Nike SB Zoom Tre "Trails End"

The Nike SB Zoom Tre Trails End is released in October. The bold heel piece features a distinctive "Elephant" print pattern. It's the first time it's being used on the Zoom Tre. I'm not a fan of the little swoosh design but this is still a pretty hot sneaker overall. Fall is seeing a lotta browns and earth tones and this is right in line with that direction. Both inner soles also feature custom artworks. The Zoom Tre is the most technically advanced shoe for skateboarding and this time it has been packaged very well.

Nike SB will release the sneaker this month along with an entire collection of clothing and accessories. Expect a presentation of that collection in the following days.

more pics via High Snobiety

Nike "Bling Bling" Dunk Lows

These are the Nike Dunk Low Bling Bling pack which features brown and black suede on the upper, plus golden 3M reflective leather with diamond monogram. It will drop in asia during October to December. I like the sole on these.

pix via Kix Files

Musab "Slick's Box" on Hiero-Imperium

I don't know who produced this track but I absolutely love the way they flipped the sample. I won't put 'em out there by identifying the track or band but I will give a clue by saying I love all the sports teams from this city. Musab really kills this track too.

Musab, the original emcee on Rhymesayers, parted ways with the label (in a seemingly bitter break) and has landed at Hiero-Imperium. Hiero has been loading up on talent lately and this is a welcome addition to their burgeoning roster. Check the track and get the album, "Slick's Box," you won't be sorry.

Download "Baang!"

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Blue Sky Black Death & Hell Razah "Halos" ft Crooked I

I told ya I'd have the single with Crooked I for ya and here it is. Hell Razah and Crooked I get deep over a guitar driven BSBD track.

Download "Halos"

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Battles (from NYC) & Joell Ortiz = Coolest Shit Ever!!!

This is some off the wall, cool-because-it's-so-unexpected, shit right here! Joell Ortiz made some noise on Koch Records with the release of his "The Brick / Bodega Chronicles" album early in '07. Battles is THE indy darling band of the moment with a whole plethora of EP's under their belt and a full length "Mirrored" that also dropped this year. DJ EMZ linked up with Ortiz and remixed Battle's "Leyendecker" off of "Mirrored" with Ortiz on the lyrics.

Download "Leyendecker"

Let's Go To War "Life We Live" Video

Let's Go To War is a Toronto electro/hip-hop group. Think a more aggressive Spank Rock with MSTRKRFT dirty synth elements and you've got the idea. LTGW is on Last Gang Records so keep an eye out there for a '08 release.

Check out the video for "Life We Live"

Wu-Tang Clan "The Heart Gently Weeps"

Well the Wu-Tang Clan made some noise this week in the news with a claim that they had cleared the first ever legal Beatles sample. They would therefore need to push back the release of their newest studio album from Nov. 14th to Dec 4th. As a famous man once said, "why let the truth get in the way of a good story?" As it turn out, according to MTV news

"It's a composition sample and not a master sample that you'll hear on the track, meaning that the Wu did receive permission to use Harrison's song, but not in its original, as-heard-on The White Album form. Rather, it's been "interpolated" — literally, changed by adding some new material — with new lyrics from Wu rappers Ghostface and Raekwon. Harrison's son, Dhani, plays guitar on the song."

Either way the track is still pretty dope even if this was just a genius marketing campaign on the part of someone in the Wu camp. I think it was a marketing move by the way. The track features Erykah Badu, John Frusciante (of red hot chili peppers) and George Harrison's son Dhani. Loud records has put the track up online to give folks a sneak peak at what all the fuss is about so check it out.

Download "The Heart Gently Weeps"

Toxic Avenger & Franki Chan on Tour

IHEARTCOMIX just dropped Toxic Avenger's debut twelve inch. To promote the release TA, along with Franki Chan, are headed across the country on tour. Pulp at CZAR in Tampa will be hosting the tour on Oct 26th!!! Don't miss it!!

Download "All That Motherfuckers" Fred Zefred remix

Kanye West Custom Dunks

It was only a matter of time until some enterprising shoe customizer dropped a Kanye Dunk on the world. EmmanueLabor gets the nod for this scintillating homage to Kanye's latest album, "Graduation."

more pics via SNEAKER FILES

DJ Khaled "I'm So Hood" rmx ft. Lil Wayne, Big Boi, luda, busta, & jeezy

Apparently all rappers on the planet are so "hood."
Luda absolutely murders this track!!!! Kills the original. Seriously, it must be hard to follow that. Big Boi and Busta do their best. It's also just nice to have Big Boi get back to just rapping ya know?!

Download "I'm So Hood" remix

J.R. Writer "Writer's Block 5" Nov, 20th

I can admit that I am in no way, shape, or form a fan of Dip Set. They don't do it for me. They represent most everything that I think is wrong with hip hop these days (image over substance, crass materialism, unrealistic thuggish imagery backed with limited conceptual or technical skill). That being said I have always held J.R. Writer as a guilty pleasure. He is Dip Set to death but at the same time has some lyrical skill and leans toward the catchy punchline delivery of a number of exceptionally talented underground emcees. These talents are often drowned out by the Dip Set pose and the less talented crew mates surrounding him but nonetheless, I like Writer!!!
...oh yeah, Katt Williams is a funny mufucka too!!!

