Monday, December 31, 2012

Mixes: Second Half of 2012



Sorry for the long 6 months of inactivity. Now that I'm a college grad with more time on my hands than ever, it's time to get back to my hobby of sharing music with the world. 2012 was a great year! Here are the last 6 months of music!






Download July Mix!





Download August Mix!







Download September Mix!


  "She let my man pop for passes to Rock the Bells. These hoes is mad wicked, I wonder what she do for some Jigga tickets"

Download October Mix!



Download November Mix!




Download December Mix!

Happy New Years!



Sunday, July 1, 2012

May & June Mixes



The last two months were filled with rap drama (Chris Brown vs Drake, Weezy vs G.O.O.D. Music & Peter Rosenburg), Release dates (Kendrick Lamar - October 2nd, A$AP Rocky - September but it got pushed back recently), and a whole lot of dope new hip hop.

For Example:




"... and they told me not to be so complex, dumb it down to accomplish articles in Complex"

Man this kid is dope... 17 year old Joey Bada$$ is more advanced in his rhymes and style than most rappers in their mid 20's who have been mastering their craft for years now. Like many other young rappers today, the Brooklyn native is building from the ground up and bringing his homies along for the ride (Pro.Era Crew). His music is so deep in true hip hop roots that hip hop heads become nostalgic when listening to him. Download his debut mixtape, 1999, and see for your self the hype thats been building around the teen for the last several months. Joey's got next!

Besides the younin' on his grind, other releases worth listing are Currensy's Stoned Immaculate, Meek Mill's Dream Chasers 2, Ab-Soul's Control System, Dom Kennedy's Yellow Album, and Big KRIT's long awaited debut album, Live From The Underground.


One day I'll get the consistency down. Until then, late monthly mixes will have to do. Here are the mixes for the last two months:

May Mix & June Mix

Monday, April 30, 2012

April Mix 2012

Women + Weed + Weather = Cali (The Recipe)

What a month for singles. Kendrick Lamar, ASAP Rocky, Nas, G.O.O.D. Music, Wiz Khalifa (although that shit was weak), etc. Looks as though summer is filled with promising albums!












With work, school, and vegan/vegetarian tamales taking over my life, it has become harder and harder for me to even find time in the day to blog as much as I'd like too. There are even days when I find it hard to riffle through the surplus of music constantly coming out.  But Hip Hop is still my first love and these monthly mixes will live on!

Since 4/20 is Christmas to Stoners, I found this video appropriate.



Ya'll know the deal! DB&B!

Download April Mix 2012

Monday, April 2, 2012

March Mix 2012


March always tends to be an exceptional month for hip hop. Last year's March mix was probably my favorite mix of the entire year and this year it is following in the same path. It might just be that summer/spring feeling but regardless there's not a second through out the mix that I'll consider skipping.


Cream of the crop this time around are Miller's two joints, LRG's endorsed Add-2, and the diamond in the rough track/video by Cesar Luciano (who?), with Big Krit's 4EverNaDAy being another honorable mention. Download, Burn, and BUMP!

Download March 2012

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

February Mix 2012


Better late than never I guess... Great mix and I wish I would've gone into logic and actualley mixed this one but who knew growing up would really result in a lifestyle that allowed for little free time. Regardless, this is a mix that will be played until I'm 6 feet deep. Download, Burn, and BUMP!


Best song of the month goes to... Brother Ali - I'll Be Around feat. Phonte & Stokley Williams.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Hip Hip Quotables: Momma's Momma


Hip Hop Quotables are just another piece to this site that adds ignition to the reader to keep coming back. While tunes can create a positive mood to the listener through simply melodies, it is lyrics alone that make or brake an artist. These posts focus on the level of deepness an artist reaches to the listener. Whether it be the additional confidence a certain line brings the fan (AKA swag), or on a more essential level, the maturity a few words brings the person, music is filled with life lessons.


