higherminded

DIRTY FLIRTS I DO TWO FOR FIFTEEN

2011-03-28T16:24:00.000-07:00

Flirta D was always the emcee I looked up to growing up in North West London. His noises, voices and dynamic flow were a match for D Double E from East London. There's this Youtube channel called The Grime Historian that has added quite a few Flirta and SLK tracks. Flirta definitely deserves his dues as one of the best emcees out of North West London. Get down with it!

Below are a few gems from Flirta's vast artillery of reload worthy verses, mainy from Grime Historian.

On New Mondie

Get Out, Get Out!

Pirate Radio

Shoot Em Up Bang Bang!

Riding Gype Riddim

FLIRTA D LOST TAPE

2011-03-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

Sick footage of Flirta D spitting somewhere with Skepta and Jammer. He bodies the track so hard Skepta don't wanna spit! His verse about Sky channels and his rhymes at the end are too ill: 'Can't be me your makin a fool of, no I ain't takin my jewels off... I ain't foolin around 4 years I bin schooling these clowns'. Flirta D = NW Legend.

NEW OFWGKTA

2011-03-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

Odd Future are still finding time to make swagged out music when they're not appearing on MTV and performing with Diddy at SXSW.

The first track above 'Less' by MellowHype (Left Brain & Hodgy Beats) features Casey Veggies one of my favorite rappers right now. Swag.

The second track 'Live' features Mike G and Hodgy rhyming over a Flying Lotus joint. I'm looking forward to hearing more from both of these swagged out Cali emcees.

LET ME RIDE

2011-03-22T20:52:00.001-07:00

'Let Me Ride' by Dr Dre from his album The Chronic released in 1992 on Interscope Records. This video is ridiculously ill, it makes me want to move to California, buy a lowrider and cruise around bumping this very song. Classic West Coast, G-Funk material.

I love the fact that in Dre's closet all of his clothes are black, Ice Cube's Stussy t-shirt, the 2:40 long intro and the ill Parliament Funkadelic footage at the end.

2 CLASSIC SOUL RECORDS SAMPLED BY REDMAN

2011-03-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

Isaac Hayes 'A Few More Kisses To Go'

As sampled on the Reman track 'Tonights Da Night' produced by Erick Sermon and Reggie Noble which appeared on 'Whut? Thee Album' released in 1992. The track also features a sample of the Mary Jane Girls 'All Night Long'.

The Heath Brothers 'Smilin Billy Suite Part 2'

As sampled again by Erick Sermon and Redman from the 'Muddy Waters' LP on the infamous track 'Soopaman Luva 3'. I'm pretty sure they didn't do very much to the the record, except put it on a turntable! I wish there was a music video for this song. Soopaman Luva is Funk Doc in full Slick Rick story mode. This is also the same sample used by Q-Tip on the classic 'One Love' by Nas from the album Illmatic. Red actually used the same sample 2 years later than Nas in 1996.

Redman 'Soopaman Luva III'

Bonus* Nas Feat. Q-Tip 'One Love'

TWO DOPE SONGS THAT WIZ KHALIFA SAMPLED

2011-03-22T18:23:00.000-07:00

As heard on the Wiz Khalifa track 'Never Been'. Shouts to Don Silk on this one.

'Never Been'

Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose 'Since I Found My Baby'

From the song 'Who I Am'. Possibly one of my favorite Wiz songs. Shout outs to Relly for locating this.

'Who I Am'

CRACKHEAD DOES IMPOSSIBLE NINJA BACKFLIP OFF 50 FEET ROOF!

2011-03-22T17:31:00.000-07:00

Need I say more.

NEW RICK ROSS VIDEO FEAT. WIZ & WALE - 'RETROSUPERFUTURE'

2011-03-22T05:29:00.000-07:00

The Bawse is back, reclining like Jabba the Hutt smoking copious amounts of reefer. This time Wiz handles the chrous whilst Wale spits an okayish verse in comparison to the overweight Don. The track is from Ross' forthcoming Maybach Music album 'Self Made'.

3 SONGS TO PIFF TO IN THE WHIP

2011-03-14T19:35:00.001-07:00

DRAKE - 'NOVEMBER 18th' DJ SCREW REMIX

PIMP C FEAT. DRAKE & BUN B - 'WHAT UP'

TERRACE MARTIN - 'ROLL UP' FEAT. WIZ KHALIFA & OVERDOZ

OM'MAS, TYLER & LEFTBRAIN IN THE STUDIO

2011-03-14T18:53:00.001-07:00

Footage of Tyler, Leftbrain, & Hodgy goofing about with Om'mas from Sa-Ra in his studio in LA. This video shows Tylers talent on the keys as well as his ADHD. The track they start playing from about 1:00 in is very dope. Whether you're down with Odd Future or not, they are here to stay as Tyler & Earl have signed to XL Records. The crew also plan to release a slew of solo albums this year including Tyler's Goblin and Domo Genesis' Rolling Papers 2 unfortunately Wiz Khalifas new album is called Rolling Papers too, both rappers have similar styles. I'd be interested to see who's album is better. With the input of musicians such as Om'mas Keith and NERD, whom Tyler has been tweeting about spending time with in the studio, these are exciting times for good music.

BAD BOY MIXTAPES VOL. 1-4

2011-03-14T17:12:00.001-07:00

The past two weeks I've been bumping the first three Bad Boy mixtapes repeatedly. They feature the latest tracks from Bad Boy artists such as Biggie, Craig Mack, Mase and others as well as the hottest rap records at the time from Redman, Methodman, Mobb Deep and Grand Puba to name a few. The tapes are reel to reel classic, banger and gem, from a time when these songs were brand new. Although Diddy's hosting style is questionable, it always has been. These are timeless, time capsules and great mixtapes. Download em below.

DJ Clue
Bad Boy Mixtape Vol. 1

DJ Doo Wop
Bad Boy Mixtape Vol. 2

DJ Stretch Armstrong
Bad Boy Mixtape Vol. 3

DJ S&S
Bad Boy Mixtape Vol. 4

AMALIA

2011-03-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

The homey Bug put me on to this. Wow. The track 'All the Funk I Need', got me open. From the album 'Art Slave', well worth your hard earned. Fresh space funk, broken beat, nu soul izm. Available on iTunes or Tokyo Dawn.

NAOMI KLEIN ON RISK

2011-03-14T15:32:00.000-07:00

Naomi Klein critiques capitalism in an extremely articulate and informed way. In this TED lecture she talks about the culture of risk in the financial sector and it's affect on society. One of the most interesting and inspiring talks I've seen in a while.

