Sit Down Stand Up

SDSU Retirement

2009-07-16T13:28:00.005-04:00

My love for Hip Hop is not dead. However, life has taken me in different directions professionally and lead me to effectively retire from Hip Hop blogging. I should've put this post up 9 months ago as the official tombstone, and here it finally is. I had a lot of good times on this blog. Many thanks go out to all the readers and fellow bloggers in Hip Hop for linking and building with me, including Rafi, Eskay, DP, Metal Lungies crew, Henry, ItsTheReal, Enigmatik, FDB, Ian, L Boogie and everyone else. Also many thanks to all the mainstream publications that linked and drove traffic including Entertainment Weekly, VH1, MTV, Rolling Stone, USA Today, New York Magazine, Vibe (RIP), XXL, Blender (RIP), CMJ, Sirius Radio, NME, Harp (RIP), Paste (RIP), Spin, Gothamist and countless others.

The Future
I'd love for you to check out what I'm up to these days:
- WesleyVerhoeve.com, where I chronicle my adventures in the world of artist management, record label management, and music production.
- Family Records, the artist development and management firm I started, also has label capabilities and tons of free music.
- Engine Room Recordings, a record label I am the Head of Strategy and A&R for.

SitDownStandUp Highlights
Here's some personal favorites off the top of the head for you to check out:
- In The Studio With Redman (Video)
- Nas Gets Audience Member On Stage @ Roseland Ballroom
- Rock The Bells 2007 (Photos)
- Ludacris/Jadakiss/Fabolous/etc. @ Roseland Ballroom (Photos)
- Clipse Live @ Columbia University

Drop me a line at wesley [at] liberatedmatter [dotttt] com if you'd to know more about my current adventures!

VIDEO: Full Crate - She Was Fly ft Mar

2009-02-14T09:35:00.002-05:00

Something nice to chill to from the homeland. It also doesn't hurt that this girl is mesmerizing.

Full Crate - She Was Fly (Ft. Mar) from Full Crate on Vimeo.

VIDEO: Cam'ron - I Hate My Job

2009-02-03T12:41:00.001-05:00

I can't believe I'm posting a Cam'ron video/song I actually dig.

VIDEO: John Forte - Welcome Home ft. John Forte

2009-01-27T15:46:00.002-05:00

"Homecoming" John Forte + Talib Kweli from The ICU on Vimeo.

VIDEO: Young Jeezy - My President Is Black RMX ft Jay-Z (live)

2009-01-19T16:29:00.001-05:00

Jay-Z My President is black Remix LIVE 1-18-09 from pleasedontstare on Vimeo.

VIDEO: Young Jeezy - My President Is Black ft Nas

2009-01-18T11:24:00.001-05:00

VIDEO: Roc-A-Fella Freestyles Pt 7

2008-12-16T17:19:00.001-05:00

VIDEO: Q-Tip - Vivrant Thing ft Prince (Live)

2008-12-11T18:21:00.001-05:00

Whoa. Props to iknowtheledge

VIDEO: Duo Live - Shootin' ft Billionz, Joell Ortiz, Red Cafe & M.O.P

2008-12-10T13:01:00.001-05:00

VIDEO: Roc-A-Fella Freestyles Pt 5

2008-12-09T13:13:00.000-05:00

Freeway brings it.

VIDEO: Wafeek - I’mma Learn Ya

2008-12-04T10:07:00.001-05:00

This is dope in that Native Tongues kinda way. Via Gotty™

VIDEO: B.o.B. - Autotune

2008-12-04T10:02:00.003-05:00

B.o.B. parodies a bunch of things wrong with hip hop these days and humorously references Rick Ross, Lil' Wayne, T-Pain and some others. A little piece of end-year genius. This could be seen as this year's Rap Up if Skillz doesn't end up doing one.

VIDEO: Roc-A-Fella Freestyle Pt 5

2008-12-03T17:41:00.000-05:00

VIDEO: Donny Goines - What Happened

2008-12-03T15:05:00.000-05:00

"What Happened" Directed by John Colombo from Donny Goines on Vimeo.

VIDEO: EPMD - Listen Up

2008-12-02T09:19:00.001-05:00

Think Mary J Blige/Dr. Dre's 'Family Affair' meets EPMD's 'Crossover'. EPMD still holding it down.