In this case, my initial inspiration/Facebook quote is J. Cole's line off "I Get Up". The North Carolina native reiterates Hova's line, "9-5 is how you survive, I ain't tryin' to survive, I'm tryin' to throw my momma in rides!" (2:57). This line alone is inspiring to the typical ambitious fan who's trying to make it out of the vicious cycle we're all born into. Being a momma's boy, I know I owe more than just the world to the person who gave me life. Luxuries and a life of success isn't enough for just me; this life is also meant for the person who taught me the most fundamental lessons...


Now to take it to an even further level, I not only want to please my closest friend, but my best friend's best friend. Kendrick Lamar speaks about showing his mother's mother a stress free good life. "... movin' grams like relocating your momma's momma" (1:25). While Cole's line was more straight to the point, Kendrick's line is more aspiring and poetic. He not only delivers a success driven point, but does it through word play. He uses "movin' grams" as in a measurement of the drug that's being sold and 'Grams' as in a nick make for his beloved grandmother. This metaphor not only parades that his mother will see his success first hand, but the person that granted his mother life will see that success as well.

If you want a track filled with HHQs listen to ROTC (Right On Time Conscience) in its entirety. It's most defenitly a thought we all go through. Lets all pray to the gods that this Cole/Lamar album sees the light of day.

Brother Ali - Shine On (Prod. Jake One)


Being that I'm currently working the slave shift at a restaurant, this song hits me more than anything that's dropped in the last month or so. If story telling in music was a sport, Brother Ali would be the offspring of Jordan and Kobe. Pretending to be an employee might just be my new ice breaker the next time I'm out on the hunt. Best of all, there's visuals to go along with the well written/produced single. Brother Ali's Bite Marked Heart drops Valentine Day, AKA Gillermo's Birthday.

Kendrick Lamar & School Boy Q Interview with Peter Rosenberg


Here's a great interview for all the Hiii Powered intellects out there. Being a Kendrick fan, I've watched countless interviews on the revolutionist and I must say, damn some of these questions they ask are repetitive. In this case, Peter Rosenberg holds one quite interesting interview. This time around you get a chance to hear Mr. Lamar speak about his ability to get a buzz amongst the brainless masses even though he puts out classic, food for thought hip hop, his struggles to master and perfect a sound in music, the irony of him touring with Drake, and other thought provoking questions/answers. On top of everything, Rosenberg kind of calls out School Boy Q for his "Drinking and Driving" anthem (which features one of my new favorites, ASAP Rocky).


You Can't Be Serious: Blu Gets Interrupted


It's a sad day in hip hop when when one of you favorite emcees gets stopped in the middle of his performance only to be told his show is weak. While the fan is obviously under the influence, I can't say i don't agree with him (although I would never do what he did). The fact is that Blu is not a great performer. The guy is one of the best lyrically, but he definitely does not live up to the notion of "M.C. means Move the Crowd". And I could say this from first hand experience from seeing my top 5 favorite Emcee a few years back at Berkley's Hip Hop in the Park. Without much stage presence, he sort of just strolled around the stage passively reciting his lyrics and occasionally forgetting his own heart felt written lyrics (no joke he actually started a song over because he messed up within the first 6-8 bars). I love my boy Blu, but if he's looking for longevity, he's got to make some changes.

On a brighter side, check out one of Blu's hidden gems.



Wednesday, February 1, 2012

January Mix 2012


I haven't mixed one of these playlist in Logic since July. Since it's a new year, I've decided to try it once again. Remember, the idea is you let the single mp3 file play through completely the first time around, forcing yourself to actually listen to every song thoroughly (instead of skipping after 10 seconds), and then download the Zip file with all the individual tracks. It's a little old school, but I feel this way is better for the listener and might actually decrease the amount of songs that unfortunately get slept on.

