Nas signs book deal

Normally not a big fan of reading autobiographies written by rappers but this one could turn out to be interesting. Just like Talib Kweli is letting the public know about his and childhood and influences, Nas has now followed his path and has a book coming out next year.

News confirmed by the man himself on twitter.

In other news, he recently also revealed that he has recorded tracks with the likes of Jay Electronica and his old pal AZ for his forthcoming Life Is Good album.

New music: LL Cool J - Year of the Hip Hop

While we listen to tunes made by ignorant fools...

I have kept this place sober for a while but am trying to get back and post as much new stuff as humanly possible for you people to hear. As always I'm trying to promote music and news that is hard to find anywhere else so don't expect any How To Love loveness anytime soon here.

I just came across this previously unreleased track by LL Cool J which should be available for pre-order at the end of next month. Apparently it is a left over from his '14 shots to the drome' album that hit the stores back in '93 but has "sadly" only now surfaced for us to hear.

Needless to say he completely killed this K-Def beat!

New music and video: Lowkey feat. Shadia Mansour - Too Much

Another video and track off the much anticipated Soundtrack to the struggle album which british rapper and political activist Lowkey is behind. The cover of the album recently got revealed for the public to see so I take that as a clear indication of the album being close to getting released.

The video is the second music video off the album that has been shot in sunny Cuba. I have never heard about the female singer before but apparently she is a palestinian singer and rapper although her appereance on this song is done in english though.

New music and video: Lowkey - My Soul

Another track and video from Lowkey's forthcoming classic album (yes, I said it) Soundtrack to the Struggle which could hit streets anytime now. This one is called My Soul but so far there is no word on who the producer of the track is. I'll let you know if I find out.

According to the man himself, the video was shot in Cuba (hence the sunny weather).

If you are hungry for more, remember to check out other tracks from the album such as Terrorist, Something Wonderful and Obama Nation.

A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool - W. Shakespeare

They dont like my rhymes, see my style is like a lecture but I rather die than smile with my oppressor - Lowkey

Smif-N-Wessun - Wreckonize Remix

The legendary duo recently put out a new album entirely produced by Pete Rock but it is this track has gotten my attention and is stuck in my ears. A brilliant remix by Da Beatminerz of an already great track that appeared on their debut album Da Shinin in 1995. The track features a sample from Grover Washington Jr and Bill Winthers' Just The Two Of Us which Eminem famously also sampled on his track '97 Bonnie & Clyde.

I have no idea why this remix version wasn't featured on the original edition of the album but a a great track to bump on hot summer days nevertheless.

Free album: Sareem Poems - Black & Red All Over

The kind executives behind the great Mello Music Group have let loose of another cool album that you can download for free on their Bandcamp page, and this time it is Long Beach's very own Sareem Poems' third album Black & Read All Over that they let you enjoy.

Personally I havn't given it a proper chance yet but will do as soon as possible. Especially after I heard the album features production from the largely underrated super producer Oddisee. A producer I recently got aware of after the label sent me an E-mail that let me know of a free download of Trek Life's Everything Changed Nothing which was produced by Oddisee.

Support the movement.

Common is returning with producer No ID

The legendary duo consisting of rapper Common and producer No ID created magic in the early 90's but hadn't put anything out together since 1997 until recently where Ghetto Dreams and the announcement of an all produced Common album by No ID saw daylight. The track featured another legendary rapper, Nasty Nas, and if that one is an indication of how ill the rest of the LP is going to be, then we're in for a treat whenever the album The Dreamer, The Believer drops.

J Dilla and Kanye West have taken good care of Common, who seems to love h.e.r. again, but it is always nice to see artists staying true to their roots.

The track Ghetto Dreams is available on Itunes.

One Night In Vegas

A somewhat rare documentary about the historical collision of boxing and hip hop.

It is from ESPN's critically acclaimed series "30 for 30" and this 20th episode details the friendship of Mike Tyson and 2pac.

Personally I'm not that big a fan of either of them (2pac and Mike Tyson) but still I thought it was a quite exciting watch. This is art at its finest.

Stand up.