"Where You At" produced by Soul Starz is the first street/leak record from J.R.'s forthcoming sophomore album "Writer's Block 5." The single embodies the gritty, New York street sensibility that has catapulted J.R. out of the shadow of Dipset and into the lyrical limelight.

Getting his start as an extended member of the Dipset crew (including
multiple appearances on frontline Dipset releases & mixtapes), J.R. is
perhaps most renowned for his highly regarded writer's block concept
album series. "Writer's Block 5" is characterized by J.R. as the
defining offering from this series to date.

With 2006's "History In The Making," J.R. showcased his rapid fire
delivery, most notably with Dipset-inflected street hits like "Grill
'Em." "Writer's Block 5" suitably highlights J.R.'s artistic growth
and heightened emphasis on lyrical versatility.

But first it's back to the streets with the gritty stylings of "Where You At."

J.R. WRITER
"WRITER'S BLOCK 5"
IN STORES NOVEMBER 20th
BABYGRANDE RECORDS

Download "Where You At"

www.myspace.com/jrwriter
www.babygrande.com

Blue Sky Black Death "Razah's Ladder" Oct 23rd

Hell Razah, a Wu-Tang affiliate and core original member of the Sunz of
Man, speaks on his most recent solo project, "Blue Sky Black
Death--Hell Razah: Razah's Ladder."

In this rare video appearance, Razah breaks down his creative
collaboration with the buzzing production duo Blue Sky Black Death,
most renowned for their critically heralded 2006 collaboration album
with Wu-Tang affiliate Holocaust.

Recognizing the talent of Kingston and Young God (Blue Sky Black Death),
the veteran emcee shines light on the album's creative process from
inspiration to execution, while also paying respects to the legendary
independent guest artists who appear on the record: ILL Bill & Sabac
Red (Non-Phixion), Crooked I, Shabazz the Disciple, Prodigal Sunn and
more.

While technically Blue Sky Black Death's sophomore album, Hell Razah
appears on almost every track and thereby views this offering as the
prefacing opus to his subsequent release: "Heaven's Razah."

**Also look for the premiere of the Blue Sky Black Death & Hell Razah
track "Halos" featuring renowned emcee Crooked I later this week!!**

Blue Sky Black Death: Hell Razah

"Razah's Ladder"

In Stores Oct. 23rd

www.blueskyblackdeath.com

www.babygrande.com

Equilibrium reunited on Majik Most's latest single

Here is the new single from Majik Most. "Back on the Map" is from Majik's upcoming album "You Got Jokes?!" on Domination Recordings. The track features Celph Titled and Dutchmassive. The Tampa trio formerly known as Equilibrium gained fame in the late 90's with a Celph Titled produced track that sampled the old windows computer sound "Windows '98." as well as a track called "Fahrenheit 813" that put Tampa on the radar in verse. "Back on the Map" is produced by Celph Titled. Check Celph reppin' hard for Tampa on this one.

Download "Back On The Map"

Esoteric "Ego Clapper" on Fly Casual Creative

New music from the Esoteric featuring Termanology and a dope-ass beat by DC the Midi Alien!!!

Fans looking for risk-taking art can look in the direction of "mc/producer" Esoteric and his newly founded Fly Casual Creative label. Esoteric and longtime partner, friend, and graphic designer KARMA decided to launch Fly Casual Creative as the new home of all future music and projects from 7L & Esoteric. Fly Casual's first offical release is Eso's brainchild, "Egoclapper." 16 tracks deep and featuring the glitches, edits, stutters, and vintage cartoon soundbytes that give Esoteric's multi-layered production it's personality, Check for the guest appearances from DJ Premier's protege Termanology, AOTP's Celph Titled, Jedi Mind Tricks' Vinnie Paz and more, as well as production from 7L, Raydar Ellis, & DJ Mark the 45 King.

Download "Incredible Hulk Rap"

Wise Intelligent "Go With Me"

Yep Wise Intelligent of Poor Righteous Teachers is still doin' his thing. It's a good thing too!!
"Wise Intelligent Iz...The Talented Timothy Taylor" dropped on Shaman Works this summer.

Download "Go With Me"

Mac Lethal "11:11" on Rhymesayers Ent.

K.C. rapper, Mac Lethal made a little noise back in '03 when he freestyled his way to a Scribble Jam Emcee Battle victory and was quickly signed to Rhymesayers Entertainment. At which point he promptly fell off the fucking map!! I don't know why but he was signed at the same time as label mate Psalm One and her record has been out for at least a year!! Finally his debut album "11:11" sees the light of day and it is a pretty nice effort. Mac Lethal finds deals with pop-culture, lust, sleep, food, drugs, and alcohol. Standard Rhymesayers fare. Check it out.

Download "Make Out Bandit"

Dan Johns ft. Supastition "I Don't Write For"

South Carolina MC Dan Johns drops this single about why he does and does not make music. Supastition drops in and blesses this smoothed out track with a hot 16 bars.

