Azad Right - Alone

You guys remember Azad from that "Spiderwebs" post a while back...This dude continues to impress. The violinist/pianist/rapper definitely deserves all of the shine he's about to get - check out his newest (free) project "The Time Is Right"!

Evidence - Red Carpet (Raekwon x Rass Kass)

This beat is a total kick in the nuts and the verses match the beat quite nicely. I haven't heard the whole album yet, but so far it's holding it's own strongly among the recent influx of music this month (Phonte x 9th x Cole). It also sounds like his rhymes are more polished now and the features and production on this record is just flat out amazing.

Red Carpet



Here's Ev just speaking about the track over the instrumental in the background.

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess everyone has heard the joints released this year -- hit the comments are say what your favorite album this month is.

Also, you can buy Evidence - Cats & Dogs on iTunes here

Weekly Tuesday Tracks: Phonte, The Roots, Radiohead

It's been awhile. You already know my excuses that I've given before; same story there. If you still check this blog and didn't give up hope, I've uploaded 3 tracks that have really struck a chord with me lately. Peep the 3 tracks after the jump.

Because I can. And Shannyn Sossamon is gorgeous.

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TiRon & Ayomari - Jack Kerouac

On September 13th my twitter feed went nuts over TiRon & Ayomari's freshly released "A Sucker For Pumps", and I won't lie; without checking out the tracklist, I looked for a download link. And I couldn't find one! So after countless minutes of excruciating deliberation, I broke bank and headed over to bandcamp so I could buy the 14-track album. This was my latest musical purchase since Section.80, and we all know that's well worth the money. But what about ASFP? I'll start by saying this is a classy effort by these guys. As the title suggests, the album's theme is women. Break-ups, make-ups, intimate relations, promises to do better...ASFP has it all, without ever once belittling the females in our lives. Anytime an artist can relay positive messages with such strength and consistency throughout an album is well deserving of a purchase. Most of the tracks are memorable, none sound too familiar and the production is unique and eccentric. Here's one of the many tracks that stand out.

Jack Kerouac

If you like what you hear, don't do what I tried to do and download it. All too often, great work is grouped in with the radio slop we hear because no one wants to step up and drop 8 dollars for it. Break the cycle, guys - head on over to Bandcamp or iTunes and support guilt free.

FiveNine's Fundamental Five: The Piano Effect

So I was gonna try to wait a while longer before starting a new series of sorts (per our follower's request!) but man, I've felt absolutely neglected when it comes to checking the internet for new music lately. So why not devote some time to sharing what I already do know of, with you guys.

The theme of this batch of tracks is - surprise - the piano. That's pretty much the only criteria I used, how nice the piano sounds on the ears; not the lyrics or anything like that. As usual I try to give newer tracks some shine. Now lets get started:

Soul Cry - Ab-Soul

If you're a fan of Black Hippy like we are, then you'll know Willie B is one massively slept on producer. His beats are gold. And if you can get over Ab's metaphor on the hook, you'll dig this track...

The Ride - Black El

Another of my favorite all-time tracks (I swear I only have like 30). It's too bad El hasn't really dropped a lot of material lately. Produced by Durkin.

Carry Me Home - Atmosphere

The top hip hop producer in my warped opinion would be DJ Premier/Ant. Yeah, I cheated. But that's how dope Ant is. This makes the cut because the piano riff sounds kind of antique and original.

Free My Soul - Big K.R.I.T.

Produced by KRIT himself, this is downtempo magic in the mold of Outkast. What's not to love? KRIT and Kendrick, that's really all todays hip hop needs...I went there.

Flow - Zion I & The Grouch (feat. Goapele)

I believe this is a home-made remix, but don't quote me on that. I think you'll agree it's very nice and well composed; better than the original. Why is it nobody ever talks about these guys? They were around way before the likes of Dom Kennedy, Pac Div, & Kendrick Lamar but folks talk like California is just now stepping away from the gangsta rap scene.

Hope you enjoyed my compilation. But I do have one request from you guys...let me know how you feel about the tracks. Have you already heard them all? Are they just plain old lame? Are there better out there that I failed to mention? Feedback makes the world of blogging go round folks...

Pac Div Megapost [Discography]

So I've been saying for awhile I had a megapost coming up. Since I've been a little slow lately, figured I'd make it up to you. Pac Div (short for Pacific Division), is a hip-hop trio hailing of of Los Angeles. Originally a crew of more than 10 rappers, it's now composed of brothers Like and Mibbs, along with their long time friend BeYoung. Leading the "new west" movement, they've been dropping quality music since 2006.

"You keep talking this new west, but dude we been here, you left"

Pac Div mixes surpsingly lyrical street rhymes with some creative and sometimes hard knocking beats. They really have been one of my favorite groups since I watched their music video for "Mayor" (mostly because I really wanted that Nike crewneck sweater). So I've loaded below a few of their music videos, along with their entire discography thus far. And as always, a fair share of miscellaneous tracks you most likely have missed out on. Keep an eye on Grown Kid Syndrome coming up late '11/early '12. All links after the jump.

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Killah Priest - Fake MC's

Just dropping off this quick track for everyone. I been a little disappointed in my output, so I give y'all a gem here. Killah Priest is a Wu-Tang affiliate (one of many), and really is one of my favorites in the entire squad. People compare him a lot to Jay Electronica, mostly because of their similar voice and spiritual subject matter. While he has nothing on Jay Elect, he really makes some special tracks.

This track is off of his debut album, Heavy Mental, one of my favorite Wu-Tang releases. One of those rare artists that can perfectly blend hard and spiritual rhymes. Enjoy.

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FiveNine's Fundamental Five

So it turns out that college student/worker lifestyle is no joke. I know how it feels to check blogs for new music and be disappointed by not having new posts to eat up, so allow me to make up for my absence by sharing a couple of my favorite newer tracks with you guys. They're not very "underground"...oh well.

Born In The Trap - Game

This is yet another masterpiece produced by the artist known as Preem, so yall already know how I feel about it. Easily the best track off Game's new release, The R.E.D. Album.

The End - Kid Cudi

This track is...eerie. The short intro combined with the drop just does it for me. Featuring GLC (of G.O.O.D. Music) and the somewhat underrated Chip Tha Ripper. Produced by Blended Babies.

Nostalgia - Marco Polo

This has been on heavy rotation on the iPod for years now. What's not to love? Masta Ace, one of hip hop's finest, handles the rapping duties while Marco Polo lays down a groovy beat laced with acoustic guitar. Cuts by DJ Linx.

Styles Aint Raw - Celph Titled & Buckwild

This is just filthy. Buckwild did us all a service by releasing this beat; it makes you want to go rob a bank or something haha. Apathy and Chino XL come in and complete the track. I dare you to decide what goes harder, the lyrics or the beat.

Everafter - The Grouch & Eligh

Now this joint is just classy. It's one of those tracks that make you zone out while listening to. Great for those long lectures in class or just relaxing in your room. Eligh is ill, by the way.

Upcoming Artist - Kids These Days

Kids These Days is a band from Chicago that features a rapper, female singer, two guitars, drums, and three horns. If you were to combine Sublime with The Roots, you'd have Kids These Days. If you're a fan of live instruments making groovy music, check these up and comers out.

Summerscent

Be (A Night In Tunisia)

Hard Times

"My Days" Music Video

Download "My Days"