VIDEO: Busta Rhymes - I Got Bass

2008-11-24T14:52:00.001-05:00

Trevor gets real creative with it in this new video. Dope flow.

VIDEO: Roc-A-Fella Freestyles Pt 3 & 4 : Y'All Don't Wanna

2008-11-24T14:16:00.002-05:00

Part III

Part IV

Previously: Parts I & II.

VIDEO: Jake One - The Truth ft. Brother Ali & Freeway

2008-11-24T13:49:00.003-05:00

Off of Jake One's dope White Van Music album. Props to J. Directed by Rik Cordero.

LISTEN: Guilt By Association Vol. 2

2008-11-19T17:29:00.001-05:00

Side step away from Hip Hop. Find below a player we built to stream Guilt By Association Vol. 2, an indie rock compilation I produced. All dope indie rock acts covering their favorite mainstream pop songs.

VIDEO: Q-Tip - Renaissance Rap (Directed by Rik Cordero)

2008-11-19T17:26:00.000-05:00

VIDEO: Mickey Factz - Road To The Achievement (Ep.6)

2008-11-13T16:14:00.000-05:00

Mickey Factz is another step closer.

CONTEST: Tickets To Blitz, Amanda Diva & Che Grand Show

2008-11-13T15:07:00.003-05:00

Next Wednesday Blitz the Ambassador, Che Grand and Amanda Diva, who is featured on Q-Tip's The Renaissance will headline at The Knitting Factory. All three will be backed by a full live band. Think horn sections. Sure to be a good night. We're giving away two pairs of tickets. Drop a line to wes [at] liberatedmatter [dot] com with the subject line "Knit" and I'll draw two random winners by Monday.

When: Wednesday, November 19th at 9pm
Where: Knitting Factory, 74 Leonard Street. New York, NY 10013
Ticket Info: $12 in Advance/$15 Day of Show

Blitz At Work

LISTEN: JD Era - 9 to 5 ft. Donny Goines

2008-11-11T13:04:00.001-05:00

DOWNLOAD JD Era - 9 to 5 ft. Donny Goines (MP3)

Donny Goines guests on this C4 Entertainment produced track.

VIDEO: Pugs Atomz - Memorial ft. Dave Ghetto & Deuce Eclipse

2008-11-11T12:34:00.000-05:00

Pugs Started this animated 8 bit music video (think nintendo tabletops) back in May and finally got her done this month enjoy... Taken from The Pugs Atomz album "Conversations with a Chamelion" on Gravel Records.

VIDEO: B-Real - The Making of 'Don't Ya Dare Laugh'

2008-11-10T17:10:00.000-05:00

VIMBY - B Real

NEWS: New Site Launched

2008-11-10T16:42:00.001-05:00

Since I do a few other things in music aside from blogging about our dear Hip Hop it seemed appropriate to start a separate blog to track my adventures running two small indie record labels, artist management, photography and some other things. Please check out WesleyVerhoeve.com, which is pretty much done aside from a missing About Me page.

VIDEO: It's The Real - Gimme The Salute

2008-11-10T16:25:00.001-05:00

Their latest piece.

VIDEO: Roc-a-fella Freestyle pt. 1 & pt. 2

2008-11-10T09:26:00.004-05:00

Part 2 of the classic Roc freestyle session on Hot 97 with Funkmaster Flex. This is a classic moment in hip hop folks. I've put pt. 1 underneath as well as I slept on posting it previously.

Roc-a-fella Freestyle pt. 2 "R.O.C. Freestyle"

Roc-a-fella Freestyle pt. 1 "Who Shot Ya"

LISTEN: Blame One & Exile - Disturbed ft. Sean Price

2008-11-09T18:49:00.003-05:00

DOWNLOAD Blame One & Exile - Disturbed ft. Sean Price (MP3)

Sean P featured on the lead single off of Blame One & Exile's debut album Days Chasing Days (Nov 11). The album features Blu, Sean Price, Aloe Blacc, lack Milk, and others.

VIDEO: will.i.am - It's A New Day

2008-11-08T10:56:00.002-05:00

will.i.am. takes us on a Wyclef/Cee-Lo type trip with his new Obama centric song. Great track, could be a hit if properly worked.

