Touch & Nato Are The Representatives "Intelligent Design"

Touch & Nato hail from Alberta, Canada. What I know about Canada is they have pro wrestlers, and snow, and beer. Now I find out they've got some pretty dope hip hop talent as well. These two have released a project they call "The Representatives: Intelligent Design." The album features appearances by Wordsworth, Cadence Weapon and others and Nato delivers solid production from start to finish. So pay attention and get down with a producer, emcee duo that you maybe never heard of before.

Download "Somethin' Real" ft Wordsworth
Download "What I Really Wanna Say" ft Cadence Weapon

Snoop "Sensual Seduction" remix ft Lil Kim

Snoop makes his move into the new soul-funk that Gnarls Barkley, Plantlife, Dudley Perkins, and Pharrell have been pushing for the last little while. It suits him nicely too. I've got the "Sensual Seduction" remix off of his forthcoming album "Ego Trippin'" here for you featuring Lil Kim. Check the video (it is awesome!!)
The album is due in March of '08 look for it everywhere!!

Download "Sensual Seduction" the remix

The Nemesis Two "Don't Stop Rockin'"

The Nemesis Two is back again for another round of dope hip hop out of the Great White North. From the new EP "Uncontaminated" which hits stores on January 22nd and will be available digitally on iTunes.

Download "Don't Stop Rockin"

410 Pharoahs "Fresh"

From Baltimore comes 410 Pharoahs. They drop a mix of the bmore club sound that has been makin' noise all over the country lately. The difference here is the skills and pedigree of the members. Most specifically Labtekwon!?! Lab has been around for a loong time. He's been on the underground scene since the early days of Rawkus Records and the whole underground hip hop explosion in the mid 90's. Now he returns (I guess he never really left) with a new sound and a new approach that clings to old school party hip hop aesthetics while maintaining a lyrical complexity that no other act is doing in this style. Their new release is on Ill Friction / Strictly Rhythm and they even have a co-sign from party master Kenny Dope himself!

Download "Fresh"

Talib Kweli "hot thing" Remix

This is the "Hot Thing" (remix), from Talib Kweli. This new remix of last year's hit features a brand new beat, a dope guest appearance from Jean Grae, and the soulful Ne-Yo on the hook. Talib's album "Eardrum" was one of the highlights of last year's very strong year for thoughtful hip hop music. It was also another landmark for Koch Records as a label to be paying attention to in the new year.

Download "Hot Thing" (remix) - Blacksmith Records / koch

Hit up Kweli on myspace at www.myspace.com/talibkweli Eardrum in stores now!

JB Classics Spring '08 Prime Label

This season JB Classics introduces yet another sub label of their brand - the Prime Label. Their Premium label delivers sneakers with special applications in limited quantities. The Prime Label will have a wider distribution and is priced just right. All models will continue to have the overall attention to detail. Each line will have its own separate packaging identity,placement,price points and quantities. I am really interested in the silhouette pictured above as it reminds me of a New Balance sneaker. I'd love to see what the kids at JB Classics do with it. If this one is any indication then i have another must pick up sneaker in my collection.

Militant Military "In Da Bikke"

things that make you go "hmmmm"
This one may take the cake. Militant Military is a Tampa group.
Here is their press release:

Militant Military? is compromised of what some may call a group of “young soldiers, rebels and revolutionaries”. Although the name may sound controversial, the troop certainly is not. “Militant Military? is a state of mind equipped with an army of Soljah’s to fight a battle for God” according to Soljah, the leader of the troops. “At one point, we were not disciplined, but had to learn to overcome those obstacles and discipline ourselves”. He further states, “due to our growth as individuals, as team, as a unit of one, we’re able to share a purpose, a vision, and the determination to work towards a common goal.”

What was once an ordinary group of men and women led by the misconceptions of life has now emerged into an Army that’s a force to be reckoned with. Whenever these Soljah’s take the stage daunting their signature mask and hip-militant attire, you best believe that there will be Attention on Deck!! The group is always on the grind performing shows throughout Florida; leaving their branded imprint in large and small cities alike.

This new revolutionary state of mind hip hop group promises to take charge and become viable members of the world’s hip hop movement.

