. The Free Nationals (From The Block Performance Video)

Durand Bernarr (Image: From The Block video)

Durand Bernarr is the latest artist to guest on From The Block's live performance series, with his song "Fist Bump". One of the best live performers and artists working today, Bernarr showcases it effortlessly here with a little help from The Free Nationals.

"Fist Bump" is taken from his current EP "En Route", which is available to stream/buy now. Watch the video below.

"Fist Bump"

"En Route" available now

 

J-Zone's Give The Drummer Some: Questlove (audio)

J-Zone and Questlove at RedBull Music Academy
Photo credit: Charles Ludeke

Last night (Feb. 5th) Red Bull Radio debuted their new show "Give The Drummer Some" with host J-Zone. The series kicked off with arguably the most well known drummer working today; Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. 

The show is basically a hub for some of the greatest drummers to come through and tell stories, techniques and maybe some unknown secrets along the way.

This episode didn't disappoint with Questlove talking about his own band The Roots' nod to drum 'n' bass from their time based in London, working with D'Angelo on Voodoo and off beat drum patterns from the J-Dilla era, among other topics. A really enjoyable talk.

The show is available for the next month. Check the Red Bull page here with tracklist or click on the stream below. There's also an archival Soundcloud link that J-Zone recently added. Enjoy below.

More Bounce presents Homeboy Sandman & Edan (Live in Manchester)

More Bounce come through once again with the ill live Hip-Hop! On Thursday 7th February, Joshua Brooks in Manchester host the duo of Homeboy Sandman and Edan. Both no stranger to touring, with each having previous appearances solo in Manchester, the pair join forces in support of their Stone's Throw released album "Humble Pi".

Catch them very soon with support from local group The Bluntskins. Early bird tickets have sold out, but additional tickets are still available at Skiddle. Find full information on the Facebook event page here.

Check out a couple of videos from "Humble Pi" below.

Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth Return to Manchester

After the roadblock event at Mantra Warehouse in 2016, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth will be returning to Manchester in the more familiar surroundings of The 02 Ritz in the city centre on Saturday the 14th of October, 2017. The duo will be joined with support by fellow 90's breakthrough artist Jeru The Damaja. Warming up before the live acts will be Didjit of More Bounce who is also responsible for this major booking once more.

Full details and ticket links can be found here. A short run of physical tickets are also available from Eastern Bloc and Piccadilly Records. Additional tickets can be purchased on the door.

Ghostface Killah 's Supreme Clientele Classic Samples (Video)

VinRican chose an absolute monster of a classic for his latest #WaxOnly series with Ghostface Killah's Supreme Clientele from 2000. At a push, this is possibly my favourite record from the Wu-Tang Clan's extensive discography. Awesome.

Check the video below.

25th Anniversary of Juice: Classic Samples

Once again, Power 106 Los Angeles' VinRican continues his #WaxOnly series celebrating anniversaries of seminal records in Hip Hop. This time he takes a look at the Juice soundtrack which turned 25 years old last week. There are some classic records on here including Eric B. & Rakim's "Know The Ledge" and Naughty By Nature's "Uptown Anthem" to name a couple.

The skit at the start of the video is a nice touch too. Check it below.

More Bounce Presents Pete Rock & CL Smooth Live in Manchester / Best Of... Mix by DJ Friedz

In less than a week More Bounce, once again, welcome Hip Hop royalty to Manchester. This time we see Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth make their first appearance together in what is bound to be a memorable and landmark performance for the city.

The show will be taking place at Mantra Warehouse in Ancoats on Saturday the 3rd September. Tickets are available in various outlets around the city and also here on Skiddle. An after show party will also be in effect in The Whiskey Jar basement from 11pm onwards.

As a bonus to get you warmed up for this great booking, DJ Friedz coincidentally dropped a "Best Of Pete Rock & CL Smooth" this week. Including some of their unmistakable classics, Friedz also drops soundtrack cuts, collabs, remixes and album cuts. Check the mix and track list below.

One In A Million

What’s Next On The Menu

I Got A Love

The Basement

Lots Of Lovin’ Remix

Carmel City King

Skinz

Ghetto’s Of The Mind

Anger In The Nation

Soul Brother #1

If It Right, It Ain’t Right

Act Like You Know

Don’t Curse

Straighten It Out

Today (by Tom Scott & The California Dreamers)

T.R.O.Y

It’s Not A Game

Da Two Back On Da Block

Down With The King

It’s On You

In The Flesh

Get On The Mic (Remix)

Joey Bada$$ - Devastated (Video)

Joey Bada$$

A couple of months after the release of his crossover hit "Devastated", Joey Bada$$' team release a video montage of his live performances of the track. From the thoughts of never making it to where his success has taken him now, it's fair to say that this is a feel good song if there ever was one. It's a little different from his previous boom bap efforts but is still a great track.