Download "I Don't Write For"

Lupe Fiasco "Can You Let Me Know" with Verbal & Sarah Green

Here's another track from the upcoming Lupe Fiasco album "The Cool." This time he's got asian mc Verbal (of M-Flo) and vocalist Sarah Green along for the ride.

Download "Can You Let me Know"

Kanye West & Trick Daddy love da kids!!

A pretty cool up tempo collaboration between Trick and Kanye. I like the typical Kanye sped up vocal sample.

Download "Can't Say No"

DEL'S NEW ALBUM ON DEF JUX in '08!!!!

This is some crazy shit right here!! Looks like Del Tha Funkee Homosapien is gonna become a def jukie!!

press release:

(September 26, 2007 - Brooklyn, NY) Seminal rapper, hip-hop icon, and founding member of the mighty Hieroglyphics crew, Del The Funky Homosapien has embarked on the beginning of a 2-month long nationwide tour in support of his long anticipated album, The 11th Hour. The tour, which shares the name of his upcoming album, will also feature fellow Hiero founder A-Plus, along with Devin The Dude with the Coughee Brothers, Bukue One, The Serendipity Projects and special guests Knobody and Junk Science to perform on select dates.

On the 11th Hour Tour, Del will be performing a mix of classic cuts from his previous albums along with new tracks from the upcoming album, including the tracks “Sit Down” and “Workin’ It.” The aptly named The 11th Hour marks Del’s first solo release in almost 7 years. Having experienced his fair share of life’s trials and tribulations over the course of his long and successful career, Del explained the reason for the album title. “You can’t fully control all the different variables that come into play in your life. Something is bound to be faulty and set you back,” says Del. He explains, “I’ve spent the last couple of years dealing with drama in my life, touring the country several times over, and diving deep into studying music theory.” Fans can celebrate the fruits of Del’s labor of love with the release of The 11th Hour in early ‘08.

For The 11th Hour, Del has partnered with legendary New York based indie hip-hop label Definitive Jux, with the backing of the label he helped create, Hiero Imperium.

Bursting onto the scene in 1990, Del the Funky Homosapien started his professional career writing lyrics for his cousin Ice Cube’s crew, Da Lench Mob when he was still in high school. Soon, Elektra Recording Group signed him and released the critically acclaimed album, I Wish My Brother Georgia Was Here. After releasing another album, No Need For Alarm in 1994, Del, along with grammar school buddies, Souls of Mischief, Casual, Pep Love, and Domino, founded one of the most successful indie hip-hop collectives of all time, The Hieroglyphics. Hiero Imperium has etched out their place in history as the trailblazer for artist owned and operated hip-hop labels and also for embracing the internet as a means of selling their merchandise as early as 1997. Del, along with the rest of the members of Hiero and their third-eye logo are recognized around the world for their lyrical prowess, great live shows, and dozens of critically acclaimed releases which have sold over 3 million units collectively.

11th Hour Tour Dates:

Del the Funky Homosapien, featuring A-Plus (Souls of Mischief), Devin The Dude with the Coughee Brothers, Bukue One, The Serendipity Project and special guests Knobody, Junk Science, and Iller Than Theirs to perform on select dates

Freddy Kreuger DUNKS R.I.P.

It is with great sorrow (and the certain knowledge that this will increase the hype around any samples of this shoe floating around out there) that I must announce here on Kicks-n-Jams the CANCELLATION of the Nike SB "Freddy Kreuger" Dunks. I have it (straight from the horses mouth) (a little bird told me) on unimpeachable authority that Nike has been served with an injunction from the Nightmare On Elm Street owners, New Line Cinema. It always comes down to the money and I guess New Line wanted more than Nike was willing to pay.
This just seems like a dumb move on New Line's part. Wouldn't the shoe increase awareness of their property and once again re-invent freddy? Whatever the reason, don't go lookin for the shoe anywhere but on ebay because it isn't comin' "To A Store Near You" this holiday season.

Nike Dunk Lo Hot Asphalt

The 25th anniversary of the Nike Dunk is just around the corner and they are rolling out some cool shoes! It comes with a premium suede upper and in two colorways - purple/black and khaki/orange. Both feature a black outer sole that looks as if it was dipped into hot asphalt. The entire mid-sole has textures running over it.

