Connecticut Underground 1992-2005

Connecticut is fertile ground for hip hop, but it can be hard to find. Like many other regional scenes across the country the state hasn't gotten much attention nationally. This compilation will definitely give you a good look into the underground there. You'll hear from a few 'well known' names like Lonnie O, Stezo and Bas Blasta but pay attention to some of the others whose work is really obscure. For example 'The Apacalypse' by 'Seven Angels' is a rare banger with some serious replay value. Track 2 by Lonnie O has me hooked liked crack. His (1st ?) single from 1992 'Dream On' is probably more common, but I dig the '94 flavor better.

If you're a fan of the New Haven crew Hyperdermic Needlz, check out track 13. This is from a cassingle of mine. I believe it's a tape-only track. The vinyl 12" 'Always bw/Word Up' does not feature 'Almost Gone'. The cassette version is also put out by 'Cook Rock Records' but isn't listed on discogs. If anyone out there can provide some background on the tape release it'd be nice to find out more. In the meantime, here's a link and the tracklist to the 1st of several underground compilations representing Ct.

Download

01 (3:45) Spectrum Live - Fifty Grand 1997
02 (5:11) Lonnie O - It's Like That 1994
03 (3:51) Stezo - Tension Off The Chest 1995
04 (4:36) Dahru - My Home 1997
05 (4:27) Connecticut Kartel - C.k. State Of Mind 1997
06 (3:00) Millionz - 97 Mentality
07 (2:00) Mic Profit - Young James Bond 2005
08 (4:15) House of Reps - Grey Skies 2000
09 (5:10) Inna Citi - Project Shit 2000
10 (4:35) The Unit - Life Is Trouble 1998
11 (5:05) Foundation Clique - Things Ain't Easy 1996
12 (4:44) Russ Bee - Flavors From The Hill (Hill Remix) 1994
13 (2:40) Hyperdermic Needlez - Almost Gone (Bonus Jack Kevorkian Solo) 1994
14 (4:24) Chis Lowe - 1 Midnight Blue 1993
15 (3:41) The Ill Pedestrians - All Out Ta Bomb 1992
16 (4:13) Ack The Brother Grimm - Chaotic Dayz 1998
17 (4:09) Bas Blasta - Aint Whatcha Do (Radio) 1994
18 (5:52) Seven Angels - The Apacalypse 1997
19 (3:39) D Vine - Say Hi To The Bad Guy 1994

The 'The Ill Pedestrians' cut is from a compilation called 'The Basement Tapes'. The cd is absolutely worth picking up. Dooley O is a Connecticut producer who put out this collection of unreleased local hip hop circa 1988-1994. It should be on your cd shelf!

On another note, I wish I could detail the tracks down by city for you, but I am not 100% sure on all of them. The artists on tracks 10, 16 and 18 are from Bridgeport. Any Ct natives out there who can break down the local scenes for us by city would be cool to hear from! I hope everyone enjoys this hand-picked slice of the northeast. Leave some comments, drop some science if you've got that uncommon knowledge. Thanks for reading!

--Schenectadyfan

New MIllennium Underground 2000-2009

These two compilations were inspired by the 'Sounds Like The 90's' series. Yes we are primarily a throwback blog, but there has been a wealth of solid underground from 2000 until now. I suppose tracks like 'Two Trains' or 'Ready For War' are not exactly new anymore. I figure what the hell though, most of my own posts are of music from the early/mid 90's. I'm glad I gave the 'new school' another shot recently. These two lineups feature a few artists I knew already, and a bunch of new names to me. They have both been on repeat since I put them together. Hope ya like!

Vol 1--

Download

01 (1:44) A Class - Artwork (Maryland 2007)
02 (3:29) Dim Mak - Respect (Seattle 2006)
03 (3:39) Freddiebeatz/Haak Blast - Money Long (Philadelphia 2007)
04 (4:09) Raaddrr Van aka 'Lodd Manafess' - Black Naussius (New York 2005)
05 (4:28) Monster Island Czars - Witchcraft (New York 2003)
06 (3:51) Infamous Mr Savage (Of Soul Kid Klik) - Dangerous (New York) (2006 ?)
07 (3:34) Mic Mountain - Da Jungle (Washington Dc 2008)
08 (4:09) Shabazz The Disciple - Preme (New York 2006)
09 (3:24) Sandpeople - Fiddler On The Roof (Portland Or 2005)
10 (3:36) Myalansky - We Break Laws (Virginia 2008)
11 (3:55) Altered States Of Consciousness - Brigade (Seattle Wa 2004)
12 (2:51) LSP - Death 2 U All (North Carolina 2005)
13 (5:21) Denizen Kane - Two Trains (Chicago 2002)
14 (2:26) ShellBe RAW - Tale of Two Cities (Baltimore 2005)
15 (4:29) Mass Influence - A Yo Atlanta Ya On (Georgia 2003)
16 (3:09) G-Clef (Of Soul Kid Klik) - Split Personality (New York 2003)
17 (2:58) Rugged Intellect - Like That (feat. A.G.) (New York 2007)
18 (4:59) K Sity (Featuring Ronnie L) - Unstopable Legacy (New Mexico 2005)

Vol 2--

Download

01 (3:04) Arabesque - Stardust Feat. Deesha (Toronto Canada 2005)
02 (3:07) East Coast Avengers - Let It Knock (Boston 2008)
03 (4:15) Hydroponic Sound System - Static (Michigan 2002)
04 (3:51) Volume 10 - On One (Los Angeles 2000)
05 (3:28) Asaviour - Field of Dreams (Bay Area Ca 2006)
06 (1:15) Four Zone - Intro (Los Angeles 2006)
07 (3:57) House of Reps - Ready For War (Conneticutt 2000)
08 (3:07) The Thyrday - Leaving Home (North Carolina 2005)
09 (2:00) Mic Profit - Young James Bond (Conneticutt 2005)
10 (4:43) Azeem - Paim Wine Two (Florida 2001)
11 (5:18) 2uvakynd - People Up On It (Chicago 2005)
12 (4:49) The Primeridian - Tatuduhendi (Boogie Man) (Chicago 2005)
13 (4:11) Hasan Salaam Feat. Hicoup - Concrete Watercolors (New York 2005)
14 (4:59) Sandpeople - Can't Let Go (Portland Or 2005)
15 (5:29) Inna Citi - Stop Da Rain (Conneticutt 2000)
16 (4:52) Misfit - Tryin Not To Lose (New Mexico 2001)
17 (1:36) Dim Mak - Belly Of The Infidel (Seattle 2006)
18 (4:17) Kool DJ EQ - Yes Yall (Oakland Ca 2001)
19 (3:18) The 49ers - Now & Then (Delaware 2009)
20 (4:12) Beat Detective - A Little Loopy (Salt Lake City Ut 2001)

Leave some comments, Tell me what you think about the selections here.