LISTEN: 88 Keys On The Record On 'The Death Of Adam'

2008-11-06T17:18:00.001-05:00

On the Record with 88 Keys

VIDEO: Busta Rhymes Live @ The Knitting Factory

2008-11-06T11:47:00.002-05:00

Busta Rhymes performed at The Knitting Factory in New York City last week. Q-Tip and Consequence guested. More on the night here.

Change, That's What's Up

2008-11-05T12:42:00.001-05:00

LISTEN: Jay Electronica - Exhibit A (Transformations) (Prod. by Just Blaze)

2008-11-04T11:54:00.002-05:00

DOWNLOAD Jay Electronica - Exhibit A (Transformations) (MP3)

Just Blaze produced this new Jay Electronica track off of the hilariously titled Fresh Cuts Vol. 3 (Music By Guitar Center Employees).

LISTEN: Abstract Rude - The Government (Nov 4th RMX)

2008-11-04T11:18:00.003-05:00

DOWNLOAD Abstract Rude - The Government (Nov 4th RMX) (MP3)

Abstract Rude releases a special Nov 4th remix to 'The Government'. Off of his upcoming album Dear Abbey dropping Spring '09.

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

2008-11-03T15:56:00.001-05:00

Dope track featuring a Common's vocal sample for the hook. Props to Pedro who shows up in the background.

LISTEN: Ali Vegas - Excuse Me ft Shire

2008-11-03T12:30:00.003-05:00

DOWNLOAD Ali Vegas - Excuse Me ft Shire (MP3

Ali Vegas comes out of the dark with a new track produced by Rico & Pres. Dopest Vegas track I've heard in a while.

LISTEN: Praverb - A Blogger's Dream (Prod. by Jake One)

2008-11-03T10:58:00.002-05:00

DOWNLOAD Praverb - A Blogger's Dream (MP3)

"This track was conceived due to my disapproval with the XXL Freshmen 10 article (Mickey, Blu, Wale, B.o.B, and Cory Gunz are definitely dope), I believe that XXL could have highlighted more deserving emcees (Skyzoo, Donny Goines, Drake, Shad K., Elzhi, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, Fashawn, Sha Stimuli, Wiz Khalifa, Torae, AC, Reks, Termanology, Nametag, Joe Budden, Pacific Division, and many more). I was fumbling with the idea for about a month and the article is all I needed to pen the lyrics. In the second verse I make a statment NOT a diss towards Asher Roth. The statment suggests if Asher Roth is better than Stimuli and my response is heck no. Asher is a talented emcee who has a lot of potential (he is also not afraid to reveal his background) but Stimuli is a better emcee than Asher and should have been featured over Mr. Roth (in my eyes). Sometimes marketability is the thing that saves or makes an artist more visible than the next. When I wrote the song I did not focus on winning the contest per say but instead I focused on crafting a nice song. Hopefully you will like it as much as I do" - Praverb

VIDEO: Freeway - Change

2008-11-03T10:48:00.000-05:00

Freeway brings it on the social commentary tip.

VIDEO: tabi Bonney - Microphone Fiend (live)

2008-11-02T23:57:00.001-05:00

Tabi Bonney covers the classic Eric B. & Rakim track live with a full band at The Puma Archive in DC.

tabi Bonney - The Puma Archive from tabi Bonney on Vimeo.

VIDEO: Saigon - What A Life

2008-10-31T18:05:00.001-04:00

I'm a little late on this but Saigon's 'What A Life' beat, and rhymes for that matter, are too dope of a 90's throwback to not post this. I'd love a Pac verse over this. I haven't said that in a decade.

VIDEO: Pharoahe Monch - Welcome To The Terrordome

2008-10-31T17:52:00.002-04:00

Pharoahe Monch remade Public Enemy's classic 'Welcome To The Terrordome' for his album a while back. Unexpectedly here's a video for it, guerilla/low budget style, but it's hard to do anything wrong with this song.

LISTEN: Rich Boy - Drop ft. Polow Da Don

2008-10-30T11:14:00.002-04:00

DOWNLOAD Rich Boy - Drop ft. Polow Da Don (MP3)

Polow Da Don basically gives us his take on 'A Millie' with this new Rich Boy single.

Photo by Angela Boatwright

NEWS: Surprise Diddy Set Tonight @ Busta Rhymes Knitting Factory Show

2008-10-29T17:58:00.003-04:00

Tonight's Busta Rhymes show at the tiny Knitting Factory will feature a surprise set by Diddy. And his flipcam I bet.

