A pretty dope instumental that I came across from Metaform called Barbie Doll. Metaform actually produced the track and also self made the video...pretty dope beat.
DOWNLOAD
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
The Game - Won't Ever Stop
This track came out a lil while ago...but I guess I slept on it...THIS TRACK IS STRAIGHT FIRE! Im still f***ing with Dr Dre...mayne i hope so!PREVIEW/DOWNLOAD
Muneshine - What's Now f. Sean Price & Termanology + It's Mine f. Skyzoo, Emilio Rojas, Kenn Starr, Lil Vic & D sisive
ALL CAPS LOCK FOR THIS ONE!! PEOPLE-IF YOU DONT KNOW MUNESHINE DO YASELF A FAVOR AND GET FAMILIAR...A VERY TALENTED ARTIST...GIVE HIM A CHANCE.PREVIEW/DOWNLOAD
Major League - Fly With The Time f. Streets Buchanan (VIDEO+DOWNLOAD)
Really dope track! I am loving the Kanye sample...check it out!
UGK - Bad As Hell f. Akon
UGK and Akon...not sure if this will be on UGK's album (unreleased tracks) or a new Akon project...produced by Konvict MusicPREVIEW/DOWNLOAD
Asher Roth (Video)
This guy is ALL OVER the web right now...and I know its been said and I hate to keep bringing it up, but an ol school eminem??? anyone...
Muja Messiah - Give It Up f. Black Thought (of The Roots)
Minneapolis' own Muja Messiah hooks up with one of my favorite MC's of all time (Black Thought)PREVIEW/DOWNLOAD
Trey C - Showboatin (Rmx) f. Ya Boy, Glasses Malone, Matt Blaque
West, West!! The new west has arrived...if ya dont know, now ya know!PREVIEW/DOWNLOAD
Termanology - How We Rock f. Bun B
Termanology has been doing his thing for a minute now...its good to see Bun Beater hook up with the kid Term...DOWNLOAD
Esso - Hip Hop Will Never Die f. Nas
Esso and Esco on the same track? I thought hip hop was already dead Nas?? Guess not...PREVIEW/DOWNLOAD
Joell Ortiz - Good Times
Havent had a chance to check this track myself yet, but Im a big fan of Joell, so here it is...im looking forward to his album to drop also.PREVIEW/DOWNLOAD
Rapper Big Pooh (Little Brother) - With You f. 9th Wonder (VIDEO)
Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother gets together again with 9th Wonder for "With You", the first single off Pooh's upcoming 4th solo album.
Hip-Hop Festival (Toledo, OH)
More than 320 students took part in a 1.3 mile peace march in downtown Toledo Saturday, July 26th, in the third annual Hip Hop for Humanities festival with the theme "Teens Promoting Peace." The event had performances by local 11 to 19 year olds, including dancing, singing, poetry readings, and a gospel group. Check out the entire story by clicking HERE.
Mighty Underdogs - Gunfight f. MF Doom (VIDEO)
Pretty original video from the Mighty Underdogs (Gift of Gab, Lateef, Headnodic) featuring MF Doom.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Nas - SlyFox (Live performance on Colbert Report)
Nas performing SlyFox on the Colbert Report...pretty ballsy performance/song choice for live television...I personally loved it...the message, the performance, everything! Really, O'Reily??
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Common Market - Winter Takes All
This is a really dope tracks from Common Market (RA Scion & Sabzi from Blue Scholars.) Their new album will drop shortly, hopefully this can hold you over until then. If you like mellow rhymes and feel good tunes, DONT SLEEP ON THIS TRACK!PREVIEW/DOWNLOAD
Ice Cube - Get Used To It f. The Game & WC
A couple days ago I read a rumor the Westside Connection was going to be making a come back and another album, but this time...The Game would be replacing Mack 10. Im not lie, that would be unbelievable, lets just hope that this isnt another rumor (kind of like the N.W.A. reunion with Snoop, that never happened.) This track is from Cube's upcoming album Raw footage and this song is fresh!DOWNLOAD
Jay Rock - Paid My Dues f. Mitchy Slick
Jay Rock, one of the fastest up an coming acts from the leftcoast, talks about paying dues and how he has finally made it. Mitchy Slick is featured...PREVIEW/DOWNLOAD
Monday, July 21, 2008
Mike Skillz - Mic Skillz (Video)
Jus came across this on youtube...I like the dudes flow...and the beat is nasty!!