--Schenectadyfan

Various Artists - On The Down Low (New York 1995)

This is a very dope cd I picked up awhile ago called 'On The Down Low'. It was recorded at House Of Hits, which I think is in New York. It was put out in 1995. All of the artists are from New York to my knowledge. A few of them I know other tracks from like Pretty Tone Capone and Preacher Earl. Pretty Tone Capone had some earlier releases too that are worth finding if you are not familiar with him.

The 1st is Case Dismissed / Kidnapped (1992)
The 2nd is Across 110th St. / Sexy / Marked 4 Death (1993)

Anyway, back to this particular release. I know our readers are fans of that timeless mid 90's boom bap and this cd is an unrecognized gem. What an amazing score for less than 3 dollars. In terms of content and temperament, I could probably compare the music here to the early lyricist lounge tapes from 1992-1997. I'm a sucker for these sorts of compilations and 'On The Down Low' hits like a champ. There are 2 r&b tracks on here, numbers 4 and 8. Given the strength of the other 10 selections, a couple of r&b tracks are excusable foul balls.

Here's the link and the tracklist --

01 (04:43) five & five - keys & g's
02 (04:26) big ds - keep it ill
03 (03:50) t-r-y-a-d-z - tryadz
04 (04:15) brown sugar - dreamin'
05 (05:32) xtra pleza - warpath
06 (03:37) kay superior - focus
07 (04:00) pretty tone capone - g-spot
08 (05:07) maurice - let me fix you
09 (04:21) gorilla l - on & on
10 (03:02) preacher earl & the ministry - 14 floors to the lobby
11 (04:30) phorced n' tre - the newcomer
12 (05:13) dem nigs - many styles

Download

Mixed by Evah Gorman, Norman Bullard, Kenny Ferracho, Sack Entertainment, Hitmen Productions, The Phathedz, Larue Cheatham, Soundwave Productions, and Ron Bowen.

I dont think many of these tracks appear anywhere else. Hit me up with some comments if you like this cd and I'll work hard to post more in the same vein.

--Schenectadyfan

East Coast 12 Inch Rarities Volume 3

Today I am bringing you volume 3 from my east coast 12 inch series. I know I've said it before, but there are mountains of these. I just completed volume 115 the other day so there is a ton of music in store for you fans of that grungy, dark east coast hip hop. Most of these artists are from New York except for track 5, and I THINK Black Eye is from Washington Dc, but do not take my word for it. It might be New York too. The other exception to the NY rule is Real Live, apparently from New Jersey. These east coast 12 inch compilations have been a long time habit for me, and this is one of my early efforts. One of my favorite tracks is number 6. The Flatlinerz have in my own humble opinion, been unfairly labeled as wack imitators by fellow heads. I have to cry foul at this merciless accusation and rush to defend their product as high-grade. Maybe I'm smoking something but I've always dug them. Here's a link and the tracklist. Enjoy!

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=7A77IQXA

01 (03:48) Brooklyn Zoo - Masters Of Zooniverse (1995)
02 (03:26) Black Eye - Blue Black (Ghetto Dark Mix)(1995)
03 (04:40) Real Live - Real Live Shit (1995)
04 (01:21) Strickly Roots - Roots & Culture (1993)
05 (00:34) Another 1-4-U-2-N-V - You Gotdamm Right (1991) PHILADELPHIA
06 (03:44) Flatlinerz - Live Evil (Radio Edit)(1994)
07 (04:02) Da Nabahood Threat - Off Witcha Head (1994)
08 (04:13) Now Born Click - Movin (1993)
09 (03:31) Do It All - Dangerous (1992)
10 (04:52) Tucka Da Huntaman - Da Hunt is on (Radio Version)(1995)
11 (04:35) Two Outta Millions - Emcees Nowadays (1995)
12 (04:01) The Fab 5 - Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka (Radio Mix)(1995)
13 (06:10) Eric B. And Rakim - Casualties Of War (Extended Club Camouflage Version)(1993)
14 (03:45) Brother Of The Mind - Kick Facts (1995)
15 (03:30) Hoodratz - Murdered Ova Nuttin' (The Sneeze Mix)(1993)
16 (04:50) Rampage Outta Control Feat. Kool Keith Godfather Don & Grandmaster Mel - Street (1994)
17 (04:24) BLVD Boyz - Off Da Head (Original Raw Mix)(1994)
18 (04:20) Powerule - Dawn to Dusk (Main Mix)(1995)

I know the majority of these tracks will be familiar to avid diggers like myself but it's still a good lineup. Weigh in here and give me some feedback if these sounds are to your liking!

--Schenectadyfan

Guru Behind The Boards

We hope our readers have dug our spotlight this month on Gangstarr. As part of that effort I assembled a collection of underground hip hop produced by the legendary mc Guru. Originally from Boston, Guru moved to New York and went to work with Dj Premier. The rest is history. This compilation however, is a "somewhat" unknown part of that history. Largely known for his vocal skills, Guru collaborated with Dj Premier for Jeru The Damaja's 1st album 'The Sun Rises In The East', as well as the Gangstarr albums. The sound here is that dark moody boom bap which is so timeless and still celebrated with reverence all these years later.

Most of the artists featured were affiliated with the Gangstarr Foundation/Ill Kid Records. Exceptions might be Deams, Cutthroats and Poverty. If anyone out there has background info about them let us know. Some of the obscure surprises on this compilation include tracks 2, 6 (co-produced by Guru), 7, 16, and 19. I have to say, the Deams track is off the hook. Holy shit that one is dope! This compilation is a tasty slice of Guru's early/mid 90's work behind the boards. I am sure however, that there are cuts out there I haven't heard. The man is a legend and it's certainly possible that in his huge volume of studio time he produced other artists who never made it onto legit releases. I salivate at the possibility of hearing these sorts of unreleased archives.