Great albums dropping on September 27

I just saw that Big K.R.I.T. has revealed the release date and album title for his first major album which, according to hiphopdx, will get released through the legendary Def Jam label. September 27 is the day, and that's the exact same day that Yelawolf and J. Cole will release their stuff too. The latter of which we heard the first single off a couple of days ago.

Along with those albums, 9th Wonder is planning to put out his "Wonder Years" which has been under its way for now four years. The album will feature rappers such as his very own femcee Rapsody.

Big K.R.I.T. - Live From The Underground
Yelawolf - Radioactive
J. Cole - Cole World: The Sideline Story
9th Wonder - Wonder Years

New video: Apollo Brown - Tao Te Ching

Today I received an E-mail from Mello Music Group that told me about this new video, and thanks for that. Clouds, which is the album the track is featured on, got released in March and is one of the best instrumental albums I've heard in a very long time.

I'm not sure what the name of the track means but it sounds chineese to me. Some nice and chilling visuals for the track, though.

Jay-Z - D'evils

To commemorate yesterday's 15 year anniversary of the classic mafioso album Reasonable Doubt, I here bring you my personal favourite from the album.

In these times and days where "gangster" albums get released by pricks such as Officer Ricky, this just stands out even more as the absolute masterpice it is. Not only did this fully describe the psylogical aspect of the criminal underground but it did also explain to the listener, why he himself chose to live the life he did which just makes it much easier to understand and relate to.

"Whoever said illegal was the easy way out couldn't understand the mechanics."

"9 to 5 is how you survive, I aint trynna survive, I'm trynna live it to the limit and love it a lot."

New video: Eminem - Space Bound

Not much seems to have happened lately in the hip hop world so here I bring you, non-exclusively, the official video of the Jim Jonsin produced Recovery track Space Bound.

Pictures from the shooting of the video got leaked almost half a year ago and fans of his have been dying to watch the finished thing so this is a long awaited release.

The girl is former porn star Sasha Grey and the video is directed by Joseph Kahn who has been one of Eminem's trusted few for almost a decade now. If you want to watch more of his stuff, dig deep in Eminem's legacy and check out songs such as Without Me and We Made You.

Big K.R.I.T. - Dreamin'

One of the most interesting upcoming rappers in the game right now. After years of feeding us with mixtapes, he finally put out his long awaited ReturnOf4Eva album which you can download for free on his official website.

In my opinion this is the best track on the album, and not only does it prove his ability to write great songs but also that he is a really great producer. His song writing seems to have taken him far in his game already since he was featured on Cunninlynguists and Rapsody's latest releases.

A couple of months ago he revealed that he and Shady Records' Yelawolf were working on a joint mixtape but so far we havn't heard anything of it. Speaking of Yelawolf, his debut album, currently titled Radioactive, drops September 27 and the first single should be on its way.

According to the man himself, a "real" debut album is in the works.

OC - Time's Up

This classic track is taken from OC's debut album 'Word... Life' and is produced by no other than legendary producer Buckwild who had a hell of a run in his prime.

It got dusted off and re-released on the soundtrack to the 8 Mile movie in 2002 but the instrumental actually also managed to be a part of one the famous battle scenes.

Lyrically it is similar to other classics such as KRS-One's My Philosophy and Big L's I Don't Understand It. The latter of which is also produced by Buckwild.

"Speakin in tongues, about what you did but you never done it
Admit you bit it cause the next man gained platinum behind it." - OC

New music: Jon Connor - Someday

Another track from his forthcoming mixtape Salvation which drops in less than three weeks. Despite being a very good track, this is one of those many "I made it"-tracks but seems like a catchy single that should do him well on the radio. The thing I like the most about it is how effortlessly he seems to rhyme over a really great beat (which by the way is produced by Reef whom he seems to only work with for some reason).

If anybody knows what label he is signed to, please let me know in the comments.

2pac - Do For Love

This is one of the very few great songs that has got released since Tupac Shakur's passing. Not that I personally care that much but it peaked at number 21 on the american Billboard chart which is pretty good if you consider he never got a chance to actually promote the song.

The song is produced by the danish duo Soulshock and Karlin who also produced the title track for Me Against the World, and got released in 1997 despite the fact that the vocals were recorded in 1992-1993 (I guess you can argue that this track technically is from his personal trash can). According to Wikipedia, it had the legendary Brenda's Got A Baby on the B-side.

