Pic: Freddie Foxxx Mixing It Up W/ Some Guy @ Statik Selektah's Album Release Party Last Night

No, I'm not above posting this either damnit....

Seems last night some random "dude" that was attending Statik Selektah's "100 Proof" album release party @ SOB's in NYC decided that tryin' to talk sideways out his neck to Freddie Foxxx Bumpy Knuckles was the bees knees (that or he just ain't know who he was fuckin' wit) and was promptly introduced to Bump's proclivity for settling disagreements via unbridled rage...

Ha, whoever you are "guy", Twitter was a wreck last night describing how you got served up room service style...

The legend lives on...

-BIG D O

Jaylib vs. J Rocc Mix

Stones Throw has been exceedingly generous in the past few months and that generosity extended into yesterday when they dropped re-dropped this 29 minute mix that J-Rocc of the Beat Junkies (and of Jaylib if you ain't know) made 7 years ago in 03'.

Originally put out as promo release and then a 45, many Stones Throw fanatics probably have been fienin' for this mix for sometime, but it had been long discontinued...Now it's all yours...

The first 8 tracks are Dilla and Madlib stuff and the back half of the mix is the "Champion Sound" portion that received the royal 45 pressing treatment...

Dive into this man, a great lil' mix that comes just in time to kick off Dilla month.

-BIG D O


Jaylib vs. J Rocc

Single: Termanology - Uncut

Fresh off his dope performances for his longtime homeboy Statik Selektah's latest album "100 Proof", Law Town rhymer Termanology hits us with a new joint off his upcoming "50 Bodies 3" mixtape...

Term brings it here over a smooth beat concoction (actually have messed with that same sample myself) for a brief, but effective freestyle...

You can catch yourself a body or two with Ology on Feb. 3rd when he drops said mixtape along with Green Lantern, Statik and DJ Deadeye mixing it up.

-BIG D O

Single: Game - Shake (prod. by Cool & Dre)

Following Jayceon can get pretty tiresome, especially with his penchant for crossing into his fair share of questionable beyond corny moments, the latest being involved with this, but as all of you know I can't deny a really dope joint when I hear it.

Having a lil' fun over an infectious Cool & Dre production complete with the word "Shake" throughout it, Game proves once again that even though he was that guy that got a butterfly tatted on his cheek and the butt of many a quip, he can rhyme his ass off and dish out a few of his own funny lines; (the one involving "anything being in his [50's] vitamin shake had me in stitches)...LOL, get yaself a piece son! Bring on the freestyles rappers!...

-BIG D O



Game - Shake

Boog Brown - Grind Season Vol.1

Over here at PHH I'm always on the lookout for dope new femcees and after listening to ATL-based Boog Brown I would wholeheartedly place her in that category...

Prepping folks for her forthcoming collab album with hockey town beatmaker Apollo Brown, Ms. Brown collects a bunch of her latest works and throws them together for this excellent new mixtape...

Possessing a deep thinking, spoken word typa sound the Detroit (Highland Park) born and bred Boogie goes to work over a host of head nodding compositions creating a laid back and very neo-soulish vibe. Make no mistake however, Boog has an edge to her verses as well...graceful and strong at the same time, the balance she strikes has mos def. made me a fan. Reminds me a heck of a lot of a Philly emcee named Bahamadia, but enough with the comparisons...

In her Myspace Bio Boogie fancies herself merely a "novice" at the rap thing, I'm letting her know now she's far more skilled than she realizes.

-BIG D O


Boog Brown - Grind Season Vol.1

News: Just Blaze Moves Studio To Harlem

Before any of us had a chance to get overly weepy or nostalgic about the closing of Baseline Studios, it's owner; producer extraordinaire Just Blaze has promptly found a new home...

Today it's been announced that Just will be taking his business to StadiumRed in Harlem, NYC to launch an exclusive partnership.

-BIG D O


From the official press release we get some comments from the founder of StadiumRed and Just Beezie about their new endeavor:

Founder Claude Zdanow: “With the addition of “Just Blaze”, this is quickly becoming our dream team. Stadiumred is truly great because of the talent based here. It’s a diverse family, experienced in so many genres that come together in one place to make brilliant music. It’s so exciting to come in everyday and realize that our vision really has no limit.”

Just Blaze: “I’m looking forward to setting up shop with the guys at Stadiumred. I’ve been in this business for 13 years and their vision and drive are the perfect compliment to what I look to build during the next phase of my career. I’m looking forward to creating something great with them. World domination coming soon!”