http://www.megaupload.com/?d=2ALVV52X

01 (4:20) Operation Radification - Tray Pound 1993
02 (3:25) Deams - Mad Game 1996
03 (4:46) Stikken Moov - Beware 1993
04 (4:15) Group Home - Serious Rap Shit 1995
05 (4:09) Hl Rock (the Sly Fox) - Put You 1993
06 (3:52) Chapter 3 - Sounds Of Claps 1993
07 (3:59) Cutthroats - Stop Lookin' At Me 1993
08 (3:27) Bahamadia - Total Wreck 1993
09 (3:58) Guru - Feel the Music 1995
10 (3:00) Bahamadia - Wordplay 1995
11 (2:59) Big Shug - P.D.S. 1995
12 (5:23) M.O.P., Guru & Stikken Moov - Life 1995
13 (5:26) Stikken Moov, Guru, & Mash Out Posse - Life 1995
14 (3:48) Fabidden Frut - From Within Out 1995
15 (2:59) Guru & Big Shug - Momentum
16 (2:57) Poverty - Comin' Up 1993
17 (2:55) Group Home - So Called Friends 1993
18 (4:17) Gangstarr - Lovesick Upbeat Mix 1991
19 (3:05) Poverty - Peace With A Piece 1993
20 (3:40) Gangstarr - Form Of Intellect 1991
21 (3:01) Fabidden Fruit ft. Bu & Mic Rone - Cup Of Life 1995
22 (4:48) Operation Ratification - Rotten Apple 1995

I really hope our readers like this collection! Let me know what you think.

--Schenectadyfan

New Jersey Underground Part 5 (1991-1997)

It's with a certain amount of sadness that I post this batch of Jersey tracks today. In light of his recent death, Tony D's beats bring out the nostalgia in me. Many of his beats were classic and remind me of my own personal glory days back in the early/mid 90's. Ah. to be young, sprung and hip again. To this day, there exists a large archive of unreleased material produced by the 16-stone Italian stallion. Perhaps one of the small contemporary labels putting out unreleased music from the golden era can arrange to give proper treatment and exposure to this undiscovered treasure trove. Tracks produced by Tony include numbers 1,2,3,5,6,(I think), 8.9.10, and 13. What we have here is mostly Trenton material, but some artists are from Jersey City, Newark, and Camden too.

Download

01 (04:03) blaque prince - watch black bake em (trenton 1991)
02 (03:40) blvd. mosse - hit em wit da 1,2 (trenton 1993)
03 (04:47) s.b.t. - in the heart (trenton 1993)
04 (04:16) the 45 king - east coast anthem (jersey city 1995)
05 (03:41) black prince and aziatic roger - r nation (jersey city 1992)
06 (04:51) la law - i got this (trenton 1993)
07 (02:58) black star - stompin' ground (edit) (trenton 1992)(no, not the other black star)
08 (03:57) mark swift - it is done (trenton 1993)
09 (04:49) baby chill - forecast is rain (trenton 1993)
10 (04:24) b fyne - sheriff (trenton 1994)
11 (04:39) almighty & kd ranks - lyrics in a this (trenton 1991)
12 (04:00) mad fanatic - massacre (from seattle, but gives a shout to nj 1995)
13 (04:16) baby chill - ducks (trenton 1993)
14 (03:28) technical - stress (newark 1997)
15 (03:42) corrupt empire - jersey get yours (camden 1996)
16 (02:35) strong peoples coalition - it ain't safe (jersey city 1997)
17 (04:24) m.a.d. - parole (camden 1996)
18 (03:23) half a mill - any day can be ya last (ny ? 1997)
19 (04:21) all knew program - warface: the sequel [jersey city 1997)
20 (05:10) soul survivors - we rock the mic (newark 1995)

I hope most of the tracks in this latest batch are new to readers of T.R.O.Y. Some of them are way below the radar and I think you will discover more than a few previously unheard gems this time around!

--Schenectadyfan

Jimi Hendrix - Godfather

Jimi Hendrix is a godfather of 20th century music. He was an innovator, pushing musical boundaries and expanding horizons. His stature is equal to other greats like Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Santana, Herbie Hancock, DJ Premier, Rakim, etc. Originally from Seattle, he went on to play all over the states and abroad. Most of us know him for his popular commercial albums but there is a giant archive of material which was never properly released. Many of these studio sessions and live shows were lovingly transferred and restored by reel to reel collectors. Distributed mostly among a small network of die-hard fans., much of his musical experimentation remains in obscurity. That only a few major albums came out during his lifetime is partly due to his early demise, but it's also the same sad evidence for ever-present mismanagement of talent in the music industry. This kind of ham-fisted bungling also amounted to a significant detraction from hip hop's glorious rise in the early/mid 90's. It's nothing new and continues to this day.

That's why we at T.R.O.Y. are dedicated to bringing to your attention contemporary artists whose talent is real and who deserve exposure whether or not the music industry is on the train. This kind of grassroots attention is also very much the thrust of our new effort, Steady Bloggin'.

Contrary to common perceptions that his style was mostly acid rock, in his many studio sessions, Jimi reveals himself to be something of a jazz virtuoso, an acoustic philosopher of exceptional depth and clarity. At times he is a salty blues man, a swaggering comic. During his live shows crowds often wanted to hear the hits, leading to him to pursue radically different avenues off the stage. Had he lived it is highly likely he would have been involved in the budding genre of hip hop as well. Even though he died too young, his imprint on our cultural psyche is mythical and iconic. Many hip hop artists have sampled Jimi. While purists charge that this defaces his music, the more sane among us see such sampling as a way of paying homage to his far-reaching influence. The mans legacy was only partly known to be generous.

It is a shame that so gifted a musician had such limited releases. This in spite of the avalanche of output between 1968 and his untimely death in 1970. The young and brilliant have a way of being snatched by the jaws of death at the doorstep of opportunity. We have to ask ourselves what the world be like if Hendrix had lived? Tupac? Is the passing of Tony D another manifestation of how helpless we are to the vagaries of human frailty ? Music expresses more than language has ever been capable of.

This compilation I assembled contains some very rare gems. There are also a few of his more well known studio jams which have circulated on small independent labels putting out his unknown catalog to collectors, fans, suckers and fanatics for the last 30+ years.

DOWNLOAD

01 (03:33) jimi hendrix - driving south
02 (03:44) jimi hendrix - untitled jam (record plant 5-15-69)
03 (05:09) jimi hendrix - pali gap
04 (03:00) jimi hendrix - gypsy sunset (unreleased studio outtake)
05 (07:07) jimi hendrix - little one take 2 (olympic studios 1-26-68)
06 (06:46) jimi hendrix - third stone from the sun
07 (04:58) jimi hendrix - tax free
08 (01:20) jimi hendrix - wah wah
09 (05:38) jimi hendrix - beginnings
10 (01:43) jimi hendrix - funky blues jam (date, location unknown)
11 (03:04) jimi hendrix - look over yonder (rough mix, ttg studios, 10-68)
12 (04:43) jimi hendrix - straight ahead
13 (03:21) jimi hendrix - come down hard on me
14 (01:41) jimi hendrix - farther on up the road

I hope y'all dig the change of pace. If you want to hear some more of Jimi's mostly unheard archives leave some comments and I'll do my best to fill your requests!

