Black Milk doin his own thing and still reppin detroit

Props to Black Milk for makin' dope music, reppin' for Detroit and still doin' his own sound without jumpin' onto the bandwagon of J Dilla sound-a-likes. I originally heard of him as one half of the group BR Gunna. He released "Dirty District, Vol. 2" on Barak Records in the summer of '04. He signed to Fat Beats Records after laying beats for Pharoahe Monch, Slum Village, Proof, J. Dilla, and others. Black Milk is already one of the hottest young producers in hip hop. What folks may not know is that he is equally capable of ripping a mic, as heard on his '07 album "Popular Demand," and his "Broken Wax" EP, featuring guest appearances from Guilty Simpson, Slum Village, Phat Kat, and more. The future of Detroit hip hop starts now.

Go out and get his album and get exposed to the new Detroit sound.

Download "Three Plus Sum"

Wes Fif is the Truth!!!

"OMG TRANCE RAP IS UPON US!!!" funplusone blog

It may be true! The world may well jump onto the tip of Timbaland's new style. J.T. did it first, followed very quickly by Nelly Furtado. Now Wes Fif has jumped on with a track that I cannot get out of my head. Seriously this song is on constant repeat for me right now. Cool that he's from Orlando too. Florida represent!!

Download "Haterz"

M.I.A. releases "Kala" Aug 21st

An interview with M.I.A. is available over at Radar.
I like this new album a little bit more than "Arular." I don't exactly know why. It could be that "Arular" just prepped me for more of the same in "Kala" and now I can hear what she is tryin' ta do.
The opener "Bamboo Banga" starts off as a cover of the Modern Lovers' "Road Runner," then mutates into Punjabi robo-crunk; "20 Dollar" confuses New Order's "Blue Monday" with Pixies' "Where Is My Mind" with impressive results; and inevitable single "Jimmy" sounds like something you'd hear while waiting in line to buy falafel in outer space. Kala will probably be the only album you'll hear in 2007 on which the lone Timbaland track (closer "Come Around") is the least interesting.

Check her out and go cop the album.

download "Hit That"

Download "Boyz" The Twelves rmx

Havoc of Mobb Deep releases "The Kush" 9/18

Havoc of Mobb Deep is following Prodigy’s lead and releasing a solo debut, “The Kush,” due out in stores this fall.

“I was always ready [to drop a solo album], but the reason why it took me so long is because the timing wasn’t right,” explained Havoc.

“I was always working on Mobb Deep material and working with other artists, and I used a lot of the material I was going to use for a solo LP for Mobb Deep records.”

“The Kush,” which is entirely produced by Havoc, is described as “dark and gutter” by the Queensbridge emcee. “I really wanted to go that direction.”

The album also keeps the guest appearances to a minimum, with brief cameos by Mobb Deep’s Prodigy and rap affiliates 40 Glocc, Un Pachino, and Nyce.

“Besides Prodigy, I did not want a bunch of big stars on it, as it would have taken away from the real objective of the LP, which is grimy and down to earth,” Havoc said.

Havoc has also followed the lead of 50 cent and taken to creating drama right around the time his album is set to drop. (funny how that happens huh?) This time Havoc addresses ATL and specifically T.I. Stating that the South and T.I. have nothing on Mobb Deep and are basically on their own dicks and they need to get off of their own dicks. In my opinion this is ridiculous, playground stupidity but it seems to have worked because it has lit up the internet lately and gotten Havoc a ton of free marketing. Either way there is no denying Havoc's talent on the mic and behind the boards and this record will satisfy any long time Mobb Deep fan.

“The Kush” hits stores on Sept. 18 via indie label Nature Sounds. So go get it!


Download "Go Head"

Download "Be There"

NEW BALANCE A02 576

New Balance has stepped it up a notch utilizing tartan as its canvas, available in the dope tomato red color way or the dark forest green. Introducing a new variation on the awesome 576 model, these shoes feature a massive painted "N" replacing the original plastic logo and finished off with some nifty stitching around the toe box to break up the one piece used to construct the front of the shoe. These NBs will be available in August.

NEW BALANCE CAMO TRAILBUSTER

The New Balance Trail Buster model which is based of the MT580 model was first released in the 90’s. New Balance has recently reissued the urban hiking shoes with fresh new colorways. Here’s a look at the upcoming camo Trail Buster which comes in two colors (purple & green) and features a urban camo throughout the shoe. They will be coming out on September 5th at Mita Sneaker for 9,200 Yen.

via hypebeast

Saturday Night in St. Pete w/ DJ Mega

I have it on pretty good authority that DJ Mega knows his way around a turntable and a bottle Grey Goose...

Greedy Genius X Barneys New York “Crock Star”

Greedy Genius, has been making noise in recent years with their bold colorways and eye catching designs. They have on numerous occasions worked with hi-end fashion boutique Barneys, New York on different projects. This sneaker will be the fourth sneaker they will be producing together. Made of premium croc leather, this “Crock Star” will also feature a white gel bottom and a star pattern throughout the shoe. These shoes will be exclusively available at Barneys, New York starting the first week of September.

I am constantly blown away by the Greedy Genius color ways and shoe concepts. However I can never get away from the blockiness of their silhouette. Most specifically, the toe box makes me think of a Doc marten dress shoe. Not in a good way either. I love the stars under the clear gel soles and the all over shoe concept is excellent. I just wish it was on a different style shoe.


via hypebeast

Aesop Rock "None Shall Pass" on Def Jux Aug. 28th

The Aesop Rock album "None Shall Pass" from Definitive Jux Records has arrived at last.
Some really cool CD art on this one from Jeremy Fish of Silly Pink Bunnies.

