VIDEO: David Banner, Styles P and DJ Premier Interview

David Banner, Styles P and DJ Premiertalk about the struggle of being Black in America while behind the scenes at DJ Green Lantern's radio show.

VIDEO: Donny Goines Interview + Great Freestyle

DOWNLOAD Donny Goines - Kill A Pig (Prod. by Dame Grease) (MP3)

Donny Goines comes through for two freestyles and a very interesting interview that addresses Sean Bell, his own police record including a pretty hilarious/evil story about being arrested for smoking that mary jane in the park after which the cops proceed to smoke the confiscated weed.

Donny Goines Freestyle


Donny Goines Interview

VIDEO: Busta Rhymes - We Made It ft. Linkin Park + Don't Touch Me

Two new Busta Rhymes videos. I'm sorry, but I still can't take any rap song featuring Linkin Park seriously. 'Don't Touch Me' however sees Busta finally go back to what he does well. Hip Hop with humor and goofiness and impressive flows. He's been on that hard shit for way too long. It's not a good look. I appreciate him putting out seperate videos for people that know what good music is and miss vintage Busta, and another one for people that shop at Wall-mart.

LAME: Busta Rhymes - We Made It ft. Linkin Park

HOT: Busta Rhymes - Don’t Touch Me

LISTEN: CMR The Great - Hella Paper Freestyle

DOWNLOAD CMR The Great - Hella Paper Freestyle (MP3)

More from the Bronx-bred CMR the Great. This picture is obviously taken on the west-side of the Bronx. Global warming is a bitch.

VIDEO: Julia Nunes - Jesus Walks (cover)

I've been watching Julia Nunes youtube videos for a few months now. She covers pop and rock songs on the ukulele and her swagger makes me smile. Now I have an excuse to post a video of hers here, as she covers Kanye West's 'Jesus Walks'. An a-typical post for SDSU, and if you don't like it your heart is a stone and you're probably not comfortable with your sexuality or place in life.

VIDEO: Willie Nelson & Snoop Dogg - Too Many Pain Killers, Too Much Pot (live)

Live in Amsterdam. Where else.

Via DS

LISTEN: The Game - 911 Is A Joke (Cop Killa)

DOWNLOAD The Game - 911 Is A Joke (Cop Killa) (MP3)

The Game delivers one of my favorite tracks of his. Love the old school sensibility and rhyme patterns. Paying homage to political Hip Hop of the late 80's and early 90's over a menacing piano loop. This would fit really well with all the stuff I have recorded on my little home made radio mixtapes from when I was 14 and listening to Cypress Hill, Public Enemy, 2Pac and so many other classics. Nice Questlove shout out as well. Tiny Eminem interpolation in there towards the end.

Props to Eskay for the MP3.

LISTEN: Atmosphere - Dreamer

STREAM Atmosphere - Dreamer (MP3)

Atmosphere's new record is called When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold, which may be the best album title of the year so far. Which is actually quite fitting since after spinning it a mere 3 times (in a row) I am going to go out on a limb and say it might also be the best record of the year so far. The artistry shines through. The care the artists took in crafting this album easily outshines the financially-oriented, cookie-cutter, formulaic approach most rappers seem to take. The packaging of the deluxe release (includes DVD & book) is exceptional as well, which seems to indicate they take this serious on every level. This is not a collection of songs. This is an album. I have put 'Dreamer' up in the SDSU Music Player in the sidebar. It's one of my favorite tracks and reminds me of 2Pac's 'Brenda's Got A Baby' and other tracks from the past where conscious, inspiring rhymes were still cool to most fans. The beats are quality and relying on nice piano loops and other acoustic instruments matched up with classic drum sounds. Pick this record up kids. Out now.

LISTEN: Jake The Snake - Kilograms (I Know) ft. Ras Kass

DOWNLOAD Jake The Snake - Kilograms (I Know) ft. Ras Kass (MP3)

Off of When In Rome.

LISTEN: Black ELement - Can't Call It

DOWNLOAD Black ELement - Can't Call It (MP3)

Straight out of Hopkinton, MA, comes Black ELement which some real dope stuff that makes you reach back to times past where consciousness and fun could go hand in hand.

VIDEO: NYOIL - The Difference Between N*ggers and Blacks

NYOIL puts out a powerful statement on race and semantics with 'The Difference Between N*ggers and Blacks'. He goes hard over the Just Blaze/Saigon 'Come On Baby' beat and interspersed images from different areas and media.

