Weekly Tuesday Track: Handsome Boy Modeling School - Sunshine

Don't mind the weird name, Handsome Boy Modeling School is one of the great producer duo's of all time, regardless of genre. Composed of beatmakers Prince Paul and Dan the Automator, they fused soul, jazz, electro, and funk into a clean hip-hop package. Although with only 2 official releases (So...How's Your Girl? and White People), their style of music is ridiculous. As one of the two most unheralded producers of all-time, they make audio gold. 

This track Sunshine simply transcends genre, maintaining a funky soulful beat with beautiful vocals. It features Sean Lennon (son of John Lennon), Money Mark, Josh Hayden, and Paula Frazer. Simply musical bliss (after the jump). 

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Dred Scott - Breakin' Combs (1994)

Yeah, this is best picture of him.

Dred Scott (the name inspired by you know who) was a rapper in the early 90's. Not much is known about him, since he kind of disappeared from the scene after dropping his debut album. That's a shame since his album is one of many hip-hop classics that dropped in the great year of 1994. Word is he married Adriana Evans, who he met in '93. She's featured on the track "Check The Vibe" (that's streamed below) and he produced her debut album.

So that's it. Don't have much else to say that this is one of the finest examples of jazz hop out there. Dope samples, smooth rhymes, and did I mention awesome horns? Do me a favor and slap yourself if you're still reading this and not downloading it.

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The Complete Blu Collection [Discography]

Just recently did a little digging into Blu’s solo work, which a lot have you been requesting for awhile. This definitely took longer than my previous Jay Electronica and Kendrick Lamar megaposts combined. If you don't know Blu, you should. Coming out of Los Angeles, he is well known for his laid-back, personal approach to hip-hop, and his chill beats. He is as prolific a producer as he is an MC. Sort of in the vein of MF Doom (who I think is the only artist who's top 10 as both a producer and MC), Blu has stayed mighty busy over the past 5 years or so. He has an amazing amount of material for that time span, certainly the polar opposite of Jay Electronica. Overall, he probably has more than 200+ tracks he's been involved in during his short music career.. Let's just say it's so many songs that I don't even want to count. 

A lot of people have only heard his work with producer Exile, Below The Heavens. While I think that is both a great starting point and a classic album, some decide to end their knowledge of Blu's work right there. I did for awhile, but after a little digitial digging, I found gems everywhere. Unfortunately, as some of you Blu fans know, he has a proclivity (don't know how I thought of that word either) to release projects out of the blue (pun intended) but with horrible quality. So don't shoot the messenger, but this is as good as they were made. 

Below I will present to you every official and non-official releases/mixtape out worth downloading with an assortment of new Blu tracks at the time. This includes his solo work, compilation mixtapes, guest features, and official projects with other artists. 

After the jump, check for a total of EIGHTEEN releases that Blu has released in the past handful of years. And if you're iffy on Blu (which you shouldn't be because you're reading this), I presented a periodical stream from each release to peak your interest. As we await the highly sought-after NoYork! album this year, catch up on everything Blu in the meantime. Plus, you gotta check my mediocre/snazzy album artwork.

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Currently working on something...

I'm not going to divulge what it is exactly yet, but let's just say it rhymes with "legga-toast" and is on a rapper who named himself after a color.

This is a huge ass job.. I realized that going into it, but I didn't know the cat had so much material. Almost done, bear with me y'all!

Weekly Women Wednesday - Amber Heard

Going to keep this short and sweet, a la my first two marriages. Amber Heard is an actress which I'm sure you've seen by now -- whether it was Seth Rogen's girlfriend in Pineapple Express, Nick Cage's daughter in Drive Angry 3D, or the hot girl from Never Back Down (well, the hot girl in everything she's in). 

She also had a sex scene in a movie, but I'm not going to tell you which one just because (it definitely wasn't a movie called Informers). She's pretty. 25. Is in a lot of movies. Looks like this. Is in a lesbian relationship? Check please.

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Weekly Tuesday Track: Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal

I figured it's been awhile since I've posted something folk-inspired so I'd give this song a try. Been playing this song a lot this week, and for good reason. This song is Fleet Foxes perhaps most popular song, at least off of their first album. This is just a feel good song with a resonating chorus line and just positive vibes. No, it may not be hard, but music doesn't have to be intense. Just let down your guard and give this ish a chance.

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Shad - When This Is Over (2005)

Today I bring you a rapper by the name of Shad. Hailing from Toronto, this cat's not your usual MC. I honestly think he's one of the most versatile rappers out now, which is saying a lot. This first album had little to no money to create/promote, but still was instantly hailed as an underground classic. One of the best lyricists out, Shad can spit about social issues, basketball, life, and the genocide in Rwanda all on one LP. 

This album includes some of the best rap songs I've ever heard on a debut album. Real talk. The streams will do the talking for me. What the fuck you waiting for?

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Invincible - Shapeshifters (2008)

You can count the amount of talented femcees on one hand, well it’s time to add one more to the list, Invincible, who even by underground standards is mad obscure. Hailing from the D (what up doe) by way of a small place in the middle east you might have heard of called Israel, Invincible continues the trend of raw lyricism the city’s hip-hop scene has become loved for and is an emcee who should not be slept on.