The Game - Dope Boys feat. Travis Barker (Video Shoot)
Im likin this song...Travis Barker is crazy on the drums...interesting comment on the "tell Dre to pick up a phone-before I climb thru his window like n**** im home." Anyway I am so excited for LAX!
Murs & 9th Wonder - Are You Ready + Nina Ross + Sweet Lord Intro + UPDATE - GIVE US FREE
UPDATE: GIVE US FREE TRACK UPDATED! In this video Murs explains how, why and when he and 9th wonder will drop their project "Sweet Lord"...and ohh ya did I mention that their are giving to us FREE!! Dope music for free...ya gotta love Murs. Check out the first 3 tracks from the album below...
PREVIEW/DOWNLOAD
Thursday, July 17, 2008
UPCOMING ARTIST SPOTLIGHT #1
After listening to the Sound Sketch album, Sketched In Stone, I felt like I stumbled across a diamond in ruff. Sound Sketch is made up of emcee's TreaZon & D Man with Beatwize on the productions. This is a talented crew people...so don't sleep on it! With as much music as I listen to it isn't very often when I come across an album that I have no prior information on, no background, nothing...and am totally blown away. In fact, the last album that I went into not knowing what to expect and came out totally stunned, the way I feel about this album, was the Kidz In The Hall, School Was My Hustle. And then it hit me...these albums are very similar in the way that they take soulful and mellow almost jazzy beats mixed with uplifting, conciouness & intelligent lyrics that say something and are revelant. Sketched In Stone continues to get better everytime I give it a spin and will always be one of those albums that I continue to draw back on...digging it up whenever Im in the mood for a smooth mellow album that makes me think. The first artist I wanted to spotlight on my UPCOMING ARTIST SPOTLIGHT is Beatwize, the man behind the beats of the Sound Sketch EP and Sketched In Stone album. I got in contact with Beatwize thru my man Heaps (thanks bro) and he agreed to do exclusive interview on Hip Hop University and offer you a couple tracks that he has done, including a few originals and few remakes/blends. Beatwize is a very talented producer and also a down earth cat who shares the same interests I do...get good hip hop music into the hands of the people that want and appreciate it.
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Here is a biography to get you a little further acquainted with Beatwize and what he is about.
Hailing from Mississauga (West Toronto), Canada, Beatwize's love for music started at a very young age. Wheter it was blasting music from his boom box or playing the piano, by age 10 Beatwize was literally addicted to the world of music.
By the age of 13, Beatwize became interested in the guitar. And that's when it all really started. He began using Virtual DJ and Adobe Premiere and began making Hip-Hop blends under the alias DJ Dimez. As the years passed by, Dimez became a well know DJ not only locally, but began to gain some word on the internet from various sites. This was just the beginning. Early 2006 rolled around and DJ Dimez decided it was time to take another step in music. He began making beats. His first attempt was definitely a failure and he decided to stick to blends.
Nearing the end of 2006, Dimez decided it was time to give production another shot. This time was different. With increased musical experience and better resources, DJ Dimez began making beats with his own style and persona. With this change in talent, Dimez decided it was time to make a change in his name. He switched his name to Beatwize and began producing. Success was at Beatwize's table and so began his inspiration to make something more out of his talent. Beatwize's production style consists of jazz, soul, R&B, and rock (classic and modern) sampling with mellow, soulful and smooth themes. It has been compared to the styles of J. Dilla, Kanye West, Nujabes, and Just Blaze.
Next year Beatwize will be going to the University of Toronto for the Computer Science program. But not to worry, Beatwize plans on doing music forever no matter how much money he makes from it or how many people know him; whether he does it in the background or makes it his full career. Beatwize is here to stay - watch out!
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I also wanted to add a little exclusive to this interview...so Beatwize & I exchanged a few thoughts on hip hop.
HIP HOP UNIVERSITY: Beatwize whats good man? What you been up to?
BEATWIZE: Hey man! Just doing work nowadays man. School, music, and life...just balancing it all out y'know? But I'm loving it.