--Schenectadyfan

Editor's Note: Schenectadyfan's musical tastes run wide and deep, and his painstaking regionally-themed compilations must be heard to be believed. If you dig this post and just happen to be interested in the hip hop music from Seattle that Schenectady recommends, click here.

Seattle Vs Portland (1993-1998)

Unless you are in the know, Portland is not among the 1st cities one thinks of for hip hop. Oregon is a state with less than 4 million people. Like it's northern counterpart Seattle, the scene in Portland was largely unnoticed on a national scale during the golden era. It's not that artists like Cool Nutz didn't get widespread attention, but perhaps to a lesser degree than artists in cities which were more well known for hip hop. For damp heads up here in the temperate rain forest, Portland and Seattle are the centers of hip hop output. The style up here is generally a little different than that found further south, in the bay area and southern California. It's hard to put a finger on it but you'll hear what I mean in the infectious scratching of '206in It', the melancholy vibe of 'Bombay', the darkness of 'Join Tha Team', in the abstract sound of 'Seattle Rain'.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=0ML816O2

01 (04:49) Central Dynasty - 206in It (Seattle 1995)
From the album 'Why Does Everybody Want To Be A Killa'

02 (04:14) Bosko - Bombay (Portland 1995)
From the 12 inch single Bombay/Passin Time

03 (04:33) Smoke - 51.50 (Seattle 1994)
From the ep 'Come And Get Me'

04 (05:51) D-Folk Pre-Znn - Evr'lstn (Portland 1995)
From the ep 'Mr. Evr'lstn Chuck Meez Bakk'

05 (06:26) Kazy D - Ashes 2 Ashes (Portland 1995)
From the album 'Letter From The Grave'

06 (04:00) Pork - Right Now (Shaolin) (Portland 1995)
From the album 'Sidin On You'

07 (05:56) Mackin Rob - Mobbin (Seattle 1993)
Single/ep/album ? Source Unknown!

08 (04:18) Maniac Lok - Join Tha Team (Portland 1995)
From the album 'I'm Back'

09 (05:07) Scrooge - Temporary Insanity (Seattle 1994)
From the album 'Bout My Paper'

10 (02:55) Warpath - Seattle Rain (Seattle 199?)
From the ep 'Production For That Ass'

11 (05:56) Black Anger - Conscious Attack (Seattle 1997)
From the ep 'Maxed Out Singles'

12 (04:33) Grassrootz - No Matter (Portland 1998)
From the album 'Uncharted Regions'

13 (00:20) C-Dub - 503-206 (Portland 1993)
From the album 'Ignorance Anonymous'

14 (06:25) DMS - My World (Seattle 1994)
From the ep 'Takin' Ends'

15 (02:54) Gangster On The Move - Outro (Portland 1994)
From the album 'Comin' 4 Tha Goods'

There's a certain mindset here and it reflects in the local music. I hope our readers enjoy this slice of the pacific northwest. Give me a shout if you dig it.

--Schenectadyfan

South Click - Rebel Slave (South Carolina 1998)

Today I bring you the 2nd album from South Click. This was put out by 'Power Records' in 1998. They have 3 albums total. Their 1st album is a classic and this one is pretty good too. The 2nd effort is more political, deeper, more developed. There are so many liner notes it is a little overwhelming. I'll settle for simply sharing the music itself with you. These guys are defenitely coming from a 5%er perspective.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=EVILL000

01 (00:35) south click - introduction
02 (05:52) south click - signs of the time
03 (05:20) south click - rebel slave
04 (04:04) south click - we dont need
05 (05:09) south click - daze of old
06 (05:45) south click - smoke
07 (04:21) south click - simply beautiful
08 (04:13) south click - busta free
09 (02:58) south click - beyond the millennium
10 (04:16) south click - breakout
11 (05:48) south click - contemplated the crime
12 (03:55) south click - with me or against me
13 (04:05) south click - first blow
14 (04:21) south click - carolina backwoods
15 (04:36) south click - p.o.w.
16 (04:46) south click - we be spittin

I hope y'all like this heady southeast rap. It'll make you nod your head and it will really hit you if you are a thinking person. Leave me some feedback, tell me if you like this album. Thanks for reading!

--Schenectadyfan

Southern Series Volumes 2 & 3 (1990-1995)

Today I am posting 2 compilations at the same time. The reason being that they contrast sharply and I want to give you readers enough variety to keep everyone interested. As usual I have a fair number of compilations along these lines, so I will generally be bringing you the southern underground series one volume at a time. Hip hop scenes below the mason-dixon put forth enough unique sounds that 'southern rap' almost defies categorization. Volume 2 has more 'gangsta rap' and volume 3 has more 'hip hop' but both are varied. Personally I like both styles but I find it's difficult to split hairs. Neither term really does justice to the music. To illustrate the difference between., for example, Black Rhino and Hip Hop Dickheads with such limited language is an exercise that doesn't really do justice to the state of mind which came from the artists. In your opinion, what are the qualitative differences between these 2 sub-genres ? Is hip hop more 'aware' ? Is gangster rap only ego and bravado ? Is it solely based on production style ? Whose studio time is financed with drug money and whose is not ? How are these distinctions fueled by cultural and musical influences in a particular region ? I think we all know the answers aren't simple, but the questions beg investigation. To me, alot of gangster rap displays a greater degree of depth and insight than it is given credit for. The hard-knocks meditation on violence found in 'Don't Kill Your Brother' by Game Boyz is infinitely more meaningful than much of the odd-ball backpacker garbage passed off as 'conscious hip hop'. Sometimes we can get stuck on image and miss the message. Let me hear what your thoughts are, I am curious to know. Feel free to leave some comments, right wrongs, officiate, fornicate, pontificate, stand on your head, and talk about the musical ideas presented here.