pics via Sneaker Freaker

Cinematic ft. Mr. Lif & King Britt

A remix album of great orchestral film scores from the 20th century might seem like an odd idea – after all, a lot of this music is considered old-fashioned. But Six Degrees co-founder and executive producer Bob Duskis knew better: “A lot of electronica producers are huge fans of these film scores,” he says. And for the collection Cinematic, “I wanted producers who had a cinematic sense to their music anyway, or had done soundtracks themselves. We didn’t want DJs just adding beats to the orchestral tracks.”
Mission accomplished. Cinematic is full of creative and often provocative arrangements of music by some of the greatest film composers ever – Nino Rota, Ennio Morricone, and Henry Mancini among them. Of course, this music was never satisfied with being accompaniment in the first place; like the best music in any style, these scores suggested their own stories and their own landscapes. No surprise then that they work so well apart from their films. What is surprising is how adaptable these classic scores are, at least when the right producers get hold of them. When Duskis first brought the idea to King Britt, underground hip-hop hero from Philadelphia, he says the immediate response was “Are you kidding? They Call Me Mr. Tibbs is one of my favorite songs of all time!” King Britt then came up with two different remixes. The first is instrumental, full of James Brown horns, a funky groove, and a Sam-and-Dave-meets-the-London-Symphony-Orchestra vibe. The second is a vocal version, where the texture is thinned out to make room for some typically memorable word play from one of underground hip-hop’s most fierce rappers, Mr. Lif (Definitive Jux). Cinematic includes hip-hop, but is not a hip-hop record: it ranges stylistically from Zeb’s electro-tango remix of Mancini’s “The Tango I Saved For You” (from the film Gaily Gaily) to a deep ambient recasting of Inherit The Wind by Tom Middleton (of Global Communications and Jedi Knights). But as Duskis points out, “hip-hop has been sampling movie music for a long time – just think of Wu-Tang Clan and the way they used music from the old Blaxploitation films and the fact that RZA is now an in demand film composer.” So Mark de Clive Lowe contributes an inventive arrangement of the music from Hour of the Gun, featuring Ohio rapper Replife – who name checks both Wyatt Earp and Tupac, in the same line. “Hour of the Gun is a Western,” Duskis explains; “and Mark heard it as a gangsta piece. So the words are political, about how this is a violent time, the hour of the gun.” Cinematic’s pairings of producers with film scores yielded some inspired results. Partly that’s because musical elements that were hinted at in the original were dragged and dropped into the spotlight in the remixes. That is the beauty of Cinematic. You don’t need to know the original films, or the original film scores. The classic soundtracks have always been strong enough to exist apart from their movies. Now, this collection of 14 remixes suggests that you can imagine your own films to them."

Download "They Call Me Mr. Tibbs"

BEST OF THE BAY AWARDS SHOW MONDAY NIGHT

The Best Of The Bay Awards Ceremony is tonight!!
My crew RED TIDE is up for a readers poll award for best hip hop act.

Women's New Balance 574 at Classic Kicks

Classic Kicks has some really sweet lookin' women's New Balance 574's as well as a shoe that I have been fiendin' for for a few months now. The Japan release "Conbini Pack" is now up on the Classic Kicks site!! Score!

New Balance x Size? 577

Here comes some new colorful New Balance x Size? 577's. The sneaker features a nice mix of pink, purple and cyan on the upper, mixed with black croc skin and a splattered sole. The shoe was designed with old school fruit machines in mind.

Harking back to the era of 10p gambles and repeat Jackpots there will even be two special ‘fruit machines’ installed in the Carnaby St and Covent Garden Size? Stores, as well as online, where punters will have a chance to win a NB Jackpot pair. There are two colorways and the one that you see here is the jackpot that one will be able to win. Via Canoe Inc.

The sneaker will be available exclusively at Size? stores and limited to 250 pairs.

New Balance set to release ST33 "Elements" Collection

This ST33 pack is just absolutely phenomenal!! I haven't been this excited over a shoe set since the first ST33 "Fish Pack."

The conceptual aspect of the shoe design is well thought out and the materials are, of course, premium and in line with the best that New Balance is known for. Above is a pic of the water element sneaker.

Available in three exclusive designs, this new limited edition collection celebrates the complementary Yin-Yang interplay of the elements in the cycle of life. The “Fire and Metal” 1400 shoe honors the role of fire as it refines metal, while the “Earth and Wood” shoe pays homage to our planet and the way it nurtures all living things. The third design, “Water” is a standalone tribute to the power of water.

"This exciting new range represents a global collaboration and a deep commitment to individualism that is unique in the footwear industry,” said Qing Ni, New Balance regional marketing manager for Asia Pacific. “Details include elaborate designs on the tongue of each shoe, the sole insert, and even the outsole. Every Super Team 33 Elements shoe is truly a limited-edition, sophisticated work of art.”

Super Team 33 Elements footwear features design details that reflect each of the three elemental concepts. For instance, “Earth and Wood” features brown contrast stitching, an eye-catching tree pattern, a distinctive tree-trunk pattern embossed on the New Balance logo, as well as two sets of laces - one in green and one in brown. “Fire and Metal” features a striking black and red design with metallic embroidery, a silver insole, and a laser-etched phoenix rising from the flames. “Water” embodies Zen-like serenity and tranquility, with a blue/white colorway, transparent rubber and a recurring pattern of Chinese junk boats and water bubbles.

To give each shoe a distinctly Chinese touch, the heel of every Super Team 33 Elements shoe features the Chinese character that represents that shoe’s element. The collaborative elements, namely Earth/Wood and Fire/Metal, use different characters on the left and right shoe, while the Water design features just one character. Transparent panels on the box showcase its contents and color-coded lids explain the meaning of the Chinese characters on the rear of each shoe.

The Super Team 33 project has been designed by the New Balance Asia Pacific team and will feature a theme inspired by the elements – wood, water, earth, metal, and fire. The Elements 1400 shoe will debut at 33 select retailers worldwide on October 20, 2007 and retail for $200.00.

