Rapper Big Pooh – FreeBasin’ feat. Carlitta Durand (Free Download)
Sorry to leave you all in suspense for so long, but here is the link to the newest single from Rapper Big Pooh of Little Brother. It’s called FreeBasin’, and it features the lovely Miss Carlitta Durand. This soulful joint hits hard with the lyricism and passion in which it’s delivered. Listen to it a couple times, and it’s guaranteed to set your day off right. Fat Boy Fresh Vol.1 comes out in early April, but until then you can download FreeBasin’ for free here….
Single cover by me, ho.
JMProductions – The Left Side (Free Instrumental Album)
Big shoutouts to the homies NonDescript & Emphatic from JMProductions. If you are unfamiliar with this Bad Newz production duo, they are strictly about that Boom-Bap. Old school heads in a new school world, these cats have been steadily releasing new beats since I came across them last year. So if you are ready to get down to some true school sounds, grab your timbs and black & milds, and download this joint for FREE here…
Cover artwork by Big Hop(timus Prime)
Kida – Watch Me (Free Download)
Kida & Focus are at it again with some more of that good good. The new joint, Watch Me, is a certified banger. It’s got that west coast feel, but some down south ruggedness to it. 2011 has proven to be a busy year thus far for this combo. Stay on the lookout for more joints from them. Until then, Make sure you download this joint for FREE here…
Reks – Head of Class (Produced by X3M) – Free Download
Super Shoutouts to my brother from a Serbian mother, X3M, for the first release off his new compilation project, Junkyard. The homie linked up with raw spitter, Reks, and they put together a seriously dope joint, “Head of Class.” I was recently put on to Reks, and have been bumping his music steadily since. Dude got the crazy lyrics, and hyper flow. Listening to his music is like a throwback to the golden era of Hip Hop. This joint is no different. The beat has a smooth, jazz feel, as does all of Junkyard, which is X3M’s third official release. I am proud to say that I have been featured on all of them. If you are looking for beats, you need to holla at this cat. He is one of the most talented, and hardworking cats I have ever met, and he’s doing it from Serbia! So make sure you hit him up, and more importantly, Download Rek – Head of Class for FREE here…
Junkyard will be available early next month. Keep checking back cuz I will most definitely post it when it drops…
Mallz – Hands High (Free Download)
Shouts to my fellow ECU alum, Mallz, for the upcoming release of his new project, Service Entrance. Mallzini actually recorded this joint awhile back but has been sitting on it for a few. Now he is ready to unleash it on the world. The first joint he is releasing from the project is “Hands Up,” which is produced by Cartel. This joint is super fresh, so keep checking back, as I will posting links to the full project when it drops. Until then, download “Hands High” for FREE here…
Artwork by me, muhfuckas!
Action Incorporated – NO feat. Sadat X
Major shoutouts to the Port City homies, Fuzz Jax & DJ Battle, for the release of their self titled debut album, Action Incorporated. This power packed LP features guest appearances from Thirstin Howl III, Kaze, Sadat X, MindsOne, Wes Cyphers & more. To kick off the celebration of the album, they have made available “No” featuring the legendary Sadat X. So make sure you download that joint for FREE here. After that, click on iTunes and pick up the whole album here…
L’Orange – The Manipulation EP (Free Instrumental Album)
Super shoutouts to the homie, L’Orange, aka L’O, on the release of this new FREE instrumental project. I met L’O originally through myspace a few years back,, and I couldn’t believe I was hearing the sounds that were blaring out of his player. He has a unique style in how he samples, sequences, and composes. He also plays bass live on a lot of his tracks. This kid is uber-talented for sure.
We have been in the works of some music for a few, so make sure you keep your ear out for that. Until then, enjoy this album of instrumentals that you can download for FREE right here…
Phonte – Unreleased Joints
The other night, Phonte went wild & released a whole bunch of unheard music. Some of it was pure hilarity(RZA is the World/I Wanna Do It), but others are gems that were meant to be heard(Paper Lines/Unreleased Bleek).
I had never heard of G.I.M.M.E before, which was basically Little Brother before Little Brother. Tay threw a couple of those joints up there. Also included is a song that he and Mr. Porter submitted for a major artist’s album a few years back. Wanna find out who it was, click right here to hear these jams for FREE…
While we are on the subject of Phonte, it’s been a heavily stated fact that he 9th have set their differences aside and are now collaborating on some new music. If I am not mistaken their is a song in the works with Drake and J. Cole. I think that sounds dope, and would be a great look for Tay. I will keep you posted. In the meantime, check out this new video….
The Week of Dilla
James Dewitt Yancey (February 7, 1974 – February 10, 2006), better known by the stage names J Dilla and Jay Dee…
Today marks the 5 year anniversary of the death of J Dilla. Earlier this week also marked the anniversary of his birth, so I am going to hit y’all with some classics, as well as tribute material in this post.