HHU: Good to hear man. So lets start off with the basics. Who would you consider to be some of your influences in hip hop?
BEATWIZE: My major influences have to be J Dilla, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, Blu & Exile, Shad, and Nujabes. Otherwise, just all the jazz/soul hip hop artists and producers have always been major influences for me.
HHU: Who would you consider your favorite artists of all time, currently and who are some artists you have worked with?
BEATWIZE: My favorite artist of all time has to be J Dilla. His music was the reason I really got into production. But at the moment, it has to be Nujabes, Blue, and Shad. Others include Shinsight Trio, Surreal, Sound Providers, and Move.meant. As far as artists Ive worked with, TreaZon & D Man (Sound Sketch), Threatz, Fate L, Achilles, and Nero. But, my favorite has to be TreaZon. His style is really fresh and all of his tapes bring something different to the table. Not to mention he's always putting in work, never quits on his music. You have to respect that if nothing else.
HHU: I really love the Sketched In Stone album, tell me a little more about TreaZon & D Man? How do yo guys know each other? How did the whole project come together?
BEATWIZE: Thanks, it's probably some of my best official work so far in that album. Both Treazon and D Man are from Cleveland and are together known as Strategics. With another dude named Threatz, they make the LP Soldierz (Lyrically Prepared). The next Sound Sketch will be us three and Threatz as well. During the making of our first two projects, Threatz was on a long hiatus in rapping, but now he's back and better than ever, so we'll definitely be making better music next time around. We all met online on a forum a few years back, but about a year ago we started working together. The Sound Sketch ideas was built by me and TreaZon around last October and everything just came into place within a month with the EP. We got a lot of praise for it, so us three decided to make another one - Sketched in Stone. This one got even more praise, so I'm excited to see what will happen in the future.
HHU: The Internet is obviously having a major impact on music in general, do you feel it is helping artists get their work out to a bigger audience or is it holding back the game thru fewer record sales and easier access?
BEATWIZE: I feel that the internet has done a lot for indie artists. It gives a chance for the listerner to get a full view of what the artist is providing to the audience and what they are trying to appeal to. And I don't think anyone can say anything about internet leaks after that Lil Wayne album. I'm not a fan, but a million in a week after it leaked a week earlier? I think it alone ruled out all misconceptions of internet publicity and promotion together.
HHU: Where do you feel the state of hip hop is these days?
BEATWIZE: Oh man, if I had a penny for every time someone asked me that question. To be honest, I'm not angry or disappointed nor am I happy. People keep saying that hip hop is at it's worst, or that hip hop is dead when they don't even realize that this is what hip hop has been from day 1! Its all about having fun with your music and expressing something...whether it be through deep lyrics or dance. I see hip hop like a language with many dialects. You can't hate one person for speaking English a certain way, so why should you hate someone for making their hip hop music a certain way? I'm going to quote one of the pioneers on this - "Hip hop will constantly keep re-inventing inself." Those are the words of Grandmaster Flash - one of the originators of the whole culture. I don't think anything else need to be said except - accept and embrace the difference and do you.
HHU: What projects can we find you on and what do we see in the near future from Beatwize?
BEATWIZE: I have numerous projects already out. I have 7 blend albums, 4 full-production albums, and a few stray productions on different albums. In terms of blends, I have two under the alias of DJ Dimez (The Blendmaster Vol. 1 & 2) and five under my current alias of Beatwize (BlendWize Vol. 1-5). My productions so far have mostly been with groups. I have one album out with emcee Fate L (Theory of Truth) under the group name Part-Time Prophets. My other group is Sound Sketch with emcees TreaZon and D Man. We have two projects out - Sound Sketch: The EP and Sketched in Stone. We plan on making more, but I can't really say when; we're all working on solo projects to get our name out more, so when we all feel we're ready, we'll start on a new project. The last production album is ReWize, a collection of 9 remixes produced by me. I also have a best-of productions album called DIY. Cop that if you want a summary of my best produced tracks! For future projects, I really can't say. I'm making more and more music daily, so sooner or later I'll start on a project. At the moment I'm on a hiatus. I don't want to give out too much information, but things are happening in the background. So don't worry...Beatwize will be back and better than ever when I come back.