Wednesday Oct 29, 8pm
Busta Rhymes & Pacific Division & Diddy @ Knitting Factory NYC
Special opening DJ set by Mick Boogie!
FREE RSVP by texting BUSTA or PACDIV to 66937.
Space is VERY limited, please arrive early.
No guaranteed admission. (directions + info)

Update: I was right, but Diddy decided last minute not to show. Boo!

LISTEN: Coldplay + Jay-Z = Viva La Hova

2008-10-28T15:25:00.002-04:00

DOWNLOAD Coldplay + Jay-Z = Viva La Hova [FullMixtape] (MP3)

Mick Boogie and Terry Urban got together for a project that mashes up friends and sometimes collaborators Jay-Z and Coldplay: Viva La Hova. Check the tracklist over at Eskay's and download above.

VIDEO: Dallas Penn Interviews Donny Goines

2008-10-28T10:30:00.002-04:00

The bearded one of Interns Celebrities interviews Mr. Donny Goines.

Part 1

Part 2

VIDEO: Donny Goines - Can't Fit In My Shoes

2008-10-21T12:03:00.002-04:00

Simple but dope new video by the likes of Donny Goines, who by the way should've made the XXL cover (see previous post). Directed by Court Dunn.

Donny Goines - Can't Fit In My Shoes [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO] from Restless Films on Vimeo.

NEWS: Mickey Factz Makes XXL Cover

2008-10-20T15:27:00.002-04:00

Look at that! Our boy Mickey Factz on the cover of XXL Mag. Via Eskay who also has the other variants (comic book lingo for you non-nerds).

VIDEO: Distrakt - Fire Escape

2008-10-18T16:37:00.002-04:00

This song is 1996 style dope so bear with me while you watch the first nearly 2 minutes of story set up without any music. The video is what you get when you mix up Star Wars, exploitation movies, Wu-Tang, comic book references, japanimation and Hip Hop. Distrakt did the editing, directing, beats and rhymes himself.

LISTEN: Eminem - I’m Having A Relapse

2008-10-17T16:20:00.002-04:00

DOWNLOAD ~~Eminem - I’m Having A Relapse (MP3)~~

Eminem performed at a small book launch event yesterday and here's a new rhyme he just released on Shade 45. Oh yea, he's definitely back, but for how long. It's interesting to see the opposite of the flood-the-market-with-music work very well also. I've always been a fan of Em as an MC, but not so much of his albums, yet I'm thrilled to just even hear this dope rhyme over an alright beat. The flow goes on forever.

Update: Apparently this promotional Eminem track that was liberally spread on radio and online led to my post being deleted by blogger. It's not even a track that's for sale or ever will be for sale, just a promo to promote his book. This is ridiculous and I'm pretty sure Em's team had nothing to do with it. Google it, you can still find the track, as it was intended to be found. Blogger, you've dissappointed me, not even a warning or info request, just deleting a post?! And again, for a non-commercial track?

NEWS: Method Man & Redman Tour Dates

2008-10-16T16:27:00.003-04:00

Method Man & Redman’s Blackout 2 is set for a December release as they will launch their Still High Tour tomorrow, October 17th at the Nokia Theatre. All dates below.