G. DEP: THE DEMISE OF A BADBOY

2011-03-09T01:07:00.000-08:00

Alot of rappers have passed through the gates of Bad Boy over the years only to dwindle into obscurity: Craig Mack, Mase, Black Rob, Shyne, Loon and more. Whilst fucking over artists isn't an exclusive pursuit of Bad Boy, Diddy's rap sheet leaves something to be desired.

G. Dep is an ill rapper, he was bought in to Bad Boy by Black Rob, another rapper from Harlem.

Emcees who sign to Bad Boy don't seem to have the best of luck despite the image Diddy might portray.

The film above is part of a dope series called New York Minute directed by Gasface. The series has a hip-hop theme dealing with life in the rotten apple, check it out here.

G. Dep released his album to Child of The Ghetto in 2001 and failed to generate much of a buzz. Despite falling off from Bad Boy, G. Dep is a very ill emcee. The tracks 'Special Delivery' and 'Let's Get It' are straight classics. The track 'Head Over Wheels' which I first heard on a DJ Premier mixtape is an amazing record.

If you haven't seen this video, you need to check it. G. Dep might appear disheveled and even apprehensive to rap, the PCP can't have helped. But after missing the drop a few times, he actually delivers something special. Fast forward to (0:45) if time is of the essence.

3 DOPE G. DEP SONGS

2011-03-08T17:58:00.000-08:00

Ghostface, Keith Murray & Craig Mack bless this.

Get slapped silly.

'Head over wheels'. I think this might be in my top ten hip hop records of all time. Flows is silly. Harlem swagger rap to bump in the whip.

The Making Of Act II

2011-03-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

Jay Electronica in South Africa. Starring LaTonya Givens. Shouts to Jeymes Samuel.

Jessie Ware performs Nonsense by SBTRKT on the Boiler Room

2011-03-07T20:20:00.000-08:00

Jessie Ware is really good live. Shouts to Martelo grinning in the background. Classic UK dance-floor, space dub anthem.

THE KID DAYTONA - 'AIR BORN' FEAT BUN B

2011-03-07T20:13:00.000-08:00

Yeh Kid Daytona is very ill. He raps a bit like Curren$y. Bun B straight dons the track. Laid back, couch potato blunt rap.

WATCH THIS

2011-03-01T14:36:00.000-08:00

If you want to know what's going in the world regarding the way war is reported by mainstream media outlets, then watch this. John Pilger is not ramping. A great documentary. Tell a friend to tell a friend, each one teach one.

MYRON - 'WE CAN GET DOWN'

2011-02-28T16:29:00.000-08:00

This is that smooth ass sh*t you play when you tryna get your groove on: incense burning, candles lit and what not.

The UK Garage remix is classic material.

TWO BUSTA SONGS THAT MAKE ME WANT TO HEADBUTT PEOPLE

2011-02-28T16:15:00.000-08:00

Live To Regret (Set If Off OST)

Turn Me Up Some (Produced By J Dilla)

UPLIFTMENTS

2011-02-28T15:08:00.000-08:00

Couple of ol' skool uplifting jams to see you through the grey, grim harsh reality of inner-city life.

Kerri Chandler - On My Way

Tania Maria - Come With Me (Masters At Work Mix)

SWAGGIN' TO THE MAX IN MY LO BOOTS

2011-02-28T14:53:00.000-08:00

As well as being a fan of that 'elohim, annunaki rap', I've recently developed a taste for ignorant music about Ralph Lauren clothes. These are two are of the latest:

Young Dro - 'Polo Down'

Shouts to the homey Gurnteam for swagging me out with the second track.

FATHER DOM - 'FLOSSIN'

2011-02-28T14:35:00.000-08:00

Father Dom's overtly laidback ode to displaying one's wealth, sees the Oakland emcee talking nonchalantly about not loving females and living lavishly in 1996, when Wiz Khalifa was about 9.

TALKING WITH GODS

2011-02-28T14:19:00.000-08:00

Grant Morrison is a comic book writer, artist and part time shaman. He has written comics for D.C and Marvel including Superman, Batman, Judge Dredd, The X-Men and many more. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed series of graphic novels 'The Invisibles', an esoteric, sci-fi, conspiracy adventure centered around an underground group of psychic rebels! The Invisibles is said to have inspired The Matrix. The main character in the Invisibles 'King Mob' a 'psychedelic dandy' is said to be based on Morrison himself.

Grant Morrison practices chaos magic which is simply described as the belief that any thought can become a physical reality. The above documentary talks about the occult and magic practices which Morrison is into as well as his successful career in comics post Alan Moore, the creator of 'The Watchmen'. An interesting watch if your into comics and magic.

www.nickbam.tumblr.com

2011-02-16T19:14:00.000-08:00

I've got a tumblr now where I'll be putting up all my super fun pics from my life.

But I will continue to post music videos and rambling reviews on higherminded.

WWW.NICKBAM.TUMBLR.COM

ZHIGGE - 1992 POLO RAPS

2011-02-16T19:02:00.000-08:00

I'm a Lo head, so the garms in these videos turn me green with envy. And the music is kind of hype too, these guys sound a bit like Leaders Of The New School.

RAEKWON - 'SHAOLIN VS WU TANG'

2011-02-16T17:34:00.001-08:00

Directed by Konee Rok this video is very ill, on some Kill Bill anime, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Sin City type ish. Raekwon murders the track spraying poisonous lyrical darts, which is hardly surprising seeing as Raekwon has pretty much been murdering instrumentals since the age of 14.

BIG L REST IN PEACE

2011-02-15T18:48:00.000-08:00

ZING!

2011-02-15T10:14:00.000-08:00

Jake Davis directs a promo vid for Union. It features a semi-nude sexy woman, frolicking in a bedroom, trying on clothes and playing with a firearms.

IT'S A STICK UP

2011-02-15T06:44:00.001-08:00

'DTA'- Tyler & Casey Veggies

2011-02-15T06:11:00.000-08:00

Big Tune.

TYLER THE CREATOR: LYKKE LI'S ' I FOLLOW RIVERS' REMIX

2011-02-15T05:59:00.000-08:00

Dope. Download HERE.

VALENTINES VIBRATIONS

2011-02-14T18:47:00.000-08:00

SUPER DERTIE - 'CADILLAC EP'

2011-02-14T18:28:00.001-08:00

There's not much UK hip-hop on this blog, because unfortunately I'm not feeling a great deal of UK hip-hop recently other than Giggs, P-Money, Lee Scott, Bill Shakes, Nate, Piff Gang and a few other bits and pieces. It seems like a lot of UK rap has really bad production or is really commercial. Whilst N-Dubz and Tinchie may be making it to No.1 their brand of pop grime is very debatable, their songs aspire to be US pop anthems from the likes of Usher or Blacked Eyed Peas. The best UK rap can be found dispersed amongst the UK grime scene and on SBTV videos on youtube.

