Covering the Classics

I've been impatiently waiting for this mixtape to drop this after reading about the concept then hearing the leaked tracks.

Brooklyn MC Joell Ortiz drops his Covering the Classics mixtape hosted by DJ Green Lantern, as he reinterprets some of hip-hops greatest records. You'll find original rhymes over classics like Naughty By Nature's "Uptown Anthem," Pete Rock & CL Smooth's "T. and Gang Starr's "Just To Get A Rep" among others.

I haven't heard the whole thing yet, just a few songs here and there, but Ortiz's sharp flow shouldn't disappoint.

Shouts to Ivan for the heads up, Enjoy!

Download:

Joell Ortiz - Covering the Classics hosted by DJ Green Lantern

1. Joell Ortiz - Intro (0:19)

2. Joell Ortiz - Rappers Delight (feat. DJ Enuff) (0:51)

3. Joell Ortiz - Know The BK Ledge (0:49)

4. Joell Ortiz - Somethin for Hot 97 (feat. DJ Camilo) (1:04)

5. Joell Ortiz - Strictly the Bizness (0:59)

6. Joell Ortiz - Treat Me Right (0:34)

7. Joell Ortiz - Industry Enemy #1 (0:57)

8. Joell Ortiz - Brooklyn Children's Story (1:07)

9. Joell Ortiz - I Can't Go Broke (0:54)

10. Joell Ortiz - Live At Cooper Day BBQ (0:36)

11. Joell Ortiz - Uptown Anthem (1:00)

12. Joell Ortiz - U.N.I.T.Y. (1:01)

13. Joell Ortiz - T.R.O.Y. (1:37)

14. Joell Ortiz - Primo Tribute (1:57)

15. Joell Ortiz - Just To Get A Check (0:43)

16. Joell Ortiz - Mass Appeal (0:41)

17. Joell Ortiz - Act Like They Don't Know (0:43)

18. Joell Ortiz - The Whut (Animal Shit) (1:07)

19. Joell Ortiz - BK Get Money (0:49)

20. Joell Ortiz - Got My Mind Made Up (0:41)

21. Joell Ortiz - Drop A Gem On 'Em (0:45)

22. Joell Ortiz - Intercourse (0:41)

23. Joell Ortiz - Cell Therapies (0:52)

24. Joell Ortiz - High Roller (1:08)

25. Joell Ortiz - Brooklyn Ghetto Child (1:42)

26. Joell Ortiz - What They Do (Roots Tribute) (1:43)

27. Joell Ortiz - Renee's Revenge (3:07)

28. Joell Ortiz - Goin To Miami (feat. DJ Khaled) (2:03)

29. Joell Ortiz - What Happened To Hip Hop (1:17)

30. Joell Ortiz - 4,3,2,1 (0:43)

31. Joell Ortiz - Recognize (0:44)

32. Joell Ortiz - 24HRS (0:40)

33. Joell Ortiz - Rican Ebonics 09 (2:54)

Move to Brooklynati Today..

Why? 'Cause ?uestlove said so..

As mayor and on behalf of the city of Brooklynati, it is my pleasure to welcome you and yours to our fantastic city of Brooklynati, USA. As you’ll soon discover, our city prides itself on its cleanliness, diversity and culture. I trust that you will find your new home to be one for which you will take great pride. As far as we are concerned, you have always been from Brooklynati – now its just official.

We are excited for you to familiarize yourself with our many public services – from our historic libraries and world-class parks to our nationally-recognized schools. Whether you are an independent spirit or have chosen to settle down here in our beloved city with your family, there is a wide array of destinations that you’ll be proud to have in your own backyard.

Get to know your local vendors, your neighborhood parks. Visit Queen’s Island for an evening of family-friendly fun or take in a show at any of our great venues on the city’s west side. I’m sure you’ll have no shortage of activities in which to engage, but should you ever need ideas, feel free to visit our Chamber of Commerce’s website at www.Brooklynati.com.

We look forward to your time here in Brooklynati and welcome you as a citizen!

Support real hip-hop and scoop Tanya Morgan's new LP Brooklynati today on iTunes. Von Pea, Don Will and Ilyas never disappoint. You'll thank me later.

For a taste of what to expect, check out DJ King Most's Tanya Morgan Megamix right here.

Big thanks to khal at RTD for the heads up, Enjoy!

iPod Classics: 2nd Letter

I mentioned it before, but in case you forgot or you're new (sup y'all?!), I've been going through my iTunes playlist in my spare time to load up the best tracks on my new 120GB iPod classic.

