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.

WOW! Busta is really full of himself!

This is via allhiphop.com
"Hip-Hop "superstar" Busta Rhymes and popular DJ Mick Boogie are releasing a new online mixtape titled "Dillagence," in honor of late producer James "J. Dilla" Yancy. According to Rhymes, "Dillagence" will feature exclusive unreleased J. Dilla songs produced for Busta Rhymes that have never seen the light of day. Busta Rhymes and J. Dilla started working together as far back as 1996, when the famed producer remixed Rhymes' hit single "Woo-Hah!!" "When Mick brought this concept to the table, I felt the timing was right. Dilla left so much incredible music behind with me personally," Busta Rhymes told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "It’s almost like he knew I was a vessel for him, and would be able to continue to champion his movement."

Please, please, please leave the legacy and memory of J. Dilla alone!!! Trying to get shine off a dead underground hero who you basically ignored for YEARS! Is just cold, callous, and sadly typical of the music industry. Where was Busta with all his money and industry connects when Dilla was alive and needed medical help? Where was he when Dilla's mom coulda used the financial support immediately after his death? A "vessel"!?!?! gimme a fuckin' break!
That being said, here is a leaked track from the mixtape. I hope they don't make one thin dime off this shit.

Busta Rhymes "Step Up"

New Balance CM1500 BB LIMITED EDITION

Since I'm posting about some New Balance shoes today I'll drop another release on ya. This here has gotten little or no attention (as far as I can tell) from any of the major sneaker blogs but it's an extremely hot shoe. Maybe I just missed it when folks were covering the release but that's hard for me to believe as my New Balance obsession makes it a priority that I check for NBs on a daily basis.
This is a release that I saw over at Atmos Tokyo. A New Balance 1500 limited edition Black & Burgundy. What is sweet about this sneaker is the sole. Check it out below. Nice textures, materials and colors all add up to a shoe that I really wanna get my feet into!

Atmos x New Balance x Porter Buffalo Check Collection 574s

After releasing the Atmos x Levis BUFFALO CHECK series, here comes another collaboration of the Atmos BUFFALO CHECK. Atmos is, as usual, quite active with their collaborations and have just started previewing their latest one, a three-way project together with New Balance and Porter. These New Balance M574J will release in Japan on December 8th.
Please check more info and pics on atmos.

The Buffalo Check Collection consists of two New Balance 574's and two Porter bags. The 574's come with an upper made up of plaid and a fur like suede. They come in a black and a brown colorway. Atmos also got together with Porter to create matching bags, a Boston bag and a Day Bag.

I would consider this a "collectors only" kinda release. The colorways and wild mixture of materials guarantees that nobody outside of serious New balance collectors is gonna pick this one up. That being said, I am, of course, very excited about the release.

"Duffle Bag Boy" Joell Ortiz remix is carazzzyy

Seriously! Seriously! Joell is a talented mufucker! I'm gonna give credit to Sonny Cracka for turning me on to the original Playaz Circle "Duffle Bag Boy" track featuring Lil' Wayne. This version sees Joell rhyming over the track about his experiences in the drug game. What is really sweet about this version is singer Novel doin' Wayne's chorus in a Curtis Mayfield-esque style. Check the nod to Prince in the chorus too! (ILL!!!!) Ortiz has lyrical skill for days (and days!!!) and it is all on display on this track. DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS ONE!

Download "Duffle Bag Boy" Joell Ortiz remix
Download "Duffle Bag Boy" original version

Atmosphere "Sad Clown Bad Fall" 10

One of the first tracks that Kicks-n-Jams ever dropped on you little monsters was an Atmosphere, tour-only, track from "Sad Clown Bad Summer." And as an aside, lemme tell you I was really excited that it got about twenty downloads. For a new blogger i felt like that was a lot! haha!
Well Ant & Slug are back for the Fall with "Sad Clown Bad Fall." More limited release niceness from the Atmosphere boys for your listening enjoyment. Consider it an appetizer while they put the finishing touches on their 6th studio album, "When Life Gives You Lemons..." which is due early next year.

Usually these tracks are available ON TOUR and ONLINE ONLY...but, since Rhymesayers loves you so much they've made a version of the EP, available for download here!!!

Download "Lyndale Avenue User's Manual"
Download "Peyote"

Bullion mixes The Beach Boys & J. Dilla "Pet Sounds: In the Key Of Dee"

Following in the footsteps of Dangermouse, London producer Bullion has taken his sample inspiration from two very different sources for this free remix album Pet Sounds: In the Key of Dee. Now I am the first to admit that I was never really feelin' anything other than the idea of mixing two really disparate artists into a cohesive project. Dangermouse had a great "idea" but the actual music was largely uninteresting and unlistenable after the initial surprise. Many other so-called producers have attempted similar concoctions to varying degrees of success. Mostly the mixes are tepid at best. My favorite has been the JJ Brown mixes of Ludacris & The Jackson 5 and his upcoming Hall & Oates X Gym Class heroes mash-up.

Now along comes Bullion and he really delivers a stellar project for this (can I call it a burgeoning) genre. Using samples from the great 1966 Beach Boys album, Pet Sounds and J Dilla’s repetoire, Bullion has created something wholly unique and refreshing. It’s not a mashup album as he is at pains to point out, but it does mix samples from these two artists to great effect. The ultimate kudos must go to Bullion however, who spliced and diced these samples with his own superb production.

You can download the album for free on his MySpace page. Savour it and remember if you ever want to get a hip hop kid into the Beach Boys, this is where to start.

Hi-Tek "My Piano" ft Ghostface & Raekwon

Is it me or are members of the Wu just straight BLAZIN' tracks all over the place lately?

This is off of Hi-Tek's album "Hi-Teknology 3" which will be in stores December 11th on Babygrande Records.

Download "My Piano"

You can pick up the album here.