HHU: I really appreciate you taking some time out to give me a few minutes and tell me about Beatwize and what you've been doing. Keep doing you man.
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Beatwize was also kind enough to allow me to post a few songs off the Sound Sketch album plus a few other tracks that he has graced the beat on and also a few blends that he has put together...trust me people you are doing yourself a favor by checking out some of Beatwize's work.
DOWNLOAD-SERIOUSLY JUST DOWNLOAD ALL THESE TRACKS...THEN GET THE ALBUM!
If you want them individually here they are:
Here are my three favorite tracks from the Sound Sketch album, Sketched In Stone.
DOWNLOAD
Here are a couple of tracks that Beatwize himself wanted me to give to you off the album.
DOWNLOAD
Other Beatwize productions:
DOWNLOAD
DOWNLOAD
Check out his you tube video...on this video he does a blend/remix of Fort Minor's hit Where'd Ya Go.
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If you like what you read/heard you can find out more about Beatwize at the following:
SUPPORT YOUR FAVORITE ARTISTS, BUY MERCHANDISE, GO TO SHOWS, BUY ALBUMS, CHECK OUT THEIR MYSPACE/FACEBOOK PROFILES AND JOIN THEIR SOCIAL NETWORKING GROUPS!! SUPPORT HIP HOP!!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
HIP HOP UNIVERSITY PRESENTS...THE PLAYLIST VOL. 1
Ok people I decided to do the damn thing...I went ahead and made a compilation featuring 30 tracks from the first part of 2008. This will be a bi-yearly series entitled Hip Hop University Presents...The Playlist Vol. 1. Originally I was going to split it up into 3 different albums (Mainstream, Indie, Underground), but then I decided that f* it, that would be to many tracks and good music is good music! As you can tell from the tracklist my hip hop tastes and preferences are all over the place...from the hipster style of DJ Hoppa to the soulful sounds of Elemental Zazen & Sound Sketch to the straight up Gangsta Rap of artists like Bossolo. My hip hop flavor spans over many sub genres. I hate this quote, but I think it is sort of appropriate in this particular case, real recognize real. Most of these tracks are underground/indie, but there are a couple of gangsta tracks as well including the best westcoast gangsta song of 2008, Bossolo's Killa Cali (ya i know bold statement, but I stand by that). So check out the album and give me some feedback!TRACKLIST