VIDEO: Plies - Bust It Baby Pt. 2ft. Ne-Yo

I find it amusing that Plies manages to turn his low down dirty anthem into a mainstream Ne-Yo featured ballad. Props

VIDEO: Mickey Factz - Rockin’ & Rollin’ ft. The Cool Kids

Mickey Factz already performed with The Cool Kids, and he spoke about it in his SDSU Interview a few weeks back. Here is the official video for their collaborative recording 'Rockin’ & Rollin’'.

VIDEO: Missing Rap Supreme

The Real collaborate with Elliott for their latest video.

VIDEO: Lil' Wayne Is An Atrocious Guitar Player

Now, I wasn't expecting much of Lil' Wayne's guitar playing skills, even though Necole Bitchie describes them as "phenomenol guitar skills...He killed it…literally…" and calls Weezy a 'helluva guitar player'. But then I watched the video. My friends, it's like watching a car crash. A car that just drank some lean. Horrendously off key and, well, frankly he only plays two notes back and forth, and neither of them are notes that are actually in the song. Not quite Jimi Hendrix, or even Wyclef Jean, just yet.

LISTEN: Jay-Z - Blow The Whistle (DeShawn Stevenson Diss)

DOWNLOAD Jay-Z - Blow The Whistle (MP3)

That's right, Jay-Z is getting involved in the LeBron James/DeShawn Stevenson feud. Over Too Short's 'Blow The Whistle'.

Props to Eskay.

LISTEN: Nas - War Is Necessary

DOWNLOAD Nas - War Is Necessary (MP3)

I don't want to hate, but I can't stand the sentiment behind this track. Also, it's just not very good. The flow trails off and the beat is unremarkable. Weak sound quality because it's a rip.

Props to Jimmy.

LISTEN: Jay Electronica - What The F*ck Is A Jay Electronica (Full Mixtape)

DOWNLOAD Jay Electronica - What The F*ck Is A Jay Electronica (Full Mixtape) (MP3)

WeDoItRight compiled and mixed a bunch of Jay Electronica tracks. Tracklist below.

01. Spark Em Up (Intro)
02. Renaissance Man
03. My World (Nas Salute)
04. Extra Extra
05. Abaracadabra
06. Uzi Weighs A Ton
07. A Prayer For Michael Vick and T.I. (We Love You Family)
08. Dimethyltriptamine
09. Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge)
10. Bitches And Drugs
11. Trolley Stop
12. Hard To Get
13. Girlfriend
14. Be Easy
15. Dealing
16. Get Em
17. Victory Is In My Clutches
18. Somethin To Hold On To
19. I Feel Good
20. So What You Sayin
21. Walk With It Ft. Lil Flip
22. Katrina The Levees Broke

VIDEO: O.C. & A.G. - Two For The Money

O.C. and A.G. are dropping The Oasis - Together Brothers of which this is the first official single. Produced by Showbiz with DJ Premier on the cuts.

CONTEST: Black Milk/Fat Ray - The Set Up

DOWNLOAD Black Milk/Fat Ray - Take Control Featuring AB (MP3)

I've posted about how the Black Milk/Fat Ray's album The Set Up knocks before (download 'Lookout' here, and 'Take Control' above). To celebrate the release the kids over at Fat Beats and myself are giving away a few prizes.

The grand prize winner receives:
1. One autographed copy of The Set Up CD
2. One vinyl LP of The Set Up
3. A personalized outgoing voice mail message that Black Milk sets up on the winner's cell phone

WHAT TO DO TO WIN Write me at wes[AT]liberatedmatter[DOT]com (subject line: BLACK MILK/FAT RAY) and include your address. One entry will be randomly selected and notified in about a week. The runner up will get a personalized outgoing voice message from me and I'll curse in a language none of your friends speak.*

* Actually, that part was a joke.

LISTEN: Radiohead/Boo Radley - Nude (Hip Hop Remix)

DOWNLOAD Radiohead - Nude Hip Hop Remix (Produced by Boo Radley) (MP3)

So I skimmed through all 19,000 entries in Radiohead's remix contest for their track 'Nude', and whaddaya know? One of my favorites is this Hip Hop flavored remix by Boo Radley. A Pete Rock/J. Dilla was claimed, and I hear it. Go vote for it here.

LISTEN: Nino Bless - Da Livest

DOWNLOAD Nino Bless - Da Livest (MP3)

Off of Untold Scriptures. Goes in quite hard. Not bad at all. Not bad at all. Promising even.