January it self was a pretty rough start for Hip Hop releases. With only really about 3 releases that I cared for, it was definitely hard to come up with a playlist this time around. So much for my notion of too much music coming out. This month actually felt like more of a shortage than a surplus; compared to previous months in which I've put together mixes. This is actually displayed in this mix since it's only 12 tracks long (shortest mix thus far). Regardless the mix is still great with its balance of both soothing, thought provoking melodies and upbeat, head nodding slappers.

Best song of the month goes to Chip Tha Ripper. As a matter of fact, so does best cover art.



Download January Mix 2012 and then the Zip.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Throwback Thursday: AZ - Mo Money, Mo


"Life'a a bitch and then you die! That's why we get high, cause' ya neva' know when you gana go!!!" Obviously this is the chorus for "Life's a Bitch" but you can't help to think about that song every time Nas and AZ are mentioned together. "Mo Money, Mo Murder (Homicide)" is my personal favorite of AZ's debut, Doe or Die (1995), and just another instance in which the two legendary emcees produce gold. Not to mention the sample is just flawless.


Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Must Have Music: Hood Surgeon - Fast Money ft. King Tee (Prod. Dre)


I found this track back in my "Kazaa" days. Back when the only way to illegally download an album was to download each track, one by one. Pirating has come a long way. But anyways, "Fast Money" was a song that came up when I typed "Dr. Dre" into the search bar. Since then, I've cherished the Dre produced, King Tee featured gem and it is my pleasure to bring it to you. It's what I consider a 'rarity' since it's not really a popular single from that era and hardly ever gets play now a days. Still, the track exhibits that classic gangster rap vibe and demonstrates Dre's ability to produce countless masterpieces.


Download Fast Money


Rockie Fresh - Driving 88 (Mixtape)


This is the second mixtape that I've download from the Chicago based rapper, Rockie Fresh. Much like the prior post, the main reason I even looked into Rockie Fresh was because of a Phil Ade feature, which actually ended up making my 'best of' for that month. His first mixtape, The Other Side, was OK but definitely nothing that had real replay value for me (besides "Living" and a couple of other tracks). This time around, Rockie Fresh has definitely stepped up his game, but still not what I consider a force to be reckoned with. Both his lyrics and beat selection have improved, and he has kept his wise feature selection on Driving 88 by lending verses to Cassey Veggies, King Louie and Phil Ade. Yet still, his style just doesn't do it for me at times. His flow is the same from bar to bar, which allows the listener to tune out easily. His music is relaxing and calm enough to read or write a paper to. Although Rockie Fresh is far from something one would play to get his day going, he is still definitely a solid artist with possibilities of a profitable career in the music industry. Expect to hear some of Driving 88 on this months mix.


Random Singles: January '12

Just a few music videos from several random artist that I had never heard about before. Once again, it was mainly the features that led me to these guys.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Logic - Young Sinatra 3 (Video)


The homie Eric showed me this cat. Straight lyricism over a classic beat. The mp3 version won't be released until it hits 75k on youtube so go watch it!

Here's another one of his singles you might like off of Young Sinatra (Mixtape)


Can you tell me what rapper makes an appearance in the music video around the 2:24 mark?

A$AP Rocky - Wussup (Video)

"Pretty nigga is some shit' you neva' hear of, only thing bigga than my ego is my mirra' (UHH), Clothes get weirda'" <-- yup

This has to be the coolest music video I've seen in a while. Even though it's filled with a bunch of random odd scenes, the addictive video captures ASAP's sound flawlessly. Rocky's got next!

Also, this next video shows him working with Overdoz, one the few groups I discovered last year who are actually worth following. Both of these acts are bizzare and a breath of fresh air so you can imagin how excited I am too see what they came up with.


I love how these guys still drink 40's even though they're making solid money haha!

Monday, January 23, 2012

Name That Sample: Miles Davis - Blue in Green


Yet another slice to add to the blog in order to add some diversity. Lets be honest, not enough good hip hop comes out monthly too keep my readers entertained, so I'll just have to come up with other creative ways to keep you tuned in.