Where to begin? Revolutionary towards or about what!?! Is it revolutionary to wear masks (ghostface)? Is it revolutionary to wear camo? There's nothing wrong with the song. It's a good club track about drugs and partying and getting fucked up. But what is militant about that??? What battle is being fought for God? How many more non-specific assertions can you make in one press release?
"We're militant!" about what?
"We're focused!" on what?
"We're disciplined!" How and why exactly?
"We share a determination! about what?
"We're working towards a common goal!" and that goal is...a player to be named later?!?!?
I DON'T GET IT! What exactly is being said here? If this is what's being pawned off as revolutionary in hip hop (and if it's accepted as such) then 2008 is in a sad state of affairs already. And nobody better come at me with this "stop hatin'" bullshit either. I don't hate party music. I don't hate on any form of music just because. This stuff is just mad inconsistent. If you claim revolution then BE REVOLUTIONARY! If you claim thug then BE A THUG! If you make party music then DO THAT SHIT! Be what you say you are!!
On a more positive note, their follow up song is called "Dat Pussy Look Good." So of course I will expect Revs. Jackson and Sharpton down here preparing a march with them any day now. If any song can change the system and smash the state it must be "Dat Pussy Look Good" right...

Download "In Da Bikke" (pronounced bike...yeah I don't know either.)

Dude N Em "Watch My Feet" remix ft Twista

I have been pretty obsessed with this song by Dude N Em called "Watch My Feet" since the Fall and realized I never posted it up here at Kicks-n-Jams. It is one more recent song that has made me RE Respect Twista. Man that dude can rap!! hahaha. Dude N Em is from Chicago and they are a part of that Chi-Town Juke music thing that has been blowin' up all over the place this year. Keep your eye on 'em because they are signed to TVT and will no doubt have a follow up to this extra hot song.

Download "Watch My Feet" ft Twista

New Balance 20th Anniversary 576 More Pics

Just when you thought it was safe we hit you with some new pics for a very dope shoe that New Balance is releasing in honor of their 20th anniversary. I posted about these 576s previously and had resigned myself to trying to pick them up online or via ebay. They've already been released at Mita in Japan. But now I have it on very good authority that these kicks will be available right here is the States as well!!
The shoes feature a velvet purple tongue and interior. Very nice details on the flower insole and the stitched "20th" on the heel. The gold lacelock and white sole are nice touches as well. All in all this is a shoe I'm really looking forward to. Feel free to repost these pics folks. Tell 'em kicks-n-jams hooked you up!

Ice Cube "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It"

Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It


I was prepared to hate on this song and video. But Cube spits knowledge here and pulls no punches plus the images in the video are on point.

Gemini ft Lupe Fiasco "We On"

Lupe Fiasco is all over at the moment. His new album "The Cool" is one of my favorite releases this winter. His FNF affiliate Gemini brings the hot shit on this one too.

Some West Coast Heat from Zion I, Too Short, & Mistah Fab

West Coast!!!! If you don't know then Imma tell ya that your boy DJ Lazy is a fan of the West Coast from waaaay back. Here are a few recent representas from the other side making some music that hasn't broken through to the mainstream yet but is just bubblin' under the surface.

Some hot tracks from the Bay Area. Slaps!!

Download "Goin' Crazy" Mistah Fab ft. Fabo, & 2Doll
Download "Don't Lose Your Head" Zion I ft. Too Short
Download "Popos" Turf Talk ft. E-40

Blame One "Finally" EP

Ripped from the vinyl only release by Blame One himself. Extended liner notes with a personal account of the songs can be found on DirtyScience.net, the new Blame One and Exile blog.

Dope. Link

This download will be really dope to some, outdated and/or even wack to others.Fuck it, it is what it is. I recorded this from vinyl straight to mp3 for the first time. I originally only pressed 500 copies of this on vinyl. It was my first vinyl as a solo artist (my group mystery's extinction was featured on vinyl before this). I to this day only have one copy so its very limited. Two songs ended up on “chemically imballanced” but they were heard here first. I didnt add any restoration or effects to clean it up, I kept it exactly as is. Ive always wanted to tell a bit of history behind songs and since this is free… I figured… why not

Kool G Rap & Haylie Duff "On The Rise Again"

This just in: CATS & DOGS LIVING TOGETHER, FIRE IN THE SKIES, REAL OLD TESTAMENT WRATH OF GOD TYPE STUFF!!"

