iPod Classics: Randomization

Since my month-old iPod is corrupt and deleted all my songs, I created this iPod playlist on iTunes. Here's my strategy - Rock with the random feature on iTunes and add the good ish that comes up. Then, I'll be able to stock my new iPod with some heat.

So, here we have a brand new sub-segment at HFTB where I hit my faithful readership with some random gems from my collection. We'll start with Rick Ross' new jam "Maybach Music Part II" and let iTunes decide the rest..

Randomization

Links in the CBox (Coming Soon) --->

Rick Ross ft. Kanye West, Lil' Wayne & T-Pain - Maybach Music II

Bob Marley - Wake Up And Live [No iPod list is complete without Bob]

Capone-N-Noreaga - Y'all Don't Wanna

Common - 6th Sense [Lemme tell you know much I feel this song, I've got the vinyl. Some heavy needle burn on that one.]

I just wanna innovate and stimulate minds
Travel the world and penetrate the times


Dilated Peoples - Back Again

Eric B. & Rakim - Let The Rhythm Hit 'Em

Notorious B.I.G. ft. Method Man - The What

Saigon - True Story

The Supremes - Stop In The Name of Love [Oh you know it's on and poppin']

Wyclef Jean - Anything Can Happen

Xecutioners ft. DJ Premier - Premier's Xecution

Is Hip-Hop Too Accessible?

So the homies Rizoh at The Rap Up and Sleezy Trees at Jump The Turnstyle posted this digital video tidbit of actor-turned-rapper Joaquin Phoenix. Apparently, the LIV Nightclub in Miami Beach's Fountainbleau Hotel actually let this bearded lunatic on a stage with a microphone and things got ugly. And I'm not just talking bout his grizzly adams.

First, Phoenix gets riled up by an antagonistic night clubber, then jumps off the stage to confront dude. You can't really see anything, but the fight isn't the point - it's the fact that a venue actually let him hop in the spotlight for this.

I'm not mad that he enjoys hip-hop music at all. Personally, it's cool to see people of all colors and levels of sanity appreciating and bumping this glorious art form. I truly believe that anyone can rock to it if they give it an honest listen.

It's just that he thinks he can participate directly in creating hip-hop music when he's not fit to, it's quite obvious. Not many people are. That's why it's golden when someone actually can.

But lately the game's been saturated by so many gimmicks and one-hit blunders that anyone with a laptop, ProTools and mic can claim to be an MC. Man, I bet Biggie, Jam Master Jay, Big Pun, Pac, Big L, J Dilla and all the other ultra skilled hip-hoppers we've lost are turning over in their graves right about now.

I'm merely ranting at this point, but I'll come back to my main point. MCs, DJs, Producers, Hip-Hoppers, Journalists, Bloggers, and anyone else down with the art, we need to institute some barriers to entry so that the quality is upheld in hip-hop. If not, we'll just be a loose community struggling to survive.


I wanna know what you all think. Is hip-hop too accessible? Should we be responsible for running checks and balances on MCs, DJs etc?


Almost forgot, here's some real tracks that get my stamp of approval. Keep on keepin' on, Peace!


3/12 Blog Hits:

Links in the CBox --->

Brother Ali - Talkin' My Shit

Drake - November 18th (Chuck Inglish Remix)

GLC ft. Kanye West & Keyshia Cole - We Don't Care [Unreleased]

Marvin Gaye - What's Going On Remix prod. Beatnick & K-Salaam

Saigon - Spit prod. Statik Selektah

Saigon - The Rules CDQ prod. Statik Selektah

Statik Selektah ft.-Kali, Glasses, Malone, Termanology- Rollin Down The Freeway

Tanya Morgan - So Damn Down

Tying Up Loose Ends

I got some time this morning to lay down some quality music and videos, so heeere we go..

KANYE WEST "Welcome To Heartbreak" Directed by Nabil from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Up first is a vid for "Welcome to Heartbreak" a.k.a. the best song off 808's and HeartBreak. I know that's not saying much. But director Nabil, the mind behind the fly animated "Champion" vid, did his thing with the colors and transitions on this one for Kanye and CuDi.

B.o.B - "Generation Lost"

The second is another vid, this time for B.o.B's "Generation Lost," one of the dopest tracks from the ATLien signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle. I presume this is off his debut LP The Adventures of B.o.B. but we'll know for sure when we get the track list. Check it out, it's a pretty simple video. It doesn't matter, the music is powerful enough.

