Monday, August 20, 2007

Mr. J. Medeiros "Of Gods and Girls"


Recently got a Basementalism package in the mail from my man Inka One and what do I find inside but the new releases from a member of The Procussions and a brand new album from a cat named E Reece (I'll post somethin' about him soon).

Mr. J. Medeiros of The Procussions has delivered a new album for all the heads.
"Of Gods and Girls" is a really nice solo project that both extends the range that he has shown with the Procussions and carries what they have already been doin' forward. The beats and lyrics are definitely on that kinda emotionally poignant level (most specifically in "Constance" and "Keep Pace"). "who am I if I cant be the person that I was created to be. I write a verse and relate it to me. On the subject of worth I hesitated as I painted the scene heavy laden with the pain of a dream that's unsung. I'm to blame when refraining to reach for someone. We the same on this earth from the dirt we have come. No matter where we're from we're still looking at one sun." Deep stuff but funky at the same time. Production is held down by a who's who of indy hip hop (stro of the procussions, illmind, joey beats, headnodic, & more) as well as Mr. J. Medeiros himself. While I've never been the biggest fan of The Procussions (they're good but have never brought it all together on an album in my opinion) this is definitely a step in the right direction and my favorite Procussions affiliated record to date.

The cats at Basementalism have been bringing quality hip hop to the ears for a while now. Go check them out and pick up the album while you're there.

Download "Keep Pace"

Download "Constance"

Raheem Jamal Releases "Boombox" album on Brick Records


Brick Record's latest release, "Boombox" by Raheem Jamal is what a rap album should be: One MC. One Producer. A cohesive balance between head-snapping beats and inspirational lyrics. Production on "Boombox" is delivered by fellow Boston rapper and producer Raydar Ellis (he dropped "Late Pass" on heads last year). These are (to paraphrase Stevie Wonder) songs in the key of life, love, struggle and strength.

“My record is about finding myself and achieving balance in life,” explains Jamal. “If someone can find something in themselves in my journey, that’s great.” Born and raised in Boston, Jamal has been an integral part of the city’s distinctive hip-hop scene for sometime. Jamal is also a member of Project Move, whose LP "Love Gone Wrong/Butterfly Theory" was released last year. You can even check for Jamal's other group Electric Company, who released "Life's A Struggle." “From conscious heads to street heads,” says Jamal, “Boston has an amazing hip-hop scene with so many talented artists.”

Take a sec and check out one of Boston's most talented emcees and then go cop the damn record!!

download via zshare "We Got"

download "Boombox"

Spear of the Nation Drops "Spearitalk" Sept. 11th


Hey folks! Hope everybody had a good weekend. I just got a new album from the ladies over at NatAural High in San Francisco, CA. "Spearitalk" by Lunar Height's emcee Spear of the Nation.

Continuing to build on the foundation of Oakland's hip hop trinity Lunar Heights, emcee Spear of the Nation is dropping a solo hip hop album on Sept. 11th. What does this educator, foot soldier, and rap tycoon want to talk about? Production masterminds Aristotle the Great and DJ Icewater have mapped it out. Bay Area producer Aristotle the Great aka Aries has coined the term "Boom Slap." When you hear the music you'll know what he means.

NatAural High has dropped some hot albums and 12"s in the last few years.
(Lunar Height's "Crescent Moon" Jern Eye's "Authentic Vintage" Omni's "Batterie" Bavu Blakes "Nobody Leavin" Spank Pops "Populate" and more) "Spearitalk" is right in line with all these releases as well as the sounds of other Bay area representers The Coup, Zion I, Lyrics Born, & Blackalicious.

Make sure and cop this one!

Download via zshare "Clap"

Download via zshare "Black Love"