This one goes into my "What The Fuck?!" Hall Of Fame.

Kool G Rap's upcoming album, titled "Half A Klip", will be released on the Koch Entertainment-distributed labels Chinga Chang Records and Latchkey Recordings on February 5, 2008 worldwide. Half A Klip features production by DJ Premier. The first single is titled "Risin Up" produced by Domingo. The next single "On The Rise Again" is produced by DJ Premier. Kool also allegedly fathered a child with Karrine Steffans.

Download "Kool G Rap ft. Haylie Duff - "On The Rise Again"

Rhymefest VS Michael Jackson Mixtape

Chi-town’s own Rhymefest is currently signed to producer Mark Ronson’s Allido Records, he is set to release his sophomore album, El Che, at some point this year (Wikipedia has it set for this spring.)

In anticipation, he’s put together another excellent mixtape, this time with a theme: the mixtape is a dedication to Michael Jackson and has ‘Fest rapping over old MJ songs and both old and original beats created from Jackson samples. The tape is mixed by Mark Ronson and features original production by Ronson & Emile. Talib Kweli, Dres (of Black Sheep) and the very dope DC rapper Wale (who is featured on Kicks-n-Jams here) all make appearances.

Rhymefest has very generously offered the mixtape for free download. Here’s a link to download it from his own site. (Mirror on Rapidshare)

Joell Ortiz: Ups And Downs Video

Joell is one of my favorite rappers of '07. Hopefully he'll continue strong in 2008.

Spy Vs. Spy teams with Puma & Bodega

Boston store Bodega has been behind some pretty impressive projects this past year, and more are to come. The store teams up with Puma and Mad Magazine's Spy vs. Spy cartoon for this latest project. The Puma Sky II Hi comes back as the Spy II Hi. Lots of nice details have been put into the shoe including morse code, bullet holes, dynamite swingtags and even a stash pocket. Via Sneaker Freaker.

Expect these to release in the coming months.

Lemon D live in Tampa!!

Lemon D, is a Jungle and drum n bass DJ and producer from Brixton in South London. He set up Valve Recordings in partnership with long-time collaborator Dillinja, with whom he also designed and built the Valve Sound System, purported to be the most bass-heavy system in the world (contrary to rumor, it is not the loudest). It is the only sound system purpose-built for drum and bass.

Albums include "Big Bad Bass" and "The Killa-Hertz" with Dillinja.

this is gonna be ruff!!!

Thursday Dec 27, 2007
at 10:00 PM
Crowbar Nightclub

FORCE Recordings

Click Here To View Event

Nike AF1 X Nitro Microphone Underground "Macka-Chin"

Here are the last Nike Air Force 1's to be released this year. These have been designed together with Nitro Microphone Underground from Japan This set of AF1's, called Macka-Chin and Suiken, (Japanese emcees that have been featured HERE on kicks-n-jams) have been released this past weekend in very limited quantities. Both sneakers come in subtle colors and premium materials, that you do not see everywhere. Thus also an elevated price point.
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.

Via Nike1Love.

Wale + JUSTICE = Explosive!!

This one is for my man DJ Rig. Wale (pronounced 'wha-lay') hails from Washington D.C. and just made the 150th cover of Urb magazine alongside the French duo Justice. He will be doin' big things in '08 and beyond and I couldn't be happier to see and hear more talented, artistically fearless emcees breaking through to the mainstream. Wale recently released a mixtape with DJ Nick Catchdubs called "100 Miles & Running" (you can get it here).

Download "W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E."

Ray J. & Yung Berg in some Florida Drama

Chicago rapper Yung Berg was arrested in Miami today (Dec. 21) for smoking weed. The arrest took place on the set of the video for singer Ray J.'s new single "Sexy Can I" from his forthcoming release "All I Feel," on Koch Records which features Yung Berg.
Now how are you gonna get yourself caught smokin' on a hip hop video set?!! That's more embarrassing than anything else. You can't look around and spot 5-0 on a video set?! Wake up Berg!! You're TOO HIGH!
According to sources, the 21-year-old rapper, born Christian Ward, is currently being held at the Miami-Dade Jail. Originally signed to DMX's (who has had his own recent troubles in Florida) Bloodline Records at age 15, Yung Berg is best known for his 2007 single "Sexy Lady," which peaked at the number 18 position on Billboard's Hot 100 charts. The single, which was originally featured on Berg's "Almost Famous" EP, also appears on his debut full length album "Look What You Made Me Do," due out in March 2008.