....and just in case you were wondering, here's a lil' info about StadiumRed & Mr. Zdanow:

Established in 2007 by Claude Zdanow, Stadiumred is a full-service production, mixing and recording facility in Manhattan. A musician and songwriter since he was a teenager growing up in Long Island, Claude owned his first recording studio, RockIT, when he was 15 years-old. At 19, Claude took over the space once occupied by Harmolodic, the studio of Jazz legend Ornette Coleman.

Single: 6th Sense & Punchlyne - Use Your Head (prod. by 6th Sense)

New banger off NY beat man 6th Senses "It's A 6th Sense Mixtape Yo Vol. 2 & 3" that features EMC member and famed big apple lyricist Punchline Punchlyne.

This track resonates with me a great deal and provides some solid advice from Punch over a dope production from 6th....great stuff all around. I guess 6th actually had had this beat just laying around for some time...[wow]...

If you haven't grabbed "It's A 6th Sense Mixtape Yo Vol. 2 & 3" yet, you can do so here completely free...

-BIG D O

Video: Shyheim - Bond

Who don't love that good ole' jail rap?

LOL, while I admit that the scenery for longtime former Wu associate Shyheim's new vid really ain't nuthin' I'm tryin to build too deep with nowadays, I can't deny co-signing an ill joint when I hear it and admitting, yeah, I was that guy back in the 90's that you would hear blaring rough and tumble Hip-Hop much like this at max. volume.

"Bond" begins simply enough, Shy gets violated for somethin and after a failed bribery attempt (it never works) is promptly sent to the can from which he details the rest of his stint.

It's so crazy hearing joints like this come out today...Hip-Hop's grittier rappers that used to kick stuff like this have either hung it up or re-invented themselves to be less aggressive to suit the new generations whole metro sexual schtick. We literally went from hearin' tons of songs that dropped lines that involved "gettin knocked on the humble", "goin up north", "central bookings" and so on, to well...I couldn't tell you what cats is talkin about nowadays...their padlocked jeans and the iPad I guess...

Thanks for the flashbacks Shy, this is a banger that only heads who were diggin' "The Lost Generation" and "Manchild" could really feel..

-BIG D O

News: Jef Jux Records To Undergo A "Change"

For the better part of today news that beloved Indie underground Hip-Hop label Definitive Jux would be closing it's doors circulated wildly...That's kind of true, and it's kind of not. It seems that earlier this evening El-P himself delivered a quote to the masses about his label and just what it's official status will be going forward...

El-P: This means change for JUX. Of course we’ll still have our website, we will still sell our catalog, merch and more as well as bring you news and updates on all our projects and artists. We will be releasing “KING OF HEARTS”, a DEF JUX remix compilation, a 10 year anniversary retrospective and some other goodies. But then as a traditional record label DEF JUX will effectively be put on hiatus. We are not closing, but we are changing. The process is already underway, and the last several months (for those wondering what the hell we’ve been up to) have been spent dealing with the technical aspects of wrapping up the label in it’s current form and re-imagining our collective and individual futures.

I'm happy that the website will remain intact and that EL and company will still be dropping some new releases, but I am a bit dis-heartened to see yet another force in the Indie world have to close up their physical, more orthodox business...Either way thanks to El and good luck to him in the future.

-BIG D O

Listen To Gil Scott-Heron's New Album Streaming

The incomparable Soul poet, musician and author known the world over as Gil Scott-Heron, who served as a forefather for many Neo Soul and Hip-Hop artists has emerged with a brilliant new album that he's letting us hear for free...

"I'm New Here:" splashes together Jazz, Blues, spoken word and elements of modern Hip-Hop and finds Gil wielding his familiar brand of heady, self-examining and socially aware song and poetry...

It's been awhile since we've heard Gil drop a solo album, (almost 15 years to be exact) with 1994's "Spirits" being the last we got. I know that I enjoyed waking up and vibing out with this new album...Gil has so much wisdom to impart upon this new generation...

listen up ya'll, a legend is speaking...

Oh what the hell:

"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised"!!

-BIG D O


Listen to "I'm New Here:" Streaming

Single: The Away Team - Interrior

I needed a smooth boom bap joint to finish up my night of info intake overload...

In case you were wondering, no, not even I could escape the ubiquitous outpouring of day after Grammy flicks, stories about NFL Head Coaches flippin' the bird at MMA events and of course, sextape scandals.