Super Dertie's 'Cadillac EP' is a godsend, the production is off the chain, whether the samples have been cleared or not. And Super Dertie, has made something no other UK rapper has done that I'm aware of. He's made an R&B record. With echoes of Barry White and Big Daddy Kane, the 'Cadillac EP' was made with the ladies in mind. Like a UK Wiz Khalifa or Curren$y Super waxes lyrical about women, weed and of course automobiles. UK Hip-Hop emcees have a habit of trying to overcomplicate their rhymes and talking about things out of sci-fi novels, Super Dertie is a welcome break from this tradition. Super's buttery flow is gentle and well thought out, more Slum Village than Canibus. Super has brought the funk and soul back to UK rap. Super Dertie is in the rap crews Second Nature and Piff Gang and comes from a background of rapping over grime, garage and hip-hop tracks. Sometimes Super reminds me a bit of Phonte or Bushkin from Heartless crew.

Be sure to check out my favorite tracks: 'Cadillac' & 'De Ville Flowin (Ft. Dee)'.

Bump this at high volume driving your expensive vehicle, with your favorite companion smoking a large...

'DOOBIE ASHTRAY' - DEVIN THE DUDE

2011-02-11T20:13:00.000-08:00

Classic smokers anthem. Produced by DJ Premier. I first heard this on the Kung Fu mixtape mixed by Sarah Love.

'RIDIN ROUND TOWN' - CASEY VEGGIES

2011-02-11T19:56:00.000-08:00

Some more of that swagged out hype LA sunshine rap. Bump this in your system ridin' round town.

MOUNT KIMBIE

2011-02-11T14:40:00.000-08:00

Visuals for South London production duo Mount Kimbie. Apparently the director Tyrone Lebon, asked to be able to spend the entire budget for the video on flying around the world taking loads of pictures. And that's exactly what he did. Mesmerizing.

Mount Kimbies - 'Crooks and Lovers' album was one of my favorite joints of 2010.

YONKERS

2011-02-11T07:01:00.000-08:00

New track, 'Yonkers' from Tyler of Odd Future Wolf Gang from his forthcoming album 'Goblin'.

DUDLEY PERKINS - 'COME HERE MY DEAR'

2011-02-08T20:30:00.001-08:00

Classic soul music. Dudley Perkins and Madlib. Lyrics, beats, vocals and MED's verse are all on point. Add this to your Valentine's playlist, it's a deal maker. From the album Expressions (2012 A.U) released on Stones Throw records.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAY DEE

2011-02-08T19:13:00.000-08:00

The other night I went I went to Scala in Kings Cross to attend the J Dilla tribute event put on by Spin Doctor, the Living Proof & Nonsense crew and various other members of the UK hip-hop/club community. I was surprised to see such a large turnout of people, I was also surprised by the type of people at the gig. Contrary to many hip-hop events I've attended before in the UK, the crowd wasn't predominately white! It was a real mix, with caucasians probably making up a minority, also it was really cool to be surrounded by people who are all into the same music as me. I believe that certain frequencies resonate with like-minded people.

Crowd analysis aside, the music left me feeling invigorated and ecstatic: a minor religious experience! I believe there is a quality in Dilla's music of positivity and love which can have an incredible energizing effect on a crowd instantaneously. Whilst of course this can be said for other musicians, it was amazing to hear classic after classic, hit after hit for hours on end all produced by the one man.

Below are a few of the tracks that I heard on the other night that particularly resonated with me.

Slum Village - 'Get This Money'

J Dilla - Make Em NV

Slum Village - Fall In Love (Remix)

Keith Murray - The Rhyme (Jay Dee Remix)

Jay Dilla - E=MC² (Feat. Common)

Slum Village - Raise It Up

JAY ELECTRONICA

2011-02-08T19:01:00.000-08:00

It's strange that since Jay Electronica signed to Jay Z's Roc Nation, we haven't heard much from him. Is Jay-Z holding him back?

Anyway here is a healthy dose of that "elohim, annunaki" rap to keep you sane in the midst of all the Soulja Boy's & Lil B's out there. For those that don't know Jay Electronica was lauded as Hip Hop's saviour last year because of his particularly dope esoteric, conspiracy rhymes over tight, classic production on the tracks 'Exhibit C' and 'Exhibit A'. Jay reintroduced Hip-Hop to the concept of an intelligent emcee, a welcome breath of fresh air admidst the sea of main stream super ignorant rap.

This is a nice batch of some of Jay's tunes to keep you going until he does finally drop something on Roc Nation.

Download HERE.

Peace

PATIENCE

2011-02-08T16:28:00.000-08:00

Enthralling, esoteric visuals from Nabil Elderkin for Nas & Damien Marley's 'Patience', aptly released nine months after their album 'Distant Relatives.'

The video depicts Nas as ancient African nobility/ruler complete with crown, medallion and robe and Damien Marley as a magi/priest rocking what looks like a very expensive red robe. Throughout they are juxtaposed against a backdrop of moving images and symbols such as pyramids, hieroglyphics, scenes of the motherland, planetary nebulae and star constellations, all of which allude to lyrics in the song. Visually this video is like a combination of Kanye's 'Power' and Flying Lotus' 'MmmmHmmm'.

D'ANGELO - VOODOO EPK

2011-02-06T20:52:00.000-08:00

D'Angelo's 'Voodoo' is probably one of my favorite albums of all time. If you're unfamiliar with D'angelo this is a great introduction and if you're a fan this video is a gem. It has some dope footage of D'Angelo at Electric Lady Land Studios and in Brazil. The film features Q-Tip, Eric Clapton, Chris Rock and more. Enjoy.

The Lurv Tapes Vol.2

2011-01-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

Henny Moan is back with another mix to keep your loins warm. Listen below or download HERE.

TheLurvTapesVol.2 by Henny Moan

STALLEY - 'SLAPP'

2011-01-30T09:18:00.001-08:00

Stalley comes with some more of that Creative Control new wave, god rap sh*t.

ON MY LEVEL

2011-01-30T08:04:00.000-08:00

Wiz first caught my attention last year with the single 'Mezmorized'. Since then he has steadily ascended into superstar status: soldout tours, making tracks with Snoop and releasing his own line of rolling papers etc. Khalifa has replaced Snoop, B Real, Red, Meth and others as stoner rapper No.1. He and Curren$y represent a new breed of rappers who have successfully combined pop elements of more recent R&B and rap with parts of old school hip-hop into a winning formula. They conquered the internet first and then the mainstream. What separates Curren$y & Wiz from other rappers such as Wocka Flocka and Gucci Mane is that their styles are original and they can actually rap, well.