Download "Sexy Can I"

info via allhiphop.com

New Balance 20th Anniversary 576

New Balance presents another 576 20th Anniversary style. This limited edition sneaker comes with a white premium leather upper with tonal white embroidery going over the entire sneaker. On the back heel they embroidered "20th". In contrast the tongue and inner lining come in purple velvet, a perfect fit.

The sneaker has been released today at Mita.

Lupe Fiasco "The Cool" secret track

Well not really a secret (more like a bonus track) off of Lupe Fiasco's latest album, "The Cool," but check it out anyway. I like the track and I'm, strangely enough, finding myself really looking forward to the Lupe, Kanye, Pharrell collaboration CRS.

The Cool is available pretty much everywhere so go get it already!! It'll make a good Christmas Stocking Stuffer.

Download "Blackout"

Just when you thought New Balance Super Team 33 was finished...

We present you the next series to come out from the New Balance Super Team 33 - the Luggage Collection. After using the New Balance 1400 throughout 2007, New Balance now worked on the 998 for 2008. Especially since this model has been rarely used on special editions, it's nice to see it appear as part of the Super Team 33 collection.

Luxurious luggage is the theme of this new collection. One pair is inspired by Italian luggage, coming with a premium croc skin upper in a nice brown tone. The second sneaker is inspired by classic vintage French luggage, with an upper made up of premium leathers. The last one has been inspired by the military luggage by Victorinox., coming in a mix of black premium leather and nubuck. Pics Via LaMJC.

The New Balance "Luggage" Collection will be released the 20th of January worldwide, as usual in very limited quantities.

Ghostface "Supa GFK"

Ghostface is my favorite Wu-Tang member! If Gza would put out more material he might be up there in the pantheon for me but he doesn't so there you go. "Big Doe Rehab" is gonna be a phenomenal album! What I really like the most about Ghost is that he will work with all kindsa different artists. Mainstream, underground, electronic, hip hop, pop, whatever it's all seemingly just music for the Iron Man Tony Starkes.

Pick up the album and you will not be disappointed.

Download "Supa GFK"

Battles Mash-up = DOPE B-Boy Document

The Battles track "Leyendecker" has already been used by Joell Ortiz, and documented HERE by kicks-n-jams. Now I have discovered another remix with the always dope vocals from The High & Mighty's, "B-Boy Document." Check this track out and enjoy. "I'm I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-T!!"

Download "B-Boy Battles Document"

Quasimoto Mixtape from DJ Troubl "A Journey Into Fresh Diggin'"

DJ Troubl presents "A Journey Into Fresh Diggin' (Quasimoto Meets Himself)". This is THE 73 minute mix of Madlib alter-ego Quasimoto put together by the 2002 ITF world beat juggling champ Dj Troubl.
It's a crate diggers dream with classic cuts by Lord Quas along with their original samples! This is a mixtape and not a Stone's Throw official release.

Download "A Journey Into Fresh Diggin'"

info via Analog Giant

Headnodic "Haven't U Heard" ft Sadat X & Scienz Of Life

Crown City Rockers member Headnodic teams up with The Great Dot X & Scienz of Life (Lil Sci & ID4 Windz) for this sweet single "Haven't U Heard." Now if it wasn't for the fact that Casual has the Cobra Clutch on my "World's Greatest Guest Emcee" title I would have to place Sadat X right at the top of the heap. Dude always drops lyrical gems when he rolls through on cat's tracks. I can't remember where I got this track from but it doesn't seem to be anywhere on the web currently so consider it an exclusive gem. Headnodic is a dope producer!!

OOPS! I removed this download because Headnodic isn't gonna be releasing this track 'till next year...but take my word for it, when it comes out it is gonna be FIRE!!!