Fourteen tracks (plus one secret hidden gem) and it is an excellent album overall. "None Shall Pass" marks the return of Blockhead on production for much of the CD. EL-P and Rob Sonic also provide a track each while Aesop lays down a few burners as well.

Will this album stop war? Will it cure cancer? Will it "save" indy hip hop? (from what? I have no idea.)

I don't know!!

Is it a really strong album from an artist who has consistently grown from record to record? Well, to that question I can certainly respond with a resounding YES!

It is a less noisy affair than Bazooka Tooth. I can't help but sense some sorta similarity to MC 9ooft Jesus of all artists. Especially his early production like "The City Sleeps" off of 1991's "Welcome To My Dream." Or maybe Massive Attack's early stuff (like "protection") before Mezzanine or even "Teardrop" from that album. Either way a slightly smoother, less distorted aesthetic is without question in place on this release. It works too. Aesop's stories are introspective and evocative of a film noir sensibility that he has rarely displayed up to this point.

Cop it! Don't sleep!


download Aesop Rock's "No City"


and then check out "The City Sleeps" video from MC 900ft Jesus and tell me you don't hear a little similarity...

Look what Lazy got over the weekend

Yep, I headed over to The Skate Park of Tampa to check out one pair of shoes and chill at the skate comp they had goin' on over there. My man DJ Blenda was spinnin' and I figured it'd be a good time. I missed Blenda but Sean in the Pro Shop tempted me with kicks and so here I am with three new pairs!!! Good thing I cashed in a big 25k poker tournament this weekend...

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"

Nike SB Blazer Shogo at the skatepark of tampa

I'm heading over to The Skate Park Of Tampa today to check out the Nike SB Blazer "Shogo" aka "Lordless Warrior." The upper is canvas, suede and ostrich leather on the swoosh. I'm diggin' the stipples and texture on the swoosh and the overall interesting use of materials on this one. That together with some nice bio-hazard and bird graphics and the red stitching makes it one of the nicer SB releases of the summer.

via highsnobiety

Ubiq X Batman Fatima collabo

This is for the hardcore comic book geeks! Meaning me...

The Ubiq crew from Japan is once again up to something special. They now released the info on Zozo about their upcoming Batman x Ubiq Fatima collaboration. There are two versions - one colorful version and one black/white version. For Batman fans and sneaker fans this is definitely something special. The sneakers also come in special packaging.

The Batman x Ubiq collaboration will be released on the 31st of August.

via highsnobiety

November Rain Nike SB Mid Dunk

I've been hearing about a possible Guns N Roses dunk from Nike for a while now. Well we finally have some pics to go along with the rumors. via Colmilludo

The Dunk Mid includes a black/gray/red upper and rose detailing on the tongue and insole as well.

I don't know when this is gonna drop but you gotta assume they'll hold it 'till November. Right???

Gimme a beat!!!!

So I have a few tracks for you to check out from various artists. All just kinda beat driven instrumental coolness.

Anomaly "It's Him Again"

Link Pins "Could Be"

College "Teenage Color" (russ chimes remix)

Joey Beats "Me Talk Pretty"

Ooah "Tubstomper"

Cresh Frazy "As the Arrows Fell"

DJ Mayonnaise "Post Reformat"

Lazy "Droplets On Flowers"

Psyche Origami's DJ Dainja drops "WatchTower"

Its been too long since Dj Dainja of Psyche Origami's last mixtape "Cadence", so he's FINALLY hittin the pavement with another one.

Shining the spotlight on the best in independent hip hop, "Watchtower" covers everything from new De La Soul, to underground rulers like MF Doom and Masta Ace, even local ATL favorites like Jax and the AB's get the treatment (...shhh! There just may be a brand spankin' new unreleased Psyche O track hidden on there, fresh from the studio that you can't get anywhere else!)
So don't get left in the dark! (If you don't live in the ATL, order HERE. It's only $5!!)

Download "Wherever You Are" off of Psyche O's"The Standard"

Boz Faramone has a "BBQ" w/ Moka Only

This Jama-dian (Jamaican - Canadian) emcee Boz Faramone drops a nice, lazy, laid back single that simmers and pops like Dad's grill on july 4th. Producer Nick Knox teams up with Boz and Moka Only for this one. Boz is a member of a crew called The Nextraterrestrial’s and that all by itself makes him worth checkin' out.


Download "BBQ"

Sean Kingston "Beautiful Girls" remixes

OK, so Sean Kingston has a hit song with his very poppy "Beautiful Girls" ode to the evils of hot women. Who knows why people like the things they like...

Anyway

I Got this from L-Precise:

"Beautiful Girls - Definitely one of the hottest songs this summer...so of course I had to give it that extra touch for my DJ peers who are looking for a little something extra for the club or radio show."

The L-Precise Rmx... features an EXCLUSIVE verse from Miami's very own, Pitbull. Check his blog here for details and pics.

If you're not up on Pitbull, hit him up at myspace.com/pitbull

I also got this Fabolous, Lil Boosie remix too. It's a kinda doo wop joint. I don't know, you tell me.

click the link below to hear them now.

Download "Beautiful Girls" L Precise rmx ft Pitbull

Download "Beautiful Girls" Fabolous & Lil Boosie rmx