Check the video below and make sure you get your copy of the song on iTunes. I've also added his live appearance on SKEE TV from a few weeks back.

You Know What Love Is... A Tribute To J Dilla/Jay Dee

A small selection of Jay Dee productions

February. Dilla month. The month that James Dewitt Yancey was born and passed away. It's been ten years since music lost a pioneer, genius and friend. From his early work with his group Slum Village, his high profile hits with Janet Jackson and Q-Tip, through to his own "Donuts" album he created on his death bed, Jay Dee left a legacy that will be remembered.

Manchester will do their bit to remember him on February the 18th in The Whiskey Jar basement. Ten years after the original tribute night took place at Urbis in 2006, a number of DJs from that night will come back together to pay their respects. FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Andy Peek (C'mon Feet)
Didjit (More Bounce / Skullsnap Records)
Konny Kon (Children Of Zeus / Broke 'n' English)
Mark Torkington (Friends And Family ? Fat City)
Mikey D.O.N (Krispy / Night Of The Living Dread)
with more to be announced...

Let's share this event, get a great turn out to one of the best to do it and show our love.

You know what love is...

More Bounce & The Remedy Sessions present DJ Boogie Blind

DJ Boogie Blind

Back in Manchester once again, More Bounce and The Remedy Sessions present DJ Boogie Blind. The DJ for Pharoahe Monch, Lord Finesse and current member of The X-ecutioners will be playing live at The Live Room on December 11th. Definite party starter.

He'll be supported on the night by Mikey DON, DJ Omas and El Statiko. Tickets and information over on the Facebook event page.

Also, check Bloc2Bloc's footage from the last time he rocked Manchester below.

Skyzoo in Manchester

Skyzoo (Photo credit: Joey Amandola)

On November 20th, ShedTheLight welcome the debut appearance of Skyzoo to Manchester. This show has been a long time coming considering the length of time Skyzoo has been around and putting out music.

The Brooklyn native is fresh off the release of his latest long player, Music For My Friends and a busy schedule promoting the project. This follows last year's collaborative album with his partner in rhyme Torae with their Barrel Brothers album.

Originally slated to appear at the Q Cavern in Piccadilly, the show has been moved to The Mint Lounge on Oldham Street in The Northern Quarter. You can check the event page here on Facebook for further information and tickets. Support on the night comes from Room2 artists Dubbul O & Pro P and also DMC finalist El Statiko.

In the meantime, check a couple of Sky's latest videos, both solo and with Apollo Brown and Torae. Also, be sure to watch an interview/concert he did for Brooklyn's BRIC TV below.

Bodega Brovas on Sway In The Morning (Video)

Headkrack, Keynote and Travii

Sway

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

Jay Z - B-Sides Concert (Full Show)

Jay Z

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.

J.PERIOD & Black Thought - The Live Mixtape (JB Edition)

Black Thought and J.PERIOD

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.

Raekwon & Ghostface Killah Live Set at Coachella (Video)

Raekwon, Ghostface & Scram Jones

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.

Rae & Ghost Coachella 15 by YardieGoals

Run The Jewels - Early (Live on David Letterman)

As a long time fan of both Killer Mike and El-P, it was inevitable that I would support them when they announced their collaboration as Run The Jewels a year or so ago. Now on their second album together with "Run The Jewels 2", to say they've come a long way is an understatement.

Last night saw the duo performing on the Late Show with David Letterman. An independent Hip Hop act on mainstream television is a big deal. It's a bit weird to say, as I don't know them personally, but I'm proud of them. 

"Run The Jewels 2" is available now.

Murkage Live at Cabaret Vert (Video)

Recently, Murkage performed at Cabaret Vert in France in front of a packed out crowd and it was all captured on film by ARTE. Check their full high energy set below and also visit the ARTE official page here.

Their album "Of Mystics & Misfits" is available now.

Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival 2014: 10th Anniversary (Video)

Once again, another Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival has happened and I haven't been. Like I keep telling myself, "there's always next year".

This year saw another great line up including Pro Era's CJ Fly, CyHi The Prynce, DJ Rob Swift with Brand Nubian and the headliners Jay Electronica and Raekwon. As always there were a few surprise guests who showed up. Most notably were the performers that Jay Electronica brought out. 

A lacklustre verse from Mac Miller was followed by Talib Kweli and J.Cole jumping on stage to perform Reflection Eternal's "Just Begun". There were always going to be suspicions that Jay's label boss would show up and after a delayed and mistimed cue, Hov himself did show his face for a few cuts.

Check a selection of highlights below. More videos are up on Daily Motion.

Jay Z and Jay Electronica Perform PSA at... by BKHipHopFestival 

Jay Electronica And Talib Kweli Perform Just... by BKHipHopFestival

 
DJ Rob Swift and Brand Nubian Perform All For... by BKHipHopFestival

Raekwon, AZ and Lil Fame Perform Ante Up by BKHipHopFestival