Changes is another great song that has seen daylight and that one is, unlike 99 % of the stuff has been released since a tragic day in '96, considered one of his best tracks of all time. Check it out.

New music: Prop Dylan - Shock & Amaze

This is the first time ever that legendary producer DJ Premier works with a swedish rapper so as you can tell, this track is nothing less than a historical piece of music.

One of the beautiful things about hip hop is that it brings people together so with that in mind, it is only great that DJ Premier is cool enough to hand out beats to foreign and lesser known rappers such as Prop Dylan from Sweden.

Personally I don't know anything about him but based on this track, his album is definitely something I'm going to check out whenever it comes out.

New video: Vakill - Armor Of God

The video for the track Armor Of God has been released and it is nothing but great. The track itself recently found its way onto the Internet as a kind of an appetizer and is going to be featured on Vakill's forthcoming album which goes by the very same name as the track.

Jake One is the musical mastermind behind the track and according to several news sites, this will not be the only track he has on the final product. The album will mostly feature beats from Panik of The Molemen, though.

The whole album drops July 7.

New music: Pete Rock / Smif-N-Wessun feat. Rock Of Heltah Skeltah And Bun B - Feel Me

A new track from the forthcoming LP by Pete Rock and Smif-N-Wessun has found its way onto the Internet and can be heard by pressing the play button above. Just like most of the tracks on the album, this track also features other artists; Bun B and Heltah Skeltah have lend their voices and the outcome is this.

The album drops June 28.

New mixtape: Rapsody - Thank H.E.R. Now

9th Wonder's protege has put out another mixtape which you can download here, and I urge you all to check it out cus her recent stuff has been more than enjoyable. Sadly 9th has only laid hands on six of the tracks but based on a few quick listens, the other producers sound cool as well.

No word on when her first real album will be out or if one is even in works.

New album: Bumpy Knuckles & Statik Selektah - Lyrical Workout

Bumpy Knuckles and Statik Selektah's collaborative effort has hit the streets or the internet if you insist, and it is definitely great stuff based on what I've listened to so far. Production is handled by Statik while MC Freedie Fox (aka Bumpy Knuckles) is on the mic. The latter released an album with hip hop legend KRS-One less than a month ago and that's another album you need to check out if you don't wanna get left behind.

The only other artist featured on the album is rapper Nore and that is another thing I appreciate about this album. Too many releases these days don't feel like solo stuff when there's a feature on almost every track.

So far it only seems like that this one will get released digitally so don't even bother looking for a physical release.

New music: Apathy - Check to check

The first single of Apathy's long awaited album titled Honkey Kong has been born and can be heard here. This beauty is produced by no other than Evidence of Dilated People but the album will also feature musical foundation from the likes of DJ Premier, Da Beatminerz, DJ Muggs and Statik Selektah.

For me personally this will be the first time ever that I listen to a solo album of his so I'm curious to hear what he has cooked up.

New mixtape: Jean Grae - Casebasket

One of the greatest female rappers in the world right now is preparing the hip hop community for another hard hitting release. This time it is a mixtape titled "Cookies and comas" with DJ Drama, and that one will hit the streets this Thursday. First single off the tape has found its way onto the Internet and can be heard by pressing the play button below. The production is handled by Boogie Blind.

Word has it that the mixtape will feature verses from rappers such as Royce da 5'9", Pharoahoe Monch and Talib Kweli.

If you're new to her music then go check out either this forthcoming tape or Jeanius from 2008 which she did with producer 9th wonder.

New video: Has-Lo - Limit

Mello Music Group's very own Has-Lo has put out another video from his debut album titled "In Case I Don't Make It" which I recently bought on Bandcamp for eight dollars. Production is strictly handled by himself and none of the songs features another artist which is commenable in these times and days where people do everything to make their stuff make big numbers by having all kinds of different artists on board.

Personally I have never heard anybody deliver his raps the way Has-Lo does. Almost every track has a monotone delivery and a very calm tone of voice although this particular track is more energetic. Now don't interprent this as criticism cus I truly feel this is an original way to do it and makes it stand out as something rather special.