Jay-Z to release soundtrack album for "American Gangster"

I don't know. This track is not getting me nearly as excited as the movie itself. I am truly on the edge of my seat for the film but this Jay-z / Pharrell track doesn't give me that fire that I woulda expected from the two of them. Check it out and see what you think.

Download "blue magic"

Stussy x Hectic x Undefeated New Balance MT580

Here's a look at the Three Threat project between Stussy, Undefeated and Hectic and New Balance. This time the theme is "3 The Hard Way" and they worked on the New Balance MT580. I love the 580 and have always felt that it was the most comfortable shoe in the NB line. For the first time they present a more subtle collection of overall three sneakers. On two of the three sneakers they gave the leather a distressed look on the upper and mixed it with slightly shiny mesh. I really am looking forward to getting this collaboration when it drops! Don't know when it will be released, but it's coming soon.

Robert Hubert R.I.P.

Once again back is the incredible!!!
The Blog animal
The incredible LAZY
public enemy number 1
5-0 said freeze!!
and i got numb..

I'm back bitches!!!

Illinois both sucked and was great in equal parts. My grandfather died. I'm not happy about it but at the same time I'm glad he's outta pain. Watching a loved one die is not a pastime I'd recommend. When it's my time I hope that I can go with some dignity or at the very least, quickly! But from sorrow comes joy! I got to see my extended family for the first time in years and got to meet all the young children of my cousins. That was really great and made me look forward to fatherhood even more than I already have been. Plus I got to be a city mouse visiting the country!! Haha! I got to run farm machinery and pump water from a well! Check the pics and note my farming kicks...

Luckyiam Drops "Most Likely To Succeed" In Stores Now!!

I am outta town dealing with some family stuff at the moment. I got a minute to sneak out and chill in a Barnes & Noble. I brought the Luckyiam album "Most Likely To Succeed" with me, and let me tell you, it is excellent!! I'll post up more on this later.

Ok, it is "later" and I still like this album. If you don't know Luckyiam then you may not be a fan of West Coast hip hop in the last fifteen years. He co-founded Living Legends, was a member of Mystik Journeymen, and honed his craft in L.A. at the Goodlife Cafe alongside, Freestyle Fellowship, Pigeon John, Busdriver and a ton of other artists. He is on tour with Atmosphere, and is set to take over the world with his 3rd installment in his "Extra Credit" series of releases. Consider this record Lucky's solo "GRADUATION" because, for real, Lucky is gonna do big things and this is your chance to get in on the ground floor.

Download "Tear Him Down"

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Kanye West & 50 Cent Drop Albums Today 9/11

I have to admit it...I'm caught up in the hype today! I woke up early and immediately started trying to figure out ways to track the 50 vs. Kanye sales competition.
I've talked on the phone about it, I've e-mailed about it and now I'm blogging about it.
Why do I care?
I've already stated that it's a little like comparing Republicans and Democrats (i.e. not much difference). But I guess just like people who have no political agenda but go out looting during riots, or guys who cheer for sports teams or fighters despite the fact that they have no particular affiliation with them except in the moment and with a group of other excited fans, I too am caught up in whatever this mini cultural gas bubble that is Ye vs 50 IS!
I can't help it!

Anyway, there have been these two tracks floating around the internet for a minute now so I'll drop them on you if you haven't already heard 'em. One from Kanye and one from 50. Enjoy!!

Download Kanye West "Good Night"

Download 50 Cent "What Do You Got"

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Remember when Dr. Dre was overweight?

Not anymore...

Kid Robot & Lacoste collabo

Kidrobot and Lacoste have created a small collaborative collection of sneakers. They are limited to 500 pairs and each come with a matching toy, created by eBoy and Kidrobot. Kidrobot added their own flavor to the sneakers and instead of just choosing colors, they added some of their most popular patterns from their clothing line to the shoes. I don't know how I feel about the actual shoes. I love the design elements and Kid Robot is un-fuk-witable on the colors and patterns. But the shoe itself has gotta be wearable and I'm still not sure if that is the case with these. My favorite is the purple and black one with the blue sole. Besides the toys, the shoes also come with custom inner soles and 3M reflective material, something Lacoste has not tried on their sneakers until now.

Pics Via Sneaker Freaker.

The sneakers will hit all Kidrobot stores (including the new one coming to Miami this fall) some time in November.

Willie The Kid & La The Darkman "Invisible Rules"

50 Cent In Paris!?!

I don't know where Nah Right got the MTV VMA pictures from so fast but this shit is really funny!!

First he gives her the cash...

Then she gives him the...

Prostitution is legal in Las Vegas but I guess what happens in Vegas doesn't STAY in Vegas anymore. hahahaha!

ENTER SHIKARI (or - The English do Screamo?!)

Enter Shikari (MySpace), a London-based quartet that Tony Wilson hailed as "the most exciting band I've seen since the early Sex Pistols gigs back in '76/'77."

Wow.

The tracks are engrossing because you can hear these really disparate influences in the music that are just totally unexpected in, for instance, an American Screamo outfit. Weird old school rave melodic lines, Van Halen synths from the "1984," album (especially "Jump")and other odd bits abound to make this really interesting, and genre defying, stuff. I don't know why but I hear Coheed and Cambria in the vocals just a very little bit (especially in"Sorry You're Not Winner"). Plus it's kinda funny to hear the gut screaming and sudden crooning mixed together with an English accent!