LISTEN: Fokis - Pandemonium feat Joell Ortiz

DOWNLOAD Fokis - Pandemonium feat Joell Ortiz

"It was a great working with Joell Ortiz, he is very talented and one of my favorite new artists of today. I had the pleasure of working with Joell Ortiz a few years ago as an engineer, recording one of his songs. Now I got to work with him as a rapper on my new single and that feels great." - Fokis

Joell Ortiz rips it per usual. Fokis semi-quotes Joell with his "nothing short of amazing" line. Fokis also apparently has no visual identity. No photos to be found anywhere.

VIDEO: Donny Goines - Rocky IV Freestyle In The Studio

Donny Goines in the studio with engineer Ariel Borujow.

VIDEO: Jay-Z Performs '99 Problems', 'I Just Wanna Love U' & 'Roc Boys'

All three of these Jay-Z performance videos were shot live at The Hollywood Bowl (4/16/08).

Roc Boys


I Just Wanna Love U


99 Problems
Props to Ben

VIDEO: The Roots - Rising Up ft. Wale & Chrisette Michelle

Oh and Chrisette Michelle is beautiful and sassy. Find some pictures I took last year here.

LISTEN: Mickey Factz - The Leak Vol. 1: The Understanding

SDSU blog-debuts (new word alert!) Mickey Factz The Leak Vol. 1: The Understanding streaming in this Imeem player.

LISTEN: DJ Jaycee - Pizza At Primo's (Full Mixtape)

DOWNLOAD DJ Jaycee - Pizza At Primo's (Full Mixtape) (MP3)

I have posted the excellent Pizza At Primo's mixtape once before, but TSS's feature, which includes an interview with DJ Jaycee, makes it worth a re-post. Every Hip Hop fan needs to own this mixtape. Read an excerpt below, the full interview here. Check the tracklist here.

Jaycee: I don’t understand why Nas and Jay-Z won’t record with him today. That shit is stupid to me.
TSS: It’s fucked up man. A few years ago I read that Jay rejected some pretty dope Premier beats for his recent projects.
Jaycee: Yeah. How would you shit on some Premier beats and then accept Swizz Beatz?
TSS: Ha ha, I don’t know man. It’s suspect.

LISTEN: CMR the Great - Bring Ya Flow Out ft Royce Da 5'9" & Gift

DOWNLOAD CMR the Great - Bring Ya Flow Out ft Royce Da 5'9" & Gift (MP3)

Gift produced and guests on Bronx native CMR The Great's 'Bring Ya Flow' featuring Royce Da 5'9". Off of The Flagship Vol.1 (5/20/08, Slow Budget Records). CMR's flow combines slight elements of Pharoahe Monch and Fat Joe into its own distinct cadence and mic-attitude.

NEWS: Rock The Bells Line-Up Announced

The Rock The Bells tour is back (check photos from last year's here). The bills is a little lighter than last year but still a cannot-miss level event.

Performers: A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Mos Def, De La Soul, Rakim, Method Man & Redman, Raekwon & Ghostface Killah, Immortal Technique, Dead Prez, Murs, Kidz In The Hall, Spank Rock (blegh, they better be booed off stage), Santogold, Kid Sister, Wale, Flosstradamus, Jay Electronica, The Cool Kids and it will be hosted by B-Real (Cypress Hill) and Supernatural.

Rock The Bells Tour 2008
7/19 Chicago, IL
7/20 Toronto, ON
7/26 Boston, MA
7/27 New York, NY
8/2 Miami, FL
8/3 Philadelphia, PA
8/9 Los Angeles, CA
8/16 San Francisco, CA
8/23 Denver, CO
8/30 Vancouver, BC

LISTEN: Mariah Carey - Bye Bye RMX ft. Jay-Z

DOWNLOAD Mariah Carey - Bye Bye RMX ft. Jay-Z (MP3)

This reminds me of the 'I Miss U' remix Jay-Z jumped on after the passing of Aaliyah. Tight verse. I apologize for posting a Mariah Carey song however. To make up for it I will post a video of The Game performing 'Higher', which includes my favorite line about Mariah in a song, ever. "And I'll do anything but I won't fuck Mariah/Even if she had Ashanti butt-naked in bed/Cause she got a forehead just like Tyra.."

VIDEO: NYGz - Bow Down ft. Blaq Poet & Rave Roulet

Not a West Side Connection cover. Off of Welcome to G-Dom.

LISTEN: Sav Killz - Comin' To Kill ft. Sean Price & Rustee Juxx

DOWNLOAD Sav Killz - Comin' To Kill ft. Sean Price & Rustee Juxx (MP3)

Endemic produced this track off of DJ J-Ronin/DJ Snips All Elements Vol. 9 which is hosted by Joell Ortiz.