Videoes for Utero and Untitled #1 (Hold On) have already been released.

New music: Saigon - Drugs

No word on who has produced this but a great track nonetheless by one of New York's finest. This track is a part of the 40th anniversary of Richard Nixon declaring war on drugs and the "No more drug war"-campaign.

Saigon has recently revelead that a video for the track Enemies has been done in Brooklyn and will get released sometime soon. Videos for Clap and Greatest story never told are already out.

My current favourite verse

I just revisited Nas and Damien Marley's collaborative album from 2009 titled Distant Relatives and rediscovered this diamond that is the last verse of Patience (starts at 2:55). Absolutely brilliant verse that puts you into deep thoughts and makes you wonder about the world.

And don't forget to check out the official video for it which I've posted above. Stunning visuals that do the whole masterpiece of a song justice.

Nas' forthcoming album seems to be an attempt at taking the throne of NY rap back and will be out this year. So far it is titled Life Is Good although Nas let us know recently that it may change... A week ago I posted the first single of the whole project on this blog and if you're too lazy to go searching for it, check it out here.

New music: Blaq Poet feat. R.A. the Rugged Man - Butcher Shop

Another new single from Blaq Poet's forthcoming album titled Blaq Society. This one goes hard as always when not only Blaq himself but also Rugged man are on the mic spitting over a nice beat and revolting against wack gimmicks.

His last album, The Blaqprint, featured production from mostly DJ Premier and is another album you need to check out if you want to get into his lyrical universe.

"Put the kids in daycare, it's no Drake here." - Blaq Poet

The album will be in stores June 21. Go pick it up.

New video: Random Axe - Random Call

To celebrate todays release of their self titled debut album, the trio has put out the first video off the album. The album is currently only available as CD and download but will get released on vinyl next Tuesday. Look out.

Personally waiting for the mail man to deliver my copy of it.

New video: Jon Connor - The Heist / Hustlin Is Always An Option

A new video by Jon Connor. These tracks are both produced by Elite and apparently will be featured on his upcoming mixtape titled Salvation (which will be available for download on July 12).

A couple of days ago the first track off that mixtape leaked and can be heard here.

Video is directed by Gerard Victor.

New music: Nas - Nasty

The first track off his forthcoming Life Is Good album has been released by the man himself. This beauty is produced by his long time partner in the studio Salaam Reemi and most certainly will give NY rappers some competition for the throne.

"Your flow cheap as limousine liquor, I aint no fake rap cd listener, sit back & roll a mean swisher for my Gs, tell these clowns to make room for the king n******" - Nas

Whoever said the east is dead must be tripping. Kool G Rap, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch, Raekwon and Saigon have all dropped memorable albums this year and more quality releases are on their way.

New video: Talib Kweli feat. Nigel Hall - Mr. International

A new video from Talib Kweli's album Gutter Rainbows which by the way is his first indie release ever. A nice feel good track that puts the wonder of hip hop into a cool perspective.

Gutter Rainbows in stores now.

Rakim speaks on his favourite verse

Rakim's favourite verse is from his legendary song The Punisher which is from him and Eric B.'s fourth album titled Don't Sweat The Technique. Personally I don't think he has ever made a particular bad verse, or maybe just an average verse, cus he is one of the few guys in the game who has dropped nothing but brilliant stuff.

New album coming soon: Journalist 103 - The Novelty

Today I searched for the official fanpage of Detroit rapper Journalist 103 on Facebook, and when I looked through his wall posts I read that he has a solo album coming out soon. For those who don't know, he is the one and only rapper of the hip hop group The Left who last year released their debut album titled Gas Mask which I personally thought was one of the best albums in 2010.

Somebody asked him about the producers on the album and his response was that there will be several producers on it but I'm sure we can expect a few Apollo Brown cuts. DJ Premier actually had Gask Mask amongst his 25 favourite albums of 2010 so if we're lucky he may contribute with a few beats too.

In my opinion he is one of the most interesting rappers in the underground right now. His usage of the language and the way he expresses himself is always crystal clear and beautiful, and just like J. Cole is he rhetorically incredible.