His new song 'On My Level' featuring 'Too Short' is another laid back, swagged out club joint about Wiz's two favorite things: women and weed. Whilst the formula of the song: subject matter and vibe, are what we've come to expect from Wiz, 'On My Level' feels like Wiz is trying to nail his niche and perfect what he does. I look forward to his album 'Rolling Papers' which drops in March.

PLATO'S ALLEGORY OF THE CAVE

2011-01-27T04:32:00.001-08:00

Dope animation of Plato's allegory of the cave, an important description of power and perspective.

BBC STEVIE WONDER DOCUMENTARY 1980

2011-01-26T18:32:00.000-08:00

This Doc sees Stevie on the Hotter Of July tour, in which you catch a glimpse of the musical genius' backstage life on tour. The doc also focuses on Stevie's moving speech to an enormous crowd in Washington on Martin Luther King's birthday.

Sa-Ra Creative Partners – Episode II: Mission To Mars

2011-01-26T09:57:00.000-08:00

New podcast of that futuristic, space funk, egyptron ish. Download here.

The Kid Daytona - 'On The Hill'

2011-01-26T09:54:00.000-08:00

Laidback, aspirational, garment, swagger rap.

UNDER THE RADAR

2011-01-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Here's some music you might have missed over the last few months:

Funkineven and Fatima

Funkineven is a producer/DJ from West london who's futuristic beats are made largely using vintage synthesizers, inspired by Acid Jazz, House music and musicians such as Prince, Juan Atkins and Harold Faltermeyer, Funkineven has released several records on UK label Eglo Records. As has Swedish born vocalist Fatima who has collaborated with producers such as Hudson Mohawke, Dam-Funk and Shafiq from Sa-Ra. In 2010 she released her 'Mind Travellin EP', largely produced by Funkineven. Check the mix below by Lefto for a taste of the space-age funk the duo produce.

Casey Veggies

Sleeping In Class is the new album from LA rapper Casey Veggies. Featuring guest spots from the likes of Dom Kennedy, Tyler The Creator and more. Casey left his mark on the West coast hip-hop scene last year with the summertime underground anthem 'It's All Good'. If you fancy more of this head to the link below and grab the whole album for free. The tracks 'Ridin' Round Town' & 'DTA' are definitely worth a listen.

Download 'Sleeping In Class' here.

Henny Moan

London based producer Henny Moan, used to be one third of the East-end synth group Hounds Of Hate. His latest musical offering 'Slayer Of Gash 2' is a distorted instrumental reminiscent of West Coast G-Funk. Sit back and enjoy.

Hype Williams

Laidback, ethereal vibes from East London art group Hype Williams on their new EP Dior which you can download or listen to below. Hype Williams are well know on the East London art & music scenes for their forward-thinking music, weird music videos and art installations.

The Lover/ Flying Lotus Project

Futuristic nu-soul in the vein of J*Davey and Sa-Ra courtesy of Flying Lotus and Dana. All beats on this project were produced by L.A beat-smith Flying Lotus, who is down with Warp Records and Brainfeeder. All of the songs were written & arranged by Cali based rapper/singer DANA. Flying Lotus released the critically acclaimed LP 'Cosmogramma' earlier this year.

Download HERE

The Jet Age Of Tomorrow

The Jet Age of Tomorrow are down with the LA skate/rap crew Odd Future, who helped produce many of the tracks on this album. 'Journey To The 5th Echelon' contains echos of The Neptunes and Sa-Ra, Om'mas Keith actually appears on one of the stand-out tracks 'The Finer Things'. Listen below or download here.

THE SUN

2010-11-30T15:19:00.000-08:00

Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, RZA & Slick Rick - 'The Sun' (Bulletproof Wallets 2001)

The Wu & Ricky D get their heliocentric on. This song is a celebration of the Sun and is really very positive and informative. "The Sun kiss scrumptious son, it's nutritious" exclaims Ghost likening the Sun to a juice drink. "Prisoners get out, look up, run at you and then kiss the ground", explains Rae, reminding us of the lack of sunlight & exercise many prisoners receive whilst incarcerated.

It's clear in the way Ghost & Rae drop it that they are paying homage to Rick in their verses. Ricky D comes with signature water flows & his distinct storyteller tone, extolling truth and wisdom in his effortless drawl, "Isn't it cool how it spreads joy, hons lay in it/And it's hard to go back to work, when your lunch breaks finished."

Ricky D gets deep and philosophical with his closing bars:

"...since dinosaurs, and Adam and Eve
That Sun's hovered, to the extermination of us
It's a peephole, which leads to the firmament above us."

Rick poignantly reminds us of our own mortality and insignificance, The Sun will one day engulf this planet when it reaches the end of it's life cycle. Firmament is also not a word rappers typically use. He has a great vocabulary! Rick does state earlier in his verse that, "A theory I've clung to deep within/Souls have to go through the sun to reach Heaven", which is an interesting concept.

RZA chimes in with two bars after Rick's verse about the Sun's role in the water cycle:

"Who can take a raindrop
And turn it to 3?
And drawn up 6 miles, over tropical isles
And bring it to the sea."

This track is straight poetry, philosophy and science. It is a celebration of the Sun and an explanation of it's impact on the peoples of Earth. In my humble view it makes more sense to make a song about the Sun than any God(s).

RZA got the sample from the track 'Does He Treat You Better' by Unique Blend , a beautiful soul record.

Peace.

SPINE TV BEAT TAPE #1 - 14KT

2010-11-29T11:06:00.000-08:00

Producer 14KT who graduated from the Dilla school of Hip Hop production mixes 10 beats in 10 minutes for #1 of the Spine Beat Tape series. The format of ten minutes allows producers a free reign to fit in as many beats as possible or focus on fewer more intricate pieces.

Subscribe to the podcast on itunes here. Or download it here.

Yusef Lateef - Love Theme From Spartacus

2010-11-23T18:06:00.000-08:00

Space travel. This song fucks with your inner.

STAR OF THE STORY

2010-11-23T17:45:00.000-08:00

By Heatwave from the album 'Central Heating' 1978.

J R Bailey - Just Me 'n' You

2010-11-23T17:15:00.000-08:00

I can't help but feel good about life when I hear this song. Classic soul groovements.

Sunshower

2010-11-23T17:12:00.000-08:00

JORGE BEN E TOQUINHO - CAROLINA BELA

2010-11-23T17:06:00.000-08:00

GENESIS

2010-11-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

BASTARD

2010-11-21T11:58:00.000-08:00

Tyler The Creator's Bastard.