Volume 2 -
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=3QMW7S13

01 (4:04) Azim - Scream It (Texas 1993)
02 (4:52) E.R.C. - Visitations To Blackland (New Orleans 1994)
03 (4:30) Gangsta Tribe - Diary Of Death Row (Atlanta 1995)
04 (3:06) Black Rhino - Definitions (Texas 1994)
05 (3:25) Dynamic Syncopation & Mass Influence - Dedicated (Atlanta 1995)
06 (5:02) Lowc - Livin' Like Animals (Atlanta 1995)
07 (3:53) G Town Hustlers - What-U-Wanna-Do (Memphis 1995)
08 (3:13) Lethal Conceptions - Foxx Murder One (Texas 1994)
09 (4:28) Mace - O.G. Hustler (Memphis 1995)
10 (3:52) Murder Inc. - Playin For Keeps (Texas 1995)
11 (5:04) Organized Crime - When The Spot Light.. (Texas 1995)
12 (4:57) Trick Daddy & SNS All Stars - Nineteen Ninety Until.. (Memphis 1990)
13 (5:31) Ovatone - Deep In The Mind (Memphis 1995)
14 (3:43) Lil Slim Feat. Pxmxwx & Pimp Daddy - Blunt After Blunt (New Orleans 1994)

volume 3 -
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OWKOKKDL

01 (4:26) Hip Hop Dickheads - How Many Kids (Original Mix) (Tampa 1995)
02 (4:52) Willie D - U Got Homeboys, We Got Homeboys (Texas 1994)
03 (4:27) K-Rino - Four Dimensions Of A Universe (Georgia 1994)
04 (4:50) Al Kapone - Trouble On My Mind (Atlanta 1994)
05 (3:02) South Memphis Kings - Da Real Side Of Me (Tennessee 1991)
06 woops
07 (3:48) Azim - Solo Creep (Houston 1993)
08 (4:45) Greek (S.P.C.) - U Betta Ask Somebody (Texas 1993)
09 (2:07) Lethal Conceptions - Light Tha' Herbs (Fort Worth 1994)
10 (4:25) Jazzie Redd - Mile High Madness (Houston/Denver 1994)(he moved)
11 (4:48) Game Boyz - Don't Kill Your Brother (Houston 1994)
12 (3:55) Street Military - The Episode (Atlanta 1991)
13 (6:28) Lokee - Puttin Niggas On Da News (New Orleans 1995)
14 (0:32) Game Boyz - Words To The Wise (Houston 1994)
15 (5:33) Snake Eyez - Spook N Tha Corna (New Orleans 1995)
16 (4:20) Death - Life As A Psycho (Louisiana 1995)
17 (2:21) Lokee - Mr. Groove (New Orleans 1995)


Enjoy these 2 compilations, I'll be bringing more to your sound system just around the corner so stay tuned!

--Schenectadyfan

Various Artists - Classic Elements (Seattle 1998)

Here's an underground hip hop compilation from Seattle, Washington. It was put out by 'Impact Entertainment' in 1998. The record label was actually based in Olympia, Washington where there is a small but prolific scene. Props to Eden, Cody, Jim, Doug, Max and all you other mothafuckas keeping underground hip hop alive up there in the people's republic! This one was mastered by Mark Greer and Dj Sayeed at 'Bandit Audio' in Olympia, WA. It's interesting for me to come across this cd and compare what I knew about local hip hop then to what I know now. It's a long shot but if anyone out there has some live recordings of 'The Rat Pack' I'd kill to hear them again!

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=JD55SU6I

01 (05:33) ghetto children - hip hop was ?
02 (04:12) jaleel - call it like i see it
03 (03:17) troubled sums - konfessions
04 (05:18) source of labor & beyond reality - aunt anna
05 (04:45) soulstice - norvus ordo seclorum
06 (04:13) arson - back home
07 (05:15) sinsemilla - sleep
08 (06:12) nobody - a.n.i.t.a.
09 (04:07) bedroom productions ft. blak - black n blind
10 (04:29) 5E - paradox (remix)
11 (04:52) ski - from bullets to poetics
12 (03:58) tilson - a little better
13 (05:19) black anger - third eye
14 (03:42) jace - what's ya defenition
15 (03:41) blak - only when i'm high
16 (04:55) nomad - sadistic flow

Many of these artists were featured on other Seattle compilations released in the mid/late 90's. Give me some feedback and I'll keep coming at ya with that northwest flava.

--Schenectadyfan

New Jersey Underground Part 4 (1992-1997)

Comin at ya with style on New Jersey Underground Volume 4. Check out the tracks by Mr Low Kash, The Undatakaz and F.O.A., if you are a fiend for obscure hip hop from the Garden State. Of note is the track by Maniac Mob. They were one of the dopest crews I've come across but their output was pretty limited. The rest of this mix is laced too so y'all will probably dig it. Hoping there are new tunes in here for our readers so let us know!

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=NTOYRXUI

01 (04:59) Bustin Melonz - Under The Influence [1994]
02 (04:08) Artifacts - You Know The Time [NEWARK 1995][UNRELEASED]
03 (04:01) Tony D - Back To The Basics [TRENTON 1997]
04 (03:37) Govna Matic - Vision [NEWARK 1997]
05 (04:40) Scott Lark Da Sensei - The Movie [1996]
06 (03:25) Young Zee - Electric Chair [JERSEY CITY 1996]
07 (03:45) Mr Low Kash & Da Shady Bunch - The Best At This [JERSEY CITY 1996]
08 (04:38) Ready Ta Roll - The Real Hip Hop [JERSEY CITY 1993]
09 (04:27) Maniac Mob & 45 King - Rock The Rhythm [JERSEY CITY 1993]
10 (06:05) Lord Pre N' The Funk Legacy - The Funk Legacy [TRENTON 1993]
11 (04:12) Troubleneck Brothers - Gusto (NY) [1993]
12 (06:14) P.O.V - Ball Ya Fist (Beatdowns) [1993]
13 (04:53) Blaque Spurm - The Cycle [TRENTON 1994]
14 (04:50) Down N Dirty Tribe - Inna Cipher (Brickville Mix) [JERSEY CITY 1995]
15 (05:19) The Undatakaz - One Bullet (Flip The Script Mix) [TRENTON 1992]
16 (04:26) Young Gifted - Stay True To Your Trade [JERSEY CITY 1996]
17 (03:14) F.O.A. - Rude Boyz Style [TRENTON 1992]
18 (04:09) Yz - (So Far) The Ghetto's Been Good [1993]
19 (05:43) Blvd. Mosse - All Praises Due To Outstanding [TRENTON 1990]
20 (03:35) Lifers Group - Short Life Of A Gansta [NEWARK 1993]

--Schenectadyfan

Old School Breakdance Odyssey Volume Two (1981-1985)

This is the 2nd old school 'breakdance odyssey' I put together last summer. It covers 1981-1985. There are some electro beats thrown in for good measure. Most of this stuff is 'below the radar' so I hope you like that 80's flava!