As I let all of the madness seckle, Khrysis' head nodding production and Sean Boog's honest narration let me know "something insiiide of me" is tremendously happy that I write about Hip-Hop and nothing else...

props to Boog on the Big Lez line...that woman was thick before America knew what thick was...

-BIG D O


The Away Team - Interrior

From the First of the Blacks to the First of the Whites: Immortal Technque's Essay On Haiti

If you haven't heard from Immortal Technique Felipe Coronel lately and are one of the folks that is always complaining about how he takes forever to drop, understand that dude has always been more than just a "political" or "conscious" rapper...In fact last I checked Tech was trying to fund and start up an orphanage in Afghanistan and doing speaking engagements at some of this county's biggest universities and abroad. A far cry from most American MC's who you could likely find currently updating their facebook status or rolling another L, rather than engaging their mind about the rest of the world, what exactly is going on in it and even further what they can do via their music and capitol to change it.

Recently EveryDropCounts.com published an essay that the continuously wired Peruano wrote that delves into the recent crisis in Haiti, but more so the historical context behind some it's recently much (and perhaps grossly incorrect) referenced revolution, as well as that island's racial identity. Put on your thinking cap, stop watching those ridiculous Grammy clips and read up, Tech takes us all to school here...

-BIG D O

Since the recent tragedy that has befallen the proud and persevering nation of Haiti, there has been an outpouring of support followed by a few disturbing falsities being spread about the history of the island and its people. I wrote the following to shed some light on events during and around the Haitian Revolution. Please remember memorizing and reiterating should never pass for learning. Deciphering the significance of individuals and events is what truly teaches us not just about history, but also about ourselves.

There is a wide spectrum of beliefs behind what has caused Haiti to suffer ceaselessly over the years. Some see the problem as being mostly political, bad governance, modern day colonialism, and the perceived necessity to make an example to the world of what a successful slave revolution will get you. There are even those on the fringe who cling to an ancient superstition that the island was freed by a mythological pact with Satan (video) In order to shed light on the issue I am forced to go back in time. Obviously not to the beginning of occupational history, but far enough to give others a realistic perspective on Haiti and it’s struggle.

Read the rest here

Single: Mickey Factz - Big Trouble In Little China (prod. by J Dilla)

One of Hipster rap's better acts hits us with a new joint, that contrary to the title has little to do with John Carpenter's late 80's, campy flick of the same name...Unless you happen to think Mickey sort of takes on the persona of the tongue in cheek Jack Burton.

Pretty good stuff and that's coming from a cat that loathes a lot of what the whole hipster movement is about, not to say that that's exactly who Mickey is, but ya know...

Always good to hear some Dilla, in any capacity...I think I heard someone saying on Twitter that it's actually Dilla month, but don't quote me on that.

-BIG D O


Mickey Factz- Big Trouble in Lil China

Video: Common Promising A Return To Boom Bap?

Ahhh, promises, promises Mr. Williams Lynn...

Not that his past few albums were bad or anything, (I actually enjoy the shit outta "Finding Forever" and "Be") but if Com ever did go back to having more of a boom bap typa sound, man...I think I would make one of my rare trips to Best Buy to actually cop a CD.

The clip is brief, but the info will last until he drops the new one which I guess is due sometime this year...

-BIG D O

Review: RJD2 - The Colossus

Teeming with curious sounds, solid drums and his unique warbling, RJD2’s newest instrumental offering “The Colossus” is surefire groove music that is abundant with moods and paints mental pictures with ease.

The producer, singer and songwriter invigorates his old Electrical Connections label to release this album after a short hiatus and the results are progressive. Whether you wanted him to tread new ground or stick to the script, one can’t deny that maybe despite a healthy willingness to re-invent the wheel on his LP’s, RJ still decided to come with more familiar sounding material here. This comes much to the delight of fans of his previous works “Since We Last Spoke” and “The Third Hand”


Read the rest here

AboveGroundMagazine & DJ Pwelbs Present Best Kept Fresh Vol.4

Now that January is in the books we get the pleasure of hearing the homie DJ Pwelbs mix up the tracks he deems the nicest of the previous 30 days..."Best Kept Fresh Vol.4" tiempo children!

As you all should know by now, my other gig on the net is handling reviews over at my 2nd home AboveGroundMagazine.com and one of the monthly features that goes down there is the incomparable "Best Kept Fresh" mixes. They come out totally free for all of you seeking out dope listening material that highlights ill Hip-Hop of every sub-genre in a wonky mix mash of styles.

As always half of the thrill behind the mixes is seeing what the artwork looks like and who handled it...This past January saw The Kid Espi posturing our President and Vice prez in an interesting and fun light.