1. THE ROOTS - RISING DOWN
2. ATMOSPHERE - YESTERDAY
3. NAPPY ROOTS - GOOD DAY
4. LYRICS BORN - DIFFERENCES
5. DJ HOPPA - GRAGANTUAN BACKPACK FT. GENERAL POPULUS
6. THE GROUCH - THE TIME FT. MARTY JAMES
7. BOSSOLO - KILLA CALI
8. THE GROUCH - BREATH
9. BLU - JUST ANOTHER DAY
10. EVERLIVEN SOUND - THE PAST
11. TECHOMEGA - REVOLUTION IN WORDS
12. SOUND SKETCH - LISTEN (PROD. BY BEATWIZE)
13. U-N-I - THE SHOW
14. THE CAMP - WALK ON BY
15. J LIVE - THE ZONE FT. CHALI 2NA (OF JURASSIC 5)
16. SOUND SKETCH - PACKIN BAGS (PROD. BY BEATWIZE)
17. EVERLIVEN SOUND - QUE SERA SERA FT. TY-CHEE
18. CHAUNDON - UNDERSTANDING FT. DARIEN BROCKINGTON & PERCEY MIRACLES
19. eMC - WE ALRIGHT FT. STRICKIE LOVE
20. CROOKED I - NEW WEST ANTHEM (N.W.A.)
21. SNOOP DOGG - IT'S THE D.O.G.
22. MACK 10 - STREET SHIT FT. GLASSES MALONE & BUTCH CASSIDY
23. THE CAMP - WHY
24. J LIVE - YOU OUT THERE
25. 9TH WONDER & BUCKSHOT - READY (BRAND NEW DAY)
26. BORN TALENT - BAD SIDE
27. INVERSE - SPOTLIGHT FT. DEACON THE VILLIAN
28. BLACK ELEMENT - HUMAN
29. ELEMENTAL ZAZEN - MACHINE
30. DJ HOPPA - GET TO KNOW YOU FT. CLEAN
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
ROYCE DA 5'9" - TAXI DRIVER + MISTER K.A. - VERBAL MURDER FEAT. ROYCE DA 5'9"
A couple of DOPE tracks from Royce Nickel Nine. Taxi Driver is a sik track which may or may not be from his upcoming Bar Exam 2 album coming in late August. Damn Royce's Pac impression is CRAZY! The second track from MA's own Mister K.A. called Verbal Murder featuring Royce. Royce is straight cold! There are a few rappers that I will check out anything they touch and Royce is definitely one of them. DONT SLEEP ON THESE!! I recommend copping both these tracks.PREVIEW/DOWNLOAD
KANYE WEST, LUPE FIASCO & PHARRELL - REBEL MUSIC (HOSTED BY N.E.R.D.)
So I remember hearing awhile back that Kanye, Lupe & Skateboard P were collaborating and forming a super group, but then the issue kind of passed...until now. Is an official mixtape the first step? Will we see an album in '09? I guess we will have to wait and see. Team 20/20 presents Rebel Music, a mixtape featuring remixes and remakes of Kanye, Lupe, Pharrell & N.E.R.D. Haven't had a chance to check it out yet, but it is nonetheless interesting. I think if a group were formed it would be guaranteed to sell records and if Pharrell stayed behind the boards and stayed away from the vocals (for the most part) it would be a great feel good album also. Check it...Mertz if their album had a couple J verses on it, that would have to be your favorite project of all time! Yezzir!Friday, July 11, 2008
TOP ALBUMS OF 2008; PART ONE (1/1-6/30)
WELL AS PROMISED HERE IS A COMPILED LIST OF MY FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2008 PT. 1. THIS WAS A TOUGH PROCESS, BUT I THINK I FINALLY DID IT. 2008 HAS BEEN A GREAT FOLLOW-UP TO THE AMAZING YEAR OF 2007. AS FAR AS MAINSTREAM RAP/HIP HOP GOES, NOTHING SPECTACULAR, (ONLY ONE MAINSTEAM ALBUM IN THE TOP 10) BUT UNDERGROUND AND INDIE HIP HOP HAS NEVER BEEN HOTTER!! IVE SAID IT ONCE AND ILL SAY IT AGAIN...HIP HOP AINT DEAD--IT LIVES UNDERGROUND! I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR COMMENTS AND THOUGHTS ON THIS REVIEW...SO THE LINES ARE OPEN...LET ME HAVE IT!TOP 10 ALBUMS
1. J-Live - Then What Happened A-
Ive been following J Live for a minute now, and on this one he did it! This is probably my favorite album from J. Not to bad for
an old middle school English teacher, huh. Pretty good guest list on this and much better beats then a usual J Live album.
Top 3 tracks:
The Zone f. Chali 2na (Jurassic 5)
You Out There
The Upgrade f. Posdanous & Oddisee
2. Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold B+
Probably my most anticipated album so far of 2008. I couldn't wait for this album to drop. I got exactly what I was expecting
from an Atmosphere album...creativity, crossing genres, and dope lyricism...but on this one you also get dope beats. I swear Ant is getting better everyday. Whats Next?
Top 3 Tracks
Yesterday
Guarantees
Carry Me Home
3. Kidz In The HalL - The In Crowd B
This is a solid album from start to finish, not to many stand out tracks, but solid all the way thru.
Top 3 Tracks
Middle of The Map Pt. 2 f. Black Milk & Guilty Simpson
Let Your Hair Down f. Skyzoo & Lil Eddie
Paper Trail f. Phonte
4. The Roots - Rising Down B
Usual roots album...full band, indie sound and the usual dope lyrics. I dont think this album is as good as Game Theory, but definitely a solid album.
Top 3 Tracks
Rising Down f. Mos Def & Styles P
Rising Up f. Chrisett Michelle & Wale
Criminal f. Saigon & Truck North
5. Everliven Sound Freedom B
CyMarshall & Skit Slam combine to form Everliven Sound for the release, Freedom. This is an unbelievable album with mellow
beats and great lyrics...hip hop with something to say.