If you are unfamiliar with Dilla’s movement, you might be surprised to find out that he was the production behind such hip hop artists like Common, Busta Rhymes, A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde, and Erykah Badu. He also was a member of Slum Village, and had a successful solo career.
After his death in 2006, Dilla has remained a cult legend. His production is still being used, and has been featured on albums by Q-Tip(The Renaissance), Mos Def(The Ecstatic), and Raekwon(OB4CL2). He has been honored and awarded several times, and it’s hard to think that we have heard the last from Jay Dee.
In celebrating his life this week, several artists have recorded tributes, etc. First up is Rhettmatic’s “WHATUPDOE 09” (The J Dilla MiniMegaMix). It’s a quick mix of Dilla’s classics. Download it for FREE here…
Next up is a tribute album from NAMELESS, where he uses the same samples that Dilla used, but crafted them in his own way. Check it out and download it for FREE here…
This one is pretty f-ing dope. It came out earlier this year, but it’s a live recording of a jazz trio playing Dilla’s acclaimed album, Donuts, from the beginning to the end. The story of the performance is really cool. Check it out:
The crowd at The Local 269, a shabby New York City bar on 269 Houston Street, could not have been less interested. The bartender scribbled on his notebook, two older men talked to a woman half their age, and a gaggle of NYU students crowded a booth by the stage. Midterms were distant enough that they could drink on a Sunday. When an ear-splitting free jazz session finally died down, three NYU students put down their drinks took the stage.
“I thought Dilla was just a rapper,” asked a friend of mine who was there by mere coincidence. I began to reply, but the opening riff from “Workinonit” drowned out my voice. Maybe it’s a good thing more hip-hop kids weren’t in the house — one of them would have replied to that statement with the business end of a broken bottle.
The Detroit hip-hop producer passed away on February 10, 2006, but his influence is inescapable in 2010. The fanatical zeal of the Dilla fanbase has resulted in an outpouring of tributes, but few like this.
Stray Phrases is a jazz trio consisting of Storm Siegel on drums, Dave Mainella on piano, and Evan Crane on bass. On Sunday October 17, 2010, they covered J Dilla’s classic instrumental album Donuts from beginning to end. Metal Lungies is proud to bring you a recording of the whole set.
So make sure you download this joint for FREE here…
The West Coast’s heralded rookie is next with his tribute to Dilla in song form. He puts a few bars down on Dilla’s classic instrumental, Closer. Download it for FREE here…
Wanna know which former NBA start used to manage Dilla? How about which hip hop beef was almost dramatically altered because of Jay Dee’s production? Get ready for Chairman Mao’s 10 Facts about J Dilla You Might Not Know. It’s really a fascinating read, and you can check it out here…
Up next is NC Hip Hop cousin, Ignite Mindz & his tribute to Dilla he released this week. He raps over “Won’t Do” off of the Shining, and he puts it down for the whole state. Check it out and download it for FREE here…
Lastly is the J Dilla documentary, Still Shining, that was released this week. This documentary was recorded shortly after Jay Dee’s death, and speaks on his life and legacy, among other topics. It’s 40 minutes, so roll yourself up a cigarillo, grab a deuce, and sit back be entertained…
Illpo – Classic (Free Download)
Shoutouts to the Greensboro-based homies, Illpo. They have just released their anticipated project, Classic, and are giving it away for free! I have had the opportunity of rocking a couple events with these cats, and their live show is crazy. I definitely support their movement. Here is some more info about the new project:
North Carolina duo ILLPO. has just released their highly anticipated new album “Classic”. “Classic” features production from Moodswing Production’s Ovadose, JJ The Genius (of The Boondocks fame) & up & coming Carolina production teams Maximus Music, The Clergy & 2ManArmy. The title track “Classic” has garnered daily spins on the Carolina airwaves & the video was a constant charter on Video Mix TV. ILLPO’s mixture of hard hitting hip hop & club appeal has made them a fan favorite in the local music scene. Everybody that listens to their music becomes a new fan. Visit ILLPO’s official site at http://illponow.com
King Mez – Champions (Free Download)
Carolina’s prodigal son is at it again, & this time he has teamed up with some heavy hitters for his “re-introduction” into the scene. Here goes some words about it:
This song marks the beginning of King Mez’s new project, of which the name is to be released at a later date. The project is to be sponsored by Stussy, Dj Booth, Herfection, Fisdj.foto, Eleven Heavens, and Workshop. This work of art is Mez’s way of reintroducing himself to the hip hop scene after a slight hiatus. After Getting approval from Apple Juice Kid and Ski Beatz “Champions” is ready for the public ear. The project that this song spearhead’s will be released February the 27th, the same day as King Mez’s first cable television Appearance, His MTV2 Sucker Freestyle.