She’s capable of fitting numerous rhymes into a condensed space while at the same time kickin’ that shit you need to learn though; ‘Ropes’ deals with suicide, ‘In the Mourning’ is a tribute to Dilla & Proof and ‘Locusts’ documents the decay of Detroit. Regardless of gender, Invincible is hugely talented and if she manages to sustain a long term career in this rap shit she could easily accomplish her goal 'to be one of the best period, not just one of the best with breasts and a period”.

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Bibio - Ambivalence Avenue

Bibio, real name Stephen Wilkinson, is an British electronic producer who makes hip-hop inspired beats...but with a twist. He adds folk elements to his music. I was hesitant to listen to the project at first, but after one listen I was hooked. You know what the genre's called? Folktronica. Isn't that the most balla name for a genre ever? Sounds like something that would happen in Jay Electronica played the banjo.

I figured this is a GREAT introduction for a lot of you hip-hop heads out there who are hesitant to try out new genres. As a lover of all genres of music (I don't classify screamo or death metal as music tbh), this is a great gateway artist. I would've loved getting an introduction to this artist about 5-6 months ago. Don't let a great opportunity pass you up.

This is definitely one of my new favorite albums at the moment. All the songs on my Itunes have 5 stars. That ain't happen often. Peep the streams and most importantly, the download link.


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InI - Center of Attention

InI was a supergroup from the mid 1990's, comprised mainly of producer Pete Rock [although he's wasn't offiicial], Grap Luva, and Rob-O (whose Pete's younger brother). They worked together and created this album, Center of Attention, but unfortunately because of label issues and whatnot it was never released... Until 2003. When it finally saw the light of day, its become considered one of the Golden Age's best gems, with the help of the underground classic, "Fakin' Jax". Check the music video below.

Pete Rock is at his best, with his jazz and boom-bap inspired instrumentals here. Think of this of somewhat a golden age, east coast version of Hieroglyphics. You wanted Golden Age rap? This is it. I could honestly stream every song, but I highlighted a few, including one of my favorite beats of all-time, the title track. Check the link and streams below.

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Weekly Women Wednesday - Stacey Dash

Yeah, so I'm pretty sure Stacey Dash was created in a lab somewhere. It makes no sense. I remember her on Fresh Prince and as the fine girl from Clueless (c'mon son, I know you watched that too), even though she was 28 at the time. Like a fine wine, she's aged with time. She posed for Playboy, so do with that information what you will. By the way, she was FOURTY YEARS OLD. Hip-hop connection? Her cousin is Damon Dash. I'm sure he's gotten a lot of shit about her haha. She was in a few videos as well, including Kanye's "All Falls Down".

She could just be CGI...since I've never seen her in person. She's Benjamin Button-ing everyone. And that's my conspiracy theory for the day.


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Also...

I have 11 followers now? That's what's up. Screw all you Google Friend Connect haters, I like seeing the amount of people who actually keep up with this blog. Going for a cool 12 by the end of the calendar year.

Weekly Tuesday Track - Full Crate & Mar - She Was Fly

Singer Mar (left) and producer Full Crate (right)

Don't think I forgot about these weekly posts. I'll be short and sweet. This is a dope group, composed of soul/hip-hop beatmaker Full Crate and singer Mar. Just good vibes, positive messages, and killer beats. Check out the video below (as well as the download link) and see if you're feeling this as much as I am. If you like it, I can post their 5 track EP no problem. This will include the alternative version of "She Was Fly" with the underground John Legend, Eric Roberson, as well as a remix by my favorite producer, Freddie Joachim.

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Animate Objects - Riding In Fast Cars With Your Momma (2007)

"If I could tell you a story about a gun I owned, or someone I murdered...I might. But, these stories are stories I don't possess". From the very opening of the album, true realness rarely uttered in a hip-hop album is set for the listener. 

The Animate Objects are a band out of Chicago (Champaign to be exact) and everything music should be. A live band ala The Roots, they have an equally capable MC, while not on Black Thought's level obviously. They implement elements of funk, jazz, and soul through their music. They have a much more band feel to them than the Roots, and you can hear this in their very instrument-centric songs (bass, FTW!).

If you're reading this, support real music. They might not get all the buzz like other artists, but this is real music if I've ever heard it. Don't fret at the album name, I guarantee you that if this album got as much exposure as a Roots album, it would be hailed a hip-hop classic. Check out streams (all 3 hip-hop classics) and links below if you're not convinced.

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Upcoming Artist: Are And Be - Up So High (2011)

Today I bring you a hip-hop duo Are And Be. I found them patrolling the many up-and-coming rap acts on Last.FM (which btw, you should all have by now. I owe almost 90% of my library to Last.FM). Based out of Los Angeles, Abe Thelonious and Lucky Benjamin compose this talented group. In all seriousness, these guys are pretty good, a real good find. Their lyrics are really consistent, and on some tracks they go completely off. Big upside.