Tracklist
1.Bastard
2.Seven
3.Odd Toddlers Feat. Casey Veggies
4.French! Feat. Hodgy Beats
5.Blow
6.Pigs Fly Feat. Domo Genesis
7.Parade
8.Slow It Down Feat. Hodgy Beats
9.AssMilk Feat. Earl
10.VCR/Wheels
11.Session Feat. Hodgy Beats & BranDun Deshay
12.Sarah
13.Jack & The Beanstalk
14. Tina Feat. Jasper & Taco
15.Inglorious

Download HERE.

Bastard is a cult classic, a modern masterpiece. Tyler is a beast on the mic, his beats are phenomenal, they either bang hard or are as mellow as f*ck. Tyler is the product of LA skate & music culture . Think early Eminem or Redman meets Southpark with a bit of RZA, Quasimoto, MF Doom & Lil B sprinkled into the mix. Tyler's lyrics are far from conventional: rape, murder, drugs & casual misogyny being is topics of choice. But whilst Tyler can shock his rhymes are both an examination of his immediate surroundings: LA youth culture and a wider culture of American homicide & crime. Think the Cohen Brother's No Country For Old Men meets Wu Tang Clan's 36 Chambers.

Track's such as 'French' & 'VCR/Wheels' immediately stand out for their beats. When I heard 'French' performed live it sounded ridiculous on the levels of Beastie Boy & Run DMC anthems. 'VCR/Wheels' are beautiful beat sketches with Tyler's low pitched vocals over the top. Referencing beats that are usually reserved for RnB crooners, 'Wheels/VCR' are songs of the highest irony, Tylers subject matter of rape & kidnap are eerily juxtaposed over the pleasant beats. The rest of the album is fire, riddled with gnarly rhyme patterns, double entendres and teenage angst. I eagerly await his forthcoming album Wolf. But for now I'm happy to listen to Bastard, a shocking concept album complete with dope beats & fresh rhymes. 5/5

*Bonus: Bastard Chopped and Screwed by Mike G

IT'S ALL GOOD

2010-11-21T11:38:00.000-08:00

Casey Veggies is a 17 year old rapper from LA who is pals with the Odd Future mandem. This track 'It's All Good' from his mixtape 'Customized Greatly' released in 2009 is ill. His laid back demeanor & the summery beat make this a winner in my neck of the woods.

HERMES PARTY: I LOVE MY SCARF

2010-11-19T05:19:00.000-08:00

Wednesday night was the launch party for the Hermes: J'aime Mon Carre pop up shop in Arnold Circus, London, E2. Party goers got the opportunity to try on scarves and then get a photo of themselves donned in silk. Girl, punk band Warpaint performed & champagne, beer & radishes were enjoyed by all. The pop-up store is open until Sunday, if high fashion is your thing definitely worth a visit.

FUCKIN' LAME

2010-11-19T05:05:00.000-08:00

Another banger from Ace the Creator AKA Tyler. This track has been receiving heavy rotation this week. The way the vocals are pitched it reminds me of Madlib's Quasimoto. Tyler & Quas need make a track ASAP. They are both on very similar wavelengths.

NAME IN LIGHTS

2010-11-19T04:59:00.000-08:00

Check out my boy Super Dertie dropping them nonchalant, water flows. The best MC's are all from NW.

NIKE BASKETBALL ADS

2010-11-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

Nike Basketball and Jordan have always made the best commercials. The brands have managed to become synonymous with cool. Many of the ads reflect wider black culture: film, comedy & music. The above example features music from the Wu-Tang clan, Anime style animation along side live footage of Lebron James doing what he does best. Nike's consistent ability to produce innovative, fresh content for commercials is probably what has helped to keep them number one on many people's list of favorite sports brands. It's no secret that Nike spend a large portion of their annual budget on advertising & PR to ensure the brand retains it's street cred & gargantuan status.

Throughout my entire life I have found that Nike & Jordan advertising campaigns have been the ones I have like the most, they spoke to me far more than any other brands. Some Nike adverts resonate with me as much as my favorite films & songs (many Nike B-Ball & Jordan ads were directed by Spike Lee). The Nike Basketball & Jordan brands have managed to capture in their campaigns what it is about Basketball & the culture that surrounds it, that makes it exciting, addictive, life-consuming etc...

The ads work. It's clear they were made with an emphasis on creativity and innovation, the ads are designed to tap into aspirations of inner city youth who play ball & listen to hip-hop and are into the culture that surrounds the game: sneakers, music, clothes & the lifestyle & those who aspired to it. I bought the shoes.

It's weird to think about the way a sneaker brand has impacted your life. But Nike & Jordan shoes have not been just influential in my life, they have had a huge impact on Hip-Hop & popular culture. Basketball shoes such as The Air Force One & the entire Jordan series have become symbols of Hip Hop culture, fresh AF1's being an emblem of status.

Jordan, is not only one of the best Basketball players of all time, he was also the first to have his own shoe that became a distinct brand in itself generating millions. Jordan's status as best in the world helped make the brand seem like the best in the world, a formula Nike have continued to follow with Lebron James & Kobe Bryant. Being the best in the world and having the most popular shoe/clothing brand was very inspiring to me as a youth.

Everyone knows clothes & footwear are an important part of Hip-Hop & sports culture and the two are both closely interlinked. Hip-Hop music has undoubtedly had a large impact on the way athletes dress, as sportswear has always played a large part in Hip-Hop. Many rappers have their own clothing lines. Jay-z & 50 Cent both have their own shoes, a bit like Jordan.

Basketball isn't really as popular in the UK as it is in the U.S and mainland Europe, I'm not really sure why, but a well considered UK Nike Basketball campaign could do wonders to invigorate the sport. An entire generation of kids who listen to hip-hop & wear Nike basketball shoes, who may not even play the game would immediately recognize and understand the imagery of Basketball having being exposed to the game through other media: TV, music, fashion, movies etc...

Basketball events & coverage are few & far between in the UK, TV shows are on late at night and games hardly get a mention in the national press. Information & games are to be found online at places such as www.hoopsfix.com. Although Nike does have a presence at events such as Midnight Madness and at the store Nike Town, that's about it.

A documentary that aims to encourage people to back Team Great Britian, 'Back British Basketball' was released online prior to Team GB's Olympic qualifiers earlier this year. Despite England winning all four qualifying matches, Basketball in England remains an untapped market, largely ignored by the media. Team GB matches are not broadcast on TV, such coverage pales in comparison to Nike's sponsorship & promotion of the US team.