It's turning out to be quite a damn task, mostly due to working full time and studying for this test. It's all good, though. I can squeeze in a second for some good music and to say what's up to everyone.

I thought I'd share with my readers some of what I've got so far. I'm going alphabetically, so I'm only on "B," Enjoy!

Check the CBox--->

B.o.B. - Ghost In The Machine

Barrington Levy - Here I Come

Beanie Sigel - Feel It In The Air

The Beatles - Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da

Ben E. King - Stand By Me

Big Boi ft. Sleepy Brown - The Way You Move

Big Daddy Kane - Any Type Of Way

Big L - Put It On

Big Punisher ft. Fat Joe - Twinz (Deep Cover '98)

Black Milk - Bounce

Black Sheep - The Choice Is Yours (Remix)

Blackalicious - Make You Feel That Way

Black Star - Thieves In The Night

Blu - Get It Now

Bob Marley - Trenchtown Rock

Bone Thugs & Harmony - Days Of Our Livez

Boyz II Men - Water Runs Dry

Brother Ali - Self Taught

Bruce Springsteen - Atlantic City [Hey, I grew up on Bruce.. C'mon, I was white and living in Jersey LOL]

A Blog For Mama

I'll keep this concise 'cause you want to spend as much time with Mom as possible today.

I know that without the love and support of my mother, I wouldn't be who I am today. Sometimes I take for granted what she's sacrificed for me and my siblings, but I really have been trying lately to let her know that I'm thankful for all she's done.

To those whose mother's have passed, I will say a prayer because I know she's somewhere smiling. Be strong.

HFTB would like to wish all the mothers out there a very Happy Mother's Day. To celebrate, here are five tracks paying tribute to all the women that have given the gift of life.

Now go tell Moms you love her, Enjoy!

Check the CBox--->

1. Boyz II Men - A Song For Mama

There were so many times
Lookin back when I was so afraid
And then you come to me and tell me
I can face anything


2. Kanye West - Hey Mama

I know I act a fool,
But I promise you I'm going back to school 
I appreciate what you allowed for me
I just want you to be proud of me

3. Nas - Dance

Thinking of how amazing she was 
A angel gave me love 
I'm thankful, to ever know a women so real

4. Talib Kweli - Momma Can You Hear Me?

The rain is gone, now I can see you clearly
Momma, I love you dearly
Momma, I need you near me
'Cause the sun goes down every night
And your son don't go down without a fight


5. Tupac - Dear Mama

There's no way I could pay you back
But my plan
Is to show you that I understand

Give It To Me Right..

.. Or don't give it to me at all!

Okay, it's safe to say I'm obsessed with Melanie Fiona's sound - and you should be, too. Girl can SANG! Plus, she gave me a kiss on Twitter once so I'm forever in love.

I've heard the Toronto native's lead single "Give It To Me Right" all over and my iPod has been giving heavy play to the sampler to her upcoming debut The Bridge, due out this summer on SRC/Universal Motown.

Above is the official video for "Give It To Me Right" and below is taste of a new track, "Island Boy."

Thanks to Honey Soul for the heads up and the good homie Nick for the DL link, Enjoy!

Check the CBox --->

Melanie Fiona - Island Boy

Mos Definitely Excited

I mean, how can you not be? It's Friday, the sun is shining, and we've got some new Mos Def for y'all to check out.. I know I'm excited.

Up top is a video of Might Mos' performance from the Cape Town Jazz Fest, running through some classic jazz numbers by John Coltrane and David Axelrod.

We've also got a brand new track from the talented Brooklyn MC, "Casa Bey" off that upcoming LP The Ecstatic.

Shouts to the good homie Ian at Notes from a Different Kitchen for the vid and Broken Cool for the audio, Enjoy!

Mos Def - Casa Bey

10 Blogs That Vibe Missed

I'm sure by now the internets have taken time to digest Vibe Magazine's "Top 50 Rap Blogs" .. Notice the quotations and think about how seriously I value their "expert" opinion.

I'm not sure of the exact criteria used to compile this list - exclusives, intelligently-forumulated posts (Ha!), reviews, who knows - but many of their picks confused me to say the least (Kid Cudi at #26? Yea RIGHT).

I'm not saying my blog should be anywhere near the Top 50, I just do this in my spare time as a hobby and don't shoot for accolades. But, there are some well-deserving blogs that should be recognized on such a list.