Wu-Tang Clan "8 Diagrams" New Album Drops Nov. 13

Status Ain't Hood blog has a review of the 8 tracks that Rza has released for media review thus far. I don't think anybody believed that a new Wu album would be coming out, so this is an exciting event. How great is it to hear all the Wu on a track!?!! The re-instituted SRC/Loud is gonna come off lookin' like a genius label if this album breaks through.

Download "Watch Your Mouth"

Pick up this album on Nov. 13th on SRC/Loud

Buck 65 on Piracy

I saw this at Grand Good (a great blog that everybody should check out) and was really struck by Buck 65's comments.
Here’s a really great interview with Buck 65 over at Analogue Magazine.

Among other things, he speaks very candidly about bootlegging and how it affects him as an artist as well as on a personal level. I’ve never heard an artist comment about music piracy in the context of his/her relationship with the fans before. I wonder if Buck’s sentiments are common among those in the same predicament.

Link to Analogue Mag article.
and a Link to an article about Canadian music downloading at PimpWiz

"…on my last tour, I tried to help out my own cause. At a certain point, what becomes the focus for me is trying to make a living, and I don’t really have a fall back plan, so I have to figure out ways within this one thing I know how to do, to try to get my rent paid. So on my last tour, I put together a whole bunch of bootleg titles, and I was selling them, and about half way through the tour, I started to see the sales go way way down, and you know it didn’t take a genius to figure out it only took that number of weeks for it to spread all over the internet. But I was coming face to face with people who were walking up to the merch table, looking at everything that I had available there, and saying, ‘I’ve downloaded all this stuff, there’s nothing here for me’, and then just walking away. It’s kind of like, it’s one thing just to know that it’s happening out there, and it’s invisible. But to be confronted with it, face to face, to have a person walk right up to your face, and to say ‘I’ve stolen all your art, and I don’t give a shit, fuck you, you have nothing for me,’ and then just walking away, it’s weird, it’s really weird. Then later that night, you’re on stage, and you’re looking at all these people, and you’re performing for them, and you’re there to provide a service for them, and at the same time trying to remember all the things that are valuable and good about what you’re doing in the first place, i.e.: ‘I love this, I love music and that’s why I’m here’. But sometimes you have to fight off the feeling that your audience is also your enemy in a weird way. They’re the people preventing you from putting food in your mouth. At the end of the day they don’t give a shit about you. They will rob money right out of your pocket if they have the opportunity to do so. You have to try really hard to not think about that, but the reality of it is, essentially that’s what’s going on, and it’s gotten to the point, where people don’t mind telling you right to your face, ‘I don’t know who you are as a person, you may or may not be nice, but as far as what you can do for me, you know, it’s just a matter of what I can take from you, and if you can make some sort of separation, and separate out the human part of you, and really think about it in terms of, I don’t know what, cause it’s not business, stealing doesn’t really fit into a definition of business in a way that really makes sense..."

Aesop Rock "None Shall Pass" video

Aesop Rock's "None Shall Pass" debuted at #50 on Billboard's Soundscan charts with less than 15,000 units moved.

This video for "None Shall Pass" is pretty tight!

Macka-Chin "LAST" Asian Hip Hop That Doesn't Suck

Yeah, I can't understand a thing these cats are saying but just to prove the universality of this music...I FEEL IT!!! I don't need a translator. This is hip hop!

Macka-Chin is a producer/emcee from Japan. His crew, Nitro Microphone Underground, were signed to Def Jam Japan! If you want, you can think of him as their version of The Rza (underground producer and emcee who got snapped up and put on by a major label) and Nitro Microphone Underground as Japan's Wu Tang. They were the first Japanese hip hop group to achieve national success without having to go Pop.

Fans of Massive Attack are gonna feel the layered beats and samples on "Last." The production is unabashedly left field but the drums bump really hard. Macka sometimes strays into electronica to mixed results. His strength lies in the darker, ambient, soundscapes, not the four-four thump of dance music.

Some of his best instrumental tracks are sadly, truncated, leaving the listener wishing that he would carry the songs out and develop the themes to some sort of conclusion. "Meet In The Shinto Shrine" stands shoulder to shoulder with any ambient track released by Irresistible Force but lasts less than a minute and a half. The dusty beat workout of "Universal Gravitation" is another track that begs for an extension.

Despite these minor complaints the best tracks on "Last" lift it up into a very pleasurable experience. "Firm Ground" and "Diver" are standout tracks. I'd love to hear more from this entire crew.

Pick up the album here.

Download "Firm Ground"
Download "Diver"
Download "Meet In The Shinto Shrine"
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Xczircles "The Urge" E.P. on hiphopcore.net

Hip Hop is worldwide. I feel stupid and cliched just writing that. Nothing makes this fact more obvious than when some of the most interesting music is coming from places that your typical American would never expect. Why is it necessary for another country, another culture, to maintain and nurture the art form that was created here? The artists who live here? I don't know, but Soulja Boy isn't being released by an overseas label...

