iTunes hip hop indie spotlight

So I’ve been complaining about how this first quarter has been a disappointment for hip hop…but I am quite pleasantly surprised by the picks that iTunes made for its “indie spotlight” for the hip hop genre.

What I’ve been spinning a lot is this German producer combo called JR&PH7.  These guys are pretty sick…no flashy rap but soulful and eclectic. Lots of great talent presented and there are some solid underground mcees on it.

JR&PH7 – The Standard

http://www.zshare.net/download/5716994265e78660/

Also check out Mr. Lif.  Solid mcee from Boston.

Mr. Lif – I Heard It Today

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4BTYJWXA

And check out Blame One’s new album.  I think it was mostly produced by Exile who did some crazy stuff with Blu.

Blame One – Days Chasing Days

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=X1NQ9SB0

Check these albums out…some great finds via iTunes (who would have thought).

New Jada

Didn’t know Jadakiss dropped his “last” album in The Last Kiss:

Jadakiss – The Last Kiss

http://www.mediafire.com/?y3dlltmqmjj

I been listening and it’s pretty much the same stuff, but it’s not bad.  I think Jada’s style is still better than a lot of other New York rappers and his “ehhhhh haeeee” is instantly recognizable, but I think there were some serious expectations after a 5 year hiatus.

Ehh…give it a spin.

Jaydiohead?

One of my co-workers stumbled across this website:

http://www.jaydiohead.com/

I was intrigued and decided to check it out.  So someone dared to mashup Radiohead with Jay-Z!  I don’t know what to think of it, but ehh it’s worth giving a spin if you like Radiohead.

Jaydiohead – Jay-Z x Radiohead

Download:  http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?4njfmnwz2yn

I have always respected Radiohead.  I think their music pushes the envelope of rock / electronic / alternative music.  What I found really intriguing is the way they released In Rainbows.  What other mega artist / band could release a digital album via download through their own website and let listeners determine whatever price they wanted?

I think this model should be adopted by struggling record labels who need to update their selling and releasing methodology.  Digital downloads via iTunes and the like are not profitable as it may seem b/c of Apple’s such heavy fees.  It is true that maybe only an internationally recognized band like Radiohead could pull this off because of a loyal, diverse, and widespread fanbase.  But wouldn’t it be interesting for artists to embrace this digital age instead of attempting to revitalize antique business models that only produce lack-luster record sales?  I heard Radiohead earned more profit from In Rainbows than any of their previous EMI releases.  Now that’s something to consider.

To take this into hip hop, wouldn’t it be amazing if say Jay-Z or NaS released a digital album on their own and ask people to pay whatever they wanted?

I guess this would never work due to how record labels give advances to each artist BEFORE they release an album.  I heard that record labels will give you say a 1 million dollar advance as they expect you to sell at least that much via record sales or concerts or promotions.  If you struggle, then they probably either take some of the advance back or they take all the rights of your songs so you don’t make a dime off airplay, album sales, etc.  They own you!  I heard this is the same in the modeling biz.

But ehh…

What I also really dig about Radiohead was their Reckoner Remix project:  http://radioheadremix.com/

They stripped down each part of their song Reckoner and allowed people to download each section to make their own remixes.  Then they post submitted remixes so that everyone can listen.  Now isn’t that novel?  They probably made a pretty penny doing this as I think each part costs 99 cents, but still, I think it’s really cool that they are open to hear what other people can do with their sounds.

Anywhos, although Jaydiohead is not as creative as I would like, it’s interesting to check out.

Another Mick Boogie / Terry Urban joint

Man, Mick Boogie and Terry Urban are killin’ it.  Viva la Hova, then 1988, now a mixtape that offers a fresh new take on some of the pop rap of 2008.

This 2008 wrap up mix tape is just…well freakin sick.  It’s a clever combo of mashups and remixes that blend between tracks so well that it’s really worth listening from start to finish.  Amazing stuff.  Normally I don’t like mix tapes b/c it’s a lot of self promotion and this is no exception as there are plenty of “The Commissioner!” and that annoying girl saying “Terrrrrrrrrry Urrrrrrrban”, but this mixtape is so nice that I don’t mind it.