Top 3 Tracks
Here To Stay
Que Sera Sera f. Ty Chee
The Past
6. The Camp - The Campaign B
This crew from Boston, MA has been doing it for awhile, although they are yet to break thru as a major group, this album is
putting them on the underground scene.
Top 3 Tracks
Why
Walk On By
Return of Boom Bap
7. Sound Sketch - Sketched In Stone B
I would be willing to bet that most of the people reading this blog have no idea who Sound Sketch is...I dont blame you...it is
hard to find any information about this group, even online. And let me be the first to say, WATCH OUT! This is an amazing
soulful album and I guarantee that with a couple more listens it will continue to get better. Beatwize does an incredible job on
the beats and Sound Sketch has arrived! Be on the lookout for more from these guys on this blog...shot outs to HEAPS for this one...
Top 3 Tracks
Listen
Packin Bags
Do It Over
8. The Grouch - Show You The World B
My favorite Living Legends release in awhile! Grouch has always been gifted on the beats, but he brings this on lyrically to. A most own for any LL fan.
Top 3 tracks
The Time f. Marty Jones
Breath
The Bay to LA f. Murs
9. Born Talent - The Essence B
Another one you are probably thinking...who?? Born Talent is a very talented MC/Producer who takes very mellow beats and is lyrically on top of his game. Three very amazing tracks on this album, seriously people don't sleep on this.
Top 3 Tracks
Bad Side
Used To Be
Just a Dream
10. Snoop Dogg Ego Trippin B
I have to be honest with this one...I was expecting to be upset after listening to this album. I thought this would be another crazy experiment of an album for Snoop, he would try to do to much and he would ultimately fail, but after giving it a spin I was pleasantly surprised. This album is much better then Snoop's latest few efforts.
Top 3 Tracks
Deez Hollywood Nights
Can't Say Goodbye f. Charlie Wilson
My Medicine
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I decided to break it down a little bit more so all the readers with different tastes and pleasures can get there fix...I rated the
top 5 of each category; Underground, Semi Underground & Main Stream.
UNDERGROUND (UNKNOWN)
These are the underground artist that get little to none press. And its a damn shame to...these are some great albums.
1. Everliven Sound - Freedom B
2. The Camp - The Campaign B
3. Sound Sketch - Sketched In Stone B
4. Born Talent - The Essence B
5. Freddie Joachim - In With Time B-
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Honorable Mention
Common Market - Black Patch War B-
Muneshine - Status Symbol C
Elemental Zazen - The Glass Should Be Full C
SEMI-UNDERGROUND (INDIE/SEMI-KNOWN)
For as great of a year 2007 was, 2008 is shaping up nicely in the Indie hip hop scene. This was by far the toughest category
for me to judge. There were 10 solid albums that I have came across so far.
1. J-Live - Then What Happened? A-
2. Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold B+
3. Kidz In The Hall - The In Crowd B
4. The Roots - Rising Down B
5. The Grouch - Show You The World B
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Honorable Mention
EMC - The Show B
Torae - Daily Conversation B
9th Wonder & Buckshot - The Formula B-
Lyrics Born - Everywhere At Once B-
Living Legends - The Gathering B-
Nicolay & Kay - Time Line B-
Akrobatic - Absolute Value B-
MAINSTREAM (GANGSTA/KNOWN)
These are the mainstream artist that everyone knows...if you dont, then you probably shouldn't be on a hip hop website in the first place...
1. Snoop Dogg - Ego Trippin B
2. Sheek Louch - Silverback Guerilla C
3. Rick Ross - Trilla C
4. Bun B - II Trilla C
5. Lil Wayne - Tha Carter, III C-
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Honorable Mention
Bone Thugs N Harmony - Still Creepin On A Come Up C-
WORTH MENTION
Solid tapes, but not studio albums. These are the top 3 compilation, tour albums or EP's of 2008.
Atmosphere - Sad Clown Bad Spring 12
A five song EP that Ant and Slug thru together for shits...solid 5 tracks
Elzhi (of Slum Village) - Euro Pass (An Exclusive Tour CD)
This would have made the list, except it is not an official album, more of a compilation/tour album. Great stuff!