New music: Royce da 5'9" - Second Place

Another new single from his forthcoming album Success Is Certain, and on this one he goes hard as always when DJ Premier is the mastermind behind the beat. An all Premo produced album is one of the few things still missing in legacy now that the Bad Meets Evil project is finally getting released. He has always worked closely with Premo so who knows, could happen someday but for now: Second Place.

If you're hungry for more then check out the first single of the album called Writer's Block. It is produced by Street Runner and features Eminem.

Success Is Certain in stores July 26.

Good Rakim interview

Well, this interview is a couple of weeks old but thought I should share with the Internet. I have always been an admirer of Rakim, and in my opinion is he an absolute genius when it comes to the usage of the language (hence one of my older posts about rhyming). In 2009 he "returned" to the hip hop scene with his first album in ten years, and I recently bought that to check it out or at least to refresh my fond memories of it... and to support his work. Enough of that, it was another brilliant album from the God of hip hop. How many emcees can honestly claim that they have NEVER put out a bad or just average album? KRS-One, Eminem, Talib Kweli, Common? No. Rakim can.

Back to the interview. He did this interview with the Irish Times as a part of the promotion of his european tour which he recently finished. I liked reading about his lyrical rise and how dirrent people influenced him as a kid. He gives Lupe Fiasco big props too!

New music: Vakill - Armor of God

This is the second track off is upcoming album which goes by the very same name. This time he has let super producer Jake One, who in 2009 put out a whole album with rapper Freeway, do the music.

Armor of God is scheduled for a release on 7 July.

New music: Beyonce feat. Kanye West & Andre 3000 - Party

Quite possibly the only verse we'll get from the southern genius and member of Outkast this year. Andre 3000 whose solo album is long overdue has decided to team up with Kanye West, who personally delivers the beat and a minor verse, and of course Beyonce.

It is a leak from her forthcoming album called 4 which is out June 28. Personally I'm not that impressed with his verse but better than nothing.

New music: Jon Connor - Big City Dreams

The rapper whom Nas claims "is next" has just released the first single of his upcoming mixtape called Salvation. Now, future aint looking so bad for hip hop with all these new talented artists coming up.

You can easily hear what the fuss is about when you listen closely to how he constructs his rhymes and how he always tries to get vivid imagery and social consciousness into his lyrics. A shame he sometimes tends to let the rhymes lead the story and not the actual point/message which means he sometimes loses focus... anyways. Judge for yourself.

At one point he was actually roumured to be one of Shady Records new signings. He doesn't seem to have the recognition in the underground that he truly deserves so getting signed to a major hip hop label would be heavenly good.

If you don't want to wait for this one, check out last year's mixtape Season One.

New video: Saigon feat. Faith Evans - Clap

Well, not exactly new but a couple of weeks old but I like the idea of being on a pointless everlasting roll of posting new music vidoes. This one is from Saigon's major debut album called The Greatest Story Never Told which he made with the guidance of super producer Just Blaze.

The anthem of summer 2011, no doubt.

Speaking of The Greatest Story Never Told, if you have yet to listen to that then you're in for a treat. My only complaints about that release would be that the beats are too loud and that it is maybe 4-5 tracks too long but apart from that it is a diamond. Saigon is one of the most interesting rappers right now and really one of those new cats that NY has screamed for for a while. Yeah, he is 31 now but age doesn't matter that much anymore. It has only ever been an issue because hip hop is a quite new genre of music.

Also I got to give Just Blaze some props for signing such a great rapper. He is a great producer whose beats have such an obvious mass apeal so he could have chosen to sign some YM gimmick and sold millions of albums but has instead blessed hip hop fans with Saigon. Respect.

Saigon has already revealed that his next album will be another collaborative album with Just Blaze again.

Two new videos from the Shady Records camp

Yelawolf and Bad Meets Evil each released a new video today. The former for his Trunk Muzik 0-60 mixtape and the latter for their new EP which will be in stores on Monday.

