DJ Enuff - My Definition of Hip Hop Vol. 2 (1997) 50 Cent's First Appearance

DJ Enuff was known for being Notorious BIG's road DJ. He also had a show on KISS FM from 1993-1994. DJ Enuff was part of the Flip Squad All-Star DJs, comprised of eight of New York City's most respected DJs -- Funkmaster Flex, Biz Markie, Doo Wop, Big Kap, DJ Enuff, Mister Cee, Cipha Sounds and Mark Ronson.

DJ Enuff released two volumes of mix cds in 1997 titled "My Definition of Hip Hop". People might not know these obscure releases as they were released only in France. The first volume was all French Hip Hop but the second volume was pure NY Hip Hop(except two freestyles in French). It features freestyles and mixes of tracks kind of like those Funk Flex mixtapes. It also features two of the rarest early 50 Cent recordings. There's a 50 Cent freestyle and an exclusive bonus track at the end. The credits reads "50 Cent appears courtesy of JMJ". I've never seen anyone online talk about this release or people mentioning these 50 Cent tracks...they're not even on those bootleg compilations! I almost forgot, there's also two freestyles from MC Supernatural!

Download

-- Thomas V

Lady of Rage - Lyrical Gangbang & Afro Puffs (Live @ Paid Dues 2010)

Last weekend, Kurupt & Daz from Tha Dogg Pound brought Lady Of Rage during their set at the 5th Annual Paid Dues 2010 Festival. She performed her verse from "Lyrical Gangbang" off Dr. Dre's classic album "The Chronic". She then followed with her classic '94 hit single "Afro Puffs".

Here's the footage that I recorded:

-- Thomas V

Bonus: Dr. Dre - "Puffin' On Blunts And Drankin" Feat. Lady Of Rage & Tha Dogg Pound

Sway & Tech - The Mix Tape (DJ Revolution) 1996

This is an independent Wake Up Show release from 1996 by Sway & King that features three mixes from DJ Revolution. Revolution used to be the mix radio show music director at 92.3 The Beat and is now the resident DJ of the Wake Up Show. These mixes earned him a regular spot after he was contacted by King Tech. Rev has done just about everything you can think of with records. Spun’em, scratched’em, juggled’em, sampled’em, collected’em, produced’em, sold’em, distributed’em, promoted’em, and so on.

Hip Hop vs Rap '96 is one of the best dj track that I've heard! DJ Revolution compiles all the original vocals that KRS-One used when he did his tribute track in '93.

Download

-- Thomas V

DJ Eclipse's 'Halftime Show'' 12th Anniversary

credit "photo: Robert Adam Mayer"

To celebrate The Halftime Show's 12th Anniversary, DJ Eclipse had a crazy lineup of mc's rhyming in the booth over beats from Krysis, DJ Babu, & DJ Scratch. MC's included legendary Flavor Unit member Chill Rob G, Sadat X, Rhymefest, Torae, Skyzoo, Shabaam Sahdeeq, Tiye Phoenix, Smiley The Ghetto Child, Chace Infinite, Illa Ghee and many more. They also had DJ breaks with the legendary X-Men (aka The X-Ecutioners). For the people who were tuning in live, you were able to see the whole show on video being broadcasted through Ustream.. unfortunately they weren't able to record it. They just posted the live recording from the radio a couple hours ago. Enjoy!

Download (Part 1)

Download (Part 2)

The Halftime Show 12th Anniversary Pictures

-- Thomas V

"Heard this was a party just to say 'F' Solar" Rhymefest

@djbabuforeal "how do i save this video stream"...@DJEVILDEE"did u record?"...@djbabuforeal "no".....@ItsDJEclipse "SMH"

Planet Asia W/Gold Chain Military & DJ Babu @Fat Beats LA In-Store

On February 26, Fat Beats LA hosted a double In-Store for the releases of Planet Asia & Gold Chain Military - Chain Of Command and DJ Babu - The Beat Tape Vol.2. Led by Planet Asia(Fresno,CA), Killer Ben, Tristate(LA), and Sav Killz(Brooklyn,NY) of GCM performed tracks off their new album with DJ Babu on the turntables. The album features production from Alchemist, Large Professor, DJ Babu, Evidence, Masterkraftsmen, and more... GCM brings back real lyricism and style to hip-hop with the new album "Chain of Command". Go Cop It!

Tash of Tha Alkaholiks and Prince Po of Organized Konfusion dropped by Fat Beats to show some love and they freestyled with GCM over Babu's beat from The Beat Tape Vol.2.

-- Thomas V

For More Videos, GCM @Youtube.

Roxanne Shante - Queen Pin (1995)

"Queen Pin" is Roxanne Shante's last solo record on Cold Chillin' Records. It was first released on Roxanne Shante's Greatest Hits in 1995 on Cold Chillin'. It is produced by Tony T. who produced for the late Cold Chillin' releases of Kool G Rap(XXX Cuts) and the Brooklyn Zoo 12"s. He also produced most of Mack da Maniak - Loco Motive album from 1996. "Queen Pin" was later released in 1996 as a promo 12" inch containing a remix. I would love to hear it if someone has it as I don't own it.. "Queen Pin" was ripped from the lp vinyl. Enjoy,

Download

-- Thomas V

Ego Trip's Great Fuckin' Clean Versions

"This one definitely goes out on a censorship tip
So everybody sit back, relax and have a champagne sip"

None of us like clean radio versions! Every time your hear something, it's always gotta be raw uncensored! That's the truth! Some artists just have their curse words bleeped on for their clean versions while other actually record a new version with changed vocals. Some don't have new vocals but instead of it just being muted, scratching and sound effects are used to replace these blanks. A list titled "Great Fuckin' Clean Versions" from Ego Trip's Book of Rap List basically listed the clean versions that were worth listening to. Like Thun said, "Ego Trip made it a hot list, we made it a hot compilation". Last year, I compiled DJ Premier's Underacknowledged Cuts from Ego Trip's list. It received props all over the net.. even from Elliot Wilson! Enjoy this one!