LISTEN: Vast Aire - TV Land

DOWNLOAD Vast Aire - TV Land (MP3)

Vast Aire follows up 'Mecca & The Ox' (download here) with 'TV Land off of his forthcoming sophomore solo-LP Dueces Wild (6-24-08). Produced by Melodius Monk.

VIDEO: AC - Trapped On The Island ft. Trife Da God

This is pretty dope.

Via Eskay.

NEWS: After The Jump Summer Fest

In case you kids want to get your indie rock on, I'm involved ion a charitable organization called After the Jump which throws events. See below for the next big one.

In a few short months, it will be Summer and that means the second annual After the Jump Fest! Bigger, better with even more acts and surprise guests, this year the festival takes place along side the city wide music event, Make Music New York (which itself is a part of the worldwide music phenomenon that takes place in 300 cities in 108 countries) on the first day of Summer, June 21st.

After the Jump Fest is the effort of 20 New York City music bloggers whose goal is to help new artists gain exposure while raising money for struggling school music programs. This year, After the Jump is teaming up with The Music Hall of Williamsburg and Galapagos Art Space for a festival stretching from noon until last call. In the next few months, After the Jump blogs will be making more announcements about the festival including new artists and pre-parties. Stay tuned and in the mean time, check out AftertheJumpFest.com for information on our past events and mark your calendars! It's going to be a doozy.

AFTER THE JUMP IS ORGANIZED BY:
themusicslut . batteringroom . disconap . earfarm . ryspace . irockiroll . merryswankster . softcommunication . theunderratedblog . sitdownstandup . watercoolergossip . bumpershine . themodernage . productshopnyc . subinev . punkphoto . poptartssucktoasted . stereoactivenyc . jinners

For press opportunities such as interviews with the organizers or bands, please contact publicity@afterthejumpfest.com
For sponsorship and all requests, contact producer Jennifer Kellas: jkellas@afterthejumpfest.com

VIDEO: Riz MC - Sour Times

Riz MC is an MC from the UK, one that incorporates experimental styles and sounds and packages it together into powerful punch. He doesn't shy away from politics either. I saw him perform this controversial track at SXSW this year, and he also performed at the legendary Glastonbury festival way before Jay-Z was mentioned as a Hip Hop headliner that has caused so much drama. Riz MC's new EP Confirm/Ignore comes out next month and he has something to say for real.

VIDEO: 9th Wonder & Buckshot - Hold It Down ft. Talib Kweli

Created by the venerable Dru Down.

LISTEN: Nakim - I Get It In (Prod. by The Runners)

DOWNLOAD Nakim - I Get It In (Prod. by The Runners) (MP3)

From the Mickey Factz side of town.

VIDEO: Jay Z - U Don't Know ft. Memphis Bleek (live)

Jigga and Memphis Bleek perform 'U Don't Know' at The Hollywood Bowl (4/16).

LISTEN: Scram Jones - 3rd Degree ft. Nino Bless, Saigon and Crooked I

DOWNLOAD Scram Jones - 3rd Degree ft. Nino Bless, Saigon and Crooked I (MP3)

Off of Untold Scriptures (Nature Sounds).

Lil' Scram

LISTEN: Bisc1 - Paranoid

STREAM Bisc1 - Paranoid (MP3) (In SDSU Player)

If you dig Brooklyn Underground Hip Hop you may want to find yourself at the Lower East Side's Mercury Lounge tonight at 7.30pm for Bisc1's album release show for When Electric Night Falls. Also on the bill are Junk Science, Iller Than Theirs, Cool Calm Pete, and Loer Velocity. Presented by the good folks over at the Embedded Music family.

A native of Massachusetts by way of Connecticut, Bisc1 moved to NYC 10 years ago and quickly made a name for himself DJ'ing at clubs, distributing mixtapes, and in graffiti circles. Soon, Bisc1 picked up the mic and won several battle raps including the Whose Line Is It monthly at the Knitting Factory in NYC 4 consecutive months in a row. His debut release, The Basics EP (2006), gained the favorable attention of music critics and his subsequent release, The Stay Up Project mixtape (2007) was downloaded over 5000 times. Bisc's penchant for capturing our chaotic reality with his narratives, images, and collaborations has earned him a reputation as one of the most honest and creative artists of today. Going beyond music, Bisc1 is also an accomplished graphic artist. He's done cover art, designed promotional materials and spearheaded art direction for artists such as Aesop Rock, The Perceptionists, C-Rayz-Walz, Murs, El-P, and others. His art has been featured in several magazines and art house coffee table books and in galleries, such as Danny Simmon's Rush Arts Gallery. When Electric Night Falls, for which Bisc did all the art direction, will be available now on Embedded Music.