Yelawolf - Daddy's Lambo



Yelawolf's mainstream debut album Radioactive is scheduled for a late September release. First single is confirmed to be a collaborative track with Cyhi Da Prynce and is called "Gangster of Love"

Bad Meets Evil - Fast Lane

New video: Pharoahe Monch feat. Styles P & Phonte - Black Hand Side

Just saw that one of the finest emcees of all time, Pharoahe Monch, had premiered a video for Black Hand Side which is one of the better tracks from his new album. If you havn't listened to W.A.R yet., then you're really missing out on one of the best albums this year...

Remember to check out Pete Rock and Smif-N-Wessun's joint album Monumental and Random Axe's long anticipated debut album later this month. You got to love Duck Down Records for blessing us all with releases that good.

New album: KRS-One & Bumpy Knuckles - Royalty Check

The teacher has just released another collaborative album, and this time it is along with producer and rapper Bumpy Knuckles. Personally I like this way better than any new KRS-One album I've heard in years. I don't know if it is because of Freddie's competetive verses that he has decided to step his game up a bit but damn, the teacher that I have always loved is back on this album with conscious lyrics, good rhymes and incredible mic presence.

This one came out of nowhere for me personally which could be because of the choice of label, and their odd decision to give this almost fuck all promotion anywhere. It is only a couple a months ago that he released the disappointing Godsville album with Showbiz so I guess this is all we can expect from him this year as I simply refuse to believe that he is going to put out the album with Premier this year too.

I don't think it'll get released as a phsycal album so if you want to show some love for the underground remember to download it on Itunes.

As a way of saying goodbye, you can read how this album came to fruition by clicking this word.

New album: Elzhi - Elmatic

I have never been big on Elzhi's music, as a matter of fact I have never given any of his albums a chance, but I decided to download this after having heard one of the singles. Not only is this a great tribute to one of the best albums of all time but it is also a great continuation with his own personal touch and remixes of the original beats. In other words it is not a complete rip off.

It has the exact same type of vivid imagenary and you can clearly hear how he has tried to capture the magic of Nas' rhymes of the original album so to speak.

Rare Big L interview + New album coming out

R.A. the Rugged Man posted this video on his Twitter-page yesterday. It's an interview from 1997 with Big L which he did during his European tour, I guess. Funny to hear how they actually took ratings in magazines serious back then cus nobody gives a flying fuck today.

They are putting out a new Big L album on May 31 with remastered tracks from the Lifestylez Ov Da Poor & Dangerous and The Big picture recording sessions, tracks that didn't make the final cut back then (+ some freestyles). Considering how dope those two albums were, it can only be hot stuff.

Just Blaze on the technology of music

I found this video on a danish hip hop producer's blog and thought it was interesting. Everyone is so busy saying that they keep it real these days and if you're one of those, this video will definitely convince you that nothing is exactly "real" anyway.

New track: Proof feat. T3 of Slum Village - The Fizzo (prod. by J Dilla)

Detroit legend Proof passed away five years ago after having been shot in the face. Paul Rosenberg, manager of Eminem, started releasing old tracks he and J Dilla made together in the 90's, and a track called "The Fizzo" from 1994 is his contribution to the legacy of Proof this year. I think all the songs come from cassette tapes so the quality aint all that (+ they've been uploaded to Youtube which affects the quality too). Below is also the track (On the go) that Paul leaked last year.

The Fizzo feat. T3 of Slum Village


On the go


Remember to check out this track too. It's a solo track he recorded and released for the first time in 1996 when he was a member of the group 5 Elementz. It later appeared on the group's one and only album called The Album Time Forgot. Produced by Dilla:

Searchin'


Rest in peace, Big Proof!

New album: Spanish Jose - Zemental Vol. 1

I just heard about this instrumental album (the sequel is coming out in May) and thought that I should spread the word. The duo consists of two guys from New York who are trying to get their name out so as the true hip hop fan that I hope you are, please give them a chance to prove their worth to you. If you wanna stay in touch with them then follow them on Twitter.

I'd classify the sound as soul inspired hip hop with a bit of rock.

The great adventures of Slick Rick

I've had this in my collection for a long but only recently given it a proper second listen which I now realize I should have done a lot earlier. Honestly, this is one of the most charismatic albums there has ever been released. Every single song is "story telling" and tells a story about something he has witnessed (quite a few are probably fiction) in such a humouristic way.
I think Jay-Z said in his book that Slick Rick was a master of expressing feelings that he couldn't name so he kindda made funny stories and let the story itself reflect how he felt at the time (the ending of Children's Story is a prime example of that).