NIKE BASKETBALL ADS - MY FAVOURITES

2010-11-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

THIS IS DOPE

2010-11-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

Kenzo Digital presents "The Dee & Ricky Super Happy Fun Time Show" Teaser

FUNKINEVEN 1956 - THE ACID TAPE

2010-11-11T17:41:00.000-08:00

You need to install Adobe Flash Player, or use an HTML5 browser that supports H.264 video.

Check this VCR footage of my homeboy FunkinEven 1956 discussing his origins in Hip-Hop & the Barbershop out in West London. It was shot by fly girl Grace Ladoja for Acyde's TMI. The dope title card contains a photo by Vent Fury.

The ish comes across like an old school music documentary that you'd watch in school, on acid with a futuristic house soundtrack. Funkineven has put out music on Eglo Records, collaborating with artists such as Fatima, a funky soulful vocalist.

Quotables

"I dress, eat, shit, hi top, fades, lines everything hip hop."

"The future is the past, the past is the future, every thing's been done already."

"Technology all that, this is ancient stuff."

IT'S A STICK UP

2010-11-10T17:07:00.000-08:00

Mike G - Stick Up Ft. Earl by higherminded

HENNY MOAN - THE LURRRVTAPES VOL.1

2010-11-10T16:27:00.000-08:00

Henny Moan came hard & correct (pause) with Volume 1 of The Lurrrvtapes series. Or in his words: "Want to Play some seductive lady music then some weird shit."

This features tracks from Odd Future & Slum Village, two of my favorite crews & heaps more aural goodness. The Lurrrvtape is the perfect blend of shit you've never heard before & crack cocaine to keep you warm on these harsh Winter nights. So sit back, light that kush & unwind...

TheLurvTapes Vol.1 by Henny Moan

TOKIMONSTA - 'ALMOST FREE'

2010-11-08T18:07:00.000-08:00

Phantasmagorical. Emotive. Poignant. Simple. Cool out to this.

MELLOWHYPE

2010-11-08T17:33:00.000-08:00

Mellowhype are Hodgy Beats & Left Brain, members of the Odd Future Wolf Gang camp. They have just released the album 'BLACKENEDWHITE', definitely a dope album. Previously they have put out the mixtape YELLOWHITE which is worth checking out.

Lyrical content is a mix of casual thuggery, kush talk & determination. Hodgy Beats has a clear, clean style reminiscent of Wiz Khalifa & Lil B. The beats as always with Odd Future are fresh, lush & bangin. Both Hodgy & Left Brain produce.

Hodgy has traces of Kanye & Wiz Khalifa in his voice but is a lyrical beast in his own right. Flipping mad syllables, his mellow west coast flow contains confidence & hunger. Leftbrain spits less often, dropping bombs here & there. He kicks a dope verse on Fuck The Police Feat. Tyler The Creator.

Stand out tracks on BLACKENEDWHITE are Loco, Brain featuring Hodgy Beats, Corduroy Feat. Earl, Loaded & Right Here Feat. Mike G. Polyurthane & Rolex from YELLOWHITE

WIZ KHALIFA - UP CHOPPED & SCREWED BY MIKE G

2010-11-08T17:28:00.000-08:00

Tyler & the rest of Odd Future catch wreck over the original track.

MIKE G - ALI

2010-11-08T17:06:00.000-08:00

Mike G is probably the most low key of Odd Future. His laidback drawl is reminiscent of someone much older than his teenage years. Flows begin on beat and end up off beat, Mike G's style is unique he combines the new age flows of Drake or Kid Cudi with the more recogniseable styles of Warren G & Snoop. The King Mike G is an eloquent thug on an space funk mission. The beats on Ali are incredible: lo-fi & hazy. Mike G also makes dope Chopped & Screwed tracks. Light it up.

Stand out tracks are Moracular Word, Ok MikeG, Crazy, King Stick Up Feat. Earl is fantastic. Timeless Feat. Tyler is also a superb concept track. In fact the whole shit is tight. Fresher than crest breath is.

Download Ali HERE

DON'T FUCK WITH ME

2010-11-08T17:02:00.000-08:00

This song is ridiculous. Play it loud.

TYLER THE CREATOR

2010-11-07T09:24:00.000-08:00

Tyler The Creator is a foul mouthed, sex obsessed teenager from California. He produces dope hip-hop beats, films videos, designs album artwork & can rap is ass off. Try & find the Bastard Tape to gain an insight into the life of a 19 year old kid from LA who has a fascination with rape, murder, white girls, the devil & music. Bastard is an examination of the impact his life has had without a father. Tyler makes advanced, ill music. He is the leader of Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All, a posse of Supreme rocking skater kids who make dope music.

WHO I AM

2010-10-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

Wow! Old school Wiz from the 'Deal or No Deal' mixtape. My crew showed me this on the weekend. It's been bumped at least 35 times since Sunday.

MAR VARIATION 'SINGLE'

2010-10-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

Mar's cover of Lil Waynes single as part of his Variations series, which has some very nice Blue Note inspired artwork. I do like this. But I'm pretty sure he says "Nigga" like Lil Wayne does in the original. I'm not sure if dutch Neo-Soul crooner's are allowed to say this or not, I'm not the racism police. But he does say it. Anyway, I do like this song. Boy can sing and the beats nice.

Quotable

"Polo T-shirt, Polo draws, now make me take this polo off.
Girl you can get broken off, I'll f*ck you for an hour and then smoke it all.'

THE EARL

2010-10-07T21:52:00.000-07:00

Earl Sweatshirt - 'EARL'.

16 year old LA rapper Earl Sweatshirt is ill, he's like MF DOOM meets Lil B/Wiz Khalifa. It's good to hear some young cats keeping it lyrical and not taking themselves too seriously. They are drinking some funky concoction in this video. Crazy kids.

EARL is part of a collective known as OFWGKTA or Odd Future who seem to be churning out music at a Madlib like rate all available to download for free on their tumblr. I hope they continue to make more bugged out, hedonistic rap.

Download EARLS album here.

TRIMOTHY

2010-10-07T20:35:00.000-07:00

I quite like this abstract Trim track by Dusk & Blackdown, its called 'The Bits'.

POLO TSHIRT POLO DRAWS

2010-10-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

Pussy, weed & polo.

COME AND GET IT

2010-09-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

This tune by Nicholas Jaar is ridiculous. Shouts to Jasper for putting me on.

SILENT LAUNCH PARTY X STOP BEGGING

2010-09-29T07:37:00.000-07:00

My good friend Jack Cannon is celebrating the launch of his clothing label SILENT at Basing House next Saturday in conjunction with Stop Begging, his monthly Grime night that he runs with DJ Motive.

The night will be hosted by Mighty Moe of the Heartless Crew and the creme of London's DJs will be holding down the 1's and 2's. Not to be missed.