STILL HIGH TOUR DATES
Fri-Oct 17, 2008 New York, NY – Nokia Theatre
Tue-Oct 21, 2008 Bloomington IN – Bluebird
Wed-Oct 22, 2008 Covington, KY – Mad Hatter
Thu-Oct 23, 2008 Detroit, MI – Crofoot Ballroom
Fri-Oct 24, 2008 Chicago, IL – House of Blues
Mon-Oct 27, Minneapolis, MN – First Ave
Wed-Oct 29, Denver, CO – Ogden
Thu-Oct 30, Aspen, CO – Belly Up
Fri-Oct 31, Salt Lake City, UT – Murray Theatre
Sun-Nov 2, Bellingham, WA – WMU – Viking Union
Tue-Nov 4, Portland, OR – Roseland
Wed-Nov 5, Seattle, WA – Showbox SODO
Thu-Nov 6, Arcata, CA – Humboldt St. Univ
Fri-Nov 7, San Fran, CA – Grand Ballroom
Sat-Nov 8, Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst
Sun-Nov 9, Petaluma, CA – Phoenix Theater
Tue-Nov 11, Los Angeles, CA – House of Blues
Thu-Nov 13, San Diego, CA – Cane’s
Fri-Nov 14, Phoenix, AZ – Marquee Theater
Sat-Nov 15, Albuquerque, NM – ALB Convention CTR
Sun-Nov 16, Dallas, TX – House of Blues
Tue-Nov 18, Austin, TX – Stubbs Waller Creek Amp
Wed-Nov 19, Houston, TX – House of Blues
Fri-Nov 21, Athens, GA – Georgia Theater
Sat-Nov 22, Asheville, NC – Orange Peel
Sun-Nov 23, Carrboro, NC – Cats Cradle
Tue-Nov 25, Norfolk, VA – Norva Theatre
Wed-Nov 26, Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
Fri-Nov 28, Asbury Park, NJ – Stony Pony
Sat-Nov 29, Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero
Sun-Dec 2, 2008 Baltimore, MD – Sonar
Sat-Dec 3, 2008 Richmond, VA – Toads Place
Thu-Dec 4, Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
Fri-Dec 5, Worchester, MA – Palladium
Wed-Dec 10, New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
Fri-Dec 12, Providence, RI – Lupos

VIDEO: Donny Goines BARS Ep. 22 Ft. Theo, Mr. Mecca, Mista Mista and Punch

2008-10-16T11:11:00.002-04:00

Donny Goines keeps going and going.

Bars Bonus Segment Ft. Nakim

VIDEO: Termanology - 93 Till Infinity Freestyle

2008-10-10T10:57:00.001-04:00

Termanology over one of the best beats ever.

LISTEN: Lil' Wayne & The Roots - A Millie (live)

2008-10-09T12:12:00.003-04:00

DOWNLOAD Lil' Wayne & The Roots - A Millie (live) (MP3)

Live in Miami last night. Questlove is doing all those "amillie" parts vocally while drumming. From his Twitter: many things i can do on my day job and 90% of you seen em: talk and jokes while drumming, pick my hair and bandlead, penalize frank or the guilty party and not lose the beat, even blogged and posted on okayplayer.com while drumming
girlfriend once made me a sandwich and i dropped nary a crumb while i played 16th notes
but ladies and gents...a first in my 20 years as a Root....i got stumped, i cannot drum and sing "AMILLIEAMILLEAMMILLIEAMILAMILAMILAMILAMILLIEAMILLIEAMILLEAMMILLIE" at the same time, never in my life have i ever prayed for a moment to pass. i can do 200 crunches w/o bitching even deal w/ moms crying i dont call her enough, but i really thought i couldn't make it through this song without turning purple. much thanks to Weeze for holding us down.

VIDEO: Murs - Can It Be

2008-10-09T12:10:00.000-04:00

Off the solid, and at time awesome, Murs for President.

VIDEO: Donny Goines BARS Ep. 21 Feat Liaison, D. Chambers & Math Hoffa

2008-10-09T10:20:00.004-04:00

The hardest working man in Hip Hop is back with episode 21. If your in the NY area be sure to get out to B.A.R.S Live at the Knitting Factory Oct. 28th with Mr. Donny, Mickey Factz, Skyzoo, A. Pinks, Torae, NYOIL, Dame Grease, Amanda Diva, K Salaam, Sha Stimilu, Panama, Esso and many more. Great Hip Hop for a great cause.

LISTEN: Praverb - Blessed With The Gift

2008-10-08T10:36:00.003-04:00

DOWNLOAD Praverb - Blessed With The Gift (MP3)

Praverb is back with this Teddy Roxpin produced track that combines battle lyrics and spiritual aspects. Lots of sports references, including a Kimbo one about him going down after a jab the other night. Just another really dope track from an underrated MC.

VIDEO: Kanye West - Love Lockdown

2008-10-07T11:50:00.000-04:00

Kanye West debuted the new 'Love Lockdown' video on....Ellen. I love Ellen. 'Ye once again pushes the boundaries in Hip Hop video land. Wow @ those neon colored girls.