France; Jerry Lewis is funny, Air is a pop sensation, and they surrender a lot. Typical cliched assumptions right? Well how about aggressive, darkly claustrophobic, beats on a par with DJ Shadow, Dan The Automator, and RJD2?
That's what you get if you check out "The Urge E.P." from beatmaker Xczircles.
Now Xczircles is from California but he was approached by the French website hiphopcore.net to release "The Urge E.P." as an exclusive download release available for FREE at their site.
Click over there and check it out.
You won't be disappointed.
If only Allhiphop.com would pay attention to an artist like Xczircles...
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Nike SB X Strummer before n after

Nike carries on with their rock pack concepts (Guns n Roses, U2 etc.) with an SB modeled after Joe Strummer's (of The Clash) '66 fender guitar. Apparently they have a couple versions. One is the brand new guitar and the other is the guitar after years of use by Strummer. No release date but I hope The Skate Park Of Tampa is gonna carry 'em.

Speaking of The Clash, Julien Temple has released a documentary on the life of Joe Strummer that will debut at 2007's Sundance Film Festival.

Pics via SneakersBR

Puma Clyde gum sole

I've never owned a pair of Pumas. For the most part I've never cared for the Clydes. I was sorta interested in the "Cheech Wizard" Clydes but they were so limited that I didn't really chase 'em. On the other hand I am a sucker for a gum sole! I can't help myself. These are simple color ways and the classic Clyde silhouette but with the gum sole added in. makes 'em kinda sweet. A winter release is expected.

check hypebeast for more info.

Onitsuka & Tokidoki join forces

Legendary Japanese athletic company, Onitsuka Tiger is now joining forces with another Japanese heavyweight… Tokidoki, which is mostly noted for their vibrant artistic take on Japanese culture. Since art and fashion are so closely related, it just makes sense to match Tiger’s history of quality products with Tokidoki’s keen eye for modern Japanese art. Beginning in May 2008, plan on seeing the brainchild of these two companies on a bi-annual basis.

via Hypebeast

Dudley Perkins & Georgia Anne Muldrow are G&D

Sometimes stars align. Sometimes kismet is irresistible. Fate. That which is meant to be. All these concepts apply to the collaboration between Dudley Perkins (aka declaime) and Georgia Anne Muldrow. G&D "The Message Uni Versa" on Look Records is the natural, and not unexpected, product of fate. These two star travelers HAD to come together. Both artists are loosely affiliated with Stone's Throw Records (Georgia released an album or two through S.T. and Dudley is immediate crew with Madlib who has produced a considerable amount of his work). Both are difficult to define; often wandering around the edges of hip hop but just as likely to attract fans of funk, soul, or the astral jazz explorations of Sun Ra. Both have shown a proclivity to run, not walk away, from convention.

I haven't been a great fan of Georgia up until now. All of her releases displayed a talent and artistic vision that impressed, but did not move me. Conversely, Declaime has always been one of my favorite artists. He's always been the black sheep in a crew filled with black sheep. It takes a lot to seem weird while working alongside Madlib. But Dudley has always danced to his own funky drummer. "The Message Uni Versa" seems to have combined the strengths of both artists and created something even greater.

The Funk has been making a re-appearance in the last few years. Plant Life sewed the seeds. Pharrel ("Angel" & "Beautiful" in particular) & Cee-Lo (initially with "Cee-Lo Green And His Perfect Imperfections" and most recently as Gnarls Barkley) dropped it on the mainstream world. Now indie hip hop is gonna get a chance to let the, "Fonk set 'em free!" Because make no mistake, just like Prince Paul and Bernie Worrell's Baby Elephant project, this is a funk album. It is one hell of a funky ride too. Georgia on production (an exciting proposition in and of itself to have a woman formulate the funk) and Dudley delivering the revolutionary funk-laimations spells nothing but good times.

The album drops Sept. 25th. Pick that thing up here!

Download "One"

Foxy Brown "We Will Not Surrender"

To the cops maybe!! :-)

How did foxy have time runnin from the cops and every litigious flower & jewelry sales person to record a track?? Well she did and here it is.

She was sentenced to 1 year in prison for violating her parole.

TMZ was in the courtroom when it all went down, and Judge Melissa Jackson slammed Foxy’s pleas for mercy, calling her a "great actress," and saying that if this were the first time she’d apologized, she might be believable, but not now. We’re told that Foxy was visibly distraught by the verdict.

Download "We Will Not Surrender"

At least they found her. Rap News last reported she was missing on July 10th.

Lupe Fiasco Leaks Single "Superstar"

Lupe Fiasco Live @ Myspace Secret Show


I know, I know. This coming week is gonna be an avalanche of 50 vs. Kanye stuff. But I wanna drop this new Lupe Fiasco on ya early cuz you're gonna be fiendin' for it in a month or so. This will be the next big hip hop release of 2007 and you can get the hot shit right now. Don't ever say I never did nothin' for ya.

I like this track a little more than "Dumb it Down" (and I really liked "Dumb It Down"). This one is on the emotional tip while "d.i.d." was more of an ironic club banger.