DON'T TRUST ANYONE

2010-09-29T03:12:00.000-07:00

Street Smartz - 'Don't Trust Anyone'. Shouts to Tan.

I LOVE SPACE FUNK

2010-09-28T14:15:00.000-07:00

When people ask me what music I like I usually reply, ‘everything’, then I proceed to list off a few genres; ‘Jazz, Dub, Soul, Old School Hip Hop’, in an attempt to sound like I know what I’m talking about. But what I really, really want to say in this situation is I like ‘Space Music’ or more specifically ‘Space Funk’. But I can’t because unless you listen to exactly the same music as me you will have no idea what I am talking about and probably think I’m a bit weird. ‘Space Funk’ is a genre entirely of my own conception but most of my favorite tunes seem to fit into the category. In the course of this article I will attempt to define ‘Space Funk’ and what musicians and songs fit in to my made up genre.

Space

For eons man has gazed at the sky and understood by the sheer volume of stars and the infinite nature of the galaxy that we are not alone. No musician better understood this than George Clinton, who is considered the inventor of Funk and headed the group Parliament Funkadelic. On his 1975 LP ‘Mothership Connection’, the album cover artwork depicts George looking pretty funky, chilling out the side of a spaceship amongst a cluster of star nebulae. This an overt reference to theories that suggest that the human race are descended from beings from elsewhere in the universe. Many ancient civilizations such as the Syrians and Babylonians mention extraterrestrials in their mythology.

The Dogon people who live in the Homburi Mountains near Timbuktu have known about the existence of a star called Sirius B for hundreds of years, NASA only managed to photographed it for the first time in 1970. George Clinton’s Hit Song ‘Atomic Dog’ released in 1982, is a reference to Sirius B, which is also known as the Dogstar.

In terms of music space can represent many different things: the unknown, the future, it represents a great chasm of possibility. The celestial bodies have inspired musicians throughout the ages and continue to fascinate us to this day. Artists such as Sun Ra explored concepts of time and space through music by experimenting with time signature, tone and frequency. Music is a very powerful tool and Sun Ra believed if used in the right way it could transform the planet, bring about peace and understanding by altering people’s conciousness. Sun Ra’s music is about thinking beyond the perimeters of your daily existence and shifting your thinking to a more cosmic scale. Some artists such as Dam-Funk make their music with aliens in mind, like in the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind directed by Stephen Spielberg, where humans use music as a tool to communicate with aliens.

J Dilla

Jay Dee or J Dilla is a famous hip hop producer from Detroit, Michigan who was one third of the original Slum Village line up. He has produced tracks for Common, Erykah Badu and D’angelo to name a few. Nowadays he seems to be everybody’s favorite producer from your local Size sales assistant to your under grad stoner, but I remember a time when you had to be a really nerdy hip hop back packer to know about him. Since his death in 2006 DJs such as 1Xtra’s Benji B and Stones Throws J Rocc have a done a good job of spreading Jay Dee’s soulful musical message of love and togetherness around the world.

A small amount of study of Jay Dee’s music will reveal his vast influence on not just the Hip Hop community but music as a whole. Slum Village really represented the soulful, conscious side of Hip Hop in a way that has never been done quite as effectively since the LPs Fantastic Vol 1. & 2 . Dilla, aided by the recognition of Fantastic went on to produce tracks for Q-Tip and A Tribe Called Quest as well as teaming up with Madlib to create the Jaylib - Champion Sound project.

Whilst early Slum Village relied on Jazz & Soul samples, Dilla moved into more experimental realms on the work he did for Common’s Electric Circus LP as well as the Jaylib - Champion Sound project and Ruff Draft, using more synth based sounds, these records fit snugly into the ‘Space Funk’ category.

Stand out Jay Dee tracks of the ‘Space Funk’ oeuvre are:

Star 69 -Common Feat. Bilal & Prince - Electic Circus LP

Love Junkee Feat. Cameo (Jay Dee Remix) - Dj Cam & Cameo

As Serious As Your Life Is (Jay Dee Remix) - Fourtet

If you can get your hands on any of the Dilla Beat tapes floating around, many of the more recent ones contain outlandishly good space funk.

There is no doubt that Jay Dee’s production has had a large influence on a whole host of beat makers whose music continues to explore the outer reaches of Space Funk, such as Hudson Mohawke, Flying Lotus & Onra to name a few.

To conclude…

‘Space Jazz’ is a piece of music that whilst containing futuristic aspects such as synths and plug-ins, the beat also pays respect to older genres such as Electro, Boogie Funk as well as Jazz & Soul. The entire genre of dubstep or certain types of house or hip hop can all be described as Space Funk. It’s not so much the label thats attached to the music, it’s the futuristic feeling of the track and the philosophy behind the music. When I say ‘Space’ I suppose I mean a more universal outlook on things. A lot of people stare up at the sky and wonder what’s going on up there and if what’s going on up in Space has any affect on us down here on Earth, ‘Space Funk’ is for the those dreamers, ponderers and sky watchers.

Other Space Funkers

Madlib

Sa-Ra creative partners

Mark Pritchard

Flying Lotus

Hudson Mohawke

Jazzy Sport

Stevie J

J Davey

Herbie Hancock

Jamiroquai

Spacek

This article originally appeared on Sweet and Sound in October 2009.

THE TRUTH - PHAROAHE MONCH

2010-09-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

Yo
Truth had me up against the ropes
semi-concious without no boxing skills
Fear of it makes hair on my neck grow like minoxodil
Watchin the clock is ill when, faced with the truth
Parallels observing, amateur video tapes of
Twenty-one top notch NYPD cops get ill
Fill they minds not to kill, still son, never revealed
True feelings
We speakin on the truth right now in itself is a healing
See The Creator created existence and balance
At right angles, unless it was conceived and stated
So whoever shall stray away from right lives wrong
The deliverance of the word false
Opposite of truth off course
Sure as my slave name sending
Troy Donald Jamerson paves the path
enabling truth to stay stable and cling to EARTH!
Sorta similar to the way static electricity sting
See, truth brings light, light refracts off the mirror
Visions of yourself and error could never be clearer
The truth is that you ugly, not on the outside
But in the inside, on the outside you frontin you lovely
The discovery of these things and all are well hidden
But when you in denial of self it is forbidden
That's the truth

GRAND PUBA & MARY J BLIGE ON YO! MTV RAPS

2010-09-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

The epitomy of what good Hip-Hop should be.

SUPER MARIO BROS 2 - UNDERWORLD

2010-09-22T16:26:00.000-07:00

Madness!