NEWS: Hip Hop Lives Tour Dates

2008-10-06T16:52:00.003-04:00

There's a new Hip Hop Live! Tour coming up, this time featuring Talib Kweli, David Banner, Little Brother, and B.O.B. performing with The Rhythm Roots All-Stars. More info over @ Sony.com/HipHopLiveTour. By the way, The Rhythm Roots All Stars are a collective of the industries best musicians, who have performed/recorded with such notables as Black Eyed Peas, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Outkast, etc.

Tour Dates:
(w/ Little Brother supporting)
10/08/08 Fox Theater, Boulder, CO
10/10/08 First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
10/13/08 Bluebird, Bloomington, IN
10/16/08 Revolution, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
(w/ BOB supporting)
10/18/08 Georgia Theatre, Athens, GA
10/19/08 Orange Peel, Asheville, NC
10/20/08 9:30 Club, Washington DC
10/21/08 Trocadero, Philadelphia, PA
10/24/08 Showcase Live, Boston, MA
10/25/08 Nokia Theatre, NYC, NY

VIDEO: Common - Universal Mind Control ft. Pharrell

2008-10-06T16:03:00.001-04:00

It feels like actually came out about a month ago, but it didn't. Pharrell takes Common into Michael/Janet future land. It's doper than I'd think it would be on paper.

VIDEO: Brooklyn Academy Perform W/ Keith Murray & Jean Grey

2008-10-06T12:06:00.002-04:00

Performed live at Southpaw in Park Slope, Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Academy - Hide ft Keith Murray

Brooklyn Academy - Raise Ya Hands ft Jean Graw

VIDEO: The Roots On Registering To Vote

2008-10-06T10:25:00.001-04:00

VIDEO: ScholarMan - Passin' Me By 2008

2008-10-06T10:11:00.002-04:00

Off of The Pull Forward EP Vol. 2. This is a tribute to The Pharcyde's original classicand the video features Agatha Jazmin. Dope track.

VIDEO: Palin Scares Diddy

2008-10-03T18:31:00.001-04:00

Best. Diddy. Blog. Yet. Not that is that much of an accomplishment, but this is entertainment and truth right here.

VIDEO: Donny Goines BARS Ep. 20 ft Mazzi

2008-10-02T10:51:00.000-04:00

VIDEO: Joe Budden - Touch And Go

2008-10-01T10:46:00.003-04:00

This is Joe Budden going late-era LL Cool J on us with a club track for the ladies. It's unfortunately even more misguided than some of LL's moves. Joe can do a lot better than this generic 2001 crap.

'Touch And Go' was initially supposed to be the lead-single for Joe's sophomore LP, Padded Room, but because of some developments Joe has recorded a new lead-single which is so dope, the label and Joe decided to push Padded Room back to 2-24-09, to give the new single a push at radio and video. Now, 'Touch And Go' resurfaces as the lead-single to Joe's "pre-quel" to Padded Room, Halfway House which will be released on 10-28-08.

VIDEO: Mickey Factz - Road To The Achievement Ep. 1

2008-09-30T14:36:00.001-04:00

VIDEO: Ludacris - Undisputed ft Floyd Merryweather

2008-09-29T10:25:00.003-04:00

One of Ludacris's dopest beats in a minute. This is so Roc 2002 that it really should get a remix with a Jay-Z verse.

VIDEO: Donny Goines BARS Ep. 19 ft Kel Spencer

2008-09-25T17:32:00.000-04:00

VIDEO: Notorious Trailer

2008-09-23T11:33:00.001-04:00

Damn, this doesn't look very good, does it?

VIDEO: Nas - Make The World Go Around ft The Game [Behind The Scenes]

2008-09-18T14:37:00.001-04:00

I for one love the fact that Nas has taken to The Game. Every song they've done together so far has been great.

VIDEO: Donny Goines BARS Cypher Edition ft Outasight, Sav Killz, Silent Knight, Blu, AOK Collective & K. Gaines

2008-09-18T12:22:00.002-04:00

FT. Outasight, Sav Killz & Silent Knight

FT. Blu, AOK Collective & K. Gaines

VIDEO: Freestyle Battle Translated Into Proper English

2008-09-15T16:26:00.000-04:00

Genius.

See more funny videos and Music Videos at Today's Big Thing.