If you don’t download this joint, you are psychotic. & mark your calendar, cuz I will be performing with Mez, Rapsody, and others on Poe Mack’s Shoestring Budget Tour in Chapel Hill next month. In the meantime, make you download the gem for FREE here…
Focus – The Avant Garde Project: Special Edition (Free Download)
Shoutouts to super-producer Focus, on the re-release of his acclaimed project, Avant Garde. Among others, it features NC’s most heralded hip hop son, Phonte. Here is some more info about it:
On Jan 31, 2011 renowned Pop, R&B and Hip-Hop producer will make his first foray into the entertainment industry as an artist with the re-release of his debut solo LP The Avant Garde Project via his own independent imprint, aFam Entertainment. The re-release, which features all original production and vocals by Focus… is bound to not only take many by surprise, but also challenge the norms of today’s contemporary music.
Born Bernard Edwards, Jr., Focus… stands out among his peers as one of Hip-Hop and R&B’s few complete musicians. As a songwriter and producer, his portfolio includes songs by 112, Beyonce, Busta Rhymes, Christina Aguilera, Dr. Dre, Marsha Ambrosius, Mary Mary, ‘NSync, Pink, and Slaughterhouse. His latest creation, The Avant Garde Project not only harkens the evolution of today’s popular music, but it also represents the full scope of Focus…’ talent, artistry and passion for music.
The seeds for The Avant Garde Project were born long ago, during Focus…’ days as a budding producer in Los Angeles. During that period of his career, he would often take breaks from his work to experiment with sounds and styles that varied widely from the music he was becoming known for. In 2009, while revisiting the results of those experiments, Focus… decided to release this project as a complete departure from what most would expect.
The result is a collection of songs that evoke a level of emotional connection that has become rare in today’s popular music. And that connection is by no means accidental. Focus…’ songwriting success comes from his ability to tap into his own experiences to marry lyrics to the emotions of the tracks he creates. Having crafted The Avant Garde Project , Focus… is able to deliver each note with a sincerity that draws the listener in, allowing you to live the pain of unselfish love on “Recession,” featuring Phonte (of the groups Little Brother and Foreign Exchange); the frustration of an unnecessary argument on “At All;” or the desperation to break from love gone wrong on “Br@keFr3e!” Focus…’ creative arrangements, instrumental intricacies and sonic experimentation allows the music itself to stand strongly alongside the artistry, with neither outshining the other.
Reks – 25th Hour (Music Video/Download)
Wow. That’s all I could muster up when I finally heard this joint a couple nights ago. I had seen Reks name floating around for awhile, but I hadn’t taken time out to actually listen to his music. So when the homie Juan, of JMProductions, pulled it up, I was floored. Not only does this song epitomize the sound that most hip hop aficionados long for, but it was produced by the legend, DJ Premier himself. So make sure you check out the video & even download the song for FREE here…
N’DangR Species – Now-n-Lata Vicstape (Free Download)
Shoutouts to the homies, Luse Kanz & Maf Maddix, on the release of their long-awaited project, Now-n-Lata Vicstape. Luse is a long time collaborator with StretchKnockS and appeared on the Investment (Better Than One) & the Self Portrait (Low Low). A little while back, he started working with Maf Maddix, and everything I heard from them was extremely creative and polished. Here is more info on the duo:
A hip-hop collaboration project formed in the Fall of ’08, N’DangR Species is based out of North Carolina. Members, Luse Kanz and Maf Maddix, bring something new to the hip-hop scene, a balance between the high energy of the mainstream and the deep introspection of the underground. Like the balance maintained amongst the chaos, dark balances light in their complex lyrics and unprecedented beats. The concept for the group comes from their belief that the true spirit of hip-hop is in danger of extinction and that, much like a delicate ecosystem needs protection, so does real hip-hop
Definitely look for some shows and more collaborations in the future with these two. Until then, Make sure you download the project for FREE here…
Nickelus F + Ohbliv – Yellow Gold Mixtape (Free Download)
Make sure you download this new gem from VA representer, Nickelus F. If you are unfamiliar with his work, he has collaborated in the past with King Mez, has a show coming up next month with Poe Mack, and was rumored to ghostwrite for Drizzy Drake Rodgers. His new project was produced by Ohbliv and is full of dope tracks. Make sure you download it for FREE here…
Haji P – Poor Sport (Free Download)
I am showing love to some of my west coast brethren today. First up is Haji P., an NC transplant who is now doing big thangs out in Cali. I originally met Haji in Wilmington at some of Louis T’s events. Dude has crazy charisma on stage, and his music is much the same: Lots of fun & energy. Haji also looked out for H2OKZ & I last spring by letting us jump on his album release in Port City. It was a dope event, one of my favorite joints I have ever done in the 910.
Poor Sport is an unreleased gem, from his Neighborhood Kid sessions, that slipped through the cracks. Now it’s available for FREE download, so make sure you check it out & show love to Haji P…
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