LISTEN: Life The Great - Mega Man

DOWNLOAD Life The Great - Mega Man (MP3)

Two days ago I posted Life The Great's full The Ultrasound album for download (here), and a video for 'Stupid Fresh'. I listened to it a few times since and I wanted to re-emphasize that this is actually a real nice little album the Atlanta kid crafted. Here's my favorite track 'Mega Man', sampling some old school Nintendo sounds.

VIDEO: Questlove & Al Green In The Studio

Via DS.

LISTEN: CL Smooth - Perfect Timing ft. Skyzoo

DOWNLOAD CL Smooth - Perfect Timing ft. Skyzoo (MP3)

CL Smooth drops old-fashioned heat over a 9th Wonder-esque beat, produced by Australia's own M-Phazes. Good look for Skyzoo grabbing that featured spot.

VIDEO: Pusha T & Travis McCoy Interviewed By Clinton Sparks

This is a two part video with Pusha T, of Clipse fame, and Travis McCoy, of Gym Class Heroes, interviewed by DJ Clinton Sparks.

VIDEO: 6th Sense - Ignite The People (Like Obama)

Obama still has Hip Hop on lock.

VIDEO: The Roots On Colbert Report

The Roots performed the opening theme song and the national anthem on the Colbert Report.

Via Eskay.

VIDEO: Life The Great - Stupid Fresh

DOWNLOAD Life The Great - The Ultrasound (Full Album) (MP3)

I'm going to describe this one as Hipster Rap meets Young Jeezy. First single off of The UltraSound which you can download in its entirety above.

VIDEO: Playaz Circle - Paper Chaser ft. Phonte

Playaz Circle brings out the man who laid down my favorite verse of 2007, Little Brother's Phonte (verse 1 off 'Can't Win For Losing').*

* Just as an FYI, favorite verse might've been Phonte, but favorite pair of lines are uncontested Jay-Z bits of genius off of 'Blue Magic': I blame Regan for makin me into a monster / I blame Oliver North & the Iran Contra / I ran Contraband that they sponsored

VIDEO: Ali Vegas Freestyle

Ali Vegas is releasing his mixtape AMERICA'S PRINCE as a leadup to his new upcoming album Generation Gap 2: The Prequel, which should be out this May. It will feature production by DJ Premier, Scott Storch, and others, and features by Akon, Styles P and more. It's kind of hard to believe the kid is only 25, but it's true. We had him in for a SDSU interview and freestyle. Interview coming tomorrow. Freestyle below.

CONTEST To win one of 5 copies of the Ali Vegas price pack, consisting of a mixtape, a t-shirt and a poster, drop me a line at wes[AT]liberatedmatter[DOT]com (subject line: Ali Vegas) and answer the following three questions:
1. Who do you consider the King of Hip Hop?
2. Favorite Ali Vegas song?

NEWS: Yo! MTV Raps Reunion

The three people in the front are largely responsible for educating and exposing me to great Hip Hop during my younger days. I remember seeing Redman freestyle with a towel on his head. I remember Das EFX videos in tunnels and sewers. I remember thinking Cypress Hill's intensity was the craziest. I remember wondering how Tupac knew Naughty By Nature and why he was in the 'Uptown Anthem' video for a quick second. Ah, the good ol' days. Taken at the 20 Year Anniversary event last week.

VIDEO: Freestyle Battle Controversy

I'm sure everyone else also got this video forwarded to them over the weekend, and I'm just posting it to make a case for Eli. Clearly he was the better battle MC, even if he did pause for a while. Just look at it as a pregnant pause, a slightly extended Jay-Z type silence between lines. Envy's only punchline was a lame one about Eli's disability. I say Eli won, though a friend of mine just told me "nah, the middle judge won by getting rubbed on by the host", which is actually a good point.

VIDEO: Styles P - The Hardest Freestyle ft. Uncle Murda, Freeway & Beanie Siegel

Eskay has the MP3 for download.

VIDEO: Jay-Z & Mary J. Blige - You're All Welcome

This new Jigga/MJB video takes us behind-the-scenes of their duo-headlining Heart Of The City tour.

VIDEO: Big Quarters - August ft. Alicia Steele

Big Quarters just finished a new video for 'August' ft Alicia Steele, produced by Medium Zach off their upcoming album Lake City Browns. Nice to see creativity flowing from Minneapolis.

VIDEO: Del Tha Funkee Homosapien On Craig Ferguson

VIDEO: Talib Kweli - Blacksmith TV Episode 2

INTERVIEW: RZA Speaks On 'Digi Snax'

Yesterday RZA and I chopped it up and spoke on his upcoming album Digi Snax, the associated tour, ODB4CL2 and sugar highs.