This sounds very similar to what you would expect out of the new West Coast artists nowadays, but also contains a little throwback feel to it. The beats on this are pretty hot, showing a wide range from piano samples, vocalists, and everything in between. Hope to see a lot more material out of these cats in the future.

Check below for a FREE album link, provided by the artists' themselves. Check out the streams on their bandcamp page if you ain't convinced (even though you should be).

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Weekly Women Wednesday - Zooey Deschanel

So I decided to class the place up a bit. Nothing classes up a joint like adding Zooey Deschanel to the mix. She's made a career out of being adorable (see: Elf, Yes Man, and (500 Days of Summer)) note: suck up your pride and watch (500) Days of Summer, hella good.

Anyways, she's married to Ben Gibbard, who is the frontman for Death Cab For a Cutie(!) and Postal Service(!). She's also the vocalist for She & Him, which is an awesome folky band.

She feels like she belongs more in the 50's, doesn't she? She resembles Katy Perry pretty closely, but she's a lot prettier, more talented, and yeah. Click below for cuteness overload.

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Underground Hip-Hop Mixtape (Volume 1)

So I'm in a good mood today. This might have to do with the fact that the Lakers have been swept, maybe because the Heat are up 3-1, or because Mike Conley just hit the biggest shot of his life. In any event, I decided to piece together another mixtape compilation for you guys. This time, I'm focusing on hip-hop in general, but focusing on lesser-known underground acts. Not underground in a sense like how Atmosphere, Blu, and Jay Electronica are underground, but artists that a heavy population of hip-hop heads have either overlooked or just haven't heard of before. 

Pretty straight forward from here. If you're a fan of hip-hop (which I'm sure you are, since you're reading this damn thing) then this should be an automatic download. No question. Not trying toot my own horn, but I hand-picked this for you guys. Literally, I was in the strawberry fields down the street. Don't let me contracting rabies go in vein.

Tracklist and a few streams below. Enjoy.

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So, how am I doing so far?

Voice your feedback towards the blog as a whole here. I need some comments though, or I'm not gonna know how to improve this blog. I know y'all creepers just check and never comment, I see you.

Don't be a stranger ;)

Akrobatik - Balance (2003)

Sox Nation, FTW!

Been a while, hasn't it? Apologize for the hiatus, I blame life. But anyways, I decided to bust out one of my favorite albums of all-time for y'all. I know this phrase is thrown around more than anti-semitic slurs at Mel Gibson's house, but I promise you this release is nothing but dope quality.

Akrobatik is an MC that has been around for awhile, hailing from Boston. I personally think he has one of the most endearing voices of a rapper (pause), and skillfully blends social commentary with battle rhymes. He's also involved in another group called The Perceptionists (who I will definitely post about in the future), along with Mr. Lif and DJ Fakts One. 

Below I present to you his debut album, Balance. With features from Diamond D and Mr. Lif, along with production from Diamond D, Da Beatminerz, and Edan, you know it's worth checking out. If you do anything today, download this shit. 

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Weekly Women Wednesday: Alison Brie

Isn't she adorable?

Well, in light of the poll y'all participated in as of late, I guess this whole Wednesday post is still gonnna happen. Anyway, continuing with our Community streak (which is a TV show you should be watching btw), is Alison Brie. She's hilarious, adorable, and sneakily hot. She's Jewish, is going to be in Scream 4, and yeah. Do I need to say anything more?


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Weekly Tuesday Track: Childish Gambino - Freaks and Geeks

Today I bring to you one of the latest "hot" songs as of late, and for good reason. Childish Gambino is the stage name of Donald Glover. He's known for his acting on Community, writing on 30 Rock, his comedy troupe, and for being a great musical artist. I will probably go more in depth in his discography soon, as I think he may be the next megapost I end up posting. He's pretty much a renaissance man, being able to act, sing, rap, produce, and write comedy (which may be the hardest out of all of them). Definitely one of my favorite people right now. 

He's known for his quick lyrics, humorous lines, and far-out metaphors. I really love his flow and he has some crazy ass lines. His voice may take getting used to, but I love dude on Community so I'm used to it. Check out latest single, "Freaks and Geeks", and tell me what you think of it. 

*P.S. Freaks and Geeks was one of the greatest TV shows of all-time, get with the program.

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Future Megaposts..

As I came back from my mini vacation, I've been meaning to ask you all something. I've taken a-liken to doing megaposts. I feel that it allows people to completely immerse themselves in an artist's music. As far as my past two went, they were both by artists who had the high majority of their respective music as free downloads. So that might factor into my decision, but I digress.

Anyways, leave a comment below telling me you who you'd like to see covered in the next post. Earlier suggestions have mentioned Blu, XV, etc. Drop me a line y'all.

The Beginner's Guide to... Madlib

There aren't many people in Hip-Hop I would describe as idols, gods or geniuses. J Dilla, DJ Premier, Ghostface Killah, Lil Wayne even (whatever, flame me, I love Weezy). And obviously, Madlib. You've hopefully heard of Madlib, it seems impossible not to have, with his track record. He's released a LOT of music, and I don't think I've stumbled on anything that's not quality.


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