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PT6F3Y4R

01 (04:31) Funklab All Stars - La Di Da Long
02 (05:14) Afrika Bambaataa - Almighty Rah (F, Tc Islam)
03 (05:28) Spyder D - Try To Bite Me Now
04 (05:29) Devastatin' Dave The Turntable Slave - I'm whippin A.
05 (06:41) T.J. Swann & Peewee Mel - Maximus Party
06 (05:48) Gangster D - Gangster Rock
07 (03:32) Broken Glass - Style Of The Street (Unreleased Demo Version)
08 (05:37) D.ST & Jalal - Mean Machine (Short Version)
09 (02:43) Bronx Traxx - Hip Hop Bee Bop
10 (04:51) N Y C Cutter - Dj Cuttin
11 (05:06) Ninja Crew - We Destroy
12 (07:19) Empyre - Strikin' Back

--Schenectadyfan

Old School Breakdance Odyssey Volume One (1979-1987)

So ya want more 80's hip hop eh ? Ask and you shall receive! Today we've got a dope selection of old school coming your way. Some of these tracks register over the top in the obscure category, others are well known. If you're a fiend for those old school drums and flows, peep this. The track by Sorcery is so dope I have almost broken my speakers, same for 'Breakdancers Call'.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=48651F8V

01 (04:30) Bobby Demo - More Bounce To The Ounce
02 (05:02) Sorcerey - Woo Baby
03 (07:16) Schoolly D - Put Your Filas On
04 (06:23) Spyder D - I Can't Wait (To Rock The Mic)
05 (03:33) Megatron - This Is It
06 (04:48) Grandmaster Flash - The Message
07 (05:32) Ron Hunt - Spiderap
08 (04:17) Egyptian Lover - My House On The Nile
09 (06:56) Detroit Grand Pubahs - Dr. Bootygrabber (More recent, but fits right in)
10 (14:23) Jimmy Spicer - The Adventures Of Super Rhymes
11 (08:27) Frankie Smith - Double Dutch Bus (12' Mix)
12 (02:18) Richie Rich - Check It Out
13 (04:44) Whodini - Freaks Come Out At Night
14 (02:05) Grand Wizard Theodore - Subway Theme
15 (06:21) V. Helden - Breakdancers Call
16 (10:08) Spyder D - Big Apple Rappin (National Rappin Anthem)
17 (07:57) Newcleus - Jam On It
18 (05:49) Laid Back - White Horse
19 (07:01) Arabian Prince - Strange Life
20 (02:39) The Cold Crush Brothers - Streetsounds
21 (03:46) Beatmaster Clay D - Rock The House/Ugly People Be Quiet
22 (02:43) The Triple Threat - Three Mpg Rap

I love bringing the heat from yesteryear so if this is the kind of sound you like give me a shout!

--Schenectadyfan

Baltimore & Washington DC Underground Part 4

Here's trusty old Volume 4 from the Baltimore And Washington Dc compilation series. I know I say this all the time, but this is still one of my favorites. It's got a consistent feel, and rocks hard beginning to end. As is generally true, this collection is full of obscure goodies. The tracks I like best are numbers 3,5,7,10,11.... fuck it I can't even pick. For those familiar with Ray Lugar's more contemporary work, here's a treat from his earliest lp. 'High Roller' is a perfect blend of Baltimore club and hip hop. Also check out the track by Juan Donovan in particular. It may not be your style, but to me it proves without a doubt that hip hop was alive and well even post-2000.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5GO6XRRP

01 (03:58) circle of native vibes - ragtime (baltimore 1997)
02 (02:08) dj 730 & overkast records - intro (baltimore 1996)
03 (04:19) under achieva'z - seems kinda strange (washinton dc 1996)
04 (03:11) starvin art clique - rogue & vagabond (baltimore 1997)
05 (03:31) new testament - sunlight (baltimore 1995)
06 (03:43) wolfe d.o.m - n.y to b more (baltimore 1996)
07 (03:59) k mack - in baltimore (baltimore 1995)
08 (00:13) dj kool - koolin with flavor (washington dc 1991)
09 (01:33) khaos and dba - dope beats always time (baltimore 1992)
10 (04:58) p.u.g. - girls be killing me (washinton dc 1992)
11 (03:41) ray lugar - high roller (baltimore 1991)
12 (02:13) natures problem - bloody rivers (baltimore 1997)
13 (04:39) derrick rebel - all fucked up now (baltimore 1998)
14 (04:02) i.c. - live from the pentagon (washington dc 1997)
15 (04:11) sparrow - inheritance (baltimore 1998)
16 (04:49) s.c.u. - harm city (baltimore 1997)
17 (04:01) norm skola - park heights (baltimore 2000)
18 (04:56) juan donovan - take it like a man (baltimore 2005)
19 (04:36) raw elements - changin seasons (baltimore 1997)
20 (02:57) jb the messenga - one day (baltimore 2001)
21 (05:09) forbidden - how do i say goodbye ? (baltimore 2000)
22 (03:41) l.m.s. - brighter days (baltimore 1997)

A few of these tracks you might have trouble tracking down in other places. No, I am not from the area but I have been transfixed for years. These compilations are the result of much earnest digging. Please tell me know what your feedback is! Comments are always welcome and let me know that people are really listening. Thanks for reading and continue to check back!

--Schenectadyfan

Still Shoveling Out The New York Crates

Volume 3 of the New York ep samplers. This one has some super rare shit like the 1st two. The rules were the same. Ep material only, 1994-1996. Demo cuts include the tracks from Chase Phoenix, Gauge and Pete Rock/Cl Smooth.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=3EP14XRA

01 (04:11) King Just - Proof Batter [100] 1994
02 (03:23) Timbo King And Spark 950 - United We Slam 1994
03 (03:47) Undadawgz - I Roc Dis 1995
04 (05:52) Caporegime - Lay Down 199?
05 (04:00) 12 O'clock & Raekwon - Nasty Immigrant 199?
06 (03:21) Natural Elements - Cock it Back 1994
07 (03:27) S.O.S. Aka 'Science Of Sound' - Untitled 1995
08 (03:12) Chase Phoenix - Rewind 1995
09 (03:46) Gauge - Past Tense 1995
10 (05:41) Godfather Don & Kool Keith - How The Fuck You Get A Deal 1995
11 (03:43) Da Phathedz Presents - For Rhe Year Ft. Tera Lo 1996
12 (04:24) Hollow Point - Clickz Like Gunz 1996
13 (04:14) Killa Kidz - 1 Way 1996
14 (04:38) PHD - Life on the Edge 1996
15 (03:40) 3 Man Riot - Products Of The World Gone Mad 1994
16 (04:22) Jaz B Latn - Set It Off 1994
17 (04:08) People Without Shoes - Nappyhead Assasin (Loud Mouth Dread) 1995
18 (05:20) Pete Rock and CL Smooth - They Reminisce Over You (Demo) 1994
19 (04:39) J-Live - School's In 199?