Download

additional artwork by dirt_dog

-- Thomas V

Apache - R.I.P. Jan.22.10

Paying my tribute to one of the original Flavor Unit crew member, Apache, I compiled all of his appearances on records from 1989 to 1993 and the 12" cuts from his 1993 solo album "Apache Ain't Shit". Starting out with Lakim Shabazz on 45 King's Rhythmical Madness in 1989. Following with four appearances on the Flavor Unit album in 1990. In 1991, he's on Naughty By Nature & Double J's album. In 1993, for his 12"s cuts, he receives production from A Tribe Called Quest(Q. Tip), Large Professor, and The 45 King. For his guest appearances in 1993, he's with Fat Joe & Kool G Rap, and 2Pac(R.I.P), Treach, & The Live Squad(Stretch R.I.P). He would also write some of Latifah's lyrics. Apache had an incredible music collection.

R.I.P. Apache Jan.22.10

01 - The 45 King & Louie Louie - Smooth Yet Hard (Feat. Lakim Shabazz, Apache) (1989)

02 - The 45 King Presents - Flavor Unit Assassination Squad (Feat. Apache, Double J, Lakim Shabazz, Lord Alibaski, Queen Latifah) (1990)

03 - The 45 King Presents - I Feel Like Flowing (Feat. Apache) (1990)

04 - The 45 King Presents - Passin' The Mike (Feat. Lakim Shabazz, Apache) (1990)

05 - The 45 King Presents - Smooth Yet Hard (Feat. Apache) (1990)

06 - Naughty By Nature - 1,2,3 (Feat. Apache, Lakim Shabazz) (1991)

07 - Double J - Manslaughter(Feat. Apache) (1991)

08 - Apache - Do Fa Self (Prod. by The 45 King) (1993)

09 - Apache - Gangsta Bitch (Prod. by A Tribe Called Quest) (1993)

10 - Apache - Hey Girl (Prod. by Large Professor) (1993)

11 - Apache - Apache Ain't Shit (1993)

12 - Fat Joe Da Gangsta - You Must Be Out of Your Fuckin' Mind (Feat. Apache, Kool G Rap) (1993)

13 - 2Pac - 5 Deadly Venomz (feat. Treach Of Naughty By Nature, Apache & Live Squad) (1993)

14 - Flavor Unit - Keep It Real (Feat. Apache) (1993)

15 - Queen Latifah - Just Another Day (Bonus Track) (Written By Apache) (1993)

Download

-- Thomas V

R.I.P. Apache

Flavor Unit emcee Apache, born Anthony Teaks, passed away after a protracted illness. Shakim Compere, CEO and Co-Founder of Flavor Unit Records, remembered Apache, “Without Apache there would have been no Queen Latifah, no Naughty By Nature, no Chill Rob G., no anything” Compere told AllHipHop.com. “Apache was the string that tied all of Flavor Unit together. Without Apache none of this would be.”

R.I.P. Apache

BumpyKnuckles
R.I.P Apache!! Salute To A Real Passionate EMCEE U Will BE MISSED! THIS 1 Hit THEOG HARD! WHOA! YOU WILL BE MISSED.

QtipTheAbstract
R.I.P. To my brotha APACHE.. Together we made a dope lil hiphop joint... He was a real stand up dude...

ChipFu
Man I had the op to work with apache during the roll wit the flavor joint. REST IN PEACE TO MY FLAVOR UNIT BROTHER" APACHE" condolences2fam

MrEdLover
- My heart is heavy. Apache has passed away. He came 2 see me perform last month @ Carolines Comedy club...RIP!

djscratch
RIP Apache. He wrote for Latifah after Treach stopped writing for her. The only Black Man that called you a BITCH & you didn't get mad.

djdoowop
R.I.P.Apache - not only the pen behind alotta Latifah's raps but a good person

djdnice
RIP #APACHE - (Gangsta Bitch) Flavor Unit!

mobrocka (Monie Love)
RIP APACHE OG REAL SH!T TALKER first Emcee to have a hit record talking bout the REALIST hood chick around the way " KEEP YA SOULTRAIN HO !

djhotday
R.I.P. APACHE, THANKS FOR THE GOOD MUSIC YOU LEFT US DJ's TO PLAY

RAtheRuggedMan
"if I was deaf, dumb, blind, stupid, lame, Handicapped, crippled and pussy was my middle name- you couldn't beat me" - Apache (1991)

MicGeronimo
R.I.P to my boy Apache. He was a very good dude man. Very cool person.

SonOfMaestro
I had the pleasure of knowng Apache while workng on The Lost Tribe of Shabazz. He was the unsung heart & soul of the Unit.

SadatX
Dam , I knew Apache 2!! We losing a lot of brothers! Life is a true blessing

jrocc
Also. RIP Apache. Had the funniest promo shirt that said. "Kill The White People" then on the back "But Buy My Record First"

-- Thomas V

I will be posting a compilation I'm doing right now in remembrance of Apache.

