Uncovered Gems #1: The Roots, Atmosphere, and Gang Starr

So here's another installment you'll probably forget about that I just came up with. Basically what I'm going to do is post under valued and appreciated songs from established, or at least widely appreciated, artists. Whether it be a b-side, on one of their "taboo" albums, or just a song no one gave proper love to. The idea came to me while I was going through The Roots and Atmosphere's discographies, two of the greatest music groups in music regardless of genre.

And since I'll be posting 3 songs or so (and I'm not in the mood to make cover art for this installment), I'll just hook you guys up with a picture of a hot lady. This will be our new form of Weekly Women Wednesdays, haha.

Don't worry, Ariana Grande is 18.

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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...

Atmosphere - Dreamer

Hi folks. This is my first post here, I'll be joining Jon in posting what we consider dope. Here goes.

Atmosphere makes mature hip-hop. Even on a casual listen, you can tell the level of production and mic skills are those of seasoned veterans. That said, Ant & Slug are definitely up there as one of my favorite duos in Hip-Hop. What I love most about producers like Ant and Stoupe (of Jedi Mind tricks) is how their beats progress of the course of the track's length. The production feels like a story unfolding, simply put they make exciting beats to listen to.

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Weekly Tuesday Track: Atmosphere - Sunshine

Slug (MC) of Atmosphere

I figured this could be another weekly "segment" as they say, a random track that I'm feeling at the moment that I felt I could share. If you're not familiar with Atmosphere, I would have to say you fail as a music fan in general. Composed of MC Slug and producer Ant, they have been one of the most consistent rap acts the the last 15 years. Slug is truly one of music's most endearing storytellers, and has brought emotion back to hip-hop. This track doesn't exactly highlight the aforementioned traits (nice choice, Jon), but is one of these feel good tracks you can't help but smile once you hear it. Since it's on one of their lesser known releases, even casual Atmosphere fans might've let it slip past them. Check it out after the jump.

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