Children Of Zeus (Tyler Daley and Konny Kon)

This is something that people in Manchester have been waiting on for a long time. Further afield than Manchester even. With word of an upcoming album and live performances here and there, Tyler Daley and Konny Kon have finally confirmed that new music is on the way.

"The name of the project is Children Of Zeus which consists of two of Manchester's most respected artists; Konny Kon (Broke'n'£nglish)& Tyler Daley handling all production. Both coming from a Hip-Hop background but combined with Tyler's soulful vocals, Children Of Zeus came to restore a feeling missing from music when the focus seems more to be satisfying the clubs and radio."

Below are three tracks (old and new) as a preview of things to come. Keep an eye out for more new music soon.

Happy Birthday J Dilla

Happy Birthday to one of the illest. 8 years have passed by so quickly and he's sorely missed yet Jay Dee is talked about like he's still with us. Today would've been his 40th birthday.

Hug your loved ones, people.

Pete Cannon & Dr. Syntax - Do What We Wanna Do feat. Jehst and Del The Funky Homosapien (Video)

Now I don't even remember how long ago I heard about this collaboration, but I'm glad to say it's finally arrived. Appearing on the upcoming album "Killer Combo" from Pete Cannon and Dr. Syntax, the duo enlist the vocal stylings of UK and US legends Jehst and Del The Funky Homosapien for the track "Do What We Wanna Do". Legends all round then!

Not only has the track materialised but we also have an animated video courtesy of El Tacodor.

"Killer Combo" drops in March and the single will be available from the 17th of February. Enjoy!

  

Combat Jack Holds TED Talk: Living Inside and Outside The Hip-Hop Revolution (Video)

Host and founder of The Combat Jack Show, Reggie Ossé, held his first TED talk in Brroklyn, New York at the tail end of January. His subject was the apparent lack of inclusion in a culture he was/is a part of. This explains it better:

TEDxTalks:

"Reggie Ossé has been on the front lines of Hip Hop culture since it began. Growing up in NYC, eventually becoming an attorney for up-and-coming Rap stars (Jay-Z and Damon Dash to name a few), and now as the host of The Combat Jack Show podcast, Ossé didn't just witness Hip Hop's ascendency to popular culture, he also helped create it. But as the culture he knows and loves became assimilated into the mainstream, he could not help but feel pushed to the outside... influencing but not participating in an America in which he is an icon."

As a long time fan and listener of Combat's podcast, it's great hearing his perspective on this. I could easily have listened to another 30 minutes as it's such an interesting subject. Hopefully this is the first of many more talks from him. If you get a chance, please check out The Combat Jack Show.

The Doppelgangaz - KnowntchooTahLie (Single Download)

In a couple of weeks The Doppelgangaz will unleash their new album "Peace Kehd" on the unsuspecting public. If you don't know, you better ask somebody. In the run up to the release, Dopp Gang have made their second single a free download. Matter Ov Fact and EP open up about untrustworthy ladies on "KnowntchooTahLie".

Free download below and album pre-order here on Bandcamp.

Ugly Heroes European Tour

Following the success of their debut album last year, Apollo Brown, Verbal Kent and Red Pill aka Ugly Heroes are set to embark on their first European tour. The tour includes a couple of UK dates, notably at Band On The Wall in Manchester on Thursday the 6th March.

This is a group I've been following for some time and Apollo Brown's production for even longer, so I'm definitely looking forward to this live show. If you want to experience some great Hip-Hop from the Mid-West of The States, get yourself down.

Full list of appearance dates below. Also, have a listen to "Long Drive Home" from the album after the date list.

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.

How Nas Has Changed Hip-Hop (Video)

VIBE recently honored Nas at their second Impact Awards and talked to his peers, friends and acquaintances on how he has changed and helped shape Hip-Hop.

His opus "Illmatic" will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year and Nasir Jones shows no signs of slowing down. The video below is just a reminder of how great he really is.

The Mouse Outfit - Never Get Enough ('FD' Acoustic Session Video)

While on tour in Dijon, France, The Mouse Outfit took time out to record an acoustic version of "Never Get Enough". This time sans Dubbul-O but mic duties held down by Sparkz and Dr. Syntax. Enjoy.

Recently voted as Wordplay magazine's album of the year, The Mouse Outfit's "Escape Music" is still available, so make sure you pick that up.

  

Jordan Brand's Flight 23 Store Opening (Video)

Saturday the 1st of February saw the opening of the first all Jordan brand store open on NYC's 42nd Street. With appearances from DJ Envy, Spike Lee, Footaction CEO Jake Jacobs and even casual shopper 50 Cent, Complex was there for a first look. They chat to sneaker fanatics who'd been waiting in line for days and also have a look inside the store itself.

Take a look at the video below and also a few photos.

Dom Kennedy - Still Callin' (Video)

Dom Kennedy premiered his new video for "Still Callin'" on MTV Jams earlier today. The track, featuring TeeFlii, is taken from Dom's current album "Get Home Safely" available now.

Props to Yardie for the rip.

Still Callin by YardieGoals

Amerigo Gazaway Presents Yasiin Gaye - Inner City Travellin' Man (Download)

Despite receiving a cease and desist order for his brilliant remix project "Bizarre Tribe: A Quest To The Pharcyde" in 2012, producer Amerigo Gazaway hasn't let that stop him. Here we have the first drop from his upcoming "Soul Mates" album with the reworking of Mos Def's (Yasiin Bey) "Travellin' Man" with the brilliant "Inner City Blues" from Marvin Gaye. "Inner City Travellin' Man" is born.

Look out for a full album to be released on the 25th of February. Teaser video below followed by the single (with instrumental) that can be streamed or downloaded for free.

J-Live - Money Matters (Video)

The musical triple threat J-Live reveals the video to his new single named "Money Matters". This time he leaves the production to Oddisee and lays a few verses that will definitely relate to listeners who actually work for a living and to support their craft.

The single will appear on J-Live's forthcoming album "Around The Sun". The single is available now.

BVA - This Love Is Love (Video)

Four Owls and 3 Amigos member BVA is set to release a new solo album called "Be Very Aware" in February. Here we see the video for his track "This Love Is Love" produced by Leaf Dog.

"Be Very Aware" is available for pre-order through High Focus.

  

Ramson Badbonez - January - In Da Blitz Time (Video)

Ramson Badbonez releases an animated video for the track "January - In Da Blitz Time". The track is lifted from his new album "A Year In The Life Of Oscar The Slouch" which is out now on High Focus.