Mick Boogie + NVME + DUCK DOWN Presents: SURVIVAL KIT

Survival Kit is an ode to KRS-ONE & BUCKSHOT's incredibly rich history of music. Their classic hits have been reinterpreted by today's artists to watch:

Track Listing:
1) Survival Kit (Intro) by DJ Sherazta
2) Gotcha Opin Original (RMX) - Tanya Morgan (produced by NVME)
3) South Bronx (RMX) - Cause, The Kid Daytona & Chaundon (produced by NVME)
4) Buck Em Down (RMX) - Christian Rich (produced by NVME)
5) Sound Of Da Police (RMX) - Diz Gibran & Shawn Chrystopher (Produced by ILL TAL)
6) Shit Iz Real (RMX) - Ruste Juxx (produced by NVME)
7) Step Into Our World (RMX) - Team Facelift & Jade (produced by ABADDON)
8) Talk Shit (RMX) - Torae & Skyzoo (produced by NVME)
9) MC's Act Like They Don't Know - Sha Stimuli, Promise, J.A.M.E.S. Watts, Fashawn (produced by NVME)
10) I Got Cha Opin 09 - Kardinal Offishall & Buckshot (produced by Havoc of Mobb Deep)
11) Past Present Future - KRS-ONE, Buckshot, Melanie Fiona & Naledge of Kidz In The Hall (produced by 9th Wonder)

Free Download (DuckDown.Com)

KRS-One & Buckshot - Survival Skills @Amazon.com

Best Album Cuts Compilation Challenge: Links #3

If you're a member of the T.R.O.Y. forum then it's impossible for you not to have known about our little Best Album Cut Compilation Challenge. We narrowed it down to 16 finalists and for the next few days we'll be posting their mixes, along with some of the other contestants who didn't make the cut. We strongly encourage you to check out all the options and then vote for your favorite mix. You don't have to be registered to the forum in order to vote. --Philaflava

Best Album Cuts Compilation Challenge (B.A.C.C.)

Links #3

kimani
1. Fuck What Ya Heard 4:12 Trends Of Culture
2. Sonset 6:00 Ras Kass
3. Bring It On 3:17 Organized Konfusion
4. Mad M.F.'s 3:33 Rumpletilskinz
5. All Black 4:21 Big L
6. Dog's Gonna Getcha 3:03 Tim Dog
7. Hazardous 5:05 Godfather Don
8. Abandoned In Da Streetz 3:40 Da Homlez
9. Runaway Slave 4:50 Showbiz & A.G.
10. Can-U-Feel-Me? 3:50 Saafir
11. Can't C Me 5:31 2Pac
12. Free Styler 5:17 Divine Styler
13. Ketchrek 3:36 Miilkbone
14. Loosifa 4:30 The Juggaknots
15. Niguz Talk S--T 4:21 Black Moon
http://rapidshare.com/files/335500928/Philaflava_Album_Cuts_Comp__Kimani-15_Tracks_.zip

basta
01 Low Ft Richie Rich - Gangsta City Funk (1994 Texas)
02 Brothers Of Struggle - Show it (1994 Ohio)
03 Confuzn - Who's Got Your Back (1994 Little Rock, AR)
04 By Any Means Necessary - Take It To The Maximum (1992 New Orleans,LA)
05 Da Criminal - Move On (1996 Chicago,Ill)
06 Off Tha Corna - Welcome to the Yard (1992 New Orleans,LA)
07 Taalam - Sunshine (1992 New York City)
08 Lethal T & The Outcast - Ready For The Gankin (1994 San Antonio, TX)
09 Boobie - Rollin With Lush bw In The Sticks (ft. Z Man)(1994 Ohio)
10 Bugsy - Million Dollar Game Plan (1997 Detroit,MI)
11 Wild Sniper - Addicted To A Dollar (1993 Brooklyn,NY)
12 Scratch Master Dee - Strait From The Old School (1995 Saint Louis, MO)
13 D-Town Funk - Clean This M-F Up (1992 Detroit, MI)
14 Zeek - Hallelujah (1994 Tulsa,OK)
15 MC Rodski and Dj Derezon (Young Guns) - Gangster Boogie (Unknown 1989)
http://rapidshare.com/files/335349644/Basta_Presents-Kyozai_T.R.O.Y._Challenge_-_Album_Cuts__2010_.zip
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5TS1PWV5
http://www.mediafire.com/?zazdyyznk2y

thomasv
01 - Chuck D - Mistachuck
02 - The Roots - The Session (Longest posse cut in history)
03 - Kool Moe Dee - It's Alright Here
04 - Grand Daddy I.U. - Blast A New Asshole (Feat. Big Snow, Taheim, Kid Capri)
05 - Showbiz & A.G. - Represent (Feat. Big L, Deshawn, Lord Finesse)
06 - Craig G - Ummm!!!!
07 - Jamal - Keep It Live
08 - King Sun - Street Corner (Feat. Mr.Magic R.I.P.)
09 - Lord Finesse - Kicking Flavor With My Man (Feat. Percee P)
10 - Main One - Birth Of The Ghetto Child
11 - Master Ace - The Other Side Of Town
12 - Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth - Carmel City
13 - Busta Rhymes - Flipmode Squad Meets Def Squad (feat. Jamal, Keith Murray, Lord Have Mercy, Rampage The Last Boy Scout & Redman)
14 - Da King & I - Mr. All That
15 - Tall Dark & Handsome - Tall Dark & Handsome
http://sharebee.com/a50bc667