HYPNOTIC BRASS ENSEMBLE - 'WAR'

2010-09-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

I saw these guys the other day at Ronnie Scotts and they killed it. Eight brothers from Chicago all on horns and a drummer. Each guy had a go at either speaking in between songs or rapping. Most of the tracks they played were quite up tempo & intense, perhaps more suitable to the large arenas they mentioned they had been playing in. They did play one downtempo number which they said was from their forthcoming album. Shit sounded ridiculous.

In between songs they told jokes and explained their philosophy and inspirations such as the cosmos & Sun - Ra. They played a song called Mercury, named after the closest planet to the Sun, explaining they played it whenever it was raining or gloomy & they wanted the Sun to come out. Scarily it was apparently often successful!

Hypnotic's horn playing is definitely tight & the raps they were busting were kind of slum village esque scat raps but a little bit more profane. They had all of Ronnie Scotts singing along to "Bang, Bang, Skeet, Skeet" which was pretty funny!

TEN CITY

2010-09-22T15:50:00.000-07:00

THE BLAST

2010-09-22T15:30:00.001-07:00

This shit still gets me. I remember playing this track on repeat from my Tim Westwood Mix CD on my Discman riding in the back of Mum's car!

This song is the epitome of everything good about Hi-Tek & Talib Kweli. Possibly the duos best track from their album of the same name.

The video is very ill & matches the track with it's classic Hip-Hop vibe. If you watch closely you'll notice Rawkus labelmates Pharoahe Monch & Mos Def appear briefly.

I also fucks with the remix featuring Erykah Badu.

WOW

2010-09-09T12:52:00.000-07:00

Feel M E by Fresh Daily

This beat by Devonwho has me bugging. Homeboy rides the beat nonchalantly & very precise. No nonsense. The video was directed by Nicholas Heller, a very talented guy out of Boston & NYC. You will be seeing a lot more of his work on this blog & on Spine TV.

SUKIYAKI

2010-09-07T15:27:00.000-07:00

This track was was written by Rokusuke Ei and Hachidai Nakamura, this version was recorded by Kyu Sakamoto in 1963. It reached the top of the Billboard 100 chart in the U.S that year and sold 13 million copies internationally. The melody is extremely catchy and the song has a beautiful melancholy, wistful vibe about it. The Japanese name for the song is "Ue o muite arukō" which translates as "I walk looking up." Apparently it can be interpreted in three ways: as a man on his way to his execution, as someone trying to be optimistic despite life's trials, or as the story of an ended love affair

English language cover versions of this song were recorded in 1981 by a Taste Of Honey, a Disco/Soul group who also covered Smoky Robinson & The Miracles. Boy band 4 P.M also recorded a barbershop version in 1995. In both cases the singles were huge hits, both were about love, the song's orignal meaning had been lost slightly in translation. The lyrics written by Rokusuke Ei and Hachidai Nakamura were mostly about being sad & alone, and looking up.

A Taste Of Honey

In the late 80's Slick Rick sang some of the English 'Sukiyami' lyrics on his famous hit with Doug E Fresh 'La Di Da Di':

Then I dilly, DALLY, I ran through the ALLEY
I bumped into this homegirl named SALLY from the VALLEY
This was a girl playing hard to get
So I said "What's wrong?" cause she looked upset
She said uh, "It's all because of you
I'm feeling sad and blue
You went away
and now my life is filled with rainy days
I love you so
How much you'll never know
Cause you took your love away from me."

Ricky D was straight singing A Touch Of Honey! He also sings some of the song on a track with Will smith 'So Fresh' that also features Biz Markie recorded in 1999. Big tune!

I've always found it interesting when rappers sing bits of other songs in their lyrics. It helps remind us where hip hop music is from, as rappers often sing bits from popular soul or rnb hits, or songs they knew from growing up. It also adds melody to a rap verse. It's a musical reference within a song. Rappers have also been known to sing entire songs, but that's another blog post.

The moral of the story is, beautiful melodies transcend musical genre, time and location. The Sukiyaki melody has been sung by everyone from Japanese pop bands to Spanish pop starlets to gold wearing rappers. It's mad to think that Slick Rick is in fact singing the melody of a 60 year old Japanese song over Hip-Hop beats.

The Faboulous Echoes in 1965.

SUKIYAKI PART 2

2010-09-07T13:20:00.000-07:00

The rabbit hole gets deeper. Sukiyaki is a prolific tune and it can heard all over the shop. These tracks all contain the Sukiyaki melody, they all reference either Ricky D's verse or the Taste of Honey jam.

Mary J Blige - 1997

Rapael Saadiq - 1995

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's - Bless Da 40 Oz (1995)

MEYHEM LAUREN FEAT. ROC MARCIANO

2010-09-06T04:38:00.000-07:00

2 L's Up!

ELZHI - THAT'S THAT ONE

2010-09-05T14:39:00.000-07:00

This Elzhi track has me open. The flows on the first verse are way too dope. The flows combined with the Black Milk beat automatically make my head snap and my face screw up.

"Hello blue & goodbye grey skies, We on some jiggy shit, na na na na ney na."

UNFORGIVABLE

2010-08-25T15:37:00.001-07:00

TRUE HIP-HOP STORIES: PHAROAHE MONCHE

2010-08-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

D-Nice presents True Hi-Hop Stories: Pharoahe Monch.

Pharoahe breaks down the lyrics from 'Simon Says' and 'Oh No' and speaks on his asthma, and his new album W.A.R which is a call arms for righteous music and a statement of rebellion against establishment & industry.

D-Nice, is a producer, rapper, beat boxer, DJ, photographer and film maker from New York, and an ex-member of Boogie Down productions, KRS's old crew. You can tell Phroahe seems relaxed and on point in the interview, it's because the man behind the camera is also a Hip Hop legend.

This freestyle by Pharoahe is lyrical, conspiracy rap at it's best. The rhyme, flow, delivery are all perfect. The lyrical content, is relevant and brimming with esoteric, political, astrological and cultural references. Pharoahe drops into his verse in Latin! He also uses the word "innocuous", Pharoahe definitely has the best vocabulary of any emcee. I don't think Talib Kweli or Jeru are testing him. This is Pharoahe in "F*ck up any emcee" mode.

Notable Quotables

"All seeing eye ocular exam. The apocalypse, back by popular demand."

"The fur made of a lion, the eye of horus mount zion, vibrant, prominent, constellations of Orion/ The reason why my stars are in alignment."

"It's bio engineered ergonomics...'

I NEED YOUR LOVE, MORE THAN BEFORE

2010-08-15T08:13:00.000-07:00

Skip Mahoney & The Casuals 'I Need Your Love'.

This song belongs in that 'fucks with your soul' category, in a good way. Be warned it will make you feel extremely wistful and think about her/him....