I want to make sure to give him credit, so I’ll post the url of one of his blogs.

Look at this track list:

Intro (6th Sense)
So Fly (Slim f Biggie – Mick Boogie Mix)
Announcement (Common f Biggie – Mick Boogie Mix)
I Luv Your Girl (Dream f Jay-Z MB/TU Mix)
Paper Planes (MIA – Terry Urban Mix)
Swagger Like Us (Jay-Z – Mick Boogie Transition)
Jockin My Wonderwalls (Jay-Z & Oasis – N Doe Mix)
Diamond Girl (Ryan Leslie f Kanye West – Mick Boogie Mix)
Paris Tokyo (Lupe Fiasco f CL Smooth – Mick Boogie Mix)
Girls Around (Lloyd f Rakim – MB/TU Mix)
Drivin Down The Block (Kidz In The Hall f/ El-P)
Gettin Up (Q-Tip)
Milli (Lil Wayne – Wonder/Excel Mix)
Love Lockdown (Kanye West f LMFAO)
Falsetto (Dream – Terry Urban Mix)
Day N Night (Kid Cudi f Jay-Z – Terry Urban Mix)
Lollirock (Lil Wayne & Kanye West – Kickdrums Remix)
Dangerous (Kardinal f Akon)
The Boss (Rick Ross f Lil Wayne – Mick Boogie Mix)
Out Here Grindin (Khaled)
My President (Young Jeezy f Nas)
Black President (Nas f Young Jeezy)
American Boy (Estelle f Jay-Z and NERD – Terry Urban Mix)
Everyone Knows (NERD – Sammy Bananas Remix)
Dont Touch Me Remix (Busta Rhymes f Nas)
Magic (Robin Thicke f Jay-Z – Mick Boogie Mix)
The Light 08 (Common)
How We Rock (Termanology f Bun B)
Rising Down (The Roots f Mos Def & Styles)
Viagra (88 Keys and Kanye West)
Midnight 08 (Q-Tip)
Go All Out (9th Wonder and Buckshot)

Download here:  http://www.thepressplayshow.com/2008/12/2008-recap-mix.html

Consequence, Mick Boogie, Common, Scarface

Most of the stuff on this post is sorta old, but I thought I might share some some stuff I found interesting.

I know this Consequence album is about 2 years old, but I dig it.  Also I know it’s Kanye’s leftover beats, but I think these beats sound better than 808s & Heartbreak.

Consequence – Don’t Quit Your Day Job

http://www.mediafire.com/?yzmnynt01g0

If you liked Viva la Hova, then you should check out Mick Boogie’s latest project:  mashing up Adele with old school 80’s hip hop.  The result is quite refreshing as there is clever use of Run DMC beat and such.  Adele is (I think) a soul/jazz/neo-soul/pop/adult contemporary rising star from good ‘ol England.  Basically Mick Boogie “synergized” her soul with some funky Golden Age hip hop.  Although I don’t like this as much as Viva, it’s still worth a spin or two.  If you don’t know Adele, I’ve also posted her junk so that you can compare/analyze what Mick Boogie did.  The title of Adele’s album was 19 and since Mick added that 80’s flair, he called this mashup 1988.

Mick Boogie (Adele) – 1988

http://rapidshare.com/files/174231892/Mick_Boogie___Adele__1988.zip

Adele – 19

http://rapidshare.com/files/96900804/19.rar

Next up is a great jazzy/soul remix of some of Common’s best songs.  This remix was created by Beatnick and K-Salaam and I think these guys are really talented.  They added some great instrumentation to these remixes and I would contest that some of the tracks sound better than the original cuts.  Check this out if you want a new spin on Common.