Download "Haven't U Heard"

Sean P "Everywhere We Go"

Youngbloodz came blasting through the door opened up by the Dungeon Family in The ATL. I will never forget the video on BET for the "U-way" track off of their debut album "Against The Grain." That shit was funny as hell! Especially the middle break where they do the Slizzard commercial.
Sean P (not to be confused with Sean Price of Boot Camp Clik) is one of the nicest emcees outta the South and this track "Everywhere We Go" is just the kinda anthemic southern track that will get the neck snappin' and the club hoppin'.

Download "Everywhere We Go"

AZ & Styles P "The Hardest" on "Undeniable"

When I think of AZ one word always elbows it's way to the front. Consistency.
I really like just about everything that AZ does. He releases albums regularly. He works with hot producers and emcees but the collaborations never seem forced. He delivers authentic New York City street rap at a time when most artists are busy grabbin' the dollars and jumpin' on the pop bandwagon. This track "The Hardest" is off his upcoming album "Undeniable" on Koch Records. He trades rhymes with Styles P (who is seemingly everywhere lately) over a nicely produced banger from Large Professor. Check it out and pick up "Undeniable" when it drops in early '08 on Koch.

Download "The Hardest"

Bangers and Cash feat. Amanda Blank - Loose Video (NSFW)

I have nothin' but love for the whole Bangers & Cash project. Plus Amanda Blank is hot!!

UNDFTD X Mad Hectic X Stussy T-Shirt

With the latest New Balance collaboration dropping this weekend in Undftd's Japanese stores, the collaborating brands, Real Mad Hectic, Stussy and Undefeated have decided to launch a tee to celebrate alongside the shoe, sharing the same theme "3 The Hard Way". Available in Japan this Saturday the 15th of December. Check out the shoe's here.

New Balance MT580 "Pinstripes"

The rare New Balance MT580 has now also made its way outside of Japan and comes in a black/white design. It features the "Rollbar" heel technology, which gives the sneaker also a rather thick outer sole. The sneaker comes in a black and a white colorway, both featuring a black/white striped pattern running though the inner lining. This is the first look on these black and white pinstriped MT580s which feature butter leather on the upper and pinstriped mesh on the tongues and inner lining. At the moment no word on the release info so please stay tuned. The MT580 is probably my favorite style New balance so i am extremely stoked about the possibility of them being more readily available in the States.

Via Sneaker Freaker.

Cassidy "Innocent (Misunderstood)"

Cassidy is an emcee whose skills are matched only by his problems. He's runnin from the law, the press, and the parents. I wouldn't be surprised if his real name was Clarence. So what is a rapper to do when his image is so tarnished that even his mom thinks he might be guilty??? Drop a hot track about the whole situation of course!!!

Download "Innocent (Misunderstood)"
His album "B.A.R.S.: The Barry Adrian Reese Story" is out now.

Here is that Marco Polo "The Radar" once again

Here is the latest effort from rising producer Marco Polo "The Radar" (remix) featuring the legend Large Professor. This one was been floating around the internet for a minute, but it is released by the good people at Soulspazm Records.
Download "The Radar" (remix) - Soulspazm Records

This is the second single off of Marco's debut album Port Authority, which is in stores now.
Hit up Marco at www.myspace.com/marcopolobeats.

Mike Ladd served me with an injunction!!

Mike Ladd, best known for his deft flow and funked-up rhythms
on the Infesticons 2000 "Gun Hill Road" album, will release his
tenth LP, "Nostalgialator" on January 15th via Def Jux.
Co-produced by Brooklyn-based mixer Scotty Hard (Wu-Tang, De La Soul,
Jon Spencer),the record was originally released by !K7 in Europe
back in 2004. Now we get a taste of "Nostalgialator" here in the
States.
On a side note it was a Mike Ladd / Infesticons track that got me
kicked off of Napster years ago. I was apparently sharing it and
his label or whatever filed a grievance and so I couldn't use
Napster for a hot minute. It is therefore my great pleasure to leak
this track to you folks in hopes that Mike's lawyers come after me
once again.

Bring it on boys!!!!