The latest installment in the Bobby Digital saga comes out July 1st (Koch) and it's called Digi Snacks. What can we expect and how does it relate to the previous BD albums?
The title says it all really, Digi Snacks. It's a snack for the people. Like sometimes you're looking for your scooby snacks? Well, here's your Digi Snack. (laughs). It's a little tease to get you back into that world of Bobby Digital.

Now if this is a little tease to take you back into that world, what direction should we imagine the next episode taking us into?
Oh we're taking you into a lot of different directions. We're working on a comic book, but I don't really want to talk about that yet. We're planning to bring a lot more fun to the game. You know how you love Hip Hop, and you wanna play it at the house but your girl is around and you have to turn it down?

Yes, I definitely had that moment with 'Domestic Violence' off of the first Bobby Digital album. It didn't go over so well. (Watch the classic video for 'Domestic Violence here.)
Because it's too much of the truth! (laughs) Well, the next episode, I'll have some more of your shit (laughs), but this time around I also have a couple of tracks on there that your girl will actually wanna turn up. We focused on just having fun with it. A lot of stuff I've done before is heavy and serious and this time I was like "f*ck it". Lets have some fun.


Photo part of 'Rock The Bells' series. More here.
What kind of people should we be thinking of as far as collaborators on Digi Snax? People from inside of the Wu-Tang Clan circle or more so outside?
I want to kind of keep that a surprise so when you pick up the album you'll have that experience. But Bobby Digital kind of lives in his own world, you know? He has his own crew. People like Holocaust always show up, and others like him. But there's some surprises for sure.

Even though it went platinum, I feel the first Bobby Digital album was somewhat under-appreciated when it came out. It's been ten years and I was wondering how you felt about the life-span and initial reception of that album.
You know, sometimes an album comes out and people miss it the first time around, but they discover it later on. It's like movies, a lot of the classic old flicks maybe didn't do that well originally. Some people got into it early, and they talked about it to their people, and slowly they'd come around to love it. I feel Bobby Digital is like that.

Just to switch gears for a second, what can you tell us about your contributions to Raekwon's upcoming album Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2.
Well, I don't really know how that's going because Raekwon is in charge of that project. I haven't talked about it in like a whole year. All I can say it's going to quite a bit of Gambino. (laughs) We did a lot of songs together, and I'm on there in my Bobby Steels persona and there's some dope lyrics on there. But Rae is in charge so I'm not sure what he is keeping.

Now I hear you also contributed a track to the Dr. Dre's elusive Detox album. What can you tell us about that?
No comment! (laughs)

Annnnnd moving right along to your upcoming Digi Snax tour (see all dates here). What's a solo RZA tour like in the context of Bobby Digital?
Just a whole lot of fun man. A good time for everything, a real good time. One thing I like to do is that when I can get together with the people, and we can share that little bit of time, I want to make sure they know I'm thankful for buying my albums through out the years and for supporting us. So I want to make sure when we hang out, we have fun together. I mean, I'm still also going to embed some teachings, lyrically, like I always do, and things about society, but I'm mostly there for us to have a great time together. I'll be bringing Bobby Digital, but also some of my Bobby Digiteks (laughs). Expect to see Black Knights out with me, and Stone Mecca too.

I heard Digi Snax goes slightly beyond most albums in how the dirty and the clean version of the album differ aside from edits in language?
They have different cover artwork, and some songs are included only on the dirty version, or there actually two different versions across albums. Let me give you an example. There's a song called 'Old Day', which is only on the dirty version, and there's a song called 'Ice Cream' that's on both, but each version really flows from a different concept with a different angle lyrically.

So it's a lot more involved than the tradition clean vs. dirty versions. Is that a conscious choice this time around or is that something that you've always been concerned with?
I mean, in Hip Hop you always have a clean version also, so I've always been like that, but this time around I was just a little more deliberate about it.

Any last words for the readers about the new album?
As far as the album goes I also want to let people know again that it's a lot of fun and I want them to take time to have fun. I don't know if you drink, or smoke, but get what you do first, and then pop my CD in (laughs). And if you're underage, if you're under 16, then get yourself a lollipop, some bubble gum, and pop in the clean version and get that sugar high. (laughs)

NEWS: RZA 'Digi Snax' Tour Dates

RZA will be taking the Boddy Digital show on the road in celebration of his new release Digi Snax (7/1/08 on Koch). I can't believe it's been ten years since the first BD album came out. Dates below.