Can anyone identify the J-Live track for me ? I think the lp it came from is a test pressing because there aren't names for any of the other tracks either. Hope ya like the compilation!

--Schenectadyfan

T.R.O.Y. 101: Our Favorite Posts

We originally tried to be clever and list 101 of our favorite or most notable posts. We found it nearly impossible to narrow it down, so we wound up with 116. But who's really counting? This list is for the readers who recently joined us, the ones who check daily and can never seem to catch up, and the occasional visitors who miss out on a lot. Download a rare album for the brothers who ain't here. Use this as a guide to the blog or as an introduction to T.R.O.Y. for that special someone in your life who still laments the day mom threw all his Stretch & Bobbito tapes in the garbage. If we have one ambition as a team blog, it is to be your one-stop shop for all things throwback and judging by this list, I'd say we're on our game. Reacquaint yourself with the music you used to love and some you never knew existed, and give us some feedback so we can keep growing and improving.

We recognize that some of the uploads might be in need of refreshing, so leave us a note if that's the case and we'll work on it.

What Separates Us From The Rest...
Philaflava.com's 100 Greatest Obscure Tracks
Fifty Remixes You Need To Hear (1-10)
Fifty Remixes You Need To Hear (11-20)
Fifty Remixes You Need To Hear (21-30)
Fifty RemixesYou Need To Hear (31-40)
Fifty Remixes You Need To Hear (41-50)
DJ Premier's Underacknowledged Cuts
Easy Mo Bee Career Retrospective
Eric B "Eric B"
Rakim "The Cellar" EP
The Fondle 'Em Collection
L.O.N.S. And The Crisis Of Time, Part 1
XXL: Nas Illmatic, 15 Years Later
20 Hip Hop Songs You Must Listen To Before Voting
Hip Hop Landmarks, Pt. 1
All-Time Favorites
T.R.O.Y.'s 1994 Challenge
Definition of The Remix
Security Blanket
Big L Rarities & Press Kits
Main Source - Lost Science
All The Ras Kass Singles That Really Matter
Obscure Dope Shit From The Late 80s

Analysis & Commentary
Ghostface Killah "The Sun"
Juggaknots "Generally"
Black Sheep "Still In The Ghetto"
The Legion "New Niggas"
RZA "Sunshower"
Das Efx "Hard Like A Criminal"
GP Wu "Black On Black Crime"
An Infamous Genealogy, Pt. 1
Figure Eight: Slavery
Ultramagnetic MCs and Inexplicable Mobility
The Most Prominent Member Out The Group (Pause)

Non Album Tracks
Artifacts Spotlight
Chino XL Spotlight
Diamond D - Non-Album Tracks
Black Sheep - Non-Album Tracks
K-Solo Non-Album Tracks
Leaders Of The New School - Non-Album Tracks
Big Daddy Kane - Non-Album Tracks (1986-1990)
Krs-One - Non-Album Tracks (1986-1997)
JVC Force Non-Album Tracks

Interviews
Crushin' competition, dustin' oppostions (O.C.)
My everyday lifestyle ain't nuttin' but a hustle (Smoothe Da Hustler)
My Mic Devotion Brings Out My Deepest Emotions (AZ)
Philaflava Exlusive Prodigy Interview
The Henry Chalfant Interview Part. 1
The Henry Chalfant Interview Part 2

Compilations
Sounds Like The 90's
Sounds Like The 90s (Volume 2)
Ego Trip singles - 1979
Ego Trip singles - 1980
Ego Trip Singles - 1981
Ego Trip singles - 1982
Ego Trip singles - 1983
Ego Trip singles - 1984
Ego Trip singles - 1985
Ego Trip singles - 1986
Ego Trip singles - 1987
Ego Trip singles - 1988
Thirty & Good Vol 1 (90s R&B)
Valentine's Stimulus (90s R&B)
Valentine's Weekend "Funk Drops" Compilation
Jingle Jangle: Rock The Sleigh Bells
Freshco Compilation (1989-1994)
Balkan Bombing + More: European Union Hip Hop
Philly Retrospective Volumes 2 and 3
Echo (Lyricist Lounge) Mixtapes Vol.2-5
Midwest Compilation
Drug Music
The Headrush
From Where ? .... Ohio ?
dope drops from the land of rain...
Southern Series Volume 1
echo international presents east coast flava (1998)
Shoveling Out The New York Crates
mid-atlantic hip hop volume 2 (1991-2006)
Maintain Compilation

DJ Spinna: Instrumental Review

Guest Bloggers
T.R.O.Y. Guest Blogger w/9th Wonder
T.R.O.Y. Guest Blogger w/Jean Grae
T.R.O.Y. Guest Blogger w/ Chip Fu
T.R.O.Y. Guest Blogger w/Tame One
T.R.O.Y. Guest Blogger w/ AJ Woodson (JVC Force)
T.R.O.Y. Guest Blogger w/B-Real
T.R.O.Y. Guest Blogger w/Superstar Quamallah
The Top 10 Tracks I've Produced by LG
Kurious Jorge's Top 10 Posse Cuts

Diamonds In The Rough
The Diggaman (Lord Digga Discography)
In Search Of A Complete Prince Paul Discography
Omar Epps' Wolfpack
Ca$h Money Click
PHD (Poet & Hot Day)
Big Kwam
This ol' clan from Now Born got shit locked...
Paul C. Lives
No My Brother, You've Got to Buy Your Own
DJ Spinna: Instrumental Review
DJ PNS - Chicago Rocks Vol.1
New York Undercover - You Get No Respect
90's Wu-Affliates
Fades 'Em All...
Drop A Gem On 'Em

Samples
That Backwards Sample
Sample Compilation 3
Les McCann - Samples Volume 1
A Tribute To Freddie Hubbard
Quincy Jones "Summer In The City" Samples
Ultimate Breaks And Beats 16-20
Who Flipped It Better? Company Flow, Parallax, Lord Digga?