In this segment, I'll select an original song and have you try and figure out who has sampled it in a hip hop record. Normally I will chose songs that may be more obvious because of the song's popularity, but this time around I have chosen a song that not even I know the answer to (which actually gave me the inspiration for this type of blog). So if you know what hip hop record has sampled this tune, please put me out of my misery and tell me! The torture of not knowing is almost worse than the feeling of being water boarded by a government agent.

The song chosen this first time around is "Blue in Green" by Miles Davis. The section I believe is sampled begins around the 1:47 mark. Good Luck!

Download Blue in Green

Paid Dues 2012 Line Up


Damn this Paid Dues is going to bring me back to my Middle/High School days! Hieroglyphics? Living Legends? Dilated Peoples? Wu-Tang??? It's like if Murs had went back in time and stole my iPod out of my locker to pick out the artists for this year's line up. Not to mention one of hip hop's most significant artists of current day hip hop, Kendrick Lamar, is set to play at the independent festival. Can't wait to see who's the 'TBA'.

Heads up, I'm goin' stupid when DJ Quik plays "Pitch In Ona Party". And if he doesn't, I'm burning the place down.

Mac Miller - Jerry's Record Store


My initial thoughts on Mac Miller were, "Who is this weak ass white boy?". It wasn't until I heard some of the rappers/producers I respect work with the teen that I really gave the kid a chance. Since then, I've learned to really understand why so many people have respect for him. What I find so appealing about Mac Miller is his genuine nature. As weird as it sounds, the Pittsburgh native isn't a sell out. While Blue Slide Park is obviously filled with radio friendly material*, he still leaves room for that classic boom bap sound that hip hop heads love and spend countless hours riffling through mp3 and zip files to find (not to mention Miller's work has been party music from the get go, so its not as though he necessarily changed his style up once he hit the mainstream). Just listen to beat selection and lyric content on this track and tell me Miller put this track out in hopes that it would raise his salary. While "Jerry's Record Store" isn't one of my favorite Mac Miller joints, I decided to show the 2011 freshman some love on his latest release.

"Believe in god but don't believe religion" <-- Word


*Instead of hating on artist for putting out radio friendly singles, be happy for them that they've made it this far and that they've been given the opportunity to make a good living out of their undeniable talents. Jealousy is such an ugly trait.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Common vs Drake


Unless you've been living under rock for the last month, you know the beef that's been cooking up between Common and Drake. Incase you have been living under a rock; several weeks back, Common was asked if Drake had been his inspiration to his single "Sweet".


Common responded by stating that, "Some people have been saying that, but on that song, I'm just talking about whoever the cap fits. I'm talking about rappers out there that's soft and doing the same thing. So if the cap fits, then that's who it is". It's almost as though hip hop fans started this beef since they automatically pointed their fingers at Drake as the 'sweetest' rapper in the game. Common actually never even confirmed that Drake was his target. Regardless, Drake decided to fire back on "Stay Scheemin", one of the tracks off Rick Ross' last mixtape.

"Back when if a nigga reached it was for the weapon, now-a-days they reach just to sell they record" <-- Hypocrite

And then soon enough, Common jumped on the same track to retaliate.

"you ain't wettin' nobody nigga, you Canada Dry"

At first, rumors were brought up claiming that the beef was all over Serena Williams, but later cleared up. The truth is, Common simply wrote a track, similar to countless other tracks, where he declared himself an OG and labeled other anonymous rappers as bitches to make himself look even more masculine. It's the typical formula many rappers use to create a record. Not to say that Common doesn't feel Drake shares feeble qualities, but his initial intention wasn't to call him out. The only reason Common wen't on to label Drake as "that hoe ass nigga" was because of Drake's verse on "Stay Scheemin", which was obviously aimed at Common ("It bothers me when the gods get to actin like they broads").