Also finished up Padded Room, and wow. I don't wanna give a rating or anything yet but I'm thoroughly impressed.

Of course, I spotted some newness during my frequent Google Reader browsing. Here's new ish from Jadakiss, Joe Budden, B.o.B., Joell Ortiz, Lil' Wayne & Juelz, Nottz featuring Kardinal Offishall & Cory Gunz, Saigon, Mos Def, Talib Kweli CDQ, Termanology and Skyzoo from that GTA Lost & Damned, Outasight, and Last Emperor (where's he been??).

Good looks to TSS, RapDirt, Ivan, and the usual suspects for the muzak, Enjoy!

Links in the CBox --->

Jadakiss - Magic City (Rumors of a remix with Cam, Weezy, Diddy and more in the works)

Joe Budden - In My Sleep

Joe Budden - Get It In Freestyle

Talib Kweli - My Favorite Song (CDQ)

B.o.B. - Don't Break My Heart

Joel Ortiz - Bout My Money

Lil' Wayne ft. Juelz Santana & Starr - Rockstar

Nottz - Can't Hide The Truth ft. Kardinal Offishall & Cory Gunz

DJ Deckstream ft. Mos Def - Life Is Good

Saigon - Spit (Radio Rip)

Termanology - Here in Liberty City

Skyzoo - The Chase Is On

Outasight - Exclusive prod. Oddisee

Last Emperor - Gangster Groove

The Roots & Such..

... are coming. For now, I'll have to allow a low-fi web-rip of Rising Down to hold me over until the good quality hits the blogosphere. With that said, enjoy these leaked tracks and some random jams from lyrical newcomers Wale & Skyzoo, Yonkers slick-talker Jadakiss and (borderline) insane veteran MC Nasir Jones.

Be sure to cop the latest from the illest hip-hop organic jazz crew The Roots NEXT TUESDAY! Pre-order here at Okayplayer.com and support original, quality artists!

Listen here:

The Roots ft. Chrisette Michelle & Wale - Rising Up

The Roots ft. Saigon & Truck North - Criminal

Skyzoo ft. Wale - Lyrically Inclined

Nas - Be A Nigger Too

Jadakiss - From Then 'Til Now prod. Alchemist


The Roots' Rising Down Track List:

01. The Pow Wow
02. Rising Down feat. Mos Def & Styles P
03. Get Busy feat. Dice Raw, Peedi Crack & DJ Jazzy Jeff
04. @15
05. 75 Bars (Black's Reconstruction)
06. Becoming Unwritten
07. Criminal feat. Saigon & Truck North
08. I Will Not Apologize feat. P.O.R.N. & Dice Raw
09. I Can't Help It feat. Malik B & P.O.R.N.
10. Singing Man feat. Truck North & P.O.R.N.
11. Up There (Unwritten) feat. Mercedes Martinez
12. Lost Desire feat. Talib Kweli & Malik B
13. The Show feat. Common
14. Rising Up feat. Chrisette Michelle & Wale
15. Birthday Girl feat. Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy

2007 Hit-Lists Part IV - Best and Worst Mixtapes

Street hip-hop's stage of all stages, the mixtape game, has become an integral part of building buzz before an album drops for veteran and novice MCs. Some are spankin' new verses over old beats, some are blends of old rhymes and original production, and others are just cold garbage. Here's [dom corleone]'s person picks for those with their ears to the streets last year:

Thumbs Up - Best Mixtapes:

DJ Mathematics presents – Return of the Wu-Tang

Wu-Tang's behind-the-scenes producer/DJ extraordinaire released this tape as a prelude to 8 Diagrams. Featuring album tracks, remixes and unreleased jams, Allah Mathematics' compilation held heads over until the official LP.

Essential Listening:

The "W" Remix (Unreleased)

John 3:16

State of Grace (Raekwon Exclusive)




DJ Skee & Jay-Z – American Godfather

American Godfather stands out from the hundreds of American Gangster remixes not just because of the concept but also its delivery. The Left Coast's DJ Skee gathered a group of producers to reinterpret The Godfather's score, effectively remixing AG for a truly gangster sound.

Essential Listening:

American Dreamin' produced by THX

No Hook produced by Rome

Ignorant Shit produced by Ervin "EP" Pope & THX

Guilty Simpson – Stray Bullets Mixed by DJ Rhettmatic

Indie imprint Stones Throw Records' hardest MC Guilty Simpson built up massive hype for his debut with this mixtape. Teaming up with DJ Rhettmatic, the Detroit-raised Simpson shows off a raw flow and in-your-face lyrics on Stray Bullets.