Reader-Submitted Material
Soul On Ice Demo Tweaked
Jacking 4 Beats
Nas Meets The Large Professor
I'm Cormega, Raw Forever
Kimani's Digital Mix For The Whip
Nas "I Am Blends"

Baltimore & Washington DC Underground Part 3

Here's volume 3 from the Baltimore/washington Dc area. A couple of these artists are actually from Lanham, Maryland. This is still one of my favorite mixes, 200+ compilations and almost 2 years later. 'Peace, Unity And God' aka P.U.G., starts off strong with 'Living In D.c.'. Witness the killer scratching and mixing in the last part. It is so unbelievably smooth and dope I am hooked, Permanently. Do not be fooled by the name. 'Peace, Unity And God' ain't no wussy christian rap. Production was done by Rick Frio and D.J. Shade. A discogs search didn't turn up anything on either of these guys so if anyone out there has more info please hit me up! Some of the other rare gems on this compilation include tracks 4, 5, 8, 12, 18 and 22. There's a fair amount of variety here. From the heralded early 90's sound of Cage 1 to the heavy mood of Big Cuz And Dangerfeel this mix will have you nodding.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=D6YQ4UOW

01 (05:38) p.u.g - living in d.c. [washington dc 1992]
02 (00:15) dj kool - word to the marcus garvey [washington dc 1991]
03 (03:28) brother most - ready [washington dc 1996]
04 (03:32) cage 1 - poets giving criticism [baltimore 1992]
05 (04:48) defiant giants - the anthem [baltimore 1992]
06 (04:37) big u & the madhouse crew - raw deal [lanham, maryland 1995]
07 (02:49) ogun - bmore shit (all star remix) [baltimore 2006]
08 (04:36) ray lugar - holding court (bonus track) [baltimore 1991]
09 (05:08) little clayway - make it (radio version) [baltimore 2001]
10 (04:41) silouette - tru 2 what we do [baltimore 1996]
11 (03:45) felix cruz - stuck pt 1 [baltimore 1997]
12 (04:04) 3 levels of genius - rising star [washington dc 1997]
13 (03:30) constant deviants - competition catch speed knots [baltimore 1998]
14 (04:21) sparrow the movement - what you expect [baltimore 1995]
15 (03:36) black indian - 3 strikes [washington dc 2000]
16 (04:04) f-13 - kilz doc [baltimore 1997]
17 (03:08) the unspoken heard - mid-atlantic [washington dc 1997]
18 (03:25) norm skola - can't be touched [baltimore 2000]
19 (03:37) labtekwon - the coming of day [baltimore 1999]
20 (05:34) asheru & blue black - b-boy [washington dc 2000]
21 (03:38) backland - is what it is [baltimore 2006]
22 (05:02) o.h.e - the struggle [lanham, maryland 2002]
23 (04:01) big cuz and dangerfeel - another brotha [washington dc 2004]

Some of these tracks you might not find anywhere else so don't sleep!

--Schenectadyfan

New Jersey Underground Part 3

This is my 3rd underground hip hop compilation from New Jersey. It features some really rare and hard to find material such as High Authority, The Undatakaz, Mr Low Kash, etc. Of note to you collectors, the track by Double X Posse is not on either their 1st or 2nd album, and does not appear on any of their known (to me) singles. I think it came from an piece of wax that never got released. If anyone can tell me about it I would like to know more!

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=H0WR42D8

01 (04:29) Reggie Reg - NJ Connection [JERSEY CITY 1995]
02 (02:24) Tony d - Flavour [TRENTON 1997]
03 (04:54) Lifers Group - Cuff 'Em Up [NEWARK 1993]
04 (03:07) Ready Ta Roll - Ready Ta Roll (Street) [JERSEY CITY 1993]
05 (03:13) Da Cheeba Hawks - Botanu Dance Step (After Hours Mix) [1993]
06 (05:01) Lord Pre N' The Funk Legacy - Ruffneck (High Tech Dialogue) [TRENTON 1993]
07 (04:34) High Authority - Who's The Top Choice ? (Original Punch Mix) [NEWARK 1993]
08 (04:11) Scott Lark Da Sensei - I Killed A Hoe [NEWARK 1996]
09 (04:14) Troubleneck Brothers - Back To The Hiphop (Old School Mix) [1993]
10 (04:16) Young Zee - Toxic Waste [JERSEY CITY 1996]
11 (03:00) Artifacts - More Facts [NEWARK 1995]
12 (05:14) Maniac Mob - Get Up [JERSEY CITY 1995]
13 (03:27) Double X Posse - The Ill Real [JERSEY CITY 1992]
14 (05:14) Bustin Melonz - Unchain My Mind [1994]
15 (02:03) Govna Mattic - Brick Town Tuff [NEWARK 1998]
16 (05:29) The Undatakaz - The Gravediggers [TRENTON 1992]
17 (03:36) Mr Low Kash And Da Shady Bunch - Whoo Huhh [JERSEY CITY 1996]
18 (04:01) 8 Off - Only Live Once [NY ? 1995]
19 (05:05) Soul Survivors - In God We Trust [NEWARK 1996]
20 (01:11) P.O.V - Nuff of the Ruff Stuff (Outro) [1993]

As usual, I am totally open to corrections so if you see something here's that not right feel free to comment. For instance, I think 8 Off might be from New York. Help me out here folks, what city do 'Da Cheeba Hawks' come from ? How about 'P.O.V' ? This whole collection still gets a huge amount of replay on my system. I hope volume 3 earns your respect as well. Enjoy!

--Schenectadyfan

14 Fathoms Deep (Seattle 1996)

Fourteen Fathoms Deep is a semi-obscure compilation from The Emerald City. The vibe on this cd is mostly rugged and moody which is appropriate for a place that gets about 50 inches of rain a year. If you need some heady tunes for zoning out during the winter months, this is the ticket. Seattle's Scene is a bit different from its neighbors. The gritty nature of this collection is worlds away from much of the keyboard funk the west coast is known for. Shift gears and take a ride, northwest style.

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KGZ390I6

01 (03:03) sinsemilla - drastic measures
02 (03:29) 22nd precinct - great outdoors
03 (04:36) mad fanatic ft ragchyld - official members
04 (04:44) dms - keep da change
05 (04:14) source of labor - cornbread
06 (04:42) ghetto children - court's in session
07 (06:28) narcotik ft infinite - all up in my mix
08 (03:37) jace ft dionna - ghetto star
09 (03:50) kylin - can
10 (04:27) prose & concepts - higher places
11 (04:20) ns (of the o.n.e. corporation) - insomniak museick
12 (02:52) blind council - interrogation
13 (03:56) union of opposites ft shonuph - continuations
14 (08:54) the crew clockwise - a new day

Some of these artists were also featured on other Seattle compilations in the mid 90's. A few of them are 'Untranslated Prescriptions - A Tribal Compilation' (1995), 'Do The Math' (1996) and 'Word Sound Power' (1997). This one was released by 'Loose Groove' Records in 1996. Let me know if you want more northwest flavor, I'll be glad to oblige!

--Schenectadyfan