VIDEO: The Real - Making It Chain

2008-09-15T11:46:00.001-04:00

LISTEN: LL Cool J - New York, New York

2008-09-12T11:10:00.004-04:00

DOWNLOAD LL Cool J - New York, New York (MP3)

LL Cool J was one of my favorite rappers back in the day, before he made a sharp turn for the wack. Recently he finally released one or two tracks that again had some life to them, ones that weren't terribly misguided pop efforts. (Check out the dope 'Rockin' With The G.O.A.T.' here.) But this bonus track off of Exit 13 shows he hasn't lost his ability yet to release badly conceived and poorly executed tracks. Lets summarize, a tired Frank Sinatra sample (you can guess which one), lame claims of 'taking New York back', that overly fake and annoying laugh opening the track, a Nas bite, a played out flow, and synthy strings that make it sound like an even lamer A+ 'Enjoy Yourself' knock off (and that's hard to do). Try harder Uncle L. You're better than this.

VIDEO: Muja Messiah - Get Fresh

2008-09-12T10:43:00.003-04:00

Muja Messiah is seeing some deserved success as Thee Adventures
of a B-Boy D-Boy will be re-issued through Koch November 11th. This video has cameos by Slug (Atmosphere), Manifest, Samahra (Black Blondie) and others. Check out City Pages Poll article on Muja. I'm not a hustler who raps, I'm a rapper who hustled to pay for studio time.

VIDEO: Donny Goines BARS Ep. 18 ft Emilio Rojas

2008-09-11T15:07:00.000-04:00

LISTEN: Jadakiss - Who Run This ft. Jay-Z

2008-09-11T11:51:00.003-04:00

DOWNLOAD Jadakiss - Who Run This ft. Jay-Z (MP3)

Allegedly off of J.A.D.A.K.I.S.S.. This is actually one of the better tracks Jada has released in a minute. Unfortunately the Jigga feature is merely some adlibs, and they're probably old. The Roc! We want our spot back.

VIDEO: Ludacris - What Them Girls Like ft. Chris Brown & Sean Garrett

2008-09-11T11:09:00.003-04:00

Ludacris goes 'What Women Want' on us. Luda's flow is dope per usual and he throws some old school references in there. Chris Brown doesn't ever really sing, does he? IS this Sean's first time coming on this side of the pen?

VIDEO: Termanology - How We Rock ft Bun B (Prod. by DJ Premier)

2008-09-10T18:10:00.003-04:00

As part of the long-running SDSU DJ Premier Appreciation series.

VIDEO: Asher Roth Interview

2008-09-10T14:28:00.001-04:00

VIDEO: Murs On Power106 With DJ Reflex & DJ Skee

2008-09-09T17:15:00.001-04:00

VIDEO: Seel Fresh - Keep It Moving

2008-09-08T12:26:00.000-04:00

Straight out of Chicago.

VIDEO: Joell Ortiz - Memories

2008-09-08T10:24:00.002-04:00

Directed by Rik Cordero.

LISTEN: KO - Shiny

2008-09-05T14:52:00.002-04:00

DOWNLOAD KO - Shiny (MP3)

Off of Clinton Sparks's upcoming mixtape.

VIDEO: Donny Goines BARS Ep. 17 ft Fokis

2008-09-04T11:47:00.000-04:00

VIDEO: Statik Selektah - Take It To The Top ft. Cassidy, Saigon & Termanology

2008-08-28T11:27:00.000-04:00

Statik Selektah feat. Cassidy, Saigon & Termanology - "Take It To The Top" from Three/21 Films on Vimeo.

VIDEO: Donny Goines BARS Ep. 15 ft Remo Da Rapstar

2008-08-28T11:03:00.000-04:00

This kids knows not what it is to not work hard. Episode 15.

VIDEO: Donny Goines BARS Ep. 14 ft Panama

2008-08-27T11:43:00.001-04:00

VIDEO: The Game & Joe Budden End Beef

2008-08-27T11:33:00.001-04:00

Horrendous sound/video quality, but worth posting that Joe Budden and The Game ended their beef on stage in NYC last night by performing 'Pump It Up' together.

LISTEN: Young Jeezy - Put On (Remix) ft. Jay-Z, kanYe West, Ludacris, Chamillionaire, David Banner, Wale & Z-Ro

2008-08-23T20:20:00.004-04:00

DOWNLOAD Young Jeezy - Put On (Remix) ft. Jay-Z, kanYe West, Ludacris, Chamillionaire, David Banner, Wale & Z-Ro (MP3)

Wow, big weekend for Kanye West produced posse cut. This one weights in at 12 minutes Game style. The vocal production on this is horrendous and I don't even know what's going on with the beat during Wale's verse. Ludacris destroys most, but I'm still feeling Kanye West's verse more because of the heart.