Essential Listening:

For The D produced by Eric Lau

Sound The Alarm Remix ft. Black Milk & Royce Da 5'9

Man's World produced by J Dilla

Joe Budden & DJ On Point – Mood Muzik 3 (For Better Or For Worse)

The much-anticipated MM3 from Jersey City's Joe Budden almost lived up to the hype, which is a feat in itself. Budden's heartfelt content shines throughout, especially on inspirational songs like "Thou Shalt Not Fall" and "5th Gear," but his meandering 30-plus bar verses might cause unfamiliar listeners to skip tracks quickly and the production is so-so. All in all, Jumpoff Joey's passionate and uplifting intent is reason enough to check out MM3.

Essential Listening:

Long Way To Go ft. Mr. Probz produced by SoulSearchin'

5th Gear produced by WMS Sultan

Thou Shalt Not Fall produced by The Klasix

Lil’ Wayne – Da Drought 3

Yup, here it is - the tape everyone was talking about and some critics even labeled as the best "album" of the year. My opinion is that the critics are only part right. While Da Drought 3 is undoubtedly Wayne's best mixtape of last year, the beats are not originals and the songs need to be tightened up a bit to warrant the number one spot. Still, the verses on "Seat Down Low" and "We Takin' Over (Remix)" are examples of why Wayne seems justified claiming the "best alive." Major props for addressing the haters and admitting he puckered up with his Daddy, now who's game to place a bet that Carter 3 will drop this year?

Essential Listening:

Seat Down Low

Black Republicans ft. Juelz Santana

We Takin' Over Remix

Mick Boogie & Little Brother - …And Justus For All

Rapper Big Pooh and Phonte, the duo known as Little Brother, put it down for underground collective Justus League on this early '07 tape with Mick Boogie. This disc's intelligent rhymes, humorous wit and industry commentary make it enjoyable from play to stop.

Essential Listening:

Can't Stop Us ft. Chaundon

A Word From Our Sponsors ft. Von Pea

Let It Go ft. Mos Def & Talib Kweli

Mick Boogie & Busta Rhymes – Dillagence

Boogie and Busta gave fans a treat last year, as this tape contains unreleased beats from the late great J Dilla that Busta had stored away for the perfect opportunity - and the time is now. Props to both for this collection with guest appearances from Talib Kweli, Raekwon, and Q-Tip among others.

Essential Listening:

Psycho ft. Cassidy & Papoose

Step Up

Lightworks ft. Q-Tip & Talib Kweli

Nicky Catchdubs & Wale – 100 Miles and Running

Washington D.C. newcomer Wale showcased his lyrical dexterity and clever wordplay on this tape mixed by Nicky Catchdubs. Whether he's paying respect to hip-hop's forefathers or spittin' lines about fresh gear, Wale proves he's on a serious mission here.

Essential Listening:

Payback

Daytona Squared produced by Judah

W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E.

Tapemasters Inc. Presents Kanye West & Andre 3000 – You’re All Welcome

The good people over at Tapemasters Inc. released this prior to Graduation and after Idlewild so a lot of tracks overlap, meaning the real treats here are the blends and unreleased tracks. It also brings to light an idea that would make for a very interesting collaboration LP.

Essential Listening:

You're All Welcome

Skew It On The Bar-B 2007 produced by DJ Mills & Hasan Insane

Kanye West ft. John Mayer - Bittersweet

Andre 3000 ft. Lloyd - You Remix

Saigon – The Moral of the Story

Just Blaze's Brooklyn protege MC Saigon continues his push to hype his debut LP Greatest Story Never Told with this tape and an appearance on the next season of Entourage. Here, Saigiddy keeps it gritty kickin' street knowledge, gets insightful on real-life 'hood tales, and even stands toe-to-toe with Jay-Z on their collab (gasp!).

