Heavy Rotation – Takers (Free Mixtape)
Shoutout to the homie, Heavy Rotation, for hitting me up about getting some of my joints featured on his new mixtape, Takers. This joint is stacked with some of NC’s hardest grinders. Artists such as Ty Nitty, E. Smith, Shelly B, & Jag are all featured on Takers, so I was honored to be included. If you are looking for some bangers to get your day started right, or even if you need some laid back, lyrical joints, this mixtape has something for everyone. Get it in and make sure you download this joint for FREE here…
Tracklisting:
Big K.R.I.T. – Return of 4Eva (Free Mixtape)
Last summer, I came across a gem of a mixtape when I downloaded Big K.R.I.T.’s KRIT Wuz Here. Still to this day, I bump it regularly, as I consistently refer to it as my favorite release of 2010. So when KRIT signed to Def Jam, I was hesitant at first. See, KRIT Wuz Here was fueled by an independent ferocity that I feel often gets stripped when an artist signs a major lable deal. With Return of 4Eva, I can hear a more polished thought out sound, and the lyrics are equally as potent for the most part. However, I feel the production cruises through a more laid back vibe on this mixtape. Regardless, this joint is doing crazy numbers on the download side, and is growing on me more & more with every listen. So if you have heard KRIT before or not, make sure you download this joint for FREE here, and get ready for his major label release which I am sure will be out later this year sometime…
Drique London – White + Blue (Free Mixtape)
Shoutout to the homie Drique, and Risky Bizniz Clothing, on the release of his new mixtape, White + Blue. Drique has got a crazy buzz in NC, and this joint further solidifies his spot in the scene. Check out some more info here:
Raleigh, North Carolina native Drique London is back with his latest effort, White & Blue. The mixtape serves as a precursor to his upcoming album, ‘The Manual’, which is slated for a late spring/early summer release. White & Blue offers tracks produced by U’Nique Music, W2, Doc Verbs, and Brian Flores as well as features from Carrington, and SkyBlew.
4th Quarter Biz presents The Back Court (Free Mixtape)
Shoutouts to the homie, CarolinaBlew, for putting me on to this fire. Here is some more info:
DEVAAN NEWHILL AND QUICK RMSTRONG OF 4THQTR JOIN FORCES TO DROP A FREE TAPE FOR THEIR FANS. THE DUO HAVE TAKEN THE TITLE OF THE BACKCOURT AND INFUSED A BASKETBALL THEME TO BRING YOU “4THQTRBIZ PRESENTS THE BACKCOURT” STARRING DEVAAN NEWHILL AND QUICK RMSTRONG.
Pusha T – Fear of God (Free Mixtape)
When Kanye signed Pusha T to GOOD Music last year, I had mixed emotions. I felt like it was a slap in the face to Malice, the other half of VA duo, the Clipse. But once you think about it, and check the trajectory path of their careers, it was obvious that it was bound to happen. As Malice seemed to be growing more & more spiritual, and devoted to his book and other things, Pusha appeared to be going twice as hard with grind. & Fear of God is a good representation of what you can expect from the future from Pusha Ton. Besides the who’s who list of producer’s that lent their expertise, this mixtape features a rack of some of the most notable emcee’s working the mainstream circuit right now. So make sure you check this out, and let them know what songs you are feeling the most, cuz those are label to be seen again in video form, or on the official album. Download it for FREE here…
Rapper Big Pooh – Fat Boy Fresh Vol.1 Mix (Free Mixtape)
Humongous shoutout to Rapper Big Pooh & the rest of the HOJ family on the release of Fat Boy Fresh Vol.1 Mix. This joint is a prelude to the album, which drops early next month. Just quick glance at the tracklisting, guest features, and producers on this project virtually certifies it as a classic offering from the former Little Brother member. On top of that, this joint is hosted by the world famous, Statik Selektah, and mixed by Justus League DJ, DJ Flash, So make sure you support the official release when it drops in April, but until then you can download this joint for FREE here…
Cover artwork done by BIG HOP, son…
ReeseBeatz – In Da Street Beatz Vol.1 (Free Instrumentals)
Super shoutout to J Reese on the release of his new instrumental project, In Da Streetz Vol. 1. In case you have smoked too many blunts, J Reese brought us one of this site’s first posts, when Herb Skee & I filmed him verbally unleashing on fellow producers at a showcase in November. Even though it was all in good fun, the video was classic and caused a bit of drama around the NC Hip Hop scene.