Props tp SmokeYYY.

LISTEN: T.I. - Swagger Like Us ft. Kanye West, Jay-Z & Lil' Wayne

2008-08-23T09:58:00.004-04:00

DOWNLOAD T.I. - Swagger Like Us ft. Kanye West, Jay-Z & Lil' Wayne (MP3)

An M.I.A. vocal sample cradles four verses by four of the biggest rappers out there. Kanye West put a little, well...a lot of T-Pain on his vocals and surprisingly delivers the strongest verse of the whole track. Lil' Wayne put even more T-Pain on himself. T.I. finally gets a little lyrical again. And I just had to use this picture. Jigga does Jigga but doesn't really deliver any memorable lines IMHO. But I'm always extra hard on the GOAT. If Weezy would've delivered this verse I would've called it his first great verse probably.

NEWS: Jake One Announces Debut Album

2008-08-22T12:40:00.002-04:00

Seattle's own Jake One steps from behind the boards to present his own debut full-length album White Van Music (Rhymesayers) and it has a tracklist like whoa. Jake has produced for De La Soul, 50 Cent and others. Who's got this news first? SDSU.

White Van Music Track List
01. I’m Coming feat. Black Milk & Nottz
02. Gangsta Boy feat. M.O.P.
03. The Truth feat. Freeway & Brother Ali
04. Turn It Down
05. God Like feat. D. Black
06. Bless The Child feat. Little Brother
07. Oh Really feat. Posdnuos & Slug
08. Hi
09. Trap Door feat. MF DOOM
10. Dead Wrong feat. Young Buck
11. Kissin' The Curb feat. Bishop Lamont & Busta Rhymes
12. How We Ride feat. Freeway
13. White Van feat. Alchemist, Evidence & Prodigy
14. Big Homie Style feat. J. Pinder, GMK & Spaceman
15. Scared feat. Blueprint
16. Great Sound
17. Get 'Er Done feat. MF DOOM
18. Feelin' My Shit feat. Casual
19. Soil Raps feat. Keak Da Sneak
20. Glow feat. eLZhi & Royce Da 5'9"
21. R.I.P.
22. Home feat. Vitamin D, C Note, Maine & Ish

Jake One Talks About The State Of Hip Hop

NEWS: Duck Down Signs B-Real

2008-08-22T10:50:00.002-04:00

Ah Cypress Hill, one of my top favorite groups from back in the day.

In a continuing effort to expand their talented roster of artists, Duck Down Records has just announced a new album deal with B-Real, of Cypress Hill for his first solo album debut, 'Smoke N Mirrors' in stores January 27th, 2009.

The album will feature Snoop Dogg, Damian Marley, Buckshot, Sean Price, Sen Dog and production by DJ Quik, Fredwreck, Scoop Deville, and others.

B-Real @ Rock The Bells 2007. More photos here.

VIDEO: Donny Goines BARS Ep. 11 ft. Phase One

2008-08-21T10:44:00.001-04:00

LISTEN: Black ELement - Confirmation

2008-08-20T11:17:00.002-04:00

DOWNLOAD Black ELement - Confirmation (MP3)

Produced by 6th Sense and dopely so.

VIDEO: Skillz Shares Some Fascinating Industry Insight

2008-08-19T14:02:00.003-04:00

Must watch for those interested in the music industry as a business and Hip Hop as an enterprise. Skillz isn't just a dope rapper, he's also a great speaker as it turns out.

VIDEO: 9th Wonder & Murs Discuss Pt 2

2008-08-18T16:51:00.001-04:00

VIDEO: GZA Speaks On Pro-Tools

2008-08-15T10:24:00.000-04:00

LISTEN: John Legend - Green Light (MSTRKFT Remix) ft. Andre 3000

2008-08-14T11:53:00.003-04:00

DOWNLOAD John Legend - Green Light (MSTRKFT Remix) ft Andre 3000 (MP3)

Electro artists MSTRKFT remix John Legend's 'Green Light'. 3 Stacks appearance kind of gets lost in the shuffle, but check out the original mp3 for your Andre fix.