6/10/08 Houston TX Warehouse Live
6/11/08 Austin TX Emos
6/12/08 Dallas TX Palladium Ballroom
6/14/08 Denver CO Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom
6/15/08 Salt Lake City UT Urban Lounge
6/17/08 Tucson AZ Rialto Theater
6/18/08 Phoenix AZ The Brickhouse Theater
6/20/08 Los Angeles CA Henry Fonda Theater
6/21/08 San Francisco CA 1015
6/23/08 Portland OR Hawthorne Theater
6/24/08 Seattle WA Showbox at the Market
6/25/08 Vancouver BC Richards On Richards
6/27/08 Calgary AB Sled Island Music Festival
6/30/08 Minneapolis MN First Avenue
7/1/08 Chicago IL House Of Blues
7/2/08 Pontiac MI Crofoot Ballroom
7/4/08 Ottawa ON New Capital Music Hall
7/5/08 New York NY Webster Hall
7/7/08 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero
7/8/08 Washington, DC 9:30 Club

Best,

NEWS: Jermaine Dupri & Def Jam Launch 'Stanky Records'

If I had a direct line to 50 Cent I'd e-nudge him right now to start prepping campaigns of ridicule for any artist that signs to this label. Jermaine Dupri, who off the top of my head never produced/developed a lasting artist (though produced many momentary hit singles), is going to be the president of a new label venture in partnership with a sub-brand of one of the biggest corporations in the world. Gotta love the spin all throughout this press release that tries to position itself as anything but a cheap looking marketing campaign for deodorant and a cash-in moment for JD and Def Jam. I can only imagine the amount of product-placement in these artist videos, commercials, shows, cd cases, etc.

NEW YORK, NY – April 10, 2008 – Island Def Jam Music Group (IDJ) and Procter & Gamble’s TAG brand announce the formation of a new hip-hop record label, TAG Records. The new label will be led by hip-hop mogul Jermaine Dupri, who will act as president of the New York-based venture. As president, Dupri will set the creative vision for the label and play an integral part in identifying and developing its musical talent.

This is a milestone for the music industry as TAG Record’s artists will be supported with a multi-million dollar marketing effort that is unprecedented for any new artist, including television, print, radio, digital and event marketing.

“Today, we make history in the music industry with TAG Records,” said Jermaine Dupri, president of TAG Records. “This label is going to provide new artists with a chance of a lifetime. New artists will receive ten times the typical marketing support – a first in the industry. I’m hand selecting and molding these artists to make history in hip hop.”

The launch of TAG Records is part of the TAG brand's initiative to cultivate relationships with the urban community through the development of programs that provide opportunities for aspiring hip- hop talent.

“We’re very excited about our partnership with IDJ and the broad platform it provides for creating artistic opportunities within the urban community, said Alex Keith, general manager P&G Deodorants. “We’re confident the partnership will make a positive impact and bring opportunities to undiscovered urban creativity and vision.”

“This partnership marks an industry first. This is a breakthrough model that will set the stage for innovative collaborations at Island Def Jam Music Group,” said Jeff Straughn, vice president of strategic marketing for Island Def Jam Music Group. "This is a non-traditional approach that blends our most valuable assets: the artist and their music, with the power of brand marketing.”

TAG Record’s first artist will be officially announced in May. The artist will be given a unique opportunity to merge their music with personal brand marketing.

In addition to an album release, the TAG Brand will showcase TAG Record’s artist and Jermaine Dupri across various TAG brand advertising and marketing initiatives throughout 2008.

VIDEO: Smif-N-Wessun - Who Gonna Save Us

Still at it.

VIDEO: GTA Behind-The-Scenes Video Footage

I posted about GTA before. Here's some entertaining outtakes from the 'Wanna Be Myself' video shoot.

VIDEO: Billy Danze (of M.O.P.) Interview

NEWS: Confirmed Artists For Soundset '08

In 1997, Rhymesayers gathered over two dozen local artists and more than a dozen local DJs and B-Boy’s to perform at a South Minneapolis warehouse until dawn to a capacity-filled crowd. Two years later, Rhymesayers expanded the concept at First Avenue, with Soundset Wednesdays, drawing a crowd of over 1700 people for the opening night and maintaining sellout capacity for its entire run. This was the birth of Soundset and a catalyst for the success of Rhymesayers, now one of indie Hip Hop’s most successful and respected labels worldwide.