Spartan
01. This Is What You Came Here For - Kid Capri
02. Let's Take A Trip - Da King & I
03. Styles I Manifest - Capital Tax
04. Drama - Genius
05. Call My Name - Keith Murray
06. Line 4 Line - Cella Dwellas
07. Ain't The Devil Happy - Jeru The Damaja
08. Just Like Dat - Special Ed
09. Graveyard Shift - Top Quality
10. We Can't Win - AZ
11. Disk And Dat - Kwest Tha Madd Lad
12. Infamous Mobb - Big Noyd
13. Man Of My Own - Mic Geronimo
14. You Must Be Out Of Your Fuckin' Mind - Fat Joe feat. Apache & Kool G Rap
15. They Shoulda Killed Me - Brokin English Klik
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=BMTVX4PX

Jaz
http://sharebee.com/3d30669b
1-ADOR-Here Comes The Wreck (1994)
2-CEB-Back Up In Da Joint (1993)
3-Kirk-Stay Fresh (1994)
4-Group Home-Inna Citi Life (1995)
5-Figure Uv Speech-Next Contestant (1993)
6-Down South-Big Wheels (1994)
7-The Future Sound-Primates In Stitches (1992)
8-Yaggfu Front-Mr Hook (1994)
9-Tha Alkaholiks ft Loot Pack & Declaime-WLIX (1995)
10-Souls of Mishcief-Dirty D's Theme (Hoe or Die) (1995)
11-Lakim Shabazz-First In Existence (1988)
12-CPO ft MC Ren-Gangster Meoldy (1990)
13-Stezo-Talkin Sense (1989)
14-Craig G-No Favors (1991)
15-Greyson & Jasun-Shammin (1991)

Frezzy Pazzy
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=SO0B4LYO
01/ ODD SQUAD "Here to say a lil' somethin" (1994)
02/ THE GENIUS "True fresh M.C." (1991)
03/ CAPITAL TAX "Treetop connection" (1993)
04/ GROOVE B CHILL "Starting from zero" (1990)
05/ KING SUN "Cold new yorkin" (1990)
06/ KRISPY 3 "Back it up" (1993)
07/ LEADERS OF THE NEW SCHOOL "A quarter to cutthroat" (1993)
08/ CHINO XL "Many different ways" (1996)
09/ MAIN ONE "El gran combo" (1995)
10/ ROUGH HOUSE SURVIVERS "So! Survivers we can rhyme" (1992)
11/ NUFF RUFFNESS "Styles come at ya" (1993)
12/ SHYHEIM "Here come the hits" (1994)
13/ THE B.U.M.S. "West coast smack" (1995)
14/ SAAFIR "Worship the D" (1994)
15/ ROYAL FLUSH "Regulate" (1997)

Debonair_P
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4N9BLYNK
Jeru The Damaja - Whatever
Rakim - When I'm Flowin
Chubb Rock - The Mind
Mad Skillz - All In It
EPMD - Get With This
OC - The Crow
Royal Flush - International Currency
Organized Konfusion - Invetro
Cella Dwellas - Medina Style
The Roots - It Just Don't Stop
Sadat X - Sauce For Birdheads
Illy Funkstaz - Gotta Get Da Cheese
OGC - God Don't Like Ugly
Artifacts - The Interview
Alkaholiks - 21 & Under

R.I.P. Killa Sha Aka Prince AD (Of The Killa Kidz)

I bought his first solo album "God Walks on Water" when it came out in 2007 and I saw him when he came in 2008 with Large Professor in LA to perform @ The "Main Source" release party. R.I.P. Killa Sha

Killa Sha - The Unkut Interview

Killa Sha - G4 Freestyle & Interview (Feat. Large Professor)

Mobb Deep - Juvenile Hell (1993) Scratches By Prince AD

Chuck Chillout - 8 Mc's On The Freestyle You Sucker (1995)

Killa Kidz - Lyrical Flava (1996)

Killa Kidz - 96' Phenomenon (1996)

Ill Mentality - Luvin' U4 Dayz (QBC Remix) (Remixed By Prince A.D.) (1996)

Tragedy Khadafi - Sidewalk Confessions (Feat. Killah Shah, Headrush Napoleon) (2001)

Killa Sha - Nourishment (2007)

Killa Sha - One Hand Wash The Other (Feat. Tragedy Khadafi) (2007)

Killa Sha - Work The Plan (Feat. Havoc) (2007)

Killa Sha - Maskaraid (2007)

Large Pro - Maica Living (Feat. Killa Sha & Guardian Leep) (2008)

DJ Muggs Vs. Planet Asia - Pain Language (Alchemist Remix) (Feat. Killa Sha) (2008)

-- Thomas V

Update- Killa Sha passed away due to complications with his diabetes.

Pete Rock & Bumpy Knuckles 1/16/10

The Soul Brother #1 Pete Rock just rocked over at Bumpy Knucles's ustream Krup Mob Radio. Not only was this a great show but at the end, Foxxx hooked up the SP-1200 that Pete Rock used to produce on 2000's classic Industry Shakedown and he performed it live! I'm glad that I was watching it and that it was being recorded!