Common, Beatnick, and K-Salaam – S.T.O.R.Y (Stories Told Over Remixed Years)

http://www.zshare.net/download/52170587091fa19b/

Last up is a new album from a true OG.  Scarface has been doin his thang since the early 90s and he is STILL overlooked as one of the true great MCs who NEVER sacrificed his style, swagger, and attitude to be more marketable.  What’s sad is that after more than like 10 albums Scarface has stated he is retiring from the game.  His last album is called Emeritus and it is aptly titled as he will retire on top.  He is a gangsta tried and true and his flow can be described as mix of the best elements of west coast gangsta with the best of southern grit.  I like this album because Scarface reflects over his past.  Although maybe it’s not the best going-out-with-a-bang album, it’s a solid last effort from a great MC.

Scarface – Emeritus

http://rs480.rapidshare.com/files/168350923/Scarface_-_Emeritus_2008.rar

Hope you guys try some of this music out.

some new stuff I’m diggin

These are some cats that I think are breakin some ground in hip hop.

Grip Grand:  Brokelore

http://depositfiles.com/en/files/4262918

Torae:  Daily Conversation

http://rapidshare.com/files/85589939/Torae-Daily_Conversation-2008-C4.rar

Elzhi:  The Preface

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=6UFOF7L3

Jake One:  White Van Music

http://rapidshare.com/files/148091162/Jake_One_-_White_Van_Music.rar.html

These are just a small sample of great hip hop released this year.  Check out any of these albums for some fresh new hip hop.

Hi-Tek

Hi-Tek has always been one of my favorite producers.  His skills are sick.  He has collaborated with Black Star (Talib and Mos), Snoop, 50 Cent, Nas, Busta, The Game, and of course my favorite, Talib Kweli.

His style is unique and his instrumentality is complex.  He lays and mixes an intricate design of drums, horns, and usually piano.

I’d like to post 4 of his albums (3 of his own and Kweli’s that he produced).  Talib’s album below is one of my favorite hip hop albums.

Give Hi-Tek a spin.

Hi-Tek:  Hi-Teknology

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=57BIFZT0

Hi-Tek:  Hi-Teknology, Vol. 2:  The Chip

http://www.zshare.net/download/129331825c662145/

Hi-Tek:  Hi-Teknology 3

http://www.zshare.net/download/12935177fd5c074e/

Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek:  Reflection Eternal/Train of Thought

http://rapidshare.com/files/80634362/Talib_Kweli_-_Reflection_Eternal.rar

Viva La Hova

So I’m sure you may have heard this before since it’s been out for 2 months, but I’m really enjoying the mashup of Coldplay and Jay-Z.  Mick Boogie and Terry Urban are redic mash / mixtape fiends, and this is some quality work.  It ain’t just mixing a Jay-Z verse over looped samples; rather it is a great understanding of both genres.  Some the tracks are just sick…on The Reverse Fix, Mick Boogie clearly uses an old school 808 / Beastie Boys beat that you wouldn’t think would work with Coldplay’s Fix You.

What I admire most about this mashup is that Terry Urban and Mick Boogie actually got the blessings from both Jay and Coldplay.  PLUS if you visit Mick Boogie’s blog for Viva, he WANTS you to download for no charge:  http://www.vivalahova.com/.  I think one of his tracks actually got on the deluxe or whateva new version of Coldplay’s latest album on iTunes.

So if you haven’t downloaded this yet, please give it a shot.  The album sorta flows like a mixtape (lots of blends into each track), but if you want to hear something different, check it out:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/8tkhtd

My favorite RZA interview

This is why RZA is one of my favorite producers ever.  So articulate in what he “enbeezhuns” in a song.

Freaking sick. Just wanted to share this for y’all.

Ohh by the way, if you haven’t downloaded or purchased Wu Tang’s 8 Diagrams by now, you must hear the track RZA hyped up in this youtube clip.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=A2MID2ZG

The Heart Gently Weeps…don’t know why he didn’t keep it the same name as the Beatles’ While My Guitar Gently Weeps…I guess you can’t top a classic.

NPR: Hip Hop: The Past, Present & Future

I’ve been listening to the NPR series called Hip Hop: The Past, Present & Future.

Check it out:  http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11119582

Really great interviews with some great journalists / activists for hip hop.