Download "Trouble Shot"

Tom C3 "Can't Stop Won't Stop" ft Prince Po

Dopestyle 1231 Producer Tom C3 has a new album called "Saga of The Simian Samurai" coming out on Threshold Records. Threshold is, of course, Kut Masta Kurt's label so I'm already stoked as KKM never releases anything less than top quality music. Tom C3 was involved in Project Polaroid along with Kool Keith last year before releasing "Saga of The Simian Samurai." I like the way those words sound together, I like the multiple use of the "S" and I like that he is working with Prince Po on this album. The single has already made some significant noise on the college hip hop charts so take a sec and check it out here.



download "Can't Stop Won't Stop"

Jerm "Werk Dat"

Say hello to harlem! Jerm (hip hop's cure) drops a track on yer ears.
As an editorial aside, I like anybody who is named "Jerm."

Download "werk dat"

BlackRootz "Time 2 Fight" ft. Laws prod. Sonny Cracka

A fiery track featuring two of the hottest dragons in Tampa Bay. When, OH WHEN will Bongo (aka BlackRootz) release a full length album? Every time he drops a single it is blazin', every time he performs crowds get hype, every track I get makes it's way to the radio. "Time 2 Fight" features Phan 4 and Rawkus 50 emcee Laws and production by Ovados' Sonny Cracka. Believe me when I say that you are gonna be comin' back to this track over and over.

Download "A Time 2 Fight"

Amplive is a Radiohead! Drops "Nude" remix

Bay Area DJ/Producer Amplive (1/2 of Zion I) just dropped a new remix of Radiohead's track "Nude." "Nude" appears on Radiohead's In Rainbows which is set to drop in holdable format on December 31st.

Amplive's remix was sought out by Radiohead themselves and is set to be on Rainydayz Remixes a six-song collection of reworked tracks by Amplive himself. Check out the remix.

Download "Nude" Amplive remix

CONART Returns!!

If you rocked streetwear, loved graffiti, or listened to hip hop in the 90's you probably knew or knew but didn't know you knew about CONART. One of the original streetwear companies, CONART showcased world famous graf artists on t-shirts, hats, jeans and all over. Well now the brand is back for '07 and beyond! Check their site, and look out for the brand in premium retail spots this holiday season.

Download MC LYTE "Old School Bounce"

New Balance 820

New Balance offers a nod to the concrete and elephant textures being released by Nike lately. I like to see New Balance branching out and doing something streetwear related with a different silhouette. We see so many 574s and 1400s. This 820 is a welcome change. Hopefully they do more with this.

Victim X Mita X New Balance 574

For the second time this year Japanese brand Victim, Mita Sneakers and New Balance get together to work on a collaborative sneaker. This time they worked on the 574 and it was just released in two colorways.

The sneaker comes in a beige colorway and a black colorway. In both cases the upper is entirely covered in premium suede and even the inner lining comes in premium leathers. Only the golden tongue tag and the Victim signature on the inner sole, distract from the otherwise simplistic sneaker.

A very nice and solid collaboration. It has just been released at Mita Sneakers.

"3 The Hard Way" New Balance Pack MT580

The latest Undefeated x Stussy x Real Mad Hectic New Balance MT580's. The new pack consists of three sneakers, and is overall inspired by the 1970's movie "3 The Hard Way". Each sneaker is named after a different member of the cast of the movie, Jimmy, Freddy, & Kelly. This is not the first New Balance collaboration these three brands have released together. The on-going project always has something special waiting for you. The Stussy X New Balance X Undefeated collaboration is consistently one of the most highly anticipated and critically praised, releases. This latest collabo promises more of the same.

In this pack you find both the more subtle brown and black/gold colorways, as well as a more bright yellow colorway. Something for everybody. The Undefeated lace locks and logos of all three brands on the inner sole are a nice finish. Expect these to release soon in Japan. Pic via AltSnkr.

Documentary To Be Released On The Good Life Cafe in L.A.

A documentary on The Good Life Cafe ??? COOL!!! Well it looks like the film is done and ready to hit the film festival circuit. No trailer available yet but the official site is under construction and the mysp*ce page is open for friendlies.

goodlifelove.com
mysp*ce.com/goodlifelove

THIS IS THE LIFE is a feature-length documentary that chronicles “The Good Life” emcees, the alternative music movement they developed, and their worldwide influence on the artform.