-- Thomas V

Kev Brown Live Beat @Fat Beats LA 1.03.10

Kev Brown had an In-Store last Sunday at Fat Beats LA promoting his Random Joints album. He brought his MPC with him inside and decided to make a beat. Kev just picked this random record that he had never heard of. He quickly went through the record, I remember him saying something like "this sounds country", but of course he found something and then started to chop the samples. He finished the beat in about an 1 hour and 30 minutes. After that he let people rhyme to it to close it out. It was amazing! I tried my best to edit the footage I recorded to make it under 10 minutes. Hope you enjoy it!

-- Thomas V

Sweet 16's

Satchel Page teams up with Legends: Neek The Exotic, Mikey D, Sadat X, & Large Professor. Produced by Ayatollah

-- Thomas V

100 Tracks You Need To Hear (97-99) Part IV

The T.R.O.Y. Blog Presents
100 Tracks You Need To Hear Part IV

1997-1999. You swear it wasn’t that long ago, but you know it might as well have been eons ago. Depending on your outlook, this is either the tail end of a gilded age or the beginning of the apocalypse. During this time, the hip hop artists born circa 1970 who catapulted the genre forward as teenagers and young adults in the ’87-’94 heyday are beginning to mellow out or gloss it up. Sampling laws are enforced more than ever but the indie labels are resolute in refusing to go the glittery route. Radio is dominated by obvious samples and tales of upward mobility and debauchery, while the underground mixshows stay saturated with eccentric rhyming clinics and surreal poetics. The divide is not entirely clean, however. In this era you can find surreal poets waxing profound on diamonds and champagne, gritty crime narratives on major label releases, and a whole host of songs that defy categorization (and a few that even defy simple explanation). This series is for those of you who know that the late ‘90s is deeper than just Organized Konfusion, Ras Kass, Mase, Nas, and Company Flow (no disrespect intended of course). This is for those of you that know that great hip hop comes from all corners of the USA and around the world, that the b-sides of overlooked 12”s and the album cuts of long forgotten tapes contain true gems. Songs that speak to our hunger for dope beats and lyrics and manage to stand out from the crowd. We made a special effort to seek out songs that you probably haven’t heard or don’t really remember too clearly, while making sure that each selection hearkens backs to the last era in which musical diversity and quality could be taken for granted. You need to hear this. Enjoy our 100 picks, coming at you at the rate of twenty five per day just in time for the holidays.

R.A.W. - Linguistic Ventriloquist
Straight out of Delaware, R.A.W. drops a relentless rhyme style over a crisp, jazzy beat. A rare but very worthwhile treat.

Rakim - Waiting For The World To End
The God MC describes life in the bleak world of Wyandanche, Strong Island over understated but fitting production.

Rasco - Heat Seeking
Rezidue - Droppin Rezidue

Saafir - I'm Saafir (The Saucy Nomad)
I image some west coast G-Funk producer left his studio door open by accident, then a drunken MC walked in and recorded some fucked up vocals over the beat as a joke. Yet it worked out even nicer than any gangsta rapper could have done it.

Sach - Poetical Me
One part of The Nonce group, Nouka Basetype, now known as Sach, has dropped a cassette only album, with really dope cuts on it. On this track you can check how poetical he can be.

Scaramanga - Holdin' New Cards

Seagram - Sleepin In My Nikes feat. Scarface
This is such a creepy track as it starts with Scarface reminding us that Seagram Miller is no longer alive, so I automatically imagine Seagram in a coffin with his nikes on. I truly think this is the coldest track in hiphop history.

Self Scientific - Degrees
Oh man, this beat was truly next level and would probably be revered by
other 'trippy' types of genres, if they only knew. Chase Infinite truly drops
degrees here, well after it was the 'cool' thing to do.

Shamus - Tight Team
New York's obscure artist has released his first and only album, EP style. A very dark and obscure release. Two tracks, including this one were produced by Buckwild.

Slick Rick - King Piece In The Chess Game
Unfairly overlooked and underrated gem from Ricky D's "Art Of Storytelling" album. The fact that this joint was originally released on white-label under the name "Panties Stay Wet" should be enough reason for you to listen.

Souls Of Mischief - Shooting Stars
Opio catches wreck over a most unorthodox beat, getting great mileage out of his extended metaphor and devoting the last verse to clowning Chino XL

Spice 1 - Suckas Do What They Can Real Playas feat. Yukmouth, Too Short & Rouger Troutman

Storm The Unpredictable - MC's Be Killin Me
Oxon Hill's greatest rapper of all-time? Boom-Bap lyrically lyrical shit that you just don't find today. Storm was that dude.

Street Smartz - Don't Trust Anyone
Buckwild laced a smooth melodic beat backed up by F.T rugged flow. DJ KO scratches the line "Ain't No One We Can Trust" from Onyx's Evil Streets for the chorus.

T Love - I'm Coming
A Kid Called Miles lays down a murky, funky banger for the West Coast femcee, off of her extremely underrated debut EP.

Tasc 4orce - Root Of All Evil
Thrust - Emcee
Tony Da Skitzo - Let's Drift

Ugly Duckling - Einstein's Takin' Off
Einstein leaves his physics on the side and starts his theoretical work on SP 1200.

Voodu - Introduction
Western Hemisfear rapper and producer brings to you the darkest introductio from his dark regions.

Wee Bee Foolish - The Kid

Witchdoctor, Khujo, & T-Mo Goodie - Smooth Shit
A true gem from one of the Dungeon Family's most prolific yet ignored talents. The title alone tells you what to expect, so just kick back and vibe to the Witchdoctor's unique blend of spirituality, smoke, and sex.