Confirmed artists for Soundset 08 include: Atmosphere, Dilated Peoples, Aesop Rock w/ Rob Sonic and DJ Big Wiz, Little Brother, DJ Babu, Rhettmatic, J-Rocc of the World Famous Beat Junkies, Brother Ali, Eyedea & Abilities, P.O.S, Blueprint, Mac Lethal, Abstract Rude, I Self Devine, Musab, Psalm One, Grayskul, Los Nativos with more to be announced soon. More info on the festival here and check out a playlist of the confirmed artists there too.

LISTEN: Cherish - Killa (Remix) ft. Jermaine Dupri & Kid Slim

Watch Jermaine Dupri put together the beat for the Killa Remix. Download the song below.

VIDEO: Rob Kelly - Dropkicked ft. Slaine of La Coka Nostra

Irish Hip Hop. House Of Pain for the new age.

LISTEN: Hezekiah - That Filling ft. Freeway

DOWNLOAD Hezekiah - That Filling ft. Freeway (MP3)

Philly's own Hezekiah brings out his buddy Freeway to rep their city.

Apple's Photobooth Slowly Killing Hip Hop

VIDEO: Buckshot Talks The Simpsons

Buckshot reveals his secret Simpson's collection in his very own studio.

VIDEO: Mickey Factz's SDSU Interview & Freestyle

Mickey Factz came through for an interview and freestyle. He speaks on performing with The Cool Kids, the definition of Hipster Rap, his lyrical influences, the state of Hip Hop and what's coming next for Mickey.

LISTEN: Skyzoo - Necessary Evils (Prod. by Needlz)

DOWNLOAD Skyzoo - Necessary Evils (MP3)

Skyzoo delivers a dope introspective track over a Needlz beat. Not in any particular way I can put my finger on, but this has the early pre-Bishop 2Pac feel.

LISTEN: Vast Aire - Mecca And The Ox (Prod. By Pete Rock)

DOWNLOAD Vast Aire - Mecca And The Ox (MP3)


Cannibal Ox's Vast Aire is back with his sophomore solo album Deuces Wild (6-24-08). This is the lead single, produced by Pete Rock.

LISTEN: I-Self Devine - Where's The Joy

DOWNLOAD I-Self Devine - Where's The Joy (MP3)

Rhymessayer's I-Self Devine brings us 'Where's The Joy', off of MPLS Massacre and produced by Medium Zack, brother to Large Professor.*

*that's a joke

LISTEN: 5th Flow - They Callin My Name

DOWNLOAD 5th Flow - They Callin My Name (MP3)
DOWNLOAD 5th Flow - Quarter to a Half (Full Mixtape) (MP3)

Houston's 5th Flow are coming up strong and have dropped their new mixtape Quarter To A Half from which I posted the first track 'They Callin' My Name' for download above (or stream it in the SDSU player). If you dig, download the full mixtape from the second link. Dope track.

VIDEO: Making Of Novel's 'I Am' Ft. Ben Folds & Talib Kweli

Ben Folds is the new Chris Martin.

via DS.

LISTEN: Fes Taylor - The Recipe ft Hue Hefna & Lot-A Nerv

DOWNLOAD Fes Taylor - The Recipe ft Hue Hefna & Lot-A Nerv (MP3)

Inspectah Deck protege and SDSU regular Fes Taylor is back with a great track featuring Hue Hefna (worst rap name eva) and Lot-A Nerv (close contender for worst rap name eva). Fes Taylor's official debut album is coming soon through Chambermusik/Koch Records. It will be titled Inspectah Deck Presents Fes Taylor: Co-Starring Mr. President - T-2-Fly The Album (not that great of an album title, I see a trend here).

VIDEO: Atmosphere's Paint it Gold - Episode 6

LISTEN: Donny Goines - Held it Down (Prod. by Quincy Tones)

DOWNLOAD Donny Goines - Held it Down (MP3)

Donny Goines flows about the struggle of coming up in the game over a soulful beat by Quincy Tones.

LISTEN: Kidz In The Hall - Work To Do (Obama For America) REMIX ft. Bun B & Talib Kweli

DOWNLOAD Kidz In The Hall - Work To Do (Obama For America) REMIX ft. Bun B & Talib Kweli (MP3)

Obama has Hip Hop on lock. This is a great track in itself too.

LISTEN: Sugar Tongue Slim - Rider's Anthem ft. Ab-Liva

DOWNLOAD Sugar Tongue Slim - Rider's Anthem ft. Ab-Liva (MP3)

Here's the Sugar Tongue Slim ft Ab Liva track "Rider's Anthem". Of course, feel free to post and let me know what you think.

NEWS: 50 Cent Switches Vote From Hillary To Obama

Sure to influence those swing states.

VIDEO: Kanye West - Homecoming ft. Chris Martin

Oh yes, I dig this.