Shout out to him as well as Pwelbs, Tyler, Janaki, LG_Oner AKA Justin and the rest of my AGM family...

-BIG D O



1. Little Brother – Life Of The Party Pt. 2
2. Cymarshall Law – Discrimination ft. Skit Slam
3. Mally – 3 Part Eulogy
4. Cause, The Kid Daytona, Chaundon – South Bronx (Remix)
5. Damian Marley & Nas – As We Enter
6. Gorillaz – Stylo ft. Mos Def and Bobby Womack
7. Taiyamo Denku – Lightbulb ft. Mainflow
8. Mod Sun – Keep It Movin’ ft. P.O.S.
9. Basic Vocab – What They Want
10. Classified – Oh… Canada
11. D. Black – Special
12. King Mez – Nowhere To Go ft. Thee Tom Hardy
13. theOTHERSIDE – Change The Situation
14. Common – Next Time
15. Bun B & GLC – Happiness Before Riches
16. Sene and Von Pea – Cantstandya
17. Mac Lethal – Exhibit: DEAD
18. Muneshine – Heavy Hitters ft. Fundament and D-Sisive
19. Pill – Aine Given Up ft. Young Scrolla
20. B. Dolan – Fifty Ways to Bleed Your Customer
21. Tanya Morgan – The Make Believer
22. Nero – Far Away From Here
23. Lupe Fiasco – I’m Beaming
24. Raekwon, Ghostface, Method Man, U-God – Clap 2010
25. J. Cole – Playground
26. Intuition – Buzzkill ft. Slug
27. Gripz – Critics ft. K. Sparks
28. Consequence – Childish Games ft. Asher Roth
29. Mos Def – The Tournament
30. Mac Lethal and B. Dolan – Free Floating Hostility


AboveGroundMagazine & DJ Pwelbs Present Best Kept Fresh Vol.4

Video: DJ Babu Short Film #5 "CHI-NANIGANS": 36 hours in Chicago

Follow along as we get another (the fifth to be exact) beat treat from DJ Babu and get to see his trip to the Chi. Only a Beat Junkie could bring still photos to life like this.

Along the way Babu examines his in-flight magazine, spins at Chicago's famed Dark Room, runs up in the studio with Rhymefest and partakes in some of the area's best greenery.

-BIG D O

Video: Redlight Boogie ft. Sean Price - Heat Rock

This brawny new vid from Amsterdam based artist Redlight Boogie sports everything that you want to see from a new name seeking to further establish himself...

"Heat Rock" is a great video filled with masterful lighting, cool effects and spliced-in movie shots from classic gangster flicks. Despite a host of good aesthetic looks, the lyrical back and forth with celebrated Heltah Skeltah and Boot Camp Clik member Ruck Sean Price steals the show. Redlight Boogie may just have a new fan based on how he stepped to the masses here...bruh came correct and held his own next to a guy that routinely makes dudes that have 10+ yrs. in the game sound like slouches.

-BIG D O

Single: DJ Haircut - 1000 Paper Cranes

In honor of reaching the coveted 10,000 follower mark on the latest social media fuckery Twitter (I can't hate, I'm on there 24/7 too, lol) we get a brand new and very smooth instrumental from DJ Haircut, who if your hip enough also know as Mayer Hawthorne Of Stones Throw Records.

The man who once was known more so as a producer/DJ for the Ann Arbor, MI based Athletic Mic League collective reprises his old persona and drops off a laid back, piano key powered gem...love the drums on this, big time props to Mayer Haircut for the freebie.

-BIG D O


DJ Haircut - 1000 Paper Cranes

Alternate link

Single: Styles P ft. Raekwon - Time WIll Tell (prod. by Buckwild)

How about a lil' Styles P and Raekwon over a D.I.T.C. production vet's best to start (or cap off, depending how ya get it in) ya week?

Off his brand new collab album with Green Lantern the "The Green Ghost Project", Styles gets loose alongside Raekwon, who almost always influences his collaborators to drop criminology type rhymes...Rarely is it the case that the collaborator can hang like this though. Styles been doin' the street rhyme thing about just as long as Rae has, so him holding his own here should come as no surprise.

Next to this joint, "Time Will Tell" has the most authentic New Yorkish (I know it ain't a word, work with me it's 2 AM) sounding vibe I've heard so far in 2010...and that's all we want damnit! Keep it simple and do what ya do best fellas, we never not gonna support that.

-BIG D O


Styles P ft Raekown - Time Will Tell