Wu-Syndicate - Where Was Heaven
All That I Got Is You Pt.2", Mylanski talks about his young life growing up in the VA projects.

Yah Supreme - Old & Wise
Not enough can be said of this emcee who disappeared as quick as he emerged. In a class of his own, style similar to none, this song is a perfect intro to his music and a gem you should never forget.

Young Lay - Got 2 Survive feat. Mac Mall, Ray Luv & 2Pac

Underrated producer Khayree and his label Young Black Brotha Records deliever another Bay Area collabo that leaves you missing this very sound is missed today.

[Download Part IV here]

100 Tracks You Need To Hear (97-99) Part III

The T.R.O.Y. Blog Presents
100 Tracks You Need To Hear Part III

1997-1999. You swear it wasn’t that long ago, but you know it might as well have been eons ago. Depending on your outlook, this is either the tail end of a gilded age or the beginning of the apocalypse. During this time, the hip hop artists born circa 1970 who catapulted the genre forward as teenagers and young adults in the ’87-’94 heyday are beginning to mellow out or gloss it up. Sampling laws are enforced more than ever but the indie labels are resolute in refusing to go the glittery route. Radio is dominated by obvious samples and tales of upward mobility and debauchery, while the underground mixshows stay saturated with eccentric rhyming clinics and surreal poetics. The divide is not entirely clean, however. In this era you can find surreal poets waxing profound on diamonds and champagne, gritty crime narratives on major label releases, and a whole host of songs that defy categorization (and a few that even defy simple explanation). This series is for those of you who know that the late ‘90s is deeper than just Organized Konfusion, Ras Kass, Mase, Nas, and Company Flow (no disrespect intended of course). This is for those of you that know that great hip hop comes from all corners of the USA and around the world, that the b-sides of overlooked 12”s and the album cuts of long forgotten tapes contain true gems. Songs that speak to our hunger for dope beats and lyrics and manage to stand out from the crowd. We made a special effort to seek out songs that you probably haven’t heard or don’t really remember too clearly, while making sure that each selection hearkens backs to the last era in which musical diversity and quality could be taken for granted. You need to hear this. Enjoy our 100 picks, coming at you at the rate of twenty five per day just in time for the holidays.

Ill Advised - Mic-Adelphia
Straight from the Quake City valuts boasting a Sadat X sample and Illadelph swag.

Jedi Son of Spock & Yeshua dapoED - Spitmode
Classic late 90’s indie flava from Yesh’s ill-named protégé. The two display some amazing back-and-forth chemistry, trading verses like water over dapoED’s organic production.

Killarmy - Allah Sees Everything

Kool DJ EQ - Three Emcees feat. Casual, DEL & Xzibit
An unusual combo that works wonders.

Kool Keith - Plastic World
"Payola scams switched DJ’s like a rubber band. Everybody clear with beats trying to be Premier..."

K-Otix - Do You Wanna Be An Emcee? feat. DJ Jazzy Jeff
Texas meets Philly and asks the most common rap question.

La The Darkman - Az The World Turnz feat. Raekwon

Last Emperor - Echo Leader
Last Emp gets down for the dorks. Pop culture references abound amidst the crunching instrumental on this ’98 banger.

Living Legends - Hip Hop
Lords of the Underground - Retaliate
L'Roneous da Versifier - L'chemy

Mac Dre - Rapper Gone Bad
Fools who think Ronald Dregan could only rap about ecstasy pills and going dumb are about to get wig-flipped. While Dre is no Rakim, he proves he can easily hold his own on the centerpiece from his 1999 album of the same name. Yadadi?

Mike Zoot - The Turn Pt. 2 feat. Royal Flush
Moodswingaz - Musslin

Mountain Brothers - Thoroughbred
Styles, Peril-L & CHOPS over funky basslines break down their throughness lifting a Posdnous line from "Stakes Is High."

Mr. Live & Tony Bones - Splashin' Over Monica
Goofy platter from one of rap’s most underrated duos. Funky enough…for a state dinner? Echo Leader thinks so.

Murs - All Day
When Nick Carter was just having fun, sampling De La Soul and would drop lines like "on Monday nights I watch RAW (WWF) and Ally McBeal.

Neek The Exotic - Exotic Is Raw
This is Neek's first solo record from 98'. Still down' with Large Pro, Extra P gives him one of his best head-nodding signature beat. Neek truly shows his rawness on the mic.

No I.D. - Original Man feat. Dug Infinite
Chicago producer teamed up with his Chicago fellow, Dug Infinite, to make this very slept on album. On this track their slogan is simple: They originate, you duplicate.

Non-Phixion - How To Kill A Cop
The most prominent conspiracy theorists in rap flip Redman’s original concept to a T, trading blunts and chickenheads for Glocks and dust. Some may call it heresy, but I call it hilarity.

Outsidaz - Money Money Money
Young Zee & New Jeruz' most maligned rap crew tear up this atmospheric ode to the green. Who says that acid and rap don't mix?

People Under The Stairs - The Turndown
One of the funniest and doppest PUTS tracks. Have you ever experienced that kind of the turndown like they did?

Pep Love - Trinity
Hiero's most underrated talent flows effortlessly and revives the lost of art of rap storytelling at the same time, with a biblical twist that doesn't come off to preachy.

Planet Asia - Kalidascope
Track off Fresno's native debut release. I will quote one of his lines: "Adjust your lenses, and analyze the scenes that I wreck."