My thoughts on the beef: First off, I dislike any rap beef unless it was over a decade ago and had the names Nas and Jay-Z in it. I feel 'beef' is just either a form for rappers to push their records, or just a way for one artist to put down another more successful artist, AKA Hatin'. In Common's case, both (if he had really intended to diss drake on "Sweet").

Regardless, when I first heard of the rapper conflict, my thoughts where, "Damn, two soft ass rappers starting beef??". I truly enjoy Common's work, but the truth is, he is similar to Drake in a few ways and his music is pretty much the opposite of the 'hardcore rap' he was claiming to miss and be part of. In fact, both Common and Drake's fans are largely female. Common makes music that is respectful and uplifting to women, while Drake reaches women through appealing to their insecurities and making 'hip pop' records that are the epitome of top 40 radio. They are both sell outs and I know what you're thinking, "how could you say that about one of your favorite rappers", but recall "Don't Charge Me For The Crime".


Obviously, Drake has been more successful at reaching stardom, which initially lead me to think Common was just 'hatin' on Drake for this reason. But, I later came to the conclusion that it was just the initial misunderstanding, brought upon by fans, that was blown up over the radio/internet media that set fire to the rivalry. What will happen next? Only time can tell, but my predictions are either Drake will leave it be and let the beef just roll over (since this beef has most likely done little to no damage to his fan base and there is no point in continuing on with the battle) or these two soft ass rappers will put out a track together, focused on how tough and masculine they are, to make it public that the beef has been squashed. Whatever, I'm over it...

Friday, January 6, 2012

Brother Ali & Jakeone - Writers Block (Prod. Jakeone)


Man is Brother Ali right about the music industry on this one... These two have always had chemistry when it comes to putting out classic hip hop records. Freeway had his turn with Jakeone's vintage beats, now it's Ali's time to put out an exclusively Jakeone produced album. Look out for Mourning in America and Dreaming in Color.

Schoolboy Q - Blessed ft. Kendrick Lamar

Now that's an album cover

Its Q's turn on XXL's Freshmen list. Habit's and Contradictions hits the Internet realm on the 14th of this month... Support their indie label, Top Dawg Ent.

Luke Christopher - Building Skies (Album)


So I'm sure you remember this dude from his Social Network video, which gained him his initial wave of fans. Mr. Christopher has made it his goal to get up off the ground in 2012 and has started off the year strong with this free Building Skies project, which dropped earlier this week. The (supposedly) Burroughs Graduate, has shown his lyrical abilities through genuine verses about everyday struggles and always remaining real to his friends/fans regardless of where fame takes him. The young emcee/producer is talented and is guaranteed bright future ahead of him.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Must Have Music: Oh No - I Can't Help Myself & The Ride & Every Section


Some more MHM from my early days of venturing into the underground hip hop realm. Sometimes I wonder what I was thinking when I listen to some of the music I had in my iPod back in the day, but this guy is definitely not one of those occasions. Oh No is not just the rapper, but the beat smith behind his music; much like his older brother Madlib. These 3 tracks are my favorite off of his first album, The Disrupt (2004), which was recommended to me by my old buddies from the Burbank Penny Lane (RIP). These tracks are not only examples of his production talents, but also his exceptional ability to reach different themes and concepts lyrically. Love addiction, corruption, and just straight Emceeing (respectively).

Jean Grae - U&Me&EveryoneWeKnow


Jean Grae definitely sounds better on these slow jazzy/soulful beats. I'm not crazy about her "Jaw Gymnastics", but when it comes to her conscious stuff, I'm a fan.

A$AP Rocky - Pretty Flacko


So one of my New Year's resolutions was to do at least 5 posts a week (I know thats pretty bad but if you look at the last few months I was lucky if did 5 posts in the entire month). Luckily that "Pretty Matha Fucka" starts off 2012 with some ill ass ignorant shit to bump. If you haven't checked out LiveLoveA$AP, get on it.

Download Pretty Flacko