When it comes to studying the art of telling stories through rap, this album is the blueprint. You can clearly hear how someone like Eminem was influenced by this album if you listen to a song like Brain Damage.

The production is quite boring although I gotta say that I love the old school sound on some of the tracks (mostly Teenage Love).

New album: Apollo Brown - Clouds

I learned about Apollo Brown last year when I heard The Left's debut album called Gask Mask. Every single beat on that album goes hard and is definitely one of the most interesting projects I have heard in years. It has such an insane feel of the 90's and was rightfully amongst DJ Premier's favourite albums last year.

This year he has decided to put out an instrumental album called The Clouds, and it is absolutely crazy stuff here. Same sound as the Gask Mask which means tons of beautiful beats with a shit load of vocal samples from other genres such as Jazz.

Talking of Apollo Brown, he acutally had a beat on D12's most recent mixtape so I guess it is only a matter of time before he really blows up.

Without a doubt the most exiting young producer at the moment.

Online hip hop "library"

I found this blog a couple of days ago and thought I'd share with you all. I love the history of the whole genre, and I think people should show some respect for legends such as Kool g rap and Rakim and unsung heroes such as Jeru the damaja and Brother J who helped shape the music.

I think the owner of the blog tries to update it regularly with new artists and albums so there's something for everyone.

A video about the misinterpretation of hip hop music

A guy from England made this video. Thought I'd share with you.

New album: Eminem - The Comercia Park Concert

Here's an unofficial live album. His performance at Comerica Park last year recently got aired on his own radio station. This is the rip, enjoy:

Sadly this is only Eminem's part of the show and Jay-Z is therefore not included in this rip. Rumour has it that Home & Home DVD is on the way though.

Is Hip Hop really dead?

From time to time I hear fans say that hip hop is dead. Why is that? It is true that it has been commercialized a lot but it is the same situation with almost every genre. Do I hear anybody say that rock music has passed away? No.

I agree that a lot of mainstream rappers lyrically are trying to fit in and make money but does that mean that’s all the culture has to offer mainstream wise? Nas, Jay-Z, Kanye West and Eminem are still making quality albums while we in recent years have been blessed with new rappers such as Lupe Fiasco, B.o.b and now J. Cole.

The reeeeeal hip hop

Fans seem to use this term to separate commercial stuff from profound tracks. Am I really the only one on this planet who thinks this is bullshit? At the end of the day it’s a matter of taste and since we all relate differently to the lyrics, I just can’t see how anybody can dictate what’s real. A line about a cat can mean the world to you while it can be absolute garbage in my ears.

Electronic music seems to be a sin in 2010 (soon ’11) and people use it as a reason to hate someone’s album and as an argument as to why the genre is dead.

Electro (“pop”) has always been popular and has had an enormous influence on the hip hop genre. Just listen to tracks such as Dick Almighty by 2 Live Crew (1989), Rocking it by The Fearless Four (1982) and Ghetto Thang by De La Soul (1989). They all contain samples from Kraftwerk.

The fact that electronic music was a part of hip hop in the 80’s makes it a part of the roots of the whole genre. Who decided that it all of a sudden should be illegal?

What is pure hip hop anyway? Artists have sampled other genres since forever; soul, blues, funk, rock, jazz etc.

With the invention of the Ipod and Internet, music is so accessible so I can’t believe that anyone would ever be dumb enough to say a whole genre has passed away. All the amazing Rakim, KRS-One and Big Daddy Kane albums are still possible to put on your mp3-player, and they are still on the shelves in the stores.

Is it because your favourite rappers aren’t getting airplay? Because the most popular rappers these days aren’t necessarily the best and most skilled? If you ask me, it is all about what you let get to you. No one forces you to listen to someone you don’t like.

Maybe if the general hip hop fan stopped acting like a dictator and welcomed innovation, he would see how wonderful and great the genre still is and always has been.

P.S. Did I forget to mention that Talib Kweli had a sold out concert in my little country, Denmark, a few months ago?