Pyro - Status Quotient
Chicago native and then-Harvard graduate student delivers a thesis on race relations and the corporate co-optation of hip hop, in rhyme form. It turns out much better than you'd expect.

[Download Part III here]

100 Tracks You Need To Hear (97-99) Part II

The T.R.O.Y. Blog Presents
100 Tracks You Need To Hear Part II

1997-1999. You swear it wasn’t that long ago, but you know it might as well have been eons ago. Depending on your outlook, this is either the tail end of a gilded age or the beginning of the apocalypse. During this time, the hip hop artists born circa 1970 who catapulted the genre forward as teenagers and young adults in the ’87-’94 heyday are beginning to mellow out or gloss it up. Sampling laws are enforced more than ever but the indie labels are resolute in refusing to go the glittery route. Radio is dominated by obvious samples and tales of upward mobility and debauchery, while the underground mixshows stay saturated with eccentric rhyming clinics and surreal poetics. The divide is not entirely clean, however. In this era you can find surreal poets waxing profound on diamonds and champagne, gritty crime narratives on major label releases, and a whole host of songs that defy categorization (and a few that even defy simple explanation). This series is for those of you who know that the late ‘90s is deeper than just Organized Konfusion, Ras Kass, Mase, Nas, and Company Flow (no disrespect intended of course). This is for those of you that know that great hip hop comes from all corners of the USA and around the world, that the b-sides of overlooked 12”s and the album cuts of long forgotten tapes contain true gems. Songs that speak to our hunger for dope beats and lyrics and manage to stand out from the crowd. We made a special effort to seek out songs that you probably haven’t heard or don’t really remember too clearly, while making sure that each selection hearkens backs to the last era in which musical diversity and quality could be taken for granted. You need to hear this. Enjoy our 100 picks, coming at you at the rate of twenty five per day just in time for the holidays.

D. Auguste - Sunset
The Bostonian emcee celebrates dusk as the time to "relax and chill" and also to "step out and build" over music that sets the mood precisely.

Da Great Deity Dah - Ready To Kill

Da Ruckus & Eminem - We Shine
Life’s a b up in the D.

Danja Mowf - Make It Hot feat. Lonnie B
Supafriendz go line-4-line over this '97 IRC favorite that you could have found in either #Dalnet, #Undernet or where Danja and Friendz would dwell, #Efnet.

Defari - Say It Twice
Evidence on another sound mission with Defair Heru deliever the goods.

Demastas - Feel No Guilt feat. Nine
Virgin Island's hip-hop crew Demastas & Nine kicks rhymes on one of the illest piano sampled beat with a classic Audio Two sample produced by Rob Lewis who also produced many of Nine's classics songs. This was their second 12" but unfortunately nothing ever followed.

Devin The Dude & K-Dee - One Day At A Time
The Dude connects with MIA Ice Cube-affiliate K-Dee to kick a message everyone can relate to. Just remember to hit 'em with the dub when you see 'em out mobbin'.


Diamond D - Flowin
If you aren't feeling this song you just weren't meant for this life.

Digital Underground - The Odd Couple (Humpty Hump and Biz Markie)
This classic mashup of the two oddest MC's in the hiphop game will forever be the closest that hiphop will come to making Rap-Stand-Up-Comedy.

Divine Styler - Before Mecca
The god released this banger, ripping it reminiscent to his earlier days,
and was able to pull it off with divine results. Sadly the album was way
under the radar and none of the beats quite lived up to this one.

DJ Shadow - Organ Donor (Extended Overhaul)
When "Endroducing" dropped in 1996, I always wished that "Organ Donor" was longer. Turns out there was an extended version on the "High Noon" single. Just took me a few years to find it.

Dres - Hi & Lo
It's strange to hear such a clever MC who always has a joke on deck get deep about the low's that he's hit as a musician. One of Dres' dopest tracks.

Equilibrium - Windows '98
Ill Bill Gates rides for Equilibrium.

Finsta Bundy - Don't Stress Tomorrow
An anthem for us who have always struggled to keep food in fridge,
it still holds weight today more than ever. But hey, don't stress tomorrow.

Fly Guy Kool Kim - Ya Gotta Know (Dolo Fly Guy Version)
Solo track from UMC member, produced by Haas G. Equally as good was the b side "Skilz R Amazing."

Foul Play - Break It Down (Maylay Sparks)
Before Rahsheed aka Maylay Sparks got down with Ill Advised he was making noise with his original crew, Foul Play.

Frankenstein - Rain Is Gone
Frank is one of Canada’s most underrated producer/MCs and this song, his ode to the backstabbers, will show you why. Lace up your boots and zip up your goose, it's about to get chilly.

Govna Mattic - Family Day feat. Redman, Tame One, Young Zee, Pace Won, Runt Dog & Roz Noble

Grouch - Once Upon A Rhyme
He's far from Rakim on the mic and he's hardly Pete Rock behind the boards. Yet somehow Grouch makes it all work, really well.

Guerilla Maab - Keep Watching Me
Z-Ro shows why heads who know still check for him in this slightly head-spinning double-time SUC exhibition.

Haiku De'Tat - Non Compos Mentis
Eschewing the abrasiveness that often characterized Freestyle Fellowship songs, Aceyalone, Ab Rude, and Mikah-9 drop mellifluous rhymes over smooth live instrumentation and the result is something transcendent yet palatable.