Blu - Below The Heavens (B Sides)
A follow up to Blu & Exile's Below The Heavens (one of the best albums of 2007). The B Sides is the tracks that didnt make the album, but still some great tracks on this.
top 5 of each category; Underground, Semi Underground & Main Stream.
UNDERGROUND (UNKNOWN)
These are the underground artist that get little to none press. And its a damn shame to...these are some great albums.
1. Everliven Sound - Freedom B
2. The Camp - The Campaign B
3. Sound Sketch - Sketched In Stone B
4. Born Talent - The Essence B
5. Freddie Joachim - In With Time B-
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Honorable Mention
Common Market - Black Patch War B-
Muneshine - Status Symbol C
Elemental Zazen - The Glass Should Be Full C
SEMI-UNDERGROUND (INDIE/SEMI-KNOWN)
For as great of a year 2007 was, 2008 is shaping up nicely in the Indie hip hop scene. This was by far the toughest category
for me to judge. There were 10 solid albums that I have came across so far.
1. J-Live - Then What Happened? A-
2. Atmosphere - When Life Gives You Lemons, Paint That Shit Gold B+
3. Kidz In The Hall - The In Crowd B
4. The Roots - Rising Down B
5. The Grouch - Show You The World B
_____________________________________________________
Honorable Mention
EMC - The Show B
Torae - Daily Conversation B
9th Wonder & Buckshot - The Formula B-
Lyrics Born - Everywhere At Once B-
Living Legends - The Gathering B-
Nicolay & Kay - Time Line B-
Akrobatic - Absolute Value B-
MAINSTREAM (GANGSTA/KNOWN)
These are the mainstream artist that everyone knows...if you dont, then you probably shouldn't be on a hip hop website in the first place...
1. Snoop Dogg - Ego Trippin B
2. Sheek Louch - Silverback Guerilla C
3. Rick Ross - Trilla C
4. Bun B - II Trilla C
5. Lil Wayne - Tha Carter, III C-
____________________________________________________
Honorable Mention
Bone Thugs N Harmony - Still Creepin On A Come Up C-
WORTH MENTION
Solid tapes, but not studio albums. These are the top 3 compilation, tour albums or EP's of 2008.
Atmosphere - Sad Clown Bad Spring 12
A five song EP that Ant and Slug thru together for shits...solid 5 tracks
Elzhi (of Slum Village) - Euro Pass (An Exclusive Tour CD)
This would have made the list, except it is not an official album, more of a compilation/tour album. Great stuff!
Blu - Below The Heavens (B Sides)
A follow up to Blu & Exile's Below The Heavens (one of the best albums of 2007). The B Sides is the tracks that didnt make the album, but still some great tracks on this.
IM BACK!
Ok people sorry about the long delay, but Im finally back and ready to do the damn thing again! In my time off I came to the conclusion that I dont have as much time as I used to and even considered shutting down the blog, but guess what thats not gonna happen. Instead, Im going to switch it up a little bit, Im not going to be able to deliver you with the everyday riff raff of single songs, mixtapes and the usual blog information (there are many websites where you can get this information, if you want I can recommend a few). What I am going to focus on is the cant miss albums, songs and issues in hip hop. I am going to bring to you a few albums, reviews and information that you might not no about, and thats a damn shame! I will still be dropping a few posts daily, but not the usual 20+, haha. I will try and focus on a few meaningful articles that will be exclusive to this site...for my first article...THE TOP 10 ALBUMS OF THE YEAR PT. 1. THIS WILL BE CONSISTING MY TOP 10 LIST FOR ALBUMS RELEASES BETWEEN JAN 1, 2008 AND JUNE 30, 2008.
So hopefully u will enjoy the new look and future posts...if you have any questions/comments/concerns I would love to hear them...jus email me at trentbartling@hotmail.com. Also if you have any suggestions on how to improve the blog, holler at me!
Stay up,
TBart (P.E.A.C.E.)
CORRECTION.
A while back I posted a song, Change. I incorrectly posted the song by Supastition...I got an email from Promise who informed me that this was his track featuring Supastition, Probz & Royce Da 5'9"...my apologies mayne...and probs on the sick song...sorry about the mispost and keep doing ya thing.
One Love,
TBart (P.E.A.C.E.)
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