Lupe Fiasco feat. Mathew Santos - "Superstar" - Atlantic Records

You're gonna wanna pick up the album "THE COOL" when it drops Nov. 20th

Download "Superstar"

DJ KRUSH in St. Pete!! Oct. 17th

This is pretty major! Dj Krush drops down in the dirty burg for a show alongside St. Pete representers Positive Response...

And It's All FREE!!!
Show at 10 PM
Bishop Tavern Downtown St. Pete


DJ Krush visuals

Fool's Gold Label Announces Tour

Too bad they're skipping Florida... :-(

After a non-stop summer of boombox detonations and stadium invasions, the entire Fool’s Gold roster gets extra-shiny for their Fall tour of the US and Canada. It’s everything you’d want from a night at the club: new-school rap princess Kid Sister, tag team DJ sets from the world-renowned A-Trak and his brother from another DJ Mehdi (Ed Banger), electro madness from Daft Punk’s favorite DJ, Kavinsky, the Cool Kids’ back-to-the-future boom, and brand-new jams from Nick Catchdubs, along with surprise guest appearances along the way.

DJs A-Trak and Nick Catchdubs founded Fool’s Gold earlier this year, bringing together the hip-hop and electronic music they play in their sets through official releases like Kid Sister’s debut single “Control” and A-Trak’s Dirty South Dance remixes (in stores now). “This DJ scene that we're a part of in North America has influenced music scenes across the world, but ironically there aren't enough labels that represent it,” says A-Trak. “That's where Fool's Gold comes in.”

Dim Mak Collection will be producing limited-edition tees for the tour, featuring original artwork by Fool’s Gold in-house graphic designer Dust La Rock. The label will use their tour momentum to launch a slew of releases for the rest of the year, including new singles from Cool Kids, Kid Sister, Kavinsky and new signing Kid Cudi, an EP of ‘90s dance re-edits by Sammy Bananas called High Top Fades, international bass rattlers from Jokers of the Scene (Ottawa) and Bag Raiders (Sydney), and more.

Following these North American dates, A-Trak and Mehdi embark on a two-week European jaunt that the bass bros have dubbed “The DJ Mehdi & A-Trak Spectacular Review.” A-Trak’s also been shaking dancefloors on his own, with thumping official remixes for Digitalism (Kitsune), Bumblebeez (Modular), Architecture in Helsinki (Polyvinyl) and Roc-A-Fella’s own Kanye West.

OCTOBER 2007 FOOL’S GOLD TOUR DATES (NORTH AMERICA)
10/4 – Montreal (Club Soda - Pop Montreal)
10/17 – New York (Hiro Ballroom – CMJ Showcase)
10/18 – Vancouver (Celebrities)
10/19 – Los Angeles (Roxy)
10/20 – San Francisco (Mezzanine)
10/21 – Chicago (Empty Bottle)
10/22 – Toronto (Revival)

DJ MEHDI & A-TRAK SPECTACULAR REVIEW TOUR DATES (EUROPE)
10/25 – Glasgow (Sub Club)
10/26 – Cabaret Voltaire (Edinburgh)
10/27 – Clockwork (Bristol - with Kavinsky)
10/31 – Venue TBA (Paris)
11/2 – Chibuku (Liverpool)
11/3 – Venue TBA (Moscow)

Nike Alphabet Pack

Sneaker Freaker strikes again with some cool pics of a new Nike release. The Air Max gets the treatment on this one but of the three different versions I'm really only feelin' the more reserved brown Air max 90. Go over to Sneaker Freaker and check out the detailed pics of all three. No release date yet but they also come with a backpack! Crazy!

Mestizo "Dream State" Drops 9/18 On Galapagos4

Galapagos4 the home of Typical Cats, Qwel, Qwazaar, Maker, Offwhyte, Meaty Ogre, and more drops another album on us. West Coast MC Mestizo hasn't put out an album in a couple years so "Dream State" is ostensibly his re-introduction to listeners. The album is described as "Mestizo's interpretation of his native land of California, which is a dream world in itself, filled with eccentric beings entranced in a dream state."

The music (handled entirely by production duo Julian Code) is right in line with the album's title. Dreamy soundscapes, loopy samples, & dusty drums are all to be expected from a Galapagos4 release. However, one is left to wonder why Mestizo passes on the prodigious talents within his own label. Maker, Meaty Ogre, and Mike Gao are all oddly absent. That aside, Julian Code provides listeners with plenty of cool, 60's lounge-style, organ/keyboard samples and meandering guitar loops. It sends the listener into an era when the Rat Pack was jetting off to Vegas and making the original "Ocean's 11." Laid back. That's the record in a nutshell. Laid back. Nothing wrong with that, but I was left wishing that Mestizo would have pulled out a little something more aggressive and urgent on a track or two. "Tolerance," featuring Qwel, teases us with a simmering late 60's / early 70's funk that hints at what Mestizo and Julian Code can do. He is, without question, capable of delivering fiery lyrics, but seems to have opted for a slow burn rather than a 4 alarm fire on "Dream State."

You can pre-order or pick up the album at Galapagos4. It drops Sept. 18th.

Download "Tolerance"