Handsome Boy Modeling School - The Truth feat. J-Live & Roisin Murphy
Herbaliser - 8 Pt. Agenda feat. Latryx
I-Power - Under Da Sun

Ice-T - NY NY
This track starts off with a drop by Onyx representin' NY. You already know that Ice-T represents LA all the way to NY. Marc Live gave Ice-T the perfect beat for this type of song.

[Download Pt.2 here]

100 Tracks You Need To Hear ('97-'99) Part I

The T.R.O.Y. Blog Presents
100 Tracks You Need To Hear ('97-'99) Part I

1997-1999. You swear it wasn’t that long ago, but you know it might as well have been eons ago. Depending on your outlook, this is either the tail end of a gilded age or the beginning of the apocalypse. During this time, the hip hop artists born circa 1970 who catapulted the genre forward as teenagers and young adults in the ’87-’94 heyday are beginning to mellow out or gloss it up. Sampling laws are enforced more than ever but the indie labels are resolute in refusing to go the glittery route. Radio is dominated by obvious samples and tales of upward mobility and debauchery, while the underground mixshows stay saturated with eccentric rhyming clinics and surreal poetics. The divide is not entirely clean, however. In this era you can find surreal poets waxing profound on diamonds and champagne, gritty crime narratives on major label releases, and a whole host of songs that defy categorization (and a few that even defy simple explanation). This series is for those of you who know that the late ‘90s is deeper than just Organized Konfusion, Ras Kass, Mase, Nas, and Company Flow (no disrespect intended of course). This is for those of you that know that great hip hop comes from all corners of the USA and around the world, that the b-sides of overlooked 12”s and the album cuts of long forgotten tapes contain true gems. Songs that speak to our hunger for dope beats and lyrics and manage to stand out from the crowd. We made a special effort to seek out songs that you probably haven’t heard or don’t really remember too clearly, while making sure that each selection hearkens backs to the last era in which musical diversity and quality could be taken for granted. You need to hear this. Enjoy our 100 picks, coming at you at the rate of twenty five per day just in time for the holidays.

100x - Philly Niggas International feat. Black Thought, Malik B & Rasheed Wallace
Courtesy of L.E. Square's private stash, 100x teams up with Roots Crew members and Simon Gratz stand-out and NBA's public enemy #1, Rasheed Wallace.

2Rude - Innovations feat. Saukrates & Pharaohe Monch

3X Krazy - Keep It On The Real
Bay Area heads will no doubt recognize this classic track from the trio’s “Stackin’ Chips” album. Ethereal Oaktown madness.

Above the Law - Deep Az The Root
Although they are better known for living like hustlers, this acoustic guitar-laced track renders homage to the sadder events that have made them stronger. The chorus ask "Everyday is an episode, can you handle the load?"

Aceyalone & Abstract Rude - Me & My Main

Adagio - The Break
Consisting of Big Cousin "The Obvious Wonder" and Reign Supreme, Adagio repped hard between Uptown and Philly. Their signature ill smoothed out approach to beats is evident here and Reign Supreme's mic demolition is in full swing. They were down with the Juggaknots, nuff said.

Agallah - Crookie Monster
What do you get when you cross a beloved Muppet and one of the Alchemist’s illest beats? That’s that Crookie, duns.

All City - Afta Hourz
Better check how they do it or you can get robbed blind quick before you can blink.

All Natural - Writer's Block
Capital D draws the listener into his fictional world and tells a story we can all relate to.

Arsonists - Fat Laces
The Bushwick crew eschew their usually obstreperous deliveries for a much smoother approach on the mic, and it works wonders.

B-1 - Life We Lead
Bee Why - Come Up

Big Kwam - The Reunion
I swear I can hear a faint trace of Minnie Riperton howling in the background of this. Kind of a Natural Elements influenced duo, they both tear it down back and forth. Ring The Alarm!

Binary Star - Evolution Of Man
Pontiac, Michigan duo, brought to us an excellent underground record with some pure gems on it, similar like this one here.

BQE - Last Messiah
Brainsick Enterprize - Time To Shine

Brick City Kids - What What
Recorded under the BCK alias in order to avoid contract violation, El Da Sensei and Tame One flip rugged braggadocio over some Ghetto Pros heat. Classic ‘Facts, undeniably Jerz.

Burnt Batch - Temptation
The Stockton, CA crew narrates cautionary tales of lust, crime, and deception over a shimmering Crusaders sample.

Camp Lo - Black Nostaljack (Remix) feat. Kid Capri and Run
Capone-N-Noreaga - Closer (Sam Sneed Version)

C-Bo - Money By The Ton
Math lessons from the gas chamber.

Chubb Rock - The Mind
CNN - Bloody Money Part IV (Remix) feat. Nas

It's not mentioned anywhere, but there is a (recycled?) verse from Big L in here. And I believe this was only released on some bootleg vinyl.

Connecticut Cartel - All Out (97)
Cru - Nothin' But feat. Black Rob

Download Part I

MC Shan - Feed The World (1985)

"You got dropped off MCA cause the rhymes you wrote was wack..." KRS-One

Here's MC Shan debut record on MCA Records in 1985. This is Shan's first and only major-label release. Marley Marl is the producer. MC Shan would later get dropped from the label. KRS-One mentiones it when he disses Shan on BDP's "South Bronx".

This was ripped directly from my vinyl, I haven't seen it on any blogs even though it's actually a collectible record!

Download

-- Thomas V