Essential Listening:

Come On Baby (Remix) ft. Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz

South, The West, The East Coast

Wake Up

Other Notable Mixtapes:

Big Mike & The Empire ft. Lil’ Wayne & Jadakiss – The Drought is Over Pt. 3 (Who Is The Predator)

DJ Green Lantern – Sirius Invasion

DJ Premier – Outside Lookin’ In

DJ Trigga – Fantastic Four ft. Fabolous, Cassidy, Lil’ Wayne & Juelz Santana

DJ Whiteowl - The Come Up Lil’ Wayne Meets Jay-Z (The Carter Files)

Joell Ortiz – The Brick: Bodega Chronicles

Mick Boogie presents - Jay-Z & Marvin Gaye Produced by Shuko & The Gunna

Sean Price – Master P

Thumbs Done - Most Disappointing Mixtapes:

DJ Clue – The Storm Ultimatum

Cam’ron – Public Enemy #1

DJ Enyce And Dipset - Byrds Of A Feather 2007

DJ White Owl – Can’t Knock The Hustle Vol. 5

---

Whew, now that's why I call a blog post. Now that I've recapped last year's albums and mixtapes, I'll move on to the individual songs that everyone should have on their playlists for '07... Until then, peace!

[paid in full]

Promoting Saigon's New Mixtape, Moral of the Story

Shouts to We Ready on ItsBx.Com for this rip, this is a promotional mix-tape precluding his debut album The Greatet Story Never Told.

Saigon - The Moral of the Story

Track Listing
-------------
1. Come On Baby (Remix) (Feat. Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz) (4:05)
2. What A Life (Feat. Tre Williams) (3:43)
3. South, The West, The East Coast (2:52)
4. Saigon Meets Just Blaze (2:11)
5. Get Mine And Go (3:04)
6. Wake Up (3:26)
7. In A Mess (4:08)
8. I Know (3:02)
9. Homegirl (Feat. Al B. Sure) (3:59)
10. Who Can Get Busy (Feat. Grand Puba) (1:53)
11. Anybody Can Get It (3:53)
12. How We Get Down (2:37)
13. Ryders (Da Ville To Da Stuy) (Feat. Memphis Bleek) (3:12)
14. Wanna Know (Feat. Obie Trice) (3:53)
15. Rap And Bullshit Pt. 2 (1:36)
16. Reason, Season, Lifetime (Feat. Jovan Dais) (3:21)
17. Just Blaze Speaks (1:09)


[love life]

New Blog Title & Mission Plus New & Old Hip-Hop Gems!

See, I got this idea. I think it's my duty to bring you constant updates, when I can, of some dope music and interesting news surrounding music culture. That's why you need to check it on a regular basis and click on my ads on the bottom while you're here (it takes barely any time and you can X out right after)! I'll still post reviews on the journalism tip but I want to stay grinding to help you get the proper hits from this blog.

Shouts to LowKey at You Heard That New, Ivan at Hip-Hop Is Read, Nah Right, Michael at Fifteen Minutes To Live, Oh Word, Ill Roots, etc.. I'm the newcomer in this blog game and I appreciate your updates.

Saigon's New Song, Bloggin' & Buggin' at Joe Budden


Saigon - "Wake Up," Moral Of The Story

Here's Saigiddy's newest track, the typical deep single I'd expect from a dude who's been through all that this Brooklyn/Mooseknuckle (say what?!), NY MC has. And for those that didn't know, Saigon's been voicing his opinion on his blog regarding Joe Budden's one-liner referencing his punkin' of Prodigy of Mobb Deep. The Yardfather needs to realize it was wordplay and keep his music movin'.


Styles P Suffers From DeJa Vu


Styles P ft. Black Thought - Cause I'm Black, Super Gangster: Extraordinary Gentlemen

Didn't LOX rep Styles P already make a song about the struggles of his skin color? Seems like Pinero is suffering from deja vu, but I like this one better than the one with that Floetry chick especially 'cuz Roots lead MC Black Thought spits real tough.

Dust Off the Crates: Hits from the Past - 1st Edition


I had to post this after watching the movie recently. Denzel does the damn thing there while Chuck D and Flava Flav drop some knowledge God over a craftily-placed sample from Buffalo Springfield's 1967 hit "For What It's Worth." Yeaaa Boyyyy!

Public Enemy - He Got Game, He Got Game Movie Soundtrack


Y'all Know The Rules: Stay Cool



The Roots - Y'all Know Who, Okayplayer: True Notes Vol. 1

I had to finish up with a slept-on jam from hip-hop's legendary Roots Crew. This fast-paced bass-thumping blitz is off 2004's Okayplayer: True Notes Vol. 1 which my homie DJ J Past put me onto recently. Even I over-looked this ill collection so grab it here if you missed it, too.

[i'm ghost, peace and much love]


My wandering got my ass wondering
Where Christ is in all this crisis
-Chuck D, Public Enemy - "He Got Game," He Got Game Movie Soundtrack