Now, Reese is back with this new collection of instrumentals for your listening pleasure. So make sure you check them out, give them a whole bunch of listens, download the ones you like, and record some new jams. Hopefully, Reese will fux with them, and not wyle out on you for doing so. Hahahaha. Get In Da Streetz Vol. 1 here for FREE…
West Wonder – First Appearance (Free Download)
Shoutouts to West Wonder on the release of his first major project as an emcee, which is appropriately named, First Appearance. This project hits hard from the jump with joints like “First Appearance” feat. Ty Bru, “My Life,” & “Running From Sin.” If you are a fan of the NC Hip Hop movement, then First Appearance is a must have in your collection. You can download it for FREE here….
And if you like the production on this project, and are looking for beats, hit up West on twitter. He has got that fire!
Ill Tactics – Mind For The Taking
Big shoutouts to the homie, Ill Tactics, on the release of his second solo project, Mind For The Taking. If you are unfamiliar with Tactics, then you must be unfamiliar with his group, The Balance. The Balance, a full fledge live hip hop band, have been tearing up the Triangle’s scene for years now. I have been doing shows with them since around 2007, and everytime I hear them, they get more creative and more dynamic. Tactics new project is much of the same. If you like boom bap hip with lyrical flavor, this project is for you. So listen to it for free here, and while you are at it, buy a song or two. F it. Buy the whole project. It’s only $5!
Production by Lava Izzo, Tha Durhamotologist, ArkItekt, and L. Jones. Mastered by J. Memory of The Shape For Memory and All I Can See, Is. Props to Dhap for original album atwork, Reginald Dawson for reworking and coloring it, and Big Hop for graphics and text on the front and back cover.
Mallz – Service Entrance (Free Mixtape)
Major shoutouts to Mallz on the long awaited release of his new project, Service Entrance. This joint was actually recorded awhile ago, but it hadn’t seen the light of day until this week. There are no features on the project, but the list of producers who contributed beats is quite impressive. Service Entrance features production from Nick Tha 1da, Analogic, The Jake, and more. After a few listens, you will understand that Mallz is a true NC representer, in every fashion of the phrase, as he kills this project, track by track. So do yourself a favor, and download this joint for FREE here…
Artwork by me, sucka…
KO Kid x DJ Ladro – Chromeostasis (Free EP)
Shoutouts to KO Kid & DJ Ladro for coming through with this dope, new collection of songs for your listening pleasure. The cool thing about this project is that all the samples come from one of my favorite bands, favorite album, Chromeo. If you are unfamiliar with Chromeo, you desperately need to be educated. They are a 80’s sounding, dance-pop duo, who are known for their infectious tunes like Bonafide Lovin,’ among others.
Hosted by Terry Urban, this EP is something fresh. Here is some more info about it:
The idea behind this tape was really just to get something fun and easy out for people to vibe to. We’re working on our first full length album but it’s going to be a while before we’re finished so we wanted to keep people happy. We went with Chromeo because I love Chromeo and think their music is really, really dope. The idea wasn’t to make an EP that was “better” than Chromeo’s work, but rather just to add our own flavor to it. Hope everybody enjoys this!
Takers the Mixtape – Promo Video
Super shoutouts to Heavy Rotation for getting me involved with his upcoming mixtape, Takers: Who’s Taking The Streets. Dude is repping hard for NC with this one. Takers is set to drop early next month and features North Cack artists: E. Smith, Ty Nitty, Shelly B., Jag, yours truly & more. Make sure you keep checking back in, cuz I will be sure to post the link to the mixtape when it drops. Until then, check out this promo video below…
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…
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…
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.
Ed E. Ruger – Ziplocked & Loaded (Promo Sampler)
Greensboro emcee Ed E. Ruger released his newest offering, Ziplocked & Loaded, last weekend at his release party at Greene St. This joint, like his previous efforts, is stacked with great production, and some of the dopest collaborations you will find in NC Hip Hop. Ziploacked is available now on iTunes, Amazon, & other internet outlets, or you can cop it from the man himself, at one of his many events he throws in the Triad. But before you purchase it, check out the sampler here…
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