So here they are, 10 Blogs that I read regularly that got the shaft by Vibe.. In no specific order:

1. Kevin Nottingham

Along with HHIR, Kev (and his team) is among the elite hip-hop blogs when it comes to the actual music. I'm talking sample sets, reviews, original content and making an effort to pay homage to rap's humble beginnings - something that some bloggers on the list often forget. How his site didn't make the list is beyond me.

2. Complex Mag's Blog

If hip-hop "journalists" VladTV or artist blogs like Yeezy's can make Vibe's list, then Complex has to be there too. Though it's not ALL hip-hop (neither is 'Ye's) They have some of the most creative writers and humorous content on the 'net. Vibe receives an "F" for missing this one.

3. ItsTheReal

What Jay Smooth is to knowledge, Eric & Jeff are to comedy. This one should have been a given.

4. OkayPlayer Blogs

A collection of news, artist blogs and one of the most entertaining reads in the blogosphere in Rappers I Know.. Stop sleepin'!

5. Poisonous Paragraphs

Dart Adams' digial pen game is better than 99% of the bloggers out there, let alone on this mediocre list. So what he doesn't post "exclusive" MP3's or mixtapes? Does that make him any less of a rap blog? Fuck outta here.

6. IllRoots

I feel your pain, Mike. Methinks IllRoots deserves a spot over So Many Shrimp any day.

7. Analog Giant

Okay, so it's not your typical "rap blog" but can you exclude it because it posts different stuff than the 75% of New Music Cartel-copy cats out there? I think not. Plus, a blog called "Twankle & Glisten" made the cut.. At least AG could slide in at #50.

8. Jump The Turnstyle

The JTTS crew doesn't just post and bounce, they take the time to write about their opinions and the 100 Greatest Rappers of all Time countdown they have is going to be a great topic of discussion. Plus, contributing writer Sleezy Trees is F'in hilarious.

9. Werner von Wallenrod's Humble, Little Hip-Hop Site (the hub)

Call me a hip-hop nerd, but Werner von Wallenrod digs up some gems from hip-hop's past and makes them relevant again. Can you say the same for Prancehall? Didn't think so.

10. Ron Mexico City

In my eyes, Ron is up there with Bol and DallasPenn when it comes to rap's best commentators. The latter two are on the list, where's the love for Ron (no fish-sticks)?

A Thousand Words..

[Edit: Unfortunately, it's come to my attention hese photos were Photoshopped. Guess it was too good to be true.]

.. Or, maybe just one will suffice - Daaaaaaaaaaaaamn.

Spotted this at yesterday at TSS, Gotty posted these shots of Panamanian chicas at a cricket game, I don't even need any more details. I felt obligated to share them with my loyal readers.

As always, let's get into some new music, Enjoy!

Random Hits

Check the CBox --->

AZ - Get Money

Georgia Anne Muldrow - Mr. President

Jabari ft. Nicki Minaj & Pusha T - Dopeman (Prod. by Cookin Soul)

Kardinal Offishal ft. Akon - Teaser

Ludacris - Grizzly (CDQ)

Reflection Eternal - Back Again - CDS

Mixtape of the Day

Download:

Raekwon - Blood on Chef's Apron Hosted by DJ Absolut

Song For The Moment: The Roots

Why - The Roots

Is anybody listening, without a pot to piss in?

If I disappear, I wonder if the world will know I'm missing..

Rutgersfestivities

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Even though I graduated back in October, I still haven't walked for graduation so I can still technically consider myself a student.

Okay, maybe not but let me use that logic to party like one.

Today is the biggest celebration of the year for Rutgers alum's and students, and pretty much anyone in the state who wants to party. I went 3 of my 4 years in school, it's pretty damn cool - they set up shop in a huge field by our football stadium and I'd say around 25-30,000 people show up at any given moment IF not more.

This year we've got performances by Ryan Leslie, Motion City Soundtrack, and N.E.R.D. but that's just an excuse for an all-day, city-wide party.

Before I head out, I had to share in the celebration by posting some tunes from R Les and N.E.R.D.

For anyone in Jersey today, you'll know where to find me - roaming the streets throughout Rutgers and looking for some PYT's and good times. No Asher Roth, Enjoy!

Check out the CBox --->

N.E.R.D. ft. Lee Harvey & Vita - Lapdance

Ryan Leslie - Gibberish

N.E.R.D. - Time For Some Action

Ryan Leslie ft. Jadakiss - How It Was Supposed To Be

N.E.R.D. - Rock Star