Featuring new interviews with: Myka Nyne and PEACE of Freestyle Fellowship, Chali2na and Cut Chemist of Jurassic 5, NgaFsh, Riddlore, Tray-Loc & Wreckless of CVE, Abstract Rude and Zulu Butterfly of ATU, Ellay Khule of Hip Hop Klan, Medusa of S.I.N, Born Allah, Gangah K, Fatjack, JMD, Omid, Pigeon John, 2Mex of OMD, Jyant & Eve of Figures of Speech, T-Love of Urban Props, Sheena Lester & B+ of Rappages, Mear One, Mike Nardone of KXLU’s We Came From Beyond, Garth Trinidad of KCRW’s Chocolate City, Monalisa Murray, Jah Orah, Hines, Busdriver, Monique Matthews, Keen and B. Hall & R. Kain Blaze, co-founders of The Good Life.

Directed by Ava DuVernay

Coming to a Film Festival Near You in 2008

Warwick Beat Science Presents: "The Push EP"

It's a well kept secret (unfortunately) that the Tampa Bay area is home to a gang of talented hip hop artists. For the most part, the world at large hears very little from these cats. However, over the course of the last few years, there has been some noise bubblin' outta Tampa. Celph Titled has probably made the most impact with projects from The Demigodz, Army Of The Pharoahs, Jedi Mind Tricks, Apathy, Boss Hog Barbarians, & Fort Minor to name just a few. In addition, Surreal has appeared on the CMJ charts with his collaborations with DJ Balance and The Sound Providers, as well as appearances with Braille, Othello, Ohmega Watts and others. Sadly both these talented artists had to leave Tampa to make a name for themselves. Lately, artists like Breakdown, Laws, Eyeznpowa, The Rukus, Dutchmassive, Majik Most, The Basiqs and others have started to be heard outside of the Bay and their voices will hopefully reverberate back so Tampa can finally get some much deserved shine.

Now I say all of that to say this, in an effort to blow up the spot for Tampa, my man DJ Ran Mecca has recently released an amazing EP! It's called "Warwick Beat Science Presents: The Push EP." I cannot praise this project enough. The entire EP is produced by Ran Mecca and features Tampa Bay emcees from start to finish. If you're a fan of Stone's Throw Records, Madlib, J. Dilla, Black Milk, or Platinum Pied Pipers then this EP is for you. If you like dope and dusty beats and well chopped and placed samples then this EP is for you. If you love dope cuts then this EP is for you. If you are a human who breathes oxygen and hears sounds then THIS EP IS FOR YOU!!!!

If you can't tell I'm pretty hyped about this release and if you ever check this blog or listen to my radio show then I assume you generally respect my opinion. If you do then please do yourself a favor and download the ENTIRE EP FOR FREE and pass it on to a friend. That's right, Kicks-N-Jams is making the entire EP available to you for free. Bump it in your ride, your cubicle at work. Blast it from your desk in the library at school. You will not be disappointed. I promise.

Download "The Push EP"

New Balance X 24Kilates X New Era "Gaudi Pack"

24 Kilates recently joined forces with New Balance and with New Era to create a range of products that not only represent the philosophy of the store, but also represent Barcelona as a city. This first part of the project has been inspired by the Spanish artist and architect Gaudi. Both the New Balance 1700 and the New Era cap that resulted in this project show the connection to Gaudi's work at first site.

24 Kilates is one of the most iconic streetwear stores in Barcelona and probably all of Spain. In little time the store has built a great reputation and solid customer base. During Bread & Butter Barcelona, the store is host to industry parties, gallery shows and get togethers.

Of course it will be available at 24 Kilates, there will be 144 pairs made, the shoes will come with cleaning and protection products, to finish the pack there also will be a new era cap available. They are working on a few other things, the New Balance will get a follow up and I will keep you posted about that.
pics via highsnobiety

New Balance Camo Reflective 576

I've been seeing these in the sample picks throughout '07 and they are finally here. The New Balance 576 Camo Reflective. New Balance presents a 576 with the toe box covered in 3M Silver material, giving it a reflective feature. That mixed with the black premium suede makes for a nice combination. I think the white stitching on the tongue and suede really sets off the shoe as well. Via Sneaker Freaker.